SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Health-Related Quality of Life”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

2,997 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed2026

Symptoms and treatment response to florensocatib and inhaled tobramycin in bronchiectasis: Post hoc analysis of two randomized trials.

Inhaled antibiotics and DPP-1 inhibitors improve clinical outcomes in bronchiectasis, but whether baseline symptom burden predicts differential treatment responses remains unclear. In this post hoc analysis of two multicenter randomized trials (SAVE-BE, n = 224; TORNASOL, n = 357), we evaluate the association between baseline Quality of Life-Bronchiectasis Respiratory Symptom Scale (QoL-B-RSS) and treatment effects of florensocatib and inhaled tobramycin. In SAVE-BE, florensocatib reduces exacerbation rates versus placebo (relative risk [RR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.67; p < 0.0001), with RRs of 0.53 and 0.40 observed in patients with high and low symptom burdens, respectively, but no significant symptomatic improvement. In TORNASOL, tobramycin produces clinically meaningful QoL-B-RSS improvements (exceeding the 8-point cutoff in high-symptom patients) and ameliorates bronchitic symptoms, with greater benefits in those with higher baseline symptom burden. These hypothesis-generating findings suggest that baseline symptom burden may identify differential responses to anti-inflammatory versus anti-infective therapies in bronchiectasis and support its potential as a simple, practical stratification tool to guide personalized treatment.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Vaginal Hysterectomy Versus Vaginal Assisted Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Hysterectomy; Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Vaginal Hysterectomy (VH) with Vaginal Assisted Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) hysterectomy (VANH) as a day-care procedure. DESIGN: Single-blind, multicentre randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Two Dutch non-academic teaching hospitals. POPULATION: Women aged ≥ 18 years undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications. METHODS: Women were randomised 1:2 (VH or VANH). Primary outcome was SDD. Secondary outcomes included operative time, rate of elective salpingectomies, intraoperative blood loss, complications (Clavien-Dindo), pain scores (NRS) and analgesic use, post-operative recovery (RI-10), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included in the analyses (n = 42 VH, and n = 71 VANH). SDD occurred significantly more frequently in the VANH group (87.3%) than VH group (71.4%; OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.04-7.25; p = 0.04). VANH was associated with a significantly shorter operative time (median 55 min versus 65 min; p = 0.005), less blood loss (median 50 mL vs. 150 mL; p < 0.001) and more often elective opportunistic salpingectomy compared to VH (100% vs. 77.4%; p = 0.008). NRS were significantly lower in the VANH group the first hour post-operative (3 vs. 1, p < 0.001). Post-operative complications (VH 9.5% vs. VANH 15.5%; p = 0.34), readmission (VH 4.8% vs. VANH 8.5%; p = 0.47), analgesic use, recovery, and quality of life were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: VANH is a safe and effective alternative to VH, offering a higher likelihood of SDD, shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and more often an elective salpingectomy, without increased complications or differences in pain, recovery, or quality of life.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Relationship between participant-reported outcomes, residual beta cell function and metabolic parameters in youth with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Clinical trials of interventions to preserve beta cell function in new-onset type 1 diabetes frequently employ participant-reported outcome measures (PROMs). However, the expected changes in PROMs scores immediately following diagnosis and their association with residual beta cell function, metabolic markers and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) are unclear. METHODS: Repeated PROMs including Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory diabetes module (PedsQL) and hypoglycaemia fear survey (HFS) were recorded from participants aged 10-18 years with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and their parents in two clinical trials: CLOuD (N=97, hybrid closed loop [HCL] vs multiple daily injections [MDI]) and USTEKID (N=72, ustekinumab immunotherapy vs placebo). Scores were compared with serial mixed meal-stimulated C-peptide levels (AUC C-peptide), HbA1c and CGM data. RESULTS: PedsQL and HFS scores for children/adolescents and their parents showed wide variation between individuals but did not change substantially within individuals over the first 48 months from diagnosis. Baseline scores were highly predictive of scores at 12-48 months (p<0.001). PedsQL scores were higher (better) in those reported by children/adolescents than by their parents (p<0.01). In contrast, HFS scores were higher in parents than children (p<0.001), indicating more fear. Strong correlations were observed between child and parent scores (p<0.001). No significant improvement in these scores was detected following intervention (ustekinumab or HCL). Meta-analysis revealed modest but statistically significant associations between HbA1c and PedsQL (β(std)=-0.11; 95% CI -0.20, -0.03) and HFS (β(std)=0.11; 95% CI 0.00, 0.21), and between CGM time in range and PedsQL (β(std)=0.14; 95% CI 0.03, 0.26) but not HFS (β(std)=-0.05; 95% CI -0.16, 0.06). Beta cell function (AUC C-peptide) was strongly associated with HbA1c (β(std)=-0.29; 95% CI -0.39, -0.20) and CGM time in range (β(std)=0.41; 95% CI 0.30, 0.52). Higher beta cell function showed a trend towards better PedsQL (β(std)=0.11; 95% CI -0.03, 0.25) and lower HFS (β(std)=-0.05; 95% CI -0.17, 0.07) but this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: PedsQL and HFS scores changed little during the first 48 months after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. These scores showed modest but statistically significant associations with measures of glucose management (HbA1c and CGM time in range), whereas the relationships with residual beta cell function (C-peptide) were weaker and did not reach significance. The modest size of these effects suggests current PROMs capture only limited aspects of the clinical benefit associated with beta cell preservation. Future research should incorporate psychometric instruments that are specifically adapted for young people using modern diabetes technologies and undergoing disease-modifying therapy, to ensure outcomes are meaningfully represented in early-stage type 1 diabetes trials.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and safety of rib-guided percutaneous thoracic sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation at two different targets for primary palmar hyperhidrosis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided percutaneous thoracic sympathetic radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFT) targeting the upper versus lateral margin of the fourth rib head for severe primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH). METHODS: Patients with severe PPH were randomly divided into Group U (upper margin target) and Group L (lateral margin target). Outcome measures included 1-year recurrence rate, Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), palm skin temperature, finger perfusion index (PI), compensatory hyperhidrosis and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Both groups (n = 55 each, 110 sides) successfully underwent RFT. No preprocedural PI differences were found (p > 0.05). Immediately post-RFT, PI in Group L was significantly higher than in Group U (left p = 0.025, right p = 0.013). No significant differences in HDSS grades were observed between groups before and at 1 day, 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months post-procedure. However, at 6 and 12 months, Group L showed significantly lower HDSS grades (left p = 0.033 and 0.016; right p = 0.039 and 0.025) and lower DLQI scores (p = 0.037 and 0.024) than Group U. Patient satisfaction did not differ within 6 months, but Group L had significantly higher satisfaction at 12 months (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Targeting the lateral margin of the fourth rib head for RFT achieved greater efficacy, better quality of life and higher patient satisfaction compared to the upper margin target.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Self-reported physical activity in a randomized study from Norwegian Healthy Life Centres.

AIM: This study examines firstly if participation in a three-month intervention at Norwegian Healthy Life Centres (HLCs) improved self-reported physical activity (SR-PA), and secondly to what extent physical activity (PA) status at six months and changes from baseline were associated with demographic and motivational predictors. BACKGROUND: Regular PA is promoted as a central component of public health initiatives aimed at preventing noncommunicable diseases. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included 118 participants (57 in the intervention group) recruited from HLCs in South-western Norway. The intervention effect was assessed by comparing the intervention group with the waiting-list control group after six months. We examined sociodemographic and motivational predictors of change combining both groups into a single cohort. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT02247219). FINDINGS: At six-month follow-up, participants in the intervention group reported higher levels of SR-PA compared with the control group. The estimated effect was modest (B = 0.26, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.53), equivalent to ≈0.37 SD. Although the confidence interval included zero, the estimate remained compatible with a modest positive effect. Autonomous motivation and social support were positively associated with SR-PA after 6 months, while psychological defiance showed a negative association. Autonomous motivation and psychological defiance impacted PA change during the 6-month period in opposite directions.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Adding Rib Mobilization to Diaphragm Release Techniques in Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a frequent issue that can negatively affect both mobility and function. Recently, there has been growing interest in newer therapeutic approaches, including rib mobilization and diaphragm release techniques, as potential ways to address NSNP and support better outcomes for those affected. PURPOSE: To find out the immediate effects of how (DRT) combined with (RMT) affects the level of pain and the extent to which patients' functional abilities are improved in cases of NSNP. METHODS: For this prospective RCT, 96 participants aged 20 to 45 years were randomly assigned to one of three equal groups based on their pain score (VAS). Group B engaged in (DRT) for 40 minutes, three times weekly for 8 weeks, in contrast to Group A, which got both RMT combined with DRT. Group C (active control) received advice and some exercises. Measurements were collected before and after the intervention; the primary outcomes included pain severity, evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS); active neck range of motion (ROM), measured with a cervical range of motion (CROM) device; and neck flexion endurance. Additionally, the secondary outcome of neck-related disability was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was identified among the three groups at baseline; nevertheless, a treatment effect emerged after 8 weeks (p = 0.001 and f-value = 4.15, ƞ2 = 0.306). A statistically significant time-treatment interaction was seen when comparing the pre- and post-treatment periods in groups A and B (p = 0.001, f-value = 3.16, ƞ2 = 0.251). CONCLUSION: The addition of rib mobilization to diaphragm release techniques in patients with non-specific neck pain resulted in statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, cervical flexion, right lateral rotation, left lateral rotation, right rotation, and neck flexor endurance, with moderate to large effect sizes for pain reduction and cervical motion. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between groups for cervical extension, left rotation, or the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and only a marginal clinical improvement in NDI was noted in Group A. The observed benefits in the combined intervention group may not be attributable solely to rib mobilization. The increased treatment complexity and greater therapist interaction inherent in the combined approach could also have influenced the outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT07133646.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Validation of a Turkish Translation of the Stress in Emergency Healthcare Professionals: The Stress Factors and Manifestations Scale.

AIM: The primary duties of emergency healthcare professionals (EHPs) are to provide emergency patient care to acutely ill and injured individuals. Due to the nature of their work, EHPs operate under constant stress, often requiring rapid decision-making, swift action, and the delivery of necessary medical care in life-or-death situations, sometimes under inadequately safe conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of the Emergency Healthcare Professional Stress Factors and Symptoms (SEHP:SFMS) Scale in Turkish for identifying stress factors and symptoms in emergency medical care professionals providing emergency patient care services. DESIGN: A methodological study design was used in this study. METHODS: The study was conducted with the participation of 211 EHPs from employees working in emergency care institutions affiliated with the Muğla Provincial Health Directorate between November 2023 and June 2024. Data were collected via a face-to-face survey. Data were analysed using Lawshe content validity ratio, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin coefficient, Bartlett test, exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, Varimax factor rotation method, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's α internal consistency coefficient, convergent validity, discriminant validity, test-retest, and Spearman correlation coefficient tests. RESULTS: The linguistic translation and cultural adaptation of the SEHP:SFMS showed strong performance. The scope validity index of the scale is 0.83. The item-total correlation values of the scale were found to be between 0.486 and 0.794, and the factor loadings were between 0.474 and 0.816. Confirmatory factor analysis fit indices: χ2 = 248.727; df = 101; n = 211; p = 0.000; χ2/df = 2.463; RMSEA = 0.083; CFI = 0.914, SRMR = 0.052, which was found to be compatible and acceptable with the proposed 3-factor model. The Cronbach's α reliability coefficient of the scale was 0.931, and the total variance was 61.97%. CONCLUSIONS: SEHP:SFMS is a valid and reliable tool to assess stress factors and symptoms of Turkish emergency healthcare professionals. Its use improves the quality of emergency care. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: These study findings have been used to create a tool with Turkish validity and reliability that allows for the examination of stress factors among healthcare professionals working in emergency and critical services. Identifying and reducing stress factors among healthcare professionals is crucial for the delivery of quality healthcare services. It can also be used to develop targeted interventions and ongoing strategies to facilitate improved clinical supervision and mentoring. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses in emergency departments, which are among the most stressful, dynamic, intense, life-saving, and critical environments in healthcare institutions, and where life-saving treatment is administered, are at high risk of experiencing psychological trauma. Trauma experienced in the work environment is a significant problem for nursing. The consequences of trauma negatively affect nurses and institutions. Studies show that post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout are commonly observed in emergency department nurses. In this sense, understanding the stress and stress factors experienced by nurses can guide future interventions. The results of this study are considered important in making visible the stress and stress factors experienced by nurses in the emergency department, and also in guiding managers and nurses working in this field in terms of preventive and protective measures.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness of Yoga and Combined Exercise in Female With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although exercise is beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the comparative efficacy of different modalities for patients in clinical remission remains unclear. This study compared the short- and long-term effects of yoga versus a combined exercise programme on pain, balance, mobility, fatigue, depression, and quality of life in females with RA in remission. METHODS: In this single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 74 female participants were allocated to yoga (n = 25), combined exercise (n = 25), or a usual care control group (n = 24). The intervention groups underwent an 8-week supervised programme. Clinical assessments, including the Visual Analogue Scale (pain), Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Short Form-36, were conducted at baseline, post-intervention (8 weeks), and follow-up (20 weeks). RESULTS: Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in all outcome measures compared with the control group at post-treatment and follow-up (p < 0.05). Notably, the yoga group exhibited superior outcomes compared to the combined exercise group in reducing pain intensity (median reduction of 4.00 vs. 2.00 points; p < 0.001, η2 = 0.724), as well as in physical function, balance, fatigue, depression, and quality of life at the 20-week follow-up. These benefits may be partly attributed to the incorporation of breathing and relaxation techniques inherent to yoga practice. CONCLUSIONS: Both 8-week yoga and combined exercise programs are effective in managing residual symptoms in females with RA in clinical remission. However, yoga appears to provide superior benefits in pain management and psychosocial well-being, supporting its integration into multidisciplinary RA management protocols, particularly for addressing psychosocial burden in patients achieving remission. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered at NCT07072754 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Smartphone apps for obesity management: A systematic review using self-determination theory.

BACKGROUND: While bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy are effective treatments for obesity, ongoing supportive care remains a challenge. Smartphone applications (apps) may assist with symptom management, but their effectiveness and practical use in obesity treatment is unclear. This review evaluated the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of these apps in supporting individuals following obesity treatment. To better understand how these apps may promote sustained engagement and behaviour change, their design was analysed using Self-Determination Theory (SDT). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL databases. Eligible studies included randomised and non-randomised interventions involving adults (≥18 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) who had undergone bariatric surgery or pharmacotherapy. Interventions had to include an app designed to support post-treatment symptom management. Findings were synthesised narratively, and app features were mapped to SDT constructs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. RESULTS: Five studies (three RCTs, two cohort studies) involving 1,133 participants were included (female: 78 %; median age: 47.63 years). Most apps targeted post-bariatric surgery care; only one focused on pharmacotherapy. Common features included tracking, reminders, and education, supporting autonomy and competence. Relatedness features such as communication and peer support were least represented. Two studies reported improvements in weight-related outcomes and one in medication adherence. Effects on quality of life, self-efficacy, and healthcare utilisation were not significant. Patient satisfaction was reported in one study, with 95 % expressing positive feedback, though formal assessments of feasibility and acceptability were limited. CONCLUSION: Smartphone apps show potential to support obesity management, particularly after bariatric surgery. While some evidence suggests benefits for weight loss and adherence outcomes, the limited studies and variability of reporting prevent conclusive observations in other outcomes. Future app development should integrate behavioural theory to address psychological needs, nutritional risks and promote holistic self-management beyond weight control.

Female↗

PubMed2026

Maternal vitamin B12 deprivation exacerbates offspring obesity by reducing early-life colonization with Bifidobacterium pseudolongum.

Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy and lactation is common, yet its mechanistic impact on reproductive outcomes and offspring health remains poorly understood. Here, we show that maternal dietary vitamin B12 deprivation not only impairs maternal glucose metabolism and reproductive outcomes but also exacerbates high-fat-diet-induced obesity in offspring. These effects are mediated by gut microbiota and associated with a marked reduction of Bifidobacterium pseudolongum (B. pseudolongum) in both dams and their offspring. Maternal vitamin B12 deprivation limits early-life acquisition of B. pseudolongum in offspring during lactation, subsequently intensifying obesity and metabolic dysregulation. Early-life restoration of B. pseudolongum or its key metabolite, acetate, effectively ameliorates this aggravated obesity. Mechanistically, acetate acts through the Ffar2 receptor to upregulate Ehhadh expression. Together, these data establish that perinatal nutrition imprints long-term metabolic phenotypes in offspring via early-life acquisition of the gut microbiota, with a critical window during lactation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Aquablation/AquaBeam Waterjet Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Three-Year Functional and Ejaculatory Outcomes in a Multicenter Real-World Italian Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 3-year functional outcomes of Aquablation/AquaBeam waterjet therapy for bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with particular attention to urinary symptoms, quality of life, continence, ejaculatory function, and complications. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained multicenter database including 218 consecutive men who underwent Aquablation/AquaBeam for symptomatic BPH between January 2019 and January 2022 at three referral centers. Functional outcomes assessed preoperatively and during follow-up included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS quality-of-life item (IPSS-QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine (PVR), continence, and ejaculatory function. Median follow-up was 36 months. Ejaculatory preservation was evaluated only in patients with preserved antegrade ejaculation at baseline. RESULTS: Median age was 61 years (IQR 57-66), median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 2.52 ng/mL (IQR 0.40-21.60), and median prostate volume was 55 mL (IQR 40-73). Median operative time was 56 min, while median catheterization time and length of hospital stay were both 48 h. Functional improvements were evident from the 3-month follow-up and remained stable through 36 months. At 36 months, median IPSS improved to 5 and median Qmax to 18 mL/s. Median PSA changed modestly from 2.52 ng/mL at baseline to 2.75 ng/mL at 36 months. No cases of de novo urinary incontinence were observed throughout follow-up. Among patients with preserved antegrade ejaculation at baseline, 87% maintained antegrade ejaculation at 36 months. Most postoperative complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo grade I-II, 20.2%). One grade III rectal injury occurred (0.5%). Median hemoglobin decreased from 15.2 g/dL preoperatively to 14.0 g/dL before hospital discharge, and two patients required blood transfusion. During the 36-month follow-up, no surgical retreatment was required, whereas 11 patients (5.0%) received temporary medical retreatment. CONCLUSION: In this multicenter real-world cohort, Aquablation/AquaBeam was safe and effective over 3 years, providing durable improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life while preserving continence and antegrade ejaculation in most patients. These findings support Aquablation/AquaBeam as a valuable minimally invasive surgical option for selected men with BPH, particularly those who prioritize preservation of ejaculatory function. Longer-term and comparative studies are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 48281.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Policy pathways and historical insights: Canada's evolving approach to psychedelic access for end-of-life distress.

Canada's evolving attitudes toward psychedelic interventions in palliative and end-of-life care reflect a departure from historically prohibitionist policies and an emerging recognition of their therapeutic potential for individuals facing end-of-life distress. This shift parallels international regulatory developments in jurisdictions such as the United States, Australia and parts of Europe, where cautious policy liberalization has signaled growing acceptance of psychedelics within clinical contexts. Canada is also a relevant case because of its formative role in the development of modern palliative care, its contemporary frameworks emphasizing holistic approaches to suffering at the end of life, and its experience with medical assistance in dying, all of which have shaped national conversations about suffering, autonomy, and end-of-life care. Additionally, Canada's distinctive historical approach to drug regulation-marked by federal flexibility, mechanisms for compassionate access, and responsiveness to patient advocacy-combined with rising public demand and incremental provincial changes, may uniquely position the country along a transitional pathway toward clinical integration of psychedelics in palliative care. At the same time, Canadian drug policy remains heterogeneous across substances and provinces, underscoring the political contingency of reform. Within this dynamic landscape, Canada's psychedelic drug policy trajectory aligns with broader international trends toward cautious medicalization and regulated access to psychedelic therapies, while also offering an instructive case for how end-of-life frameworks and federal-provincial governance shape policy development.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

HYPNOSA: Study protocol for a prospective observational cohort of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common chronic disease that affects more than 20% of the adult population. One of the most frequent and characteristic symptoms of OSA is excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). This symptom is typically treated in patients with OSA with the application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the gold-standard treatment for this disease. In some patients who are adequately treated with CPAP, residual excessive daytime sleepiness (REDS) persists. The prevalence, associations, and outcomes associated with REDS remain poorly understood. METHODS: Multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study including 1000 patients. Participants will undergo a sleep study for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, clinical assessment, quality-of-life questionnaires, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and collection of biochemical variables and biological samples. Patients with OSA will receive standard care, and those prescribed continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) will be monitored for treatment adherence. OSA patients will be assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months. DISSCUSION: We aim to establish a prospective observational cohort of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with CPAP, with and without REDS. The HYPNOSA project will create the largest available registry of patients with OSA and REDS using real-world data, providing accurate prevalence estimates and long-term outcomes. Biological samples will be analyzed to assess the role of specific biomarkers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifer: NCT06514482.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy of Oral Baicalin in Canine Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Baicalin has shown efficacy in various dermatitis models in animals. However, its therapeutic effects on naturally occurring canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of baicalin in dogs with cAD. ANIMALS: 56 client-owned dogs were enrolled. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All dogs were randomly divided to receive oral baicalin or placebo over a 90day period. All subjects had veterinary evaluations using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) during the trial and owners were requested to evaluate itching using the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) and to complete a quality-of-life (QoL) questionnaire at Day (D)0 and D90. Additionally, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), total serum IgE levels (IgE), complete blood count and serum biochemical results were measured at D0 and D90. RESULTS: The significant decreases in CADESI-04 (p < 0.001), PVAS (p < 0.001), TEWL (p = 0.014), IgE (p < 0.001) and QoL scores (p < 0.001) were observed in the baicalin group D90 compared to baseline. When compared to placebo, the baicalin group had significantly lower scores in CADESI-4 and PVAS (p < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of subjects in the baicalin group showed a good-to-excellent treatment response (82.1%) compared to those in the placebo group (35.7%). The treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Baicalin had a significant benefit in alleviating pruritus and reducing clinical signs in dogs with mild-to-moderate cAD and was well tolerated.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Efficacy and Safety of Anti-Obesity Medications for Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.

AIMS: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-obesity medications (AOMs) for long-term weight maintenance following initial weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library from inception to 31 October 2025. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing AOMs with placebo during the weight-maintenance phase in adults with overweight or obesity after initial weight loss achieved through lifestyle, dietary, surgical or pharmacological interventions. Outcomes included anthropometric indices, cardiometabolic measures, safety endpoints, quality of life and neuropsychiatric adverse events. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and odds ratios (ORs), each with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were pooled for continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively, using fixed-effect or random-effects models as appropriate. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420261293040). RESULTS: A total of 12 RCTs comprising 4915 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, AOM therapy during the weight-maintenance phase was associated with prevention of weight regain and additional improvements in anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes. AOMs led to further reductions in body weight (BW, WMD: -8.68 kg, 95% CI: -13.25 to -4.11), waist circumference (WC, WMD: -7.16 cm, 95% CI: -10.34 to -3.98) and body mass index (BMI, WMD: -3.58 kg/m2, 95% CI: -5.69 to -1.46). Additional benefits were observed for triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common with AOMs, whereas serious adverse events were not significantly increased. Neuropsychiatric adverse events were generally comparable between groups, and available quality-of-life measures favoured AOM treatment. CONCLUSIONS: AOM therapy during the weight-maintenance phase can help prevent weight regain, provide further reductions in body weight and improve cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with overweight or obesity. Gastrointestinal adverse events were more common with AOMs, whereas serious adverse events were not significantly increased. Further long-term trials are needed to clarify optimal treatment strategies and safety.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Psychological distress and incident cardiovascular disease independent of life's essential 8: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although psychological stress has emerged as an important determinant of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, it remains excluded from the recently updated cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics, known as Life's Essential 8 (LE8). This study aimed to examine the association between psychological distress and the incidence of CVD, independent of Life's Essential 8 metrics, in a large Korean adult population. METHODS: This study included 6,410 participants from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Ansan-Ansung cohort, who had no history of CVD and had complete baseline data on psychological distress and Life's Essential 8 cardiovascular health (LE8 CVH) metrics. Psychological distress was assessed using the Psychosocial Wellbeing Index Short Form (PWI-SF). CVD events were identified based on participants' self-reports of physician-diagnosed conditions: myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between PWI-SF scores and incident CVD, adjusting for age, sex, residential area, educational attainment, household income, and LE8 CVH metrics. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 13.8 years, 500 new cases of CVD were identified. Higher PWI-SF scores were independently associated with an increased risk of CVD after adjusting for LE8 CVH metrics and other potential confounders (hazard ratio: 1.321; 95% confidence interval: 1.067-1.636; p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that higher levels of psychological distress are independently associated with an increased risk of CVD, even after accounting for established LE8 CVH metrics. Incorporating psychological distress into future CVH assessments may enhance risk stratification and prevention strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

A systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation-induced oral complications in head and neck cancer: Prevalence and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced oral complications, notably xerostomia and oral mucositis (OM), are common and debilitating in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), adversely affecting swallowing, nutritional intake, and overall quality of life (QoL). OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to quantify the prevalence of radiation-induced xerostomia and OM and synthesize their impact on dysphagia and nutritional status among HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, SciFinder, Embase, and PubMed for studies published between January 2019 and December 2025. Data from 51 studies were extracted and synthesized. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence was 85% (95% CI: 81.6-87.9%) for xerostomia and 88.3% (95% CI: 73.9-95.3%) for any-grade OM. Severe OM (Grade 3-4) had a prevalence of 39.5% (95% CI: 23.1-58.8%). These complications were strongly interrelated and significantly associated with dysphagia (69.8%; 95% CI: 53.1-83.7%), malnutrition (66.6%; 95% CI: 37.3-95.9%), and poor QoL (pooled mean QoL score: 64.13/100). Studies employing advanced radiation techniques (e.g., IMRT) demonstrated a lower prevalence of xerostomia (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42-0.80) compared to conventional RT. CONCLUSION: Radiation-induced oral complications (xerostomia & OM) remain prevalent and clinically significant burden in HNC patients, contributing to a cascade of functional impairments and diminished QoL. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies, symptom management interventions, and the broader adoption of advanced RT techniques. Longitudinal research is warranted to further evaluate long-term outcomes and guide patient-centered care models.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Quantifying the aromatic amino acid metabolome: UPLC-MS/MS analysis of aromatic amino acids and their host and co-metabolites in plasma.

Aromatic amino acids (AAAs), tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine along with their pathway metabolites have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases ranging from cardiovascular, neurological, inflammatory, and cancer diseases, among others. As such, the measurement of the primary AAAs, their host pathway metabolites, and microbiome derived co-metabolites in blood can provide a sensitive reflection of systemic health. The aim of the study was to develop a method for the quantification of 17 metabolites, the three AAAs and various of their metabolites in plasma using a high-throughput ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method. The method demonstrated a dynamic range (1 to 16,700 ng/mL), with detection limits (LOD) as low as 0.05 ng/mL. Quantification limits ranged from 3 to 5019 ng/mL (LLOQ) and up to 16,700 ng/mL (ULOQ). Recovery at LQC, MQC, and HQC was satisfactory and consistent across most metabolites, with significant matrix effects observed only for 4-ethylphenol sulfate. Furthermore, intra and inter-day accuracy and precision met all acceptance criteria at all quality control concentrations for most of the metabolites. Measurement of NIST SRM 1950 showcased the method's accuracy for most of the metabolites. Finally, the method was applied on the analysis of plasma samples from 55 individuals (13 males and 42 females) providing information on AAAs and their pathway metabolites relevant concentrations in human plasma.

Amino Acids, Aromatic↗