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PubMed2026

Feasibility and Efficacy of Lorlatinib in Japanese Patients With Relapsed/Refractory ALK-Aberrant Neuroblastoma.

Lorlatinib, a third-generation ALK inhibitor, was administered off-label to five heavily pretreated patients with relapsed or refractory ALK-aberrant neuroblastoma. ALK alterations included F1174L, R1275Q, BEND5::ALK fusion, and ALK amplification; three patients had MYCN amplification. Best responses were three partial responses and two disease progressions. The longest progression-free survival (6.7 months) occurred in a patient with F1174L and non-amplified MYCN, whereas rapid progression was observed in two MYCN-amplified cases. Lorlatinib was generally well tolerated with manageable adverse events. These findings suggest that lorlatinib is a feasible therapeutic option in ALK-aberrant neuroblastoma and that clinical heterogeneity in treatment response warrants further investigation.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Empirical Meropenem Versus Piperacillin/Tazobactam for Critically Ill Adults With Sepsis: Feasibility of a Randomised Trial.

BACKGROUND: Meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam are commonly used empirical antibiotics in critically ill adults with sepsis, but whether one is superior to the other is uncertain. METHODS: The Empirical Meropenem versus Piperacillin/Tazobactam for Adult Patients with Sepsis (EMPRESS) trial is an ongoing investigator-initiated, randomised, open-label, adaptive clinical trial with an integrated feasibility phase comparing empirical treatment with meropenem versus piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill adults with sepsis. The integrated feasibility phase enrolled 200 participants across 10 intensive care units (ICUs) in Denmark between 28 June and 12 December 2025. Five pre-specified feasibility criteria were evaluated; if all feasibility criteria were met, the trial would proceed unaltered, whereas failure to meet one or more criteria would require intervention and re-evaluation. RESULTS: We randomised 200 of 284 screened patients (70.4%). The median age was 70 years (interquartile range (IQR): 60-77), 65.5% were males. At randomisation, 80.0% received vasopressors or inotropes, and 43.5% were on invasive mechanical ventilation. Four of five pre-specified feasibility criteria were met: time to completion of the feasibility phase (5.5 months vs. threshold < 12.0 months), recruitment proportion (70.4% vs. threshold ≥ 50.0%), proportion of participants without consent to the continued collection of data (2.5% vs. threshold < 5.0%) and protocol adherence (81.0% vs. threshold ≥ 75.0%). The proportion of participants with timely primary outcome data availability (30-day mortality) within 45 days was 85.5% and below the pre-specified threshold of ≥ 95.0%. The proportions were low in the first 3 months (33.3%, 22.2% and 30.8%, respectively), increasing to 95.8% in the last month of the feasibility phase. All-cause mortality at 30 days was 30.5%, and specific serious adverse reactions occurred in 4.0% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: In this integrated feasibility evaluation of the EMPRESS trial comparing empirical meropenem versus piperacillin/tazobactam in critically ill adults with sepsis, four of five pre-specified feasibility criteria were met. The unmet criterion, timely primary outcome data availability, improved substantially during the feasibility phase. We consider the trial feasible and will proceed without modifications. EDITORIAL COMMENT: This feasibility study assessed recruitment, randomised allocation and data collection for the multicentre EMPRESS trial. For adaptive trials on trial platforms, careful interim checking of trial design functions is an important and necessary process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Information System EUCT number: 2023-509703-33-00; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06184659; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1301-6379.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Feasibility of Prone Positioning in Patients With Obesity and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prone positioning in patients with obesity remains uncommon because of concerns about feasibility, safety, and efficacy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of manual prone positioning in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) across different classes of obesity. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients with ARDS who underwent manual prone positioning across 15 hospitals between April 2014 and July 2024. Patients were stratified into 5 groups based on body mass index. Standardized prone positioning protocols were followed across institutions. RESULTS: A total of 1448 patients with ARDS underwent prone positioning. Across all obesity categories, prone positioning was associated with shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays, improved oxygenation, and better clinical outcomes. Notably, patients with class III obesity showed the greatest increase in gas exchange efficiency, with a 37% improvement in ratio of Pao2 to fraction of inspired oxygen, compared with 28% in patients with normal weight (P < .05). Complication rates were low across all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prone positioning is feasible and safe in patients with ARDS across all obesity classes. Patients with class III obesity showed the greatest improvements in oxygenation. Future prospective studies should further explore the long-term impact of prone positioning in patients with class III obesity to refine clinical guidelines and optimize care.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Continuous Intravenous Lidocaine for Refractory Cancer Pain in Palliative Care: A Multicenter Feasibility Study.

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and tolerability of continuous low-dose intravenous lidocaine infusion in patients with opioid-refractory cancer pain receiving palliative care, and to explore its potential impact on pain outcomes in real-world clinical conditions.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled feasibility study in palliative care units to evaluate continuous intravenous lidocaine infusion in patients with opioid-refractory cancer pain. Patients were randomized to receive lidocaine (5 mg/kg/day, increased to 8 mg/kg/day if pain reduction was <30% after 24 h) or placebo for 48 h. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Intensity Scale, with a clinically meaningful response defined as a ≥30% reduction from baseline at 40 min. Secondary outcomes included pain evolution over time, neuropathic pain, symptom burden, and tolerability.ResultsThirty-five patients were included in the final analysis (18 lidocaine, 17 placebo). No significant difference was observed between lidocaine and placebo for the primary endpoint or for secondary pain outcomes. Reductions in pain intensity were observed in both groups. In the lidocaine group, 61% of patients required dose escalation to 8 mg/kg/day. Continuous intravenous lidocaine infusion was generally well tolerated, with mostly mild adverse events and no unexpected toxicity.ConclusionIn this multicenter feasibility study, continuous low-dose intravenous lidocaine did not demonstrate a clinically meaningful analgesic benefit over placebo. As the planned sample size was not reached, the study was underpowered. These findings highlight the challenges of randomized trials in palliative care and may inform future feasibility-oriented designs.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Development, feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of NutriSOS®: A behavioral mobile app to promote sustainable diets.

The primary objective of this study was to describe the development of the NutriSOS® app and to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability for its use in the NutriSOS® Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to promote sustainable diets. A secondary objective was to explore preliminary changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors and environmental impact following app use. The NutriSOS® app integrates personalized dietary advice, educational content, self-monitoring, and social interaction features. A single-arm, pre-post pilot study was conducted in 37 young Mexican adults over four weeks. Feasibility, acceptability, quality, and usability were assessed using online surveys, alongside exploratory changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors, environmental indicators, and their association with perceived behavioral determinants. Feasibility and acceptability were high overall, with favorable responses reaching up to 100% in key components such as the nutritional guide and learning modules, and above 90% for messaging, registration, and design. Greater variability was observed in some sections, particularly the 24-h recall (41-86%). Reductions in red and processed meat and ultra-processed food consumption were observed (from 3 to 1 times/week, p < 0.01), with ∼60% decreases in their related environmental footprints (p < 0.01) and favorable self-reported behavioral determinants (p < 0.0001). Physical activity type and intensity changed (p < 0.05). These findings support NutriSOS® as a feasible and acceptable tool, while highlighting areas for refinement, particularly those related to the time and effort required for data entry, prior to its implementation in the NutriSOS® RCT, in which its effectiveness will be formally evaluated.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Foot exercise plus education versus brief advice for the treatment of plantar heel pain (FEET Trial): a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite foot muscle strengthening being a target of exercise interventions for plantar heel pain (PHP) no study has measured foot muscle outcomes, and existing research is limited by a lack of control (no treatment) comparisons. OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial and investigate the acceptability and credibility of comprehensive progressive foot exercise and education compared to brief advice for PHP. DESIGN: Randomised parallel group feasibility trial. METHOD: People with PHP were randomised (1:1 concealed allocation) to receive either foot exercise plus education or brief advice for twelve weeks. Primary outcomes included willingness to enrol, recruitment rate, adherence, logbook completion, dropout rate, early withdrawal reasons, adverse events, additional treatments sought, and credibility/expectancy. RESULTS: Twenty people with PHP (16 women; age 50 ± 9 years; body mass index = 30.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2) were recruited over 15 weeks (1.3 participants per week). Primary outcomes were willingness to enrol (80%), adherence (physiotherapy sessions attended: foot exercise plus education 85%, brief advice 100%; home exercise program: 62% daily sessions completed, 72% thrice weekly sessions completed), logbook completion (foot exercise plus education 75%, brief advice 90%), dropout rate (15%), and additional treatments sought (69%). There were no intervention-related adverse events, and credibility scores were higher for foot exercise plus education. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms feasibility and acceptability of a protocol comparing foot exercise plus education with brief advice in individuals with PHP, generating key insights to inform future trial design.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

EDucation and eXercise for gluteal tendinopathy in an Irish context (EDX-Ireland): findings from the LEAP-Ireland feasibility randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating effectiveness of 6 sessions of an EDucation and eXercise intervention delivered over 8 weeks (EDX-Ireland) for gluteal tendinopathy, against usual care. EDX-Ireland was modified from a 14-session EDucation and eXercise intervention (EDX), delivered over 8 weeks, previously evaluated in an Australian RCT. DESIGN: Feasibility parallel RCT. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to physiotherapist-led EDX-Ireland or usual care. EDX-Ireland comprised 6 sessions of education, hip abductor strengthening and functional loading over 8 weeks, supported by a home exercise programme. Primary outcomes included success of different recruitment strategies and recruitment/retention rates. Secondary outcomes measured global rating of change and other clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals (CI)) are presented. RESULTS: Of 323 individuals who expressed interest in study participation, 119 completed physical examination screening, and 65 met criteria and consented to participate (recruitment rate 55%). Sixty-five people (89% women; mean age 53.1 ± 9.3 years), were randomised to EDX-Ireland (n = 32) or usual care (n = 33). Eighty-three percent (n = 54) were recruited via social media/community, 3% (n = 2) from general practitioners and 14% (n = 9) from orthopaedic/rheumatology. Retention was 92% (95% CI 82-97%, n = 60) at 8-weeks, and 89% (95% CI 79-96%, n = 58) at 3-months. Feasibility thresholds were met. Effect size estimates indicate that 134 participants would be required for a future RCT. CONCLUSION: Pre-defined recruitment and retention thresholds were met, indicating that a RCT evaluating 6 sessions of physiotherapist-delivered education and exercise against usual care for gluteal tendinopathy is feasible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05516563).

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Nondominant Hand Training in Laparoscopy for Surgical Interns: Feasibility and Impact.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopy requires bimanual proficiency, yet early trainees demonstrate underdeveloped nondominant hand (NDH) performance. Although deliberate practice of NDH skill contributes to overall performance, NDH training is rarely incorporated into residency simulation curricula and has not been formally evaluated in surgical trainees. We assessed feasibility and impact of integrating structured NDH training with established laparoscopic curriculum for surgery interns. DESIGN: Prospective, single-institution randomized pilot study. Interns were assigned the standard 4-week curriculum of laparoscopic dominant hand and bimanual tasks (Control) or completed assigned NDH tasks in addition to the standard curriculum (Intervention). Feasibility was determined by assigned task completion, daily standard and NDH-specific self-reported practice time, and improvement in bimanual task performance. Performance was video recorded weekly and assessed by blinded evaluators using MISTELS and GOALS scoring. Cognitive workload during laparoscopic tasks was measured via NASA-TLX. Exploratory analyses were conducted within a Bayesian framework. SETTING: A single academic institution with a surgical simulation training program. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery interns on their 4-week simulation rotation. RESULTS: Eleven general surgery interns (6 intervention, 5 controls; all right-hand dominant) completed the study with 100% task completion and practice log compliance. Both groups improved in bimanual performance and perceived cognitive load. Reduction in cognitive workload during bimanual task performance was greater in the NDH group. Time spent on NDH practice over 4 weeks was associated with improved bimanual performance, independent of time spent on standard curriculum tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Structured NDH training is feasible to implement within an existing curriculum and reduces perceived cognitive workload during bimanual laparoscopic tasks. NDH practice demonstrates a beneficial dose-response relationship with performance, supporting its integration into early laparoscopic training.

Laparoscopy↗

PubMed2025

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of Family Navigation for Low-income Ethnoracially Diverse Preschoolers with Developmental Concern.

OBJECTIVE: To assess for feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an ethnoracially-matched family navigation intervention aimed at reducing barriers to developmental evaluations for preschoolers with developmental concern attending Head Start. METHODS: Fifty-eight parents of Head Start preschoolers who were identified as at risk for developmental delay were assigned using stratified block random sampling to the family navigation intervention (n = 28) and 30 controls (usual care). Key outcomes included the percentage of children who completed the planned intervention visits, satisfaction with the intervention, and the proportion of children guided by family navigators who completed developmental evaluations. RESULTS: Of the 28 families, 21 parents completed the family navigation intervention visits. The intervention sample was diverse, including 57% Black, 24% White, and 19% Latino(a) parents. Ninety percent of Head Start educators (n = 18) and 100% of healthcare providers (n = 6) were satisfied with the intervention. Parents qualitatively reported that they valued the advocacy support from the family navigators and navigators (n = 7) valued their role in "giving back." Sixty-six percent of the intervention group were seen by a healthcare provider to discuss developmental concerns showing preliminary effectiveness for completion of healthcare evaluations. However, there was no significant difference between those in the intervention and control group completing Head Start recommended evaluations, and over half of all participants were not referred for educational evaluations. CONCLUSION: Results support the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an ethnoracially matched family navigation intervention to reduce barriers to developmental healthcare evaluations for preschoolers at risk for developmental delays. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03499405; Date of Registration: April 9, 2018.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Feasibility and efficacy of left bundle branch area pacing guided by modified chest lead 1.

BACKGROUND: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) typically requires 12‑lead electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements using an electrophysiology (EP) recording system. However, a simplified approach using modified chest lead 1 (MCL1) is potentially feasible. This study aimed to compare the success rate and pacing outcomes of LBBAP guided by MCL1 with those guided by the 12‑lead ECG using an EP recording system. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study included patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction who underwent LBBAP for bradyarrhythmia. LBBAP was either guided by 12‑lead ECG using an EP recording system or by MCL1. In the MCL1 group, a follow-up examination with a 12‑lead ECG using an EP recording system was conducted within one week postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients underwent LBBAP (EP recording system group: n = 35; MCL1 group: n = 30). The overall success rate of LBBAP was 84.6%, with no significant difference between groups (88.5% vs. 80.0%, p = 0.49). No significant differences were observed in the paced QRS duration (140.4 ± 8.0 vs. 141.9 ± 13.1 ms, p = 0.54), V6-V1 interpeak interval (39.7 ± 16.5 vs. 38.3 ± 15.6 ms, p = 0.79), or V6 R-wave peak time (69.8 ± 12.3 vs. 71.5 ± 12.1 ms, p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: MCL1-guided LBBAP was feasible and achieved a high success rate, with outcomes comparable to those of conventional EP recording system-guided implantation. This simplified approach may reduce procedural complexity and may allow LBBAP implantation without the routine use of an EP recording system.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Pictographs: feasibility and acceptability of a novel method of newborn identification to reduce wrong-patient errors in the NICU.

Wrong-patient errors cause serious harm in newborns. These errors involve ordering and administering tests, procedures, medications, and breast milk to an unintended patient. Newborns receiving care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are at particularly high risk. Although more distinct newborn naming conventions as recommended by the Joint Commission significantly reduce wrong-patient orders, name similarities among multiple-birth infants and truncation of differentiating information in some electronic health record (EHR) systems contribute to this persistent increased risk. Accordingly, novel newborn identifiers are urgently needed. We propose Pictographs - images that are appealing, recognizable, and appropriate - to serve as visual identifiers for newborns in NICUs. Pictographs are selected by caregivers, uploaded into the EHR, and displayed at bedside. As part of a multicenter randomized controlled trial assessing effectiveness of Pictographs to prevent wrong-patient order errors, we initially evaluated feasibility and acceptability of Pictographs at two study sites. Pictographs as novel visual identifiers for newborns in the NICU were generally well received by caregivers and clinicians, and the vast majority of caregivers selected a Pictograph for their infant(s), which was posted at the bedside and uploaded into the EHR. Ordering clinicians - the primary target of the intervention to prevent wrong-patient errors - recognized the potential for Pictographs to provide a visual cue when placing orders, particularly for multiple-birth infants. Here, we describe the rationale, implementation, framework, feasibility, usefulness, and acceptability of Pictographs among key stakeholders. If found effective for preventing wrong-patient errors, Pictographs could be adopted as a patient safety solution in hospitals worldwide.

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PubMed2026

Feasibility and barriers to same-day physical therapy following lumbar fusion surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of same-day (postoperative day 0; POD0) physical therapy (PT) following lumbar fusion and to identify factors associated with failure to participate. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed prospectively collected data from patients undergoing single-level posterior spinal fusion (PSF), with or without anterior (ALIF) or lateral (LLIF) interbody fusion, between January and December 2024 at a single institution. A standardized POD0 PT protocol was implemented for eligible patients. Patients were categorized into two groups: successful POD0 PT (ambulatory on POD0) and unable to participate. Demographic and surgical variables were compared between groups. Reasons for inability to participate were recorded and categorized. RESULTS: Among 129 patients in whom POD0 PT was attempted, 84 (65%) successfully participated, while 45 (35%) were unable. There were no significant differences in age, sex, BMI, ASA class, operative time, estimated blood loss, or surgical approach between groups. Patients who successfully completed POD0 PT had a significantly shorter hospital length of stay compared to those who did not (3.4 ± 1.6 vs 5.8 ± 2.9 days, P < 0.001), with no differences in complication rates, discharge disposition, emergency department visits, or reoperation rates. The most common barriers to POD0 PT were postoperative pain, medical issues (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, nausea, dizziness), and anesthesia-related somnolence. Less common factors included postoperative restrictions and logistical issues such as brace availability. CONCLUSIONS: POD0 PT following lumbar fusion is feasible in the majority of patients and is associated with a shorter hospital stay without increased complications. Failure to participate was not associated with the baseline patient or surgical characteristics evaluated in this study. Instead, the most common barriers were postoperative pain, transient medical issues, and anesthesia-related somnolence, suggesting that optimization of modifiable perioperative factors may improve the implementation of POD0 PT.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Multi-centre randomised controlled feasibility trial with embedded process evaluation of a samba percussion intervention for people living with Parkinson's disease: a protocol for the Sparky Samba trial.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, its principal symptom being deterioration of motor function. Current treatment options are limited to symptom management but there is evidence that physical activity can provide motor benefits. More recently there is evidence to suggest that rhythmic auditory stimulation may improve gait and balance in PD. Sparky Samba is a community initiative in South Wales, UK, founded by a person living with PD. Sessions incorporate the following samba rhythms from a trained facilitator and are held weekly in a community setting. METHODS: The Sparky Samba trial is a multi-site, non-blinded, randomised controlled feasibility trial of Sparky Samba compared with activity as usual. A total of 60 people with PD will be randomised 1:1 to take part in a local Sparky Samba group for 12 weeks or continue their normal activities for the same length of time. The primary outcome is feasibility defined by recruitment, retention, data completeness and intervention adherence. Secondary outcomes relating to motor function, cognition, well-being and self-efficacy will also be assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Additionally, we will conduct a process evaluation to understand contextual mechanisms surrounding Sparky Samba. This will be achieved through qualitative interviews and structured participant questionnaires following individual trial completion and through structured questionnaires with intervention delivery staff, supplemented with qualitative interviews. ANALYSIS: Feasibility outcomes will be assessed according to pre-defined criteria. For secondary outcomes, means and standard deviations (or medians and IQRs) will be calculated by arm, alongside 95% CIs for change from baseline to 12-week follow-up. Qualitative data will be subject to thematic analysis using NVivo software. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study received a favourable ethical opinion from the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee in April 2025 (REC reference 25/NS/0037). Study results will be disseminated through the peer-review literature, the ISRCTN registry and directly to participants, which will be facilitated by the study's public and patient involvement steering group. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN11861663.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Exercise Snacks Are Feasible to Perform in the Real World and Improve Physical Capacity for Adults Living With Non-Insulin Treated Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised Trial.

AIMS: To investigate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week remotely-delivered exercise snacks (ES) intervention in adults with type 2 diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Insufficiently active adults with type 2 diabetes (N = 69; 46 females; mean age ± SD: 58 ± 11 years) were randomised to an ES or mobility/stretching comparator group (CON), which involved 4 × 1-min bouts of either vigorous or low intensity exercise, respectively, on ≥ 5 days/week. The primary outcome was feasibility based on adherence. Secondary outcomes included exercise enjoyment (1-7 scale), rating of perceived exertion (RPE; 0-10 scale), heart rate (HR), haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health, 30-s sit-to-stand capacity, grip strength, estimated maximal oxygen uptake, and anthropometrics. RESULTS: Weekly adherence (estimated marginal mean [95% confidence interval]: 18 bouts [16-21] for both groups; p = 0.99) and total enjoyment (ES: 4.5 [4.1-4.8] vs. CON: 4.3 [4.0-4.7]; p = 0.64) were high and not different between groups. Despite higher RPE (5.7 [5.4-6.1]) and peak HR (73 [70-77] % of age-predicted HR maximum) in ES versus CON (2.0 [1.7-2.4] and 61 [58-64] % of age-predicted HR maximum, respectively) (all p < 0.001), there were no between-group differences in the change in any secondary outcome (all p > 0.05) except for greater sit-to-stand capacity in ES after training (between-group effect estimate [95% confidence interval]: 1.9 repetitions [0.3-3.4]; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise snacks were feasible to perform in the real world and improved sit-to-stand capacity to a greater extent than CON in adults living with type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06407245.

Aged↗

PubMed2026

Feasibility and acceptability of skills training in affective recovery (STAR) video and TextSTAR text message program for recent sexual assault survivors.

Background: Sexual assault (SA) affects more than 50% of women in the United States and is associated with elevated risk for impairing posttraumatic stress symptoms and substance, particularly opioid, misuse. Intervening following SA exposure could attenuate these risks.Objective: This study examined the acceptability and feasibility of a 17-minute video, Skills Training in Affective Recovery (STAR) and a 21-day text message program (TextSTAR), that were delivered in the acute post-SA period to prevent the onset or escalation of posttraumatic stress symptoms and substance misuse. The interventions provide psychoeducation about trauma, strategies to reduce fear and avoidance, suggestions to increase social support, and coping strategies for substance use.Method: Participants were 50 women age 18 or older who presented for a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam (SAMFE) within seven days of a SA. Using a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Controlled Trial (SMART) design, participants were randomized to receive the STAR video (n = 25) or no video (n = 25) at the SAMFE. Those who received the video answered questions about video acceptability immediately after viewing the video. At 1-week post-SAMFE, participants completed online questionnaires about substance use and posttraumatic stress; those above threshold on acute stress or opioid use (n = 36) were randomized to TextSTAR (n = 18) or no-text program (n = 18). Participants completed weekly online surveys 2-4 weeks post-SAMFE about symptoms and text program acceptability.Results: Participants found STAR and TextSTAR at least moderately acceptable; 80% who received STAR found it extremely acceptable while 60-90% (depending on timepoint) who received TextSTAR found it at least moderately acceptable. Our ability to enroll 50 participants and retain 94% at 1 week and 90% at 4 weeks suggests the intervention trial is feasible.Conclusions: STAR and TextSTAR are acceptable and feasible brief interventions for recent sexual assault survivors.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06456190.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Feasibility of routine clinical liquid-based cytology for lung cancer compact panel testing.

BACKGROUND: The Lung Cancer Compact Panel (cPANEL) is a recently approved highly sensitive multiplex gene panel in Japan that supports both DNA- and RNA-based next-generation sequencing. Although cytological specimens are acceptable for cPANEL, unfixed cell pellets or dedicated preservation tubes are typically recommended. However, evidence remains limited regarding whether residual liquid-based cytology (LBC) cell suspensions prepared for routine cytological diagnosis can be used directly for cPANEL testing without dedicated molecular preservation or additional preanalytical processing. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of applying LBC specimens that are widely used in contemporary clinical practice to cPANEL. METHODS: We analyzed DNA and RNA quality in 69 clinical LBC specimens. Among these, 51 specimens containing non-small cell lung cancer cells with previously determined driver alteration status were subjected to cPANEL testing to evaluate assay concordance with clinical companion diagnostic results. RESULTS: DNA integrity was generally well preserved (DNA Integrity Number [DIN]: 6.2 ± 1.5). In contrast, RNA integrity showed greater variability (DV200: 16.4 ± 12.1%). ThinPrep-fixed specimens demonstrated lower DIN and DV200 values compared with CytoRich Red-fixed specimens. Although all samples successfully passed the DNA-based cPANEL assay, six cases (11.8%) failed the RNA-based assay, with RNA yield being a major contributing factor. Among the 46 evaluable specimens, concordance was 95.7% and sensitivity was 92.3%, or 88.9% including RNA module failures as cPANEL-negative. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate fixative selection and adequate cellularity, cPANEL using clinical LBC specimens may serve as a practical diagnostic platform. We demonstrated that routine LBC specimens can be directly applied to cPANEL without special preanalytical processing.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Feasibility, Satisfaction, and Preliminary Efficacy Trial of text4FATHER for Engaging Expectant Fathers in Infant Care from Pregnancy to Early Infancy.

Engaging fathers perinatally improves infant outcomes and parent well-being, yet few strategies share evidence with fathers. We explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of text4FATHER-a texting intervention designed to improve fathers' infant care beliefs, self-efficacy, behaviors, and partner support from mid-pregnancy to 2 months post-birth. In this exploratory pilot randomized controlled trial, 97 adult expectant fathers with less than a college degree were randomized to receive text4FATHER or not. Self-reported outcomes by fathers and mothers were assessed at baseline (mid-pregnancy) and 2 months post-birth. We analyzed intent-to-treat effects using random coefficient regression models. We found recruiting expectant fathers feasible; of eligible father-mother dyads, 123/163 consented (recruitment feasibility = 68%). All intervention fathers (100%) reported being satisfied with text4FATHER; 100% of mothers of intervention fathers also reported satisfaction with the father getting texts. First-time fathers' antenatal attachment beliefs and coparenting support were higher in text4FATHER condition vs. control from baseline to 7-month follow-up; increases in first-time fathers' confidence in fathering and infant care were also observed-the latter finding was corroborated by partners of first-time fathers. text4FATHER is a promising intervention, particularly for first-time expectant fathers with lower educational levels who have no natural clinical or public health touchpoints. Its efficacy and effectiveness should be confirmed using larger and more diverse samples.

Confidence↗

PubMed2026

Cochlear Implantation in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review of Feasibility and Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with systemic complications, including sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) from microvascular occlusion and chronic inflammation. Although reports link SCD to higher rates of SNHL, current evidence is limited by small sample size, varied audiologic methods, and lack of standardized screening. This systematic review summarizes available literature on SNHL and cochlear implantation (CI) in SCD. METHODS: A literature search of PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL identified 79 citations. After removal of duplicates, 35 records were screened in Rayyan. Studies published between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2025, were eligible if they reported patients with SCD who developed hearing loss and underwent CI. Nine full texts were reviewed, and 4 met the inclusion criteria. Screening and review were performed independently by 2 authors per PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Across 4 case reports, a total of 5 patients with SCD underwent CI, ranging in age from 2 to 42 years. Four presented with bilateral severe-to-profound SNHL and one with unilateral loss. Implantation was technically feasible in all cases, including patients with cochlear fibrosis or ossification requiring modified insertion techniques. Postoperative outcomes were favorable: all patients demonstrated reliable device function and low impedances. Only 60% showed meaningful auditory benefit, characterized by improved functional speech perception in 2 patients (40%) and access to the speech frequency range with hearing testing going from moderate/profound hearing loss to mild hearing loss in 3 patients (60%). Complications occurred in 2 patients (40%): one developed unilateral middle ear infection leading to meningitis, and another experienced a postoperative pulmonary embolism requiring anticoagulation. The remaining 3 patients (60%) had uncomplicated recoveries with reported improved hearing from moderate/profound hearing loss to mild hearing loss post implantation. CONCLUSION: While CI appears feasible in SCD, our findings suggest that additional data are needed to assess its effectiveness in this patient population. However, evidence is limited to case reports, and complications such as thromboembolism and rapid cochlear fibrosis highlight the need for close perioperative management. More comprehensive studies with larger sample size are required to define surgical risk, optimize management, and establish best practices for timely implantation in this population.

Humans↗