Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of full-pressure external counterpulsation (ECP) compared to low-pressure treatment in improving cognition and activities of
Full-pressure external counterpulsation (ECP) showed greater cognitive and daily living improvements than low-pressure treatment in mild Alzheimer disease patients.
The study involved 190 patients aged 55 to 85, diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer disease, over a 12-month period.
The primary efficacy outcome, the VADAS-cog score, improved by 9.95 points in the full-pressure group compared to 5.22 points in the low-pressure group.
Adverse events were mostly mild skin irritations, with no serious events reported, and no brain edema or hemorrhage identified on follow-up imaging.
The findings suggest further investigation of ECP in early Alzheimer disease, but do not establish its role alongside established therapies.
Objective: To examine the effects of nasal obstruction and mouth taping on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) indicators. Approach: Study Search: Investigators searc
Nasal obstruction is associated with worsening obstructive sleep apnea indicators, including increased Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI).
The meta-analysis included 15 studies with 304 participants, showing a mean AHI increase of 13.78 events per hour due to nasal obstruction.
Nasal obstruction led to a mean Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI) increase of 7.45 events per hour, though this increase was not statistically significant.
Mouth taping studies showed median AHI reductions, but neither study demonstrated statistically significant improvements in oxygen saturation.
The authors noted limitations in the evidence base, including the observational nature of most studies and inconsistent definitions of hypopnea.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of robotic-arm–assisted total knee replacement with conventional total knee replacement in patients with advanced knee o
Robotic-arm–assisted total knee replacement did not show a clinically meaningful improvement in the Forgotten Joint Score at 12 months compared to conventional surgery.
In the RACER-Knee trial, 339 patients were randomized to either robotic-assisted or conventional total knee replacement across 10 hospitals in the UK.
Mean Forgotten Joint Scores were approximately 49 for the robotic group and 50 for the conventional group, with an adjusted difference favoring conventional surgery.
Robotic assistance resulted in greater precision in alignment but increased mean operating time by 10.5 minutes and incurred higher costs.
The study's findings are specific to the Mako system and may not apply to other robotic technologies, which require separate evaluation.
Objective: To assess the association between adenotonsillectomy and hospital visits for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in pediatric patients. Approach: Stu
Pediatric patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy had increased odds of hospital visits for acute upper respiratory tract infections postoperatively.
The study analyzed data from 6,848 adenotonsillectomy patients and 34,240 matched controls from the Korean National Health Insurance Service.
Higher odds of acute lower respiratory tract infection visits were observed in adenotonsillectomy patients during all three postoperative periods.
Subgroup analyses indicated varying odds of RTI-related visits based on age and sex, with notable differences among younger patients.
The findings suggest that adenotonsillectomy should not be performed solely to reduce respiratory tract infection frequency.
Objective: To evaluate the incidence of pediatric head and neck abscesses across different periods: prepandemic, during COVID-19 lockdown, and postpandemic. App
Women with overweight or obesity BMI trajectories during childhood had lower hazards of giving birth starting at ages 25 to 29 years.
The study analyzed data from women born in Copenhagen, Denmark, between 1950 and 1989, following them for reproductive outcomes through December 2022.
Among 60,864 women in the childbirth analysis, 78% (47,669) gave birth, with associations between childhood BMI and childbirth becoming more pronounced at older ages.
Childhood BMI trajectories were not associated with primary infertility, although women with an obesity trajectory had a lower hazard of primary infertility.
The study noted that lower educational attainment may lead to underestimation of infertility among women with lower socioeconomic positions.
Objective: To establish a Dental Hygiene program at the Phoenix campus to address workforce shortages in Arizona. Approach: Program Details: The 18-month progra
Pima Medical Institute has launched a Dental Hygiene program at its Phoenix campus, with classes starting on November 2, 2026.
The 18-month program awards an Associate of Applied Science degree and includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical training.
The curriculum covers various subjects, including anatomy, periodontology, and dental law, emphasizing critical thinking and serving diverse populations.
Students will gain clinical experience at an on-site dental hygiene clinic, opening in early 2027, under licensed professionals.
The program addresses Arizona's dental workforce shortages, with less than 35% of dental health needs currently met in the state.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the GALEAS Bladder assay in triaging patients with hematuria for urgent cystoscopy. Approach: Study Design: A prospe
Objective: To introduce a dedicated cataract-only configuration of the DORC EVA NEXUS ophthalmic surgical system. Approach: Product Launch: The cataract-only co
Objective: To explore how the cell and gene therapy sector can rethink value, access, and affordability as therapies transition from clinical trials to routine
Objective: To examine healthcare professionals' perspectives on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health services. Approach: Review Meth
Insomnia affects 10% to 20% of adults, with higher prevalence in women and older populations.
Insomnia is linked to mental disorders, reduced quality of life, and significant economic burdens exceeding $100 billion annually in the U.S.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment, but access is limited due to therapist shortages and high costs.
Benzodiazepine receptor agonists provide temporary relief for insomnia but carry risks such as dependence and cognitive impairment.
Health care systems are prioritizing the identification of safe, effective, and scalable insomnia interventions due to its public health impact.
The EV-301 trial demonstrated that enfortumab vedotin (EV) monotherapy offers oncological benefits over standard chemotherapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma.
A multicenter retrospective study analyzed 482 patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma treated with EV monotherapy to identify prognostic factors.
The study identified six common poor prognostic factors for progression-free survival and overall survival: poor ECOG performance status, aberrant histology, and others.
Median progression-free survival was 7.6 months, while median overall survival was 14.6 months among the 387 patients evaluated in the study.
The study's findings contribute to the understanding of prognostic risk factors, aiding in the stratification of patients receiving EV treatment.
Objective: To highlight the association between maternal violent injury and subsequent child physical and sexual injury, while advocating for trauma-informed re