CRITICAL CARE

The study evaluates the biological role of pleural fluid plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 and sonographic septations in pleural infection. The study showed that the pleural fluid PAI-1 concentration is significantly associated with the presence and severity of sonographic septation, length of hospital stay, and 12-month mortality in patients with pleural infection. The study highlights the importance of maintaining the balance between the activity of the plasminogen activator and PAI-1 in the pleural cavity to prevent morbid complications. The uPA/PAI-1 ratio may predict sonographic septation status, septation severity, the extent of hospitalization, and mortality of patients with pleural infection. The study suggests that further investigation of the uPA/PAI-1 ratio may lead to the identification of another novel biomarker of sonographic septations and reinforce the detrimental consequence of excessive inhibition of fibrinolysis by PAI-1 in pleural infection.

Pleural Fluid PAI-1 and Sonographic Septations in Pleural Infection: Implications for Patient Outcomes and Biomarker Potential

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Virtual eye care achieved 91.4% management agreement and 95.7% efficiency satisfaction, supporting better access to eye care.

Virtual Ophthalmology Service Shows High Quality and Satisfaction

An optometrist-led Virtual Ophthalmology Service (TVOS) demonstrated high-quality, efficient eye care in a real-world evaluation of 2,629 records from 2020–2023. Management plans showed 91.4% agreement with ophthalmologists, while 88.6% of respondents were satisfied with the service and 95.7% with its efficiency. The findings support virtual eye care as a promising model to improve access and reduce unnecessary in-person consultations

NEUROLOGY

A tailored sleep recovery programme improved sleep duration, quality and insomnia symptoms among night-shift healthcare workers.

Sleep Recovery Intervention Benefits Night-Shift Healthcare Workers

A randomized controlled trial involving 72 emergency healthcare professionals found that a tailored sleep recovery intervention improved sleep health among rotating night-shift workers. Participants receiving personalized sleep–wake feedback and stress management support increased total sleep time by 23 minutes, extended time in bed by 37 minutes, improved perceived sleep quality, and experienced reduced insomnia symptoms. The findings highlight the potential to reduce burnout and improve workplace safety.

UK research links socioeconomic deprivation to retinal ageing, highlighting health inequalities and the need for further studies.

Socioeconomic Deprivation and Retinal Ageing: UK Study

A study involving over 88,000 participants across the UK Biobank and London-based AlzEye cohorts found that socioeconomic deprivation was associated with accelerated retinal ageing. Deep-learning analysis of retinal images showed significant associations in both cohorts, although the link weakened after adjusting for health conditions and demographic factors. The findings highlight the potential of retinal biomarkers in ageing research and the need for further longitudinal studies

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Expert review highlights diagnostic gaps in rare liver neuroendocrine neoplasms and calls for standardized WHO-based reporting.

Rare Liver Neuroendocrine Tumours: Systematic Review Findings

: A PRISMA-based systematic review of rare primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PHNENs) found significant diagnostic uncertainties and historical misclassification. Expert pathology reassessment retained only 28 of 67 potentially eligible studies, identifying 57 likely cases. Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours accounted for 78.9% of cases. Researchers recommend standardized WHO-based terminology, comprehensive diagnostic reporting, and improved clinical and imaging assessments.

New Gujarati aphasia test demonstrates excellent reliability and diagnostic accuracy in a 175-participant validation study

Gujarati Aphasia Test Battery Demonstrates High Reliability

Researchers developed the Aphasia Test Battery in Gujarati (ATB-G), the first standardized assessment tool designed specifically for Gujarati-speaking adults with language impairment following stroke. Tested in 175 participants, the battery demonstrated excellent reliability, with an overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.977, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.9998. The findings support its potential for culturally appropriate aphasia assessment.

UROLOGY

Study of 52 healthy men finds little difference in urinary flow between sitting and standing, with a small difference in flow timing.

Sitting vs Standing Urination: Effects on Urinary Flow

A randomized crossover study of 52 healthy men compared urinary flow while sitting and standing. Researchers found no statistically significant differences in maximum urinary flow rate or total urine volume between the two positions. However, time to maximum flow was slightly longer while standing. The study did not formally establish equivalence between postures, highlighting the need for larger studies, particularly among men with urinary symptoms.

DERMATOLOGY

Individualized surgery and superficial radiotherapy achieved an 88.1% response rate in 42 patients with sternal keloids.

Sternal Keloid Treatment: Surgery and Radiotherapy Outcomes

A retrospective study of 42 patients with sternal keloids found an 88.1% response rate with individualized surgery followed by superficial radiotherapy and adjunctive scar treatments. At 12 months, scar assessment scores improved across all treatment groups, while recurrence occurred in 11.9% of patients. Radiation dermatitis was reported in three patients and resolved with symptomatic management.

DNA aptamers and alginate–agarose hydrogels show promise for fibrosis treatment, but clinical validation remains limited.

DNA Aptamers and Hydrogels for Keloid and Fibrosis Treatment

A systematic review of 16 studies explored DNA aptamers and alginate–agarose hydrogels as emerging strategies for managing fibrosis, including keloids and hypertrophic scars. Aptamers target profibrotic signalling pathways such as TGF-β and IL-6, while hydrogels support local drug retention and controlled release. However, limited clinical evidence and few integrated approaches highlight the need for further research.

Paul Glaucoma Implant shows comparable 12-month outcomes to Ahmed and Baerveldt devices, but evidence remains limited.

Paul Glaucoma Implant vs Ahmed and Baerveldt Devices

A Bayesian network meta-analysis of five comparative studies involving 238 patients found that the Paul Glaucoma Implant (PGI) achieved broadly comparable intraocular pressure and glaucoma medication reductions to the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve and Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant over 12 months. However, evidence certainty was low to very low, highlighting the need for larger randomised trials and longer follow-up.

ENDO-DIABETOLOGY

Front-of-pack warning labels reduce sugar consumption, but their effects on socioeconomic inequalities remain inconsistent.

Front-of-Pack Food Labels and Sugar Consumption Inequality

A systematic review of 10 studies found that front-of-pack food labels, particularly warning labels, reduced sugar consumption at the population level. However, their impact on socioeconomic inequalities was inconsistent, with studies reporting greater benefits among both higher- and lower-income groups. Poor overall study quality highlights the need for robust longitudinal research to assess equitable outcomes.

GYNAECOLOGY - IVF

A study of 10,009 IVF pregnancies links early ultrasound findings with viability and identifies a potential miscarriage threshold.

Early Ultrasound Findings and Miscarriage Risk in IVF Pregnancies

A multicenter study of 10,009 IVF pregnancies found significant differences in early crown–rump length (CRL) measurements between pregnancies that remained viable and those that ended in miscarriage. An empty gestational sac at 47 days or later after embryo transfer showed 100% positive predictive value and specificity for miscarriage in the study cohort. External validation is needed before clinical application.

Zumba improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces body fat in inactive women, although BMI changes are not significant.

Zumba Benefits for Fitness and Body Fat in Inactive Women

A systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials found that Zumba significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness and reduced body fat percentage in physically inactive women. Waist circumference also improved in three reports, while changes in body mass index were not statistically significant. Further research is needed to establish optimal exercise duration and long-term benefits.

Weight loss strategies differently affect gut-derived metabolites, with distinct changes after non-surgical interventions and bariatric surgery.

Weight Loss and Gut Microbiota Metabolites in Obesity

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 67 studies found that weight loss interventions have different effects on gut microbiota-derived metabolites in people with overweight or obesity. Non-surgical interventions reduced trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), while bariatric surgery reduced lipopolysaccharides (LPS) but increased TMAO and secondary bile acids. These findings highlight the complexity of gut microbiota–host interactions.

A meta-analysis finds PAP increases middle ear pressure and may improve eardrum retraction and hearing in selected patients.

Positive Airway Pressure and Ear Health: Middle Ear Pressure and Hearing Outcomes

A systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies found that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy increases middle ear pressure in a dose-dependent manner. At 10 cm H₂O, the pooled mean pressure increase was 51.4 daPa. In patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction and eardrum retraction, continuous PAP use was associated with improved eardrum morphology and a mean hearing-threshold improvement of 7.3 dB HL. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm clinical benefits and guide postoperative care.

An international Delphi study proposes standards for defining and assessing cerebral no-reflow after stroke thrombectomy.

Cerebral No-Reflow After Stroke Thrombectomy: Expert Consensus 2026

An international Delphi study involving 27 experts developed a consensus framework for defining and assessing cerebral no-reflow after endovascular thrombectomy for stroke. Experts agreed that the phenomenon involves successful large-vessel recanalization but impaired microvascular reperfusion. The panel favoured cerebral blood flow and/or volume measurements and assessment within six hours after recanalization. Further validation and standardized quantitative thresholds are needed to improve consistency in clinical research.

Is the Urokinase Plasmino...

Is the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator/Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Ratio a Marker of Sonographic Septations in Pleural Infection?