Pain is a multidimensional and highly individualized experience shaped by biological, psychological, and social determinants [...].
Pain is a multidimensional and highly individualized experience shaped by biological, psychological, and social determinants [...].
In the original publication [...].
Purpose: Current pediatric ophthalmology practice relies on adult reference values for optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) interpretation due to limited age-appropriate normative data, potentially leading to diagnostic misclassification. Methods: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study comparing OCT and OCT-A parameters between 37 healthy Caucasian children (1-17 years) and 28 adults (19-65 years) using identical Zeiss CIRRUS protocols. Parameters included peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), macular thickness, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), optic nerve head (ONH) perfusion, and macular vascular density. Results: Children exhibited significantly thinner parafoveal macular thickness compared to adults (251.67 ± 21.32 vs. 270.36 ± 17.02 μm; p < 0.001) while RNFL thickness remained comparable. OCT-A demonstrated higher ONH perfusion in children across multiple sectors (p < 0.001). Within the pediatric cohort, younger children (1-9 years) showed higher macular vessel and perfusion density than older children (10-17 years). All pediatric scans achieved excellent image quality with no exclusions. Conclusions: Clinically significant age-related differences in retinal structure and vasculature necessitate pediatric-specific reference ranges. The demonstrated technical feasibility supports routine OCT/OCT-A implementation in pediatric practice with age-appropriate interpretation guidelines.
In the original publication [...].
Background: Septic shock remains a critical challenge with high mortality, particularly in refractory cases requiring high doses of vasopressors. Hemoadsorption with the oXiris® membrane, capable of simultaneously removing endotoxins, cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), represents a personalized therapeutic strategy targeting the underlying pathophysiology. However, clinical evidence on its impact remains limited and lacks consensus. This study aims to analyze the effects of oXiris® therapy on hemodynamic, inflammatory, and perfusion parameters in a real-world cohort of patients with septic shock. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a tertiary hospital, including 45 adult patients with septic shock treated with continuous renal replacement therapy using the oXiris® membrane for at least 48 h. The institutional protocol involved filter changes at least every 24 h during the first 48 h of therapy. Hemodynamic variables, vasopressor doses, and biochemical markers were collected at baseline (T0), 24 h (T1), and 48 h (T2). The primary objective was to describe the evolution of these parameters. Secondary objectives included analysis of 30-day mortality and identification of prognostic factors. Results: The cohort consisted of 45 patients (80.0% male, median age 71 years), with a predominance of abdominal infectious focus (71.1%). A significant reduction in median norepinephrine requirements was observed from T0 to T2 (p < 0.00001), along with a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p < 0.00001). Key markers of perfusion and inflammation also improved, with a significant decrease in arterial lactate (p < 0.00001) and procalcitonin (p = 0.00082) at 48 h. No significant changes were observed in the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score. The observed mortality rate in the ICU was 31.1%, lower than the median predicted mortality by Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) (37%). Baseline Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), creatinine, arterial lactate, and SOFA score were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: In this cohort of septic shock patients, therapy with oXiris®, applied with a frequent filter exchange protocol, was associated with a significant reduction in vasopressor requirements and an improvement in key hemodynamic, perfusion, and inflammatory markers. The observed ICU mortality was lower than predicted by severity scores. These findings support the role of oXiris® as a personalized adjuvant therapy in specific septic shock phenotypes and underscore the need for prospective randomized trials to confirm these benefits.
Background: Rising obesity rates among young adults increase long-term health risks, especially cardiometabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. Digital interventions can offer scalable solutions to promote and support healthy behaviors by integrating personalized diet, physical activity promotion, and behavioral support. Objective: To assess the feasibility, user friendliness, adherence, and satisfaction of the Healthy Lifestyle Recommender System (HLRS). Secondary outcomes will include measures of metabolic health and obesity. Methods: A 3-month, single-arm pilot study conducted across European countries, including Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, enrolling 351 young adults (18-25 years old, BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m2). The intervention includes a mobile app for meal planning (Nutrida v.1), gamified physical activity encouragement (GameBus), and real-time monitoring via a wearable smartwatch device. Primary outcomes are adherence and engagement, measured through app usage and participant feedback; secondary outcomes include anthropometry, physical activity, dietary patterns, psychological well-being, and selected biomarkers of metabolic health. Expected Outcomes: Improved engagement is expected to enhance lifestyle behaviors, supporting weight management and overall well-being. Findings will guide future large-scale interventions. Conclusions: This study will contribute to minimizing the impact of obesity in Europe.
Objectives: The main aim was to evaluate the origin and empirical support of the current diagnostic criteria for (hypo)manic and depressive episodes in BD focusing on their nosological (i.e., is it a real entity?) and diagnostic validity (i.e., how well do the criteria for the category portray the entity?). Methods: A narrative review of relevant textbooks/reports and articles published in peer-reviewed English-language journals (from the online databases PubMed and PsycInfo), covering the period 1900-2024 and using the terms "validity" OR "diagnosis" AND "manic-depressive"; "mania"; "hypomania"; "depression"; and "melancholia" was performed. Results: Mania appears to be a valid construct in nosological terms, although its validity in the diagnostic domain requires further research. There are scant and controversial empirical data on the nosological validity of separating hypomania from mania as different episodes. The current concept of bipolar depression combines different forms of episodes (melancholic and non-melancholic, with or without psychosis, recurrent or not) without conclusive evidence that all of them are necessarily part of the illness (i.e., limited nosological validity). Conclusions: The validity of the current definition of BD is limited and should be the focus of future research. A valid definition of BD would improve our ability to understand the pathophysiological basis of the illness and contribute to more tailored therapeutic approaches.
Background: The Canadian HIV Cure Enterprise (CanCURE) is a pan-Canadian research collaboratory, investigating approaches for achieving sustainable HIV remission. In preparation for the next research cycle, CanCURE researchers and the Community Advisory Board (CAB) co-designed a web-based survey to identify HIV research priorities from the perspective of people with HIV (PWH) in Canada. The current study examined gender-based differences in these priorities. Methods: From August to December 2024, we recruited PWH across Canada through community organizations and community members. We collected data using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. The survey included 36 demographic questions, 16 questions related to general knowledge about HIV and HIV cure-related concepts, and 21 questions ranking research priorities. Knowledge questions were multiple choice, while priorities could be ranked on a scale. We summarized participant characteristics via descriptive statistics, and the research priorities were further stratified according to gender. Results: Of 109 participants, 48.6% self-identified as men, 46.8% as women, and 4.6% as two-spirit, non-binary, agender, or other. The median age was 53 years old. Approximately one-third of participants had lived with HIV for ≤14 years, one-third for 15-24 years, and one-third for ≥25 years. Overall, the median knowledge score of respondents was 79%. Among the 78 participants with prior HIV research experience, three times as many men (61.1%) as women (19.0%) participated in interventional studies involving medication or medical procedures. Men ranked preventing HIV transmission to partners as a priority, studying where the virus hides as the second, and avoiding high comorbidity risks as the third. In contrast, women ranked not having to take pills daily as a priority and avoiding higher risks for comorbidities as the second priority. Both genders equally valued expanding community involvement in HIV cure research. However, men focused more on integrating social and behavioural research, while women emphasized the need for diverse ethnic representation in research. Conclusions: Although both men and women share some common priorities regarding HIV cure research, there are notable gender differences in their specific concerns. Furthermore, a significant gender gap in participation in interventional studies, essential for advancing HIV cure research, highlights the importance of aligning research priorities with concerns of both genders.
Gene therapy represents a transformative frontier in ophthalmology, offering the potential to address inherited and acquired retinal diseases at their genetic origin rather than through symptomatic management. By introducing exogenous genetic material to restore or modulate gene expression, gene therapy aims to preserve or even restore vision in patients with mutations that disrupt normal retinal function. The eye's small, compartmentalized structure, relative immune privilege, and direct accessibility through subretinal or intravitreal routes make it an ideal target for localized delivery with minimal systemic exposure. The approval of voretigene neparvovec-rzyl for RPE65-mediated retinal dystrophy marked a pivotal milestone, establishing proof of concept for durable and safe gene replacement therapy. Looking ahead, continued refinements in vector design, CRISPR-based editing strategies, and delivery platforms are expected to expand the therapeutic reach of gene therapy beyond monogenic disorders. With multiple early-phase clinical trials underway for inherited and acquired retinal diseases, the coming decade is poised to bring broader applicability, improved durability, and more accessible gene-based treatments across the spectrum of retinal pathology.
Background/Objectives: Unplanned readmission to the surgical intensive care unit (UR-SICU) is a serious adverse event linked to higher morbidity, prolonged stay, and increased mortality. Most evidence derives from mixed ICUs, limiting applicability to surgical cohorts. We aimed to identify risk factors for UR-SICU and assess their impact on outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adults admitted to a 20-bed SICU in a tertiary hospital between June 2021 and December 2022 after non-cardiac surgery (elective, urgent, trauma, or liver transplantation). Patients dying during the first SICU stay or transferred to another ICU were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, severity scores, treatments, and complications were recorded. Logistic regression identified predictors. Kaplan-Meier curves analyzed survival. Results: Among 1361 patients, 82 (6.4%) required UR-SICU. Half were surgical (mainly hemorrhage and sepsis), while respiratory and infectious complications predominated among medical readmissions. Independent predictors for UR-SICU were age (OR 1.03/year; p = 0.002), active malignancy (OR 1.79; p = 0.012), and delirium during the first SICU stay (OR 1.86; p = 0.030). UR-SICU patients had longer hospital stays [46 vs. 13 days; p < 0.001] and higher hospital mortality (27.1% vs. 1.48%; OR 24.68; p < 0.001). Mortality remained higher at 6 months (33.3% vs. 7.1%) and 1 year (42.3% vs. 11.1%). Conclusions: UR-SICU occurred in 6.4% of patients and was independently associated with age, malignancy, and delirium. Readmission was strongly linked to prolonged hospitalization and increased short- and long-term mortality. Early recognition of high-risk patients and targeted, personalized preventive strategies may help reduce avoidable readmissions.

