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Clinical & Research · page 20

New research and findings from open-access journals and the U.S. research agencies.

BMJ Open · Jul 20, 2026

Intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia in major laparoscopic abdominal surgery (IMPACT-Scope): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Introduction Effective perioperative pain management is a cornerstone of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, yet standard opioid-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia often leads to insufficient pain control, excessive adverse reactions and delayed recovery following laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Intrathecal morphine (ITM) has shown promising analgesic efficacy in abdominal and obstetric procedures but high-quality evidence supporting its use in major laparoscopic surgery remains limited. The ITM for postoperative analgesia in major laparoscopic abdominal surgery (IMPACT-Scope) trial…

BMJ Open · Jul 20, 2026

Clinical and cost-effectiveness of the iStep-MS physical activity and sedentary behaviour intervention for managing fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

Introduction Regular physical activity and limiting sedentary behaviour are important aspects in managing multiple sclerosis (MS). Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom in MS, contributing to impairments in activities of daily living and poorer quality of life. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a physical activity and sedentary behaviour intervention, called iStep-MS, for reducing fatigue in people with MS when delivered across the MS care pathway. Methods and analysis This is a multicentre, two-arm randomised controlled superiority trial with embedded economic and process…

BMJ Open · Jul 20, 2026

Mixed-methods evaluation protocol for the Now & Next programme: a codesigned, family-centred peer-led caregiver support programme

Introduction As the rates of child developmental delay and disability (referred onwards as developmental needs) increase globally, so does the number of caregivers caring for a child with developmental needs. It is well known that caring for a child with disability and/or delay leads to many challenges. While historically intervention services have focused on the child, it is increasingly being recognised that a whole family intervention approach is needed to improve both child and caregiver outcomes. The Now & Next programme is a family-centred, peer-led support programme targeted at…

BMJ Open · Jul 20, 2026

Factors affecting first-time expectant mothers communication about contraception and contraceptive use with their sexual partners: a qualitative study in urban Accra, Ghana

Objective To explore the factors that affect communication about contraception and modern contraceptive use among first-time expectant mothers attending antenatal clinics in urban Accra, Ghana. Design A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semistructured guide until data saturation was achieved. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was performed, with data presented as narratives supported by quotes. Setting The study was conducted at one polyclinic in the city of Accra, Ghana. Participants…

PLOS Medicine · Jul 20, 2026

Progress and promise of CAR-T cell treatment in autoimmune diseases

by Jule Bachl, Melanie Hagen, Georg Schett Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing cells bear a great potential for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. While numerous challenges persist, recent technological developments have demonstrated the potential for CAR cells to reset dysfunctional immune systems and transform care for patients with autoimmune disease. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing cells bear a great potential for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this Perspective, Jule Bachl, Melanie Hagen, and George Schett discuss the challenges and potential of recent…

PLOS Medicine · Jul 20, 2026

Assessing spatial transmission risk of respiratory infectious diseases across cities of different socioeconomic tiers in China: A modelling study

by Wenjie Li, Wei Yang, Yang Liu, Ye Yao Background Understanding how respiratory infectious diseases spread across cities of different socioeconomic tiers is crucial for regionally targeted interventions. However, most spatial prediction frameworks neglect the combined influence of urban hierarchy and human mobility in shaping transmission risk. Methods and findings We integrated large-scale intercity mobility data into an agent-based branching process model to simulate the spatial diffusion of respiratory pathogens across mainland China. Three COVID-19 outbreaks were used for validation: the…

Fierce Biotech · Jul 20, 2026

Kolon’s cell-based gene therapy fails phase 3 osteoarthritis trial

A phase 3 trial of Kolon TissueGene’s cell-based gene therapy has missed its co-primary endpoints. With a second late-stage study scheduled to report data in October, the biotech is holding off on determining the next steps for the osteoarthritis candidate.

JAMA Network Open · Jul 20, 2026

Mismatched Unrelated vs Related Donor Transplantation in Blood Cancers

This cohort study of patients with acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes and/or myeloproliferative neoplasms compares clinical outcomes between matched related donor and mismatched unrelated donor transplant in the posttransplant cyclophosphamide era.

JAMA Network Open · Jul 20, 2026

Immune-Enhancing Nutrition and Outcomes After Radical Cystectomy

This randomized clinical trial assesses whether perioperative specialized immunonutrition reduces 30-day complications compared with standard oral isocaloric nutrition support among adults undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

MedCity News · Jul 17, 2026

GSK Drug From $2B Deal Sputters in Phase 3 Test in Chronic Cough

GSK said the mixed Phase 3 results for camlipixant mean this pill “is unlikely to transform patient care” in recurrent chronic cough. GSK is stopping work in this indication, a setback to a program once hoped to yield a new blockbuster product for the company’s respiratory drug portfolio. The post GSK Drug From $2B Deal Sputters in Phase 3 Test in Chronic Cough appeared first on MedCity News .

PLOS Medicine · Jul 17, 2026

Work-family conflict and mental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

by Dongyu Liu, Yanyan Ni, Tiffany S. W. Ma, Xiaoyan Fan, Yongle Zhan, Ivan H. L. Lam, Matthew C. L. Lui, Tarani Chandola, Ichiro Kawachi, Pim Cuijpers, Michael Y. Ni Background Work-family conflict, defined as a type of inter-role conflict where demands from work and family roles are incompatible, is a global public health concern. Cross-sectional studies consistently demonstrate associations between work-family conflict and adverse mental health outcomes. However, longitudinal evidence remains mixed, highlighting the need for a comprehensive synthesis of available data to better understand…

PLOS Medicine · Jul 17, 2026

Long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after vacuum-assisted delivery: A population-based cohort study

by Ida Björk, Jenny Bolk, Gunilla Ajne, Ängla Mantel Background Vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD) is widely used in obstetric care, yet concerns remain regarding potential long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae in offspring, particularly after procedures performed at higher fetal head stations. Evidence on long-term outcomes after VAD remains limited. Given the safety concerns surrounding VAD, we investigated neonatal and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after VAD stratified by fetal head station, using emergency cesarean delivery (ECD) and spontaneous vaginal delivery as reference groups…

BMJ Open · Jul 17, 2026

Local innovations and systemic barriers in stunting reduction: a qualitative analysis of food and social assistance programmes in Indonesia

Introduction Reducing stunting remains a pressing global challenge, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where nutrition insecurity and limited access to health services persist. With its large-scale national social assistance and health programmes, Indonesia offers valuable insights into implementing integrated strategies for stunting prevention. This study examines the substantive elements of food and social assistance interventions as well as the contextual and structural factors that influence their implementation. It also assesses how multisectoral collaboration…

BMJ Open · Jul 17, 2026

Clinicians decision-making about broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing for suspected maternal sepsis during childbirth in the UK: a qualitative study

Objective Sepsis management and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are linked priorities. Early identification and treatment of sepsis with broad-spectrum antibiotics are key to reducing morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate clinicians’ decision-making about broad-spectrum antibiotics for suspected maternal sepsis in women admitted to hospital for childbirth, to identify if, how and why overtreatment may occur. Design Qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted online, transcribed verbatim, coded in MAXQDA and analysed using the thematic Framework Approach. Setting…

BMJ Open · Jul 17, 2026

Evaluating cannabis-nicotine substitution and demand during nicotine cessation treatment in young adults: protocol for a prospective, remote 12-week nicotine cessation trial in the USA

Introduction The co-use of nicotine/tobacco products and cannabis among young adults is prevalent, yet little is known regarding the treatment impact of co-use and the underlying relationship between substances. No prospective treatment studies to date have evaluated the impact of cannabis use on nicotine cessation specifically among young adults, with an emphasis on dual-use substance patterns predicting outcomes. The overall goal of this protocol is to characterise the relationship between nicotine and cannabis and evaluate how patterns of co-use are associated with nicotine cessation…

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