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Posts by Babs Ruiz

Our paper is (finally) out in @cp-cellrepmed.bsky.social: antibodies from #LongCOVID patients transfer symptoms to mice, pointing to a potential causal role for autoimmunity: www.cell.com/cell-reports... @amsterdamumc.bsky.social @umcutrecht.bsky.social 1/12

3 weeks ago 63 25 4 6
3 Conclusion
This short analysis shows that there are many issues with the meta-analysis by Kolala et al. (1) and the studies in it. The meta-analysis was set up to examine whether non-protocol-based CBT was effective for ME/CFS in studies that did not use the Oxford criteria. Nevertheless, two of the included studies used these criteria, and none of the included studies examined non-protocol-based CBT. Moreover, PEM, the main characteristic of the disease, was not required for diagnosis in any of the included studies.

Kolala et al. concluded that CBT was not effective, but then used two post-hoc analyses to state that individual face-to-face CBT was effective for fatigue and that self-directed CBT was effective for physical functioning. However, even after those treatments, patients remained severely ill and severely disabled. Also, quality of life, which was one of the two objectives according to the registration of the meta-analysis, did not improve. Different forms of CBT did not lead to objective improvement, and an extensive review of the literature found that CBT has a negative instead of a positive effect on work and illness benefit status (30).

Only one study was deemed to be high risk of bias by Kolala et al. (1). Nevertheless, all studies were non-blinded studies that relied on subjective primary outcomes. Ten of the 12 studies used passive control groups, and a systematic review by Fordham et al. (25) found that the effect size of CBT is trivial if studies use an active control group instead of a passive control group. Adherence to treatment was bad, dropout was high, and studies used selective reporting of objective outcomes. Consequently, the risk of bias in the included studies was high.

In conclusion, our analysis confirms the conclusion by NICE (3) that the quality of CBT studies is (very) low and that CBT, irrespective of the form that is used, is not an effective treatment for ME/CFS.

3 Conclusion This short analysis shows that there are many issues with the meta-analysis by Kolala et al. (1) and the studies in it. The meta-analysis was set up to examine whether non-protocol-based CBT was effective for ME/CFS in studies that did not use the Oxford criteria. Nevertheless, two of the included studies used these criteria, and none of the included studies examined non-protocol-based CBT. Moreover, PEM, the main characteristic of the disease, was not required for diagnosis in any of the included studies. Kolala et al. concluded that CBT was not effective, but then used two post-hoc analyses to state that individual face-to-face CBT was effective for fatigue and that self-directed CBT was effective for physical functioning. However, even after those treatments, patients remained severely ill and severely disabled. Also, quality of life, which was one of the two objectives according to the registration of the meta-analysis, did not improve. Different forms of CBT did not lead to objective improvement, and an extensive review of the literature found that CBT has a negative instead of a positive effect on work and illness benefit status (30). Only one study was deemed to be high risk of bias by Kolala et al. (1). Nevertheless, all studies were non-blinded studies that relied on subjective primary outcomes. Ten of the 12 studies used passive control groups, and a systematic review by Fordham et al. (25) found that the effect size of CBT is trivial if studies use an active control group instead of a passive control group. Adherence to treatment was bad, dropout was high, and studies used selective reporting of objective outcomes. Consequently, the risk of bias in the included studies was high. In conclusion, our analysis confirms the conclusion by NICE (3) that the quality of CBT studies is (very) low and that CBT, irrespective of the form that is used, is not an effective treatment for ME/CFS.

New:
Well done yet again to Mark Vink @huisarts-vink.bsky.social who is bedbound with ME)

"Commentary: Cognitive behavioural therapy for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome in adults: a short analysis of the meta-analysis"

www.frontiersin.org/journals/psy...

#MEcfs #PwME

3 weeks ago 26 12 1 1
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ME/CFS: Ein Leben im Dunkeln Frauen erkranken dreimal häufiger an ME/CFS als Männer. Wie sieht ein Leben mit der Erkrankung aus? BRIGITTE hat mit Betroffenen, Angehörigen und Experten gesprochen.

www.brigitte.de/gesund/mecfs

Het Duitse vrouwenblad Brigitte, een mainstream publicatie met een grote oplage, heeft een speciale editie over ME/CVS gepubliceerd.

Diverse onderwepen.
Tip: google translate

2 months ago 1 0 0 0
Zwart wit foto van minister VWS bij PAIS debat. ‘En de jonge dame die het had geïnitieerd en georganiseerd, kon er ook niet bij zijn.

‘En de minister die iets kan doen om de situatie voor honderdduizenden patiënten te verbeteren, besluit dat niet te doen.’

Zwart wit foto van minister VWS bij PAIS debat. ‘En de jonge dame die het had geïnitieerd en georganiseerd, kon er ook niet bij zijn. ‘En de minister die iets kan doen om de situatie voor honderdduizenden patiënten te verbeteren, besluit dat niet te doen.’

Wat doet hij ontzettend veel hè voor patiënten, hij is zelfs naar het Malieveld geweest! 🏆 Lijkt wel alsof hij daar nog een keer heen zou willen!

2 months ago 14 5 2 1
An infographic titled "LATEST RESEARCH" and "TRPM3 DYSFUNCTION CONFIRMED." It features a 3D medical illustration of a cell membrane with an ion channel. Below the image, text reads: "A large, multi-site electrophysiology study confirms significant TRPM3 ion channel dysfunction in natural killer cells from people with ME/CFS, independent of laboratory site, strengthening evidence for a biological pathomechanism and supporting TRPM3 as a reproducible diagnostic biomarker." The source is cited as Sasso et al, 2025, Frontiers. The bottom of the graphic includes the Long COVID Advocacy logo.

An infographic titled "LATEST RESEARCH" and "TRPM3 DYSFUNCTION CONFIRMED." It features a 3D medical illustration of a cell membrane with an ion channel. Below the image, text reads: "A large, multi-site electrophysiology study confirms significant TRPM3 ion channel dysfunction in natural killer cells from people with ME/CFS, independent of laboratory site, strengthening evidence for a biological pathomechanism and supporting TRPM3 as a reproducible diagnostic biomarker." The source is cited as Sasso et al, 2025, Frontiers. The bottom of the graphic includes the Long COVID Advocacy logo.

The TRPM3 ion channel is a protein in cell membranes that allows calcium & other ions to flow into cells.

The significance in ME is that its function is reduced in natural killer cells. This can impair immune cell activity.

An important clue in the biology & a possible biomarker.

🖇️👇

3 months ago 22 7 1 0

JAMA: COVID-19 infection in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in early childhood.

We were warned about maternal immune activation YEARS ago.

Clean air, masking, and prevention were never “overreactions.” They were child-protection.

They still are.

3 months ago 182 75 3 3
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𝗢𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗲𝗽 𝘃𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗘

De redactie van de Lees ME ontving een vraag van een bedlegerige ME-patiënte.

Zij is op zoek naar een leuke hobby die liggend, op met wat kussens in de rug (15-30 graden overeind) kan doen. Ze heeft erg weinig energie en geen vaardigheden met hobby’s.

3 months ago 2 1 2 0
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Nigel Speight
Nigel SpeightNigel Speight
 • 1st1st
Paediatrician at 'Self-Employed'Paediatrician at 'Self-Employed'
4h •  4 hours ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

Re the discussion on Child Abuse and our current failings as a society, could I add an observation from a different angle? 
Over recent years I have been involved in protecting over 200 innocent families from the child abuse machinery 
Most of the families had children with ME or long Covid
Their paediatricians had failed to protect them by making a firm enough diagnosis and they had then been accused of FII
Apart from the distress to the families this has involved an enormous waste of resources especially on the part of social services 
I have often felt like exclaiming at a case conference, “ don’t you have any real abuse in this area?”
It seems that some social service departments are allowing these cases to work as a diversion from the challenge of confronting real abuse
These cases seem to be increasingly common ever since our college endorsed (unwisely in my opinion) the wider definition of FII which includes MUS and PP

Nigel Speight Nigel SpeightNigel Speight • 1st1st Paediatrician at 'Self-Employed'Paediatrician at 'Self-Employed' 4h • 4 hours ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn Re the discussion on Child Abuse and our current failings as a society, could I add an observation from a different angle? Over recent years I have been involved in protecting over 200 innocent families from the child abuse machinery Most of the families had children with ME or long Covid Their paediatricians had failed to protect them by making a firm enough diagnosis and they had then been accused of FII Apart from the distress to the families this has involved an enormous waste of resources especially on the part of social services I have often felt like exclaiming at a case conference, “ don’t you have any real abuse in this area?” It seems that some social service departments are allowing these cases to work as a diversion from the challenge of confronting real abuse These cases seem to be increasingly common ever since our college endorsed (unwisely in my opinion) the wider definition of FII which includes MUS and PP

Comment today from Dr Nigel Speight

#MEcfs #CFS #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #LongCovid #LongCovidKids #LCKids

3 months ago 21 12 1 0
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VERS VAN DE ‘PAIS’ PERS 🟦FACTSHEET MCAS

🟥 na de PEM en POTS factsheets

🟧 wie bij het begeleiden en beoordelen van Longcovid en andere PAIS-patiënten geen kennis heeft van PEM en POTS, die is eigenlijk ‘af’
🟧 binnen afzienbare tijd geldt dit ook voor MCAS

✔️ dank aan C-support
✔️ spread the word!

3 months ago 18 6 1 0
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www.linda.nl/lifestyle/ge...

3 months ago 11 6 0 1
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Webinar Meer dan vermoeidheid: wat CVS/ME echt betekent | Voices for Women Tijdens de Our Voices Online webinars gaat Mariette Reineke van Voices for Women in gesprek met ervaringsdeskundigen en medische experts en professionals ov ...

Met Jojanneke Kant is huisarts in Den Haag.

Meld je aan voor deze gratis webinar via
voicesforwomen.nl/agenda/webin...

2/2

3 months ago 0 0 0 0
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Webinar Meer dan vermoeidheid: wat CVS/ME echt betekent | Voices for Women Tijdens de Our Voices Online webinars gaat Mariette Reineke van Voices for Women in gesprek met ervaringsdeskundigen en medische experts en professionals ov ...

Van Voices for Women

Het eerste (gratis) webinar van 2026 heeft als onderwerp:

Meer dan vermoeidheid: wat CVS/ME echt betekent.

Datum: maandag 12 januari
Tijd: 19:30 – 20:30 uur

1/

3 months ago 0 0 1 0

Thats odd indeed. You would indeed see more improvement when one can pace. (Negative role for poverty there)
And also one would see the more severely affected a patient is, the more inactive they would be (Pem).
Not much help when data is so open to interpretation

3 months ago 0 0 0 0

I don't understand the findings?
"This study showed that patients with long COVID could remain MVPA-active despite experiencing symptoms."
And I do not see PEM mentioned?
Cc.
@sunsopeningband.bsky.social

3 months ago 2 0 2 0

@weeklyshowpodcast.bsky.social

You should get @putrinolab.bsky.social, @zalaly.bsky.social, @michaelpelusomd.bsky.social and @virusesimmunity.bsky.social

- together over two shows- they will share evidence about recurrent Covid, lack of sustained immunity either with vaccine or infection!

3 months ago 10 3 0 5

Respectfully Jon Stewart, you were wrong on the @weeklyshowpodcast.bsky.social to mock people who mask. ICYMI: there are tens of millions of Americans who have been disabled by #LongCOVID and must do everything in their power to prevent further infections that make them vulnerable to further
1/

3 months ago 500 154 16 17

"Een leven vol waterpolotrainingen, scoutingkampen en boswandelingen heeft plaatsgemaakt voor thuiszitten van school, een rolstoel, dagen liggend op de bank."

Zonder Paywall
archive.ph/zd0wN

4 months ago 2 0 0 0
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Er is alle reden om te denken dat artsen bij PAIS nog niet goed weten waar ze het moeten zoeken

Mooie column van Asha ten Broeke uit de Volkskrant. Ze reageert op een column van Bert Keizer onlangs in Trouw.

Haar jongste dochter heeft Long Covid met POTS.

www.volkskrant.nl/columns-opin...

4 months ago 5 1 1 0
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Enhanced understanding of the biologic basis for ME/CFS
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

4 months ago 93 34 1 2
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𝗘-𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗦, nu met extra info over kinderen

Huisarts Jojanneke Kant, ook bekend als de vragendokter, heeft een geaccrediteerde online cursus ontwikkeld over PAIS zoals ME/cvs. Zowel voor zorgverleners als patiënten:
www.devragendokter.nl/scholingen

4 months ago 8 5 0 0

We stand in solidarity with our Dutch friends at today’s PAIS protest in Den Haag. We ask our friends in the Dutch #LongCovid and #mecfs communities to support this powerful call for recognition and action

4 months ago 26 8 2 1
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Wat kunnen we wél aan ziektes als ME/CVS doen? De ziekte van Tess van Brakel is niet alleen ongeneeslijk, maar ook onbegrepen. Terwijl buiten het leven doorgaat, ligt zij in bed, gegijzeld door haar ziekte. Haar huisarts kan ‘niets voor haar doen’...

🟦 HET LAATSTE RESTJE LICHAAM🟥 LET OOK OP HET PAIS PROTEST VANDAAG

🔲 Terwijl buiten het leven doorgaat, ligt Tess in bed, gegijzeld door haar ziekte. Haar huisarts kan ‘niets voor haar doen’ en dat was het dan.

🔲 Een bijzonder artikel over het (over)leven met ME

www.groene.nl/artikel/het-...

4 months ago 12 7 0 0
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Sfeerimpressie

#NietHersteld #PAISProtest

Beeld: Sem Spruijt

4 months ago 11 5 0 0
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Guus Liebrand aan het woord...(foto: Lizzy Smits)

Een woord van dank aan #NietHersteld en Guus die echt een wonder hebben verricht door zoveel mensen fysiek op de been te krijgen en online thuis mee te laten demonstreren.

Diep buiging!

Overige foto's: Yvonne Smits

#PAISProtets #NietHersteld

4 months ago 21 6 3 0
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Some photos from the #PAISProtest now happening at the Malieveld in The Hague.

Looks like a nice crowd has gathered.

4 months ago 47 16 2 4
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Vandaag vanaf de bank erbij. PAISprotest,

4 months ago 11 5 0 0
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Graphic waar staat ‘route beschrijving’ met daaronder een plaatje van een kaart en ‘alle info is nu te vinden op onze website!’

Graphic waar staat ‘route beschrijving’ met daaronder een plaatje van een kaart en ‘alle info is nu te vinden op onze website!’

Je route uitstippelen naar het Malieveld? Alle informatie staat nu online!

We hebben alles voor je verzameld in één duidelijk overzicht. Bekijk hier alle reisinformatie: www.hetpaisprotest.nl/faq

We kijken ernaar uit je te zondag op het Malieveld te zien ✊✊

#NietHersteld #PAIS

4 months ago 11 7 0 0

Mooi artikel is gister uitgekomen over POTS en PEM en de samenhang ertussen.

Speciaal voor huisarts. Geschreven door dokters van Platform voor artsen met post acute Infectie ziekte Nederland en C-Support.

www.c-support.nu/wp-content/u...

5 months ago 8 4 1 0
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COVID in pregnancy raises child’s risk for developmental disorders — Harvard Gazette Infection poses greatest threat during third trimester, according to study analyzing more than 18,000 births during pandemic peak.

news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...

5 months ago 0 0 1 0
LONG COVID IS REAL - AND IT'S CHANGING AN ENTIRE GENERATION
Hundreds of thousands of kids in America are struggling with an illness that many doctors and schools refuse to recognize
By ELI CAHAN

LONG COVID IS REAL - AND IT'S CHANGING AN ENTIRE GENERATION Hundreds of thousands of kids in America are struggling with an illness that many doctors and schools refuse to recognize By ELI CAHAN

LONG COVID IST REAL – UND VERÄNDERT EINE GANZE GENERATION

Etwa 5,8 Millionen Kinder in Amerika kämpfen mit einer Krankheit, die viele Ärzte und Schulen nicht anerkennen wollen.

archive.ph/2025.10.16-1...

www.scientificamerican.com/article/long...

jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...

6 months ago 150 63 3 3