2.3. Randomization
Patients were randomly assigned to (1) TRE plus BE, (2) TRE alone, or (3) usual care in a ratio of 1:1:1. A random sequence was generated using stratified-block randomization with varying block sizes (6 and 9) and age stratification (i.e., 18–59 years and 60–65 years).A random sequence list was concealed in sequential opaque sealed envelopes.