Patch Test for Hair Care Products Helps Identify Allergens, suggests study

Researchers in China have developed a specialized patch test for hair care products to identify allergens in patients experiencing hair loss, such as those with alopecia areata. This test supports personalized management and treatment strategies.

Hair loss significantly impacts an individual’s appearance, self-confidence, quality of life, and social competitiveness. Over 250 million people in China suffer from hair loss, accounting for 18% of the population. To ensure the safe selection of topical hair products for hair loss patients, reduce the risks of allergies and irritation, and improve clinical efficacy and adherence, we developed a hair patch test based on clinical needs. In this study, we explored the allergic situation of hair diseases through the test of patch products, which provided a strong basis for clinical personalized treatment. They designed a hair patch test to screen for allergens that are highly associated with hair diseases. The experiment is based on screening of haptens and drugs commonly encountered by hair and scalp, covering hair dyes, scalp care products, and therapeutic drugs. The research subjects are patients diagnosed with hair related diseases (such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, etc.), ensuring that the samples are targeted. The allergen patch is fixed on the surface of the skin, with a contact time of 48 h, followed by recording and evaluating local skin reactions within 72 h. The experiment aims to identify allergens that may cause or exacerbate hair diseases, providing a basis for the etiology research and treatment of related diseases. Results: Common allergens in daily hair care products include dodecyl polyglucoside (10.2% positivity rate) and Balsam of Peru (8.67% positivity rate). Cobalt chloride (56.63% positivity rate) and nickel sulfate (32.65% positivity rate) were prevalent metal semiallergens. The positive rates of 5% minoxidil liniment were 22.96%, and the positive rate of 5% minoxidil tincture was 27.04%, indicating significant sensitization potential. Lowering minoxidil liniment concentration to 2% reduced positivity to 4.08%. The positive rate of Hasonide solution mixed with 5% minoxidil tincture was 16.33%, while Hasinide solution and 5% minoxidil liniment were not positive, suggesting that the addition of both Hasonide solution could reduce the sensitization of 5% minoxidil tincture and minoxidil liniment. The increasing prevalence of hair disorders necessitates personalized treatment approaches. This study demonstrated the utility of patch testing with hair care products to investigate allergenic reactions, offering robust evidence for tailored clinical interventions. Future research should refine patch testing methodologies to better simulate real-world conditions and conduct larger-scale studies to optimize therapeutic strategies.

Reference:

Feng, C., Wang, Y., Yang, D. and Shen, H. (2025), Analysis of Common Treatment Drugs and Allergen Sensitization in Hair Loss Patients. J Cosmet Dermatol, 24: e16798. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16798

Keywords:

Patch Test, Hair, Care, Products, Helps, Identify, Allergens, suggests, study, Feng, C., Wang, Y., Yang, D. and Shen, H.

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Complications following prehospital intraosseous cannulation very rare, suggests study

Recent study investigated long-term complications associated with prehospital intraosseous cannulation following European Resuscitation Council guidelines. The study focused on the risk of complications such as osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, or compartment syndrome. Data from Danish health registries were analyzed for patients who underwent prehospital intraosseous cannulation from January 2016 to December 2019. Of the 5,387 patients who received intraosseous access, 375 were lost to follow-up. Long-term complications were rare, occurring in less than 0.1% of cases. No cases of complications were reported in children, and less than five adults experienced complications, none of which appeared later than 175 days post-cannulation.

Data Sources and Analysis

The study encompassed a population of almost six million individuals over four years, utilizing nationwide health registers to link individual-level data. Data sources included the Prehospital Patient Record system, Danish National Patient Registry, and Civil Personal Registry. Results indicated no correlation between sex, diagnosis, or drug administration and the development of long-term complications. The most commonly administered drugs via intraosseous access were adrenaline, fentanyl, sodium chloride, and others.

Study Limitations

Potential limitations of the study included non-standardized data, incomplete registration of IO access, and diagnoses, leading to potential underestimation of cannulations and complications. The study design enabled only associations, not causality. The follow-up period of 180 days may have limited detection of certain complications, and reliance on diagnostic codes in the Danish National Patient Registry could impact accuracy.

Conclusion and Implications

Overall, the study concluded that complications following prehospital intraosseous cannulation are very rare, indicating the safety of the procedure across age groups. The findings are essential for healthcare professionals involved in IO access and may help alleviate reluctance in its use due to perceived complications. The study’s strengths lie in its nationwide scope, data linkage, and large sample size, providing valuable insights into long-term complications associated with prehospital intraosseous cannulation.

Key Points

– The study focused on long-term complications associated with prehospital intraosseous cannulation following European Resuscitation Council guidelines, analyzing data from Danish health registries for patients from 2016 to 2019.

– Of the 5,387 patients who received intraosseous access, less than 0.1% experienced rare long-term complications such as osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, or compartment syndrome, with no reported cases in children and fewer than five cases in adults.

– Data analysis did not find any correlation between sex, diagnosis, or drug administration and the development of long-term complications following intraosseous cannulation. – The most commonly administered drugs through intraosseous access were adrenaline, fentanyl, sodium chloride, and others, indicating the widespread use of this method for drug delivery.

– Study limitations included non-standardized data, incomplete registration of intraosseous access and diagnoses, limitations on detecting certain complications within the 180-day follow-up period, and potential accuracy issues with diagnostic codes in the Danish National Patient Registry.

– The study’s nationwide scope, large sample size, and data linkage allowed for valuable insights into the safety of prehospital intraosseous cannulation, emphasizing the rarity of complications and advocating for its continued use in emergency medical situations.

Reference –

L. B. Petersen et al. (2024). An Assessment Of Long-Term Complications Following Prehospital Intraosseous Access: A Nationwide Study.. *Resuscitation*, 110454 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110454.

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Tattoos may be linked to increased risk of cancer, reveals research

People often put a lot of thought into getting a tattoo. But there’s one thing most people forget to think about-what impact the tattoo might have on their health in the long run. What happens to the ink once it’s in your skin? Does it all stay in the skin where it’s visible, or does it travel further into the body?

Research has shown that tattoo ink does not just remain where it is injected. Particles from the ink can migrate to the lymph nodes, where they accumulate.

Researchers from the Department of Public Health and the Department of Clinical Research at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), together with the University of Helsinki, have investigated whether this could have health consequences. Using data from Danish twin pairs, they found that tattooed individuals are more frequently diagnosed with skin and lymphoma cancers compared to those without tattoos.

Ink particles in the body may affect the immune system

The lymph nodes are a crucial part of the immune system, helping to fight infections and filter harmful substances from the body.

When tattoo ink penetrates the skin, some of it is absorbed into the lymph nodes. The researchers are particularly concerned that tattoo ink may trigger chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes, which over time could lead to abnormal cell growth and an increased risk of cancer.

– We can see that ink particles accumulate in the lymph nodes, and we suspect that the body perceives them as foreign substances, explains Henrik Frederiksen, consultant in haematology at Odense University Hospital and clinical professor at SDU.

– This may mean that the immune system is constantly trying to respond to the ink, and we do not yet know whether this persistent strain could weaken the function of the lymph nodes or have other health consequences.

Studying this link is challenging because cancer can take years to develop. This means that exposure in youth may not lead to illness until decades later, making it difficult to measure a direct effect.

Twin data provides a unique opportunity to study the link

The study is based on data from the Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort, where researchers have information from more than 5,900 Danish twins. By analysing tattoo patterns alongside cancer diagnoses, they found a higher occurrence of both skin and lymphoma cancers in tattooed individuals.

– The unique aspect of our approach is that we can compare twin pairs where one has cancer, but they otherwise share many genetic and environmental factors, says Jacob von Bornemann Hjelmborg, professor of biostatistics at SDU.

– This provides us with a stronger method for investigating whether tattoos themselves may influence cancer risk.

The size of tattoos matters

The results show that the link between tattoos and cancer is most evident in those with large tattoos – defined as bigger than a palm.

For lymphoma, the rate is nearly three times higher for the group of individuals with large tattoos compared to those without tattoos. This rate (more specifically, ‘hazard rate’) accounts for age, the timing of the tattoo, and how long the individuals have been followed in the study.

– This suggests that the bigger the tattoo and the longer it has been there, the more ink accumulates in the lymph nodes. The extent of the impact on the immune system should be further investigated so that we can better understand the mechanisms at play, says Signe Bedsted Clemmensen, assistant professor of biostatistics at SDU.

Another study from the Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort shows that tattoos are becoming increasingly common. Researchers estimate that four in ten women and three in ten men will have tattoos by the age of 25.

The link to lymphoma has also been observed in an independent Swedish study from 2024.

Are some ink colours worse than others?

Previous research has suggested that certain pigments in tattoo ink may be more problematic than others.

– In our study, we do not see a clear link between cancer occurrence and specific ink colours, but this does not mean that colour is irrelevant. We know from other studies that ink can contain potentially harmful substances, and for example, red ink more often causes allergic reactions. This is an area we would like to explore further, says Signe Bedsted Clemmensen.

What are the next steps?

The researchers now plan to investigate how ink particles affect the function of lymph nodes at a molecular level and whether certain types of lymphoma are more linked to tattoos than others.

– We want to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms-what happens in the lymph nodes when they are exposed to ink particles over decades? This can help us assess whether there is a real health risk and what we might do to reduce it, concludes Signe Bedsted Clemmensen.

Reference:

Clemmensen, S.B., Mengel-From, J., Kaprio, J. et al. Tattoo ink exposure is associated with lymphoma and skin cancers – a Danish study of twins. BMC Public Health 25, 170 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21413-3

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Iron Deficiency Linked to Kidney Failure, Mortality, and Heart Failure in CKD patients: Study

A new study has demonstrated that iron deficiency (ID) is significantly associated with an increased risk of kidney failure, all-cause mortality, and heart failure, regardless of the presence of anemia.

Iron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) but remains underdiagnosed and its prognosis poorly documented in the absence of anemia. The study aimed to assess the relationship between ID and the risk of major adverse outcomes in patients with CKD. Using data from the French Chronic Kidney Disease – Renal Epidemiology and Information Network (CKD-REIN) cohort which included and followed over five years, 3,033 patients with CKD stages 2 to 5 CKD, we estimated the prevalence of ID, defined by a ferritin level < 100 μg/L and/or a transferrin saturation < 20%, and associated hazard ratios (HR) of kidney failure with replacement therapy, kidney failure defined by an eGFR < 15 mL/min per 1.73 m2 or initiation of kidney replacement therapy, all-cause mortality, and death or hospitalization for heart failure. Results: Baseline prevalence of ID in the cohort (66% men; mean age 67 ± 13 years) was 50% (48-52). Mean hemoglobin was 13 ± 1.7 g/dL, and only 31% of patients with ID also had a hemoglobin < 12 g/dL. In 2,803 patients with CKD stages 2-4 at baseline, ID was associated with a significantly increased risk of kidney failure, and of kidney failure with replacement therapy, with HRs adjusted for confounders and hemoglobin level of 1.22 (1.03-1.45) and 1.57 (1.27-1.94), respectively. Adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality and hospitalization or death for heart failure, were 1.31 (1.04-1.66) and 1.38 (1.07-1.80), respectively. This study shows that ID is significantly associated with the risk for kidney failure, all-cause mortality, and heart failure, independent of the presence of anaemia.

Reference:

Choukroun, Gabriel, et al. “Association Between Iron Deficiency and Risk of Major Events in Chronic Kidney Disease.” Nephrologie & Therapeutique, vol. 20, no. 6, 2024, pp. 553-563.

Keywords:

Iron, Deficiency, Linked, Kidney, Failure, Mortality, Heart, Failure, CKD patients, Study, Choukroun, Gabriel

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Postoperative Chylous Ascites in Gynecological Malignancies: Case report

Chylous ascites (CA) is a rare condition caused by
disruption of the lymphatic system, with the accumulation of milky
triglyceride-rich chyle in the peritoneal cavity. Multiple etiologies have been
reported, including traumatic, congenital, infectious, neoplastic,
postoperative, cirrhotic, or cardiogenic.

The symptoms of CA are nonspecific. The most typical feature
is abdominal distention, followed by indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. The
severity depends on the amount of ascitic fluid and its accumulation rate, as
well as the patient’s health condition. Serious cases of peritonitis and ileus
have also been reported. In some cases, deterioration with environmental
disturbances and immunological dysfunctions have also been reported. Treatment
strategies for postoperative CA are broadly divided into two categories,
namely, conservative management (dietary restriction and medical therapy) and
surgery. Conservative management, which aimed to reduce the production of chyle
and promote closure of the fistula, is successful in most cases. Surgical
intervention is usually performed following unsuccessful conservative
management.

Postoperative CA is infrequent after gynecological surgery.
Most available studies are case reports. Experience in the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of postoperative CA is lacking. Here, authors
described two cases of postoperative CA following gynecological surgeries and
reviewed the relevant articles on patients with gynecological malignancies and
postoperative CA. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of CA
after gynecological surgery and to determine the potential factors associated
with its prognosis.

Authors reported two cases of postoperative CA following
gynecological surgery and reviewed the clinical features of 140 patients from
16 relevant papers. Patients’ clinicopathological characteristics, surgical
approach, and management were summarized. The onset and resolution times of
postoperative CA in different groups were analyzed separately.

The two patients in our report had recovery after
conservative treatments. According to the literature review, the median time of
onset of postoperative CA was 5 days (range, 0–75 days) after surgery. The
median resolution time was 9 days (range, 2–90 days). Among patients, 87.14% of
them had lymphadenectomy during gynecological surgeries, while 92.86% of the
patients had resolution after conservative treatments.

The current study consists of two parts. First, authors
reported two cases of postoperative CA caused by gynecological surgeries and
described our experience with successful conservative treatment. Then, they
reviewed 16 studies that included 140 patients with postoperative CA.
Lymphadenectomy during surgery may be relevant to the occurrence of
postoperative CA. Once diagnosed, conservative management could be the initial
choice for postoperative CA treatment, and most patients could get resolution
from it.

Source: Xin Tan et al.; Wiley Obstetrics and Gynecology
International Volume 2024, Article ID 1810634, 12 pages

https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1810634

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Prophylactic antibiotics in children undergoing cholecystectomy may reduced SSIs risk, suggests research

A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that prophylactic antimicrobial decreased in surgical site infections (SSIs) in children having cholecystectomy. However, extended-spectrum antibiotic use was not required to maximize results in this group of children.

The Infectious Disease Society of America’s consensus recommendations, which were developed only from the adult surgical population, advise against the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in the operational treatment of uncomplicated cholelithiasis. Thereby, to examine the surgical site infection (SSI) consequences of children after cholecystectomy who got prophylaxis with those who did not, Kerri McKie and team carried out this study.

Data from 141 institutions taking part in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were used in this cohort research. This study identified patients under the age of 18 who had cholecystectomy for simple cholelithiasis between January 2021 and December 2022. Diagnoses of acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, pancreatitis, hematologic diseases, and emergency operations were among the exclusion criteria.

The primary exposure criterion was the use of preventative antibiotics prior to incision. Readmission and 30-day postoperative SSI were the primary endpoints. Groups were balanced based on patient characteristics, hospital discharge diagnosis, length of operation, and case acuity using propensity score weighted on the chance of obtaining prophylaxis. To account for hospital-level clustering, logistic regression models weighted by the inverse likelihood of treatment with a random effect per hospital were used to quantify the relationship between outcomes and prophylactic usage. A secondary study was conducted to investigate the relationship between outcomes and broad-spectrum prophylaxis.

A total of 2025 (90.6%) of the 2234 children who satisfied the inclusion criteria (median age, 15.3 years; 19.7% male [399 of 2025]) were given prophylaxis (hospital use rates varied from 0% to 100%). In comparison to cefazolin, which was the most often used antibiotic (69.2% [1401 of 2025]), 559 of 2025 patients (27.6%) got extended-spectrum prophylaxis.

In a supplementary propensity-weighted analysis, SSI rates were comparable for children getting cefazolin and those receiving more extended-spectrum antibiotics, and SSI rates were lower for children who got prophylaxis than for those who did not in the propensity-weighted group. Overall, despite the use of extended-spectrum antibiotics not being linked to better results, these findings support the use of these medications as a prophylactics for children having nonemergent cholecystectomy. 

Reference:

McKie, K. A., Moturu, A., Graham, D. A., Coleman, M., Huang, R., Grant, C., Saito, J. M., Hall, B. L., Cina, R. A., Newland, J. G., Ko, C., & Rangel, S. J. (2025). Antimicrobial prophylaxis use and outcomes for children undergoing cholecystectomy. JAMA Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.6391

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Elevated D-Dimer and Low Albumin Linked to Higher DVT Risk in Subtrochanteric Fractures: Study

China: A recent retrospective study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders has identified key factors associated with deep venous thromboembolism (DVT) in patients admitted with subtrochanteric fractures.

“Deep vein thrombosis was detected in 42.5% of patients with subtrochanteric fractures, with elevated D-dimer levels (>750 ng/ml) and low serum albumin (<36.6 g/L) emerging as significant risk factors. D-dimer demonstrated high specificity (82.35%), while serum albumin exhibited greater sensitivity (73.5%). These biomarkers could aid in the early identification of high-risk patients, enabling the implementation of targeted preventive measures against DVT,” the researchers reported.

The researchers note that subtrochanteric fractures, accounting for 5–10% of proximal femoral fractures, pose significant challenges due to a high risk of nonunion and fixation failure. Patients with orthopedic trauma, particularly these fractures, face an increased incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), leading to prolonged hospitalization and rising healthcare costs. With limited research on its prevalence and risk factors, effective identification and prediction methods remain lacking.

To fill this knowledge gap, Yinguang Zhang, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China, and colleagues aimed to assess the occurrence and key contributors to lower limb DVT in patients with subtrochanteric fractures.

For this purpose, the researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with subtrochanteric fractures admitted between 2019 and 2022. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound to detect lower extremity DVT. Demographic data, comorbidities, and serum markers, including RBC, hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and triglycerides, were analyzed. Significant variables were further assessed using multiple regression models to identify independent risk factors associated with DVT.

The following were the key findings of the study:

  • The study included 120 patients, comprising 80 males and 40 females, with an average age of 58.3 years.
  • Deep vein thrombosis was diagnosed in 51 patients, with an incidence rate of 42.5%.
  • Significant differences were observed between patients with and without DVT in albumin, total protein, RBC, hemoglobin, and D-dimer levels.
  • Multivariate analysis identified elevated D-dimer levels (>750 ng/ml) and reduced serum albumin as independent risk factors for DVT.
  • The optimal D-dimer cut-off for diagnosing DVT in subtrochanteric fractures was 750 ng/ml, with 56.52% sensitivity and 82.35% specificity.
  • The ideal albumin cut-off was 36.6 g/L, showing 73.2% sensitivity and 41.2% specificity.
  • The area under the curve (AUC) of 0.63 indicated moderate effectiveness in distinguishing conditions related to albumin levels.

The researchers concluded that elevated D-dimer levels and reduced serum albumin are independent predictors of DVT in patients with subtrochanteric fractures. These findings offer valuable insights for assessing DVT risk and tailoring individualized intervention programs.

Reference:

Zhou, Y., Jiang, M., Wang, S. et al. Admission deep venous thromboembolism of the lower extremity in patients of subtrochanteric fractures: a retrospective study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 26, 176 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08391-8

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Super Floss® most effective for fastest SDF delivery to interproximal caries compared to dental floss and microbrush: Study

Super Floss® is most effective for the fastest SDF delivery to interproximal caries compared to dental floss and microbrush, suggests a study published in the Journal of Dentistry.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective treatment for arresting caries, though its success for interproximal caries varies. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the delivery of SDF to initial interproximal caries with three delivery methods using a tooth-to-tooth interproximal contact model. Extracted permanent premolars were randomly allocated to one of three experimental groups: microbrush, dental floss, Super Floss®, and two control groups. Randomly paired premolars were mounted on a tooth-to-tooth interproximal contact model and artificial carious lesions induced. SDF was delivered with the three delivery methods. The amount and successful delivery of SDF was evaluated with three proxy measures: percentage white spot lesion (WSL) area and depth stained with SDF, and percentage change in mineral density after remineralization. Results: Forty-two premolar pairs were included. The percentage of WSL area stained with SDF in the Super Floss® (93.05 ± 6.52) and dental floss (81.92 ± 20.15) groups were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the microbrush (33.24 ± 39.01) group; the percentage of WSL depth stained with SDF in the Super Floss® (185.75 ± 51.61) group was significantly (p = 0.007) higher than the microbrush (52.07 ± 81.11) group. There was no difference in the mineral density percentage change between the three groups. Effectiveness of SDF delivery to interproximal caries was greatest with Super Floss®, followed by dental floss and then microbrush, with no significant differences between the floss groups. This study serves as a proof of concept prior to validating these methods in clinical settings. In this in vitro study, SDF was delivered to initial interproximal caries most effectively using Super Floss®, followed by dental floss and then microbrush. Clinical studies are required to validate the results in clinical settings.

Reference:

Vanessa Yan Xiu Kwek, Catherine Hsu Ling Hong, Vinicius Rosa, Jing Li Lum, Kanglun Hong, Shijia Hu. Comparing silver diamine fluoride delivery methods using microbrush, dental floss and Super Floss® on a tooth-to-tooth interproximal contact model, Journal of Dentistry, 2025, 105653, ISSN 0300-5712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2025.105653.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571225000983)

Keywords:

Super Floss®, effective, fastest, SDF, delivery, interproximal, caries, compared, dental, floss, microbrush, study, Vanessa Yan Xiu Kwek, Catherine Hsu Ling Hong, Vinicius Rosa, Jing Li Lum, Kanglun Hong, Shijia Hu

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Among COVID-19 patients with Asthma: Paxlovid recipients had lower Hospitalization Risk compared to Molnupiravir

Researchers have found in a new study that among COVID-19 patients with asthma, those who received Paxlovid had a significantly lower risk of all-cause hospitalization compared to those treated with molnupiravir. Although COVID-19 antiviral drugs have been extensively researched, their efficacy among asthma patients is uncertain.

Based on real-world data from Hong Kong health officials, the results indicate that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir reduces mortality, hospitalization, and asthma exacerbations, in patients with asthma. The study was conducted by Guozhang and colleagues published in BMC Respiratory Research.

This study consisted of 1,745 adults with asthma diagnosed with COVID-19 from March 16, 2022, to October 30, 2023. Patients included in the research had a past history of asthma and were taking asthma medications. The research was between nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir treatment groups and assessed acute and post-acute mortality, all-cause hospitalization, and cause-specific hospitalizations. Median follow-up duration was 365 days (IQR: 335–365 days).

Key Findings

  • Patients who received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir had a 73% reduced risk of acute inpatient death (HR 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.59; p = 0.0011).

  • Risk of post-acute inpatient death was 51% reduced in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group (HR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.85; p = 0.011).

  • All-cause hospitalization was reduced significantly in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir group (HR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.89; p = 0.0020).

  • Risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) was 90% less in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir arm (HR 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.92; p = 0.042).

  • In head-to-head comparisons with molnupiravir, risk of all-cause hospitalization was 35% less in the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir arm (HR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.81; p = 0.00012).

  • In patients on medium-/high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir arm had a 42% reduction in risk of asthma exacerbation compared with the molnupiravir group (HR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.95; p = 0.030).

The study authors concluded that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir decreases post-acute COVID-19 complications among asthma patients, decreasing mortality, hospitalization, and rates of asthma exacerbation when compared to molnupiravir. These results indicate that clinical guidelines need to expand antiviral treatment indications to mild asthma patients, who have not yet been well acknowledged as priority patients for COVID-19 antiviral therapy.

Reference:

Lin, G., Wei, Y., Guo, Z. et al. Short- and long-term comparative effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir in asthma patients: a cohort study. Respir Res 26, 75 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-025-03156-2

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High intake of dietary saturated fats and triglycerides linked to poorer memory performance: Study

High intake of dietary saturated fats and triglycerides linked to poorer memory performance suggests a new study published in the Nutrition and Dietary Supplements.

With Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias projected to triple by 2050, addressing modifiable health and lifestyle factors is crucial to prevention and reducing the associated public health burden. This study investigates the interaction between triglyceride levels and dietary fat intake and diet quality on memory performance in middle-aged adults at heightened risk for metabolic health issues. Community-dwelling adults aged 40– 65 with cardiometabolic health risks participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants with a history of neurological or psychiatric conditions were excluded. Dietary intake was self-reported through a 3-day food record, and serum triglyceride levels were measured. Neuropsychological testing assessed memory performance. Cross-sectional regression analyses examined how dietary fat intake and quality interact with triglyceride levels to affect memory performance in 146 adults. Results: The analysis revealed a significant interaction between triglyceride levels and the ratio of dietary saturated fat to total caloric intake on memory performance (β = − 0.087, p = 0.022). The relationship between triglyceride levels and memory performance was modified by the ratio of saturated fat to total caloric intake. At higher levels of saturated fat intake, higher triglycerides were associated with worse memory performance. However, at lower levels of saturated fat intake, the association between triglycerides and memory performance was not statistically significant. Better adherence to USDA dietary guidelines, reflected by higher Healthy Eating Index 2020 scores, was associated with better memory performance (β = 0.018, p < 0.002), regardless of triglyceride levels. Diet quality, as indicated by adherence to dietary guidelines, supports cognitive health. Elevated triglycerides combined with a high ratio of dietary saturated fat intake were associated with poorer memory performance. Precision nutrition strategies aimed at reducing saturated fat intake in midlife adults with elevated triglyceride levels may help mitigate memory-related cognitive decline and enhance brain health.

Reference:

Gallagher I, Li Y, Youn C, Tanaka H, Davis JN, Haley AP. Dietary Saturated Fat Intake Moderates the Effect of Plasma Triglycerides on Memory Performance in Middle-Aged Adults. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. 2025;17:29-41

https://doi.org/10.2147/NDS.S496926

Keywords:

High intake, dietary, saturated fats, triglycerides, linked, poorer, memory, performance, study, Gallagher I, Li Y, Youn C, Tanaka H, Davis JN, Haley AP

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