FAMILY HEALTH

Non-structural protein 5 (Nsp5) is a crucial player in SARS-CoV-2 replication, aiding the virus in evading the immune system. Scientists are now exploring the use of natural compounds to inhibit Nsp5 and develop antiviral agents. A recent study delved into the properties of ellagic acid and its gut metabolites, urolithins A-D, as potential Nsp5 ligands. The results revealed urolithin D as a promising Nsp5 ligand, boasting potent binding capabilities in the nanomolar range. However, when tested in a Vero E6 assay against SARS-CoV-2, urolithin D showed limited viral replication inhibition. These findings shed light on the potential of natural products as viral protease inhibitors, while also emphasizing the need for further research to fully harness their antiviral properties.

Exploring Natural Compounds as Nsp5 Inhibitors for Antiviral Development: Focus on Urolithin D and Ellagic Acid Derivatives

NEUROLOGY

Study finds fetal adrenal changes and altered Doppler parameters in pregnancies affected by rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Inflammatory Arthritis and Fetal Adrenal Changes in Pregnancy

A study comparing 46 pregnancies affected by inflammatory arthritis with 92 healthy controls found larger fetal adrenal gland fetal-zone dimensions and altered middle adrenal artery Doppler parameters. Both rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis were associated with lower pulsatility index values, suggesting fetal adrenal adaptation to maternal inflammation. Further research is needed to establish the clinical significance of these findings.

CARDIOLOGY

Study examines the link between hemoglobin glycation index and cardiovascular disease in adults with a history of hip fracture.

Hemoglobin Glycation Index and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

A study using data from CHARLS and NHANES investigated the association between the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and older adults with a history of hip fracture. Higher HGI was associated with greater cardiovascular disease prevalence in the CHARLS cohort, while findings in NHANES were weaker after adjustment. Prospective studies are needed to establish its clinical significance.

ENDO-DIABETOLOGY

Study compares semaglutide and sleeve gastrectomy, finding surgery more cost-effective and semaglutide marginally more equitable.

Semaglutide vs Sleeve Gastrectomy: Cost-Effectiveness and Equity

A 25-year Markov simulation comparing semaglutide 2.4 mg, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and no treatment in Black and White adults aged 65–70 with obesity and cardiovascular disease found both interventions cost-effective. LSG was the most cost-effective option, with a 57% probability of being optimal versus 43% for semaglutide at $100,000 per QALY. Semaglutide was marginally more equitable but not distributionally cost-effective.

Study finds irrigation-assisted dual-drain suction may shorten hospital stays in Ludwig’s angina, but complication reductions remain uncertain.

Dual-Drain Suction for Ludwig’s Angina: Study Findings

A retrospective comparative study of 60 adults with Ludwig’s angina in Tuscany, Italy, found that irrigation-assisted dual-drain suction was associated with a shorter hospital stay than single-drain suction (6.1 vs. 8.2 days). Major complications were numerically lower with the combined protocol, but the difference was not statistically significant. Further research is needed to confirm its benefits and identify the contribution of irrigation.

UROLOGY

Machine learning identifies three LUTS subtypes, highlighting sex differences and opportunities for personalized urological care.

Machine Learning Identifies Three LUTS Phenotypes in Men and Women

A multicenter study of 1,586 adults across 35 centers in China used unsupervised machine learning to identify three lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) subtypes: mild/compensated, storage-dominant with sleep fragmentation, and voiding-dominant. Women reported greater symptom burden but better voiding satisfaction, while men experienced poorer sleep quality. The findings may support personalized urological care, pending prospective validation.

DERMATOLOGY

A 12-week study found RLX-201 improved skin firmness, elasticity and texture while reducing a biomarker of mTORC1 activity.

Topical RLX-201 Shows Promise for Skin Aging and Elasticity

A 12-week randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study found that topical RLX-201 improved skin firmness, elasticity, sagging, and overall skin quality in women with moderate-to-severe facial photoaging. More than 85% of participants reported improvements in radiance, texture, and hydration. Laboratory testing also showed approximately 91% lower pRPS6 expression, suggesting suppression of mTORC1 activity and a potential approach to supporting skin resilience.

Study links early post-treatment HPV DNA results with recurrence risk in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Early HPV DNA Testing May Predict Oropharyngeal Cancer Recurrence

A retrospective study of 332 patients across eight US sites found that circulating tumor tissue-modified viral HPV DNA (TTMV-HPV DNA) testing within 1–89 days after treatment for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma was associated with subsequent outcomes. Among patients with persistent positive results, 86% developed recurrence, while none whose initially positive results later became negative experienced recurrence during the reported follow-up. The findings highlight the potential value of early molecular surveillance.

Study identifies mortality predictors in 348 head and neck cancer patients with carotid blowout syndrome receiving endovascular treatment.

Carotid Blowout Syndrome: Mortality Predictors in Head and Neck Cancer

A multicenter study across four hospitals in Taiwan evaluated 348 patients with head and neck cancer who developed carotid blowout syndrome and underwent endovascular treatment. In-hospital mortality was 16.4%, with vasopressor use, failed bleeding control, tracheostomy, multivessel involvement, and lower systolic blood pressure identified as independent prognostic factors. Researchers developed a risk-prediction nomogram to support early clinical risk assessment.

Review finds declining age-standardized heart disease mortality in Iran, but rising case numbers and persistent regional disparities.

Ischemic Heart Disease Burden in Iran: Trends From 1990 to 2023

A systematic review of 52 reports covering 35 evidence-source families examined ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Iran from 1990 to 2023. Global Burden of Disease estimates showed age-standardized IHD mortality declining from 285.7 to 163.6 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2019, while annual incident cases rose from 218,181 to 593,001. Differences by sex, age, and geography highlight the need for stronger prevention and representative surveillance.

Dysphagia affected 63.3% after modified UPPP, with GERD, female sex, psychological factors and sleepiness increasing risk.

Dysphagia Risk After Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

A prospective study of 120 patients undergoing modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty found clinically significant dysphagia in 63.3% at 2 weeks, with abnormalities confirmed by FEES in over 94% of symptomatic patients. Female sex, GERD, anxiety/depression, and excessive daytime sleepiness independently increased risk, while 9.2% remained symptomatic at 12 months.

PSYCHIATRY

Persistent youth irritability was linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and self-injury by age 21.

Youth Irritability Patterns Predict Later Mental Health Risk

A longitudinal study of 532 young people found that tonic and phasic irritability follow distinct but linked developmental paths from ages 12 to 21. Persistent, mood-based irritability increased modestly and was associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, suicidal acts, and self-injury, while episodic outbursts showed different psychiatric associations.

Type II thyroplasty with titanium bridges provides durable voice improvement and low revision rates in spasmodic dysphonia.

Titanium Thyroplasty Offers Durable Voice Improvement

A scoping review of 15 studies found that Type II thyroplasty using titanium bridges can provide substantial and durable voice improvement in adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Voice Handicap Index scores improved markedly, with benefits lasting up to 8.4 years. Revision rates were 2%–7%, while complications were generally minor and transient.

Poorer pretreatment quality of life was associated with higher mortality in head and neck cancer, supporting early supportive care.

Pretreatment Quality of Life Linked to Cancer Survival

A meta-analysis of 32 independent studies found that poorer pretreatment health-related quality of life was associated with higher mortality in head and neck cancer. Global quality of life and physical, role, and social functioning showed the most consistent associations, highlighting the potential value of early supportive-care assessment before treatment.

Routine umbo resection may not be necessary in tympanoplasty when meticulous de-epithelialisation is achieved.

Routine Umbo Resection May Not Be Needed in Tympanoplasty

A prospective cohort study of 148 Type I over–underlay tympanoplasties found epithelial remnants in some patients, particularly when perforations involved the umbo, but no postoperative cholesteatoma occurred during 24 months of follow-up. The findings suggest routine umbo resection may be unnecessary when meticulous de-epithelialisation is possible, supporting selective resection based on intraoperative findings.

Smokeless tobacco use was linked to poorer sperm quality, including reduced motility, concentration and vitality in men.

Smokeless Tobacco Linked to Male Infertility Risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 3,401 men found that smokeless tobacco use was associated with lower sperm motility, concentration and vitality, along with more abnormal sperm morphology. The findings identify smokeless tobacco as a potentially overlooked risk factor for male infertility and support screening for its use during infertility evaluations.

The hope and hype of ella...

The hope and hype of ellagic acid and urolithins as ligands of SARS-CoV-2 Nsp5 and inhibitors of viral replication