Incidence of wound complications is very low in TJA when using the Silk Fibroin adhesive for wound closure: study

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from adhesive wound closure systems has garnered particular attention for its potential role in increasing wound complications in total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

The study by Justin P. Moo Young et al performed at a high-volume orthopaedic specialty hospital, investigates the incidence of wound complications among 2 adhesive systems: a cyanoacrylate mesh (CM) adhesive and a silk fibroin (SF) adhesive. The study has been published in ‘Arthroplasty Today’

All TJAs with at least 6 weeks postoperative follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics and surgical outcomes were collected and analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher’s exact tests and t-tests.

Key findings of the study were:

• A sample size of 170 CM and 85 SF subjects was calculated to achieve a power of 80%.

• Of the 257 patients identified (172 CM and 85 SF), 46.7% were females and 53.3% were males, with a mean age of 65.3 ± 9.0 years and a mean body mass index of 28.0 ± 4.6. Bivariate analyses revealed no significant differences in demographics or comorbidities between the CM and SF cohorts, except for frequency of American Society of Anesthesiologists 1 classification.

• The CM cohort exhibited a significantly higher incidence of ACD (6.4% vs 0%; P = .018), while differences in all other clinical outcomes were nonsignificant.

The authors concluded – “There is a very low incidence of wound complications in TJA when using the SF adhesive for wound closure. There was a statistically significant increase in ACD when using the CM adhesive. SF adhesives appear to be a superior wound closure option to consider in patients undergoing TJA.”

Further reading:

Silk Fibroin Closure Eliminates the Incidence of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Compared to Cyanoacrylate Mesh in Total Joint Arthroplasty

Justin P. Moo Young et al

Arthroplasty Today 33 (2025) 101668

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artd.2025.101668

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Point-of-care ultrasonography found to be effective in identifying pneumothorax: Study

A new study published in The Journal of Emergency Medicine showed that in emergency trauma patients, point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) can reliably detect clinically severe pneumothorax (PTX).

Although CT is the gold standard for identifying PTX, researches pointed out that moving patients to imaging, particularly if they are unwell, can take a lot of time. Furthermore, although chest x-rays are another method for PTX identification, prior research indicates that they may overlook as many as 50% of PTX patients.

POCUS is now a practical emergency imaging technique that may be applied to trauma evaluation at the patient’s bedside. Prior research demonstrated the excellent sensitivity and specificity of the modality for PTX. Recent studies, however, have called into doubt how sensitive POCUS is for diagnosing PTX in trauma patients.

Therefore, using the red criteria of the National Expert Panel on Field Triage, 2021, Daniel Singer and team carried out this study to ascertain the accuracy of emergency physician (EP) POCUS in recognizing clinically important PTX in patients with high-severity trauma.

This research looked back at a level 1 trauma center’s high-severity trauma cases over a 3-year period. CT scan results or the clinician’s statement of a “rush of air” after tube thoracostomy implantation were used to identify whether PTX was present or not. If a patient needed a tube thoracostomy within 2.5 hours of triage, they considered PTX to be clinically severe. Emergency providers’ diagnostic test characteristics for POCUS and CXR were computed.

PTX was clinically significant in 40 out of 924 patients. For a sensitivity of 68% (95%CI, 52-80), specificity of 100% (95%CI, 19.8-100), positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% (95%CI, 84-100), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 14.3% (95%CI 2.5-43.9), POCUS found 26/38 who had survived before CT.

The sensitivity to 32/38, 84% (95%CI, 70-93), specificity, PPV 100% (95% CI 87-100), and NPV 25% (95%CI, 4.5-64) were all increased by fellowship-trained EPs reviewing the POCUS. The overall sensitivity and specificity of plain CXR were 48.1% (CI 34.2-62.2) and 99% (CI 97.5-99.6), respectively.

Overall, these findings suggest that POCUS can accurately identify clinically severe PTX, particularly when it is overseen by doctors with fellowship training. Less experienced EPs may need more supervision from more experienced EPs and should use appropriate technique when acquiring and interpreting images. 

Reference:

Daniel D Singer, Hayley Scott, Ali Khan, Alexandra Donnelly, Adam J Singer, Isadora Botwinick, Randeep Jawa, Ambika Mukhi, Henry C Thode, Michael Secko, ED accuracy of POCUS in identifying clinically significant PTX in high severity trauma patients., The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2025.07.009.

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Hemolaser Therapy Effectively Reduces Interdental Black Spaces and Improves Patient Comfort: Study

Brazil: Researchers have found in a new study that hemolaser therapy significantly reduced interdental black spaces within a short follow-up period and led to improvements in patient discomfort and quality of life over time.

The study, published in Lasers in Medical Science, was conducted by Alessandra Areas e Souza and colleagues from Fluminense Federal University, Nova Friburgo, Brazil. The pilot study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness, aesthetic impact, and quality of life outcomes of patients undergoing hemolaser therapy (HLT) for the treatment of papillary loss, a condition that results in unsightly black spaces between teeth due to the shrinking of the gum papilla.

Twelve patients were enrolled and divided into two groups. The HLT group (n=6) received gentle stimulation of gingival bleeding using a periodontal curette, followed by a red laser application (660 nm). The control group (n=6) received only the red laser without prior gingival stimulation. The procedure was carried out in two sessions spaced one week apart, and patients were followed up for 180 days.

Based on the study, the researchers reported the following findings:

  • Findings from the study demonstrated that hemolaser therapy resulted in a notable decrease in both papillary height and papillary area in the treatment group at both 90 and 180 days post-treatment.
  • These reductions in papillary dimensions were statistically significant when compared to the control group, suggesting that the combined use of mechanical gingival stimulation and laser application was more effective than laser treatment alone.
  • Improvements in the Modified Papilla Index (MPI), which is used to evaluate the visual appearance and presence of papillary tissue between adjacent teeth, were also observed in the hemolaser therapy group over the same time frame.
  • Patients in the hemolaser group demonstrated better MPI scores compared to those in the control group, indicating more visible and measurable regeneration of the interdental papilla.
  • In addition to the clinical outcomes, patient-reported results also favored the hemolaser approach.
  • Participants undergoing hemolaser therapy reported reduced aesthetic discomfort, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), reflecting a greater sense of cosmetic satisfaction.
  • These individuals also recorded lower scores on the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), a validated instrument used to evaluate the effect of oral conditions on overall quality of life.
  • These subjective improvements in discomfort and daily life impact were particularly pronounced at the 180-day follow-up and were statistically superior to those reported by participants in the control group.

The results highlight the potential of hemolaser therapy as a promising treatment for managing papillary loss and its associated aesthetic and functional concerns. By facilitating tissue regeneration and improving patient-reported well-being, the therapy may offer a minimally invasive solution to a problem that affects confidence and oral health.

The authors concluded, “While the sample size was small, as is typical in pilot studies, the researchers emphasize that their findings warrant further investigation in larger, long-term clinical trials. Nonetheless, this initial evidence suggests that hemolaser therapy could be a valuable tool in modern periodontal care for enhancing both outcomes and patient satisfaction.”

Reference:

Oliveira, L., Novais, L., Fontes, K. et al. Clinical efficacy, aesthetic discomfort, and quality of life in patients undergoing hemolaser therapy for the treatment of papillary loss: a longitudinal pilot study. Lasers Med Sci 40, 315 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-025-04543-3

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High ‘Good’ Cholesterol Linked to Lower Statin Use in At-Risk Adults, Raising Concerns Over Missed Prevention: Study

USA: A recent study has highlighted a potential gap in preventive cardiovascular care among U.S. adults with intermediate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. It revealed that individuals with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are less likely to receive statin therapy, despite similar risk profiles.

The findings were published online in JACC: Advances on April 30, 2025.

The analysis, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected between 2013 and early 2020, included adults aged 40 to 75 years who had no history of ASCVD, diabetes, or markedly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C ≥190 mg/dL). All participants had an estimated 10-year ASCVD risk between 7.5% and 20%, categorizing them as having an “intermediate risk” and making them eligible for moderate-intensity statin therapy under current guidelines.

Traditionally dubbed the “good cholesterol,” HDL-C has long been associated with reduced cardiovascular risk. However, emerging research suggests that the functionality of HDL particles, rather than their quantity, may hold greater significance in atherosclerosis. Despite this shift in understanding, the long-held perception of HDL-C as protective may still be influencing clinical decisions.

In the study, Alexander R. Zheutlin, Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA, and colleagues stratified participants by HDL-C levels: low (<40 mg/dL), normal (40–60 mg/dL), and high (≥60 mg/dL).

The key findings of the study were as follows:

  • Individuals with high HDL-C levels were significantly less likely to be prescribed statins than those with normal HDL-C levels.
  • Those with low HDL-C levels were slightly more likely to receive statin therapy than individuals with normal HDL-C.
  • Adjusted analysis showed that high HDL-C was linked to a 15% lower likelihood of statin use.
  • Low HDL-C was associated with a modest increase in statin prescriptions.
  • The study analyzed data from over 900 participants, representing nearly 23.7 million U.S. adults with intermediate 10-year ASCVD risk.
  • No significant interaction was found between sex and HDL-C levels concerning statin use.
  • The findings suggest that lower statin use among individuals with high HDL-C may reflect prevailing clinical perceptions rather than evidence-based, sex-specific prescribing patterns.

The authors emphasized that while HDL-C is included in risk assessment models, it is not considered a risk-enhancing factor in current cholesterol guidelines. Both low and excessively high HDL-C levels have been linked to increased ASCVD risk in other studies.

The cross-sectional analysis cannot establish causality but raises important concerns about possible undertreatment among adults with high HDL-C who otherwise qualify for preventive statin therapy. The findings stress the need for improved education around the complex role of HDL-C in cardiovascular health and suggest a reevaluation of how lipid profiles influence statin prescribing in clinical practice.

Reference:

Zheutlin AR, Jacobs JA, Bress AP. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and statin use among U.S. adults with intermediate 10-year predicted ASCVD risk. JACC Adv. 2025; Epub ahead of print.

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Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation Worsens Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults with Insomnia: JAMA

A new randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Psychiatry reveals that older adults with insomnia are significantly more vulnerable to depressive mood symptoms following inflammatory exposure than those without insomnia.

The study enrolled 160 nondepressed participants aged 60 and older, split into two groups based on insomnia diagnosis. Participants were randomized to receive either endotoxin (to induce inflammation) or placebo. Researchers then tracked changes in mood using the Profiles of Mood States depression subscale (POMS-D), along with secondary measures of depressive symptoms and inflammatory cytokine levels. Results were striking. Compared to controls, participants with insomnia who received endotoxin showed a 3-fold greater increase in depressive mood (interaction F₁₀,₁₄₇₈ = 4.7; P < .001). These effects persisted longer and were clinically meaningful. Interestingly, both insomnia and control groups had similar rises in cytokines, but only the insomnia group showed a link between inflammation and mood changes (β = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.26–0.41; P < .001). These findings highlight how insomnia may amplify emotional responses to inflammation, even in the absence of clinical depression. Researchers recommend close monitoring of depressive symptoms in older adults with insomnia during infections or other pro-inflammatory events. Prevention strategies that address both sleep dysfunction and inflammation-related risk are crucial.

Reference:
Irwin MR, Boyle CC, Cho JH, et al. Inflammatory Exposure and Depression in Older Adults With Insomnia. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online July 16, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.1327

Keywords: insomnia, older adults, inflammation, depression, cytokines, endotoxin, mood, POMS-D, randomized clinical trial, JAMA Psychiatry, Irwin MR, Boyle CC, Cho JH

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Isolated Adenomyosis Linked to Fewer Systemic Comorbidities Compared to Coexisting Endometriosis: Study Shows

Italy: A recent prospective observational study, published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online, sheds light on the systemic health profile of women diagnosed with adenomyosis. Led by Dr. Angela Gallone from the University of Florence and Careggi University Hospital, Italy, the research explored the prevalence of systemic comorbidities in women with isolated adenomyosis compared to those who also have endometriosis.

“Recent findings reveal that premenopausal women (aged 20–50) with isolated adenomyosis have a lower prevalence of systemic comorbidities compared to those with coexisting endometriosis,” the researchers reported. “Autoimmune disorders were observed in 14% of the adenomyosis-only group versus 24% in those with both conditions, while stress and pain-related disorders affected 30% and 47% of the respective groups. Notably, the presence of endometriosis significantly raised the risk of comorbidities (OR 1.65).”

Adenomyosis, a benign yet chronic uterine disorder, is known to cause symptoms like painful menstruation, heavy bleeding, and infertility. It frequently overlaps with conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids, often complicating diagnosis and management. While the systemic effects and associated comorbidities of endometriosis have been extensively studied, there is limited data available for adenomyosis in isolation.

To bridge this knowledge gap, researchers enrolled 689 premenopausal women aged between 20 and 50 years, excluding individuals with malignancies. Among them, 342 had adenomyosis alone, while 347 were diagnosed with both adenomyosis and endometriosis. The diagnosis was confirmed through imaging techniques or surgical procedures. Comorbidities were grouped into two categories: autoimmune disorders and stress- or pain-related conditions.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • Women with only adenomyosis had significantly fewer systemic comorbidities than those with both adenomyosis and endometriosis.
  • Autoimmune disorders were present in 14% of the adenomyosis-only group compared to 24% in the group with both conditions.
  • Stress and pain-related disorders were reported by 30% of women with isolated adenomyosis versus 47% in those with coexisting endometriosis.
  • Women over 35 years old with only adenomyosis had a lower incidence of autoimmune disorders compared to those with both conditions.
  • Endometriosis was independently associated with a higher risk of systemic comorbidities (OR = 1.65).

The study emphasizes a crucial distinction between the two conditions. Although adenomyosis and endometriosis often share clinical features and can co-exist, they exhibit different systemic profiles. Endometriosis appears to behave more like a multi-system syndrome, whereas adenomyosis seems to be a more organ-confined condition when it occurs alone.

Despite the lower burden of comorbidities, the authors emphasize the importance of a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to managing adenomyosis. Even in the absence of endometriosis, some patients may present with other chronic conditions that require attention.

The researchers call for more comprehensive epidemiological studies to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying these differences. Improved knowledge in this area could pave the way for more personalized, targeted treatments for both adenomyosis and endometriosis.

Reference:

Gallone, A., Vannuccini, S., Manzi, V., La Torre, F., Toscano, F., Giani, M., Fambrini, M., Chedraui, P., & Petraglia, F. (2025). Systemic comorbidities in patients with adenomyosis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 105102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.105102

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Tezepelumab therapy reduces size of nasal polyps, severity of nasal congestion and sinonasal symptoms: Study

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that tezepelumab dramatically decreased the size of the nasal polyps, congestion, and the intensity of the symptoms in people with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

1-5% Americans suffer with chronic rhinosinusitis and it could drastically lower life quality. In addition to objective evidence, the persistence of at least 2 of the 4 cardinal symptoms, facial pain/pressure, hyposmia/anosmia, nasal discharge, and nasal obstruction, for at least 12 weeks in a row is what defines chronic rhinosinusitis.

In individuals with severe, uncontrolled asthma with a history of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, tezepelumab has proven successful in treating sinonasal symptoms. However, its effectiveness and safety in treating adults with severe, uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps are uncertain. Thus, this study by Brian Lipworth and team evaluated the effectiveness of tezepelumab in treating severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Adults with a clinically-diagnosed, symptomatic, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps were randomly allocated to receive conventional therapy and either tezepelumab (210 mg) or a placebo subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. The changes from baseline in the mean nasal-congestion score (range, 0 to 3; higher scores indicate more severity) and the total nasal-polyp score (range, 0 to 4 [for each nostril]) at week 52 were the coprimary end goals.

The Lund-Mackay score (range: 0 to 24; higher scores indicate greater severity), the loss-of-smell score, the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22; range: 0 to 110; greater scores suggest greater severity), the total symptom score (range: 0 to 24; higher scores suggest greater severity), and the initial decision to treat with nasal-polyp surgery, systemic glucocorticoid therapy, or both were evaluated in time-to-event analyses (individual and composite).

A total of 205 individuals were given a placebo and 203 patients were given tezepelumab. Both the mean nasal-congestion score and the total nasal-polyp score significantly improved in the tezepelumab-treated individuals at week 52. The loss-of-smell score, SNOT-22 total score, Lund–Mackay score, and overall symptom score were all markedly enhanced by tezepelumab.

Much fewer patients in the tezepelumab group (0.5%) than in the placebo group (22.1%) required surgery for nasal polyps, and tezepelumab-treated patients used systemic glucocorticoids much less frequently (5.2%) than placebo-treated patients (18.3%) (P<0.001 for both time-to-event analyses). Overall, in people with severe, uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, tezepelumab treatment resulted in considerably larger decreases in nasal polyp size, nasal congestion severity, sinonasal symptoms, nasal-polyp surgery, and systemic glucocorticoid usage than placebo.

Source:

Lipworth, B. J., Han, J. K., Desrosiers, M., Hopkins, C., Lee, S. E., Mullol, J., Pfaar, O., Li, T., Chen, C., Almqvist, G., Margolis, M. K., McLaren, J., Jagadeesh, S., MacKay, J., Megally, A., Hellqvist, Å., Mankad, V. S., Bahadori, L., & Ponnarambil, S. S. (2025). Tezepelumab in adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2414482

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Pick up the pace of your daily walk to boost longevity, experts say

Regular walking is widely recognized for its significant benefits to overall health and well-being. Previous research has primarily focused on middle-to-high-income white populations.

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Pick up the pace of your daily walk to boost longevity, experts say

Regular walking is widely recognized for its significant benefits to overall health and well-being. Previous research has primarily focused on middle-to-high-income white populations.

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Offering self-collection kits at GP appointments could prevent 1,000 women a year from developing cervical cancer

Women who are overdue for cervical cancer screening are most likely to participate in screening when a self-sampling kit is offered by a health care professional as part of routine GP appointments, according to a new study led by Queen Mary University of London with King’s College London. The study has been published in EClinicalMedicine.

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