Onychomycosis prevalence significantly higher in psoriasis patients: Study

A new study showed that psoriasis patients were 1.68 times more likely to acquire onychomycosis than people without psoriasis. The major findings of this study were published in the journal of Mycoses.

It has been observed that the prevalence of onychomycosis which is a common nail condition marked by thicker, discolored, and brittle nails, varies among psoriasis patients in comparison to the general population. About 2% to 3% of people worldwide suffer with psoriasis that affects up to 79% of individuals with nail involvement.

Accurate diagnosis is made more difficult by the frequent overlap in the clinical characteristics of nail psoriasis and onychomycosis. To provide evidence-based insights for clinical management, Mengying Liu and team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if the prevalence of onychomycosis varies between those with psoriasis and those without.

Using the Population, Comparator, Intervention, and Outcome (PICO) framework, the research question and keywords were created. Using the keywords “onychomycosis,” “psoriasis,” and so forth, entries in either English or Chinese were retrieved as of October 26, 2024, from Embase, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, CBM, CNKI, and Web of Science. Additionally, STATA was used for the meta-analysis.

A total of 967 documents were found, and the final analysis included 13 studies with 10,967 non-psoriasis people and 2751 psoriasis patients. According to the meta-analysis, the prevalence of onychomycosis was 1.68 times higher in psoriasis patients than in non-psoriasis patients (95% CI: 1.21-2.33).

The probability of onychomycosis among clinically unrecognized patients was 1.78 times greater (95% CI: 1.33-2.38) for those with psoriasis than for those without the condition, according to subgroup analysis. Most of the included studies have moderate to low levels of bias.

According to the findings of this review and meta-analysis, it is critical to rule out nail lesions associated with onychomycosis before making a psoriasis diagnosis. This is especially important before starting immunosuppressive medications like methotrexate, steroids, or biologics, as they may make fungal infections worse. These results highlight how crucial it is to have a proper diagnosis, particularly before immunosuppressive treatment, in order to stop fungal infections from getting worse. Overall, psoriasis patients are far more likely to have onychomycosis than non-psoriasis people.

Source:

Liu, M., Kang, Y., & Zhang, R. (2025). The prevalence of onchomycosis in psoriasis patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Mycoses, 68(2). https://doi.org/10.1111/myc.70035

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Diagnostic and predictive role of maternal circulating PlGF levels promising in reduced fetal movements, reveals study

Women presenting with reduced fetal movements (RFM) have an
increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and stillbirth. A study assessing
the outcome of low-risk pregnancies complicated by isolated RFM at term, found
that RFM were independently associated with mild adverse neonatal outcome and
higher rates of cesarean de livery due to fetal distress and intrauterine fetal
death at admission, compared to the group without RFM occurring prior to
gestational week 37. The mechanisms for the association between maternal
perception of RFM and stillbirth are not fully understood, but it is hypothesized
that placental dysfunction could be a common pathology. In support of this
hypothesis, a register-based retrospective cohort study of perinatal deaths
found an association between RFM and placental insufficiency, defined as
significant placental lesion(s) on pathological examination in cases with
stillbirth.

Placenta-associated biomarkers, such as placental growth
factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) are present in
the maternal circulation during pregnancy. Imbalances in these biomarkers, with
low “proangiogenic” PlGF concentrations and high“antiangiogenetic” sFlt-1
concentrations in maternal circulation, are associated with placenta-related
pregnancy complications such as pre eclampsia and fetal growth restriction.
Placentas from pregnancies with RFM presenting at gestational age (GA) > 36
weeks resulting in adverse delivery outcome have shown increased villous
release of sFlt-1 compared to pregnancies without adverse delivery outcome.

Prospective cohort study conducted in a single tertiary
maternity unit from September 2016 to March 2020. PlGF and sFlt-1 were measured
in maternal serum (n = 122) from prospectively included women presenting with
RFM (gestational age ≥ 37+0). All neonatal and delivery outcomes were
externally reviewed, blinded for biomarker results, and judged whether the
adverse outcomes were most likely associated with placental dysfunction
(“likely placental cause”) or not. Predefined gestational age specific
reference levels for PlGF, sFlt-1 and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were used and multiple
of the median (MoM) were calculated.

The pregnancies were assigned into three groups: the
“complicated” (likely placental cause, n = 4), the “intermediate”
(non-placental/undetermined cause, n = 9) and the “uncomplicated” (no adverse
outcome, n = 109). Mean PlGF concentration differed significantly between the
three groups (80, 144, and 213 pg/ml, p = 0.004). There was a higher proportion
of PlGF levels < 10th centiles in the “complicated” compared to the
“intermediate” and “uncomplicated” groups (50 % vs. 22 % and 11 %, p = 0.045).
The median MoM of PlGF differed significantly between the three groups (0.43,
0.83 and 1.12, p = 0.006).

In conclusion, predelivery maternal placenta-associated
biomarkers from a real-world population of pregnant women at and beyond term
presenting with RFM show a lower proangiogenic profile (lower PlGF) in
pregnancies with an adverse outcome of likely placental cause. Placenta
associated biomarkers can potentially help to more precisely target RFM
pregnancies at risk of adverse delivery outcome of a likely placental cause.
Authors consider this study to be an important contribution to the concept that
RFM is a marker of placental insufficiency.

Source: S. Bowe et al; European Journal of Obstetrics &
Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 307 (2025) 34–42

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What is effect of Selectively Applying Face Mask Positive Pressure Ventilation in Preterm Infants in Delivery Room?

Recent study compared the effects of selectively applying a face mask only for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) versus routinely applying a face mask for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants in the delivery room. The researchers randomized infants born before 32 weeks of gestation into selective or routine groups. The primary outcome was the proportion of infants receiving face mask PPV in the delivery room. The results showed that there was no significant difference in face mask PPV rates between the selective group (64%) and the routine group (52%). This suggests that selectively applying a face mask for PPV only did not result in fewer preterm infants receiving PPV in the delivery room.

Impact of Face Mask Application on Spontaneous Breathing in Preterm Infants

The study sought to address the common practice of applying a face mask for breathing support to preterm infants despite most infants breathing spontaneously at birth. The research aimed to determine if the application of a face mask inhibits spontaneous breathing in newborns, leading to the need for PPV. The findings indicated that the timing and duration of PPV were similar in both groups, regardless of whether the face mask was selectively or routinely applied. The study also highlighted that more infants in the lower gestational age category tended to require PPV in the delivery room, indicating varying responses among infants based on gestational age.

Study Design and Methodologies

Moreover, the study design and methodologies were described in detail, including random assignment, data collection processes, and outcomes measured in the delivery room and neonatal intensive care unit. Exploratory outcomes such as duration of respiratory support, incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, and abnormalities in cranial ultrasound were also assessed. The study acknowledged limitations such as the single-center design and potential for performance bias due to the lack of blinding of caregivers to group assignment.

Conclusion and Implications

Overall, the study provided valuable insights into the practice of applying face masks for respiratory support in preterm infants at birth. It emphasized the need for further research to better understand the association between mask application and respiratory outcomes in newborns. The detailed description of the study’s protocol, outcomes, and limitations contributes to the existing literature on neonatal resuscitation practices and informs future research in this area.

Key Points

– The study compared selectively applying a face mask for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) versus routinely applying a face mask for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation.

– There was no significant difference in face mask PPV rates between the selective group (64%) and the routine group (52%), suggesting that selectively applying a face mask for PPV only did not result in fewer preterm infants receiving PPV in the delivery room.

– The impact of face mask application on spontaneous breathing in preterm infants was assessed to determine if applying a face mask inhibits spontaneous breathing, leading to the need for PPV. – Timing and duration of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) were similar in both groups regardless of whether the face mask was selectively or routinely applied.

– Infants in the lower gestational age category tended to require PPV in varying responses suggesting differences based on gestational age.

– The study detailed the methodologies including random assignment, data collection processes, and outcomes measured in the delivery room and neonatal intensive care unit, assessing exploratory outcomes such as duration of respiratory support, incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, and abnormalities in cranial ultrasound, while acknowledging limitations like the single-center design and potential performance bias due to lack of blinding of caregivers to group assignment.

Reference –

CaitríOna M Ní Chathasaigh et al. (2024). Selective Or ROUTINE Face Mask Application For Breathing Support Of Preterm Infants At Birth: A Randomised Trial.. *Resuscitation*, 110467. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110467

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Better semen quality is linked to men living longer

Men’s semen quality is associated with how long they live, according to a study of nearly 80,000 men, published in Human Reproduction.

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Global study finds more than 130% rise in postmenopausal osteoarthritis over past three decades

The global number of cases of osteoarthritis, as well as the disability associated with the condition, has risen by more than 130% over the past three decades among women who have gone through the menopause, indicates a data analysis spanning 1990 to 2021, and published in the journal BMJ Global Health.

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Resistance exercise may be best type for tackling insomnia in older age, data analysis suggests

Resistance or muscle-strengthening exercise, using weights or the body itself, may be the best type of exercise for tackling insomnia in older age, suggests a pooled data analysis of the available research, published in the open-access journal Family Medicine and Community Health.

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Video: Assistive-feeding robot gets tested outside the lab

The mechanics of eating are more complex than they might appear. For about a decade, researchers in the Personal Robotics Lab at the University of Washington have been working to build a robot that can help feed people who can’t eat on their own.

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New knowledge may help make medicines taste better for the most bitter-sensitive

Many medicines taste so bitter that some people avoid taking them. To help with the bad taste, flavors and sweeteners are added to modify the taste and make it more acceptable. However, not everyone has the same sense of taste and sensitivity toward bitterness or gets the same relief from the modifiers.

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Obesity Needs Multifactorial Effort with Collective Endeavour: Jitendra Singh

New Delhi: ”Obesity is a multifactorial challenge and needs multifactorial preventive strategies”. 

This was stated yesterday by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a Professor of Medicine and a renowned Diabetologist, while underscoring the urgent need for a multifaceted and collective approach to combat the growing obesity crisis in India.

Addressing the ‘National Obesity Summit”, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on the occasion of “World Obesity Day”, the Minister emphasised that obesity is not just a lifestyle issue but a major public health challenge that requires coordinated efforts from the government, industry, the medical fraternity and also the society.

Citing alarming statistics, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that India ranks second globally in childhood obesity, with over 1.4 crore children affected. “We often take pride in having chubby babies, but this comes at a cost. Central obesity, particularly among Indians, is an independent and a serious health risk factor,” he said. 

Also Read:PM Modi nominates 10 prominent personalities to raise awareness about Obesity

He further elaborated that obesity significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases such as type-2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and fatty liver disease, making it imperative to take preventive action. 

The Union Minister acknowledged the Indian phenotype’s unique vulnerability to central obesity, citing studies that show even lean-looking Indians carry a higher percentage of visceral fat compared to their Western counterparts. “Our traditional attire may mask central obesity, but that does not eliminate the associated health risks,” he remarked.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advocacy for healthier lifestyles, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled how the Prime Minister has frequently addressed obesity in his Mann Ki Baat broadcasts and public interactions, even urging citizens to reduce their food intake by 10%. “PM Modi has a remarkable ability to transform messages into mass movements, as seen in campaigns like Swachh Bharat and the COVID-19 response. A similar approach is needed to tackle obesity,” he said.

Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed concern over the rising prevalence of obesity despite widespread awareness campaigns and medical advancements. “On one hand, we talk about fitness and wellness, but on the other, obesity rates continue to surge. This paradox must be addressed with scientific rigor and societal commitment,” he noted. He also highlighted the economic burden obesity places on families, with many patients struggling to afford long-term treatment for metabolic disorders.

Emphasizing the need for a strategic response, Dr. Jitendra Singh called for an industry-government partnership to develop cost-effective, universal screening models for obesity and metabolic diseases. “We cannot leave this fight solely to diabetologists or obesity specialists. It requires a national commitment involving policymakers, medical experts, and industry leaders,” he asserted. He suggested a public-private model where routine health screenings include obesity markers, particularly in hospital settings, to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also cautioned against new quick-fix solutions, such as weight-loss injections and fad diets, stressing the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes. “The real solution lies in self-discipline—understanding our body, regulating our diet, and adopting a balanced approach to health,” he said. He humorously pointed out how dietary habits have evolved, with intermittent fasting and exotic diet plans becoming fashionable trends. “Our grandmothers would have been amused by the concept of ‘5 PM eating schedules’ and calorie counting apps,” he quipped.

Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh called upon all stakeholders to take immediate action rather than waiting for annual summits to reiterate the same concerns. “Obesity is not just a personal concern; it is a national responsibility. As we envision India in 2047, we must ensure that our young population remains healthy, productive, and free from preventable lifestyle diseases,” he asserted.

The summit saw participation from leading medical experts, policymakers, and industry representatives, all of whom echoed the need for collective action to address obesity at a systemic level.

Also Read:Union Minister Jitendra Singh Calls for SCTIMST to Emerge as Global Hub for Neurosurgery and Cardiovascular Research

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Frequent Daytime Napping Linked to Higher Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes, finds Study

A new study identified daytime napping at frequent intervals to be linked to higher risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death in type 2 diabetics. The study published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice found that individuals who tended to nap daily had a substantially greater risk of cardiovascular complications, such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. The study was conducted by Xiu H. and fellow researchers.

The research sought to assess the influence of daytime napping on cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. A sample of 21,129 UK Biobank participants who had no MACE or cancer at baseline were included. Information on sleep behaviors such as daytime napping frequency and overall sleep duration was obtained via a baseline questionnaire.

To establish the relationship between daytime napping and unfavorable outcomes, researchers used Cox proportional hazards regression models. The main outcomes measured were MACE, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specific mortality. MACE was a composite of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke.

Key Findings

Over a mean follow-up of 11.9 years, the study found:

• 5,611 MACE cases

• 3,854 all-cause deaths

• 1,839 CVD-specific deaths

Relative to those who never or seldom napped, those who typically napped had substantially higher risks:

• MACE: Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.39 (95% CI: 1.08-1.65)

• Myocardial infarction: HR 1.44 (95% CI: 1.01-1.92)

• Heart failure: HR 1.33 (95% CI: 1.07-1.64)

• Stroke: HR 1.57 (95% CI: 1.06-2.33)

• All-cause mortality: HR 1.28 (95% CI: 1.01-1.60)

• CVD mortality: HR 1.33 (95% CI: 0.97-1.94)

Daytime napping on a frequent basis is linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results highlight the need to observe sleep habits in diabetic patients, particularly those with long sleep duration.

Reference:

Yang, X. H., Liu, Y., Jiang, X. X., Zhang, Z. X., Lu, Y. J., Fu, C. S., Jin, H. M., & Ye, Z. B. (2025). Daytime napping and risk of incident main adverse cardiovascular events and mortality among adults with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 112067, 112067. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2025.112067

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