Artificially sweetened and sugary drinks both associated with increased risk of liver disease, study finds

A major new study reveals that both sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages (LNSSBs) are significantly associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

The study, presented today at UEG Week 2025, followed 123,788 UK Biobank participants without liver disease at baseline. Beverage consumption was assessed using repeated 24-hour dietary questionnaires. Researchers examined the associations between SSB and LNSSB intake and the risks of developing MASLD, liver fat accumulation and liver-related mortality.

A higher intake of both LNSSBs and SSBs (>250g per day) was associated with a 60% (HR: 1.599) and 50% (HR: 1.469) elevated risk of developing MASLD, respectively. Over the median 10.3-year follow-up, 1,178 participants developed MASLD and 108 died from liver-related causes. While no significant association was observed for SSBs, LNSSB consumption was additionally linked to a higher risk of liver-related mortality. Both beverage types were also positively associated with higher liver fat content.

MASLD, formally known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver, which overtime can cause inflammation (hepatitis) and symptoms such as pain, fatigue and loss of appetite.2 The disease has emerged as a global health burden since being recognised as the most common chronic liver disease, with experts estimating that it affects over 30% of people worldwide and is a rapidly increasing cause of liver-related deaths.

Lead author of the study, Lihe Liu, commented, “SSBs have long been under scrutiny, while their ‘diet’ alternatives are often seen as the healthier choice. Both, however, are widely consumed and their effects on liver health have not been well understood.”

“Our study shows that LNSSBs were actually linked to a higher risk of MASLD, even at modest intake levels such as a single can per day. These findings challenge the common perception that these drinks are harmless and highlight the need to reconsider their role in diet and liver health, especially as MASLD emerges as a global health concern.”

Liu noted the potential biological mechanisms that may underlie the observed risks, “The higher sugar content in SSBs can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and insulin, promote weight gain and increase uric acid levels, all of which contribute to liver fat accumulation. LNSSBs, on the other hand, may affect liver health by altering the gut microbiome, disrupting the feeling of fullness, driving sweet cravings and even stimulating insulin secretion.”

The authors emphasised that these findings support limiting both SSBs and LNSSBs as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy, targeting not only liver disease but also cardio-renal-metabolic health. Replacing either beverage with water significantly reduced MASLD risk – by 12.8% for SSBs and 15.2% for LNSSBs – while substitution between the two types of beverages offered no risk reduction.

Liu added, “The safest approach is to limit both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks. Water remains the best choice as it removes the metabolic burden and prevents fat accumulation in the liver, whilst hydrating the body.”

The researchers now aim to explore causal mechanisms more deeply through long-term, randomised and genetic trials with a focus on how sugar and its substitutes interact with the gut microbiome and influence liver disease.

Reference:

Artificially sweetened and sugary drinks are both associated with an increased risk of liver disease, study finds, Beyond, Meeting: UEG Week 2025.

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Individualized approach for intra-Articular Injections effective for TMJ Arthralgia, suggests study

Researchers have found in a new study that intra-articular injections are effective for managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia, but no single intervention is consistently superior, emphasizing individualized treatment based on patient needs and preferences. The findings, published in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by S.C. Jogigowda, S.P. Shastry, V.S. Christopher, Kamal Kant Kohli and colleagues, highlight the importance of tailoring therapeutic strategies rather than relying on a universal approach. TMJ arthralgia, a common source of orofacial pain, often affects quality of life through impaired chewing, chronic discomfort, and reduced jaw function. By demonstrating that outcomes depend largely on patient-specific factors, the study shifts attention toward shared decision-making and personalized care in dentistry and oral medicine.

The research synthesized evidence from multiple studies evaluating intra-articular injections, including corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma, and other biologic agents. While each intervention showed effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function, variability in outcomes suggested that the optimal choice depends on individual patient characteristics and clinical context. Mechanistic differences among these injections — from anti-inflammatory action to tissue regeneration and lubrication — provide clinicians with a range of options that can be matched to patient needs. Rather than identifying one best solution, the study stresses the role of patient-centered approaches, where clinical experience and patient preferences are integrated with scientific evidence.

The authors conclude that a one-size-fits-all model is insufficient for TMJ arthralgia and that individualized therapy should guide clinical decision-making. The results encourage clinicians to move beyond standardized protocols and focus on aligning treatments with patient goals, symptom profiles, and risk factors. This study underscores the growing recognition of precision medicine within oral health, extending its influence to musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions. By integrating diverse injection therapies into an individualized framework, clinicians may achieve more sustainable improvements in pain relief and function, ultimately enhancing long-term patient outcomes.

Keywords: TMJ arthralgia, intra-articular injections, temporomandibular joint, pain management, personalized treatment, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kamal Kant Kohli, S.C. Jogigowda, S.P. Shastry, V.S. Christopher, corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma

Reference: Jogigowda SC, Shastry SP, Christopher VS, Kohli KK, et al. Intra-articular injections in temporomandibular arthralgia: a systematic review. Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2025;29:155. doi: 10.1007/s10006-025-01448-x
.

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FDA Authorizes ProSense Cryoablation System for Early-Stage Breast Cancer in Older Women

The FDA has granted marketing authorization for the ProSense Cryoablation System by IceCure for the treatment of small, early-stage breast cancer in women aged 70 and above who are not suitable for surgery, offering a minimally invasive care option.

The announcement was made on October 3, 2025, by IceCure Medical Ltd. (Nasdaq: ICCM) (“IceCure”, “IceCure Medical” or the “Company”), the developer of minimally invasive cryoablation technology that destroys tumors by freezing as an option to surgical tumor removal.

“We are excited to add a minimally invasive choice around breast cancer treatments and to offer patients an effective, outpatient procedure,” said Eyal Shamir, Chief Executive Officer, IceCure. “With the ProSense® Cryoablation System, we are giving women with low-risk, early-stage breast cancer the choice to freeze their cancer, not their lives, through an effective treatment that minimizes recovery time, and minimal cosmetic changes to the breast.”

ProSense® is the first and only medical device to be granted FDA marketing authorization for the local treatment of breast cancer.

ProSense® is authorized by the FDA for the local treatment of breast cancer in patients ≥70 years of age with biologically low-risk tumors ≤1.5 cm in size and treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy. Biologically low-risk breast cancer is defined as unifocal tumor, size ≤1.5cm, ER+, PR+, HER2-, Ki-67<15% and/or genomic testing indicative of low-risk breast cancer, infiltrating ductal carcinoma (excluding lobular carcinoma, extensive intraductal component, or evidence of lymphovascular invasion), and clinically negative lymph node (N0). The authorized indication includes patients that are not suitable for surgery for breast cancer treatment. For a complete discussion of the benefits and risks of ProSense Cryoablation System for the local treatment of breast cancer, please visit our website.

In granting marketing authorization, the FDA requested that IceCure conduct a post-market surveillance study with the aim of producing additional data in this indication. The post-market study is expected to include approximately 400 patients at 30 sites.

Breast cancer cryoablation with ProSense®, is a simple, quick, out-patient procedure that can have a notably positive impact on the patient experience and can be beneficial for patients seeking more choices.

“You don’t need any kind of cosmetic follow-up, you don’t have a scar, and you don’t have the feeling of having lost part of your breast, because it’s all still there,” said breast cancer patient and ICE3 trial participant, Pam Dixon, when describing her experience with the ProSense® cryoablation procedure. “There was no pain. It was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. I don’t remember any limitations on my activity.”

During the ProSense® cryoablation procedure, a doctor injects local anesthesia and uses ultrasound imaging to guide a small cryoprobe, a thin hollow needle, into the breast tumor. Once the cryoprobe is placed, liquid nitrogen creates extremely cold temperatures (-170C°) which destroys the breast tumor by creating an ice ball around the targeted tissue. Key advantages of ProSense® cryoablation procedure include:

Maintain breast shape: No tissue is removed and there is minimal scarring from the insertion of the cryoprobe. No breast reconstruction is needed.

Short, out-patient procedure with local anesthesia: Average cryoablation procedure time is approximately 30 – 45 minutes with no hospital waiting or overnight stay. Numbing agents (local anesthesia) are injected only into the area being treated and the ice formed during the procedure has a numbing effect.

Reduced recovery time: Patients typically return to normal activity within 24-hours. Median recovery time is one day with a range of 0 – 8 days.

The procedure is monitored in real-time by ultrasound to ensure the ice ball is growing sufficiently around the tumor, and to avoid damage to the skin or muscle. The doctor may use hydro-dissection to protect the skin or muscle during a procedure depending on the location of the tumor. The tissue destroyed by the ice ball is naturally reabsorbed by the body over time and adjacent tissue is left unharmed.

The FDA’s marketing authorization was based on an abundance of data including IceCure’s ICE3 trial which was published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. With 194 patients, ICE3 is the largest multi-center clinical trial ever completed for liquid-nitrogen (LN2) based cryoablation for patients aged ≥60 with low-risk, early-stage breast cancer without surgically removing the breast tumor. Only 3.1% of patients with hormone receptor-positive and HER2-breast cancer treated locally with cryoablation and endocrine therapy (also known as hormone or hormonal therapy), experienced local recurrence of breast cancer within 5 years after treatment, based on the study results.

The majority of the cryoablation procedure-related adverse events besides breast cancer recurrence were edema (swelling), bruising, hematoma (bleeding into tissues), skin burn, and postoperative pain. These were mild in severity and all of these events resolved without any permanent effect.

ICE3 study lead author, Richard Fine, MD, FACS, of the West Cancer Center & Research Institute in Germantown, TN and past President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons emphasizes that, “The ICE3 study has proven that cryoablation with ProSense® is a safe, minimally invasive ablative procedure with results similar to that of lumpectomy patients who took endocrine therapy, and has the benefit of being an office-based, non-surgical treatment. Further data coming out of the post-market study should continue to support that cryoablation with ProSense® is a successful option in the de-escalation of breast cancer care in appropriately selected patients.”

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Long-term Steroid Use for Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Increases Glaucoma Risk: Study

Researchers have found in a new study that the risk of steroid-induced glaucoma increases with steroid use longer than 6 months, higher-potency formulations, and urban living, while even low-potency steroids were associated with ocular hypertension and glaucoma. The study was published in Cureus Journal of Medical Science by Suneeta D. and colleagues.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an autoimmune allergic eye condition requiring long-term steroid treatment for symptom control. Although steroids work, unmonitored or prolonged use risks complications such as steroid-induced ocular hypertension (SIOHT) and steroid-induced glaucoma (SIG) leading to irreversible blindness.

Risk factors and clinical distinctions between patient groups must be understood for early detection, proper management, and prevention of blindness. The present multicentric research investigated steroid-related and non-steroid-related factors of glaucoma in patients with VKC, as well as urban–rural differences in presentation and outcomes.

This was a retrospective review of the charts over four centers from April 2019 to March 2020. There were 2,360 patients with VKC included, and their records were reviewed for the use of steroids, clinical features, family history, allergy, refractive errors, and treatment outcomes. Patients were also stratified between urban and rural locations to analyze demographic parameters.

Results

  • Among 2,360 VKC patients, SIOHT and/or SIG developed at 4.7%. Within them, the incidence of SIG was 53.5% and that of SIOHT was 46.5%, presenting at mean ages of 17.1 ± 5.9 years and 16.4 ± 6.0 years, respectively.

  • Topical dexamethasone was used most commonly (50%) among them.

  • Urban regions had greater prevalence of limbal VKC (23%) compared to rural regions (7.9%) (p = 0.01).

  • 29 rural and 11 city patients were found to have a history of allergy, though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.1).

  • Steroid use patterns also differed, with more intense usage among urban populations.

  • Steroid withdrawal was adequate in 10.3% of the affected eyes,

  • 62.9% needed anti-glaucoma drugs, and

  • 24.9% needed surgery.

  • Refractive errors also presented, with myopia in 26.5% of SIG/SIOHT eyes and hyperopia in 2.8%.

This multicentric research demonstrates that glaucoma is a significant vision-threatening complication in VKC, and 25% of involved patients need surgery. Urban patients, especially with limbal VKC, seem to be more susceptible, perhaps as a result of environmental exposures. These observations necessitate greater precautions in VKC management, more strict monitoring of steroid treatment, and specialized strategies in urban vs rural populations.

Reference:

Dubey S, Shakya R, Pegu J, et al. (August 13, 2025) Risk Factors Associated With Steroid-Induced Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma in Patients With Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis in a North Indian Population: A Multicenter Study. Cureus 17(8): e89972. doi:10.7759/cureus.89972

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Transforaminal nerve root block effective, minimally invasive intervention for lumbar radiculopathy: study

Transforaminal nerve root block (TFNRB) is a precise local injection technique used to target a particular inflamed nerve root that causes lumbar radiculopathy for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Lumbar radiculopathy is characterized by radiating lower extremity pain following specific dermatomal patterns, typically resulting from nerve root compression or inflammation. While its management includes conservative treatment as the first line of treatment, conservative treatments often fail, necessitating alternative interventions such as TFNRB and other invasive operative interventions.

Malkesh Shah et al conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of TFNRB in managing lumbar radiculopathy. The study has been published in ‘Cureus.’

A study was conducted involving 30 patients in the 18-60 age group who presented with chronic radicular pain persisting for over six weeks and refractory to conservative measures. All patients underwent TFNRB under fluoroscopic guidance. Pain and disability were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) criteria pre- and post-procedure at regular intervals, and final results were evaluated using the MacNab criteria.

The key findings of the study were:

• Mean VAS scores reduced from 7.8 ± 1.1 pre-procedure to 2.5 ± 1.3 at six months (p < 0.01).

• ODI scores demonstrated significant improvement, decreasing from 65.4% ± 5.3% to 25.6% ± 4.2% (p < 0.01).

• Out of 30 patients, the majority reported sustained pain relief, with minor complications in two cases.

The authors concluded – ‘TFNRB is a highly effective and safe intervention for managing lumbar radiculopathy. It offers significant pain relief, functional improvement, and a minimally invasive alternative to surgical treatments. Our study on TFNRB provides statistically significant and clinically superior results in pain relief, functional outcome, and patient satisfaction compared to surgical and alternative non-surgical methods. With a sustained relief rate, low complication incidence, and a favorable cost-benefit profile, TFNRB emerges as a first-line interventional strategy for lumbar radiculopathy, especially before considering invasive surgical treatments. Our study substantiates the clinical value of TFNRB while advancing it through a highly standardized, reproducible approach using Kambin’s triangle. Unlike previous studies with heterogeneous methods, short term follow-ups, or limited functional data, we provide longitudinal, quantifiable outcomes across pain, disability, and patient satisfaction metrics, underscoring TFNRB’s role as an alternative to surgery and a primary interventional modality.’

Further reading:

Efficacy of Transforaminal Nerve Root Block in Lumbar Radiculopathy

Malkesh Shah et al

Cureus 17(8): e89754. DOI 10.7759/cureus.89754

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Kids with poor posture during reading and writing suffer from both myopia and scoliosis: Study

A new study published in the journal of Frontiers in Pediatrics showed that adolescents with poor posture during reading and writing are more likely to suffer from both myopia and scoliosis.

Improper reading/writing postures during near-work activities may be the cause of both myopia and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), two seemingly separate but mechanistically related health problems that affect Chinese adolescents as they make the crucial transition to middle school, according to new research.

Thus, this study examined the epidemiological relationship between myopia and scoliosis, specifically assess the synergistic effects of poor reading/writing postures on these conditions. This was done in light of the growing co-prevalence of myopia and scoliosis among Chinese adolescents, as well as the possibility that prolonged poor reading/writing postures could be a shared risk factor that contributes to onset, progression, and comorbidity.

For this study adolescents in Shanghai’s junior middle schools, ages 11 to 15, made up the research population. Standardized scoliosis screening, thorough eye exams, and structured questionnaires measuring behavioral and demographic risk factors were performed on each participant.

A total of 9,583 middle school pupils (mean age 12.59 ± 1.17 years) participated in this study. The incidence of scoliosis was 1.7%, whereas the overall prevalence of myopia was 77.6%.

Interestingly, 87.2% of the cohort with scoliosis also had myopia, whereas the group without scoliosis had 77.4%. Males had a 1.0% dual-disease comorbidity rate, while females had a 2.1% rate.

Poor reading/writing postures (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.34) and scoliosis screening positive (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09–2.76) were shown to be substantially linked to an elevated risk of myopia, according to multivariable logistic regression analysis.

On the other hand, myopia showed a reciprocal relationship with increased susceptibility to scoliosis (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.09–2.75). Comorbidity for dual-disease patients was favorably connected with female sex and increasing school grade.

When compared to sporadic practice, the systematic use of teacher-mediated posture monitoring (OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.45–0.97) and postural breaks after 30-minute near-work intervals (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46–0.91) significantly decreased the incidence of comorbidity. Overall, adolescent myopia and scoliosis are significantly correlated, and one modifiable risk factor that has been found to be shared by both conditions is non-ergonomic reading and writing postures. 

Source:

Wang, Y., Yang, D., Zhang, F., Qi, W., Lu, Q., Wu, H., & Luo, C. (2025). Analysis of the association between reading and writing postures and comorbidity of myopia and scoliosis in junior middle school students. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 13(1576575). https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2025.1576575

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Scientists reverse Alzheimer’s in mice using nanoparticles

A research team co-led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and West China Hospital Sichuan University (WCHSU), working with partners in the UK, has demonstrated a nanotechnology strategy that reverses Alzheimer’s disease in mice.

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Use of weight loss drugs before bariatric surgery has soared in recent years, study finds

New research findings show a significant increase in the use of weight loss drugs among patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery, signaling an evolution in the management of obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

The research will be presented at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress 2025 in Chicago, October 4-7. 

“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes and its related conditions,” said Patrick J. Sweigert, MD, senior author of the study and a bariatric and foregut surgeon at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. “We’re entering a new world of multidisciplinary care pathways and a new frontier of weight management that is important for patients and surgeons to think about.”

The research team performed a cross-sectional study looking at glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) among patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery. Dr. Sweigert and colleagues analyzed nearly 365,000 patients who underwent primary metabolic and bariatric surgery between 2018 and 2024. They used the Epic Cosmos database, which includes more than 300 million patient records from institutions across the country, to examine prescription patterns for semaglutide and tirzepatide, two of the newest GLP-1s to hit the market.

Key Findings

• Preliminary findings indicate the proportion of patients receiving at least one GLP-1 prescription in the year leading up to surgery increased from 1.8% in the first quarter of 2020 to 29.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024 — a sixteenfold rise. Use surged across patients with and without diabetes, underscoring the expanding role of these medications in obesity treatment, independent of diabetes status.

• Among patients without Type 2 diabetes, preoperative GLP-1 use rose elevenfold over the past three years-from 2.1% in the first quarter of 2022 to 23.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024. By comparison, use among patients with Type 2 diabetes increased fourfold, from 11.3% to 45.2% over the same period.

The median age of patients was 43 years, the median preoperative body mass index (BMI) of these patients was 46. Women made up 80% of the sample, and 33% had a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes.

Lead author Stefanie C. Rohde, MD, a general surgery resident at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, noted that the findings reflect a shift in how bariatric surgery candidates perceive their treatment options.

“While patients previously believed they had to choose between GLP-1 receptor agonists and surgery, we’re now seeing that people are using both,” Dr. Rohde said. “We know that patients can use GLP-1s after bariatric surgery to amplify their weight loss. But all of this is still very new in terms of how to manage patients effectively.”

Going forward, she added, real-world data such as that from Epic Cosmos can support the development of evidence-based guidelines for when to start, combine, or transition between treatment approaches, whether before surgery or during the postoperative period. 

The investigators acknowledged limitations in their analysis, including potential inaccuracies in health record data and uncertainty about whether patients filled or took their prescribed medications.

Reference:

Use of weight loss drugs before bariatric surgery has soared in recent years, study finds, American College of Surgeons, Meeting: American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2025.

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Artificially sweetened and sugary drinks are both associated with an increased risk of liver disease, study finds

A new study reveals that both sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages (LNSSBs) are significantly associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

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Human ability to focus on specific sounds not found to originate in auditory nerve or brainstem

Research led by the University of Michigan’s Kresge Hearing Research Institute and the University of Rochester illuminates the mechanisms through which humans can pick out and focus on single sounds in noisy environments.

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