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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Bimiralisib Gel Shows Strong Efficacy for Early-Stage Actinic Keratosis in Phase 2 trial

In phase 2 results, bimiralisib gel 2% demonstrated high efficacy and tolerability in treating actinic keratosis, achieving a 92% response rate in Olsen grade 1 lesions. The gel targets the PI3K/mTOR pathway, offering a novel, mechanism-based approach for managing early-stage skin lesions.

The randomized, multi-center study evaluated topical bimiralisib gel as a field-directed treatment for AK on the face, scalp, and/or back of hands. Results demonstrated substantial efficacy and a favorable safety profile, supporting further clinical development:

  • Efficacy: 92% of complete or near complete response with Olsen grade 1 patients, and overall, 52% of patients in the 2-week period and 71% in the 4-week period achieved an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score of 0–1 (complete or partial clearance). All patients experienced some degree of lesion clearance after the initial treatment period. Clearance was seen in Olsen grade 1 and grade 2 AK lesions. Subanalysis showed that patients with Olsen grade 2 also had significant clearance with 48% complete or near complete response.
  • Safety: Treatment was well tolerated, with related adverse events being generally local skin reactions with the vast majority being mild (only four grade 2 events), all resolving without intervention. Retreatment during the optional extension phase for up to 8 weeks was feasible without any significant or new safety concerns. Further improvements of lesions were noted with additional cases of complete clearance.
  • The Phase 2 study enrolled 46 patients across two leading Swiss dermatology centers: University Hospital Basel (Prof. A. Navarini) and Lausanne University Hospital (Prof. O. Gaide).

Dr. Vladimir Cmiljanovic, CEO of Torqur AG, said: “Presenting these Phase 2 results at Europe’s most prestigious dermatology congress is a tremendous milestone. The high rates of clearance and consistently favorable tolerability profile underscore bimiralisib’s potential to become a new standard for patients with actinic keratosis. We are now preparing for the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials and discussing with potential partners to bring this therapy closer to patients worldwide.”

Prof. Dr. Alexander Navarini, Chairman of Dermatology at University Hospital Basel and Lead Principal Investigator, commented: “These results show that bimiralisib gel 2% has both efficacy and safety across different grades of actinic keratosis. This represents a promising new non-invasive option for patients, addressing a significant unmet need in dermatology.”

Prof. Dr. Olivier Gaide, Head of the Center of Excellence for Skin Cancer and Melanoma at Lausanne University Hospital and Principal Investigator, added: “With actinic keratosis being the most common precancerous skin condition, these data highlight the great potential of this targeted topical therapy to counter progression to squamous cell carcinoma.”

Actinic keratosis affects more than 10% of Europeans and is considered the most common pre-cancerous dermatological condition driven by an overactive PI3K/mTOR pathway. Bimiralisib gel is a selective pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor and offers a new mechanism-based approach to treat early-stage skin lesions effectively and safely.

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Flavonoids Show Therapeutic Potential in NAFLD Management: Study

A new meta-analysis suggests that flavonoid supplementation offers promising benefits for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers reviewed 25 randomized controlled trials involving more than 1,600 participants to evaluate how different types of flavonoids—such as quercetin, anthocyanins, genistein, silymarin, and naringenin—affect liver health, blood lipids, and insulin sensitivity. The findings showed significant reductions in liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, insulin levels, and body mass index. Participants also showed improved insulin sensitivity, suggesting that flavonoids may help manage early metabolic dysfunction linked to fatty liver.

Despite these improvements, the study found limited effects on inflammation and liver fibrosis, which are key indicators of disease progression. While flavonoids lowered markers of liver stress, they did not significantly improve γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), LDL or HDL cholesterol, or fibrosis scores. Researchers explained that this might be due to differences in study design, dosage, and the specific types of flavonoids used. They also noted that liver fibrosis develops slowly, and many trials were too short to capture meaningful structural changes. For that reason, longer studies using advanced imaging or biopsy assessments are needed to determine whether flavonoids can slow or reverse fibrosis.

In essence, flavonoids appear to be a helpful add-on rather than a replacement for standard NAFLD management. Their strongest benefits seem to be in improving liver enzyme levels, metabolic function, and lipid balance. Researchers emphasize the need for large-scale, long-term clinical trials to confirm the safety, ideal dosage, and potential synergistic effects when used alongside other therapies. For now, incorporating flavonoid-rich foods such as berries, citrus fruits, soy, and green tea could support liver and metabolic health while further research continues.

Keywords: flavonoids, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver enzymes, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, fibrosis, meta-analysis

Reference:
Liu Q, Luan H, Duan Z, Ai J, Wang Y, Chen P. Efficacy of flavonoids in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2025; doi:10.3389/fnut.2025.1660065.

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Meta-Analysis Reveals 54 Percent Increased Risk of AAA in Patients With H. pylori Infection

India: A new meta-analysis published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders has highlighted a potential connection between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The findings suggest that H. pylori may significantly elevate the risk of AAA, pointing to an underexplored target for preventive strategies in vulnerable adults.

The study was conducted by Dr. Phanish Chandra Ravi, S.V.S. Medical College, Mahabubnagar, India, and colleagues.
AAA is a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly in older adults, as it often progresses silently until rupture. Identifying modifiable or preventable factors is therefore a critical priority in reducing disease burden. According to the authors, chronic H. pylori infection—well-known for its role in peptic ulcers and gastric cancer—may extend its influence beyond the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to systemic vascular inflammation that drives aneurysm development.
The study synthesized evidence from eight observational studies to evaluate whether H. pylori infection contributes to AAA risk. It led to the following findings:
The study revealed the following findings:
  • Individuals with Helicobacter pylori infection had a 54% higher likelihood of developing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), with a pooled risk ratio of 1.54.
  • The overall event rate of AAA among H. pylori-positive individuals was 41%, with notable variability across different populations and study designs.
  • Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed that the association between H. pylori and AAA persisted despite differences in geography, methodology, and patient characteristics.
  • Findings suggest that chronic infection may contribute to vascular alterations that increase susceptibility to aneurysm formation.
However, the study also acknowledged important limitations. Since the analysis was based on observational studies, the risk of confounding remains high. Differences in diagnostic approaches for H. pylori infection, inconsistent definitions of AAA, and variability in population demographics made data pooling challenging. Moreover, unmeasured factors such as dietary patterns, socioeconomic status, and coexisting inflammatory conditions may have influenced the reported associations. The authors also noted the possibility of publication bias, as studies showing no association could have been underrepresented.
Despite these caveats, the findings raise compelling questions about the role of chronic infection in cardiovascular disease. The authors emphasize the need for large-scale prospective cohort studies using standardized diagnostic tools and rigorous adjustment for confounders to strengthen the evidence base. In addition, mechanistic studies investigating how H. pylori, particularly virulent CagA-positive strains, may trigger vascular inflammation and structural weakening of the aortic wall could help establish causality.
If validated, the association between H. pylori and AAA could have significant clinical implications. Routine screening for H. pylori in older adults, alongside established cardiovascular risk assessments, might become an additional strategy to reduce aneurysm risk. Furthermore, eradication of the infection through antibiotic therapy could potentially serve as a preventive intervention in high-risk groups, though this approach requires further study.
“The meta-analysis emphasizes a noteworthy link between H. pylori infection and abdominal aortic aneurysm, providing fresh insights into vascular risk factors beyond traditional contributors. While the evidence calls for cautious interpretation, it highlights an avenue for future research aimed at prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes in AAA patients,” the authors concluded.
Reference:
Arain, M., Karnatapu, J., Moradi, I. et al. Association between helicobacter pylori infection and abdominal aortic aneurysm: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 25, 676 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-025-05148-y

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Pre-existing mental health conditions increase the risk of Vascular dementia post COVID-19 infection: Study

A new study published in the Nature Partner Journal Dementia showed that COVID-19 survivors 50 years of age and older were more likely to experience new-onset dementia (NOD) when compared to uninfected controls.

According to current research, persons 50 years of age and older who are recuperating from COVID-19 may be more susceptible to new-onset vascular dementia. Vascular cognitive loss may result from the infection’s prothrombotic effects, endothelial damage, and systemic inflammation, which can reduce cerebral blood flow.

This risk may also be increased by post-COVID metabolic abnormalities and pre-existing comorbidities. Early identification, prevention, and therapy of cognitive impairment in the elderly population after infection depend on an understanding of the pathways relating COVID-19 to vascular dementia. Thus, the purpose of this work was to use secondary data analysis of the UK Biobank (UKBB) public dataset to do a longitudinal cohort study.

The prevalences of both non-COVID respiratory illnesses (including both non-communicable respiratory conditions and non-COVID respiratory tract infections) and dementia (including all-cause dementia, AD, and VaD) in these individuals were compared to those in propensity-score-matched controls who did not have COVID-19.

The findings of this research discovered that, in comparison to uninfected controls, COVID-19 survivors were more likely to develop NOD. VaD was the main cause of this elevated risk rather than AD, although the risk was not higher than that seen in those with respiratory conditions other than COVID. Significantly greater odds of VaD after COVID-19 infection were observed in those with pre-existing mental health disorders, making them more vulnerable.

Overall, all things considered, this study added to the increasing amount of data that suggests COVID-19 infection may raise the risk of NOD, especially VaD, but not AD. A wider influence of respiratory disorders on cognitive health may be indicated by the fact that this additional risk did not seem to be much greater than that seen in those with non-COVID respiratory diseases, including non-COVID respiratory tract infections. Research on the long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 and ongoing surveillance are essential given the significant societal burden of dementia.

Reference:

Shan, D., Xu, Y., Yang, C., Crawford, T. J., & Holland, C. (2025). COVID-19 infection associated with increased risk of new-onset vascular dementia in adults ≥50 years. NPJ Dementia, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44400-025-00034-y

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