Use Brain Health to Start the Alcohol Conversation
Nathaniel Chin, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology; Associate Program Director, UW Health Memory Clinic; Medical Director, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Study; Medical Director, Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention Study; Medical Director, ADRC Consortium for Clarity in ADRD Research Through Imaging (CLARiTI), University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
Disclosure: Nathaniel Chin, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:Serve(d) as a consultant or advisor for: New Amsterdam Pharma Inc (1-day advisory panel, July 2023); Eli Lilly Inc (2-day advisory panel, January 2025)
Serve(d) as a volunteer board member for: Medical and Scientific Board, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Association; Alzheimer's Foundation of America
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Medscape
33 minutes ago
- Medscape
Can New Combo Fill ‘Unmet Need' in R/R Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Acimtamig, a first-in-class CD30/CD16A bispecific innate cell engager (ICE), combined with an off-the-shelf cord-blood derived natural killer cell product (AlloNK), shows safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma, who otherwise have poor prognoses. 'Acimtamig in combination with AlloNK shows promising efficacy with a well-managed safety profile with the potential to address an unmet need in patients with R/R Hodgkin lymphoma who have exhausted standard-of-care treatment options,' said first author Joseph Maakaron, MD, of the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, in presenting the findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2025 annual meeting in Chicago. Patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma who relapse after standard-of-care treatments, including chemotherapy, brentuximab vedotin, and checkpoint inhibitors, have few remaining treatment options. Acimtamig has previously shown some efficacy as monotherapy in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, and when further combined with an allogenic cord blood derived natural killer cell product, encouraging objective response rates were observed in a proof-of-concept study. To test the approach in a more rigorous multicenter trial, Maakaron and colleagues conducted the current open-label phase 2 LuminICE-203 trial, enrolling 24 patients with R/R Hodgkin lymphoma. For the study, the patients were treated in one of four cohorts investigating two doses of acimtamig (200 mg or 300 mg weekly flat dosing for 6 weeks) in combination with two dose levels of AlloNK after standard lymphodepletion of up to three cycles and followed by a randomized part using the Simon two-stage design. While the patients had a median age of 42.5 years, the range was wide, ranging from age 23 to 80 years, and 16 (67%) were men. About two thirds of patients (66.7%) had extranodal disease, and they had all been heavily pre-treated with brentuximab vedotin and programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors, with a median of 4.5 prior lines of treatment, including previous stem cell transplant and CAR T cell therapy among 14 (58%) patients. 'The patients had essentially exhausted all standard-of-care therapy options,' Maakaron emphasized. As of the latest cut-off, the study achieved its primary end point of an objective response rate, with a rate of 88% among the patients, with 14 (58%) achieving complete responses. Across all four dose cohorts, clinically meaningful deep responses were seen, with 10 ongoing responses. A progression-free survival estimate of 61% was observed at 6 months. More robust maximum peaks were observed after the third infusion, which was presumed to be due to a steady state that had been achieved at that time, he added. The safety profile was consistent with previous reports, with the therapy combination being well tolerated. The most common treatment-related side effects were mild to moderate infusion-related reactions, occurring in 50% of patients. There were no cases of graft vs host disease or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was reported in six patients shortly after infusion. All treatment-emergent adverse events including infusion-related reactions and CRS events were controlled with standard-of-care interventions and quickly resolved. There were no fatal treatment-emergent adverse events. 'Acimtamig with AlloNK may provide a safe, effective, and durable new therapeutic option for patients with R/R Hodgkin lymphoma, with a progression-free survival estimate of 61% at 6 months,' Maakaron said. 'These early results support the co-administration approach of acimtamig with an off-the-shelf, commercially scalable, allogenic, cryopreserved natural killer cell product in a multicenter setting,' he said. Study Shows Best Response Rates to Date Commenting on the findings at the meeting, Sarah C. Rutherford, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, said the need for better treatment options for those who have relapsed after standard therapies is pressing. 'This is really an unmet need in the field,' she underscored. 'Novel treatments in R/R classic Hodgkin lymphoma after brentuximab vedotin, checkpoint inhibitors, and autologous transplant are limited, and most don't really work that well.' 'We tend to use single-agent chemotherapies, repeat checkpoint inhibitors, and radiation, but these patients really suffer because of that, and clinical trial options have been lacking.' Rutherford noted that, with the innovative combination, safety and tolerability were important concerns. 'I was really struck by the tolerability of this regimen, with only five patients having grade 3 and one [having] grade 4 treatment-emergent adverse events.' Furthermore, the response rates were impressive, she noted. 'These are the best response rates observed to date in the post-brentuximab vedotin and checkpoint inhibitor setting, and the toxicities appear manageable,' she said. 'I think it's going to be unlikely to be as widely adopted as checkpoint inhibitors because of the nature of the cellular therapy approach, but I do think this is a very promising agent,' Rutherford said. 'I think it's the current best available trial option, and in the future, some version of this could become a third-line therapy in this disease.'
CNN
34 minutes ago
- CNN
22 of the best cycling shorts for a more comfortable ride, according to seasoned cyclists
Cycling shorts quick picks For mountain biking: Fox Racing Men's Ranger Shorts For spin classes: Zoot Women's 6-Inch Ltd Triathalon Shorts For long-distance rides: Assos Women's Dyora Women's R Bib Shorts S11 Bib shorts: Rapha Men's Core Cargo Bib Shorts For recreational rides: Pearl Izumi Women's Sugar 5-Inch Cycling Shorts Whether you've just purchased a new set of wheels for your bikepacking trip or recently invested in an exercise bike, having comfortable cycling shorts specifically designed for this type of workout is a must. 'Cycling shorts aren't 'one-style-fits-all,'' said Emma Belluomo, an instructor at CycleBar. According to the certified fitness trainer and nutrition coach, road shorts are 'sleek and snug with dense padding for long, fast rides,' while mountain biking shorts have a looser fit and are designed to withstand challenging trails. On the other hand, she said 'indoor cycling shorts focus on breathability and comfort with lighter padding or none at all to keep you cool during sweaty spin sessions.' To help you find the most comfortable cycling shorts for everything from mountain biking to spin class, we consulted several experienced cyclists for their insights on what to look for in cycling shorts, along with their recommendations. Club Ride 11-Inch Savvy Surf Trail Shorts Made from a breathable, stretch-knit material, these trail shorts are a great option for mountain biking, according to Sally Marchand Collins, the owner of Sundance MTB Skills Clinic and Adventure. In addition to having a gusseted crotch, reflective accents and a zippered side pocket, the shorts also have an interior drawcord, so you can adjust the fit. Shredly 5-Inch All Time Zipper-Snap Mid-Rise Shorts These 5-inch shorts are another one of Collins' recommendations for mountain biking. They come in over 10 fun patterns to suit different personalities (and so you can stand out on the trail), and they're made from a quick-drying polyester and spandex blend. They also come in two longer lengths — 11 and 14 inches — for those who want more leg coverage. Zoot Women's 6-Inch Ltd Triathlon Shorts Meredith Novack, a former professional triathlete and LaunchBreak member, thinks Zoot's Ltd Triathalon Shorts are perfect for spin classes, short bike rides or multi-sports. They're designed with a stretchy, wide waistband, a modesty liner and grippers to keep them from riding up. We love that they have a UPF rating of 50+ to protect your skin from the sun, as well as slim-fitting padding designed with triathletes in mind. Pactimo Women's Summit Classic Shorts Collins is a fan of Pactimo's Summit Classic Shorts, which were designed with mountain bikers in mind. Available in sizes XS to 2XL, the shorts feature the brand's Endurance Anatomic Super Air Chamois — specially designed padding that provides cushioning while you're cycling — to keep you comfortable during long rides. Pearl Izumi 5-Inch Sugar Cycling Shorts For recreational rides, Mary Beth Hogan, a triathlete and founding LaunchBreak member, singles out these compressive cycling shorts, which have silicone grippers, large cargo pockets that can hold your phone, reflective detailing for visibility in low-light conditions and a wide waistband. Wild Rye Women's 7-Inch Freda Bike Shorts If you're looking for bike shorts that will also work for your other outdoor adventures this summer, these Wild Rye ones have Collins' stamp of approval. They have a UPF rating of 50+, a gusseted crotch and a zippered side pocket to keep your valuables safe. They also come in four colors and patterns, including an unexpectedly fun animal print and a bold floral. Old Navy 8-Inch High-Waisted PowerSoft Biker Shorts 'Don't sleep on Old Navy when it comes to activewear,' Belluomo said. 'I love their quality, and the price is so amazing for the quality.' Case in point, these high-waisted biker shorts she loves. One of the more budget-friendly options on the list, they come in several colors and sizes XS to 4X. Terry Bella Free Bike Shorts These Collins-recommended shorts feature a contoured waistband and the brand's breathable Flex Air Chamois (seamless and ultra-breathable foam padding) that make your rides more comfortable. They're also designed without leg grippers, making them a great option for those who don't like silicone. Gymshark Women's Running Cycling Shorts Belluomo loves these drawcord waistband shorts because of their handy, zippered back pocket. Though they're only available in two colors — black and teal — they come with a budget-friendly price tag. Assos Dyora R Bib Shorts S11 If you're looking for a comfortable and compressive pair of bib shorts (cycling shorts that are held up by straps), Megan Kelly, a USA Cycling Masters National Champ in Criterium and founding LaunchBreak member, recommends these ones from Assos for long-distance rides. Wild Rye Eleanor Chammy Shorts If you're looking for a more fashion-forward pair of biking shorts, Novack recommends Wild Rye's Eleanor Chammy, which comes in three bold prints. Athleta 9-Inch Elation Ultra-High-Rise Shorts For those wanting a longer pair of bike shorts, Belluomo recommends these ones. 'The fabric is super soft and sweat-wicking, so [they're] perfect for spin [classes],' she said. We love that they also have a UPF 50+ rating and a discreet back pocket for stashing cash. Velocio Women's Luxe Bib Shorts For long-distance riders, Kelly also recommends the Velocio Luxe Bib Shorts because they're comfortable to wear and make bathroom breaks on the trail a breeze, thanks to the added elasticity to the bib straps. The shorts also feature a three-panel design that eliminates any needless seams, which in turn reduces the potential for chafing. Assos Mille GTS Bib Shorts S11 Jason Carolan, a cycling expert with over 30 years of competitive riding, recommends these shorts from Assos. Designed for long-distance rides, they come in two lengths — standard and long — and feature an ultra-matte finish. Their bib-style design makes them ideal for those who find the waistbands in regular cycling shorts uncomfortable. Vuori PR Shorts Compression Tights 'Compression shorts are a great choice for men to wear as a layer under regular shorts while cycling,' Belluomo said. 'This will help prevent chafing and give you more comfort.' She recommends Vuori's moisture-wicking PR Shorts, which are meant to be worn in cold weather as a base layer. Club Ride 13-Inch Hifi All-Mountain Shorts Collins recommends Club Ride's Hifi All-Mountain Shorts, which are made from a water- and dirt-resistant polyester and spandex blend. Designed with eight pockets and a gusseted crotch, these shorts strike a balance between style and function. We love that they also have reflective accents for those early morning or late-night rides. Zoic 9-Inch Ether Bike Shorts and Liner This shorts set, which Collins recommends for mountain biking, includes Zoic's bestselling 9-inch Ether Shorts and its 7-inch Essential Liner. With an elasticated back waistband, mesh panels and angled pockets to keep your keys from falling out, these shorts are a great option for fuss-free trail riding. Rapha Men's Core Cargo Bib Shorts 'Rapha might be the brand that started the cargo-short craze, which has expanded across the biking industry,' Carolan said. 'They are very solid and innovative and have expanded their collections to be available in bike shops and retailers, not just online or mail order.' He recommends the Core Cargo Bib Shorts, which are designed for everyday riders. Fox Racing Men's Ranger Shorts If you're looking for a durable pair of mountain bike shorts, Collins also recommends these lightweight ones that hit at the knee. They're made from a moisture-wicking ripstop fabric, and they have a water-repellent finish. Adidas Men's Essentials 3-Stripes Padded Cycling Shorts Belluomo is a fan of these Adidas cycling shorts because they're 'super functional and will help you go the distance since they're padded for more comfort on long rides.' Primal Men's Alitios Limited-Edition Black Etheros Bib Shorts A fan of Primal Alitios bib shorts, Carolan singles out this pair of bib shorts. 'They use the best [original equipment manufacturer (OEM)] on the market for their chamois, and the straps, compression and fabric are top-notch for multi-hour rides.' He likens the quality of these ones to shorts double their price. Castelli Men's Premio Evo Bib Shorts If you don't mind spending a little more on your cycling shorts, Carolan said that Castelli makes high-quality gear for both professionals and amateurs, though some people find the chamois too thick. The Premio Evo Bib Shorts, which have a perforated back panel and are designed for long-distance rides, get his stamp of approval. 'When choosing cycling bibs or shorts, the most crucial element is the chamois (padding),' said Jennifer Cvar, an executive director at Momentum Indy. 'I generally look for bibs with multiple sections in the padding to allow for maximum comfort and support where it's most needed.' Carolan echoes this point, adding that the padding should work for your body and bike and be an appropriate thickness for the length of your ride. For rides over two hours, Cvar recommends opting for shorts with thicker padding to help protect the sit bones. Fit is another key factor to consider. According to Carolan, cycling shorts should be tight but not restrictive enough to cut off your blood flow or circulation. 'Bike shorts all take some time to break in,' he said. 'I recommend cyclists wash their shorts first and then ride a few times before some major race or event to break them in, confirm the fit works and ensure no issues come up. It's a very personal product, so it's important to try to test and see what works best. But you should be able to forget that you have them on when you're cycling.' You should also consider the material. Cvar recommends looking for moisture-wicking fabrics and features such as leg grips, which help keep the shorts in place. There are also aesthetics, length and the type of short — bib versus regular cycling shorts — which all boils down to personal preference. 'For me, personally, I never ride in cycling shorts because I don't prefer the feel of a waistband; [I'm] always opting for bibs, though I know this certainly complicates potty breaks for women,' Cvar said. Pro tip: Cvar recommends using chamois cream, like Undurbudr's, to prevent chafing since they're designed to be worn without underwear. The following FAQs have been answered by cycling experts Jennifer Cvar, Mary Beth Hogan and Jason Carolan, and include reporting by associate editor Rachel Dennis. How should your cycling shorts fit? How should your cycling shorts fit? According to Cvar, cycling shorts should have a snug fit to keep the chamois in place and prevent chafing. 'They should be tight enough that the fabric doesn't wrinkle or bag, especially around the crotch and inner thighs, but still allows for a full range of motion,' Cvar said. 'The leg grippers should hold the shorts firmly without digging in uncomfortably. A proper fit is key to maximizing the benefits of the chamois and the technical fabric.' How often should you wash your cycling shorts? How often should you wash your cycling shorts? Hogan recommends washing them after each use. 'One tip to increase the lifespan of cycling shorts is to allow them to air-dry rather than putting them in the dryer,' she said. Do all types of cycling shorts have padding? Do all types of cycling shorts have padding? No. While many pairs of cycling shorts do have padding, there are also cycling shorts that don't, such as the Club Ride Men's Hifi All-Mountain Shorts that Collins recommends. How long do cycling shorts last? How long do cycling shorts last? As Carolan said, a good pair of cycling shorts can last years if they're taken care of. To help extend the longevity of your shorts, he recommends following the care instructions on the label and avoiding the use of a dryer. 'You'll know when you start to have saddle discomfort when the chamois has broken down, and at that point, you should not use them anymore,' he said. 'For most riders, a pair of cycling shorts should last three to five years.' How many pairs of cycling shorts should you buy? How many pairs of cycling shorts should you buy? For those new to cycling, Carolan recommends purchasing just a few pairs. 'For someone starting out, two to four pairs would be fine,' he said. 'Cycling shorts need to be washed, so it depends on how often you ride and do laundry. For the 'everyday rider,' you'd want five to seven pairs.' For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Emma Belluomo, fitness trainer and nutrition coach, and instructor at CycleBar Jason Carolan, cycling expert with over 30 years of competitive riding and the chief innovation officer at Flexential Sally Marchand Collins, owner of Sundance MTB Skills Clinic and Adventure Jennifer Cvar, executive director at Momentum Indy, a nonprofit organization that organizes and manages bicycling events and festivals Mary Beth Hogan, triathlete; former D1 cross-country and track athlete; founding member of LaunchBreak, a networking platform for female athletes; and chair of The Armory Foundation, a nonprofit that offers athletic, educational and community programs Megan Kelly, USA Cycling Masters National Champ in Criterium; founder of STEAM Train Endurance Coaching; USA Cycling triathlon and swimming coach; and founding member of LaunchBreak Meredith Novack, former professional triathlete, swim expert, world record-holding extreme swimmer and LaunchBreak member CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Rachel Dennis interviewed several cycling experts to get their insights on what to look for when shopping for cycling shorts and their recommendations.
Medscape
39 minutes ago
- Medscape
Lifestyle Changes Boost Medical Therapy for CAD
In patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease (CAD), integrating intensive lifestyle modifications and goal-directed medical therapy — while reserving revascularization for those with severely reduced coronary flow capacity — resulted in improvements in risk factor scores and better clinical outcomes. METHODOLOGY: Researchers in Texas conducted a single-center randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of combining lifestyle modifications with aggressive medical therapy in patients with subclinical, suspected, or established CAD and factors that put them at a high risk for poor outcomes. Between 2009 and 2017, patients aged 40 years or older were randomly assigned to receive either comprehensive care (n = 513; mean age, 61 years; 67% men) or standard care (n = 515; mean age, 61 years; 69% men). After randomization, all patients underwent baseline stress-rest PET to quantify coronary flow capacity and accordingly defer or guide interventions. Comprehensive care involved intensive lifestyle counseling, regular review of PET results, and targeted steps toward prespecified risk factor goals. Patients also received frequent follow-ups and round-the-clock access to phone or email support. Those without severely reduced coronary flow capacity were managed without invasive interventions. Standard care involved no review of results or contact for support, and PET results were unblinded only for patients with severely reduced coronary flow capacity at a high risk for mortality to consider potential revascularization. The primary outcome was a change in the summed risk score of 16 individual risk factors over a 5-year follow-up period. Major adverse cardiac events, their components, and revascularization after 90 days were assessed as secondary outcomes. TAKEAWAY: At 5 years, patients receiving comprehensive care had a lower summed risk score than those receiving standard care (difference in 5-year change, -1.4; P < .0001), along with significant improvements in individual risk factors such as low-density lipoprotein, BMI, and blood pressure ( P < .01 for all). < .0001), along with significant improvements in individual risk factors such as low-density lipoprotein, BMI, and blood pressure ( < .01 for all). Over 11 years of extended follow-up, the comprehensive care group had 31.4% fewer major adverse cardiac events, 42.7% fewer deaths, 37% fewer deaths or myocardial infarction events, and 35.1% fewer revascularizations than the standard care group ( P < .05 for all). < .05 for all). Only 5.4% of patients underwent revascularization within 90 days, which was primarily guided by the severity of coronary flow capacity. IN PRACTICE: 'The randomized, controlled, blinded 5-year CENTURY trial demonstrates that participants for whom invasive coronary procedures were safely deferred based on [coronary flow capacity] by PET, integrated with comprehensive, intense lifestyle modifications, and aggressive medical treatment targeted to goals significantly improved all risk factor scores with significant reduction in all-cause mortality,' the researchers reported. 'Review of risk factor data, PET images, and frequent supportive participant contact with CENTURY [trial] research staff appeared to enhance adherence of the comprehensive compared with the standard care group,' they added. SOURCE: This study was led by K. Lance Gould, MD, of the University of Texas McGovern Medical School in Houston. It was published online on May 29, 2025, in European Heart Journal . LIMITATIONS: This study was conducted at a single center. About 23% of patients did not participate in the follow-up visits or PET scans. Blinding coronary artery calcium and myocardial perfusion images in patients receiving standard care might have been a source of bias. DISCLOSURES: This study received support from the Weatherhead PET Centre endowment at the University of Texas-Houston. One author reported receiving internal funding from the funding source and being an applicant for FDA-cleared K231731 PET software. One author reported serving as the principal investigator of a trial which receives support from a medical device company. Several authors reported donating any personal honoraria or waiving off their rights to royalties to avoid conflicts of interest.
