The differences, or bias, between estimates of blood oxygen saturation levels as measured with pulse oximeters compared to the gold-standard method of measuring oxygen saturation in arterial blood varied significantly between patients with darkly pigmented skin compared to lighter skin pigment, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25).

In this March 2025, The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (JCR Q1, IF: 38.7), the leading journal in the fields of respiratory and critical care medicine, published a phase 2 clinical study article on China's first DPP-1 inhibitor, HSK31858, led by Academician Nan-shan Zhong and Professor Wei-jie Guan from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Guangzhou National Laboratory. The article entitled "Effects of the DPP-1 Inhibitor HSK31858 in Adults with Bronchiectasis in China (SAVE-BE): A Phase 2, Multicentre, Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial.", by focusing on non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients, marks a significant breakthrough in China's bronchiectasis treatment.

The article presents the efficacy and safety data of the DPP-1 inhibitor in Chinese bronchiectasis patients, offering a new therapeutic strategy. Results show that compared with traditional treatments, HSK31858 significantly improves patient symptoms and reduces acute exacerbation frequency. This finding holds promise for bronchiectasis patients and will further advance the field of respiratory medicine.

A study by Wits University and Harvard confirms that South Africa’s 2013 sodium reduction legislation has successfully lowered blood pressure and improved public health.

Excessive sodium intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which causes 20 million deaths globally each year. South Africa was the first African country to mandate sodium limits in processed foods. Researchers found a 10% drop in sodium intake over seven years, with more people achieving ideal consumption levels. Even small reductions in sodium correlated with lower blood pressure.

The law required sodium cuts in 13 food categories, including bread and processed meats, with reductions of up to 70% by 2016 and further cuts by 2019. Lead researcher Prof. Thomas Gaziano noted that even a slight blood pressure drop could prevent thousands of deaths annually.

Prof. Steve Tollman of Wits Agincourt Unit highlighted that mandatory regulations are more effective than voluntary measures. The study, involving 5,000 adults in rural South Africa, suggests other countries could adopt similar policies to save lives.