Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
InfectiologyTuberculosis and addictions: a deadly trio?
By Ana Espino | Published on July 16, 2025 | 3 min read#Tuberculosis #Addiction #Immunity #Alcohol #Smoking #Drugs Tuberculosis (TB), an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. In 2023, it affected more than 10 million people and caused approximately 1.25 million deaths, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the
PsychiatryCan loneliness be read on the face?
By Ana Espino | Published on July 16, 2025 | 3 min read #PsychoticDisorder #Cognition #EmotionProcessing Psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia, are characterized by profound disruptions in cognition, emotional regulation, and social behavior. While the so-called positive symptoms—such as hallucinations and delusions—and negative symptoms—like social withdrawal or apathy—are well describe
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineViruses in our gut, a threat to the heart?
#CVD #virome #virus #microbiota Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, representing a major public health concern, particularly among the elderly. Until now, research has primarily focused on traditional risk factors such as genetics, dietary habits, and imbalances in the bacterial gut microbiota. Howeve
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineArtificial intelligence and atrial fibrillation: who has the winning rhythm?
By Ana Espino | Published on July 15, 2025 | 3 min read#AtrialFibrillation #AI #Diagnosis Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, affecting millions and significantly increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and mortality. Despite therapeutic advances, its management still faces several limitations: delayed diagnosis, heterogeneous clinical presentations, var
InfectiologyDengue: Is safe vaccination possible?
#Dengue #Vaccine #Immunity #ADE #Virus #Immunogenicity Dengue is a major arboviral disease affecting millions of people each year, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, it can progress to severe forms, especially during secondary infections with a different viral serotype. This is partly due to a mechanism known as Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE),
InfectiologyOne vaccine, two viruses, a thousand hopes
#COVID19 #SARSCoV2 #vaccineCOVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, remains a major global health threat. While first-generation mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines have significantly reduced mortality and the severity of acute forms, several limitations remain. Their effectiveness tends to decline against emerging variants, notably due to mutations in the spike protein, which is the primary target of indu
InfectiologyWest Nile: the fever is rising!
#WestNile #Mosquito #Epidemiology #ZoonosisWest Nile Virus (WNV), an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes and primarily hosted by birds, represents a major public health concern in the Mediterranean region. This zoonotic disease can cause clinical manifestations ranging from mild symptoms to severe encephalitis, especially in the elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Despite the existence of su
Public Health and Social MedicineChikungunya: the invisible epidemic
#CHIKV #Vaccine #Epidemiology #GlobalHealth #TropicalDiseases A vaccine in the shadow of a forgotten virus With the recent approval of the IXCHIQ (Valneva) and VIMKUNYA (Bavarian Nordic) vaccines, a new era begins in the fight against the chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Yet, the true extent of its global impact remains poorly understood, complicating decisions around vaccination strategy. This large-sc
InfectiologyVirus & fertility: when does the barrier break down?
#Virus #BTB #SertoliCells #ViralInfertility Long considered an immune-privileged site, the testes are now recognized as a silent yet favored target of several emerging viruses, including Zika, HIV, Ebola and Marburg viruses, and mumps virus. Recent evidence shows that these viral infections can have significant clinical consequences, ranging from fertility disorders to chronic testicular inflammat
InfectiologySevere dengue: a victim of its own defense?
#Dengue #ImmuneResponse #Immunity #NKCells #TCells Dengue is an arboviral disease endemic in over 100 countries and poses a major public health threat. While most cases are mild, severe forms—severe dengue (SD) or dengue hemorrhagic fever—are marked by vascular hyperpermeability, hypovolemic shock, and a risk of death. Notably, these severe manifestations are often the result of an exacerbated imm
Endocrinology and MetabolismProbiotics: allies or illusion?
#Probiotic #Inflammation #GutMicrobiota #ChronicDisease #GutHealth Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases are now the leading causes of chronic illness and mortality worldwide. These persistent conditions are often associated with an unfavorable biological background marked by low-grade inflammation and
PsychiatryDengue and the Mind: The Silent Storm
#Dengue #Psychiatry #Neuropsychiatry Dengue, often referred to as “seven-day fever” or “breakbone fever,” is a mosquito-borne arboviral disease. Prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, it poses a major public health challenge due to its high morbidity and the lack of specific antiviral treatments. While neurological complications such as encephalitis or myelitis are now well recognized, sec