Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
InfectiologyThe benefits of symbiotic formulas for infants
In this study, researchers evaluated the benefits of consuming a symbiotic formula (galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) / Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716) as part of infant nutrition during the first year of life. A total of 460 healthy infants were included in the study, all aged 1 month at inclusion. They were assigned to receive either a control formula or the symbiotic formula until the age
Public Health and Social MedicineElectronic cigarettes in teenagers and young adults
In this prospective longitudinal study conducted on cohorts of adolescents and young adults, researchers analyzed the use of electronic cigarettes among young people. Of the young people recruited into the study, 69% reported having used disposable electronic cigarettes in the previous month. 31% had used non-disposable electronic cigarettes. Initial use of disposable e-cigarettes was associated w
Physical Medicine and RehabilitationDose-response relationship between exercise and pain in chronic low back pain
Here, researchers conducted a systematic literature review with meta-analysis to quantify the dose-response relationship between global and specific exercise modalities and pain, in patients with chronic low back pain. A total of 82 trials involving 5,033 patients were included. Analyses showed a non-linear dose-response relationship between total exercise and pain in patients with chronic low bac
Endocrinology and MetabolismPhysical activity, sleep and obesity
Observational studies have suggested associations between sedentary lifestyle, physical activity, sleep duration and obesity. In this study, researchers used two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to look for causal links between sedentariness, physical activity, sleep duration and obesity. Different leisure screen times appeared to be causally linked with obesity risk. On the other hand, obe
OncologyEndoscopic screening for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
In this randomized controlled trial, Chinese researchers included 33,847 adults, aged 45 to 69, at high risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Of these, 17,104 underwent chromoendoscopic screening, and 15,165 were assigned to the control group, without screening. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic screening on the incidence and mortality of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineRemote ischemic conditioning in acute ischemic stroke
Remote ischemic conditioning is a neuroprotective strategy developed to prevent and treat ischemic stroke, but its efficacy and safety in acute ischemic stroke are controversial. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of remote ischemic conditioning in patients receiving different treatments. In all, the researchers included data from 22 trials,
GynecologyMinimally invasive surgery for cervical cancer
Minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of early-stage cervical cancer is debatable. Traditional colpotomy approaches are said to be associated with inferior oncological outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers compared the oncological outcomes of patients treated with minimally invasive radical hysterectomy with protective colpotomy to those treated with open surgery
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineVenous compression to prevent leg ulcer recurrence
In this new update of a 2000 Cochrane review, researchers evaluated the effects of venous compression (socks, stockings, tights, bandages) in preventing the recurrence of venous leg ulcers. A total of 8 studies were included in the review, published between 1995 and 2019. The studies compared different classes of venous compression over durations ranging from 6 months to 10 years. Class 3 compress
PneumonologyAn innovative platform for pulmonary fibrosis
Fibrosing interstitial lung disease is a heterogeneous group of lung diseases associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the number of clinical trials conducted over the past decade, only two therapies are currently approved to slow the progression of fibrosis. This article presents a new randomized multifactorial adaptive platform for drug development in fibrosing interstitial l
Pharmacology and ToxicologyTestosterone replacement therapy with testosterone undecanoate
Testosterone replacement therapy can improve the consequences of testosterone deficiency in adults. But the treatments used could lead to high blood pressure. In this study, researchers evaluated the impact of testosterone undecanoate on blood pressure in 737 men with testosterone deficiency. This treatment was associated with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as wel
Gastroenterology and HepatologyCausal links between gut microbiota and gastroesophageal reflux disease
Numerous observational studies have identified a link between gut microbiota and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but causal links remained to be explored. In this study, researchers used two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to investigate possible causal relationships. Analyses suggested protective roles against the risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease for the Clostridiales family,
Endocrinology and MetabolismThe mechanisms of aldosteronism
In this study, researchers evaluated the contributions of renin-independent and ACTH-mediated aldosteronism in patients with a low-renin phenotype. The study included 348 patients with different blood pressure profiles: severe and/or resistant hypertension, hypertension with hypokalemia, high blood pressure and stage I/II hypertension, or normal blood pressure. Analyses revealed a continuum of non