Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
Allergology and ImmunologyDupilumab in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a chronic inflammatory disease that can persist despite antihistamine or anti-IgE (omalizumab) treatments. In two randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Phase 3 clinical trials, researchers here compared dupilumab to placebo in patients with symptomatic chronic spontaneous urticaria on antihistamines. One trial involved omalizumab-naïve patients, while the ot
OncologyThe intestinal-prostate axis in prostate cancer
The abundance of intestinal microbiota seems to be linked to the development of prostate cancer. But the involvement of the gut-prostate axis in the development of prostate tumors remains to be demonstrated. In this study, researchers used two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to assess the links between gut microbiota and prostate cancer. According to the analyses carried out, the genus Eub
Public Health and Social MedicineIncidence of seven cancers according to metabolic profile
A growing number of studies suggest links between circulating metabolites and cancer risk, but causality remains largely unexplored. In this Mendelian randomization analysis, researchers looked for causal links between the risk of seven cancers (breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer) and genetically predicted levels of 913
Gastroenterology and HepatologyAlcohol and the progression of liver disease
In this longitudinal study of 1,156,189 American veterans, researchers evaluated the effect of alcohol consumption on the risk of cirrhosis in the context of fatty liver. Veterans with hepatic steatosis and high levels of alcohol consumption had a 43% higher incidence of cirrhosis, compared with veterans reporting no alcohol consumption. Veterans who reduced their alcohol consumption had a 39% red
SurgeryInflammation in fractures of the lumbar vertebrae and pelvis
Fractures of the lumbar vertebrae and pelvis are frequently associated with peripheral ligament damage. Previous studies have reported that the fracture site is generally associated with the secretion of inflammatory proteins. In this study, researchers used two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to investigate causal links between fractures, ligament damage and 91 circulating inflammatory pr
NeurologyStaging Alzheimer's disease
The staging of Alzheimer's disease is crucial to its neuropathological diagnosis. Recent advances in molecular imaging have opened the way to in vivo staging of the disease. In this review, the researchers present the current state of knowledge on the staging of Alzheimer's disease. They present current knowledge and the value of staging for better understanding disease mechanisms, refining inclus
OncologyLymphocyte depletion in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Lymphocyte depletion is a decisive factor in the response to treatment and prognosis of cancers. However, its role in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck remains poorly understood. In this study, researchers developed a prognostic model, combining 8 genes linked to lymphocyte depletion, for patients with this type of cancer. The model was used to stratify patients into high-risk and low-r
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineEarly rehabilitation of coronary artery disease
Reduced cardiopulmonary capacity in congenital heart disease impairs quality of life. In this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, researchers evaluated the value of an early 12-week hybrid cardiac rehabilitation program (multidisciplinary care sessions and physical activity sessions). A total of 142 adolescent and young adult patients were included in the trial. Patients who benefited from
HematologyPomalidomide in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
In this study, researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of pomalidomide in the combined treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. In all, data from 31 clinical trials were reviewed, involving a total of 4,776 patients. Combination regimens with pomalidomide showed good clinical efficacy, particularly the combination of pomalidomide and dexamethasone. In terms of safety, the most freq
GynecologyVitamin D during pregnancy and risk of prematurity
According to recent studies, maternal hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy may be linked to an increased risk of prematurity. The evidence for this association and the underlying mechanisms remain to be demonstrated. In this systematic literature review, researchers will compile and analyze available data on vitamin D levels in pregnant women and the risk of prematurity. The data are collected over
Endocrinology and MetabolismA new drug candidate for thyroid cancer
The thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) could be a selective target for the treatment of thyroid cancer. In this study, researchers report the discovery of a novel orally-administerable TSHR ligand, selected from a sub-library of over 200 TSHR ligands. The ligand exhibits inhibitory activity against thyroid tumor cell proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo. The ligand is also capable of
Public Health and Social MedicineThe impact of ultra-processed foods on health
Researchers here examined all existing meta-analyses on the links between exposure to ultra-processed foods and adverse health effects. A total of 45 meta-analyses were retained, involving 9,888,373 participants. Direct associations were found between exposure to ultra-processed foods and 32 health parameters: mortality, cancer, mental health, respiratory health, cardiovascular health, gastrointes