Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
InfectiologySuccessive vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis and yellow fever
The 17D yellow fever vaccine is highly effective, but it is frequently injected into people with pre-existing cross-immunity, which can affect its immunogenicity. In this study, researchers assessed the impact of pre-existing immunity induced by tick-borne encephalitis vaccine on yellow fever vaccination. A total of 250 individuals were included in the study, followed up 1 month after vaccination,
Pharmacology and ToxicologyAntihypertensive treatment and breast cancer
Available data on the links between antihypertensive drugs and breast cancer risk remain inconsistent. In this study, researchers used two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to assess relationships between genetically predicted traits of high blood pressure and breast cancer risk. Overall breast cancer risk was associated with the expression of only one gene considered, the SLC12A2 gene. Decr
OncologyThe IL-1 signaling pathway in bladder cancer
In bladder carcinoma, there is an imbalance between IL-1 and the IL-1 receptor antagonist. This signaling pathway is therefore of interest for the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the expression profiles and prognostic role of IL-1-beta and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 RA) in invasive bladder carcinoma. The study was conducted on two independent cohorts of 9
Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSeverity of multi-ligament knee injuries
The incidence of neurovascular lesions is highest in multi-ligament knee injuries with documented dislocation. In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, researchers determined the impact of documented dislocation on functional recovery. A total of 42 patients, 25 men and 17 women, were included in the study between 2012 and 2021. Pain assessed by VAS was not significantly different between p
Pharmacology and ToxicologyOral anticoagulants or warfarin in stroke prevention
In this observational cohort study conducted in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, 26,883 patients treated with reduced-dose oral anticoagulants (dagibatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) and 108,014 patients treated with warfarin were followed. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of reduced-dose oral anticoagulants in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Simil
NeurologyPain linked to anti-CASPR2 antibodies
Autoantibodies to contactin-associated protein 2 (anti-CASPR2) cause pain and limbic autoimmune encephalitis. In this study, German researchers analyzed clinical pain data from a large cohort of patients investigating autoimmune encephalitis. Of the 102 patients in the cohort, 36% described frequent pain, 63.6% severe pain and 55.6% pain as their major symptom. Pain phenotypes varied from patient
DentistryExposure to ethylene oxide and the risk of periodontitis
The pathological mechanisms of periodontitis seem to involve environmental exposures. In this study, researchers explored the case of exposure to ethylene oxide. A total of 1,065 participants, aged over 30, were recruited from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants with the highest levels of ethylene oxide adducts with hemoglobin had an increased risk
PneumonologyMaternal smoking and COPD in children
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a known risk factor for childhood COPD, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this case-control study, researchers examined whether the increased risk of COPD associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy could be attributed to tobacco dependence. In total, the study involved 5,943 participants, 2,991 with COPD and 2,952 controls. Smoking rates we
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineWhat blood pressure after endovascular thrombectomy?
Endovascular thrombectomy is the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke, but blood pressure targets after thrombectomy remain debated within the medical community. In this study, researchers evaluated the impact of different systolic blood pressure targets on functional outcomes, mortality and complications in patients with acute ischemic stroke. The researchers selected 4 randomized clinica
OncologyHow can we combat chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer ?
Chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer complicates patient management. In this study, researchers investigated the mechanisms behind this chemoresistance. They discovered that the protein arginine methyltransferase-1 (PRMT1) simultaneously methylates D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) and the glycolytic enzymes PFKFB3 and PKM2 in tumour cells. This methylation would accelerate th
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineDrug addiction and infective endocarditis
Venous drug users undergoing infective endocarditis surgery are at risk of postoperative relapse and high mortality. In this study, researchers assessed the characteristics of drug use, psychosocial problems, surgical outcomes and postoperative addiction management. They then analyzed these in relation to loss to follow-up, relapse and mortality and their risk factors. In all, the study, conducted
RhumatologyNanoparticles to boost the efficacy of anti-arthrosic drugs
The development of disease-modifying therapies for osteoarthritis involves a number of challenges, including efficient administration and pharmacokinetics. The unique structure of the joint promotes rapid elimination of drugs into the synovial fluid, and the dense, avascular cartilaginous extracellular matrix limits drug penetration. In this work, the researchers demonstrate the feasibility and in