Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
Gastroenterology and HepatologyThe STRIDE protocol in hepatocellular carcinoma
Here, researchers present 4-year overall survival data from the HIMALAYA phase III clinical trial, evaluating the efficacy and safety of STRIDE (Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab) versus sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients were randomized to STRIDE, durvalumab or sorafenib. Overall survival at 36 months was 30.7% for STRIDE, versus 19.8% for sorafenib. Overall survival at
InfectiologyPersistent SARS-CoV2 infections
Persistent SARS-CoV2 infections could contribute to the formation of viral reservoirs, which could give rise to new epidemics. The prevalence of persistent infections, the kinetics of viral load in persistent infections and their evolutionary dynamics remain poorly understood. In this study, researchers used viral sequencing data. Among a panel of participants, they identified 381 people with a hi
Allergology and ImmunologyThe TIPE2 protein in immune reactions
TNF-α-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) has recently been discovered. It is a negative regulator of innate and adaptive immunity. TIPE2 is expressed in many tissues, both immune and non-immune, and is thought to play a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis. In this review, researchers describe the structural characteristics, expression patterns and functional roles of TIPE proteins, with a par
Endocrinology and MetabolismMobile applications in the management of obesity
Mobile applications are increasingly used to support overweight or obese people, in particular to induce behavioral changes. In this Cochrane review, researchers assessed the effects of mobile applications on overweight and obese adolescents and adults. A total of 18 studies including 2,703 participants were analyzed. Interventions lasted from 2 to 24 months, and the authors distinguished between
InfectiologyPersistent HIV-1 controllers
In persistent controllers, HIV-1 control is maintained indefinitely in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. In transient controllers, virological control is only temporary. In this study, researchers assessed the HIV-1 reservoir in these two phenotypes to identify factors predicting HIV progression. In both phenotypes, total, intact and defective proviruses were found in lower quantities than in
OncologyPharmacological inhibition of ASK-1 in cirrhosis
Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is activated by various pathological stimuli and induces cell apoptosis via activation of p38. In this study, researchers evaluated the effect of pharmacological inhibition of ASK1 on cirrhosis using preclinical in vivo and in vitro models. The effect was assessed in the short term (4-6 weeks) and long term (24-44 weeks). Short-term treatment significant
Gastroenterology and HepatologyMalnutrition in gastric cancer
In this retrospective study of 312 gastric cancer patients, researchers developed and tested a technique based on deep learning to assess the risk of malnutrition prior to surgery. Clinical factors and characteristics of the psoas muscle at the level of the third lumbar vertebra were taken into account. Analyses showed that BMI, lymphocytes and albumin were clinically independent of malnutrition r
Gastroenterology and HepatologyWhich bread for better gastrointestinal health?
Dans cette étude, des chercheurs ont comparé les effets de six types de pains différents, préparés à partir de trois espèces de blé et selon deux modes de fermentation (levure ou levain), sur les troubles gastro-intestinaux chez des personnes déclarant être sensibles au blé (sans maladie cœliaque diagnostiquée). Deux études parallèles, randomisées, en double aveugle, croisées et multicentriques on
PediatricsPrevalence of polycythemia
Polycythemia presents with a variable clinical picture, with multiple causes and risk factors. In this Portuguese study, researchers evaluated the prevalence, risk and prognostic factors of polycythemia in a neonatal unit. A total of 53 newborns met the inclusion criteria, representing a prevalence of 0.57%. The only statistically significant risk factor was out-of-hospital birth. Of the 53 patien
Urology-nephrologyInflammatory biomarkers in prostate cancer
In this study, researchers examined biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in prostate cancer patients before and after surgery. The cross-sectional study involved 150 participants, 50 healthy, 25 with benign prostatic hyperplasia, 25 with low-risk prostate cancer, 25 patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer and 25 patients with high-risk prostate cancer. Biomarkers considered were
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineCardiovascular risk in polycystic ovary syndrome
In this study, researchers assessed the risk of cardiovascular disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The meta-analysis was carried out on data from 5 databases, and estimated the worldwide incidence of cardiovascular disease associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. The risk of cardiovascular disease was increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, across all age groups. The numb
Allergology and ImmunologyCytokines in allergic rhinitis
Epidemiological studies have suggested a role for chronic inflammation in allergic rhinitis. To examine the links between allergic rhinitis and 26 circulating inflammatory cytokines, researchers here used two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. Higher levels of circulating IL-18 and MIP-1-alpha were associated with an increased risk of allergic rhinitis. Conversely, higher levels of the cytok