Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
PneumonologyProgenitor cells to regenerate lung epithelium in COPD
Adult pulmonary progenitor stem cells have been shown to regenerate lung epithelium in preclinical models. This clinical trial of P63+ progenitor cell transplantation was carried out on 68 patients with stage II to IV COPD. After isolation and culture for 3-5 weeks, P63+ progenitor cells were transplanted by bronchoscopy. No serious or grade 3-5 adverse events were reported. 24 weeks after transpl
Public Health and Social MedicineTobacco and immunity
What variables are responsible for the observed differences in inter-individual immune responses as a function of age, gender or genetic factors? To answer this question, researchers studied 136 variables and identified smoking, latent cytomegalovirus infection and body mass index as major contributors to cytokine response. Smoking influenced both innate and adaptive immune responses. While the in
Medical GeneticsSpecific features of hepatocellular carcinoma
While more than half the world's cases of hepatocellular carcinoma are found in China, the genomic links between this cancer and the hepatitis B virus remain poorly studied in this country. Researchers here have launched a project to create a Chinese atlas of hepatic cancer, by sequencing the entire genome of 494 hepatocellular tumors. This has enabled them to characterize the evolutionary history
PediatricsThe origin of infantile hemangioma
Infantile hemangioma is a benign soft-tissue tumor common in infants. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood. To find out more, researchers conducted a retrospective study of 83 pairs of twins, affected by infantile hemangioma between 2016 and 2022. Of the twin pairs included in the study, both twins in 31 pairs had infantile hemangioma, while only one twin in the other pairs had a benign tumo
Physical Medicine and RehabilitationAerobic exercise in chronic stroke
In this study of 60 chronic stroke patients, researchers examined the cardiorespiratory effects of a forced-cadence aerobic exercise intervention, compared to a control group doing upper limb training. Participants underwent either 24 sessions of aerobic exercise, followed by upper limb training, or upper limb training only. The aerobic exercise group showed a significantly greater improvement in
Allergology and ImmunologyAlpha-Gal syndrome
IgE-mediated food allergies can cause anaphylactic shock and death. Currently, one of the leading causes of IgE-mediated delayed food allergy in the USA is linked to the presence of alpha-Gal in red meat (alpha-Gal syndrome). This cause of anaphylaxis is on the increase, and is thought to be linked to tick bites. The first-line treatment for these allergic reactions is rapid injection of epinephri
Pharmacology and ToxicologyCorticosteroids in gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease
Corticosteroid failure is a poor prognostic factor in patients with gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this study, researchers examined the mechanism of action of corticosteroids at the intestinal level. They found that they directly target the intestinal epithelium, potentially aggravating immune-mediated gastrointestinal damage. By administering corticoids to mice and intestin
OncologyOverview of therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma
In recent years, major advances have been made in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. However, a significant proportion of patients still show resistance to these treatments. Precision therapies are increasingly taking into account the unique molecular and cellular characteristics of each tumor to personalize treatment regimens. The aim is to improve anti-cancer efficacy while redu
SurgeryMinimally invasive surgery in symptomatic bone trigonia
The trigone bone is frequently involved in heel pain. This pain has traditionally been managed by surgical excision. In this systematic review, researchers evaluated the outcomes and complication rates associated with minimally invasive surgery in symptomatic bone trigone. Of the 885 studies identified, only 17 (for a total of 435 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Minimally invasive surgery ap
PediatricsMonosaccharides and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a predominant complication in premature newborns. It requires accurate identification of at-risk infants in order to implement immediate therapeutic interventions. In this study of 234 newborns with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less, researchers assessed the value of circulating carbohydrates as a diagnostic biomarker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Among the infa
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineLong-term benefit of thrombectomy in massive ischemic stroke
Randomized trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with massive ischemic stroke. But what about long-term results? This randomized, controlled Phase 3 clinical trial, conducted in 31 hospitals worldwide, enrolled patients aged 18 to 85 with massive ischemic stroke. They were randomly assigned within 24 hours of stroke onset to medical care alone or
InfectiologyInternational recommendations for cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis, and in particular cryptococcal meningitis, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The disease causes a wide variety of clinical syndromes, and affects different types of patients at risk, from very different social backgrounds. In this study, experts from around the world collated available data, reviewed the evidence and developed recommendations for the diagnosis