FAMILY HEALTH

The study revealed insights into the structural dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S), responsible for viral entry into host cells. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) imaging showed that the S protein can adopt different perfusion conformations, categorized as locked, closed, and open. However, locked conformations, featuring incompatible structural elements with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the "up" position, remain poorly understood for SARS-CoV-1. By introducing specific disulfide bonds into SARS-CoV-1 S, researchers were able to preserve rare locked conformations and visualize them using cryo-EM. This study also identified bound cofactors and structural features associated with locked conformations, comparing them to other SARS-related coronaviruses.

Unlocking the Mystery: Structural Dynamics of SARS-CoV Spike Protein Revealed Through Cryo-EM Imaging and Disulfide Bond Introductions

PSYCHIATRY

Two studies explore how childhood betrayal trauma relates to shame, dissociation and fear of social connection.

Childhood Betrayal Trauma, Shame and Dissociation

Two studies examining representative age- and gender-based general population samples explored how childhood betrayal trauma relates to shame, dissociation and fear of belonging. Findings suggest that shame and dissociation may influence difficulties in social connection, while the perceived impact of traumatic experiences may shape these outcomes. The results highlight the potential importance of addressing trauma-related psychological responses in mental health care.

DENTISTRY

A review of 17 studies identifies chemical pretreatments that may improve resin composite bonding and dentin bond durability.

Chemical Dentin Pretreatments and Resin Bond Strength

A systematic review of 17 in vitro studies found that selected chemical pretreatments may improve resin composite bonding to sound dentin and support long-term bond durability. Approaches including dimethyl sulfoxide, selective dentin etching, copper-based pretreatments and collagen cross-linkers showed promising results. Silver-based solutions reduced bond strength, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate pretreatment strategies in adhesive dentistry.

OPHTHALMOLOGY

AS-OCT reveals differences in Schlemm’s canal area between open- and narrow-angle eyes, warranting further clinical research.

Schlemm’s Canal OCT Imaging in Open- and Narrow-Angle Eyes

A cross-sectional study of 97 eyes found that Schlemm’s canal cross-sectional area was significantly larger in open-angle than narrow-angle eyes (4,704 vs 3,222 µm²; p=0.003). Anterior segment OCT showed good measurement reproducibility for canal area, particularly in nasal images. However, further longitudinal research is needed to establish its clinical value in glaucoma assessment and aqueous outflow evaluation.

UROLOGY

Study links CD52-positive fibroblasts to inflammation-associated prostate remodeling in mice and human prostate tissue.

Prostate Inflammation and Immune-Reactive Fibroblasts in BPH

A study using single-cell RNA sequencing found that chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection drives selective stromal remodeling in mouse prostates, with expansion of CD52-positive, CCL5-positive immune-reactive fibroblasts. Human prostate tissue also showed significant enrichment of CD52-positive fibroblasts in inflamed regions (p=0.0026). These findings may improve understanding of inflammation-associated prostate changes, including those relevant to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Study finds 24.2% of men with suspicious prostate MRI and negative biopsy later had clinically significant prostate cancer.

Prostate MRI and Follow-Up After a Negative Biopsy

A longitudinal analysis of 153 men with suspicious prostate MRI findings but no clinically significant cancer on initial biopsy found that 24.2% were subsequently diagnosed with clinically significant prostate cancer. Nearly 76% of these diagnoses occurred within six months. Findings highlight the importance of follow-up, while selective repeat biopsy and incomplete histological confirmation limit interpretation.

Review explores drama-based therapies for trauma, highlighting potential mental health benefits and very low certainty of evidence.

Drama-Based Interventions for Trauma and Mental Health

A systematic review of 26 studies found that drama-based interventions, including psychodrama, dramatherapy and applied theatre, may improve psychological outcomes in trauma-exposed populations. Depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms were the most frequently assessed outcomes. However, mixed findings, small samples and methodological limitations led to very low certainty of evidence, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.

DERMATOLOGY

Study finds antibiotics improve skin microbiome imbalance in hidradenitis suppurativa, unlike the tested biologic therapies.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Antibiotics and Skin Microbiome Changes

A study analysing skin samples from 52 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and 31 healthy controls identified significant microbial imbalances, including depletion of beneficial bacteria and expansion of anaerobic pathogens. After 12 weeks, clindamycin/rifampicin reduced pathogen levels and increased microbial richness, while adalimumab and secukinumab showed no comparable improvement in microbial balance.

Study compares the cost-effectiveness of app-based, therapist-led and paper-based swallowing exercises during cancer treatment.

Cost-Effectiveness of Swallowing Exercises in Head and Neck Cancer

A secondary analysis of the PRESTO trial involving 150 patients receiving (chemo)radiotherapy for oropharyngeal head and neck cancer found no significant differences in health utility outcomes between app-based, therapist-led and paper-based swallowing exercises. Paper-based self-management was more cost-effective than app-based delivery, while therapist-led sessions cost more, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €124,061.54 per QALY.

Metastatic head and neck cancer is linked to higher VTE risk, while VTE is associated with increased mortality and longer hospital stays.

Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer and Venous Thromboembolism Risk

An analysis of 310,160 weighted hospital admissions in the US found that patients with metastatic head and neck cancer had higher adjusted odds of venous thromboembolism (VTE) than those with localized disease. VTE was associated with nearly twice the odds of in-hospital mortality and more than twice the odds of a hospital stay lasting seven days or longer, highlighting the clinical burden of thromboembolic complications.

NEUROLOGY

Study finds diabetes may mask Alzheimer’s-related mitochondrial DNA loss, highlighting a potential factor in dementia research.

Diabetes and Mitochondrial DNA Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease

A post-mortem study found that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was associated with lower mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in multiple brain regions, particularly among individuals without diabetes. In contrast, donors with diabetes had 30.6% to 48.5% higher mitochondrial DNA copy numbers across the amygdala, hippocampus and cerebellum. These findings suggest diabetes may modify mitochondrial changes linked to AD, with implications for dementia research.

Study explores how discordant p-tau217 and amyloid PET results may inform Alzheimer’s risk assessment and disease monitoring.

Plasma p-tau217 and Amyloid PET in Early Alzheimer’s Disease

A study involving 1,069 cognitively normal adults from Chinese and US cohorts found that discordance between plasma phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217) and amyloid PET results was associated with distinct biomarker profiles and risks of Alzheimer’s disease progression. Participants with elevated p-tau217 showed higher clinical progression risk and faster decline in selected cognitive domains, highlighting the potential of combined biomarker assessment for risk stratification and monitoring.

ONCOLOGY

Novel antibodies targeting LVRF suppress tumour growth and metastatic spread in preclinical models of resistant renal cancer.

Novel Anti-LVRF Antibodies for Anti-Angiogenic-Resistant Renal Cancer

Researchers have developed fully human monoclonal antibodies targeting a VEGF-A splice variant called Lymphatic and Vascular Resistance Factor (LVRF), which promotes blood and lymphatic vessel growth and increases after anti-angiogenic treatment. In preclinical models, the antibodies inhibited tumour invasion, reduced the growth of bevacizumab-resistant renal carcinoma xenografts and decreased metastatic spread, suggesting a potential strategy against treatment-resistant cancers.

CARDIOLOGY

AI-based CT body composition analysis improves mortality risk prediction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

AI-Based CT Body Composition Predicts Mortality After TAVR

A multicentre study of 915 patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) found that AI-based 3D CT body composition analysis improved mortality risk prediction. Lower subcutaneous fat volume and higher fat attenuation were associated with increased mortality, while greater skeletal muscle volume and attenuation were linked to better survival. Adding these measures improved the Harrell C statistic from 0.66 to 0.71.

MRUSuNet combines MRI and ultrasound to improve clinically significant prostate cancer localisation and detection accuracy.

AI Combines MRI and Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer Detection

A multimodal AI model, MRUSuNet, combining MRI and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), improved the detection and localisation of clinically significant prostate cancer across multiple test cohorts. It achieved 80% sensitivity and a lesion Dice score of 0.42, outperforming MRI-only and TRUS-only models. In an independent prostatectomy cohort, it also showed higher specificity than radiologists, supporting further evaluation as an aid to MRI-TRUS fusion biopsy.

RHEUMATOLOGY

APEX 48-week results show sustained joint and skin benefits with guselkumab in active, erosive psoriatic arthritis.

Guselkumab for Psoriatic Arthritis: 48-Week APEX Trial Results

The 48-week APEX trial findings show that guselkumab, an IL-23p19 inhibitor, provides sustained benefits in biologic-naïve adults with active, erosive psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Up to 74% achieved ACR20 responses, 80% achieved PASI90, and 41% attained minimal disease activity. Structural joint damage progression remained low, and no new safety signals emerged, supporting its potential for comprehensive PsA management.

Disulfide stabilization r...

Disulfide stabilization reveals conserved dynamic features between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 spikes