NEUROLOGY

Gantenerumab showed stronger cognitive and amyloid outcomes in Japanese Alzheimer’s patients than global averages, with well-tolerated safety and consistent plasma concentrations.

Gantenerumab in Japanese Alzheimer’s Patients: Cognitive Benefit Evident

The analysis of phase 2 and 3 trials found that gantenerumab slowed cognitive decline and reduced amyloid burden more in Japanese participants with early Alzheimer's disease than in global populations. Higher plasma drug levels and baseline differences like body weight and amyloid load may explain the enhanced response. Safety was consistent across trials, supporting the tolerability of gantenerumab in the Japanese cohort.

DERMATOLOGY

GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa via anti-inflammatory pathways and immune modulation, beyond their metabolic benefits.

GLP-1RA in Psoriasis and HS: Anti-Inflammatory Potential

The comprehensive review highlights the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), commonly used for diabetes and obesity, on inflammatory skin diseases. Evidence suggests GLP-1RA can improve psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa by reducing systemic inflammation and directly modulating immune pathways. Clinical outcomes and immunological mechanisms involved in GLP-1RA therapy for skin disease are explored.

CARDIOLOGY

The study shows 30% of adult VA-ECMO patients are alive and disability-free at 12 months, with significant improvements in independence and employment after 6 months.

12-Month Functional Outcomes Following VA-ECMO: A Prospective Study

The multicenter, prospective study evaluated functional outcomes in 389 adult patients receiving VA-ECMO across 26 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. At 12 months, 30% were alive without new disability. Most disability developed within the first 6 months. Functional independence and employment improved between 6 and 12 months, with outcomes varying by ECMO indication, emphasizing the need for personalized long-term recovery strategies.

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Visual fluid patterns during Ahmed Glaucoma Valve priming do not predict steady-state pressure performance, with both stream and pooling types meeting manufacturer specs.

AGV Priming Pattern Unrelated to Valve Pressure Performance

In a study of 50 Ahmed Glaucoma Valves, 86% showed a focal fluid stream and 14% showed pooling during priming. Steady-state pressures were similar between distinct stream (11.00 ± 1.90 mmHg) and pooling (10.31 ± 2.53 mmHg) groups (p = 0.56), confirming that visual fluid patterns during priming do not impact valve function.

The study confirms the anatomical and surgical independence of TPFF and PF in skull base reconstruction, enabling their combined or sequential use without added risk.

TPFF and PF Independence in Skull Base Reconstruction Proven

The multicentric retrospective study validated the anatomical independence of the temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) and pericranial flap (PF) in skull base reconstruction. Five cases demonstrated that both flaps could be used sequentially or simultaneously without complications. These findings confirm the surgical viability of using both flaps independently, enhancing reconstructive options and flexibility in complex skull base procedures.

PULMONOLOGY

Chronic cough is a hypersensitivity disorder with evolving therapies and diagnostics. This review discusses drug trials, monitoring tools, and the need for greater clinical awareness.

Evolving Concepts and Treatments in Chronic Cough Management

The review highlights the evolution of chronic cough from a symptom to a disease, driven by vagal hypersensitivity. It discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, recent drug developments, improved clinical trial designs, and the rise of continuous cough monitoring. Despite these advances, a lack of awareness persists among clinicians and patients, emphasizing the need for broader education.

Multifidus muscle in COPD patients shows more fatigue and links to active behavior, while erector spinae is tied to sedentary patterns, showing distinct muscle roles.

Multifidus Fatigue and Activity Differ From Erector Spinae in COPD

In COPD patients, MM cross-sectional area correlated positively with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (r=0.279, p=0.014), while ESM was linked to sedentary behavior (r=−0.429, p<0.001). EMG analysis showed greater fatigue in MM of COPD patients compared to healthy controls. These findings highlight distinct functional roles and fatigue patterns of MM and ESM in COPD.

DENTISTRY

The review compares surgical timings for keratinized mucosa augmentation. Second-stage surgery ensures better KM stability than post-restorative procedures. Early intervention is recommended.

Timing of Keratinized Mucosa Augmentation in Implant Therapy

The systematic review analyzed 25 clinical studies on keratinized mucosa (KM) augmentation around implants. Results suggest that second-stage surgery—especially with autogenous grafts—provides the most stable KM width. In contrast, post-restorative augmentation showed significant tissue shrinkage. The findings support early intervention for optimal peri-implant tissue outcomes, while emphasizing caution when performing KM augmentation after prosthetic delivery.

ONCOLOGY

Neurog2 drives MYCN-mediated neuroendocrine plasticity in prostate cancer. Its depletion impairs tumor growth, highlighting a promising therapeutic target in treatment-resistant NEPC.

Neurog2: A Target in MYCN-Driven Prostate Cancer

The study identified Neurog2 as a critical synthetic vulnerability in MYCN-overexpressing neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Genome-wide screening revealed that Neurog2 depletion selectively inhibits NEPC cell growth without affecting normal cells. As a proneural transcription factor, Neurog2 may drive NE plasticity, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic target to combat treatment-resistant NEPC.

The TANGO regimen may reduce visits and injections for nAMD by tailoring anti-VEGF therapy using durable agents. Simulations support its potential; clinical studies are needed.

TANGO: Tailored Anti-VEGF Therapy for nAMD Patients

This report introduces the TANGO regimen—Tailored Anti-VEGF therapy with New Generation Optimizations—for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. TANGO leverages newer, longer-acting anti-VEGF agents to potentially reduce injection frequency and clinic visits. Simulation results suggest TANGO could maintain treatment intensity for high-need patients while minimizing overall burden. Clinical studies are needed to confirm its real-world safety and effectiveness.

In FINEARTS-HF, finerenone significantly reduced cardiovascular deaths and heart failure events using a hierarchical composite analysis. Benefits appeared early and were sustained over 24 months.

Finerenone Reduces HF Events in FINEARTS-HF Trial

The FINEARTS-HF trial evaluated finerenone in heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction, using hierarchical win statistics. Over 24 months, finerenone reduced cardiovascular deaths and worsening HF events versus placebo. The win ratio was 1.17 (p = 0.010), with hospitalizations contributing most to the benefit. Effects emerged early and were sustained, supporting finerenone as an effective therapy for this patient group.

The FAIR-HF2 trial assesses IV ferric carboxymaltose in HFrEF with iron deficiency. Baseline data show higher SGLT2i and ARNI use compared to earlier IV iron trials.

FAIR-HF2: Updated IV Iron Trial in HFrEF Patients

The FAIR-HF2 trial enrolled 1105 HFrEF patients with iron deficiency to evaluate IV ferric carboxymaltose. Compared to prior trials, this cohort had greater use of SGLT2 inhibitors (24%) and ARNIs (38%). Baseline characteristics—age, comorbidities, iron indices—were largely similar to earlier studies. These updated demographics offer insight into evolving HFrEF management and treatment applicability.

GYNAECOLOGY - IVF

The FIGO guideline offers global, evidence-based recommendations for managing pre-existing and gestational liver disorders during pregnancy, with practical tools for clinical use.

FIGO Global Guideline for Liver Disease Management in Pregnancy

With rising cases of liver disease in pregnancy, this FIGO guideline provides global, evidence-based recommendations for managing both pre-existing and gestational liver disorders. Developed collaboratively with international experts, it offers practical tools, including tables on lab ranges, investigation safety, and delivery considerations. The guideline aims to standardize and improve care worldwide, addressing maternal and fetal health risks associated with liver disease.

A novel subdermal laser-assisted subcision technique combined with CO₂ laser shows effective improvement in rolling acne scars with minimal side effects in a 42-patient study.

Laser Subcision Technique for Acne Scars Shows Promising Results

The retrospective study evaluated subdermal laser-assisted scar subcision (SLASS) using a 1470-nm diode laser combined with CO₂ fractional laser in 42 patients. Results showed significant improvements in ECCA and SCAR-S scores with no severe adverse effects, supporting SLASS as a safe and effective option for treating rolling acne scars through combined thermo-mechanical and resurfacing action.

RHEUMATOLOGY

The PARTNER trial found that younger patients and those reporting greater satisfaction showed better improvements in knee pain and function, supporting tailored care in OA management.

PARTNER Trial: Age and Satisfaction Impact Knee OA Outcomes

This secondary analysis of a randomized trial explored factors influencing the success of the PARTNER primary care model in knee osteoarthritis. Age moderated functional improvements—patients under 50 benefited most. Satisfaction in various domains significantly mediated improvements in both pain and function. These findings highlight the importance of patient satisfaction and age-specific tailoring in managing knee OA.

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