GASTROENTEROLOGY

Almost all currently available treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) act by inhibiting inflammation, often blocking specific inflammatory molecules. However, given the infectious and neoplastic disease burden associated with chronic immunosuppressive therapy, the goal of attaining mucosal healing without immunosuppression is attractive. The therapeutic application of organoid culture and stem cell therapy to generate new intestinal tissue could provide a novel mechanism to restore barrier function in IBD. Furthermore, blocking key effectors of barrier dysfunction (such as MLCK or damage-associated molecular pattern molecules) has shown promise in experimental IBD. Here, we review the diversity of molecular targets available to directly promote mucosal healing, experimental models to identify new potential pathways and some of the anticipated potential therapies for IBD.

Molecular Targets for Mucosal Healing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Comprehensive Review of Therapeutic Strategies and Potential Pathways

chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, CRSwNP, functional endoscopic sinus surgery, FESS, neutrophilic inflammation, tissue eosinophilia, SNOT-22, Completeness of Surgery Index, structured histopathology

Neutrophilic Inflammation May Predict Reduced Symptom Improvement After Sinus Surgery in CRSwNP

Complete functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) significantly improved quality of life in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). In a retrospective study of 207 patients, tissue neutrophilia was associated with less improvement in SNOT-22 scores, particularly when tissue eosinophilia was also high. Combining histopathology with the Completeness of Surgery Index may help guide postoperative treatment decisions.

Study findings highlight low-frequency music perception challenges in cochlear implant users compared with hearing aid users.

Music Perception in Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Users

A cross-sectional study of 52 adults found that bilateral hearing aid users were more sensitive to low-frequency sound degradation in music than cochlear implant users. At 200 and 400 Hz, hearing aid users reported better sound quality, while differences disappeared at 800 Hz. The findings highlight music perception challenges after cochlear implantation and support counseling candidates about postoperative listening experiences.

RHEUMATOLOGY

Study finds low sensitivity of 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria for obstetric APS, highlighting the need for clinical judgment.

Obstetric APS: Limitations of the 2023 ACR/EULAR Criteria

A multicenter retrospective study of 122 women with primary obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome (oAPS) found that only 23% met the 2023 ACR/EULAR classification criteria, compared with 75.4% under the 2006 Sydney criteria. Over one-quarter of women who became pregnant experienced new obstetric complications during five-year follow-up. The findings highlight the importance of clinical judgment to avoid potential undertreatment.

PSYCHIATRY

Complex executive functions may support adaptive skills in preschoolers, independently of developmental level and autism or ADHD traits.

Executive Functions and Adaptive Skills in Preschool Children

A study of 129 three-year-old children found that executive functions were positively associated with adaptive functioning, including communication, socialization, and daily living skills. Complex executive functions remained associated with adaptive skills even after accounting for developmental level and autism and ADHD traits. The findings suggest that complex executive functioning may be a promising target for early developmental support.

GYNAECOLOGY - IVF

Study explores how birth satisfaction and resilience may help explain the association between prenatal anxiety and postpartum depression.

Prenatal Anxiety, Birth Satisfaction and Postpartum Depression

A study of 635 women in China found that birth satisfaction and psychological resilience showed significant indirect associations between prenatal anxiety and postpartum depressive symptoms at six weeks. Resilience accounted for 30.26% of the total statistical association, while birth satisfaction accounted for 17.34%. The findings highlight the potential importance of psychological support during pregnancy and positive childbirth experiences in postpartum mental health.

A study of patients with PSC found that brush cytology had a 0.99 negative predictive value, while ERC score and serum IgG4 improved risk prediction for biliary dysplasia and cholangiocarcinoma-related outcomes.

Brush Cytology for Cholangiocarcinoma Surveillance in PSC

A study evaluating 4,017 brush cytology samples from 984 patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) assessed the detection of biliary dysplasia and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Brush cytology demonstrated a negative predictive value of 0.99 and an overall accuracy of 0.91. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) score and serum IgG4 were identified as key predictors of biliary dysplasia and CCA-related outcomes. Combining these markers improved predictive performance, potentially supporting more individualized surveillance strategies in patients with PSC.

A genetic association study linked homozygous MUC13 p.Arg503Ser to elevated transferrin saturation and identified a potential role for MUC13 in intestinal iron absorption.

MUC13 Genetic Variant and Unexplained Hyperferritinemia

A sequencing-based genetic association study identified the MUC13 p.Arg503Ser variant as a potential contributor to unexplained hyperferritinemia, particularly in individuals homozygous for the 503Ser allele. The discovery was validated in an independent cohort of 263 patients, where the homozygous genotype was associated with elevated transferrin saturation (OR 4.52; 95% CI 1.55–13.19). Functional experiments in mice and human intestinal cell models supported a role for MUC13 in intestinal iron absorption. These findings may improve understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying unexplained elevations in ferritin and iron levels.

A survey of 1,436 patients with rheumatologic conditions found that balanced THC-CBD products were associated with higher positive impact scores, while some formulations were linked to more reported side effects.

Cannabis Products and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Rheumatology

A survey of 1,436 cannabis-using patients with rheumatologic conditions in Alberta, Canada, examined associations between cannabis product characteristics and patient-reported outcomes. Products with balanced tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) content were associated with higher positive impact scores (adjusted OR 1.76; 95% CI 1.18–2.63). Edible products and dried cannabis were also associated with higher positive impact scores. However, THC-dominant products were associated with increased dampening and sensory effects, while dried cannabis was linked to several reported side effects. These findings highlight variability in patient experiences and the importance of considering product composition and formulation.

A national study found that greater neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation was associated with worse physical function and a higher likelihood of functional decline among adults with SLE.

Neighborhood Deprivation and Physical Function in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A national electronic health record-based study examined the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and functional status among adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the cross-sectional cohort of 20,620 patients, those living in the most deprived neighborhoods had worse adjusted mean functional status scores than those in the least deprived neighborhoods. In the longitudinal cohort of 10,604 patients, functional decline occurred in 17.0% of patients in the most deprived quintile, compared with 11.4% in the least deprived quintile. The findings highlight the potential importance of addressing socioeconomic barriers alongside clinical care to improve functional outcomes in SLE.

A longitudinal lupus nephritis study found that lower baseline eGFR, chronic kidney damage, and incomplete early clinical response were associated with long-term kidney function loss.

Predictors of Long-Term Kidney Outcomes in Lupus Nephritis

A longitudinal study of 172 patients with lupus nephritis (LN) from the Accelerating Medicines Partnership cohort investigated predictors of long-term kidney function loss over a median follow-up of 4.6 years. Kidney function loss occurred in 33% of patients. Lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), greater chronic histologic damage, and failure to achieve a complete clinical response at 3, 6, or 12 months were associated with increased risk. Proteinuria below 0.7 g/g at 12 months was associated with better outcomes, although it did not guarantee kidney protection. The findings highlight the need for improved biomarkers to assess treatment response and predict long-term kidney outcomes.

A study of 286 postpartum women in Turkey found that inadequate labor information and several obstetric practices were associated with higher reported obstetric violence scores.

Obstetric Violence and Associated Factors in Maternity Care in Turkey

A cross-sectional study of 286 women who gave birth in Turkey examined reported obstetric violence and its associated factors during the first postpartum year. Multivariable analysis identified lack of information during labor, prolonged bed rest, prolonged fasting, continuous non-stress testing, vacuum extraction, fundal pressure, and postpartum complications as factors independently associated with higher Obstetric Violence Scale scores. Lack of information during labor was associated with a 2.40-fold adjusted rate, while prolonged bed rest showed a 3.07-fold adjusted rate. The findings emphasize the importance of respectful maternity care, informed consent, clear communication, and careful assessment of obstetric interventions.

TIR-defined cam morphology was associated with hip osteoarthritis development over 10 years, supporting its potential role in risk assessment.

Triangular Index Ratio for Predicting Hip Osteoarthritis Risk

A 10-year follow-up study involving 1,002 participants found that cam morphology defined by a triangular index ratio (TIR) of ≥1.05 was associated with the development of radiographic hip osteoarthritis. TIR-defined cam morphology was linked to 2.48 times higher adjusted odds of osteoarthritis. Compared with the conventional alpha angle, TIR showed a higher positive predictive value, although both methods had low sensitivity.

Olfactory training may improve smell-related quality of life and cognition, but its effects on depression remain uncertain.

Olfactory Training May Improve Quality of Life and Cognition

A systematic review of 51 studies found that olfactory training (OT) may improve smell-related quality of life and cognitive performance in people with olfactory dysfunction. Controlled trials showed greater quality-of-life improvement with OT than without training. However, no significant benefit was observed for depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for further research.

DERMATOLOGY

Anumigilimab was generally well tolerated in HS and PPP, with preliminary clinical improvements requiring confirmation in trials.

Anumigilimab Shows Promise in HS and Palmoplantar Pustulosis

A phase 1b study of 39 patients found that anumigilimab, a novel anti-G-CSFR antibody, was generally well tolerated in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). At Week 15, 57.9% of evaluable HS patients achieved at least a 50% clinical response. Improvements in HS and PPP severity were also observed, but randomized trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

NEUROLOGY

Blood gene-expression signatures may reveal molecular pathways linking cardiovascular risk with Alzheimer’s disease.

Blood Gene Signatures Link Cardiovascular Risk and Alzheimer’s Disease

An analysis of 891 participants across two independent cohorts identified blood gene-expression networks associated with cardiovascular risk in Alzheimer’s disease. The networks were linked to RNA–protein homeostasis, mitochondrial function, and blood-cell processes. These molecular signatures may help clarify how cumulative cardiovascular risk relates to Alzheimer’s disease, but further research is needed to establish their clinical relevance.

Mechanisms of mucosal hea...

Mechanisms of mucosal healing: treating inflammatory bowel disease without immunosuppression?