Highlights
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: PSMA PET–Guided salvage radiotherapy in prostate cancerThis study demonstrates that salvage radiotherapy combined with a Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-directed focal boost is an effective intervention for recurrent prostate cancer, offering favorable biochemical control with minimal toxicity. In a cohort of 56 patients, PSMA Positron emission tomography (PET)–guided radiotherapy was associated with a significantly longer failure-free survival (42.1 months) compared to androgen deprivation therapy alone (23.4 months, p < 0.001), while adverse effects were predominantly mild. These results support the use of PSMA PET–guided radiotherapy as a targeted, individualized treatment strategy with potential to influence future clinical standards.1A novel audiogram model for sudden hearing lossThe prediction of recovery outcomes in cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss remains complex. This study presents a three-category audiogram classification, utilizing 4 kHz threshold data, which demonstrates improved prognostic accuracy compared to the conventional seven-category approach. In a cohort of 965 patients (mean age 50.8 years; 51.5% male), those exhibiting the “4 kHz best” audiogram pattern achieved a 49% recovery rate, whereas the “intermediate” and “4 kHz worst” groups demonstrated recovery rates of 36% and 20%, respectively (p < 0.001). Complete recovery was observed in 21.1% of participants. The streamlined model is practical for clinical application and enhances prognostic clarity for otolaryngology practice and patient counselling.2Cardiac MRI for prognosis in pulmonary hypertensionA longitudinal investigation involving 36 patients diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension demonstrated that cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective modality for predicting adverse clinical outcomes. Increased right ventricular volume and declining strain correlated with higher rates of hospitalization or mortality, whereas maintained left ventricular volume and improved ejection fraction were indicative of a favorable prognosis. The findings underscore the utility and reliability of cardiac MRI for early risk stratification in this population, with performance surpassing conventional indicators such as World Health Organization (WHO) classification and N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels.3Air pollution and retinal disease mechanismsThis study examines the impact of particulate matter (PM)2.5 air pollution on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells through next-generation sequencing and functional assays. The findings demonstrate that PM2.5 exposure significantly influences gene expression, notably activating the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway and upregulating angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4), which promotes RPE cell migration. Pathway analysis reveals modifications in focal adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, and extracellular matrix interactions. Furthermore, inhibition of TGFβ prevented ANGPTL4 induction, substantiating its regulatory role. Collectively, these results establish a connection between PM2.5 and retinal disease mechanisms, such as age-related macular degeneration, and identify ANGPTL4 and TGFβ as promising therapeutic targets.4Vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 mortalityThis study investigates the association between serum vita- min D levels and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated mortality. Findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency is correlated with an increased risk of mortality from COVID-19, particularly among individuals aged 65 to 74 years; however, no link was observed with higher infection rates. Data from a Taiwanese cohort comprising 481 symptomatic patients revealed a tenfold increase in mortality among those exhibiting low vitamin D concentrations (<20 ng/mL). Ensuring sufficient vitamin D status may represent a straightforward and cost-effective strategy to lower mortality in high-risk groups, although it does not confer protection against infection.5 Conflicts of interest Dr. Jong-Ling Fuh, an editorial board member at the Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, had no role in the peer review process of or decision to publish this article.
Author: Jong-Ling Fuh
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4416190957
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: