Current medical research and opinion
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The purpose of this narrative review is to analyze the most recent studies about the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), two of the main biomarkers of infection, in distinguishing viral from bacterial etiology, in predicting the severity of infection and in guiding antibiotic stewardship in children with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The studies examined reveal that both CRP and PCT play a valuable role in diagnosing pediatric CAP, though each has limitations. ⋯ However, even though CRP and PCT offer valuable insights into the diagnosis and management of pediatric CAP, their application should be always integrated with clinical assessment rather than used in isolation. More studies are needed to define standardized thresholds and decision algorithms that incorporate these biomarkers.
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The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic investigation of the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) models in the prediction, detection of diagnostic biomarkers, and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In addition, we compared the performance of non-logistic regression (LR) machine learning (ML) models to conventional LR prediction models. ⋯ ML models showed solid DKD prediction effectiveness, with pooled AUROC values over 0.8, suggesting good performance. These data demonstrated that non-LR and LR models perform similarly in overall CKD management, but the RF model outperforms the LR model, particularly in predicting the occurrence of DKD. These findings highlight the promise of AI technologies for better DKD management. To improve model reliability, future study should include extended follow-up periods as well as external validation.
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Cancer remains a major global cause of death, posing significant treatment challenges. The interactions between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial in influencing tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment response. There has been significant research and clinical interest in targeting the TME as a therapeutic approach in cancer, with advancements being made through drug development. ⋯ The findings from these studies indicated that patients using H1-antihistamines concomitantly with I/O agents experienced longer median overall survival (mOS), progression-free survival (mPFS), or improved survival compared to those who did not use antihistamines. Additionally, these trials differentiated between cationic and non-cationic H1-antihistamines, revealing that users of cationic antihistamines had overall better outcomes in terms of longer mOS and mPFS. The assessed trials were consistent in their comparisons of quantitative and qualitative, efficacy, and safety outcomes.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Use of advanced systemic therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in the TARGET-DERM AD Registry.
Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) significantly impacts quality of life. Advanced systemic therapeutics (AST) represent a new generation of medications targeting AD pathogenesis, but many who may benefit from these medications are AST-naïve. We compared patients in the United States who had started AST with those who had not started AST to evaluate associated characteristics. ⋯ Disease severity and patient access to AST are major factors driving AST initiation. However, some patients are undertreated. This analysis supports AD patient advocacy for those inadequately managed with conventional therapies. Further investigations are necessary to delineate AST initiation barriers and relevant outcomes.
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To evaluate quality of life, migraine disability, and work productivity and activity impairment in patients with migraine who received preventive treatment by comparing standard of care preventive medications and calcitonin gene-related monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAbs), including galcanezumab alone. ⋯ Patients with migraine in the overall population and Europe who received 3+ lines of preventive migraine therapy and were receiving CGRP mAbs/galcanezumab demonstrated enhanced HRQoL compared to those who received standard of care.