The American journal of medicine
Audio Summaries

Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Increased Risks of Prostate Cancer in a Random Sample of United States Adults

Aug 7, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and the risk of prostate cancer among U.S. adults, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Their findings indicate that higher intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with a significant increase in prostate cancer risk, with those in higher consumption quartiles experiencing a 29% to 34% greater risk compared to those with the lowest intake. The study highlights the need for further analytic research to confirm these associations.

Impact of Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels on Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Stage-specific Analysis

Aug 6, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), stratified by kidney function. Their findings indicate that higher LDL-C levels are associated with increased cardiovascular event risk in CKD patients, particularly in those with end-stage kidney disease, suggesting the need for stage-specific LDL-C targets to optimize cardiovascular risk management in this population.

Scleroderma Renal Crisis in Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Aug 6, 2026

The authors investigate the occurrence and management of scleroderma renal crisis in patients with mixed connective tissue disease, a rare complication with only 10 reported cases. They highlight the pathogenesis involving endothelial injury and the importance of early intervention with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to prevent renal damage, while also discussing emerging therapies for refractory cases. The study emphasizes the need for increased awareness of this condition to improve patient outcomes.

Association between Corticosteroids and In-Hospital Mortality After Cardiac Arrest: A Multicenter Study Using the eICU Collaborative Research Database

Aug 6, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the association between corticosteroid administration and in-hospital mortality in adults who experienced cardiac arrest. Their study found that corticosteroids were linked to lower mortality rates, particularly in comatose patients and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, while no significant benefits were observed in non-comatose patients. These findings highlight the need for phenotype-guided approaches in future research on corticosteroid use in this population.

Do Clinical Trials Adequately Serve Clinical Practitioners?

Aug 5, 2026

The authors investigate whether clinical trials effectively serve the needs of clinical practitioners by examining how various factors, such as study design and patient eligibility, affect the applicability of trial results to individual patient care. They highlight the importance of careful interpretation of trial outcomes and propose questions for clinicians to consider when integrating trial findings with patient-specific characteristics and preferences. Ultimately, the review aims to bridge the gap between clinical trial results and real-world clinical practice.

Energy Drinks in Youth: Cardiovascular Risk and a Call to Action

Aug 5, 2026

The authors investigate the cardiovascular risks associated with energy drink consumption among youth, highlighting the acute physiological effects of these products and their potential to exacerbate underlying health vulnerabilities during physical activities. They call for increased awareness among clinicians regarding energy drink use, as well as stronger regulations and educational efforts to mitigate risks for adolescents. The paper emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach involving schools, sports organizations, and manufacturers to protect young consumers.

Infectious Diseases Targeting the Adrenal Glands: A Review

Aug 5, 2026

This review by Henry W. Murray examines the role of various infectious diseases in causing adrenal insufficiency (AI), particularly in the context of changing etiologies over the past century. The authors aim to highlight the challenges in diagnosing AI due to infections, especially given the complexities involved in identifying adrenal involvement and the potential for significant delays in diagnosis. The paper underscores the need for thorough evaluation and imaging to effectively manage cases of AI linked to infections.

Pleural Fluid Cytology Yields and Time to Sample Processing

Aug 4, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether the timing of pleural fluid sample processing affects the diagnostic yield of cytology for malignant pleural effusions. Their retrospective analysis of 327 samples found no significant relationship between the time elapsed from sample collection to processing and the yield of malignant diagnoses. These results suggest that the timing of thoracentesis does not impact the likelihood of detecting malignancy in pleural fluid samples.

Association between PCSK9 targeted therapy and the risk of stroke and dementia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Aug 4, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the association between PCSK9-targeted therapies and the risk of stroke and dementia by analyzing data from randomized controlled trials. Their meta-analysis, which included 22 trials with over 64,000 patients, found that these therapies significantly reduced the risk of all-cause and ischemic stroke, but did not show a significant impact on the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or dementia-related conditions. Overall, while PCSK9 therapies may lower stroke risk, they do not appear to influence the risk of dementia or Parkinson's disease.

Lessons In Professionalism: Ending the Action Gap. The Black Doctors Intelligence Group and a White Female Martyr for Civil Rights - PART 2

Aug 4, 2026

This article explores how historical figures, such as internist Jean Cowsert and the Black Medical Intelligence Group, exemplified the integration of professionalism and ethical action in medicine during the civil rights era, particularly in the context of hospital desegregation. The authors aim to illustrate how these role models can inform current discussions on physician professionalism and address the ongoing "Action Gap" in health equity and outcomes in the U.S.