Oral health management and treatment strategies for orofacial manifestations are underutilized in patients with systemic sclerosis, according to results of an international survey published in Arthritis Care & Research.
“Orofacial manifestations are highly prevalent and meaningfully affect daily function, diet, confidence in care and quality of life, yet many patients [with systemic sclerosis] perceive these needs as overlooked,” Michael Hughes, BSc, MSc, MBBS, MRCP, FHEA, PhD, of the University of Manchester and the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care

Valiltramiprosate, a drug in development as a disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, showed rapid and sustained reduction of plasma p-tau217, among other clinical benefits, according to data from the developer.
Valiltramiprosate (ALZ-801, Alzheon) is taken orally and acts as a small-molecule inhibitor of amyloid oligomer formation, according to information presented at Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2026. The drug’s effects in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) AD subjects were correlated with cognitive testing results and vMRI measures of hippocampal volume and

Caffeine, the most commonly consumed drug in the world, may have heart-healthy benefits when consumed below certain levels and may even help prevent diabetes, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement.
As Healio previously reported, prior research has shown various health benefits related to coffee intake, including a link to less atrial fibrillation recurrence in those with AF; anti-inflammatory benefits; and reductions in LDL with certain coffee filters.
In light of the literature, the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement, published in Circulation,

Incretin-based medications lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels among adults with a range of cardiometabolic conditions, researchers reported at the International Congress on Obesity.
“Clinicians should be aware that when prescribing semaglutide (Wegovy, Novo Nordisk) or tirzepatide (Zepbound, Eli Lilly) for weight management, they may also meaningfully reduce their patients’ inflammatory burden, which has independent prognostic value for cardiovascular risk,” Mario Cesar Torres-Chávez, MD, research assistant at Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez in Mexico City, told

While laser-based procedures continue to deliver excellent refractive outcomes in appropriate candidates, we now better understand the cumulative impact of laser ablation on corneal strength, nerve architecture and ocular surface health.
Because of this expanding insight into corneal biomechanics, as well as access to effective lens-based procedures, corneal preservation plays an increasingly important role in how I approach refractive surgery.
When evaluating a patient, my goal is to offer every option they are a good candidate for. The first consideration is typically the magnitude of

Use of very low nicotine content cigarettes did not raise the average number of daily cigarettes smoked vs. normal nicotine content cigarette use, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open.
Compared with a standard cigarette, there is approximately 95% less nicotine in a very low nicotine content cigarette, according to the study.
“If the FDA implements a low nicotine product standard, clinicians working with patients who smoke do not need to be concerned about increased smoking,” Rachel L. Denlinger-Apte, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of social sciences

From 2015 to 2023, allergists in the U.S. have shifted away from allergist-only and solo practices to multispecialty groups, according to results published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
“While these findings may not directly impact a clinician’s day-to-day practice, it is helpful to understand the greater context about how practice types in allergy are evolving,” Christine Rukasin, MD, allergist and immunologist at Phoenix Children’s, told Healio. “Understanding these trends may help inform future career decisions and opportunities within the specialty.”
Using data from the CMS

A prospective study of more than 350,000 individuals linked higher coffee consumption with lower risk for cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related mortality, especially among those who drank at least five cups per day.
Coffee intake also increased likelihood of favorable MRI-based and proteomic indicators of liver health.
“Previous studies suggested that coffee might benefit the liver, but most were smaller or looked at only one piece of the puzzle,” lead study author Hyun-Seok Kim, MD, MPH, PhD, transplant hepatologist and assistant professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical

Cancer care cannot stop with treatment.
Curing a malignancy does not invariably cure a patient. Yet, many services that health centers offer patients during therapy stop once they conclude treatment.
“Patients feel really well supported through their cancer experience, but as their active treatment ends, many still grapple with, ‘How do I build the best life after all of this has happened?” Joycelyn M. Lee, PhD, MBA, director of psychosocial oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute, told Healio.
This struggle prompted Sylvester to

FDA finalized three guidances telling cancer trial sponsors to justify lab value, performance status, and washout period exclusions rather than copying them.