Reviews & Analysis

Malaria can be effectively prevented: this PrimeView highlights the roles of vector control approaches (the use of insecticides and physical barriers, such as bed nets) and chemoprevention (with mass administration of antimalarial drugs) in reducing disease burden.

Malaria is a mosquito-transmitted infection that affects more than 200 million people worldwide, with the highest morbidity and mortality in Africa. Elimination, through vector control approaches and chemoprevention, is within reach, but is threatened by the emergence of drug-resistant strains of mosquitoes and Plasmodium spp., the infectious parasite.

Oesophageal cancer comprises two biologically distinct entities: oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). This PrimeView focuses on the pathophysiology of oesophageal cancer and highlights the differences in risk factors, development and disease progression between OSCC and OAC.

Oesophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide and comprises two major subtypes — oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and oesophageal adenocarcinoma — which are epidemiologically and biologically distinct. In this Primer, Cunningham and colleagues describe the epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of oesophageal cancer.

The diagnosis of multiple myeloma, which includes bone marrow biopsy, clinical examination and radiographic imaging, is the main focus of this illustrated PrimeView, which accompanies the Primer on multiple myeloma by Kumar et al.

Multiple myeloma — a malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells — is the second most common haematological malignancy. This Primer by Kumar et al. highlights the mechanisms and epidemiology of multiple myeloma, and describes how updates to the diagnostic criteria have impacted patient management.

Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) — caused by tumours that secrete fibroblast growth factor 23 — is characterized by hypophosphataemia and skeletal abnormalities. Tumours causing TIO are difficult to locate, as they are often small and can occur in soft tissue or bone anywhere in the body.

Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO), also known as oncogenic osteomalacia, is a rare paraneoplastic disorder caused by tumours that secrete fibroblast growth factor 23. Clinically, TIO is associated with hypophosphataemia and skeletal abnormalities. This Primer focuses on the epidemiological, pathophysiological, diagnostic and clinical aspects of TIO.

Urinary incontinence in women typically begins during pregnancy, after childbirth or at the time of menopause; symptoms can worsen or improve over time. This PrimeView focuses on some of the mechanisms underlying the condition, as well as how patients can be diagnosed and treated.

Urinary incontinence symptoms in women are prevalent and substantially affect health-related quality of life. These issues are compounded by the limited attention that urinary incontinence receives at the policy or research-funding levels. Despite these challenges, the field has witnessed considerable innovations in practice over the past decade, which are summarized in this Primer.

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is associated with various symptoms, of which the haematological and neurological manifestations are the most prominent. This PrimeView focuses on the causes of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, including inadequate intake, malabsorption, or defects in transport or intracellular metabolism.

Vitamin B₁₂ (also known as cobalamin) is a B vitamin that has an important role in cellular metabolism, especially in DNA synthesis, methylation and mitochondrial metabolism. In this Primer, Green et al. describe the causes, consequences and management of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.

An imbalance in the oral microbiota can trigger periodontal diseases. However, numerous risk factors can have a substantial role in the progression of these inflammatory conditions, as highlighted in this PrimeView.

Periodontal diseases are characterized by inflammation and loss of the tissues supporting the teeth, which could lead to eating and speaking problems. Although some risk factors are non-modifiable (for example, genetic susceptibility), others, such as smoking, can be effectively managed.

More than 2.1 billion adults are estimated to be overweight or obese worldwide. This PrimeView focuses on factors that increase the risk of becoming overweight or obese, including a reduction in energy expenditure, excess energy intake, genetics, and social and cultural factors.

Obesity is considered to be an epidemic of the 21st century; >2 billion individuals are considered to be overweight or obese globally. In this Primer, Martinez and colleagues discuss obesity and its association with pathophysiological abnormalities that increase health risk, such as features of the metabolic syndrome.

This illustrated PrimeView focuses on the mechanisms underlying the incomplete maturation of neutrophil precursors in the bone marrow (granulopoiesis arrest), which is the common denominator of severe congenital neutropenias, a group of inherited haematological disorders.

Granulopoiesis arrest in the bone marrow at the promyelocyte level is the hallmark of severe congenital neutropenias. Patients have an increased risk of infections and leukaemic progression; granulocyte colony-stimulating factor therapy can restore neutrophil counts in most cases.

Gastric adenocarcinoma is the most common stomach cancer. Its development is associated with several risk factors, including genetic susceptibility, exposure to certain strains of Helicobacter pylori, hygiene standard, food preparation and preservation, smoking and diet.

In recent years, the molecular characterization of gastric adenocarcinoma — the most common stomach cancer — has identified numerous targets for potential exploitation into therapy. However, advances are still lagging compared with other cancers of similar incidence. In this Primer, Ajani et al. describe these advances and the work still needed to be done.