Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
Urology-nephrologyAdverse effects of intravesical injection of OnabotulinumtoxinA in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder or neurogenic detrusor: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Despite the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA, its safety profile remains a cause for concern.This meta-analysis examined the major adverse events (AEs) associated with intravesical treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and idiopathic overactive bladder (IAB).Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between January 2000 and December 2022 were s
InfectiologyPerformance and usefulness of more sensitive malaria rapid diagnostic tests
A new, more sensitive rapid diagnostic test (HS-RDT) for Plasmodium falciparum malaria (Alere™/Abbott Malaria Ag P.f RDT [05FK140], now called NxTek™ Eliminate Malaria Ag Pf) was launched in 2017. The test has already been used in numerous research studies across a wide range of geographical areas and use cases.In this study, the authors collate all available unpublished and published studies usin
PharmacyAntivirals for post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Antiviral post-exposure prophylaxis with neuraminidase inhibitors can reduce the incidence of influenza and the risk of symptomatic influenza, but the efficacy of other classes of antivirals remains uncertain. To support an update of WHO guidelines on influenza, this systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated antiviral drugs for post-exposure prophylaxis of influenza.The authors systema
NeurologyComprehensive evaluation of the association between common drugs and psychiatric disorders using Mendelian randomisation and the real-world pharmacovigilance database
Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and lung disease, require prolonged medication. Many of the drugs used for these diseases have varying degrees of neurological side-effects, while some drugs may have potential protective effects for neuropsychiatric disorders.Pre-marketing clinical trials of drugs often only assess short-term neuropsychiatric symptoms, leaving the long-te
General MedicineThe use of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for sleep disorders
The article entitled ‘Acupuncture modulates emotional network resting-state functional connectivity in patients with insomnia disorder: a randomized controlled trial and fMRI study’ explores the effects of acupuncture on resting-state functional connectivity of emotional networks in patients with insomnia disorder.Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that is often accompanied by symptoms of anxiety
General MedicineConsumption of yoghurt and probiotics is associated with a reduced risk of sleep disorders
The research article entitled ‘Association between yogurt and dietary supplements containing probiotic consumption with sleep disturbance in US adults: Results from NHANES, 2009-2018’ explores the relationship between consumption of yogurt and dietary supplements containing probiotics and sleep disturbance in US adults.Sleep disorders are a common public health problem, affecting a large proportio
Endocrinology and MetabolismCoffee consumption is positively associated with skeletal muscle mass
The research article entitled ‘Association between coffee intake and skeletal muscle mass among U.S. adults: a population-based study’ explores the relationship between coffee consumption and skeletal muscle mass in adults.Coffee, a beverage rich in caffeine and polyphenols, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.The cross-sectional study was based on a sample of 8,333 participants selec
Endocrinology and MetabolismClinical biomarkers are linked to accelerated ageing in patients with metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies
The article entitled ‘Factors influencing accelerated ageing in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease’ explores the factors influencing accelerated ageing in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease (CHD).Type 2 diabetes, as a metabolic disease, is increasingly prevalent throughout the world, representing a major public health challenge.
Urology-nephrologyRenal failure is significantly associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease
The research article entitled ‘Association between kidney function and Parkinson's disease risk: a prospective study from the UK Biobank’ explores the potential link between kidney function and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). The study is based on a cohort of 400,571 participants from the UK Biobank, a vast epidemiological database. The researchers used the estimated glomerular fi
Gastroenterology and HepatologySemaglutide exerts significant modulating effects on intestinal microbiota
The article entitled ‘Effects of semaglutide on gut microbiota, cognitive function and inflammation in obese mice’ explores the impact of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, on gut microbiota composition, cognitive function and inflammation in obese mice fed a high-fat diet. Conducted by a team of researchers in China, this study aimed to understand how semaglutide cou
PediatricsA link between traumatic childhood experiences and biological ageing during pregnancy
This study explored the links between mothers' traumatic childhood experiences (ACEs) and biological ageing during pregnancy, as well as their potential impact on their children from birth.The study aimed to examine the intergenerational transmission of the biological effects of adverse life experiences by using epigenetic clocks to measure the biological age of mothers during pregnancy and of new
OthersCigarette e-liquids containing nicotine salts increase vaping-related abuse
This study addressed growing concerns about the abuse potential of modern electronic cigarettes, particularly those using nicotine salts. These salts are formed by the addition of acidic additives, making nicotine inhalation milder than nicotine in free base form.The main objective of the study was to determine how variations in nicotine form (salts vs. free base), nicotine concentration (5% vs. 1