A recent review of 3 million participants found small positive associations between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism and ADHD, but these associations weakened with higher-quality studies. The evidence does not support a causal link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a strong association between alcohol marketing exposure and increased drinking outcomes among youth. The study's findings suggest that reducing alcohol marketing can help mitigate the risk of youth drinking, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this public health con...
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is associated with worsening symptoms of depression. The study examined individual participant data from over 13,000 participants, providing evidence for the potential negative effects of this therapy on depression.
New research suggests that leisure-time exercise, such as walking or sports, is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while physically demanding jobs may increase dementia risk. The study analyzed data from over 4.2 million people and found that household physical activity also appeared beneficial.
A systematic review and meta-analysis investigated changes in mental health symptoms before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found significant differences in symptom changes between sexes and genders, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A global meta-analysis of over 4,200 studies found that microplastics can alter cadmium uptake and movement in plants, reducing oxidative stress and nutrient imbalance. However, the effects vary greatly depending on particle size, polymer type, concentration, and environmental conditions.
A new review published in Addiction found that controlled breathing interventions can reduce cravings in people who use substances, including alcohol and tobacco. The strongest evidence showed small but statistically significant reductions in craving.
A meta-analysis of individual participant data found that amyloid PET quantitation using centiloids can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that scans in the 11-26 Centiloid range require caution, and a positivity cutoff of around 18 Centiloids is recommended.
Subjective olfactory impairment consistently associated with depression, while objective impairment linked to aging and anosmia. The study suggests partly distinct underlying mechanisms for subjective and objective impairments.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses rely on complete data, but many studies lack underlying data. This can lead to unreliable results and assumptions that are difficult to verify. Researchers argue for clearer data sharing requirements to strengthen trust in research and reduce the risk of erroneous conclusions.
Research waste refers to wasting scientific resources due to poor practices, compromising internal and external validity. JMIR Metascience and Research Integrity publishes metascience articles exploring the shortcomings of published literature and investigating its negative impact on real-world outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found single and repeated intravenous ketamine infusions to be efficacious in reducing suicidal and depressive symptoms in acute major depressive episodes. Longer-term outcomes remain unclear.
This systematic review and meta-analysis found differences in efficacy and acceptability of adjunctive atypical antipsychotics for major depressive disorder. The study highlights the need for more well-controlled studies on maintenance efficacy of these medications.
A meta-analysis of GLP-1 receptor agonist studies found potential safety signals for gastrointestinal side effects, while some evidence suggested a link to reduced respiratory disease risk. Further research is needed to confirm the latter association.
A longitudinal analysis of 42,000 participants found higher bone lead levels associated with significantly increased cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The study highlights the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, regulation, and remediation to reduce the lead-attributable burden worldwide.
A cross-sectional analysis found significant delays in treatment initiation for early-onset colorectal cancer in all-urban populations, with young male, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, or Hispanic patients disproportionately affected. These delays, exceeding 90 days, challenge assumptions of uniformly timely access in urban settings.
A systematic review of 42 studies reveals a rising trend in self-injury among children and youth in high-income countries, with significant variability across countries. The findings highlight the need for effective, contextually informed prevention strategies to curb this growing concern.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found GLP-1 RAs produce significant weight loss across various subpopulations, including women who show improved outcomes compared to men. These findings have implications for clinical decision-making.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a small correlation between daily screen use and later sleep onset in youth. However, short-term fluctuations in screen time had limited effects on sleep duration, efficiency, or quality.
A large review of studies found no consistent effect of music on focus or mood during exercise, with results varying depending on intensity and participant characteristics. The findings suggest that broad claims about music's benefits are not always supported and highlight the need for more rigorous study designs.
A meta-analysis of 55 studies found a significant protective association between spirituality and hazardous alcohol and drug use. The study suggests that spiritual practices may be effective in preventing or reducing the risks associated with these substances.
Scientists have uncovered practical strategies that can significantly reduce harmful air pollution from composting while improving the quality of organic fertilizers. Biochar emerged as the most effective single solution, consistently reducing ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions while enhancing nitrogen retention.
A global study found that a group of bacteria, CAG-170, consistently appeared in high numbers in the gut microbiomes of healthy individuals. This species has the capacity to produce Vitamin B12 and break down carbohydrates, suggesting it plays a crucial role in maintaining human health.
A meta-analysis of childhood food allergy risk factors reveals a combination of major and minor factors, including genetics and antibiotic exposure. The study provides insights into the complex interplay of these factors in the development of food allergies in infants and children.
Programs promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in healthcare institutions are associated with an increased workforce. These programs support a more inclusive and equitable health care culture, according to the systematic review and meta-analysis.
The study reveals parental quality of life is compromised during the premature infant's hospitalization period. A family-centered approach with tailored support from the neonatal intensive care unit and postdischarge period can protect and promote parental well-being.
A meta-analysis found nirsevimab to be associated with reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits for lower respiratory tract infections in young children. This suggests the potential of nirsevimab to decrease respiratory-related morbidity in this population.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that lithium supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Alternative formulations like LIT-O may be a potential alternative to harness lithium's neuroprotective properties more efficiently.
A global study found that crop rotation increases total yields, energy and protein content, and micronutrient levels in crops such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. The practice also leads to higher farm revenues and less year-on-year yield variability compared to continuous monocultures.
A new meta-analysis of 125 studies reveals that adding biochar to composting systems boosts compost quality and slashes harmful greenhouse gas emissions by up to 51%. Biochar improves aeration, holds nutrients, and creates a favorable habitat for beneficial microbes, accelerating the composting process.
A global study found that biochar significantly reduces methane and nitrous oxide emissions in composting, while conserving nitrogen and stabilizing carbon. The optimal amount of biochar added is critical, with 10-20% achieving the strongest reductions.
A meta-analysis found significantly higher treatment failure and major complication rates within a year with nonoperative management among children and adolescents. Pediatricians can now inform shared decision-making with families using up-to-date data.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a strong association between alcohol consumption per capita and an increase in suicide mortality rates. The study suggests that targeting alcohol consumption may be a useful strategy for comprehensive national suicide prevention efforts.
Researchers found that specific nutrient supplements like amino acids, probiotics, and herbs like ginger can effectively reduce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dietary counseling also showed promise in reducing common GI side effects. Oral nutritional supplements, however, did not demonstrate benefits in easing symptoms.
A recent meta-analysis found that Helicobacter pylori eradication may be associated with an increased risk of developing or experiencing reflux oesophagitis. The study analyzed data from 30 studies and showed a statistically significant increase in RE risk in RCTs, but not in cohort studies. Age, underlying diseases, region, and durati...
A systematic review and meta-analysis reveals that adults with hearing loss can enhance social engagement and functional outcomes by using hearing aids or cochlear implants. The study suggests that these devices should be encouraged for individuals with hearing loss to potentially improve their quality of life.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 178,000 women found that those with infertility history have a 14% increased risk of heart or blood vessel conditions, as well as higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Younger women and those undergoing fertility treatments are at greater risk.
A meta-analysis reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in the reporting of race and ethnicity in clinical trials for pharmacotherapy of mental disorders. The study underscores the importance of equitable recruitment and reporting in clinical trials to ensure inclusive representation of diverse populations.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. The research also suggests a potential link between cannabis use during pregnancy and smaller-than-average newborns.
A systematic review of child maltreatment found that parents and caregivers with alcohol-related diagnoses were twice as likely to maltreat children. The study pooled data from twelve high-income countries and associated caregiver alcohol-related diagnoses with higher child maltreatment incidence.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies with over 1,200 participants found TM to be highly effective in reducing stress and PTSD symptoms in diverse populations. The study showed a large effect size of 1.01 for TM compared to control groups, with rapid reductions in symptoms observed within one month of practicing TM.
A recent meta-analysis found that generative AI's diagnostic accuracy is lower than that of specialist doctors, with an average accuracy of 52.1%. The study suggests that while generative AI has the potential to support non-specialist doctors in diagnostics, further research is needed to improve its capabilities.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Cardiology analyzed data from multiple clinical trials to assess the therapeutic impact of pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) on pulmonary hypertension patients. PADN showed significant reductions in mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary vascu...
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were associated with a statistically significant reduction in all-cause dementia. Cardioprotective glucose-lowering therapies, however, did not show an overall reduction in dementia risk.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found COVID-19 significantly increases severity, morbidity, and mortality in sarcoidosis patients. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is beneficial for these individuals.
A large study suggests that patients at high risk of heart attacks and strokes should be treated immediately with a combination of a statin and ezetimibe, rather than statins alone. This combination therapy significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause and major adverse cardiovascular events.
Researchers found no clear evidence that red wine mitigates cancer risk, and instead observed a distinction in skin cancer risk. White wine consumption was associated with an increased risk of skin cancer compared to red wine, particularly among women. Heavy wine consumption may correlate to high-risk behaviors.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country reveals that pollinator diversity is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and plant reproduction. The research, conducted across 46 countries, found that a decline in wild pollinators has a negative impact on plants' reproductive success.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that approximately 40% of adults with chronic pain experience clinically significant depression and anxiety. Women, younger people, and those with nociplastic pain are most vulnerable to these conditions.
A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis found a daily 1-hour increment in digital screen time was associated with a 21% higher odds of myopia. Researchers suggest that exposure to screens for less than 1 hour per day may be safe, but prolonged use increases the risk of nearsightedness.
A systematic meta-analysis of online misinformation found that education level has no significant impact on people's ability to distinguish true from false information. In fact, older adults were better at distinguishing between true and false headlines than younger adults. The study also showed that individuals with higher analytical ...
A systematic review and network meta-analysis of 601 trials revealed that SGLT2 inhibitors were more cardioprotective in older adults, while GLP-1 receptor agonists offered greater benefits to younger patients. These findings suggest personalized treatment approaches for type 2 diabetes based on age and sex.
Researchers from Japan found that organizational strategies, third-wave techniques, and problem-solving techniques are the most effective components of cognitive–behavioral therapy in treating ADHD. These approaches can help improve planning, prioritization, organization, emotional regulation, and stress management.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cold-water immersion can reduce stress levels within 12 hours, improve sleep quality, and boost quality of life. However, these benefits may fade after three months. Cold showers also showed promise in reducing sickness absence and improving mood.
A new meta-analysis of over 249 studies and 251,713 US teens finds that knowledge about safer sex is not enough to promote condom use. The study highlights the importance of confidence, planning, and effective communication with partners in encouraging condom use among teens.
A new meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) while doing resistance training increases muscle mass and strength compared to resistance training alone. The analysis reviewed over a dozen studies and showed that longer training periods yielded bet...
A systematic review and meta-analysis found an inverse association between fluoride exposure and children's IQ scores. The findings suggest a dose-response relationship between fluoride levels and IQ across multiple countries, highlighting the need for comprehensive public health risk-benefit assessments of fluoride exposures.
Engaging in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week modestly reduces body weight, waist circumference, and body fat measures. Aerobic training exceeding 150 minutes per week may be needed for clinically important reductions.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that eating two servings of unprocessed beef daily has no adverse effects on traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Key findings include consistent evidence from RCTs showing lean beef consumption can be part of a heart-healthy diet.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 96,000 adults found that higher daily step counts were linked to lower depressive symptoms. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential protective role of daily steps in depression.