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Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A systematic review of 94 trials found that drugs are effective in achieving continence and improving quality of life, but with small improvements and frequent side effect discontinuation. Fesoterodine was more effective than tolterodine, while solifenacin showed the lowest rates of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 9, 2012

Pulling a fast one

Research by Northwestern University and Wake Forest University found that fast disclaimers undermine consumers' trust in unfamiliar brands, while trusted brands remain unaffected. Trusted brands can use fast disclaimers without impact on purchase intention.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 2, 2011

How should systematic reviews consider evidence on harms?

A new study suggests that systematic reviews should evaluate a broad range of study designs, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies, to build a complete picture of potential harm. This approach may improve the generalizability of the review without loss of validity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMay 3, 2011

Study confirms: Whatever doesn't kill us can make us stronger

A new study found that experiencing some lifetime adversity can contribute to the development of resilience, leading to lower global distress, functional impairment, and increased life satisfaction. Researchers analyzed a national sample of 2,398 subjects and discovered a U-shaped relationship between lifetime adversity and outcomes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 15, 2010

A new method for developing safer drugs

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have created a method to develop safer drugs by simulating metabolism and identifying potentially toxic metabolites. This approach has been successfully applied to the antimalarial drug amodiaquine, which was withdrawn due to liver damage and immune system impairment.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalRapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry·DateMay 9, 2010

Bad medicine

A commentary in JAMA explores how US healthcare's emphasis on providing services can lead to direct and indirect harm. The authors argue that this focus can cause excessive healthcare use and spending, diverting resources away from education and environmental quality.

Pregnant women pass on the effects of smoking

A new study published in JCI Journals reveals that smoking before pregnancy or while breast-feeding may decrease the fertility of female offspring by reducing resting and early growing follicles. The effects are mediated through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), which upregulates expression of the Harakiri gene, leading to cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 21, 2007

Drug's potential adverse side effect explained

A new study suggests that PPAR-gamma agonists, used to treat diabetes, may cause heart failure due to fat accumulation and cell dysfunction. Increased activity of the receptor leads to glucolipotoxicity, a condition characterized by deterioration in heart function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 6, 2007