NEUROLOGY

A recent study reveals a link between air pollution and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. Individuals living in areas with median levels of air pollution have a 56% higher risk of acquiring Parkinson's disease than those in areas with the lowest levels. The study, which will be published in Neurology, aimed to identify national and geographic patterns of Parkinson's disease and test for connections with fine particulate matter. The findings highlight the need for stricter policies to lower air pollution levels and reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and other associated illnesses.

Air Pollution Linked to Higher Risk of Parkinson's Disease: New Study Findings in Neurology

Alternative free flaps showed outcomes comparable to traditional flaps in complex head and neck reconstruction.

Alternative Free Flaps Safe in Head and Neck Reconstruction

A retrospective study of 171 patients undergoing multi-flap head and neck reconstruction found that alternative soft tissue free flaps had outcomes comparable to traditional flaps after propensity matching, with no significant differences in complications, reoperation, thrombosis, flap loss, or hospital stay.

Bone dust from skull base tumor drilling may contain viable cancer cells, while barriers and ultrasonic aspiration may limit spread.

Bone Dust May Spread Tumor Cells During Skull Base Surgery

A study found viable tumor cells and tumor-supporting microenvironment elements in bone dust generated during drilling of skull base-involved head and neck tumors. An ultrasonic bone aspirator reduced viable tumor cells, while a synthetic barrier limited dust accumulation in the surgical field.

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Decentralized HCV testing boosts uptake and linkage to care in low- and middle-income countries.

POC HCV Testing Improves Uptake and Care in LMICs

A systematic review found that decentralized point-of-care HCV testing and care models in low- and middle-income countries achieved high testing and treatment uptake, with onsite services exceeding 90% uptake. HCV self-testing was also highly acceptable among high-risk populations, supporting simplified community-based approaches to HCV elimination.

Paris Liver Meeting 2026 highlights precision therapies and advances across chronic liver diseases.

Paris Liver Meeting 2026: Advances in Precision Hepatology

The 2026 Paris International Liver Meeting highlighted a new era of precision hepatology, featuring disease-modifying therapies for MASH, advances in non-invasive liver testing, functional-cure strategies for hepatitis B and D, novel treatments for PBC, and improved immunotherapy outcomes in selected HCC patients.

GYNAECOLOGY - IVF

CALLY and AISI may help identify inflammation-related risk of stress urinary incontinence in women.

Inflammation Biomarkers Linked to Stress Urinary Incontinence

A NHANES-based study of 7,144 women found that higher CALLY index levels were associated with lower risk of stress urinary incontinence, while higher AISI levels were linked to increased risk. The findings suggest systemic inflammation may influence SUI risk, although prospective studies are needed for validation.

PSYCHIATRY

PTSD and OSA share genetic pathways, with genetic evidence suggesting PTSD may increase OSA risk.

PTSD and OSA Linked by Shared Genetic Architecture

A genetic analysis found significant shared genetic architecture between PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea, identifying 12 novel pleiotropic variants and two shared causal loci. Mendelian randomization suggested genetically predicted PTSD increased OSA risk more than threefold, highlighting potential shared biological mechanisms.

Childhood emotional abuse and neglect may increase stress, depression and psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy.

Childhood Emotional Abuse Linked to Pregnancy Mental Health Risks

A study of 305 pregnant women found that childhood emotional abuse and neglect were associated with higher perceived stress, antenatal depression, poorer relationship quality, and psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy. Sexual abuse was specifically linked to sleep problems, highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention.

UROLOGY

PEDIATRICS

Multimodal therapy achieved a 93.8% complete response rate in children with nocturnal enuresis by 16 weeks.

Multimodal Therapy Shows High Response in Childhood Enuresis

A study of 65 children with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis found that multimodal therapy combining standard urotherapy, alarm therapy, and individualized pelvic floor rehabilitation improved pelvic floor function and nocturnal bladder dynamics. Complete response reached 75.4% at 12 weeks and 93.8% at 16 weeks.

DENTISTRY

Single implant crowns showed stable contacts and improved tactile sensitivity over 18 months, with early monitoring advised.

Single Implant Crowns Show Stable Contacts Over 18 Months

A prospective 18-month study of 20 patients found that single posterior implant crowns showed early proximal contact stability and improved tactile sensitivity. Interproximal contact loss occurred in 10% of implants, mainly within the first 6 months, while peri-implant health remained stable throughout follow-up.

COUB was independently linked to more severe nocturia in men and women in a Japanese community health survey.

COUB Linked to Severe Nocturia in Men and Women

A 2023 Japan Community Health Survey analysis found that co-existent overactive and underactive bladder (COUB) was independently associated with ≥2 nighttime voids in both men and women. COUB prevalence was 6.1% in men and 2.6% in women, identifying it as a distinct, severe nocturia phenotype.

Proximal ATOMS implantation improved long-term continence and satisfaction in men with post-prostatectomy incontinence.

Proximal ATOMS Technique Improves Continence After Prostatectomy

A retrospective study of 131 men with severe post-prostatectomy incontinence found that proximal ATOMS implantation achieved higher complete continence (64.6% vs 38.1%), greater satisfaction and fewer urgency symptoms than the classic technique, with similar complication and explantation rates.

Sacral neuromodulation improved symptoms and quality of life in children with refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Sacral Neuromodulation Benefits Children With Refractory LUTD

A multicenter study of 205 children with refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction found that 79% reported partial or complete symptom improvement after sacral neuromodulation. Quality of life and bowel-bladder dysfunction scores also improved, while 21% experienced device complications and 13% had devices removed after symptom resolution or treatment success.

U.S. payer policies for sacral nerve stimulation vary in indications, requirements, and supporting evidence.

U.S. Payer Policies for Sacral Nerve Stimulation Vary

An analysis of 11 major U.S. payers found that all covered core urinary indications for sacral nerve stimulation, but 63.6% excluded neurologic disease. Conservative therapy failure was universally required, while evidence supporting coverage criteria varied widely, highlighting inconsistencies and transparency gaps in prior authorization policies.

Physiotherapy is central to PCD care, but limited evidence highlights the need for standardized guidelines and stronger trials.

Physiotherapy and Airway Clearance in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Physiotherapy, especially airway clearance therapy, remains a cornerstone of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) management, helping compensate for impaired mucociliary clearance and reduce respiratory complications. Current evidence shows no clear superiority among techniques such as PEP, ACBT, IPV or HFCWO. Early, age-adapted therapy and adherence support are recommended, while stronger trials and international guidelines are needed.

Reduced occipital alpha EEG synchronisation may serve as an objective marker of daytime sleepiness in Parkinson’s disease.

EEG Marker for Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson’s Disease

A study of 62 adults with Parkinson’s disease found that reduced low-alpha (8–10 Hz) EEG phase synchronisation in the occipital cortex was the strongest predictor of greater daytime sleepiness. The findings suggest disrupted arousal networks may contribute to sleepiness in PD and indicate that resting-state EEG could potentially serve as an objective marker for symptom severity.

A Link between air pollut...

A Link between air pollution and Parkinson's disease