FAMILY HEALTH

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic severely interrupted clinical research worldwide. This global public health crisis required investigators and researchers to rapidly develop and implement new strategies and solutions to mitigate its negative impact on the progress of clinical trials. This paper describes the challenges, techniques, and lessons learned regarding the continuation of a supportive oncology clinical trial during the pandemic.

Strategies for Continuing Oncology Clinical Trials Amid COVID-19: Challenges, Techniques, and Lessons

ENDO-DIABETOLOGY

AI-driven research mapping suggests obesity may leave persistent biological changes in adipose tissue after weight loss.

Obesity-Related Biological Memory May Persist After Weight Loss

Obesity may leave behind a persistent biological imprint even after weight loss. An AI-driven analysis of obesity-related publications identified three interconnected research domains involving adipose inflammation, chronic tissue dysfunction and stress-triggered immune persistence. The findings support the concept of obesogenic memory, suggesting that lasting changes in adipose tissue may complicate long-term obesity remission.

Mendelian randomization evidence suggests higher adiposity may increase depression risk, supporting the mental health benefits of weight management.

Higher Adiposity Linked to Increased Depression Risk: MR Analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of Mendelian randomization studies suggests a causal association between higher adiposity and depression. Analysis of 23 studies found that general adiposity was associated with a modestly increased likelihood of depression (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.02–1.15). Associations with schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder were also suggested, but evidence remains uncertain.

Bibliometric analysis reveals growing global research interest in mindful and intuitive eating and their clinical applications.

Mindful and Intuitive Eating: Global Research Trends (2004–2024)

Interest in mindful and intuitive eating has grown substantially over the past two decades, according to a bibliometric review of 1,064 publications from 2004 to 2024. With 32,245 citations, the research highlights growing interest in psychological and clinical applications of these approaches, which encourage individuals to respond to internal hunger and satiety cues rather than follow restrictive dieting practices.

A review of 99 studies highlights rising maternal obesity prevalence across European populations and its healthcare implications.

Maternal Obesity in Europe: Prevalence and Rising Trends

Maternal obesity is an increasing public health concern across Europe, according to a systematic review of 99 studies. The median prevalence of obesity during pregnancy was 12.5% (IQR 4.4–20.6%). Analysis of studies reporting year-wise trends also revealed a significant increase over time, highlighting the growing implications for maternal health, neonatal outcomes and healthcare systems.

A systematic review finds men comprise just 30% of behavioural weight loss trial participants, highlighting a research gap.

Men Underrepresented in Behavioural Weight Loss Trials: Review

Men account for only 30% of participants in behavioural weight loss trials, according to a systematic review of 257 randomised controlled trials involving 57,497 participants. Notably, 76% of studies recruiting both sexes included fewer than 40% men, while only one-third acknowledged this limitation. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive, gender-tailored weight management interventions.

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Delayed anti-VEGF visits are associated with greater visual acuity loss in patients with neovascular macular degeneration.

Delayed Anti-VEGF Visits Linked to Vision Loss in nAMD Patients

Delayed anti-VEGF treatment visits are associated with greater vision loss in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), according to a real-world study involving 3,831 patients and 79,545 visits. Visual acuity decline was more pronounced among patients experiencing a greater number and longer duration of appointment delays, highlighting the importance of treatment adherence and timely follow-up.

Ultrasound reveals bleb remodelling after glaucoma surgery, offering insights into postoperative morphology and IOP.

Ultrasound Assessment of Bleb Remodelling After Glaucoma Surgery

Ultrasound imaging may offer valuable insights into bleb remodelling following glaucoma drainage device surgery. In a prospective study of 48 eyes undergoing PreserFlo MicroShunt (PGI) implantation, bleb enlargement stabilised by 3–6 months. Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction was maintained over 12 months, while bleb height showed a significant association with IOP, highlighting the potential role of sonographic monitoring in postoperative assessment.

Study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and identifies factors associated with treatment failure in Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Early Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes

Early-stage diagnosis may significantly improve treatment outcomes in Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a potentially sight-threatening corneal infection. A retrospective study of 45 patients found that all patients diagnosed at stages 1 or 2 achieved medical resolution. In contrast, all 12 treatment failures occurred in patients who had received corticosteroids before diagnosis, highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

A trial compares four IOL strategies, highlighting visual outcomes, spectacle independence and patient satisfaction after cataract surgery.

Cataract Surgery: Comparing Monovision and Extended-Range IOL Outcomes

Different intraocular lens (IOL) strategies can improve visual function and patient satisfaction following cataract surgery, according to a randomised controlled trial involving 188 patients. Mini-monovision and partial-range-of-field extended IOLs demonstrated comparable visual performance, spectacle independence and safety. Although monovision improved near vision and reduced spectacle dependence, it was associated with more visual disturbances and a higher reoperation rate.

Study links first-trimester doxycycline exposure to increased pregnancy loss risk, highlighting concerns about antibiotic safety.

First-Trimester Doxycycline Use Linked to Increased Pregnancy Loss Risk

First-trimester doxycycline exposure may be associated with an increased risk of pregnancy loss, according to a large retrospective cohort study using US Medicaid and commercial insurance data. Compared with other antibiotics, doxycycline use for respiratory tract infections was associated with a 36–54% higher relative risk of pregnancy loss. The findings highlight the importance of carefully evaluating antibiotic choices during early pregnancy.

Real-world study reports low intraocular inflammation incidence following faricimab injections, with higher risk among females.

Faricimab Safety: Real-World Incidence of Intraocular Inflammation

A real-world study involving 31,393 intravitreal faricimab injections found a low incidence of intraocular inflammation (IOI), occurring in 0.13% of injections. Female patients had a 2.42–2.66 times higher hazard of developing IOI than males. Although most cases had favourable outcomes, inflammation recurred in 46.15% of patients rechallenged with faricimab, highlighting the importance of post-injection monitoring.

A review of 33 longitudinal studies highlights links between childhood weight status and later mental well-being.

Childhood Obesity and Mental Well-being: Evidence from a Longitudinal Review

A systematic review of 33 longitudinal studies suggests that higher body weight during childhood and adolescence is associated with poorer mental well-being later in life. The evidence also points to a possible reverse relationship, with poor mental well-being potentially contributing to subsequent weight gain, although fewer studies have examined this direction. The findings highlight the importance of addressing physical and psychological health together in young people.

Weight loss is associated with lower glucagon and alanine levels, suggesting improved hepatic glucagon sensitivity in people with obesity.

Weight Loss and Glucagon Resistance: Findings from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 studies involving 2,061 participants found that weight loss was associated with significant reductions in fasting glucagon and alanine, two biomarkers linked to glucagon resistance. These improvements were observed following surgical, dietary and pharmacological interventions. The findings suggest that weight reduction may improve hepatic glucagon sensitivity and help restore metabolic regulation along the liver–alpha-cell axis.

An 80-study review links perfectionism with disordered eating behaviours across weight categories, independent of BMI.

Perfectionism and Disordered Eating in People with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review

A systematic review of 80 studies suggests that perfectionism may be an important psychological factor associated with disordered eating behaviours among people with overweight or obesity. Although most studies found no direct relationship between perfectionism and BMI, concerns over making mistakes were linked to eating-related pathology across weight categories. The findings highlight the importance of considering psychological factors alongside weight management and eating disorder assessment.

Preoperative weight loss did not reduce most 90-day complications after lower limb arthroplasty in people with obesity.

Preoperative Weight Loss and Outcomes After Lower Limb Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that preoperative weight loss in people with obesity did not reduce the 90-day risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or wound infections following lower limb arthroplasty. Unexpectedly, weight loss was associated with a higher risk of early revision surgery (OR 1.37). The findings highlight the need for further research to establish evidence-based preoperative weight-management recommendations.

Conducting a supportive o...

Conducting a supportive oncology clinical trial during the COVID-19 pandemic: challenges and strategies