IntroductionPhubbing is associated with excessive use of digital technologies, and the Phubbing Scale (PS) is widely used to measure it. The PS may be influenced by cultural variations, so it is advisable to validate it before applying it in a new cultural context. Phubbing has emerged as a construct of interest in Nigeria, yet no validation studies for the PS have been conducted in this population.MethodsTo address this gap, the PS, along with scales measuring technological addictions and digital life balance, was administered to 396 Nigerian university students (18 to 25 years old; 80.6% female). Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to test two 10-item models and one 8-item model. The best-fitting model was subsequently tested. Internal and external validity, and measurement invariance across sexes were assessed.ResultsThe 8-item correlated two-factor model (PS-8) showed the best results. For PS-8, internal and external validity, and strict measurement invariance across sexes were supported based on global fit indices. However, parameter estimates suggested potential sex-related differences in the construct. In females, factor loadings and the correlation between factors were adequate, whereas in males several items of Factor 2 showed low loadings, and the correlation between factors was negligible.ConclusionIn conclusion, the PS-8 appears suitable for measuring phubbing in this population, although potential sex-related differences should be considered. These differences may stem from psychometric limitations in the Smartphone Obsession factor items and/or from variations in how the PS construct manifests across sexes, which could affect interventions or comparative studies. Considering the limitations of the study, future research will be necessary to corroborate these findings.
Association between neurodegenerative plasma biomarkers and geriatric depression in older adults with and without clinical dementia in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
IntroductionPrevious Western studies have shown an association between neurodegenerative plasma biomarkers and geriatric depression. However, few studies have examined this relationship in sub-Saharan African countries. This article examines this association in older adults with or without clinical dementia in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included eighty-one people aged 65 years and older assessed for dementia using the Community Dementia Screening Instrument (CSID) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Questionnaire. Depression and cognitive impairment were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale and the African Neuropsychological Battery (ANB), respectively. Plasma biomarkers measured included β-amyloid (Aβ) 40/42, phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau), neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillar acid protein (GFAP), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the likelihood that these biomarkers are associated with depression, adjusting for sex, age, and education level.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 72.9 years. Of those suspected of suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 80% had geriatric depression. High blood pressure was common in participants with suspected AD (60%). People with dementia had significantly lower cognitive scores on all ANB tests than those without dementia. GFAP and NfL were significantly associated with higher odds of geriatric depression, with odds ratios of 1.98 (1.17–3.67; p = 0.02) and 1.76 (1.06–3.20; p = 0.04), respectively. Other biomarkers were not associated with depression.ConclusionThis study suggests a potential role of nonspecific biomarkers of AD, neurodegeneration, and astrocytic glial activation in geriatric depression in older adults in sub-Saharan Africa.
Remote EMDR versus CBT for PTSD after the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: a randomized trial
BackgroundLarge-scale earthquakes are associated with high and persistent rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Although Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are both guideline-recommended treatments for PTSD, direct randomized comparisons—particularly in post-disaster settings and via remote delivery—remain limited.MethodsIn this randomized, controlled, parallel-group trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06758362), 89 adult survivors of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye who met DSM-5 criteria for PTSD were assigned to 12 sessions of remotely delivered EMDR (n = 30), CBT (n = 30), or a wait-list control group (n = 29). PTSD severity was the primary outcome, with depression, anxiety, and emotion regulation as secondary outcomes. Assessments were conducted at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment. Analyses followed an intention-to-treat framework using mixed-effects models.ResultsBoth EMDR and CBT produced large reductions in PTSD symptoms compared with the control condition (Cohen’s d ≈ 1.9), alongside moderate-to-large improvements in depression (d ≈ 1.4) and anxiety (d ≈ 1.3). Symptom improvement was evident by mid-treatment and increased through post-treatment. Direct comparisons between EMDR and CBT yielded overlapping confidence intervals, indicating comparable overall efficacy. However, EMDR showed a tendency toward greater reduction in core PTSD symptoms, whereas CBT demonstrated relatively stronger effects on depressive symptoms. Improvements in emotion regulation were observed in both treatment groups but did not reach statistical significance.DiscussionThe findings suggest that both EMDR and CBT are highly effective when delivered remotely in the aftermath of a large-scale natural disaster. Differential response patterns likely reflect distinct therapeutic mechanisms—direct trauma memory processing in EMDR versus cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation in CBT—highlighting their potential complementarity rather than superiority of one approach over the other. The absence of spontaneous improvement in the control group underscores the necessity of structured psychological intervention following earthquake exposure.ConclusionRemotely delivered EMDR and CBT are feasible, effective, and clinically valuable interventions for earthquake-related PTSD. Their comparable efficacy and partially distinct symptom profiles support flexible, needs-based integration of both treatments within disaster mental-health systems.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06758362, identifier NCT06758362.
Unseen intimate partner violence: regional differences in controlling behaviours
IntroductionControlling behaviour is considered a form of emotional abuse and restricts an individual’s autonomy. This study aims to determine the factors associated with women’s exposure to controlling behaviour by their spouse/partner in the last year, as of the time the survey was conducted, by place of residence in Türkiye.MethodsThis study utilised microdata obtained from the National Research on Domestic Violence against Women in Türkiye. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with women’s exposure to controlling behaviour by their spouse/partner.ResultsThe results of the study showed that age, educational level, the woman’s greater contribution to household income, suicidal thoughts, previous pregnancies, the educational level of the spouse/partner, whether or not the man beating his wife is considered acceptable, the educational level of the spouse/partner, fear of the spouse/partner, the spouse/partner fighting with the man in a way that involves physical violence, the spouse/partner experiencing physical violence from their own family, exposure to other types of violence by the spouse/partner, knowledge of preventive measures against violence, and household size were found to be associated with exposure to controlling behaviour.DiscussionThe study found that the significance and effect of variables related to exposure to controlling behaviour also differed by women’s place of residence. According to the study, appropriate strategies to reduce controlling behaviour should be developed, taking into account public health programmes to raise awareness of controlling behaviour towards women, based on their place of residence, and considering the determinants that influence exposure to controlling behaviour.
Naming in medicine: how disease nomenclature shapes diagnosis, research and patient lives
Nature Medicine, Published online: 22 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04456-w
Naming in medicine: how disease nomenclature shapes diagnosis, research and patient lives
Semaglutide versus placebo in individuals with poor weight loss after bariatric surgery: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Nature Medicine, Published online: 22 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04416-4
At week 68, in patients who experienced poor weight loss following bariatric surgery, semaglutide was associated with 18.0% weight loss compared to 0.4% weight gain in patients receiving placebo.
AI-induced never-skilling in medical education
Nature Medicine, Published online: 22 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41591-026-04438-y
Will medical trainees who rely on AI fail to develop foundational independent clinical reasoning? This Perspective outlines a precautionary framework to preserve foundational competence while supporting safe and effective AI integration in medical training.
<![CDATA[Psychiatrist Gus Alva highlights new depression therapies, neuromodulation, and why screening for bipolar disorder prevents antidepressant harm.]]>
STAT+: EU and US advisers split over AstraZeneca breast cancer drug
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Merck’s bet on an antibody-drug conjugate developed in China has paid off in a major Phase 3 lung cancer study, where sacituzumab tirumotecan paired with Keytruda sharply outperformed Keytruda alone in a subset of lung cancer patients.
Also, the NIH is down another leader, and Sam Altman-backed longevity startup Retro Biosciences raises more funds.
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Parkinson’s drug setback, a Merck lung cancer therapy, and more
And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is unusually busy thanks to a lengthy to-do list that must be tackled before we walk one of the no-longer-so-short people down the aisle. What else? Hard to keep track, but once the chaos subsides, we hope to settle in for another listening party, where the rotation will likely include this, this, this, this and this. And what about you? Spring is in the air, so perhaps this is time to hike a trail, stroll through a park, or take a long drive to nowhere. You could also plan a summer getaway (book now before those fuel costs rise again) or clear out the perennial clutter. If all this is too much or the weather fails to cooperate, you could simply go into zen mode and plan the rest of your life. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you on Tuesday, since there is a long weekend due to a holiday on this side of the pond. …
Biogen and Denali Therapeutics said Thursday that their experimental therapy for Parkinson’s disease failed to slow the degenerative brain disorder in a randomized trial, dealing a substantial blow to a scientific approach that stoked excitement among advocates and academics, STAT explains. In the study, 648 adults with Parkinson’s were randomized to receive either a placebo or a pill targeting a protein called LRRK2. In 2004, researchers discovered that mutations in the LRRK2 gene can cause a rare, inherited form of Parkinson’s. And in 2018, another group of scientists showed that blocking the protein might actually benefit all patients with the disease. The results are a significant setback to the latter idea.
Earlier this month, Genentech offered countless academics and other researchers up to $125,000 in grants to generate papers about several topics that read like key talking points for a trip to Capitol Hill, STAT reports. The company is seeking “rigorous, independent” work that focuses on the potential consequences of U.S. pricing policies on future innovation, the idea that pharmaceutical discovery is a strategic national asset, and the risks surrounding R&D, according to a request for proposals that came with a June 30 deadline for submissions. Such overtures are hardly new, but this particular solicitation appears notable partly because the company is being very direct about seeking research that is designed to address specific points, rather than solicit topics that may — or may not — dovetail with corporate goals.