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Gastric malignancies will probably never attract the same attention as breast, prostate or lung carcinomas. Yet their prognosis is often bleak. But recent advances raise the prospect of transforming outcomes in this notoriously difficult‐to‐treat malignancy into a cancer manageable by precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with schizophrenia often experience considerable difficulties in daily life because of a wide constellation of symptoms associated with the condition. This article examines the pharmaceutical targets that are being investigated to provide greater efficacy and tolerability than the current dopamine‐focussed drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common conditions managed in the community world-wide. Atopic dermatitis is under intense scrutiny by academic researchers, not to mention drug companies, enabling regular research in the area. Dermatologists have a growing appreciation of the complex causes of this common condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between stroke, sleep and depression are considered in this article, which presents evidence from recently published papers. The article also considers the bidirectional associations between stroke and other conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot drop arises from weakness of the dorsiflexor muscles in the leg and foot. Treatments for foot drop include physiotherapy, orthosis, medicines and surgery. This feature introduces functional electric stimulation (FES), which the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends for drop foot with a central neurological origin. In 2022, the Association for Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology published evidence-based guidelines for using FES to improve mobility in adults with lower limb impairment, including foot drop, due to upper motor neurone lesions. The guidelines cover: referral; potential benefits; considerations and precautions; access to FES services; service provision; initial assessment and treatment; monitoring and ongoing support; and minimum training standards. This feature aims to inspire readers to consult the full document. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic constipation, which is common and often difficult to treat, has numerous origins, including neurological and other conditions, and adverse reactions to drugs, especially opioids. Chronic functional constipation lacks a clear underlying cause. Increasing evidence suggests that transanal irrigation (TAI) aids faecal evacuation and is well tolerated in many people with bowel dysfunction who do not adequately respond to first-line treatments. Recent papers offer insights that help nurses and other healthcare professionals implement best practice in the community, including discussing any need for assistance before starting TAI, agreeing the most appropriate device with patients and optimising the irrigation protocol. Training, careful follow-up and ongoing supervision improve adherence and success. Further studies are needed, however, and patients who do not respond adequately or are unable to tolerate TAI should be referred to a specialist service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mark Greener discusses the application of manuka honey in stoma care [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many surgical site infections (SSI) emerge after the patient is discharged from hospital. So, practice and district nurses should remain alert for SSIs and address modifiable risk factors, which include helping obese patients lose weight, optimising glucose control in people with diabetes and encouraging smoking cessation. Animals, including pets, are important reservoirs of resistant bacteria. By optimising SSI care, nurses can not only improve wound healing but also help preserve antibiotic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease have eluded researchers for many years, but promising pharmacotherapies may at last be approaching clinical approval. This article examines some of these new treatments, their modes of action and the practicalities of implementation once they reach the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronotherapy is a promising approach to drug dosing that optimises the timing of administration to synchronise with our circadian rhythms. This article discusses how researchers are finding ways to utilise chronotherapy's potential to increase the efficacy and safety of various drug therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]