A systematic review and meta-analysis found that 'Kangaroo mother care' reduces the risk of mortality by 32% and severe infection by 15%. Starting KMC within 24 hours and for at least eight hours a day also appears to be effective in reducing mortality.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that children breastfed for longer had improved educational outcomes at age 16, with modest gains in academic achievement. The research analyzed data from the Millennium Cohort Study and found a strong association between breastfeeding duration and better exam results.
A Swiss study found that 17% of unvaccinated individuals did not return to normal health and 18% reported COVID-19 related symptoms 24 months after infection. The study aimed to address uncertainty about long-term treatment and support for post-COVID-19 condition.
A large UK case series reveals a predominance of young Asian men among those with nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy, suggesting genetic or social factors. The study found that these patients often experienced severe symptoms such as pins and needles, bladder difficulties, and poor balance.
A study suggests that ketamine nasal spray is a convenient alternative to intravenous infusion for treating refractory chronic migraine. The treatment showed promise in reducing daily headaches and improving quality of life, with most participants reporting 'very effective' results.
The British Junior Cardiologists' Association (BJCA) and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) have issued a joint policy statement to address bullying, harassment, and discrimination in UK cardiology departments. The statement emphasizes that every team member has a duty to call out inappropriate behaviors to drive culture change.
A joint investigation reveals that NHS trusts are failing to protect staff and patients from sexual assault, with over 35,000 cases recorded between 2017-2022. The findings show that most incidents involve patients abusing staff or other patients, highlighting a disturbing trend in the healthcare system.
Experts warn that shared decision-making policies for prostate cancer testing lead to high rates of unnecessary testing and harm, particularly in older men and those from disadvantaged areas. A comprehensive risk-based approach or restricting testing to symptomatic cases could reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Researchers warn that patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions are vulnerable to long term opioid use. The study found that up to 1 in 3 patients with rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia may be at risk of transitioning to long term opioid use, highlighting the need for vigilance in practice prescribing.
Research found that meeting both recommended weekly physical activity targets was associated with a nearly half the risk of dying from flu or pneumonia as those who met neither. Meeting only the aerobic activity target was linked to a 36% lower risk, while muscle strengthening activities showed no significant difference.
The FDA approved Recarbrio, an antibiotic 40 times more expensive than a generic alternative, without adequate clinical trials showing substantial evidence of effectiveness. The approval has raised concerns that the agency's standards are being bypassed, and regulatory flexibility may have played a role in the decision.
Trials of Pfizer's maternal RSV vaccine suggest a possible increase in preterm births, prompting experts to call for further analysis and post-approval monitoring. The vaccine aims to protect infants from severe RSV illness, but its safety concerns have raised eyebrows.
An analysis of 172 countries and territories found that health worker shortages are strongly associated with higher death rates, particularly for neglected tropical diseases and maternal complications. The study highlights the need for targeted action to boost health workforces in priority areas.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests a strong association between environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. PAH exposure was found to account for most of smoking's impact on this disease risk, with one specific compound, 1-hydroxynaphthalene, showing a strong association.
The article highlights the risks of AI misuse, including its impact on democracy, job loss, and social division. Experts warn that self-improving AGI poses an existential threat to humanity, and call for regulation to minimize harm and maximize benefits.
A lack of women in sports medicine roles hinders progress and perpetuates inequity, with women making up less than 25% of senior authors and 20% of team doctors. The specialty can break the cycle by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities.
Research finds strong association between early life physical and sexual abuse and increased risk of adult premature death. Nurses who experienced severe abuse had a higher premature death rate compared to those without abuse. The study highlights the importance of providing trauma-informed care for those who have experienced child abuse.
A Swedish study of nearly 3 million women found weak and inconsistent associations between COVID-19 vaccination and contact with healthcare for postmenopausal bleeding. However, the researchers suggest that a causal effect is unlikely due to the limitations of self-reporting data.
A large study found no difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients taking beta blockers and those who didn't, after a year of hospital discharge. The researchers suggest reevaluating the value of long-term beta blocker therapy in low-risk heart attack patients with normal functioning hearts.
A multicentre registry study found that medicinal cannabis can safely relieve cancer pain while reducing the total number of medications and opioids taken. Products with an equal balance of THC and CBD were particularly effective in reducing pain intensity and symptoms.
Pregnant women with SLE are more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and fetal morbidity, with higher risks of premature birth, growth restriction, and acute renal failure. The study highlights the need for informed counseling and care for patients with SLE during pregnancy.
A study of Australian surveys found that doctors are more extroverted, agreeable, and conscientious than their patients, but also more neurotic. These differences may affect the quality of care and patient outcomes.
A study published in BMJ Open suggests that young children with common ENT issues may be at increased risk of autism or high levels of autistic traits. Early detection and treatment of these conditions could improve their quality of life and potentially shed light on the origins of autism.
Replacing sugary drinks with healthier options like coffee, tea, and plain water is associated with lower rates of early death among adults with type 2 diabetes. The study found that increasing consumption of these beverages was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
Surgery may provide faster relief in pain and disability for people with sciatica, but benefits last only up to 12 months. The certainty of evidence is low to very low, suggesting it might be an early management option for those who value rapid improvement over potential risks.
A UK Biobank study found that cancer survivors may be at long-term increased risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of traditional risk factors. Those with previous breast or blood cancers were found to have the greatest risk, with significant changes in heart size and function detected on MRI scans.
Concurrent vaping in early teen smokers may lead to persistent and heavier smoking in late teens, according to two UK and US studies. The 'entrenchment hypothesis' suggests e-cigarettes deepen early patterns of smoking, increasing the risk of continued tobacco use.
A modelling study suggests that specifying menu calorie counts is likely to reduce obesity-related cancers and healthcare costs in the US. The policy could prevent 28,000 new cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths, as well as save $1.48 billion in medical costs.
Experts warn that the UK's free trade deal with CPTPP will make it harder to regulate tobacco and alcohol, ban products containing harmful pesticides, and enact policies to cut consumption of unhealthy food and drinks. A health impact assessment is needed to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of this deal.
Researchers argue that current PPE provides inadequate protection to breast tissue, leaving it vulnerable to radiation exposure. Employers should invest in equipment that ensures the safety of all their staff, particularly female healthcare workers.
Research finds exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with a heightened risk of dementia, with a 4% increase in risk for every 2 micrograms per cubic metre increase in average annual PM2.5 concentration. Nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide exposure also show a small increased risk.
A comprehensive evidence review found significant harmful associations between sugar consumption and 45 outcomes, including diabetes, depression, obesity, and heart disease. Experts recommend reducing added sugar intake to six teaspoons a day and limiting sugar-sweetened drinks.
A large UK Biobank study found that poor sleep quality may bolster genetic susceptibility to asthma, potentially doubling the risk. A healthy sleep pattern was associated with a lower risk of asthma, and spotting and treating sleep disorders early on might lessen the risks.
Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency prevalence ranged between 29-37% among active duty Navy military personnel, with higher rates among submariners. Periodic assessment and supplementation may be necessary to address the issue.
Research in England finds higher COVID-19 case rates among Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Muslims, Sikhs, and those disadvantaged in wave 2. In contrast, White British, Christians, healthy individuals, and relatively affluent people had higher rates in wave 3.
Research analysis reveals gaps and uncertainties in evidence base for cancer drugs, including lack of relevance and inconsistent reporting. Findings emphasize the importance of improving communication of benefits and harms to support informed decision-making by patients and clinicians.
Researchers compared seven dietary programmes, finding Mediterranean programmes lower risk of mortality, non-fatal heart attacks, and stroke. Low fat programmes also showed benefits for mortality and non-fatal heart attacks, but with less pronounced effects.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people with atopic diseases like asthma or eczema are at a heightened risk of developing osteoarthritis. Drugs used to dampen down allergic reactions may help lessen this risk, suggesting a potential new approach to treating the condition.
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced opportunities for sex, with fewer reported unplanned pregnancies and abortions, but higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction and distress. The National Survey found that people were more likely to have multiple partners, but less likely to use condoms with new partners.
A systematic review found considerable uncertainty around analgesic effectiveness and safety for acute non-specific low back pain. Clinicians and patients are advised to use analgesics with caution due to limited high-quality evidence.
A study published by The BMJ found that ending performance-related payments for NHS GPs in Scotland was associated with a decline in the quality of some aspects of care compared to England. Researchers recommend continuing data collection to monitor the impact of changes on care quality.
A review of 182 nations found that almost all countries penalize those seeking an abortion (134 countries), providers (181 countries), and people assisting in the procedure (159 countries). The study highlights the need for better access to safe abortions and increased support for trained providers.
A Taiwanese study found that pregnant women involved in road traffic collisions, even with minor injuries, are at increased risk of birth complications. Those on scooters faced significantly higher risks than those in cars. The study suggests providing educational materials about road traffic safety during pregnancy.
Doctors have criticized the General Medical Council (GMC) for its investments in fast food firms, pharmaceutical companies, and private healthcare providers. The regulator has nearly £870,000 invested in companies like Nestlé, McDonald's, and Unilever, sparking concerns over conflicts of interest.
A large Canadian study finds no association between maternal opioid prescription after delivery and adverse infant outcomes. Infants of opioid-using mothers were slightly more likely to visit an emergency department, but this difference was minor.
A recent analysis found that TikTok health information videos on Mpox are often inaccurate, incomplete, and of poor quality. This poses significant risks to public health, particularly during outbreaks.
Research suggests that high blood caffeine levels are associated with lower weight and body fat, as well as a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The study used Mendelian randomisation to explore the potential effects of caffeine on these outcomes.
A pooled data analysis of available evidence shows that sticking closely to a Mediterranean diet cuts a woman's risks of cardiovascular disease and death by nearly 25%. The study, which included over 700,000 women, found lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in those who followed the diet most closely.
A recent study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a relatively small impact on mental health, with general population symptoms showing little change. However, specific groups such as women and certain age groups experienced worsening of depression symptoms, while others showed improvement in mental health and anxiety symptoms.
An international team of researchers analyzed data from 93 studies on cardiovascular diseases and exposure to radiation, finding a modestly increased excess risk of heart disease with low dose radiation. The study suggests that mechanisms for these cardiovascular effects are poorly understood and that further research is needed.