The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw high injury rates in newly introduced sports like BMX freestyle, karate, and skateboarding. However, the overall injury rate was comparable to previous Olympic Games, with lower illness rates. Researchers attribute this to extensive countermeasures against COVID-19
Lying prone reduces the risk of needing a breathing tube in COVID-19 patients by 24.2% compared to usual care, but evidence for its effect on mortality or other outcomes is inconclusive. The intervention also results in 55 fewer intubations per 1,000 patients.
Global rates of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults have increased significantly between 1990 and 2019, with countries with lower socioeconomic development and women under 30 showing the largest increases. High body mass index is the main contributing factor to this trend.
The proportion of hamstring injuries and associated lay-off days among male professional European footballers has doubled over the past 20 years. Nearly one in five injuries were recurrences, occurring within two months of return to play, with most injuries being structural and resulting in more lay-off days.
Exposure to common workplace agents is associated with a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which can be exacerbated by smoking and genetic predisposition. The study found that certain agents, such as quartz dust and gasoline fumes, are strongly linked to an increased risk of ACPA-positive disease.
A large international study found that adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may prevent up to 60% of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cases. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and estimated that a low risk score for inflammatory bowel disease could have prevented a significant proportion of cases if an...
Research suggests that long-lasting insecticidal malaria nets lost their effectiveness after just one year in Burundi, contradicting the recommended replacement every 3 years. The study found that malaria incidence rose again after two years, highlighting the need for continued epidemiological monitoring and improved resource allocation.
The prevalence of methamphetamine-associated heart failure is rising worldwide, affecting a wide range of socio-economic and racial groups. Meth users are more likely to develop severe disease, with longer hospital stays and readmissions, compared to non-users.
A large US study found that excess oxygen during surgery is associated with a higher risk of kidney, heart, and lung injury. The study of over 350,000 patients suggests that liberal use of oxygen may be harmful to the body's cells and tissues.
A large study from Argentina found that COVID-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing death in children and adolescents, regardless of the predominant circulating variant. The study's results show that vaccinated children had a 67% reduced risk of death related to COVID-19 infection during the omicron period.
A mass testing pilot in Liverpool found a 25% reduction in COVID-19 related hospital admissions, preventing 6,829 infections and 239 hospital admissions. The study suggests large-scale voluntary community testing can reduce virus transmission and prevent hospital admissions.
A trial found that extending anti-clotting treatment after a blood clot in the lower leg reduced further clot risk up to two years. Rivaroxaban administered for three months effectively and safely reduced venous thromboembolism compared to six weeks of treatment.
Research published in General Psychiatry finds a significant causal relationship between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism, while systolic blood pressure has no association. Controlling high diastolic blood pressure may help reduce neurotic behaviors, anxiety, and cardiovascular diseases.
Doctors in the UK are urging the government to raise the legal drinking age for kids from 5 to lower their risk of future alcohol-related problems. Preliminary research suggests that introducing children to alcohol may sensitize their brain's addiction centers, and delaying first exposure may reduce problem drinking later on.
A pooled data analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving 1040 women found that acupuncture significantly relieved pain during pregnancy, improved physical function, and quality of life. The therapy was also found to be safe, with no observable major side effects for newborns.
A study analyzing data from eight European countries found that younger and older mothers, as well as those born abroad or from minority ethnic backgrounds, are at particular risk. The maternal mortality rate is significantly higher in Slovakia and the UK compared to Norway and Denmark, with a fourfold difference.
An international study found that housing cost to income ratio is strongly associated with preventable deaths and suicide in developed countries. However, social spending on pension and unemployment benefits can lower these risks. Housing policy measures such as public housing stock and rent controls also show protective effects.
The FDA's investigation into its own oversight of clinical trials reveals a concerning lack of surveillance, leaving room for scientific misconduct. Experts argue that the agency should inspect sites more frequently to ensure data quality and integrity.
Studies found that sotrovimab reduced the risk of severe covid-19 outcomes by 46% compared to molnupiravir. However, no benefit was found for common heart drugs like ARBs in a randomised controlled trial.
A pooled data analysis estimates that 24% of teens and young people engage in unsafe listening practices from personal listening devices and 48% attend loud music venues. This translates to a potential risk of hearing loss for 0.67-1.35 billion young people worldwide.
A 3-year study of a 20 mph speed limit in Belfast found no significant reduction in road traffic collisions or driver speed, despite a notable decrease in traffic volume. The reduction in traffic volume was 57 vehicles per week after implementation.
Experts warn that poorly functioning IT systems are a clear and present threat to patient safety, resulting from inadequate investment and lack of prioritization. The British Medical Association estimates that 27% of clinicians lose over four hours a week due to inefficient IT systems, highlighting the need for urgent improvement.
Research suggests digital marketing of formula milk and commercial baby foods is linked to unhealthy parental feeding practices. Parents exposed to extensive digital marketing were less likely to exclusively breastfeed within the first 6 months and more likely to give their children processed foods and sugary drinks.
Regular use of cholesterol-lowering and diabetes-control drugs may lessen the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in European populations. The pooled data analysis involved 38,694 participants and showed a 15% lower prevalence of any type of AMD with these medications.
Research found high levels of sweet and fruit-flavour chemicals in 'tobacco-flavoured' e-cigarette liquids, particularly fruity and caramellic flavour chemicals. The study suggests manufacturers are getting around regulations by using these flavour chemicals in products marketed as 'tobacco-flavoured', raising concerns about their safety.
A UK study found substantial monkeypox transmission before symptoms appear, with 53% of cases occurring pre-symptomatically. The study's findings have important implications for infection control globally and may affect isolation and contact tracing policies.
Research published in Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that obesity at MS diagnosis is associated with higher current and subsequent levels of disability. Reverting to a healthy weight may improve clinical outcomes for obese patients with MS, suggesting a modifiable risk factor.
A specialized triage algorithm, ROCA test, enables earlier stage diagnosis in women deferring preventive surgery, saving NHS costs. The approach results in fewer major surgical interventions and lower risk of wider disease spread.
A large UK Biobank study found that poor quality sleep, including insomnia, short/long sleep duration, snoring, and daytime sleepiness, is associated with a heightened risk of developing glaucoma. The study suggests that targeted screening of high-risk groups and sleep intervention may help prevent the disease.
A study published in BMJ Open found that quad bike injuries among children are significantly more severe and common than car injuries. The research highlights the need for public education campaigns to educate on ATV-related injuries, particularly in young riders.
A recent investigation by The BMJ reveals dozens of UK companies offering private blood tests with misleading claims, contradicting official medical guidance and potentially harming individuals. Experts argue for regulation to protect consumers and prevent unnecessary costs for the NHS.
A study published in The BMJ found a small increased risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) after vaccination against the Covid-19 virus, particularly with adenovirus vaccines. Researchers recommend considering these risks when planning future immunization campaigns and vaccine development.
A pooled data analysis found that workplace exposure to gases, fumes, and aromatic solvents is associated with a decline in lung capacity. Regular check-ups are recommended for workers in these environments to prevent respiratory illness.
Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 by improving antibody levels and mitochondrial function. High levels of physical activity were associated with higher vaccine protection rates, with significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe illness risk.
A large UK Biobank study found that COVID-19 infection is associated with a heightened risk of poor cardiovascular health and death, particularly among those who require hospital admission. The risk remains elevated for some time after the initial infection.
A UK trial found that offering up to £400 in shopping vouchers to pregnant women can more than double the proportion who remain smoke-free by late pregnancy. However, most women relapsed after giving birth. The study suggests that financial incentives can be an effective tool to reduce smoking during pregnancy and improve health outcomes.
The majority of pregnancy-associated homicides are linked to intimate partner violence and firearms, and are entirely preventable. Ending male violence, including gun violence, could save hundreds of lives in the US every year.
A study of over two million individuals in Denmark found that mothers with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy have a higher mortality risk in their offspring. The study shows an association between maternal HDP and various cause-specific deaths, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
The editorial urges wealthy nations to step up support for Africa and vulnerable countries in addressing past, present, and future impacts of climate change. The climate crisis has destroyed a fifth of the GDP of the most vulnerable countries.
A study found that each 10% increase in natural space is linked to a 7% fall in early deaths among under 65s. Increased availability of natural space within local areas also reduced the disparity in years of life lost between deprived and non-deprived areas.
A systematic review found scarce evidence supporting social prescribing's effectiveness in improving social support, physical function, or primary healthcare use. The link worker model showed promise in reducing hospital admissions and improving self-rated health for those with multiple conditions in deprived communities.
The FDA's warning letters issued in 2020 and 2021 revealed that the regulator is failing to target leading tobacco companies and products most popular among young people. Over 90% of warnings were sent to small online retailers, while flavoured refillable e-cigarette liquids accounted for over 90% of the products cited.
The BMJ special issue explores the climate emergency's impact on health, mental wellbeing, and hope as a driver for change. Experts argue that hope is crucial in tackling the crisis and achieving sustainability.
A long-term study found that older patients with type 2 diabetes treated with glitazones had a 22% lower risk of developing dementia. These drugs may effectively prevent dementia in high-risk patients and are now worth prioritizing for future clinical studies.
Research suggests e-bikes won't help users reach weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity targets due to fewer and less physically demanding trips. However, they may encourage older people to take up cycling who wouldn't otherwise do so.
Babies born during the pandemic were less likely to meet social communication developmental milestones, such as expressing a word or pointing, but more likely to crawl. Researchers suggest that lockdowns may have reduced language exposure and face-to-face interactions, leading to these delays.
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted nine non-research articles authored by Dr. Paul McCrory, who was the journal's editor-in-chief from 2001 to 2008. The retraction follows an internal investigation into allegations of publication misconduct made by researcher Dr. Nick Brown.
A US study found that mothers' consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity in their offspring. The study suggests refining dietary guidelines and removing financial and social barriers to improve nutrition for women of childbearing age.
A study by the BMJ found that less than a third of FDA regulatory actions are backed by published research findings or public assessments. The researchers analyzed drug safety signals from 2008 to 2019 and found that most regulatory actions were based on changes to drug labeling, with only about 30% corroborated by relevant studies.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to assess retinal vasculature, predicting cardiovascular disease and death. The model captured half to two-thirds of circulatory disease deaths in those most at risk, outperforming traditional risk frameworks.