Using positive language in clinical practice can alter attitudes of both patients and physicians, fostering a relationship focused on shared understanding and collective goals. Language that casts doubt, belittles, or blames patients affects therapeutic relationships by altering patient behaviors.
A large observational study found that calcium supplements increased the risk of death and cardiovascular disease in older adults with aortic valve stenosis. The study, published in the journal Heart, suggests that long-term continuous calcium supplementation should be avoided for patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease.
A new combination of ulipristal acetate and meloxicam has emerged as a promising candidate for an on-demand contraceptive pill. The study found that the combination disrupted ovulation in 89% of women, with treatment cycles being around 3 days longer than baseline cycles.
The World Health Organization recommends Pfizer's nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for non-severe COVID-19 patients at highest risk of hospitalization, reducing hospital admissions by 84 per 1,000 patients. The guideline also suggests using remdesivir for high-risk patients and acknowledges cost and resource implications.
A healthy lifestyle is associated with longer life expectancies and reduced time spent living with Alzheimer's. For women and men with a healthy lifestyle, 10.8% (2.6 years) of the remaining years were lived with Alzheimer's, compared to 19.3% (4.1 years).
Research suggests that changing product availability in shops and restaurants can lead to healthier and more sustainable dietary choices. Studies have shown consistent effects of such interventions on consumer selection, with no evidence of adverse effects.
Independent sector providers are the least likely to be compliant with national guidelines and standards for online STI test services in the UK. The study found that many providers failed to provide adequate health promotion information, triage, or advice on accessing preventive treatment after exposure to HIV.
A review of clinical evidence suggests osteopathy may be effective in managing musculoskeletal disorders, particularly chronic non-specific low back pain and physical function. However, the evidence for its use in children, migraine, or irritable bowel syndrome is limited or inconclusive.
Steroid injections have been shown to lead to greater pain relief and improved movement in adults with hip osteoarthritis. The study found that patients who received steroid injections along with advice and education experienced significant improvements in pain intensity, physical function, and pain self-efficacy over six months compar...
Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found a strong association between childhood emotional trauma and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. Women who experienced childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, were more likely to develop MS compared to those without a history of abuse.
Research found that UK medical students are missing out on comprehensive abortion care education, with varying curricula and barriers to teaching cited by educators. Most medical schools provide compulsory education on ethical and legal aspects of abortion care, but clinical aspects are often inadequate, leading to concerns about futur...
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for equitable access to vaccines and medicines. Mohga Kamal-Yanni argues that waiving intellectual property rules can help share knowledge and technology, ensuring universal access. In contrast, Thomas Cueni emphasizes the importance of financial incentives for biopharmaceutical innovation.
A study of 97 randomised controlled trials found that combining physiotherapy with psychological interventions is more effective for improving physical function and reducing pain intensity. Pain education programs and behavioural therapy result in the most sustainable effects of treatment.
Low MMR vaccine uptake is being blamed for a decline in protective immunity, with only 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Experts urge parents and healthcare professionals to improve awareness and uptake of the vaccine.
Lung cancer screening in the US has been associated with increased early detection of non-small cell lung cancer and improved survival rates. However, disparities in access to screening remain, with economically deprived areas and racial/ethnic minority groups showing reduced benefits.
A population study found a significant link between mothers' exposure to disinfectants during pregnancy and their children's risk of developing asthma or eczema. The study, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, suggests that prenatal exposure to disinfectants may exert an effect on allergies in offspring.
Experts warn that a global diet rich in ultra-processed foods is damaging human health directly and causing environmental degradation. The dominance of these foods is leading to declining agrobiodiversity, with fewer than 200 crop species accounting for over 66% of global food production.
A new study found that warmer summer nights are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease deaths in men aged 60-64, but not women or older men. A 1°C rise in temperature is linked to a 3.8% higher risk of male death, highlighting the need for preventive population health initiatives and novel urban policies
A trial found that prone positioning can reduce the risk of death and respiratory failure in patients with moderate hypoxaemia due to covid-19. However, poor adherence to time spent prone was a significant issue, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to encourage patients to adopt a prone position.
A nationwide case-time-control study found that new users of antidopaminergic antiemetics (ADAs) could be at a three-fold increased risk of stroke shortly after treatment started. The risk was highest for metopimazine and metoclopramide, which cross the blood-brain barrier.
Gastrointestinal infection outbreaks declined significantly during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Lab confirmed cases also fell by a third compared to the previous 5-year average.
Achieving gender parity in UK surgical specialties will take another 60 years, according to researchers. Despite improvements over the past decade, women remain underrepresented in certain specialties, with significant gaps found in trauma and orthopaedics, cardiothoracic surgery, and neurosurgery.
A survey of UK doctors found that they tend to overestimate the progress made towards gender equality in medicine, leading to greater reluctance to support initiatives promoting equal representation. Women's representation is well-established in general practice but underrepresented in medical and surgical specialties.
Despite scientific consensus against their role, formula milk companies continue to market allergy-reducing products in countries like China and Russia. Hydrolysed formulas are claimed to ease digestion and prevent allergies, but most claims have been debunked by researchers.
Research finds that less than 2% of babies test positive for COVID-19 around birth time, with a higher risk in severe cases. The study also found no association between transmission and factors like mode of delivery or breastfeeding.
Researchers studied over 8 million people and found no association between COVID-19 vaccination and increased risk of immune-mediated neurological disorders. However, infection with SARS-CoV-2 was linked to higher rates of Bell's palsy, encephalomyelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Research published in RMD Open found a link between long-term exposure to traffic and industrial air pollutants and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Exposure to PM10 above 30 µg/m3 was associated with a 12% higher risk of autoimmune disease, while exposure to PM2.5 above 20 µg/m3 was associated with a 13% higher risk.
A non-antibiotic alternative, methenamine hippurate, has been shown to be as effective as antibiotics in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections. The study found that women taking this drug experienced a lower rate of UTI episodes compared to those on daily antibiotics.
A large US study found that three doses of mRNA vaccines are necessary to achieve similar protection against the omicron variant as two doses provide against delta and alpha variants. The study also showed that vaccinated patients with omicron were at risk of critical illness and death.
Research suggests that changes in the microbiome may play a role in both the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. A distinct gut microbial profile was observed in patients with ductal pancreatic cancer compared to those without the disease, and this signature consistently identified patients regardless of disease stage.
A pooled data analysis of 18 studies found that shift workers performed significantly worse than non-shift workers in five cognitive outcomes. The results suggest that shift work may increase the risk of workplace injuries and errors due to impaired brain function, particularly in impulse control and situational response.
Despite an overall decline in stillbirth rates across the UK, black and South Asian communities continue to experience higher rates of stillbirths compared to the rest of the population. Placental issues and birth defects are key causes of stillbirths in these groups, but the underlying cause remains unknown in more than half of cases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has conditionally recommended molnupiravir for patients with non-severe COVID-19 who are at highest risk of hospitalization, including those with weak immune systems or chronic diseases. The drug is expected to reduce the risk of hospital admission and time to symptom resolution.
A study suggests that immunocompromised patients, particularly organ transplant recipients, require additional COVID-19 vaccine doses to boost antibody levels. The research found that seroconversion rates were significantly lower in these groups compared to healthy individuals, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted an editorial written by former editor Dr. Paul McCrory for significant overlap with a previously published work, highlighting the importance of adhering to ethical standards.
A study of UK baby food products found an average of 9 promotional claims per product, with many implying indirect health benefits. This 'healthy halo effect' may be confusing for parents and contributes to a free-for-all in terms of regulation.
A pooled data analysis found that between 30 and 60 minutes of muscle strengthening activity per week is associated with a 10-17% lower risk of death from any cause. The J-shaped curve showed no conclusive evidence that more than an hour of this activity reduces the risk further.
Exercise interventions delivered in primary care appear to boost moderate to vigorous intensity activity by an average of 14 minutes a week. Participants also weighed 1 kg less than controls at follow-up, highlighting the critical role of primary care professionals in promoting healthy behavior changes.
Experts warn that Innova lateral flow tests may miss up to 20% of viral culture positive cases and 81% of university screen testing without symptoms. Policy makers must be aware of these limitations when making decisions about COVID-19 testing and contact tracing.
Experts argue that selling the Vaccine Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (VMIC) is baffling and should be reversed due to its strategic importance in pandemic preparedness. The UK taxpayers invested over £200m in the centre, which played a crucial role in developing and producing COVID-19 vaccines.
Firearm deaths have overtaken car crashes as the leading cause of premature US trauma deaths, with firearm suicides highest in older white men and firearm homicides highest in young black men. Firearm-related deaths increased steadily over the past decade, accounting for 12.6 million years of potential life lost between 2009 and 2018.
Researchers found that 1% of US adults taking opioids are also prescribed benzodiazepines and other sedatives. This polypharmacy approach is linked to increased side effects and may pose dangers to vulnerable populations.
A study found COVID-19 survivors have a 60% higher risk of any mental health diagnosis or prescription at one year compared to non-infected controls. The risks were highest among those hospitalized during the acute phase of COVID-19.
Research published in BMJ Open found that older women with higher oestrogen levels had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 infection and death. Women taking hormone replacement therapy also showed a significantly reduced risk of dying from COVID-19, highlighting the potential benefits of hormonal treatment in reducing infection severity.
A study of 3099 older Italians found that increasing physical activity levels between 65-75 years old can lower cardiovascular disease risks in late old age. Maintaining an active lifestyle over time was associated with a 52% lower risk of cardiovascular disease among men.
A 10-year study found that illicit amphetamine users were 5 times more likely to experience psychosis than non-users, with the risk increasing with age, number of arrests, and severity of addiction. Rehab was found to be effective in reducing this risk.
A global analysis of loneliness prevalence found significant geographical variation and substantial gaps in data from low- and middle-income countries. The study suggests that addressing loneliness as a public health issue is crucial for reducing its negative effects on mental and physical health.
A US study found that 32% of older adults who contracted COVID-19 in 2020 developed new or persistent conditions, with increased risks for respiratory failure, fatigue, high blood pressure, and mental health diagnoses. The study's results can help anticipate future health complications and improve healthcare resource planning.
Experts warn that UK's approach to protecting children from COVID-19 is inadequate, with too many missing school and high reinfection rates. The authors argue for better ventilation in schools, free filtering masks and more transparent vaccine advice.
The World Health Organization's (WHO) initiative to scale up African production of life-saving vaccines is being undermined by pharmaceutical companies. Documents obtained by The BMJ reveal that BioNtech's kENUP Foundation has accused the WHO's technology transfer hub of infringing on patents.