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.
Research suggests that e-cigarettes are less effective in helping people quit smoking compared to other methods, with no reduction in the risk of relapse among former smokers. E-cigarette users were found to have a lower success rate in quitting smoking than those using other aids.
A landmark study has formally agreed a research definition for 'Long COVID' in children and young people, complementing the WHO's definition for adults. The new definition will help standardize research efforts and provide a more accurate picture of the condition's impact.
A study found that up to half of children worldwide and a third of UK children consume energy drinks weekly, associated with poor mental and physical health. Frequent consumption was linked to self-harm, suicide, hyperactivity, and sleep problems. The evidence is weak due to limited longitudinal data.
A study found that switching from a metered dose inhaler to a dry powder version for maintenance therapy reduces the carbon footprint of people with asthma by more than half. The researchers conclude that this substitution is an acceptable and worthwhile option for most patients who can safely manage their condition at home.
A large study of British adults found that having two or more chronic conditions in middle age increases the risk of dementia later in life. The study, published by The BMJ, highlights the importance of prevention and management of chronic diseases over adulthood to mitigate adverse outcomes.
A clinical trial published by The BMJ found ketamine to be a short-term effective treatment for some suicidal patients hospitalized for severe ideation. Patients with bipolar disorder showed significant improvement, while those with major depression or other mental illnesses did not.
The global healthcare cost of female genital mutilation (FGM) is estimated to double from $1.4 billion in 2018 to $2.1 billion by 2047 in 27 countries, with the number of affected women and girls rising to 205 million per year. Abandoning FGM completely could reduce costs to $0.8 billion annually.
A comparative trial found that exercise 'prehab' significantly enhanced tumour shrinkage and downstaging in patients with operable oesophageal cancer. The study showed improved skeletal muscle mass, reduced visceral fat, and a stronger immune response in the prehab group compared to conventional care.
Research suggests a strong link between childhood trauma and vaccine hesitancy, with 3 times higher rates among those who experienced 4 or more trauma types. This is associated with lower trust in health services and increased likelihood of flouting COVID-19 restrictions.
Two observational studies provide reassuring data on menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination, finding that any changes are short-lived and small. The studies, which drew from US and Norwegian data, suggest that cycle lengths return to normal by two cycles after vaccination.
Physical activity monitors provide direct feedback, leading to small to moderate increases in daily steps (1,235 extra steps) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (50 extra minutes per week). The evidence suggests these devices may be useful for adults who don't meet recommended activity levels.
A trial of older US adults found that vitamin D and omega-3 fish oil supplements reduced the risk of autoimmune diseases by 22-30% compared to placebo. The effects were more pronounced after two years of supplementation.
Researchers found a distinct microbial profile associated with long COVID symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, and insomnia. Patients with long COVID had a less diverse and abundant gut microbiome compared to those without the condition.
A large population-based study found a significant association between lifetime workplace exposure to pesticides and an increased risk of COPD. The study, which included over 500,000 participants, controlled for other risk factors and found that even low levels of pesticide exposure were linked to a heightened risk of COPD.
The UK has an estimated 1.5% prevalence of severe aortic stenosis among people aged 55+, equivalent to around 300,000 living with the condition. Over half of advanced cases will die within 5 years without treatment. The NHS may struggle to cope with the rising demand for life-saving surgical procedures.
A study published in The BMJ found that metal K-wires do not provide better wrist function than a traditional moulded plaster cast. However, patients treated with casts were more likely to need subsequent surgery for fracture reduction complications.
The BMJ is appealing to Facebook's Oversight Board after its investigation into poor clinical trial research practices at Ventavia was wrongly labelled with 'missing context' and censored on Facebook. The media outlet argues that the social network's fact-checking processes are opaque and lack accountability.
Editors at The BMJ argue that Covid-19 vaccine and treatment trial data should be fully available for public scrutiny. Despite the global rollout of vaccines, participant-level data remain inaccessible to doctors, researchers, and the public, sparking concerns about the lack of transparency.
A pooled data analysis of 8 commonly used COVID-19 lateral flow tests found they fell short of minimum criteria set by WHO and US/UK regulators. The tests' accuracy varied between children with and without symptoms, raising concerns about their use in schools.