Researchers found that the majority of retailers selling tobacco also displayed e-cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia prominently, which could undermine the effectiveness of tobacco point-of-sale display bans. These displays were highly visible across all stores, with an average visibility score of 14.7 out of 17 for e-cigarettes.
A large epidemiology study found associations between higher HDL and apoA1 levels with a lower risk of ALS. Lower LDL and apoB levels were also linked to decreased risk. These findings may support population screening and preventative therapy for ALS.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and diabetes-related eye disease are independently associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, glaucoma was not linked to Alzheimer's disease but was associated with a higher risk of vascular dementia.
Firefighters who worked at the World Trade Center site after 9/11 are 13% more likely to develop cancer, particularly prostate and thyroid cancer. They were also diagnosed at a younger age, on average, with early-stage disease. The exact cause of this increased risk is unclear.
Research finds prostate cancer risk among 9/11 responders is 24% higher, with highest risk among earliest responders. The study also reveals a shorter latency period from exposure to disease development compared to other studies.
A study found that 1/3 of cancer drugs with accelerated approval fail to show clinical benefit in post-approval trials yet remain recommended in clinical guidelines. Researchers call for reforms to improve clarity on FDA approvals and withdrawals.
A study from Denmark found that long-term exposure to road traffic and railway noise is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. The researchers estimate that up to 1,216 cases of dementia in 2017 could be attributed to these noise exposures.
A panel of international experts recommends a trial of non-inhaled medical cannabis or cannabinoids for people with moderate to severe chronic pain, where standard care is insufficient. The recommendation is based on systematic reviews of 32 trials and found small improvements in pain intensity but no benefits in emotional functioning.
A UK study found that only 22% of critically ill older adults have a documented 'do not resuscitate' (DNACPR) decision at hospital admission. Discussions about end-of-life care should occur earlier in their treatment journey to ensure patient preferences are respected.
Research finds that patients undergoing planned surgery in independent sector hospitals have shorter hospital stays and lower readmission rates than those treated in NHS hospitals. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million patients and found significant differences in length of stay, emergency transfers, and readmissions.
A survey of international experts found a consensus that e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products require differential regulation due to their addictive potential and limited evidence on safety. The experts recommended specific warnings, restrictions on sale and use, and different categorization for the two products.
Health journals call on governments to intervene and transform societies to limit global temperature increases, halt nature destruction, and protect health. Wealthy nations must do more, with substantial investment needed for positive health and economic benefits.
A review of 23 studies found AI systems were less accurate than humans and radiologists in detecting breast cancer. The quality of methods used was poor, and the applicability to European or UK breast cancer screening programmes was low.
A large observational study in Scotland found that teachers and their household members had a lower risk of hospital admission with Covid-19 compared to the general population. The risk was around 50% lower during periods of school closure, but increased slightly when schools were open.
A study published in The BMJ found that long-term exposure to air pollution below current standards is associated with higher mortality rates. Researchers analyzed data from eight European groups and found that even at low concentrations, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon were linked to increased natural deaths.
A small study of 27 children aged 12-15 with neurological conditions found the Pfizer jab's side effects were mild to moderate and cleared up within a week. The vaccination was taken by parents who believed their children were at high risk of COVID-19 disease, highlighting its benefits in vulnerable groups.
Research of over 18,000 mother and child pairs found that maternal obesity was associated with a heightened risk of bowel cancer in adulthood. Conditions in the womb may be key risk factors for the disease, which is expected to increase globally due to rising rates among younger adults.
A modelling study published in BMJ Open estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an additional 267,208 infant deaths in low- and middle-income countries, a 7% increase over expected numbers. The economic downturn caused by the pandemic exacerbated mortality among vulnerable groups.
A recent study at a large Australian hospital found nearly 4 out of 10 patient transports to be marred by incidents, including limb entrapment, collisions, and issues with infusion pumps. Patient agitation was also a common factor in these mishaps, highlighting the need for improved transport training and preparation.
Experts recommend universities take five steps to minimize COVID-19 risks: on-site vaccinations, delayed re-openings, improved ventilation, effective contact tracing and mask mandates. These measures aim to protect students and staff from the Delta variant and prevent outbreaks.
Research suggests that people with mentally stimulating jobs have a lower risk of dementia in old age compared to those with non-stimulating jobs. Cognitive stimulation is associated with lower levels of proteins that may prevent brain cells from forming new connections.
Research finds widespread pain associated with a heightened risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. People with widespread pain were 43% more likely to have any type of dementia and 47% more likely to have Alzheimer's disease compared to those without widespread pain.
The global death toll from suicide has increased by nearly 20,000 over the past 30 years, driven by population ageing and growth. Despite a decline in age-specific suicide rates, countries face challenges in reversing this trend due to aging populations.
The study suggests that COVID-19 eradication is technically possible due to the availability of safe vaccines, lifelong immunity, and effective government management. However, securing high vaccine coverage and responding quickly to variants are major challenges.
Research published in the BMJ Open journal suggests that middle-age height loss is associated with a heightened risk of early death from heart disease or stroke in Northern European women. Regular physical activity may help prevent height loss and lower cardiovascular disease risk, according to the findings.
Research found that men diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis before their peak reproductive years have lower fertility rates, fewer pregnancies, and poor sperm quality compared to those diagnosed at older ages. Inflammatory arthritis is linked to male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and insufficient testosterone production.
Research published in The BMJ found that poor physical function from around age 65 is associated with an increased risk of death. Signs of decline, such as difficulty getting up from a chair or dressing, emerge up to 10 years before death.
A low glycaemic diet has been shown to produce small but meaningful improvements in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, weight, and other risk factors in people with diabetes. The findings are based on a systematic review of 27 randomised controlled trials involving 1,617 participants with type 1 or 2 diabetes.
A Hong Kong study suggests a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in childhood short-sightedness, with children spending less time outdoors and more time on screens. The study found that around 1 in 5 children developed short-sightedness during the pandemic, compared to around 1 in 3 over three years.
Researchers project a further decline in excess male births in countries like China and India, but warn of a surplus of young men globally, posing social and economic challenges. A global loss of 22 million female births could occur by 2100 if all at-risk countries are included in projections.
The World Health Organization has fired 500 staff on the polio programme, potentially ending a multibillion-dollar crusade. Despite reducing cases by 99.99%, polio efforts have been stagnant for years, raising questions about the effectiveness of funding and integration with routine immunization services.
Research found nearly two thirds of vaping-related videos on TikTok portray e-cigarettes positively, viewed over 1.1 billion times. Tighter regulations are needed to curb teens' potential exposure, given the platform's popularity with this age group.
A study published in Gut journal found that children with autism have a distinctive and underdeveloped range of gut bacteria, significantly fewer linked to neurotransmitter activity. This characteristic microbial profile may play a role in social behaviors and warrants further investigation.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found nerve fibre damage and an increase in dendritic cells on the eye surface may be identifying features of 'long COVID'. Patients with neurological symptoms showed greater corneal nerve fibre loss and higher dendritic cell density compared to those without symptoms.
A study published by The BMJ found that remote 24-hour monitoring for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy significantly reduces symptom burden, anxiety, and work limitations. Patients who used the system experienced improved quality of life and reduced supportive care needs.
A group of leading doctors and health experts warn that the UK government has failed to deliver on its promise to make England smoke-free by 2030. The smoking rate remains high, with over 200,000 children under 16 starting to smoke in the last two years.
A study published in Evidence-Based Mental Health reveals that one in eight children have mental disorders requiring treatment, but most will not access services. The authors highlight the need for increased investment in children's mental health budgets and effective interventions.
A patient with no previous history of facial nerve palsy developed two episodes of Bell's palsy after receiving Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doses. The author suggests a potential link between the vaccine and Bell's palsy, emphasizing cautious use for those at risk.
A review suggests lockdowns may not be associated with large numbers of deaths in countries that avoided large COVID-19 epidemics. Lockdowns also did not lead to increased deaths from suicide, but mental health declined during the pandemic, making it challenging to separate lockdown impacts from COVID-19 itself.
Experts urge UK government to prioritize vaccination over mass infection, citing unacceptable risks to vulnerable populations. The strategy is deemed 'unethical and unscientific' by Dr Deepti Gurdasani and colleagues.
A study published in The BMJ found a strong association between ultra-processed food intake and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Consuming five or more servings of ultra-processed food per day was linked to an 82% increased risk of IBD.
A large systematic review and meta-analysis of statin use in healthy adults found a generally favorable benefit-to-harm balance. The study, published in the BMJ, suggests that the potential harms of statins are small and should not deter their use for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
A study found that people with learning disabilities are at a higher risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19, particularly those with severe to profound disability. The researchers emphasize the need for prompt access to testing and healthcare, targeted preventive measures, and updated learning disability registers.
Younger athletes are at greater risk of atrial fibrillation than older athletes, with a 3.6 times higher likelihood. Mixed sports athletes also have a higher risk compared to endurance sport athletes. The study suggests that athletes face significantly greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found modest increases in heart attack hospitalization rates in younger women and men aged 15-34 years, with possible links to more sensitive diagnostic tests. Rates had declined since the 1980s but remain high, prompting continued surveillance and preventive strategies.
A systematic review of 68 studies found that men are more likely to exhibit bullying behaviors, while women are more likely to be victims, highlighting the need for improved interventions to address academic bullying in medical settings.
Experts debate whether COVID-19 vaccination should be delayed in children due to unclear benefits and risks. Vulnerable people worldwide should be prioritized instead, but some argue that children should not be disadvantaged.
Despite widespread use, many common joint procedures like hip replacements and shoulder repair surgery have limited high-quality evidence to support their clinical effectiveness. The analysis highlights the urgent need for research and definitive trials to evaluate these interventions.
Experts warn that mandatory vaccination for care home workers in England is unnecessary, disproportionate, and misguided. The authors highlight that uptake of the first dose of covid-19 vaccination among care workers is below 80% in only three London areas, but this can be attributed to very low numbers of staff employed by these homes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that muscle relaxants have a small effect on reducing pain intensity in the short term, but this effect is not clinically meaningful. The use of muscle relaxants may also increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and nausea.