A study published by The BMJ found an extensive network of financial and non-financial ties between the medical product industry and all major healthcare parties and activities. Researchers are urging enhanced oversight and transparency to protect patients from commercial influence, citing the need for better conflict of interest polic...
A pooled analysis of 28 clinical trials found that zinc lozenges or nasal sprays prevented 5 respiratory tract infections in 100 people a month. Symptoms cleared up 2 days earlier with the use of zinc supplements, but side effects were more likely.
Deaths from smoking-related cancers in China are projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next two decades, with an estimated 8.6 million excess deaths anticipated. If current trends continue, the goal of reducing smoking rates to 20% by 2030 may not be met, leaving a significant impact on the country's ageing population.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that individuals with clinically significant cataracts have a higher risk of dying from strokes and heart attacks. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that the risk of death was 36% higher for those who had undergone cataract surgery.
A study of 750 UK women veterans found that a high proportion had experienced military adversity, including sexual harassment (22.5%), emotional bullying (22.7%), and physical assault (3.3%). These experiences were linked to various mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
A randomised controlled trial found that increasing daily milk, yoghurt, and cheese intake reduced the risk of all fractures by 33%, hip fractures by 46%, and falls by 11% among older adults in residential care. This approach has widespread implications for fracture prevention as a public health measure.
UK military veterans are nearly 11 times more likely to be problem gamblers than non-veterans, leading to higher health and social care costs. The study found that veterans incurred substantially higher healthcare costs, including hospital stays, visits to GPs, and contact with social workers.
A 5-country study found that the US has high salt levels in processed meat and fish products, ranking second globally. China leads with the highest salt content, while the UK ranks last. The study highlights significant variations in salt content among countries and brands.
A woman with non-small cell lung cancer experienced a 76% tumor reduction after taking CBD oil for 2.5 years, raising hopes for alternative cancer treatments. However, more research is needed to confirm the mechanism of action and potential side effects.
Research found that horse riding has a higher risk of serious injury compared to other high-risk activities. The study analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open journal, revealing that chest injuries were the most common site, but head and neck injuries were the most lethal.
Research published in BMJ Open finds that UK austerity measures since 2010 are linked to tens of thousands more deaths than expected. The study shows that additional spend on social care is more productive in saving lives than healthcare expenditure.
A high intake of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils, is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. However, further studies are needed to confirm the association with cancer mortality.
A comprehensive review of formula milk trials found that only 17% were conducted independently of formula companies, and most had a high risk of bias due to selective reporting. The researchers call for substantial changes in the conduct and reporting of formula trials to protect participants from harm.
New data shows black and Asian doctors are underrepresented in NHS jobs in London, with white applicants receiving 6x more offers. The figures highlight the persistence of discrimination against minority groups in medical recruitment.
Climate anxiety is growing among children and young people, with over half of child psychiatrists in England seeing distressed patients. Experts call on leaders to provide reliable information on climate mitigation and adaptation, and support individuals connect with nature and join like-minded communities.
Health professionals can influence change through simple behavioral choices and introducing climate discussions, while also making healthcare more sustainable. The BMJ calls for both individual action and organizational responsibility to address the climate crisis.
A small study found that a wireless kit, comprising headphones and an app, may be a cheap alternative to traditional treatment of 'glue ear' in kids. The kit enables remote monitoring of hearing at home, reducing clinic visits and potentially avoiding surgery in many cases.
Research published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety found that six out of ten patients in England with 'red flag' symptoms indicative of possible cancer didn't receive an urgent referral for specialist assessment within two weeks. Nearly four percent of these patients were diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months.
A large UK study found no overall associations between menopausal hormone therapy and risk of dementia, regardless of hormone type or duration. However, oestrogen-progestogen therapy may slightly increase risk in women with Alzheimer's disease, particularly for long-term use.
Lord Simon Woolley argues that UK drug laws are designed to be a tool of systemic racism and fail black communities. He calls for a root-and-branch review of the law to consider alternative approaches, including decriminalization and legal regulation of non-medical drug supplies.
A large UK Biobank study has found that smoking is highly likely to worsen the severity of COVID-19 and increase the risk of dying from the infection. The study combined observational and genetic data to strengthen the evidence base, revealing a causal effect between smoking and COVID-19 severity.
Research published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health found that higher combined fruit and veg intake is significantly associated with better mental health in secondary schoolchildren. A nutritious breakfast and lunch are also linked to emotional wellbeing across the age spectrum.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a treatment combining casirivimab and imdevimab for patients with non-severe COVID-19 who are at highest risk of hospitalization. For severely ill patients, the recommendation is based on data showing reduced deaths and need for mechanical ventilation in seronegative patients.
A study published by The BMJ found that giving metformin to women with preterm pre-eclampsia may prolong pregnancy by a week, but the result was not statistically significant. If confirmed by future research, this could have important benefits for both mother and baby.
Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of obesity and heart disease, but paradoxically may hasten the build-up of calcium deposits in coronary arteries. The study found that highly active individuals had higher CAC scores, suggesting a potential link between exercise and calcification.
In the UK, children and young people with cancer often rely on charities to access fertility preservation services due to lack of centralized NHS funding. Researchers found significant regional variation in the availability and length of time these services are funded.
Using surrogate endpoints to measure new drug efficacy can reduce trial costs and complexity but also makes decisions more challenging for patients and clinicians. Experts call for more selective use of surrogate endpoints in chronic diseases with patient-relevant outcomes.
Some women report changes in their periods after COVID-19 vaccination, with over 30,000 reports made to the UK's MHRA surveillance scheme. While most changes are short-lived, research into this possible adverse reaction is critical for the success of the vaccination programme.
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.