A comparative study found that Heat not Burn products may cause reduced endothelial function and increased oxidative stress in users, similar to conventional cigarette smokers. The study suggests that these products should not be recommended for smoking cessation or as a less harmful alternative.
A case report warns of a potential link between medical cannabis and early puberty in children with severe childhood epilepsy. The 2-year-old boy's testosterone levels were abnormally high after using cannabis oil, raising concerns about the hormonal consequences of cannabis use.
A 21-year-old's excessive energy drink consumption has been linked to heart failure, highlighting the potential risks of these drinks. The case report warns of the need for clear warnings about the cardiovascular dangers of large-scale energy drink consumption.
Data from two large studies published by The BMJ found that socioeconomic status is the dominant factor in health disparities between US and UK adults. While healthy lifestyles reduce disease burden, they only explain a small proportion of excess risks. Other measures tackling social determinants of health are warranted.
Experts argue that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics should not be held this summer due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. They point out that vaccine roll-out has been inequitable, reducing access in many low-income countries, and that Japan's lack of control over community transmission poses a significant risk.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that discontinuing oxytocin stimulation during induced labour may lead to a reduced risk of uterine hyperstimulation and abnormal fetal heart rate. This finding suggests that routine discontinuation of oxytocin stimulation could be beneficial in settings with limited monitoring resources.
COVID-19 experts argue that close-range inhalation is the primary route of transmission, and that improving indoor ventilation can help reduce aerosol concentrations. Effective masks with high filtration efficiency are also crucial in protecting against inhaled aerosols.
Research found high dietary intake of animal products, processed foods, and sugary drinks is linked to an 'inflammatory' gut microbiome. Conversely, a diet rich in plant-based foods may promote 'friendly', anti-inflammatory microbes that help control inflammation.
A small clinical trial found that cloth face coverings reduce exercise performance and increase shortness of breath and claustrophobia at higher intensities. The researchers suggest modifying exercise frequency, intensity, duration, and type to compensate for the discomfort associated with mask-wearing.
A large US study found that physical inactivity is associated with more severe COVID-19 infection and a heightened risk of dying from the disease. Patients who were consistently inactive during the pandemic were more likely to be admitted to hospital, require intensive care, and die than those who met physical activity guidelines.
A BMJ investigation found that many UK universities are not collecting data on student testing and positivity rates. Experts describe campus testing as haphazard, with a high cost per positive result, likely underestimated due to staffing costs.
A large UK study found COVID-19 discharged patients had higher rates of organ damage and disease compared to similar individuals in the general population. The research suggests a substantial long-term burden of COVID-19-related illness on hospitals and broader healthcare systems.
Adolescents aged 10-19 worldwide face numerous challenges to their wellbeing, including social injustice, inadequate mental health, and climate change. Governments and health leaders are calling for concrete policies and sustained investments to address these issues and empower today's adolescents to solve the problems they will inherit.
Levels of adherence to the UK's test, trace, and isolate system are low, with only half of respondents able to identify covid-19 symptoms. Intention to self-isolate is high but actual behavior is lower due to various reasons such as needing to go to work or care for others.
Research estimates that physical inactivity is responsible for up to 8% of non-communicable diseases and deaths globally. The impact per person is greatest in high-income countries, while middle-income countries have the largest population affected by physical inactivity.
Research published in British Journal of Ophthalmology found that normal-tension glaucoma is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and possibly dementia. The study suggests that the disease pathways for normal-tension glaucoma may be similar to those for dementia.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people with severe asthma attacks sought medical help or were hospitalized for asthma exacerbations. A combination of factors, including reduced air pollution and improved self-management, may have contributed to this reduction. Additionally, a study in South Korea found a decrease in hospital admiss...
Research suggests non-drug therapies like exercise and social interactions may reduce symptoms of depression in people with dementia. These interventions are found to be as or more effective than drugs in treating depression, suggesting a shift towards 'social' prescribing.
Women who experience a miscarriage are more likely to die prematurely due to cardiovascular disease. Research found that miscarriages, especially those occurring early in life or recurrently, can signal an increased risk of premature health risks.
Research suggests even slight increases in nitrogen dioxide levels are associated with significant rises in cardiovascular and respiratory deaths. The study's findings support revising and tightening current air quality guidelines for greater public health benefit.
Researchers have identified distinct chemical signatures for concussion in the spit of elite male rugby players, suggesting a potential non-invasive diagnostic test. The findings could help diagnose concussions at all levels of participation, particularly at grass-roots levels where medical assessments are not readily available.
Patients treated with infliximab have impaired antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, increasing susceptibility to recurrent COVID-19. The drug also impairs the immune system's ability to generate antibodies after vaccination.
An international study found that insomnia, disrupted sleep, and daily burnout are linked to a heightened risk of not only becoming infected with coronavirus but also having more severe disease and a longer recovery period. The study also revealed that every extra hour of sleep at night was associated with 12% lower odds of infection.
The article suggests paying for elderly care homes in lower-income countries as a practical solution to the eldercare crisis. The proposed policy would enable older citizens to access affordable and decent care, while also benefiting local economies.
A study found no evidence of increased risk during the first wave of the UK pandemic, but small increased risks of infection and hospital admission in adults living with children. The researchers conclude that close monitoring will be crucial as schools reopen.
A pooled data analysis of 31 clinical trials found that wearable fitness trackers and step counters significantly helped people with weight-related health conditions lose weight. Those using research-grade step counters/accelerometers lost an average of 4.4 kg, while commercial fitness trackers produced a 3 kg loss.
Research published in BMJ Open found that preschoolers' extensive electronic media use is associated with hyperactivity, short attention span, and friendship issues. The study suggests that excessive screen time may impede healthy development, affecting language and social skills.
A large UK-based study found that high blood pressure is poorly controlled in over half of those diagnosed with the condition, with older age, black ethnicity, and low earnings being key risk factors. Despite treatment, nearly two-thirds of patients are not receiving proper care.
Research published in Thorax journal found a strong association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the development of childhood allergic rhinitis. The study suggests that infants exposed to high levels of PM2.5 during late pregnancy and early childhood are at increased risk of developing allergic rhinitis.
Research suggests that the UK's sugar tax on soft drinks has resulted in a decrease of around 30g of sugar per household per week, equivalent to three fewer teaspoons. This reduction occurred without affecting overall sales or purchases of other drink types, indicating potential benefits for public health.
The pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health issues among children and young people, with increased rates of self-harm and anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts reported, while education disruptions pose uncertain futures.
Early commercial batches of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine had lower than expected levels of intact mRNA molecules, a finding that raised concerns about the manufacturing process and its impact on vaccine potency. Regulators like the EMA and FDA are unsure of the implications for safety and efficacy.
US and UK digital COVID-19 symptom checkers failed to identify severe COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia, and sepsis, often advising patients to stay home. The study suggests that these symptom checkers may delay treatment for serious illness and confer an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
A large national study found significant racial disparities in heart attack patient care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) patients were more likely to be admitted to hospital and die early compared to white patients.
The Wellcome Trust, a top funder of health research, holds significant investments in companies producing covid-19 treatments. This has raised questions about the charity's independence and conflicts of interest in pandemic response efforts. Experts weigh in on the implications of private charities' financial interests on global health.
Despite Africa being home to 17% of the world's population, African authors account for only 3% of COVID-19 research papers. Analysis of top medical journals reveals a significant underrepresentation of African authors and perspectives in global health literature.
A WHO expert panel recommends against the use of hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 infection in people without symptoms. The guideline is based on high certainty evidence from six randomized controlled trials involving over 6,000 participants.
Research found a strong association between birthweight of 2.5kg or more and lower IGF-1 levels, which are linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The study involved 112,736 women and 68,354 men from the UK Biobank study.
A new study reveals that menthol cigarettes contributed to a significant increase in smoking prevalence among US youth and adults between 1980 and 2018. The researchers estimated that the availability of menthol cigarettes led to 10.1 million extra smokers, resulting in 378,000 premature deaths over the 38-year period.
A UK-based trial found that statins do not increase the frequency or severity of muscle symptoms in people who had previously reported severe muscle symptoms when taking statins. Most participants planned to restart treatment after completing the study.
A trial in Mumbai found that regular clinical breast examination led to earlier diagnosis and reduced deaths from breast cancer, especially among women aged 50 and older. The study suggests that implementation of population screening by trained health workers is feasible in low and middle income countries.
A whole foods, plant-based diet has been shown to ease the symptoms of livedoid vasculopathy, a blood vessel disorder causing painful ulcers on the feet and lower legs. The condition affects mostly women in their 30s, with poor blood flow being a contributing factor.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that night owls are more likely to experience poor health, insomnia, and social jet lag, leading to underperformance at work. The study also linked evening chronotype to a higher risk of early retirement due to disability.
Experts discuss the ethics of criminalizing false vaccine information. Melinda Mills argues that deliberate intent to spread malicious disinformation should be considered criminal due to preventable deaths. Jonas Sivelä believes this approach may not address underlying issues like vaccine hesitancy and lack of trust in institutions.
A study published in The BMJ found that COVID-19 deaths accounted for 15-20% of all sampled deaths in Zambia, contradicting the widely held view that the virus has largely skipped Africa. The virus was detected in 70 people, with most deaths occurring in the community and among older adults.
Hospital admissions in the UK due to food-induced anaphylaxis have more than tripled over the past 20 years. Despite this increase, the death rate from food-induced anaphylaxis has halved, according to research published in The BMJ.
Research published online in the journal Heart found that recreational substance use is associated with a higher likelihood of premature and extremely premature heart disease. Those who use 4 or more substances are 9 times as likely to be affected, with increased risks observed among women.
Research highlights grandmothers' significant role in newborn care across collectivist cultures in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite this, initiatives focus primarily on young mothers and nuclear families, excluding grandmothers and their valuable knowledge and practices.
Patients given prophylactic anticoagulants within 24 hours of admission with COVID-19 are less likely to die compared to those who don't receive them. The study found a significant reduction in mortality risk among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with a relative risk reduction as high as 34%.
Former UK health secretary Jeremy Hunt blames delayed NHS workforce expansion for the country's inadequate pandemic response. He advocates for urgent reform of workforce planning and calls for government publication of staff requirements each year.