Financial problems in UK medical schools could significantly affect student education. The sector's debts have risen over the past year, making institutions vulnerable to insolvency. Charity funded research is also expected to fall, resulting in a projected reduction in medical research investment.
A study of 213 asymptomatic individuals found they carried the same amount of virus in their noses and throats as symptomatic patients. This raises concerns about their potential role in driving the spread of COVID-19.
Hundreds of thousands of UK patients are self-medicating with illegal cannabis-based products due to limited prescription availability. Researchers found that concerns about a perceived lack of scientific evidence and resistance from the medical profession hinder prescribing, despite substantial evidence of effectiveness in various dis...
A semi-automatic phone triage system designed to help people with chest discomfort during out-of-hours periods has been found to be unsafe and unreliable. The system underestimated the severity of more than a quarter of patients with serious heart conditions, highlighting the need for input from nurses to ensure accurate assessment.
A study published in The BMJ found that eating foods with a poor Nutri-Score score is associated with higher mortality rates from all causes and specific diseases. The findings support the use of Nutri-Score to guide people towards healthier food choices, which could inform discussions on uniform food labelling systems across Europe.
Research published in BMJ Open found that 13-year-olds with lower peer group status were at a significantly higher risk of developing circulatory system disease in adulthood. Those who were marginalised had a 33-34% increased risk, while girls who were less popular had a graded association with higher risk.
Despite official recommendations, antipsychotic prescribing patterns for people with intellectual disabilities have remained unchanged over a decade, while antidepressant prescriptions have increased sharply.
Researchers estimate that diagnosing and treating high-risk cardiovascular conditions in England could prevent 3.4 million cases of heart disease and stroke, saving £68 billion over 25 years. Identifying undiagnosed diabetes would yield the greatest benefits, while following NICE guidelines would further increase health outcomes.
A UK hospital study found that intensive care staff have the lowest risk of COVID-19 infection, while cleaners and BAME workers were found to be at higher risk. The study suggests that type of personal protective equipment worn may play a key role in these differences.
A study published in The BMJ found a graded association between blood pressure categories and increased risk of cardiovascular events in young adults. Young adults with normal or high-normal blood pressure were found to have a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with optimal blood pressure.
A new COVID-19 risk score, called the 4C Mortality Score, accurately predicts mortality in adult patients admitted to hospital with covid-19. The score categorises patients as low, intermediate, high, or very high risk of death, informing treatment decisions and resource allocation.
Data analysis by statistician David Spiegelhalter shows COVID-19 deaths closely follow the normal age-related risk of death from all other causes. The risk is highest for older adults, with a 12-13% higher death rate for each year older. In contrast, school children experience only a 2-day extra risk above the normal annual risk.
A study published in The BMJ found that workers exposed to sexual harassment in their workplace are at greater risk of suicide and attempting suicide. Workplace interventions focusing on the social side of the work environment could help reduce suicide rates.
Researchers found a slight increase in risk of ovarian cancer and some types of breast cancer among women who used permanent hair dyes. Natural hair color was also associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, while the use of darker hair dye colors may be linked to higher concentrations of ingredients.
A large population-based study suggests that people with COVID-19 should be retested 4 or more weeks after symptoms first appear to minimize the risk of onward infection. The study found a relatively high rate of false negative test results in early convalescence, highlighting the need for accurate assessment and follow-up testing.
A study published in The BMJ found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to need intensive care and give birth prematurely compared to non-pregnant women. Maternal risk factors include increasing age, high body mass index, and pre-existing medical conditions.
A study published in The BMJ found that children and young people with COVID-19 experience milder symptoms, including fewer recorded deaths. However, Black ethnicity was disproportionately affected by severe illness, highlighting the need to refine WHO criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome.
Research published in Open Heart found a significant reduction in cardiology services during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a 40% decrease in heart attack diagnoses at one center in Scotland. This shift was attributed to virtual outpatient clinics, redeployed staff, and rescheduled non-urgent procedures.
Research published in Stroke and Vascular Neurology found that US hospital admissions for stroke and mini-stroke decreased by nearly a third during the height of the pandemic. This decline may have led to poorer patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for patients to seek medical care during the crisis.
Researchers argue that rigid social distancing rules are based on outdated science and oversimplify transmission risks. Experts suggest a more nuanced approach considering activity type, indoor vs outdoor settings, ventilation levels, and face coverings.
Patients with comorbidities and from deprived areas have poorer hospital outcomes, including higher death rates and longer stays. Severe comorbidity is associated with a 13-fold increased risk of in-hospital death.
Research suggests that maternal caffeine consumption is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and childhood obesity. Current health recommendations for caffeine during pregnancy may need radical revision as the evidence points towards no safe level of consumption.
A single dose of targeted radiotherapy during surgery is comparable to conventional radiotherapy in efficacy for most women with early breast cancer. This reduces the need for extra hospital visits and minimizes side effects. The long-term results show no significant difference in survival or likelihood of cancer recurrence.
Researchers argue that protracted debates about face coverings as a medical intervention have delayed implementation of a valuable preventive tool. By framing face coverings as a social practice, the public is more likely to wear them regularly, according to Helene-Mari van der Westhuizen and colleagues.
A study published by The BMJ found that children exposed to high levels of fine air pollutants (PM2.5) are more likely to develop asthma and persistent wheezing. Higher levels of PM2.5, as well as exposure to other pollutants, were associated with an increased risk of developing these conditions.
Researchers found that women who deliver preterm or extremely preterm have a higher risk of dying from any cause, with 1.7-fold and 2.2-fold increased risks compared to full-term deliveries. The excess deaths associated with preterm delivery persist for up to 40 years after birth.
Research published in BMJ Military Health finds a strong association between heavy class A drug use and sight loss among US military personnel. Those with military experience are more likely to use illicit drugs and report partial or total blindness than civilians.
Research finds strong association between smoking and reduced cancer screening services use among postmenopausal women, leading to advanced disease diagnosis. Current smokers are nearly 3 times as likely to be diagnosed with late stage breast cancer, and over twice as likely to be diagnosed with late stage bowel cancer.
Children accounted for only 1408 out of 129704 positive results, equal to 1% of total and 4% of tests carried out on them. The case fatality rate was estimated to be less than 1 in 200 (0.5%)
Research suggests that 1 in 4 UK puppies may be acquired before the minimum recommended age, risking health and behavioral problems. Factors associated with early adoption include visiting the puppy before taking it home or intending to use the dog for work.
A study published in The BMJ found that freezing embryos for later transfer does not result in a higher chance of pregnancy compared to fresh embryo transfer. Researchers recommend using fresh embryo transfer as the gold standard for women with no immediate risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Decades of research have failed to show consistent benefit for lowering LDL cholesterol levels in reducing heart disease and death. The approach has been shown to fail in identifying those at high risk while including those at low risk, who don't need treatment.
A review of 34 studies found that ß2-agonists improved anaerobic exercise performance by 5% in athletes without asthma, with significant benefits for sprint and strength performances. The oral route was more effective than inhalation, but the impact of WADA-approved versions remains uncertain.
A panel of experts recommends using remdesivir in patients with severe COVID-19 to potentially reduce recovery time. However, the evidence is uncertain due to limited trials and study limitations, making it a costly treatment option.
Research finds concussion associated with increased risk of developing ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, dementia and Parkinson's disease. Concussions upsets brain function and blood flow, potentially leading to long-term consequences.
Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that women smokers are four times more likely to have unruptured brain aneurysms than non-smokers. High blood pressure further increases the risk, with smokers being seven times more likely to harbour the condition.
A recent study suggests that home-made cloth face masks with at least two layers are more effective in reducing the dispersal of viral droplets from the nose and mouth associated with COVID-19. The researchers found that a double layer covering was better than a single layer in reducing droplet spread from coughing and sneezing.
A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis found diets high in plant protein are associated with a lower risk of death from any cause. Plant protein intake was also linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality.
Restricting handgun sales to those aged 21 could save hundreds of young lives each year in the US, say researchers. State policies with a minimum age of 18 were linked to increased suicide rates among adolescents.
A randomized controlled trial found that nutritional supplementation for 6 months improved cognitive function and brain health in young children living in low-income countries. The supplement high in antioxidants and essential nutrients had a substantial beneficial effect on working memory and cerebral blood flow.
Research identified 21 evidence-based suggestions for preventing Alzheimer's disease, with a focus on vascular risk factors and lifestyle modifications. Targeting factors such as cognitive activity, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, and stress may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in the journal Gut found that people with periodontal disease may be at a higher risk of developing oesophageal and gastric cancer. The research examined data from over 98,000 women and men and found a 43-52% increased risk associated with periodontal disease.
Research published in BMJ Global Health suggests that oral herpes rates are falling among European children and young people. The prevalence of the virus is declining by 1% per year, with more than two-thirds of the population testing positive for HSV-1, but risks increasing sexually in adulthood.
The range of commercial baby foods has grown rapidly in recent years, with 84% more brands and double the products compared to 2013. However, researchers found that many products are still high in sugar, with sweet snack foods showing a significant increase in sugar content.
A study published by The BMJ found that implementing physical distancing measures, such as closing schools and workplaces, was associated with a 13% reduction in COVID-19 incidence. Earlier lockdown restrictions were also linked to a greater reduction in new cases.
A review of available evidence suggests that prediabetes is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in both the general population and patients with a history of heart disease. Screening and proper management of prediabetes may contribute to primary and secondary prevention of CVD.
Most dietary guidelines are not compatible with global health and environmental targets, finds an analysis published by The BMJ. Reforming national dietary guidelines could prevent deaths from chronic diseases and cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study.
Research published in the journal Heart found that adults who experienced childhood maltreatment are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with women being particularly vulnerable. The study analyzed data from 157,311 participants and found associations between all types of maltreatment and increased risk of CVD in both sexes.
Research found patients significantly overestimating CPR success and understating its negative impact. Clinicians should discuss CPR with patients to clarify success rates and risks before consent is given. The study highlighted the importance of informed decision-making in end-of-life care.
Two studies by European and US researchers found that higher consumption of these foods is associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake by 66 grams per day was linked to a 25% lower risk, while whole grain consumption was also significantly related to reduced disease risk.