A common inherited genetic variant has been identified as a frequent cause of deafness in adults. The RIPOR2 genetic variant is found in thousands of people at risk of developing hearing loss, making it an ideal target for gene therapy. Researchers estimate that up to 30,000 individuals in northern Europe may be affected.
A surge in domestic child abuse was reported by a specialist UK children's hospital during the coronavirus pandemic, with a 1493% increase in head injuries in one month. The hospital saw 10 cases of suspected abusive head trauma among infants, highlighting the complex interplay between abuse, mental health, and socioeconomic factors.
Patient and public involvement is crucial in COVID-19 policy-making, say experts. Decades of advocacy have shown that patient communities provide valuable information on the pandemic's effects, highlighting the need for a comprehensive public health response.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 antibody tests found significant methodological weaknesses, including high bias risk and limited study populations. The review suggests that existing point-of-care tests should not be used for COVID-19 diagnosis due to low sensitivity and specificity.
Academics urge government to introduce statutory levy to deliver reductions in gambling harms, citing industry influence and current lack of regulation. They also highlight the need for independent research funding to prevent gambling harms.
Adults who meet recommended weekly physical activity levels have a significantly lower risk of death. Engaging in sufficient muscle strengthening and aerobic activities provides greater survival benefits, with those fully meeting guidelines experiencing a 40% lower risk of death from any cause.
Children with diabetes, sepsis, and cancer were most commonly involved in 'delayed presentations' in emergency care during the pandemic lockdown. The survey found that nearly 60% of paediatricians reported seeing such cases, highlighting an urgent need for improved public health messaging.
A survey of British Halal meat-eaters found that many would consider switching to stunned meat if assured it complies with Islamic slaughter rules. The study's results suggest the UK may adopt a New Zealand-style model for halal meat production, which addresses animal welfare concerns and provides consumer reassurance.
A group of senior clinical academics and physicians express concern about the rapid roll-out of COVID-19 antibody testing in England, questioning its accuracy and relevance. They argue that large-scale testing is not clinically justified and risks wasteful use of resources.
Research suggests the UK's COVID-19 track and trace system should identify around 36 close contacts for every infected person and detect fewer than 1 in 6 untraced cases. However, it also predicts that a significant proportion of infected individuals may not be identifiable due to shorter encounters.
Research links inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to a doubled risk of developing dementia, with diagnoses occurring 7 years earlier. The study suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria and chronic inflammation may contribute to cognitive decline.
A study of 2218 UK teens found that cyberbullying was linked to PTSD symptoms in both victims and perpetrators. Researchers suggest that asking about cyberbullying should become a part of children's mental health assessments.
A recent international study found a significant shift in pet feeding practices over the past decade, with a rise in raw and home-made foods. The research warns that these unconventional diets may pose health risks for animals, citing nutrient deficiencies and bacterial contamination.
Research finds that tobacco industry discounting leads to higher cigarette consumption, as smokers trade down to cheaper products to avoid price rises. This undermines the effectiveness of tax levies in reducing smoking prevalence and associated health issues.
Using regional anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia for hip and knee replacement procedures can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By eliminating volatile halogenated agents, regional anaesthesia decreases atmospheric pollution, contributing to a potential solution to global warming.
The study found that siblings of infants who died suddenly and unexpectedly are at a 10-fold increased risk of suffering a similar death, with rates nearly 4 times higher than the general population. Modifiable risk factors for SUDI include smoking, mental health issues, unsafe sleeping, and child abuse/neglect.
A recent study estimates that over 237 million medication errors occur annually in England, resulting in significant financial and human costs. The majority of these errors are minor, but some can have serious consequences, such as hospital admissions and deaths.
A recent analysis found that women comprise only a third of all COVID-19 research authors, with even fewer holding senior author positions. Lockdown measures may have exacerbated these disparities due to competing caregiving duties. The study emphasizes the need for gender equality in science to combat the pandemic effectively.
A study from China found that frontline healthcare professionals who were adequately protected with personal protective equipment (PPE) did not contract COVID-19 or develop immunity. The researchers emphasize the need for adequate PPE and training for healthcare professionals working in high-exposure environments.
Experts argue the food industry is responsible for the severity of COVID-19 and the obesity pandemic. The industry's promotion of unhealthy foods has exacerbated the issue, particularly in low-income communities. Researchers call on governments to force reformulation of unhealthy foods and the industry to stop promoting them.
A national surveillance study found that more than half of pregnant women recently admitted to a UK hospital with COVID-19 infection were from black or other ethnic minority groups. Most women had good outcomes, but the high proportion of women from these groups warrants urgent investigation and explanation.
A small case series found that famotidine significantly improved symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with mild to moderate disease. The effects were felt within 24-48 hours and lasted up to 14 days. Further study is warranted to confirm the findings.
A study found that an inflammatory syndrome linked to COVID-19 is more common among children of African ancestry, with notable gastrointestinal symptoms and heart inflammation. The researchers urge doctors to be vigilant, particularly in countries with a high proportion of African children.
A study of Chinese families found that wearing face masks at home was 79% effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among household members before symptoms developed. However, daily contact and certain hygiene practices were associated with an increased risk of transmission.
A recent study on cruise ship passengers reveals that more than half tested positive for COVID-19, with only 19% displaying symptoms. This finding emphasizes the need for accurate global data on the prevalence of asymptomatic infections.
A recent study found that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are at a significantly higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer and dying from breast cancer, even up to 20 years after diagnosis. The risks were more than double those of the general population.
A study found that up to 80% of US medical doctors leading influential professional associations had financial relationships with industry. The largest payments flowed to leaders of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Cardiology. Researchers call for policy reform and greater independence from industry.
The largest cohort study to date found age, male sex, obesity, and underlying illness risk factors for severe COVID-19 or death. The study analyzed 43,000 patients hospitalised in the UK with COVID-19 and their outcomes.
Around 1 in 4 police officers may drink at hazardous levels, while 1 in 7 meet PTSD or depression criteria. Effective treatment and monitoring programs are needed to address these issues.
Over half of mums-to-be at risk of pre-eclampsia are not receiving preventive aspirin treatment, says consultant obstetrician. Making aspirin available from local pharmacies could help ward off the condition, says Dr Joanna Girling.
Healthcare professionals are risking their lives to care for patients with COVID-19 infection due to inadequate PPE. Governments and voters are partly to blame for this situation, which is a preventable consequence of underfunding health services.
Experts warn that increased alcohol harm during lockdown will have long-term consequences for individuals, families, and communities. The UK's recovery from COVID-19 requires addressing the nation's addiction crisis, which costs the NHS over £3.5bn annually.
A study published in The BMJ found a small increased risk of musculoskeletal malformations in babies born to mothers who took fluconazole during the first trimester, but no association with oral clefts or heart defects. The risk was higher for women taking higher doses.
Early warning scores (EWS) used in hospitals have methodological and reporting weaknesses, which may lead to detrimental effects on patient care. The research found that most EWS were developed for UK and US use, but many studies had poor methods and inadequate reporting.
A large international study found that consuming at least two daily servings of dairy products is associated with lower risks of diabetes and high blood pressure. Full-fat dairy products showed the strongest associations, particularly in countries with low dairy intakes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 international clinical trials found that yoga eases depressive symptoms compared to usual treatment, self-help, or no current treatment. The more weekly sessions completed, the greater the effects on easing depressive symptoms.
A study published by The BMJ found that COVID-19 death counts are a substantial underestimation of the actual number of deaths from the disease in some Italian regions. Researchers analyzed all cause mortality data to determine this discrepancy.
Two studies from France and China found no significant reduction in COVID-19 hospitalizations or deaths with hydroxychloroquine treatment. Adverse events were more common in patients receiving the drug, contradicting previous lab test results and guidelines that recommended its use.
Nearly a quarter of Africa's population will catch coronavirus and up to 190,000 may die unless urgent action is taken. The World Health Organization warns that strained health resources will worsen the impact of the virus.
A clinical trial found that anti-clotting drugs alone are as effective as graduated compression stockings in preventing blood clots. The study suggests that current guidelines should be revised for patients undergoing elective surgery who are at moderate or high risk of VTE.
A study published in BMJ Global Health found that 1 in 4 most viewed COVID-19 videos on YouTube in English contain misleading or inaccurate information. This misinformation has the potential to harm, especially with its high viewership.
The study reveals nearly 303 million existing cases of hip and knee osteoarthritis globally, with an estimated prevalence of 3754.2 per 100,000 people. Disability attributed to the condition has risen by nearly 10% since 1990.
A large-scale study of Danish workers found that physically demanding jobs are associated with shorter working life expectancy, more sick leave, and unemployment. The research highlights the need to address physical work demands in relation to increasing statutory retirement ages.
A study published in The BMJ found that Mexico's sugary drinks tax led to significant reductions in soft drink consumption. After three years, the probability of non-consumers increased by 4.7 percentage points and low consumers by 8.3 percentage points.
Experts advise governments to use segmented, age-, culture- and geography-specific messaging to curb Covid-19 infection spread. Clear, specific guidance and 'protect each other' principles are key to achieving desired outcomes.
A study published by The BMJ found that childhood body size is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes in later life. However, a larger early life body size may help protect women against breast cancer. The study suggests that maintaining a normal body mass index (BMI) in adulthood can reduce th...
Marketing experts argue that current regulations do not effectively prevent potentially misleading claims about infant formula, which may carry health risks for vulnerable populations. The proposed solution includes premarket approval for changes to formula composition and higher scientific substantiation standards for claims.
An analysis of medical insurance claims and productivity data reveals that non-fatal US injuries result in an estimated $1,590 and 11 days off work per injured employee every year. The study found that total medical costs for emergency care visits exceed $133 billion annually.
The study suggests that women have a lower threshold for seeking primary healthcare compared to men, with older women living longer with disabling conditions. This difference may be due to various factors such as fear of diagnosis or differences in symptom recognition.
The NHS is under fire for its handling of labor rights violations in the production of masks and gloves, with allegations of human exploitation and child labor emerging. The organization has faced criticism for its response to the issue, with some experts calling for a more proactive approach to addressing modern slavery in supply chains.