Research published in BMJ Open found a significant association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Venlafaxine and amitriptyline were linked to the greatest risks, with long-term use associated with a 29% heightened risk.
A study published in The BMJ found that Scotland's minimum unit pricing policy has reduced alcohol purchases and consumption by households. The policy has been successful in targeting heavier drinkers and lower-income groups, with price increases greatest among those buying the most alcohol.
Men who became fathers through assisted reproduction techniques have a higher risk of prostate cancer and early onset prostate cancer compared to those who conceived naturally. Early screening and long-term monitoring are advised for these men.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from over 17,000 individuals and found that people with specific chromosomal changes tended to live in more deprived areas. The study suggests that these genetic changes may have cumulative effects on socioeconomic status even in the absence of a medical diagnosis.
Increasing nut consumption by half a serving a day may help stave off gradual weight gain, according to researchers. Substituting unhealthy foods with nuts was associated with lower risk of obesity and weight gain.
Doctors argue that UK TV advertising regulations on unhealthy kids' foods were weakened due to industry influence. A thematic analysis of public consultations found that commercial interests often took precedence over public health concerns.
A recent study found that around half of cancer drug trials approved in Europe between 2014 and 2016 were at high risk of bias, indicating potential exaggeration of treatment effects. The findings highlight the need for improved trial design and reporting to ensure real benefits for patients.
A study of 3,462 residents in Lausanne, Switzerland found that taking a weekly daytime nap reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 48%. The frequency, not just the duration, of naps is what matters, researchers suggest. This new insight may help explain previous conflicting findings on the health benefits of napping.
A small qualitative study found female vets frequently face outright sex discrimination, with implications for practice sustainability and burnout rates. Women are often assumed to be on the 'mommy track', denied complex cases, and overlooked for promotion.
The US political sanctions on Iran are curtailing global scientific progress by denying Iranian scientists publishing opportunities, access to supplies, and attending meetings. This is hindering international collaboration and nations' ability to respond to health crises and narrow inequalities.
A study published in The BMJ suggests that taxing high sugar snacks may be more effective in reducing obesity levels than increasing the price of sugar sweetened drinks. Increasing the price of biscuits, cakes, and sweets by 20% could lead to an average weight loss of 1.3 kg over one year.
A UK study found that vegetarians and pescetarians have a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) than meat eaters, but a higher risk of stroke. This may be due to low blood levels of total cholesterol or certain vitamins. The study included 48,188 participants over 18 years.
A study of US eScooter injuries found that most injured riders are men aged 20-40, with high rates of drug and alcohol use, and lack of helmet wear. The injury toll is expected to rise as eScooter popularity increases.
Researchers analyzed 83 randomized controlled trials involving 121,070 people with and without diabetes. They found that increasing long-chain omega-3 fats had little or no effect on likelihood of diabetes diagnosis or glucose metabolism. In contrast, higher doses of long-chain omega-3 may have negative effects on diabetes risk.
Some NHS trusts are introducing local schemes to help plan for increased demand over the winter due to pension tax charges. These schemes allow doctors to opt out of the NHS scheme and receive employer contributions in cash, reducing their tax burden.
A study published in The BMJ found that China's universal two-child policy resulted in an additional 5.4 million births, with a significant increase in births to older mothers and multiparous mothers. However, the policy's impact on premature births was not significantly increased.
A large study published in The BMJ found that even light physical activity reduces the risk of early death, with more intense activity having a greater impact. The study analyzed data from over 36,000 adults and found that spending 9.5 hours or more sedentary per day increases the risk of death.
Research published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found a significant association between AMD and high levels of ambient NO2 and CO. The study, which analyzed data from 1998 to 2010, showed that long-term exposure to pollutants was associated with an almost doubling in risk among those aged 50 and older.
Research published in Gut journal suggests a link between antibiotic use and increased risk of bowel cancer, particularly for cancers of the proximal colon. Conversely, rectal cancer risk was found to be lower among those prescribed antibiotics, possibly due to differences in gut microbiome activity.
A survey of bereaved Danish parents suggests that doctors often inform them of their child's terminal illness too late, with over four in ten saying they were told just hours before death. The study highlights the need for improved education and training for healthcare professionals on how to break bad news to families.
A Dutch survey of swingers found that nearly half use recreational drugs during sex to prolong and intensify the experience. Women are more likely to use drugs than straight or bisexual men, but this practice increases the risk of unprotected sex.
A 72-year-old man experienced considerable pain, bleeding, and swallowing difficulties after his dentures got stuck in his throat during surgery. Despite multiple hospital visits and surgeries, he eventually recovered without further complications. The case highlights the importance of removing false teeth before general anesthetic.
A recent survey found that half of key hospital doctors in the UK are ill-prepared to respond to major incidents. The study, published in Emergency Medicine Journal, suggests that the situation hasn't improved since 2006, with many doctors lacking knowledge of their organization's major incident plans.
A study found that major surgery is associated with a small long-term decline in cognitive functioning, equivalent to less than five months of natural brain ageing. The odds of substantial cognitive decline also increase after surgery, approximately doubling.
A new study found that good cardiovascular health at age 50 is associated with a lower risk of dementia later in life. Researchers used the Life Simple 7 cardiovascular health score as a tool for preventing dementia, and their findings support public health policies to improve midlife cardiovascular health.
A study of outpatient appointments in India found that younger and older women, as well as those living far from major hospitals, were more likely to miss out on healthcare. The researchers estimated that nearly half of female outpatient visits were 'missing' due to sex-based discrimination.
A proof of concept study uses an 'obesity simulation suit' to teach medical students about obesity and uncover their prejudices. The results show that nearly two-thirds of medical students found the suit realistic, but also harbored more negative attitudes towards obesity than teachers or patients.
A review of clinical trials published in top psychology and psychiatry journals found that more than half of the abstracts contained 'spin' - exaggerating the clinical significance of a particular treatment without statistics to back it up. This practice raises concerns about its impact on doctors' treatment decisions.
New cases of tick-borne Lyme disease in the UK could reach 8,000 in 2019, according to researchers who analyzed anonymized medical data from over 8 million people. The study found that Scotland had the highest number of cases, with half occurring in the summer and more common among women and girls.
Research finds that moving house during early pregnancy increases the risk of low birthweight and premature birth, as well as smaller than expected size babies. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 women in Washington state, USA, between 2007 and 2014.
Research finds tobacco industry has bumped up prices for products beyond required tax changes, contradicting its claims that price rises fuel illicit tobacco trade. Industry-driven price increases were higher for cheaper 'roll your own' tobacco than expected.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 studies found that non-invasive tests such as dilated pupils, abnormal posturing, and CT scan signs are not sufficient to diagnose increased intracranial pressure. Critically ill patients with suspected ICP should be transferred to a more expert centre for further monitoring.
An expert in The BMJ argues that the expansion of the digital GP service, GP at Hand, may worsen primary care for vulnerable patients. Despite its popularity, the service primarily caters to a healthy and affluent population, leaving GPs with complex cases to manage.
Researchers found a slowdown in dietary salt intake in England since the voluntary pact was introduced in 2011, leading to an estimated 9900 extra cases of heart disease/stroke and 1500 additional stomach cancer cases by 2018. If current trends continue, this may lead to 26,000 extra cases and £1 billion in healthcare costs by 2025.
A clinical trial suggests music can reduce anxiety before peripheral nerve block, with similar effects as midazolam. However, patients in the music group were less satisfied due to limited music choice, and communication was harder.
Research published in BMJ Open found that countries with strong women's rights had better health outcomes, including lower disease rates and higher life expectancy. The study suggests that promoting women's economic and social rights can have a significant impact on positive health outcomes, even in resource-poor countries.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that around 6% of patients are affected by preventable harm, which accounts for significant financial costs and can lead to permanent disability or death. The study highlights the need for strategies targeting preventable patient harm to improve medical care and reduce healthcare costs.
Obesity experts argue that it should be recognized as a chronic disease due to its strong biological influence and severe complications. They believe this approach can help reduce stigma and discrimination, but critics caution that labeling obesity as a disease may not lead to better outcomes for individuals or society.
A large French study suggests that high sugary drink consumption may contribute to an increased risk of cancer. The researchers found a strong association between daily consumption of sugary drinks and breast cancer, as well as overall cancer risk.
A Canadian study of over 100,000 children born to vaccinated mothers during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic found no association with increased risk of health problems. However, some slight associations were observed for gastrointestinal infections and asthma, but these were small and may be due to confounding factors.
Researchers argue that international drug development processes and policies are responsible for the lack of evidence supporting added benefits for most new drugs. Only 54 out of 216 assessed drugs showed considerable or major added benefits, with many more lacking clear evidence of benefit over standard care.
Research links poor social relationships to bone loss in postmenopausal women, suggesting that reducing negative interactions may limit bone loss and reduce fractures. High levels of psychosocial stress were associated with lower bone mineral density over six years.
A survey found that most dog and cat owners are not aware of pet blood donation schemes and animal blood banks. Despite this, the majority would be willing to let their pets donate blood, suggesting increased awareness could boost donor numbers.
A new study from King's College London found that GP antibiotic prescribing has decreased overall, but at a slower rate for older patients and those with unclear diagnoses. The study analyzed data from 102 general practices in England from 2014 to 2017 and showed a 6.9% decline in total antibiotic prescribing per year.
A substantial increase in BMI has been observed since the 1960s, with both genetically predisposed and non-predisposed individuals experiencing weight gain. The study's findings suggest that genetic predisposition interacts with an increasingly obesogenic environment to contribute to higher BMI in recent decades.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that only 1 in 6 accredited US colleges and universities were completely smoke or tobacco-free by 2017. This leaves a significant number of students, faculty, and staff exposed to secondhand smoke.
Research reveals a proliferation of JUUL-related content on Instagram that appeals to young people through product promotion, nicotine and addiction content, and youth culture references. The study's findings suggest that strong regulatory action is needed to restrict promotional efforts for e-cigarette products on social media platforms.
Research reveals 'back to school asthma' peaks in September, with higher rates of GP consultations for worsening bouts among under 5s and boys. The study suggests multiple factors may be involved, including changes in weather, air pollution, and stress.
A survey of UK parliamentarians found that they are more likely to have mental health issues, including depression and low self-worth, compared to the general public. The survey also revealed a lack of awareness about confidential support services, making it difficult for MPs to seek help.
A mother's workplace exposure to solvents may increase her child's risk of autism, according to a recent study. Mothers with autistic children were found to be more frequently exposed to solvents than those whose children weren't on the spectrum.