An investigation by The BMJ found that many NHS trusts are keeping secret details of their partnerships with drug companies, despite official guidance for transparency. Joint working arrangements between the NHS and industry have spent over £7.5m on projects such as ADHD medication reviews and age-related macular degeneration treatments.
A study published in The BMJ suggests that non-surgical brain stimulation techniques, such as ECT and rTMS, may be effective as alternative or add-on treatments for adults with severe depression. However, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits and potential side effects.
Increasing the legal age for tobacco purchase would protect younger children from exposure to older pupils who smoke and remove a potential source of supply within schools. A 'polluter pays' tax and other measures, such as retail licensing schemes and mass media education campaigns, could also help reduce smoking rates among young people
A prospective study found that pregnant women working two or more night shifts in one week had a 32% higher risk of miscarriage the following week. The association between night work and miscarriage was strongest after week eight of pregnancy.
A 64-year-old woman developed acute liver injury after taking red yeast rice supplement for six weeks. The supplement contains monacolin K, a chemical found in lovastatin, which carries the same risk of liver damage as statin medication. Doctors warn that more regulation is needed to prevent harmful side effects.
Research suggests that spending large amounts of time sitting down increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and death. The study estimated that sedentary behaviour is associated with 11.6% of all deaths in the UK, with 69,276 potential deaths avoided if sedentary behaviour were eliminated.
Research found that adopting stricter state gun laws is associated with reduced rates of weapon carrying and perceived threats among students. This study highlights the need for stronger gun control policies to improve school safety.
Experts argue that new regulations challenging women with differences of sex development are based on limited scientific data and may set an unscientific precedent. Blood testosterone levels vary naturally in men and women, making it difficult to determine direct associations between testosterone levels and sports performance.
A study found that popular health apps share user data with 55 unique entities, including companies and service providers, posing significant privacy risks to consumers.
A Norwegian study found that women under 30 have the lowest risk of miscarriage, while those over 45 face a 53% risk. Previous pregnancy complications also increase the risk, with pre-eclampsia not being a factor.
Research finds a modest association between prenatal and infant pesticide exposure and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study supports efforts to prevent exposure during pregnancy to protect brain development.
Research by the Universities of Newcastle, Leeds, York, and Liverpool found that New Labour's policies narrowed the gap in infant mortality rates between English local authorities between 1999-2010. However, the trend was reversed since 2011 due to austerity measures.
A large observational study found that even low-level physical activities, such as walking or gardening, are associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, or any cause. Increasing activity levels continues to mount health benefits, with vigorous sports providing additional protection.
A large observational study published in BMJ Open found that medium to high awareness of alcohol marketing among UK teens is linked to increased consumption and a greater probability of 'higher risk' drinking. Ownership of branded merchandise is also associated with future intentions to try alcohol, particularly among never drinkers.
The UK is failing to provide universal health coverage to undocumented child migrants by charging them for healthcare, contravening the UN Convention on Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development Goals. The policy has led to poor health outcomes, underuse of services, and obstacles in identifying children at risk.
Researchers found that one in 20 patients had troponin levels higher than the recommended limit, but most were being treated for other conditions. The study highlights the need for medical staff to carefully interpret troponin levels to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
A study published in The BMJ found a genetic link between high testosterone levels and increased risk of blood clots, heart failure, and heart attacks in men. Researchers suggest that treatments lowering testosterone levels could help protect against these conditions, particularly in men.
Research reveals that US states with more relaxed gun control laws and higher gun ownership rates experience higher rates of mass shootings. The gap between permissive and restrictive states has widened in recent years, with rates falling in restrictive states and rising in permissive ones.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that long-term use of oral hormone therapy is associated with a small increased risk of Alzheimer's disease in postmenopausal women. Women who used hormone therapy for over 10 years had an increased risk, especially those diagnosed at age 60 or older.
Researchers found that high flavonoid cocoa powder improved fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis by reducing mental and physical fatigue. Participants who drank the high flavonoid version showed a moderate effect on fatigability and improvements in pain symptoms, while those drinking low flavonoid cocoa saw no significant benefits.
Research found that 31% of raw meat dog food samples exceeded EU regulations' maximum threshold for bacteria per gram. The study highlights the importance of proper storage, handling, and feeding to minimize potential health risks associated with these products.
Older women who are sporty or bisexual tend to have had a higher number of lifetime sexual partners. Meanwhile, income and same-sex preference play a significant role in the number of partners for older men. The study highlights the importance of considering sociodemographic factors when assessing health risks.
Researchers found that antibiotic treatment courses for common infections in English primary care often deviate from guidelines, with the majority of excess days attributed to respiratory conditions. The study suggests that reducing antibiotic overuse through better adherence to recommended treatment durations may have significant scope.
Researchers found that delaying or withholding antibiotics for older adults with urinary tract infections increases the risk of bloodstream infections and death. Immediate antibiotic treatment is recommended for this vulnerable group due to their increased susceptibility to sepsis following UTI.
A survey of 91 different multivitamins and vitamin D supplements for children in the UK found that many do not provide the recommended daily dose of 400 IU of vitamin D. Only one multivitamin was suitable for use from birth, while between a quarter and a third of available products supplied at least 400 IU/day for children over 6 months.
Research found that long working hours, particularly 55+ hours a week and/or weekends, are associated with increased depressive symptoms in women. Women in male-dominated occupations often work longer hours, while those in low-paid service sector jobs tend to work weekends, both linked to depression.
Experts argue that the UK's policy of recruiting children to the Armed Forces is harmful to teen health and causes specific health harms. The UK is one of only two countries in the world to recruit teenagers, with 15-year-olds allowed to begin the enlistment process at age 16.
A clinical trial found that inducing labor at 41 weeks of pregnancy leads to a small reduction in birth complications, with an absolute risk difference of 1.4% in favor of the induction group. However, the results are not conclusive enough to change current practice, according to a linked editorial.
A study found that one in four men aged 55-59 is at risk of needing further revision surgery, with serious complications surprisingly common in older people. The lifetime risk of revision surgery was highest during the first five years after surgery.
A high-fat diet is associated with an imbalance in gut bacteria and increased inflammation, which may lead to the development of metabolic disorders. In a randomized controlled trial, healthy young adults on different dietary groups found that those on a high-fat diet showed detrimental changes in long chain fatty acid metabolism.
A small study found that acupuncture reduced hot flushes, sweating, mood swings, sleep disturbances, skin and hair problems in women with moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. The treatment was associated with significant reductions after just six weeks.
A pooled analysis of 41 studies found that interval training reduced overall weight and percentage body fat, with a 28.5% greater reduction in weight compared to continuous moderate intensity exercise.
Research published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that US older women are three times more likely to receive treatment for osteoporosis than men of similar age. Men aged 80+ were particularly under-screened and undertreated, with only 10-13% having a bone density scan and fewer than 1 in 10 treated with bisphosphonates.
A large UK study found that heart failure survival rates have only improved modestly since 2000, with significant disparities in outcomes across different socioeconomic groups. The research highlights the need for increased investment in heart failure services to address these inequalities.
Screening for irregular heartbeat has been proposed as a potential solution to reduce stroke risk, but experts disagree on its effectiveness. Mark Lown suggests that trained clinicians can accurately identify positive cases, while Patrick Moran raises concerns about the lack of evidence on screening's benefits.
A small study published in The BMJ found a link between enterovirus infections and later coeliac disease in genetically susceptible children. Enterovirus was significantly more frequent in stool samples collected before development of coeliac disease antibodies, suggesting it may be the trigger for the disease.
A panel of experts recommends against surgery for subacromial pain syndrome due to its ineffectiveness in improving pain and quality of life. Decompression surgery has been found to provide no benefit over placebo or other treatment options.
A study published by The BMJ found that global suicide deaths increased by 6.7% between 1990 and 2016, but the age-adjusted mortality rate decreased by almost a third worldwide over the same period. Men had higher mortality rates than women, with higher rates linked to social and economic deprivation.
A large pilot study confirms HPV screening is practical on a large scale and more sensitive than smear testing, detecting substantially more cervical lesions and cancer. The study's findings support extending screening intervals to at least five years without increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening disease.
The BMJ launches a 'give us a break' campaign calling for adequate rest breaks for doctors, addressing wellbeing and patient safety concerns. Nearly 36,000 junior doctors have reported working hour issues since 2016, highlighting the need for improved breaks.
A pooled analysis of clinical trials suggests mindfulness can lessen chronic pain severity and associated distress, improving physical functioning. The results indicate that both CBT and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques show promise in treating chronic pain.
A recent review found that daily calorie intake was higher in people eating breakfast, but skipping breakfast did not cause greater appetite or weight gain. The study questioned the popular recommendation that eating breakfast is key to weight control.
Experts debate the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in treating severe depression, with some arguing it has no long-term benefits compared to placebo and can cause brain damage. Others claim ECT is effective and safe for treatment-resistant depression, with most side effects resolving within weeks.
A randomized trial published in The BMJ found that medical scribes increase doctors' productivity and shorten patients' stays at emergency departments, with minimal risk to patient safety. Using scribes can save hospitals USD$26.15 per scribed hour, according to a cost-benefit analysis.
A no-deal Brexit is predicted to result in the greatest price hikes for imported fruits and vegetables, leading to a substantial drop in intake. This could contribute to an estimated 12,400 extra cardiovascular deaths over the next decade in England.
A systematic review of available evidence suggests that cycling and treadmill workstations are associated with greater short-term physiological changes compared to standing versions. Both types boosted heart rate, energy expenditure, and reduced blood pressure. However, treadmill versions interfered with keyboarding skills.
A study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal found that paramedics' hand hygiene compliance is remarkably low, with only 15% of instances adhering to recommended standards. The over-reliance on gloves indicates a tendency towards self-protection rather than patient protection.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that wearing a cast for three weeks is just as successful as the conventional six-week treatment period for treating Weber B-type ankle fractures. This discovery could lead to shorter and more convenient treatment strategies, reducing patient discomfort and costs.
A large US study found that eating fried foods, especially fried chicken and fish, increases the risk of death from any cause and heart-related death. Regular consumption was associated with a higher risk of 8% compared to non-fried food eaters. Reducing fried food intake may have a positive public health impact.
The debate centers on renaming ultra-low risk cancers to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments. Experts recommend recalibrating thresholds for cancer diagnosis to categorize very low risk cancers as benign, reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes.