Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that open bench configurations led to higher levels of physical activity and lower stress outside the office. The study, which analyzed data from over 200 government workers, suggests that an open plan design may be a healthier alternative to cubicles or private offices.
Two studies reveal widespread declines in US life expectancy, with younger age groups affected by opioid-related deaths, and midlife mortality increasing across all racial groups. Systemic causes, including social deprivation and austerity policies, are suspected to contribute to these trends.
A small experimental study found that e-cigarette vapor disables key immune cells in the lung and boosts inflammation. The vapour impairs the activity of alveolar macrophages, which are crucial for removing dust particles, bacteria, and allergens from the air spaces.
Research reveals tobacco content remains common on UK prime time TV, appearing in 17% of programmes and 8% of adverts. This exposure is likely to influence young people's take-up of smoking, highlighting the need for revised guidelines and enforcement.
The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma recommends stricter regulations on semi-automatic rifle sales, booster accessories and high-volume ammunition to reduce firearm-related injuries. The AAST aims to address the complex issue of gun violence through research, innovation, technology and cooperation.
Research reveals that hospitals struggle to collect forensic evidence from rape kits, with only a third of eligible patients completing the process and handing over evidence to police. Survivors face complex legal systems and potential trauma, emphasizing the need for proper support in emergency care departments.
A new study finds that long term abstinence from alcohol and heavy drinking are associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers found that every 7 unit a week increase in consumption was associated with a 17% increase in dementia risk among those drinking above 14 units a week.
A study published in The BMJ found that US opioid use has not declined over the last decade, with higher average daily doses in 2017 compared to 2007. Disabled Medicare beneficiaries were particularly prone to opioid use, taking higher doses for longer periods.
Research published in BMJ Paediatrics Open found a link between parental depression and increased healthcare needs among children. The study revealed a 41% increase in emergency department attendance among children of depressed parents.
A survey of UK doctors found that they mostly lean left-wing but high earners tend to lean right. Most believe Brexit will negatively impact the NHS, with an average score of 2 out of 10.
A recent study found that US sexual minorities are more likely to be unemployed and uninsured than their straight counterparts, with poorer health and quality of life reported. The disparities may be even wider due to the predominantly white and affluent sample used in the study.
A catheter-based procedure to close a type of 'hole in the heart' is strongly recommended for patients under 60 with a history of stroke, reducing the risk of future stroke more than antiplatelet therapy. The guideline also suggests anticoagulation over antiplatelet therapy for patients who value preventing strokes over risk of bleeding.
A 60-year-old amateur weight-lifter developed non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy after taking high doses of testosterone and receiving illegal stem cell infusions. Doctors warn that AAS abuse can cause heart problems in people without usual risk factors, especially when taken at high doses.
A study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that noise on children's medical wards at night exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended maximum limit. Children and their parents experienced significantly less sleep than when sleeping at home, with an average loss of over an hour.
An international survey of 16,000 employees and managers in 15 countries found that managerial support for depression is associated with lower rates of workplace absenteeism. Managers who offered help and support had employees take fewer days off work, while those who avoided discussing the issue led to more absences.
A 45% increase in rejected requests for knee and hip surgery has been revealed by an investigation by The BMJ. The number of patients being refused these operations has risen to nearly 1,700, causing stress for doctors and patients alike.
A study published in The BMJ found that adding sulfonylurea drugs to metformin for type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, all-cause mortality, and severe hypoglycemia. Continuing metformin when introducing sulfonylureas is safer than switching.
A study found a 65% increase in cirrhosis deaths and a doubling of liver cancer deaths among US adults between 1999 and 2016. Young people aged 25-34 experienced the highest average annual increase in cirrhosis deaths, driven by alcohol-related liver disease.
The BMJ's new collection aims to improve global health by integrating research into health systems and increasing its value. Despite progress since the introduction of a regional policy in 2009, challenges persist, including weak public health functions and varying levels of research capacity.
An observational study published in the BMJ Open journal found a strong association between an unhealthy blood fat profile before pregnancy and lower fertility rates. Women with high cholesterol, triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol were more likely to have only one or no children.
A review of available evidence suggests that older children who abuse animals are two to three times as likely to have been abused themselves. Girls are less likely to engage in animal abuse, but when they do, child abuse may be more prevalent.
Research found that invisible stool blood is associated with a heightened risk of death from bowel cancer, as well as circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and hormone diseases. A positive faecal occult blood test result was linked to an 8-fold increased risk of bowel cancer mortality.
The new guidelines will dramatically increase the number of people with hypertension, especially in China, where over half of those aged 45-75 years will be considered hypertensive. This could lead to a significant increase in treatment numbers, with up to 130 million untreated patients in China.
A study of over 250,000 British women found no overall increased risk of invasive breast or womb cancer after assisted reproduction. However, small increased risks of non-invasive breast and ovarian tumours were detected, with the former linked to a greater number of treatment cycles.
Healthcare leaders call on the UK government to lift restrictions on taking abortion pills at home, citing improved access for vulnerable women. The move would align with Scotland and Wales' existing policies and reduce unnecessary clinic visits, bettering women's dignity and wellbeing.
A study published in The BMJ found that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are associated with reduced risks of major bleeding compared to warfarin. Apixaban was shown to have the lowest numbers needed to treat over six months to avoid one extra major bleed.
A study published in The BMJ found that children of mothers who follow a healthy lifestyle have a substantially lower risk of developing obesity. The research suggests that if both mothers and their children stick to a healthy lifestyle, this could result in an even further reduction in the risk of childhood obesity.
A study of nearly 1000 emergency care patients found that visible body art has no discernible impact on perceived professionalism or competence. Patients rated doctors with tattoos and piercings highly for qualities such as caring attitude, approachability, and trustworthiness.
An observational study of 7065 Canadian workers found that working 45+ hours/week increases the risk of diabetes in women. In contrast, shorter working weeks of 30-40 hours were associated with a lower risk. The researchers suggest that chronic stress and hormonal abnormalities may contribute to this gender-specific difference.
A study found that social support from family and friends is a key factor in deciding an individual's suitability for an organ transplant. The research suggests that this criterion may sanction existing prejudices and widen inequalities in the selection process.
The NHS's founding principle of providing care based on need received 23% of the votes, ahead of limiting commercial influence and general practice. The results reflect the public's high value on a non-profit healthcare system.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that patients with a recorded penicillin allergy are at an increased risk of developing MRSA and C difficile infections. The risk is largely due to the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics as alternatives to penicillin, which may be fueling the development of drug-resistant bacteria.
A trio of leading academics warn that the Brussels Declaration, a key public health declaration, was developed with extensive involvement of tobacco and alcohol industry actors. This raises concerns about the potential for industry influence on policy-making and the advancement of corporate interests.
Experts argue that persistent musculoskeletal pain without an obvious cause cannot be 'cured' and should be managed as other long-term conditions. Clinicians must be honest about what can be achieved, and patients need to take control of their condition through lifestyle changes.
Researchers found no evidence that vitamin D levels are associated with a reduced risk of gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia. However, low vitamin D levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of these conditions by suppressing blood pressure-regulating hormones. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.
A pooled analysis of 2 million people aged 42-77 from Europe to Asia suggests marriage protects against heart disease/stroke. Being single, divorced, or widowed increases cardiovascular risk, with divorce associated with a 35% higher risk of developing heart disease.
Research comparing keyhole, robotic, and conventional mitral valve repair surgeries found that keyhole surgery had higher success rates and fewer complications, including lower rates of subsequent heart flutter and blood transfusions. Robotic surgery required more blood transfusions but still provided excellent outcomes.
A woman's experience of chronic pain in her left knee, thigh, and hip after getting a tattoo has led doctors to warn patients with compromised immune systems about the potential risks. Inflammatory myopathy, a condition characterized by muscle weakness and pain, was diagnosed after a biopsy revealed inflammation in her thigh muscle.
A recent US government regulation change led to a doubling of opioids sold through dark web markets and an increase in more potent opioids being bought. The study suggests that the restricted painkiller may have driven users to seek out stronger opioids online.
Experts say UK government's review of visa regime for international doctors is a rare moment of common sense, but underlying issues remain unaddressed. The UK continues to rely heavily on international doctors due to domestic workforce challenges and Brexit-related immigration restrictions.
Experts warn that a proposed Trump gag rule will limit federal funding for abortion counselling and provision, posing a threat to women's basic rights. The rule would prohibit clinics or programs receiving federal family planning funds from providing abortions, referring women to places that do, or counselling them on the option.
A large trial found no significant difference in long-term smoking abstinence between nicotine preloading and standard therapy, as the beneficial effect may have been masked by a concurrent reduction in varenicline use. However, if overcome, nicotine preloading could lead to increased long-term abstinence rates.
A simulation test suggests that the halo system may affect driver head position and motion, potentially compromising steering accuracy. Training and ergonomic adjustments may be necessary to mitigate this effect, particularly for less experienced drivers.
A 25-year-old prison inmate was left with a permanent disability after using synthetic cannabis, despite having no traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The case highlights the potential dangers of synthetic cannabis use and the need for greater awareness among young users.
A study published in The BMJ found that spending more years in full-time education is associated with a greater risk of developing myopia. Every additional year of education was linked to more myopia, with university graduates being at least 1 dioptre more myopic than those who left school earlier.
Experts say current marketing of sexbots is misleading due to lack of research on their pros and cons. While they may have therapeutic potential, their impact on society remains unclear.
Experts call on UK health professionals to support a 'people's vote' to protect public health as Brexit poses significant threats to the NHS, including reduced funding and access issues.
A UK-based research team found that prolonged antidepressant use is associated with a sustained increase in weight gain over at least five years. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 adults and showed that patients prescribed any of the 12 most commonly used antidepressants were more likely to experience weight gain.
Adults with severe eczema are at a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes. The study found that patients with severe eczema had a 20-70% increased risk of major cardiovascular events compared to those without eczema.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a 22% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to non-IBD individuals. Researchers found this association independent of age, gender, and length of follow-up.