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.
A recent study found that daily egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and specific types of stroke. The research, conducted in China, involved over half a million adults aged 30 to 79 and followed them for an average of 8.9 years.
Regular commuters with active travel patterns have a 30% lower risk of fatal cardiovascular disease, while those who combined active commute and non-commute travel had an even lower risk. More active patterns of travel were also associated with an 8% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
A study published in The BMJ found that a moderate to high intensity exercise program improved physical fitness in individuals with mild to moderate dementia. However, the program did not slow cognitive decline or improve daily activities. Researchers suggest exploring other forms of exercise and considering potential negative effects ...
A new study found that obesity is associated with an increased risk of taking up smoking and higher smoking frequency. The research suggests that genetic markers linked to body mass index may play a role in influencing smoking behavior, with potential implications for public health interventions.
A study published in BMJ Open reveals a large gender imbalance in cancer research funding, with male researchers receiving far greater funding than their female equivalents. The analysis of public and philanthropic funding data showed that men received 1.3 times more grants and £38% higher average grant values than women.
A study found that asthma mortality rates are falling among younger people in the poorest areas compared to the wealthiest, but remain higher in older adults. Regional variations persist, with significant differences in outcomes across England.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that men with highly physical jobs have an 18% higher risk of early death compared to those with inactive work. The analysis controlled for leisure time physical activity and found no such association among women.
A study published in The BMJ found that many national recommendations for newborn screening do not assess the key benefits and harms of screening. Effective screening programmes can save lives, while ineffective ones can cause more harm than good. Only 22% of the 276 recommendations were based on evidence from systematic reviews.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure to repair spinal fractures, does not provide significant pain relief for patients with osteoporosis. The trial involved 180 adults and showed no difference in pain scores between those who received vertebroplasty and those who underwent a sham procedure.
Experts discuss capping GP consultations, with some arguing limits protect GPs and patients from dangerous workloads. However, others argue caps could inhibit professionalism and worsen waiting times for appointments.
Research estimates that police violence resulted in over 57,000 years of life lost in 2015-16, disproportionately affecting young people and people of color. The study uses The Counted database to track deaths and injuries due to police violence, highlighting the need for better data to inform policy.
A snapshot survey of over 120,500 US Airbnb rentals found that most properties had smoke detectors but fewer had fire extinguishers or first-aid kits. The study suggests that further investigation and intervention are needed to ensure adequate fire safety in these venues.
A former police chief and LEAP UK argue that harsher drug laws are ineffective in reducing violence and suggest a shift towards public health policies. They point to the failure of punitive approaches and highlight the need for regulation, taxation, support, and education.
A study published by The BMJ found no evidence of 'gaming' after death rates for bowel surgeons were publicly reported. However, improvements were seen in mortality rates for patients undergoing non-emergency surgery, suggesting that the introduction of public reporting may have triggered better outcomes through teamwork.
A trial found that emollient bath additives provide no meaningful benefit when used in addition to standard eczema care in children. The study included 482 children and found no statistically significant difference in eczema control between the two groups. This may help guide decisions around effective prescribing in this area.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that adults living closer to farms had lower rates of allergic sensitization, with proximity to pigs and cattle being particularly significant. Long-term exposure to farm environments was also associated with reduced allergy risk.
A diet rich in fish and legumes is associated with a delay of over 3 years in natural menopause, while a high intake of refined carbs like pasta and rice speeds up the process. The study also found that vegetarians and those who eat more fruits and poultry may experience later menopause.
Research suggests a link between moderate to severe mid-life anxiety and later life dementia, with potential benefits from non-pharmacological therapies such as mindfulness and meditation. The findings support previous evidence of mental illness being associated with dementia in older age.
Patients treated by older surgeons (aged 60 or over) have slightly lower death rates in the first few weeks after their operation than those treated by younger surgeons. The study found that for every 333 patients, one fewer death would occur if quality of care was the same between ages.
A UK study found a link between long-term use of certain anticholinergic drugs and an increased risk of dementia in patients over 45. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid prescribing these drugs to older patients due to potential cognitive effects.
E-cigarettes may be as effective as nicotine replacement therapy in quitting smoking, but concerns over addiction and youth smoking initiation remain. However, experts argue that the risks are largely irrelevant for most vapers, and e-cigarettes can help smokers quit as part of a comprehensive anti-smoking strategy.
Exposure to moderate to high caffeine levels while pregnant is associated with excess weight gain in early childhood. High caffeine intake during pregnancy was linked to a 15-66% increased risk of faster excess growth in infancy and overweight at ages 3 and 5 years.
A pooled analysis of published study data suggests that around 11% of PMS cases may be associated with alcohol intake globally. Heavy drinking is estimated to increase the risk by 79%, with potential biological explanations including altered sex steroid hormone levels and serotonin production.
A review of 41 trials involving over 1000 people with type 1 diabetes found that artificial pancreas systems provided almost two and a half extra hours of normal blood glucose levels per day. The treatment also reduced time spent in both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia compared to other types of insulin-based therapy.
The European Commission considers a partial ban on valproate use in pregnancy amid concerns about physical abnormalities and developmental problems. Experts debate the balance between treatment efficacy and risk, highlighting the need for informed patient choice and regular review.
Research reveals huge variation in gluten-free food prescribing practice in England, with the most deprived areas having the lowest rates. The study found that factors such as clinical commissioning group policies and deprivation levels play a significant role in determining prescribing patterns.
Research published in the journal Heart found that eating several servings of nuts per week may lower the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The study, which tracked over 61,000 Swedish adults for 17 years, found a strong association between nut consumption and reduced risk of these cardiovascular conditions.
A study published in The BMJ found that increasing cigarette prices by 50% would lead to significant gains in life years gained, treatment costs averted, and financial protection for low-income individuals. Men in the bottom income group would gain an average of five times more life years than those in the top income group.