Researchers found that antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection may increase susceptibility to syphilis by boosting immune system activity and leading to more sexual partners. This could explain the rise in new cases of syphilis among gay/bisexual men over the past decade.
Research suggests that acupuncture can effectively treat infantile colic by reducing the frequency and duration of excessive crying in babies. The study involved 147 babies who received either standard care or tailored acupuncture treatment, resulting in a significant reduction in crying time for those who received acupuncture.
The James Bond series has conspicuously absent smoking-related imagery in only one film since its debut in 1962, according to a recent analysis published in Tobacco Control. Despite Bond himself no longer smoking, he is still exposed to second-hand smoke through his sexual partners and other characters.
A study published in The BMJ found that surgical patients with migraines are at a higher risk of stroke and hospital readmission. Patients with migraine with aura were found to be at the highest risk, with an estimated 6.3 strokes per 1,000 patients.
Coca-Cola's 'Happy Holidays' truck tour was criticized by public health experts for promoting sugary drinks to children. The UK government is introducing an industry levy on full sugar soft drinks as part of its childhood obesity strategy.
Gastroenterology experts argue that removing prescriptions for gluten-free foods would unfairly discriminate against people with coeliac disease. They highlight the high cost of such products (3-4 times standard prices) and limited availability in shops.
A government-backed policy to reduce salt intake by 10% over 10 years is projected to avert approximately 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years per year globally. The estimated average cost effectiveness ratio of the 10-year intervention is around $204 per DALY saved, comparable to many drugs used to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Research found that consuming high amounts of unprocessed red meat increases the risk of developing diverticulitis by 58%. Replacing daily portions with poultry or fish may lower this risk, with a 20% reduced risk observed. Insufficient dietary fibre intake and smoking are also thought to play roles in the development of the condition.
The 'test and treat' scheme aims to reduce GP consultations and antibiotic prescriptions, but lacks robust evaluation and may not be cost-effective. The NHS England plan is based on limited data from a small pilot, which raises concerns about its scalability and potential impact.
A systematic review of screening tests and interventions for type 2 diabetes prevention found low diagnostic accuracy, with lifestyle interventions showing a 37% reduction in relative risk. Population-wide approaches may be more effective than screen and treat policies alone.
A third of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in England are using private companies to screen patient referrals from GPs to specialist services. While some schemes aim to reduce costs, others improve referral quality. However, most CCGs lack evidence on whether their schemes have saved money overall.
A middle-aged woman developed hyponatraemia, a potentially life-threatening condition, after consuming excessive fluids and herbal remedies during the New Year period. Doctors warn of the potential harm of these treatments and advocate for caution.
The UK's abortion care system is facing a crisis due to an outdated law and inadequate access, according to an expert. Women seeking abortions face challenges including inequitable access, lack of trained staff, stigmatization, and exceptionalism.
A study found that over half of Brazilian women aged 18-39 avoided pregnancy due to the Zika epidemic. The authors urge the government to review reproductive health policies and improve access to safe and effective contraceptives.
Grapes are the third most common cause of food-related choking after hot dogs and sweets in young children. The small airways, lack of teeth, and easily distracted nature make them prone to choking hazards.
Preliminary research suggests that using a commercial brand of mouthwash can help kill off gonorrhea bacteria and control its spread. Daily rinsing with the product reduced viable gonorrhoea in the throat by 52% compared to saline solution.
Research published in Thorax found a significant association between high dietary processed meat intake and worsening asthma symptoms. Participants who consumed four or more weekly servings of cured meats experienced the greatest worsening of symptoms.
A recent BMJ study dispels the myth that Santa only visits well-behaved children. Instead, research suggests socioeconomic factors play a significant role in determining whether Santa will visit a child. The study found that pediatric wards in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation were less likely to receive Santa visits.
US women saw a sharp increase in breast cancer gene testing after Angelina Jolie's article, with daily rates rising 64% immediately. However, there was no change in overall mastectomy rates, suggesting that celebrity endorsements may not effectively target high-risk groups.
A study published in The BMJ found that sustained enjoyment of life over several years is associated with lower mortality. Researchers analyzed data from 9,365 participants aged 50 and older, finding a dose-response association between sustained wellbeing and reduced risk of death.
A study found that 40% of participants could smell the distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, while 60% were unable to detect it. The researchers identified 871 genetic variants linked to asparagus anosmia and suggest future research on sense of smell receptors.
A study found that playing Pokémon Go increased daily steps by 955 additional steps in the first week, equivalent to half of the WHO's recommendation for physical activity per week. However, this effect was not sustained beyond six weeks of game playing.
A comprehensive review of homeopathy in livestock found that many clinical trials have methodological limitations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about its effectiveness. The review suggests that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using homeopathy in food-producing animals.
A pooled analysis of available data reveals that shock-absorbing insoles do not prevent injuries or stress fractures. In contrast, foot orthotics have been shown to reduce the risk of overall injury and certain types of leg and foot pain by up to 41%. However, the quality of the evidence varies, and further rigorous research is needed.
A recent study published in BMJ Global Health reveals that children from low-income countries are at a significantly higher risk of dying after emergency abdominal surgery. The likelihood of dying is up to 7 times greater than for children from rich nations.
A study of over 10,000 adults and teens found that most people wrongly believe that tobacco additives are the main source of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. In reality, the chemicals produced by burning cigarettes pose a greater risk to health.
The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) provides a generic framework for customizing healthcare solutions in individual countries or states. By empowering health workers, PACK aims to improve primary care and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in low-income countries.
Research found that US school shootings were lower in states with mandatory background checks on gun purchases and higher spending on mental health services and public education. The study analyzed media coverage of school shootings between 2013-2015, finding a link between state-level factors and the frequency of these incidents.
A study published in BMJ Global Health found that women living in developed Western nations with a strong Catholic heritage are less likely to breastfeed. The research suggests that breastfeeding promotion policies should be adapted to better fit prevailing cultural and religious norms.
Research found that pubic hair grooming is associated with a heightened risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections, particularly among high frequency and intensity groomers. Grooming was linked to an 80% increased risk of infection, with certain practices causing higher risks for specific infections.
A case report highlights the risks of water intoxication in patients with urinary tract infections. Doctors recommend reevaluating hydration advice due to a lack of evidence, citing a high mortality rate for hyponatraemia.
A woman was rushed to hospital after mistakingly using foxglove leaves instead of comfrey for an herbal remedy. She experienced symptoms such as palpitations and lightheadedness due to the high levels of digoxin in foxglove, a heart rhythm medication.
A 69-year-old Vietnam war veteran was diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma, a rare type of cancer, after exposure to Agent Orange during his service. The patient's cancer has a high rate of local recurrence and ability to spread to other parts of the body, making early detection crucial.
A young bodybuilder's use of non-prescribed injections, including coconut oil and insulin, led to severe complications, including a ruptured triceps and multiple cysts. The case highlights the risks of self-administered natural oils and steroids used to achieve a desired body image.
A study found a sixfold increase in thyroid cancer incidence in South Korea between 1999 and 2008, mainly due to overdetection by screening. The researchers call for reduced ultrasound examinations in the general population to mitigate the economic burden of unnecessary treatments.
Fertility preservation for girls and young women with cancer is hindered by lack of awareness and funding. Despite guidelines, access to treatment is restricted due to variable oncologist awareness and conflicting funding policies.
Starting testosterone treatment increases risk of serious blood clots, with the risk peaking within six months and declining gradually thereafter. Although the risks are temporary and low in absolute terms, researchers warn that investigating timing and duration of use may have masked conflicting findings.
Smokers under 50 are significantly more likely to have a major heart attack than older smokers, with the risk dropping with age. The study found that younger smokers face an almost 8-fold higher risk of STEMI than non-smokers, making them particularly vulnerable.
Research found that swimming, racquet sports, and aerobics are associated with reduced risk of death from any cause and cardiovascular disease. Racket sports showed the strongest association, followed by swimming and aerobics.
A study published in BMJ Open found that many fertility clinics make unsubstantiated claims about treatments beyond standard IVF procedures. The researchers identified a lack of supporting evidence cited by websites and clinics, with only a few interventions having moderate quality evidence to support their benefits.
Researchers conclude that vitamin D supplementation does not improve musculoskeletal outcomes such as falls or fractures. For those at high risk of deficiency, sunlight exposure and diet should be prioritized, with low-dose supplements considered on an individual basis.
A large study published in The BMJ found that prediabetes, defined as impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and all cause mortality. The study's findings support a lower cut-off point for defining prediabetes, including as low as 5.6 mmol/L.
A large study published in The BMJ found that high intake of major saturated fatty acids increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing these fats with polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, or plant-based sources can reduce this risk by 6-8%.
Vaccine producers are accused of using monopoly power to determine who lives or dies, with prices often exceeding $120 per dose in wealthy countries. Experts argue for fair pricing that takes into account research and manufacturing costs, public health importance, and collective value creation.
Research suggests that pre-teens whose dads adjust well to parenthood and feel confident about their new role may be less likely to have behavioral problems. Fathers' emotional response and confidence in their new role are most strongly associated with lower odds of behavioral issues.
Global health experts call for UN Security Council mandate to protect healthcare facilities from attacks, amid persistent and blatant breaches of Geneva Convention. The international community needs to stand up for medical neutrality, mandating the UN Security Council to provide protection for health facilities.
A study of English schoolchildren found that the London 2012 Olympics inspired many to try new sports and activities, but levels of physical fitness worsened. Despite positive associations with increased activity and lower BMI among some participants, overall cardiorespiratory fitness declined significantly after the event.
A randomized controlled trial found that physiotherapy treatment for mild to moderate ankle sprains has little clinical benefit compared to basic self-management. Fewer than half of patients achieved 'excellent recovery' by six months in the physiotherapy group.
A new online calculator estimates individualised chances of couples having a baby through IVF or ICSI, considering specific characteristics and treatment information. The tool provides cumulative chances over up to six cycles, helping clinicians communicate personalised chances to couples and shape their expectations.
A large European study reveals that replacing professionally qualified nurses with lower skilled nursing assistants is associated with a 21% rise in patient deaths and other indicators of poor quality care. The study found that higher proportions of professionally qualified nurses were linked to significantly lower risks of death, pati...