Prohibition laws on drugs have been shown to be ineffective in reducing addiction and violence, with a quarter of a billion adults worldwide taking illegal drugs. Doctors are calling for health and human rights to be prioritized over punitive responses.
A new study raises concerns about the effectiveness of expensive new cancer drugs in improving survival rates, citing limitations in clinical trials and high costs. Experts call for stricter approval criteria and improved patient consent processes to ensure fair and equitable treatment.
Experts question whether following up low-risk patients with symptoms can improve cancer detection, citing a lack of evidence. Researchers recommend ways to improve safety netting, including doctor-patient communication and system reviews.
Research published in BMJ Open found that people with health anxiety were twice as likely to develop heart disease as those without it. The study, based on 7,052 participants, suggests that health anxiety can be a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease.
A large international study found that living in northerly climes is linked to an earlier age of starting MS symptoms. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 patients and found that each 10° increase in latitude was associated with a 10-month earlier onset.
A man developed acute hepatitis from consuming energy drinks, while another patient suffered serious heart complications after multiple bee stings. A third patient, an opium smoker, was diagnosed with lead poisoning due to contaminated tobacco products.
Current system may not detect outliers in surgeon performance, as low caseloads limit statistical power to identify high mortality rates. The analysis suggests that more meaningful outcome measures, such as patient satisfaction and functional health status, are needed for accurate evaluation.
Reducing exposure to environmental synthetic chemicals by 25% could ward off over 150,000 new cases of diabetes in Europe and save €4.5 billion every year. A 40% reduction in BMI would lead to a 40% decrease in diabetes prevalence among 70-75 year olds.
Schmallenberg virus is unlikely to be circulating in southern England, but its reappearance is possible as herd immunity decreases. The virus causes mild clinical signs in adult cattle and can damage the fetus in pregnant females, leading to abortions, stillbirths, and congenital defects.
A randomized controlled trial found no significant differences between ultrasound and sham treatment for tibial fracture healing or functional recovery. The study suggests abandoning low-intensity pulsed ultrasonography (LIPUS) as an ineffective treatment option for patients with tibial fractures.
The study finds that women are closing the gap with men in terms of alcohol consumption and related health issues. The trend is most noticeable among young adults, with women's drinking habits approaching parity with those of men, particularly among those born between 1991 and 2000.
The BMJ Group recommends restoring the correct dietary balance of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids to combat soaring obesity rates. The current ratio is 16:1, whereas human evolution suggests a healthier balance of 1:2/1. This imbalance promotes inflammation, white fat tissue, and chronic diseases linked to obesity.
The UK government's shift from harm reduction to abstinence-based policies has contributed to the rising number of drug-related deaths. Experts recommend expanding treatment options and investing in naloxone, safer injecting equipment, and immunization programs to combat the crisis.
Research suggests strenuous exercise has no significant impact on labor duration or risk of premature birth. Exercise is found to reduce excessive birthweight and lower the risk of C-section births. However, more research is needed in elite athletes to fully understand its effects during pregnancy.
A smartphone app combined with a hand-held ECG monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with a high degree of accuracy. The condition affects nearly one in 10 people and is associated with a heightened risk of stroke and death.
The Vote Leave campaign used the NHS logo in their advertising, despite being warned by the Department of Health not to do so. The NHS logo is a registered trademark and was found to be misleadingly associated with funding for healthcare services.
Economist Christopher Smallwood argues that private top-up insurance could prevent declining healthcare standards in the NHS. He proposes a French-style scheme where treatment costs are covered by the state and individuals make contributions for minor treatments.
Children who experienced parental absence before age 7 were more than twice as likely to start smoking and 46% more likely to drink alcohol by age 11. The findings held true even after accounting for influential factors such as education and birthweight.
A recent case report highlights the dangers of alternative therapies in children, leading to severe symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, and weight loss. In another case, a woman developed tick-borne illness, including seizures and multiorgan failure, after removing a tick from her skin.
A leading doctor argues that the junior doctors' contract should be discarded and replaced due to a breakdown of trust between government and healthcare staff. The current contract has been criticized for being inefficient and damaging to morale among young doctors.
Extending cervical screening intervals for HPV negative women aged 40+ is safe due to low risk of CIN3+, but not recommended for those testing positive for HPV. Tailoring screening to individual risks using HPV test results and age may improve efficiency and optimal prevention.
Leading health professionals call for drastic reductions in CO2 and short-lived climate pollutants to stabilize the climate and reduce major health threats. Reducing these pollutants can prevent up to 2.4 million premature deaths annually, they argue.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that engaging in regular physical activity may help mitigate the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The research analyzed data from eight British population cohorts and discovered a positive correlation between moderate to high levels of physical...
Researchers and editors of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin express concerns about the clinical and cost-effectiveness of nalmefene, a drug approved to curb excess drinking. The authors argue that the limited data on its effectiveness raises questions about its continued use in the NHS.
BMJ has launched a new fully open access international journal, BMJ Open Ophthalmology, to cater for clinicians and scientists working in ophthalmology and vision science. The journal aims to publish high-quality content on basic, translational, and clinical science with a rigorous peer review process.
A large international study found that delivery at 37 weeks minimizes stillbirths and newborn deaths in twins. The researchers analyzed data from 32 studies on uncomplicated twin pregnancies and concluded that delivery before 36 weeks may not be necessary for monochorionic pregnancies.
A review of studies on the 2008 European recession found an association with adverse health outcomes, particularly for suicides and mental health problems. The evidence is strongest for these outcomes, but the quality of the research varies greatly.
A large study found that atrial fibrillation is associated with a wide range of serious events, including heart attacks, chronic kidney disease, and sudden cardiac death. The risk of these events is higher than stroke, prompting calls for interventions to reduce non-stroke outcomes.
The use of glutathione for skin bleaching is on the rise in the UK despite potential risks and lack of regulation. The practice has been linked to serious side effects such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, as well as transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
A study of 6,120 Danish women found that high alcohol intake was associated with a slight decrease in fertility, while low to moderate consumption showed no effect. The authors recommend abstinence from alcohol during the fertile window until pregnancy is ruled out.
A large study published in The BMJ found that patients with cancer have a high risk of unintentional and intentional injuries during the diagnostic process. Injuries range from medical complications to accidents and self-harm, affecting specific types of cancer and patient groups differently.
A recent survey of US adolescents found that most teens vape for flavorings rather than nicotine in e-cigarettes. The study suggests that efforts to curb vaping among teens focusing on nicotine may be ineffective and that alternative approaches may be more effective.
Doctors identify bagpipe lung as a potential hazard for wind instrument players due to fungal growth in moist interiors. A case report reveals a man's death from hypersensitivity pneumonitis linked to playing the bagpipes, highlighting the risk of contamination.
UK cardiovascular deaths plummeted by almost 70% over 30 years, but prevalence remained unchanged. Drug and surgical treatments on the rise, particularly among men.
A recent study published in Postgraduate Medical Journal found that female physicians in the US were reimbursed around $18,677.23 less than their male counterparts in 2012, with the largest gaps found in nephrology, rheumatology, and pulmonary medicine.
A study found that 40 children needed medical treatment for injuries sustained at an indoor trampoline park over a six-month period. Most injuries were minor but highlighted the need for national design and safety standards to prevent further injuries.
A Swedish study of over 2 million children found that those born in spring had a higher risk of developing coeliac disease, especially before age 2. The risk was also higher among girls and in the south of the country where sunlight is more intense, suggesting possible links to viral infections and vitamin D.
A study found an association between Zika virus infection and arthrogryposis, a joint deformity condition at birth. Children with arthrogryposis and congenital Zika virus syndrome showed signs of brain calcification.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher total physical activity levels are strongly associated with a lower risk of five common chronic diseases. Most health gains occur at a level of 3000-4000 MET minutes a week, suggesting that current recommended minimum levels may not be sufficient to achieve larger reductions in risks.
Pokémon Go has been linked to increased physical activity and social connections, with players walking longer distances and interacting with strangers in public spaces. However, the game also carries risks, such as accidents and thefts, that have sparked concerns about its impact on mental health.
A large study of British adults found that volunteering in middle and older age is associated with good mental health, while no such link was seen before the age of 40. Volunteering at certain points of the life course may be more meaningful and have protective effects on health status.
A population-based study found that air pollution may shorten the survival of patients with lung cancer, especially those with early stage disease. The study tracked over 352,000 people with lung cancer and found that higher exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter was associated with shorter survival times.
A review suggests that acupuncture improves subtle memory loss before dementia development, with potential benefits when combined with drug treatment. However, more rigorous clinical trials are required to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that official statistics on road traffic injuries in India are likely to be unreliable. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are underrepresented while vehicle occupants are overrepresented. Researchers urge policy makers to steer clear of government stats until the problem is fixed.
Researchers investigate how NHS England is hindering access to expensive hepatitis C treatments, citing NICE guidelines and company pricing as key factors. The study reveals a system of rationing and delayed treatment, prompting concerns over patient welfare and the role of drug companies' pricing strategies.
Severely obese patients undergoing weight loss surgery are at higher risk of fractures before and after surgery. The study suggests that guidelines should be followed on patient adherence to dietary supplements and physical activity to reduce fracture risk.
Researchers found that nearly all schools had at least one shop selling tobacco within a 100m radius, and marketing strategies targeting children were pervasive. Enforcement of the ban is needed to protect youth, and point-of-sale displays and advertising are urgently required in China.
A large study of nearly 21,000 people in Jilin Province found that being overweight or obese was associated with regular meat consumption, having ever been married, and getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was higher among older adults, particularly those aged 55-64 and 65-79.
According to research published in Injury Prevention, black Americans were more likely to be stopped and arrested than whites, yet no more likely to be injured or killed. The study found that excess death rates among blacks and youth reflect exposure to excessive police force.
Research published in Injury Prevention journal reveals that nearly three out of four cases of laundry pod detergent exposure were diagnosed with poisoning compared to contact dermatitis for other detergents. Children under 5 accounted for most of the cases, and hospital admissions were more common for pod exposures.