A study published in The BMJ found that supervised exercise therapy is as effective as arthroscopic surgery in improving thigh muscle strength and knee function in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscal tears. Researchers recommend considering structured exercise therapy as a treatment option for this type of knee damage.
A study of 28,000 patients found that increased imaging after initial treatment for thyroid cancer did not lead to better survival rates, but rather more aggressive treatment for recurrence. The researchers emphasize the importance of curbing unnecessary imaging and tailoring care to individual patient risk.
Research suggests that home-cooked meals designed for infants and young children often exceed energy density and dietary fat recommendations, yet are cheaper than commercially available baby foods. The study found that commercial products met dietary recommendations on energy density more frequently than home-cooked meals.
A high dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish may help lower the risk of death from bowel cancer in patients diagnosed with the disease. Patients with a higher omega 3 intake were found to have a 41% lower risk of dying from their disease, according to researchers.
A review of evidence suggests that multivitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant women are unlikely to provide significant benefits, and may be an unnecessary expense. Folic acid and vitamin D supplements, available at a lower cost, are recommended instead.
Research suggests a small increase in alcohol duty may reduce violence-related emergency department visits by 6000 annually. Lower on-trade and off-trade prices are associated with higher attendance rates.
An expert argues that economic inequality and austerity, not immigration, are the root causes of worsening health and declining living standards in Britain. The UK's public spending cuts have led to a decrease in education and training funding, increasing student loans and debt.
The BMJ has released a series of infographics revealing UK doctors' payments from pharmaceutical companies, showing that those with the highest earnings are less likely to disclose payments. The database is seen as a step towards greater transparency and public accountability, but critics argue it is insufficient.
Research suggests that cigarette butts can leach metal contaminants into the marine environment and potentially harm local species. The study found varying levels of metals in cigarette butts at nine locations along the Persian Gulf, with significant changes not detected between assessments.
Trauma researchers emphasize the importance of increased funding to develop evidence-based interventions and enhance disaster preparedness. The US is experiencing a surge in mass casualty events, including natural disasters and gun violence incidents.
A study published in The BMJ found that less than 60% of premature babies born in 11 European countries received a package of four simple, widely available care measures known to improve survival. Receiving full evidence-based care was associated with improved survival rates.
Public health experts argue that NHS England should fund PrEP to prevent HIV transmission, comparable to vaccination services. Delays may result in avoidable mortality and increased NHS costs.
A woman was admitted to intensive care due to a rare infection believed to be transmitted by her Italian greyhound, while a teenage girl had pinworms in her appendix. A 26-year-old student also developed lead poisoning from taking Indian Ayurvedic herbal medicines.
Tampon manufacturers could dedicate a portion of their revenues to support public health programs preventing domestic and sexual violence, affecting over a billion women globally. Effective strategies have been identified but remain underfunded due to stigma.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that medical devices approved first in the EU have a higher rate of safety issues, while clinical trial results remain unpublished or unavailable up to five years after approval. Experts call for greater regulatory transparency to enable informed decisions about treatment.
A recent study found that a period of controversy over statin risks and benefits led to a temporary increase in people stopping their statin treatment in the UK. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that widespread media coverage may have impacted healthcare-related behavior.
European countries should not adopt Australia's immigration system, which perpetuates human rights abuses and torture in detention centers. The lack of transparency in the system is particularly concerning, with allegations of waterboarding, force-feeding, and restraints on asylum seekers surfaced.
Researchers propose reducing the threshold for pre-emptive surgery on women at high risk of ovarian cancer from 10% to 4%. This could add up to 43 extra days of life expectancy if hormone replacement therapy is taken. The procedure would be cost-effective and help compensate for the lack of a reliable test.
A new consensus statement on physical activity in schools and during leisure time reveals that exercise boosts kids' brain power and academic prowess. Regular physical activity improves heart health, metabolism, and develops life skills, boosting self-esteem and social inclusion.
US research suggests that moms who don't use fertility treatment are more likely to have twins with birth defects. The study found associations between twinning and birth defects, particularly in mothers of identical twins and those using fertility treatment.
A recent analysis found that approximately 43% of the UK population, around 28 million adults, suffer from chronic pain. The prevalence is expected to rise as the population ages, with older individuals being more likely to experience long-term pain. Women are also more likely to be affected by chronic pain than men.
A large observational study found that university-educated individuals are more likely to develop certain types of brain tumors, including gliomas and meningiomas. Men with higher education were 19% more likely to develop glioma, while women were 23% more likely.
A new study found that laws restricting alcohol sales in Texas counties are associated with higher rates of alcohol misuse and liver disease, as well as atrial fibrillation. In contrast, dry counties had lower rates of these conditions, suggesting a potential benefit to alcohol restrictions.
A systematic review of 45 studies found that higher whole grain consumption was associated with reduced risks of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and mortality from various causes. The researchers recommend increasing whole grain intake to reduce chronic disease risk.
ADHD prescriptions in UK children increased over two decades but have levelled off since 2008. Treatment tends to last longer in the UK than in other countries.
The revised UK Eatwell Guide lacks an evidence base and has been formulated by those with industry ties. Dr Zoe Harcombe argues that a high carb-low fat approach has contributed to rising obesity and diabetes rates in the UK.
A recent US study found that white male physicians earn substantially more than black male physicians, even after adjusting for factors such as medical specialty and experience. Female physicians also face a pay gap, with lower incomes compared to their male counterparts.
Despite compelling evidence of PrEP's effectiveness, NHS England has yet to commission the treatment, leading to continued delays. The National Aids Trust is taking the matter to court for judicial review, citing discrimination against vulnerable groups.
Experts say women are underrepresented in sport and exercise research due to fears about drug trials and physiologic differences. This exclusion perpetuates a significant gap in understanding the impact of hormonal fluctuations on athletic performance.
Two studies found that a significant proportion of British adults, including older adults, have sex with new partners while traveling overseas. The research emphasizes the importance of providing safer sex information in pre-departure travelers' health advice to mitigate risks of sexually transmitted infections.
A large study published in The BMJ reveals that women with migraines are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Migraine has been consistently linked to an increased risk of stroke, but few studies have shown an association with cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Researchers found a slight increase in abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) in children and young people with ADHD who use methylphenidate, which may trigger arrhythmia in individual patients. The benefits of the medication should be carefully weighed against its potential cardiovascular risks.
A leading physician argues that family planning is highly cost-effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advocates for voluntary family planning as a crucial strategy. Studies show that having one less child can reduce carbon legacy by up to 9441 tonnes, more than other eco-actions.
Research reveals significant gender disparity in referrals to a cardiac center in Northern India, with boys outnumbering girls by more than two-to-one. The study suggests that societal attitudes towards the value of girls contribute to this disparity, prompting calls for medical professionals and policymakers to address these issues.
An editorial published by The BMJ argues that money back guarantees are not the answer to improving data reproducibility in research. Instead, it advocates for open science and open data as key solutions. This approach would involve making all protocols, hypotheses, raw data, methods, and analyses publicly available.
A recent Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to conclude that dressings reduce surgical site infection. However, dressings may provide a barrier to direct injury and reduce patient anxiety. The authors recommend using basic, low-absorbency dressings at a cost of a few pence per dressing.
A systematic review of research published up to 2015 found an association between exposure to air pollution and a heightened risk of stillbirth. Specifically, small particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide were linked to a 2% increased risk of stillbirth.
A UK-based service using DIY home sampling kits and online dating apps has successfully detected over three-quarters of new HIV cases before late-stage infection. The approach catches most men before their infection reaches an advanced stage, making it easier to treat effectively.
A recent EU survey found that over 50% of Europeans believe e-cigarettes pose a health risk, despite continued use surging across member states. The study also reveals that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to have tried e-cigarettes, highlighting the need for better understanding of their impact on public health.
The next WHO director general must establish a well-coordinated system for preventing and responding to outbreaks, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and engage private sector foundations during public health emergencies. This is according to experts' analysis of key questions for prospective candidates.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher intakes of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes and French fries are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Replacing one serving a day of potatoes with non-starchy vegetables is linked to a lower risk of hypertension.
A study published in The BMJ found that the accuracy of coding for acute stroke admissions differed substantially between weekend and weekday admissions. This suggests that previous studies based on hospital coding data alone may be undermined by inaccurate coding, leading to an apparent 'weekend effect'.
A sharp increase in teen poisonings has been reported in the UK over the past 20 years, particularly among girls. Socioeconomic deprivation is strongly linked to this trend, with those from the most deprived areas two to three times more likely to poison themselves.
Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that methadone was responsible for 57% of pediatric fatalities due to prescribed drug poisoning. Additionally, benzodiazepines accounted for nearly one in five cases. The study highlights the need for robust data recording to prevent such tragedies.
A study of 90,000 nurses found that high fruit consumption during adolescence was associated with a 25% lower risk of breast cancer diagnosed in middle age. Increasing alcohol intake in later life was linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
The NHS should significantly increase weight loss surgery rates to help patients reduce weight and obesity-related conditions. Studies show surgery is clinically effective and cost-effective, with benefits including reduced healthcare costs in the long term.
The BMJ OnExamination tool helps overseas nurses prepare for the NMC's Test of Competence, a mandatory computer-based test. After passing the test, they can register with the NMC and practice in the UK.
Research published in BMJ Open found that single dose targeted intraoperative radiotherapy can save patients thousands of hours of time, journeys, and CO2 emissions compared to standard treatment. The study estimates that widespread adoption of TARGIT could save millions of miles, tons of CO2, and hundreds of hours of travel time annually
A recent study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that smoking during pregnancy and being overweight before pregnancy are key factors contributing to the social divide in childhood obesity rates. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 children born in the UK between 2000-2002 and found a significant association be...
A teenage boy's liver injury from paintballing highlights growing pellet-related injuries. Black henna tattoos have also been linked to allergic reactions. A former WWII soldier's body revealed various war injuries, including shrapnel fragments.