Unqualified practitioners posing as doctors are widespread in India, particularly in rural areas. Trained quacks could alleviate the country's doctor shortage by providing basic care while referring complex cases to qualified doctors.
A randomized controlled trial evaluated consent for HIV testing, showing opt-out schemes can substantially increase patient acceptance compared to opt-in schemes. Active choice testing may be the most effective approach in reflecting patients' true preferences, researchers suggest.
An irregular heartbeat is a stronger risk factor for stroke, heart disease, and death in women than in men. The cause is unclear, but the results support more aggressive treatment of risk factors in women.
A study found that UK teens, particularly those aged 13-15, are heavily exposed to alcohol and tobacco images and lyrics in digital YouTube music videos. The research suggests that these depictions can lead to increased consumption and pose a significant health hazard.
Research finds occupational textile dust exposure associated with a more than doubling in rheumatoid arthritis risk. Genetic susceptibility to ACPA antibodies is also linked, with those exposed nearly three times as likely to develop the disease.
Two experts debate the impact of alcohol abstinence campaigns like Dry January, with one arguing they may have unintended consequences for heavy drinkers. On the other hand, another expert suggests that such campaigns can help people reflect on their drinking habits and make longer-term changes.
The use of prescribed opioids during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome and other birth defects. Experts recommend limiting opioid use to severe cases only, with careful monitoring if necessary.
A study published in The BMJ found that higher potato consumption before pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes. Swapping potatoes for other vegetables, legumes, or whole grains may lower this risk, possibly due to their lower glycaemic index.
Staff at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust have reduced waiting times for mental health patients after redesigning their referral system. The results show an improvement in both waiting times and percentage of patients seen within set standards following a single intervention.
A study published by The BMJ found that Mexico's 10% sugar sweetened drinks tax led to a 12% reduction in sales and a 4% increase in purchases of untaxed beverages. The findings have important implications for obesity prevention efforts, particularly among low socioeconomic groups.
Charging patients for GP consultations could raise much-needed funds for the NHS, according to some. However, critics warn that this approach may lead to increased costs, reduced access to care, and decreased health outcomes.
A large prospective observational study found no association between oral contraceptive use and major birth defects. The study included over 880,000 live-born infants and found no increased risk among women who became pregnant while using or after stopping the drug.
Experts argue that cancer screening has never been shown to 'save lives' due to reduced overall mortality rates. Harms associated with screening, such as overdiagnosis and false positives, are significant concerns. The authors call for higher standards of evidence and consideration of harms in cancer screening.
A woman with treatment-resistant depression was found to have a brain tumor after symptoms persisted for six months despite antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication. The tumor, located in her left frontal lobe, was later treated successfully with emergency surgery, resulting in the disappearance of depressive symptoms.
A 33-year-old professional goalkeeper suffered an extremely rare complete rupture of his teres major muscle while playing a football match. He recovered after conservative treatment and physiotherapy, eventually returning to competition level without pain or limitation.
A 17-year-old woman contracted rat-bite fever from her pet rodents, a rare condition that can be treated. The case highlights the risk of infection from pet animals and the importance of proper hygiene.
A teenage girl's excessive codeine use led to a confusional state and loss of memory. Doctors warn that the lack of evidence supporting codeine's benefits in cough remedies makes its risks particularly unnecessary.
Two-year-olds demonstrate impressive touch-screen skills, able to swipe, unlock, and search for features. Researchers suggest this technology may aid in childhood development assessment and early intervention.
A large inner city hospital in England found that almost three-quarters of weekend emergency care cases are linked to excess alcohol intake, resulting in significant costs for urban emergency care departments. The analysis, published online, reveals substantial costs for treating alcohol-related cases, with an annual bill of £1 million.
The UK's failure to fortify flour with folic acid has caused around 2000 avoidable cases of neural tube defects since 1998. Researchers recommend adopting the US policy to curb associated deaths and disability, citing a potential fall in prevalence of 21% if implemented.
A study found that women account for 13% of department leader positions, while moustachioed men account for 19%. The researchers suggest policies like family benefits and flexible scheduling to increase women in leadership without discriminating against men with facial hair.
A study published in The BMJ found that Americans do not have better teeth than the English, with higher rates of missing teeth and poorer oral health reporting. The US also experiences wider educational and income-related oral health inequalities compared to England.
A small study found that watching horror movies significantly increased blood coagulant factor VIII levels in young and healthy adults, suggesting a physiological response to fear. The researchers argue that this increase is an evolutionary adaptation to prepare the body for blood loss during life-threatening situations.
Researchers used fMRI to identify brain areas linked to Christmas spirit, including the primary motor and parietal lobules. The study's findings could advance understanding of festive cultural traditions and help patients with Christmas spirit deficiencies.
A large study of over 93,000 women found that active and passive smoking are associated with an increased risk of infertility and earlier menopause. Women who smoked daily had a 14% greater risk of infertility, while those exposed to second-hand smoke had a 26% heightened risk of menopause before age 50.
Research found a heightened risk of subsequent mania and bipolar disorder in adults treated with certain antidepressants, including SSRIs and venlafaxine. The peak age for diagnosis was among patients aged 26 to 35, with an annual risk of 1.2%.
Cycling World champions experience a dip in performance while wearing the champion's stripes due to regression to the mean. Dr Thomas Perneger's study analyzes racing results from 1965 to 2013, finding no significant difference between seasons with and without the rainbow jersey.
A study found that politicians elected as heads of government face a higher risk of early death compared to runner-up candidates. In contrast, the general population in the UK has seen a 37% lower mortality rate over the past 65 years.
A US expert is urging a unified global response to the growing threat of zombie infections. Emerging outbreaks have been identified worldwide, with a range of potential causes including viruses and fungi.
A study found that Bob Dylan's lyrics are increasingly cited in biomedical papers, with 213 references identified. The most cited songs are 'The Times They Are A-Changin'' and 'Blowin'' In The Wind'', sparking interest among medical professionals.
A team of researchers has identified a unique gait pattern among top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The experts link this 'gunslinger's gait' to military or intelligence training, specifically KGB instruction on keeping the weapon close to the chest while walking.
Research published in BMJ Open found that moderate drinking (2-3 units daily) is associated with a lower risk of death among people with early stage Alzheimer's disease. The study analyzed data from 321 participants and found that those who drank moderately had a 77% lowered risk of death compared to those who drank little or no alcohol.
A UK study found that women using contraceptive implants or injectables after an initial abortion were more likely to have a repeat abortion. Factors such as socioeconomic deprivation, age, and previous obstetric history increased the risk of repeat terminations.
A large US study found that over half of patients with controlled type 2 diabetes receive more tests than recommended guidelines, leading to overtreatment and potential patient harm. The study also highlights fragmented care coordination as a possible reason for repeat tests.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that the flu vaccine is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in children with egg allergy. Young people with well-controlled asthma or recurrent wheeze can also be safely vaccinated, according to the findings.
Research suggests that second-generation antidepressants and CBT have comparable effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder. Experts recommend making both treatments accessible to primary care patients, regardless of personal preference.
A small study found that surface nicotine was detectable on mothers' fingers and furniture in a neonatal unit, suggesting exposure to thirdhand smoke. Detectable levels of nicotine metabolites were also found in babies' urine samples, with potential health consequences for vulnerable premature newborns.
Injuries have fallen by almost a third since 1990, with car crashes, self-harm, and falls making up the top causes, while fracture injuries require hospital admission. The global injury toll remains high but decreased in most regions, prompting researchers to conclude that the world is becoming safer.
Pharmaceutical sales representatives are screening people in India for their products, raising concerns about unchecked conflicts of interest and potential harm to patients. Local residents receive medical testing at 'health camps,' some organized by Indian drug firms and pharmaceutical companies like Abbott and Roche.
Reducing large food portions could lead to a 12-16% reduction in daily energy intake among UK adults and a 22-29% reduction among US adults. Experts suggest implementing policy changes such as smaller serving sizes, restricted packaging, and pricing practices.
A nationally representative survey of over 7,000 people in India reveals that more than one in four older individuals on low and middling incomes have an unhealthy midriff bulge. Women are particularly prone to central adiposity, with a significant portion carrying an unhealthy spare tyre.
Recent Western blood pressure guidelines may be too high for Asian populations, especially those at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend a target blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, but this threshold could boost stroke risk in elderly Asians.
A consultant dermatologist warns that widespread misuse of skin creams with steroids is causing substantial damage in India. Over 14% of patients using these creams suffered from harmful effects, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and public education on safe use.
Research shows that patients are not harmed during doctor strikes in developed countries when emergency care is available. Studies have found no significant increase in mortality rates during strikes, despite some concerns from healthcare professionals.
A recent study found that neural tube defects in Europe have not declined substantially over the past 20 years, despite long-standing recommendations for folic acid supplements. The study analyzed data from 11,000 cases and suggested that mandatory fortification of food staples with folic acid could be an effective means of prevention.
Babies born in English NHS hospitals at the weekend have a higher risk of death within seven days and increased rates of other complications. Researchers estimated around 770 newborn deaths and 470 maternal infections per year above expected levels if performance was consistent across different days of the week.
A large study found that infants under 12 months are most at risk of serious physical abuse, with severe injuries leading to a threefold increase in mortality compared to other types of trauma. The majority (98%) of abused children were under 5 years old, and nearly all (76%) were less than 1 year old.
Eating a daily handful of walnuts improves blood vessel cell wall function and lowers total and LDL cholesterol in adults at risk of diabetes. The walnut diet also enhances endothelial cell function, regardless of calorie intake.
Pedestrian wheelchair users in the US are more than a third likely to die in road traffic collisions. Men's risk is 5 times higher than women's, particularly among 50- to 64-year-olds. Inadequate pedestrian facilities and driver failure contribute to these risks.
A new alliance of UK health professionals aims to place health at the center of climate change negotiations. The Health Professional Alliance to Combat Climate Change advocates for improving air quality, increasing active transport, and reducing healthcare's environmental footprint.