Researchers have found a possible association between radiotherapy for prostate cancer and an increased risk of developing secondary cancers of the bladder, colorectal tract, and rectum. However, the absolute rates of these secondary cancers remain low compared to other treatment complications.
Research identifies distinct geographical patterns of fatal unintentional firearm injuries in seven Appalachian states with lax child access laws. Five Western coastal states show high rates of 'legal intervention' deaths due to police actions or officer fatalities.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that paid family leave in California is associated with a lower rate of children's admission for head injury, including cases of deliberate inflicted trauma. The study suggests that this policy may have positive effects on reducing childhood abuse admissions.
Newborns may develop severe infections from exposure to vaginal bacteria, experts warn. Encouraging breast feeding and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics may be more important than vaginal seeding for infant health.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood links parental anxiety and depression during pregnancy and preschool period to increased risk of fussy eating behavior in children. Mothers' antenatal symptoms were found to predict their child's fussy eating behavior at age 4, while fathers' pre-school period anxiety was linked to...
Gynaecologists propose permitting small surgical 'nicks' or minimalist procedures that change the appearance of young women's external genitalia without harming them. This compromise approach aims to uphold cultural traditions while safeguarding girls' and women's health and wellbeing. However, some experts disagree, arguing that such ...
A doctor is calling for the removal of provisions that can imprison doctors who prioritize patient care over government instructions. The move follows a high-profile case where paediatricians refused to discharge a baby facing deportation, highlighting the 'impossible ethical and legal position' faced by doctors in Australia.
A recent study found that only 29% of completed clinical trials led by investigators at major US academic centers were published within two years of completion, highlighting the need for improved timely reporting and publication. The study also revealed marked variation in rates of dissemination across institutions, with no center publ...
The study analyzed 10-year survival rates among European populations aged 75-84 to see if they reached 85-94 years of age. Geographical variations in old age survival rates were found, with areas like Madrid and Salamanca in Spain showing high survival rates, while Glasgow and Manchester in the UK showed low survival rates.
Research suggests that joining social groups after retirement can reduce the risk of death and improve quality of life, with effects comparable to those of regular exercise. The study found that maintaining social connections is crucial for retirees, emphasizing the importance of social planning in retirement planning.
A personalized approach to acupuncture has been shown to decrease pain levels and improve functional capacity in individuals with chronic pain, known as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and depression, affecting up to one in twenty people.
The BMJ and UCSF have developed an e-learning program called Research to Publication, which offers a comprehensive range of 48 online modules focused on clinical and public health research. The program aims to empower early career researchers and institutions in developing countries to build their research capacity.
Gun violence claims thousands of lives in the US annually, with experts arguing that a public health approach is needed to address the issue. The 1997 funding freeze has hindered research into gun policies and safety, but experts propose steps such as tracking gun ownership and improving community training.
The new UK alcohol guidelines are unlikely to have a direct impact on drinking, but they do raise awareness of harm. The guidelines present novel information on the link between alcohol and cancer, leading to increased online searches for related terms.
A higher nurse to patient ratio is associated with a reduced risk of inpatient death, particularly when each registered nurse cares for an average of six or fewer medical inpatients. Policies geared towards substituting registered nurses with healthcare support workers should be reviewed.
BMJ is offering free online resources to help healthcare professionals keep up with the latest developments and guidance on diagnosing, advising, and treating patients affected by the Zika virus. The resources include information from leading health organizations such as WHO, Public Health England, and CDC.
A UK study found a link between reduced one-to-one nursing care for sick newborns and higher death rates in neonatal intensive care. The study suggests that improving staffing ratios could reduce neonatal deaths and is in line with guidelines from the British Association of Perinatal Medicine.
Two senior doctors argue that pacemaker battery life must be improved to reduce replacement needs and associated risks. Over half of patients will need new batteries, exposing them to serious complications like infection.
A new investigation by The BMJ questions the validity of a pivotal trial supporting rivaroxaban's approval, citing concerns over a faulty blood clotting test device. Doctors and scientists are now calling for an independent investigation and access to original trial data to clarify the drug's benefits and harms.
A professor of psychiatry argues that schizophrenia should be replaced with 'psychosis spectrum syndrome' due to the complexity and heterogeneity of psychotic illness. The current classification system uses outdated language and may lead to misdiagnosis or overemphasis on this condition.
A study published in The BMJ found that internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can effectively treat body dysmorphic disorder, reducing symptom severity and depression. Participants who received BDD-NET showed significant improvements compared to those receiving online supportive therapy.
A study published by The BMJ found no direct association between benzodiazepine use and dementia, but suggests a possible link in those with low or moderate use. Healthcare providers are still advised to avoid benzodiazepines in older adults due to potential adverse health outcomes.
A consultant cardiologist calls for a culture shift in British medicine to prioritize integrity and transparency, highlighting the case of Anjan Kumar Banerjee, who was awarded an MBE despite research fraud and financial misconduct. The doctor argues that the system is opaque and prone to manipulation.
A study published in Gut journal reveals a 10-fold difference in bowel cancer cases and deaths worldwide, with higher incidence linked to economic development. The adoption of a Western lifestyle is suspected to contribute to the rising rates, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
A large study of military conscripts suggests that a tendency to stress easily in early adulthood is linked to an increased risk of developing high blood pressure in later life. Men with low stress resilience scores at age 18 were more than three times as likely to have high blood pressure, regardless of weight or other factors.
A laboratory study found that cherry-flavored e-cigarettes contain significantly higher levels of benzaldehyde than other flavors, which can irritate the airways. The study suggests that long-term use of cherry-flavored e-cigarettes may result in repeated exposure to this substance.
A study of 536 patients found that those admitted as medical emergencies at weekends are significantly older and more physically incapacitated than weekday admissions. The researchers suggest this may explain the higher death toll for weekend hospital admissions.
A systematic review found antidepressants increase aggression and suicidal thoughts in children, with a doubled risk compared to adults. Experts recommend minimal use and alternative treatments like exercise or psychotherapy.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that increased flavonoid consumption was associated with less weight gain. The largest association was seen for anthocyanins, flavonol polymers, and flavonols, with daily intake linked to a reduction of 0.16-0.23 lbs (0.07-0.10 kg) over four-year intervals.
Research finds that teens who vape are almost three times more likely to start smoking a year later than non-vapers. Vaping is also associated with increased e-cigarette use among teens, but not necessarily reduced smoking frequency.
Research shows that placing a child in the recovery position after losing consciousness can lower hospital admission rates. However, most parents do not use this method and instead resort to potentially dangerous manoeuvres like shaking, slapping, or blowing on the face.
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.