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.
A study found H7N9 virus transmission from a hospital patient to an unrelated individual, challenging common exposure assumptions. The live poultry market is considered the most probable source of infection for the original case.
Despite improvements in antidote availability, many UK hospitals still lack essential stocks for treating poisoned patients. The study found that only 20 out of 22 category A and B antidotes were stocked within the recommended time in over 78% of hospitals.
The merger of Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller poses significant global health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The new company's expansion plans in Africa are driven by targeting low-income consumers, echoing the strategies of transnational tobacco companies.
A recent report highlights the health risks associated with Taser use, particularly against mentally ill patients. The device has been linked to eye injuries, seizures, and even death, prompting a review of police use of force.
A consensus statement by 22 experts rejects the use of genetic testing to spot sporting talent or boost performance in children and young athletes. The limited scientific data on genetics of sports performance is insufficient to support these commercial tests.
Research finds a 'serious' toll on mental health after introducing tougher disability benefit assessments in England. A higher reassessment rate was linked to more suicides, mental ill health issues, and antidepressant prescribing. The study suggests that the policy may be undermining the mental health of claimants.
Classifying high risk has become a disease in itself, undermining preventive medicine efforts. Doctors and patients often lack understanding of what constitutes high risk and the anticipated treatment benefit, leading to ineffective prevention strategies.
There are around 500,000 new work-related illnesses every year, with over 13,000 deaths caused by occupational exposures. However, only 0.3% of these cases are reported to the Health and Safety Executive, leading to a lack of enforcement of employers' duty to protect workers.
A large study found that computer-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) provides little or no benefits for depression, with low patient adherence and engagement being the main reason. The study suggests that routine promotion of computer-based CBT should be reconsidered due to its ineffectiveness as a treatment.
Two new risk prediction tools can identify patients with diabetes who are at high risk of serious complications, such as blindness and amputation. The tools use variables that patients are likely to know or that are routinely recorded in general practice computer systems.
Research finds that areas with more restrictive alcohol licensing policies have lower drink-related hospital admissions, with a 2% reduction seen in local authorities with medium-high intensity scores. This suggests that tighter local curbs can lead to measurable reductions in alcohol-attributable hospital admissions.
Research reveals childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. The study found that survivors were up to 60% more likely to develop an autoimmune disorder than those without a history of childhood cancer, with the excess risk persisting for decades.
This week in BMJ Case Reports highlights the risks of accidental overdosing on herbal medicines, severe iron deficiency associated with heavy head lice infestation, and a rare complication involving a hair pin pierced through a child's kidney.
A US study found that physicians who spend more resources are less likely to face malpractice claims, regardless of whether it's for defensive or non-defensive reasons. The study analyzed data from nearly 19 million hospital admissions and found associations across seven specialties, with family medicine physicians being the exception.
Experts argue that banning smoking in all areas of psychiatric hospitals can lead to better patient engagement with treatment and improved mental health. Studies show that patients with serious mental health problems are more likely to die prematurely due to smoking-related diseases.
Experts warn that easily accessible online prescription sleeping tablets pose a significant risk of addiction and misuse, particularly for vulnerable individuals. The BMJ report highlights the need for regulatory authorities to ensure websites comply with medicines regulations.
A recent UK study found that around 1 in 100 patients are at risk of receiving an inappropriate prescription, highlighting the need for regular drug reviews. The study also emphasizes the importance of considering the risks of prescribing multiple drugs, particularly for older patients and those with multiple conditions.
Experts warn that chemsex, involving psychoactive drugs for extended periods, poses significant health risks, including HIV and mental health problems. Limited data hinders advice from clinicians, and funding for specialized services is waning.
A large study has linked consumption of at least two daily glasses of sweetened drinks to a heightened risk of heart failure in men. The researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 men in Sweden and found that those who drank two or more glasses per day were 23% more likely to develop heart failure compared to non-consumers.