A study published in BMJ Open found that the UK's research funding for dementia and stroke is still too low, with cancer receiving nearly two-thirds of the £856 million allocated. The social care costs of dementia outweigh those of other conditions, highlighting the need for increased investment in these areas.
Research published in BMJ Open found that children with type 1 diabetes are almost five times more likely to be hospitalized compared to their peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 1577 Welsh children, also revealed that pre-schoolers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are most at risk of hospital admission.
Researchers have developed a new technology that accurately identifies high-risk changes in exhaled breath, indicating stomach cancer development. The nanoarray analysis method shows promise for non-invasive screening and monitoring of those at risk.
The Indian government's spending cuts will exacerbate inadequate health services, according to experts. The cuts will lead to delays in achieving universal access to healthcare and will persist huge shortfalls in healthcare staff and infrastructure.
Research finds that UK food banks are more likely to open in areas with high unemployment rates and greater central government welfare cuts. This is associated with a higher rate of people seeking emergency food assistance.
UK death rates for children's heart surgery have almost halved from 4.3% to 2.6% between 2000 and 2010, despite a rise in the number and complexity of cases. This shift suggests that more complex patients were taken on in later years.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that children whose parents regularly used bleach to clean the home had higher rates of respiratory and other infections. The risk of flu, tonsillitis, and any infection was significantly higher among these children, with risks of 20% and 35% respectively.
A new investigation by The BMJ reveals that NHS doctors could prescribe the affordable and effective sight loss drug Avastin for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration. If allowed, this could release £102 million annually to reinvest in other frontline patient services.
Experts analyze data from a national survey to question the feasibility of party promises on accessing general practice. The analysis highlights that guarantees of appointments within 48 hours may be unrealistic, and recruiting 5,000 more GPs could prove challenging.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found paracetamol to be ineffective in reducing pain intensity and improving disability or quality of life for patients with lower back pain. However, it provided small benefits in reducing pain and disability for osteoarthritis, while increasing the risk of liver function test abnormalities.
The FDA approves new antibiotics with minimal evidence of efficacy against antimicrobial resistance. Despite this, industry and medical societies claim the drugs address the issue, sparking concerns over safety and efficacy standards.
Researchers argue key assumptions in the report are simplistic and call for a revised approach. They question whether the pledge has been met, citing potential flaws in data and analysis.
Experts say research is needed to develop strategies to protect athletes from brain injury, citing a lack of long-term studies and unclear causes. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has been linked to repeated blows to the head, but diagnosis requires autopsy and more research is needed to understand its development.
A new series of articles examines the association between air pollution and health, with studies finding links between short-term exposure and increased risks of stroke and anxiety. The research highlights the need for policy changes to reduce exposure in highly polluted regions.
The unregulated online market for human breast milk puts infants at risk due to lack of pasteurization and proper testing. Experts call for legal regulation and training for healthcare workers to ensure safe alternatives are offered to mothers struggling with breastfeeding.
Conscientiousness in childhood is a significant predictor of adult smoking behavior, accounting for 5% of the social gradient. Childhood conscientiousness emerges as a stronger predictor than adult conscientiousness.
India's TB epidemic is worsened by the failure of its Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program to engage the private sector, argues Dr. Zarir Udwadia. The program needs to provide free diagnosis and treatment to all patients, regardless of sector, to control the spread of TB.
At least 30 dogs in England have died from a mysterious kidney disease, with evidence found in 15 breeds including English springer spaniel, Labrador retriever and cocker spaniel. The disease is believed to be Alabama rot, which causes skin lesions and kidney failure.
Standardized packaging in Australia has been associated with increased thinking about quitting and quit attempts, as well as a decrease in appeal among school children. In contrast, retail prices for cigarettes have increased across the board, despite no evidence of an increase in illicit cigarette consumption.
Standardized packaging with large graphic health warnings was associated with increased thoughts of quitting and quit attempts among adult smokers. The study found that smokers were more likely to report intentions to try to quit, conceal their packs from view, and stub out cigarettes prematurely during the introduction period.
A review of evidence suggests a possible increase in mortality with no clear benefit when using the anti-clotting drug alteplase more than 3 hours after stroke. The current guidance is based on uncertain evidence, and researchers are urging for a re-evaluation of data to guide policy decisions.
Research suggests rosuvastatin's health benefits are weak and its side effects, such as increased diabetes risk, outweigh the advantages. The drug's approval was based on a study that may have overestimated treatment effects.
Researchers found that low stress resilience in adolescence increases heart disease risk, even with good physical fitness. The study of 237,980 men suggests that promoting both exercise and stress management could help prevent heart disease.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people with a history of gout have a 24% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 3.7 million people and found this protective effect, possibly due to uric acid's antioxidant properties.
Researchers argue that aneurysm screening programs should be revised due to reduced benefits and increased harm in modern populations. The screenings are estimated to overdiagnose AAA cases by 176 out of every 10,000 men invited.
A UK survey found that people's willingness to accept overdetection in cancer screening varies greatly, depending on the level of benefit and perceived harms. The study revealed that up to 14% would accept overdetection in the entire population, with median acceptability ranging from 113 to 150 cases.
The debate surrounding breast cancer overdiagnosis has led to inconsistent estimates, with some suggesting up to 50% of diagnosed cancers may be overdiagnosed. Experts argue that achieving consensus is crucial for providing balanced and uncontested information to women.
A recent meta-analysis of 36 studies found that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. Participants who consumed 3-5 cups of coffee per day had the lowest risk of clogged arteries and heart attacks.
Researchers found a consistent dose-response relationship between paracetamol and adverse events, including mortality, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and renal problems. This suggests that clinicians should reevaluate the drug's effectiveness and tolerability for certain conditions, particularly when analgesic benefit is uncertain.
Extending UK anti-smoking legislation to parks and squares aims to support healthy lifestyle choices, particularly among young people. The proposal is based on evidence from successful smoking bans worldwide, which have been shown to reduce smoking prevalence and improve public health.
The study found a sharp rise in the use of mice and unregulated species in US laboratory research, contradicting industry claims and government efforts. The data highlights the need for greater transparency and efforts to curb animal use in scientific research.
India's Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2011 is criticized for lacking specific criminal penalties and civil protections for whistleblowers. Despite this, organizations like Medileaks offer a platform for doctors to share information about malpractices in medicine.
A study published in The BMJ found that older patients who stayed in the hospital for less than 10 days after a hip fracture were more likely to die. The research analyzed data from 116,111 Swedish residents and showed that shorter hospital stays increased the risk of death.
A senior doctor's interviews reveal widespread irrational drug prescribing, kickbacks for referrals, and unnecessary investigations in India's private healthcare sector. The system largely treats patients as revenue generators, without rationality or medical logic.
The tobacco industry deployed massive third-party lobbying to subvert the revised European Tobacco Products Directive, which became national law next year. The directive includes increased graphic health warnings and restrictions on cigarette packs but was weakened due to industry interference.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine reveals that the UK 'fit note' is associated with fewer people taking long-term sick leave of 12 weeks or more. However, the proportion of people off work with depression, anxiety, and stress has increased.
Research links water fluoridation above 0.7 mg/l to a 30% higher than expected rate of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in England. Researchers suggest switching to non-fluoride-based interventions to protect tooth health.
Research finds that napping beyond 2 years of age is associated with reduced night-time sleep quality in young children. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, analyzed data from 26 studies and found that prolonged napping delays sleep onset and shortens overall night-time sleep duration.
A survey of 2500 Dutch doctors found that 86% would consider helping a patient to die under certain circumstances. Attitudes towards euthanasia and assisted suicide varied by condition, with most willing to help patients with cancer or other physical diseases, but fewer for those with mental illnesses.
Choosing a screen name with a letter starting in the top half of the alphabet can maximise online dating success. A 70:30 ratio of who you are and what you're looking for is also key, while humour, physical fitness, and genuine profiles can increase likability. Men and women have different preferences when it comes to names and traits.
Public health scientists receiving funding from companies like Coca-Cola and Mars have also advised on nutritional guidance, raising questions about bias and conflict of interest. Research funded by the sugar industry has been linked to obesity crisis solutions.
A study found that graduated licensing can reduce crashes by 20-30% among young drivers. Experts urge the government to introduce a
Research suggests that any potential health benefits from moderate alcohol consumption may only apply to women over 65, and even then, the evidence is limited. High alcohol consumption is linked to over 200 conditions and costs £55bn annually in England.
A study published in The BMJ found that children who drowned and suffered cardiac arrest with hypothermia have poor outcomes if resuscitation continues for more than 30 minutes. Most children (89%) died, while only 11% survived with severe neurological damage.
Research concludes that historical dietary guidelines on fat consumption in the US and UK were not supported by solid trial evidence. The analysis of six relevant trials found no difference in deaths from coronary heart disease between treatment and comparison groups.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that smoking impairs the response to biological drugs used to treat inflammatory back arthritis. Current smokers responded significantly less well to treatment and achieved smaller reductions in disease activity scores compared to non-smokers.
Two-thirds of primary care health professionals want to widen exemption criteria for long-term conditions and lower or abolish charges altogether. The current system is seen as a barrier that prevents some people from receiving necessary prescriptions.
A study of almost 6500 people found that recent gut and urinary tract infections were associated with a significantly lowered risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Infections within the past two years reduced the risk by 29%, 22% and 20% respectively.
A healthy diet rich in whole grains and polyunsaturated fats is associated with a lower risk of chronic lung disease, according to a study published in The BMJ. The Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 was found to be linked to a one-third lower risk of newly diagnosed COPD.
A report by The BMJ found that only around two-thirds of Ebola donations ($1.9 billion) reached affected countries, with delays in disbursements potentially contributing to the spread of the virus. Expert Karen Grépin argues that existing mechanisms need improvement to enable rapid deployment of funds for future public health threats.