A pilot study found that adding vitamin B12 to standard hepatitis C virus treatment significantly boosts the body's ability to keep the virus at bay, especially in patients with genotype 1 HCV or high viral loads. The treatment strengthened the rate of sustained viral response by 34%.
Research found associations between exposure to certain organic solvents and an increased risk of heart defects in newborns. The study, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, suggests that workplace exposure to organic solvents may be a potential risk factor for several types of congenital heart defects at birth.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that certain jobs carried out by fathers may be linked to an increased risk of birth defects in their babies. Jobs such as mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists, as well as artists and photographers, were associated with a higher risk of birth defects.
Recent immigrant men who are overqualified for their jobs are more than three times as likely to sustain an injury at work compared to their peers. Language barriers, a lack of knowledge about health and safety, and outdated skills may contribute to this increased risk. In contrast, women in similar situations show no such association.
Restricting daily sitting time to less than 3 hours and watching TV for less than 2 hours a day may extend US life expectancy by 2 and 1.4 years respectively, according to an analysis of published research in BMJ Open.
A diet high in vegetables may help prevent acute pancreatitis by reducing oxidative stress. The study found that individuals who consumed the most vegetables daily were 44% less likely to develop the condition than those who ate the least. This protective effect was strongest among heavy drinkers and overweight individuals.
Research found that women who spent long periods standing during pregnancy had slower fetal growth rates, with an average head circumference reduction of 1 cm. Long working hours were not consistently associated with restrictions on fetal development or premature birth, but excessive work may impact birth weight.
Experts say lack of privacy, safety fears and ageism deny elderly care home residents the right to consensual sex. Formal policies are needed to address this, despite research showing residents want their sexual expression acknowledged.
Research published in BMJ Open finds that stillbirth rates are twice as high among the least well-off in England, with the gap remaining constant over eight years. Socio-economic inequalities in stillbirths by cause have been evident across all causes, including bleeding before birth and congenital abnormalities.
Research suggests up to 640,000 hospital admissions and nearly 2 million emergency department visits may be linked to alcohol consumption. Patients who admitted to drinking before their visit were more likely to have injuries and exceeded recommended weekly units.
Research published in BMJ Open found that over half of inner city school-kids in deprived areas consume fast foods/drinks at least twice a week. The most common reasons for buying fast food were taste and ready access, while peer influence played a significant role among frequent consumers.
A Swedish study found that dental plaque is associated with a significantly increased risk of premature death from cancer. The research tracked the health of almost 1,400 adults for 24 years and found that those with high levels of plaque had a 79% higher risk of dying early from cancer.
Research published online first in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found a link between early menopause and an increased risk of cerebral aneurysms. Women who entered menopause at a younger age were more likely to develop brain aneurysms, while later menopause and hormone replacement therapy reduced the risk.
Research published in the journal Heart found that calcium supplements may increase the risk of heart attacks, while boosting dietary calcium intake has no significant heart health benefits. The study of nearly 24,000 participants suggests that high levels of calcium supplements may be harmful due to their impact on blood calcium levels.
Research finds that caesarean section delivery may double the risk of subsequent childhood obesity, with higher levels of Firmicutes bacteria and lower Bacteroides bacteria in the guts of children born via c-section. This association is thought to influence energy extraction from diets, insulin resistance, inflammation, and fat deposits.
A lack of basic evidence is hindering the prevention of sudden heart attacks in sports, with a need to track all incidents like Fabrice Muamba's on-pitch collapse. Reliable data collection and cooperation among sporting organisations are essential to mitigate risks and improve understanding of the condition.
Research published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery found that high volume endovascular stroke centers have faster times to treatment, higher reperfusion rates, and improved clinical outcomes. Patients treated at these centers are more likely to have blood flow restored and survive
A simple drawing test can predict long-term stroke death risk among older men, with lowest scores linked to a threefold increased risk of death. The test is more effective than the mini mental state exam in predicting post-stroke mortality.
A former British Veterinary Association president argues that slaughtering animals without prior stunning is 'not acceptable' and should be restricted to those communities that require it for religious beliefs. The practice is linked to animal welfare concerns, with many animals experiencing pain and distress before loss of consciousness.
Research suggests that health warnings on cigarette packs can deter relapse in ex-smokers. The study, which monitored responses from almost 2,000 recent ex-smokers, found that those who actively used the warnings were less likely to start smoking again.
Research predicts a modest decline in global smoking prevalence to 22% by 2030 without government intervention, but a significant drop to 13% if World Health Organization (WHO) measures are adopted. This could lead to millions of premature deaths prevented.
A systematic review of 13 studies found that electronic reminders, including text messages, boosted patients' ability to stick to their drug dosing schedules, with significant differences reported in eight studies. However, the effectiveness of these reminders may decrease over time due to habituation.
Research based on 367 men and 370 women found that those who are retired, unmarried, or depressed are most at risk of needing urgent hospital care. Men were twice as likely as women to require further urgent hospital care within 30 days of discharge.
Research of almost 4000 teens in Quebec, Canada found that secondary school kids using speed and ecstasy are prone to subsequent depression. The findings were independent of previous bouts of depressive symptoms or other drug use, suggesting additive or synergistic adverse effects of concurrent use.
Research in over 3000 children found no association between vitamin D levels and academic performance. Higher levels of vitamin D2 were linked to poorer English grades and fewer A* to C GCSE grades.
Simple insect bites often resolve on their own without treatment, but over-the-counter remedies have limited efficacy. Antihistamines and steroids are not backed by strong evidence for treating itching and inflammation.
A long-term study found that early life emotional trauma can stunt intellectual development, with the most significant impact during the first two years of life. The study tracked 206 children and found that those exposed to maltreatment or violence against their mother had lower cognitive scores at all age points.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine finds that asbestos workers are significantly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for smoking. Women are found to be at greater risk than men, with longer exposure durations increasing the likelihood of heart disease deaths.
The number of ophthalmologists worldwide is insufficient to meet the growing demands of ageing populations and developing countries. The global shortfall of trained eye doctors is a pressing concern, particularly in low-income countries where capacity is increasing faster than the population.
A national survey of UK ambulance services found significant variation in response to elderly falls patients, with some trusts utilizing dedicated clinical advisors and triage systems. Despite efforts to reduce delays, the provision of care remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for research to inform policy and practice development.
Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that some NHS trusts deliver a consistently better experience for patients, with a strong association between Foundation Trust status and improved performance. The study identified system-wide successes and failures, highlighting areas for improvement across the healthcare system.
Research found that over half of school children carry rucksacks weighing 10% or more of their body weight, increasing the risk of back problems. Girls are more susceptible to back issues, which worsen with age. Experts advise parents and teachers to promote healthy backpacking habits.
A qualitative study of new mothers found that the ideal of exclusive breastfeeding for six months can be unhelpful and difficult to achieve. The study suggests that more realistic and incremental goals should be set, with a focus on emotional support and family-centered care. Healthcare professionals are advised to adopt a proactive ap...
Healthcare professionals are more likely to get vaccinated if they believe the flu jab really works, according to a descriptive meta-analysis of 85,000 healthcare workers. Convenient access and willingness to prevent spread also play significant roles in increasing vaccination rates.
US Army suicides surged by 80% between 2004 and 2008, with 39% of cases linked to post-Iraq events. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance misuse increased significantly during this period.
Researchers argue that UK law on cycle helmets should apply only to kids due to equivocal evidence of adult protection. The authors suggest a paternalistic approach and instead recommend public health information to empower adults to make their own decisions about helmet-wearing.
A matched cohort study found that certain commonly prescribed sleeping pills are associated with a significantly increased risk of death and cancer among users. The study linked these drugs to a more than fourfold increased risk of death, even at relatively low doses.
Research reveals that a significant proportion of vegetarians and patients with dietary restrictions are unwittingly consuming animal gelatin in medicines. Most patients prefer medicines containing only vegetable products, but over half would take a drug with an animal product if no alternative is available.
Researchers in British Journal of Ophthalmology reveal that self-inflicted blinding is a rare complication of severe psychosis, such as schizophrenia. The phenomenon has been mistakenly attributed to sexual guilt and the Oedipus complex, but cultural beliefs are not a plausible explanation for this behavior.
A small qualitative study suggests extending the smoking ban outside bars could help curb 'social smoking' by removing cues that stimulate this behavior. Social smokers often have conflicted identities and manage their smoking through limiting where and when they smoke, rationalizing their behavior with drinking.
Research reveals that Rugby teams with taller backs, heavier forwards, and greater collective experience tend to perform better at the World Cup. The study analyzed data from 1987-2007 and found a significant correlation between team performance and these factors.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) cases in the UK are projected to increase by a third by 2020, with 679,000 individuals affected. The majority of these cases will be in women, and prevalence rates will rise sharply with age.
Research published in Postgraduate Medical Journal reveals significant variations in pass rates for UK medical graduates in MRCOG Part 1 and Part 2 written examinations. Doctors from top-performing medical schools like Oxford and Cambridge had higher pass rates compared to those from lower-performing schools like Southampton and Wales.
A study of four European countries with smoke-free legislation found that banning smoking in public places prompts smokers to ban smoking at home, contrary to the displacement hypothesis. The percentage of smokers implementing a home smoking ban increased significantly across all countries.
A study of nearly 9,000 Norwegian teenagers found that school drop-outs were three times more likely to receive benefits than their peers who completed their education. The findings suggest a strong link between poor health and higher rates of social exclusion in young adulthood.
Research on 850 participants found frequent house moves during childhood were associated with poorer overall health and psychological distress. Illicit drug use during adolescence and adulthood was independently linked to childhood house moves.
A study published in Heart analyzed almost 800 babies and found that combined maternal smoking and high BMI increased the risk of congenital heart abnormalities by more than 2.5 times. The exact mechanism is unclear, but disturbances in cholesterol levels are thought to play a role.
A recent study found that male doctors, those working in group practices, and those repeatedly seeing the same patients are at higher risk of burnout. The research used a validated measure to assess emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and reduced personal accomplishment among 564 GPs.
A regional survey of 1500 NHS junior doctors found that they are willing and able to contribute to improving health services, but lack support and recognition. The survey results highlight the need for the government and NHS organisations to value and engage junior doctors to optimise organisational performance.
Researchers treated 17 patients with trigeminal neuralgia using Cyberknife radiosurgery, resulting in partial or complete relief from symptoms for 14 patients. The procedure offered a viable alternative to invasive approaches, with no major complications reported.