Research published in the Journal of Medical Genetics found that faulty intellectual disability genes are largely paternal in origin and more common in children born to older fathers. The study analyzed rare copy number variations (CNVs) in over 3,500 people with intellectual disabilities.
Research suggests that referring patients with mental health problems to talking therapies reduces their use of healthcare services and sick leave. Patients who received therapy had fewer hospital admissions, outpatient appointments, and emergency care services, but were prescribed more antidepressants.
The study reveals regional and temporal variations in organ donation across the UK, with Wales consistently outperforming its neighbors. England and Scotland have lower organ donation rates, while Northern Ireland surprises with high lung donation rates.
The NHS has wasted £625 million on synthetic insulin over the past decade, as recommended human alternatives would have been just as effective, reveals research published in BMJ Open. The study analyzed publicly available data and found that the annual cost of synthetic insulin rose from 12% to 85% of total costs.
Research found that under 16s comprise just 0.6% of national NHS patient surveys since 2004, with most young adults being less satisfied with their care than older adults
A new image-guided technique may enable more stroke patients to be successfully treated, particularly those living far from specialist medical care. Researchers found no difference in recovery time or 90-day survival rates between patients receiving treatment within six hours of symptom onset.
Experts argue that current film classification guidelines are inadequate and failing to control the impact on adolescents. Studies show a significant association between smoking depiction in films and increased risk of tobacco use among teenagers. The authors propose applying default 18 classification for all films containing smoking.
Research reveals significant differences in patient experience of primary care among different age groups, health statuses, and ethnicities. Minority ethnic patients report lower satisfaction rates due to poorer practice performance, but internal factors also contribute to the disparities.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that biological agents for rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of skin cancer. The pooled risk showed a 45% higher likelihood of developing other types of skin cancer, while two studies indicated a 79% increased risk of melanoma.
Research published in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care found parents who lost a child during the first year of life are at significantly increased risk of an early death. Bereaved mothers are especially prone to an early death, with effects lasting up to 25 years.
A review of seven studies involving over 100,000 participants found that higher levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke. However, the authors caution that further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Watching TV for six hours a day may shorten life expectancy by almost five years, according to research. Sedentary behavior is associated with a higher risk of death from heart attack or stroke, and TV viewing accounts for substantial sedentary activity.
Research published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found a significant association between pre-pregnancy obesity and asthma-like respiratory symptoms in adolescents. Teenagers whose mothers were severely overweight before pregnancy were 20-30% more likely to wheeze or have asthma.
The deployment of speed cameras in urban areas saves vast amounts of money by reducing the number of road traffic accidents. This financial analysis reveals net savings of up to £20.17 million over two years.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine suggests that growing up on a livestock farm is associated with an increased risk of developing blood cancers. The study found that those who grew up on poultry farms were three times more likely to develop a blood cancer.
An analysis of patient safety incident data reveals that the NHS is poorly equipped to handle obese patients, with common themes including inadequate staffing, specially adapted equipment, and surgical errors. Most incidents resulted in little or no harm, but severe cases were reported.
A survey of 733 medical students found that nearly half believe doctors should object to certain procedures, such as abortions and intimate examinations. Muslim students were more likely to express this view, while Jewish students were less likely.
A randomized trial found that manual breast milk expression was more effective in improving breastfeeding rates than using a breast pump, especially in the first two months. Manual expression also led to higher comfort levels and more frequent breastfeeding among mothers.
Research published in BMJ Open found a strong association between contact allergies and reduced rates of breast, non-melanoma skin, and brain cancers. However, higher rates of bladder cancer were detected among those with contact allergies.
Climbing the social ladder may reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure among those born into disadvantaged backgrounds. Researchers found that upwardly mobile adults had a 20% lower risk of hypertension, while those who fell further down the social ladder were at increased risk.
A recent study suggests that romantic fiction continues to shape women's perceptions of idealized love and sex, potentially influencing negative attitudes towards condom use and non-consensual sex. The author argues that the genre can perpetuate unrealistic expectations and escapism, running counter to real-life health messages.
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) poses a significant threat to global food security and poverty alleviation in developing countries. The virus has been reported in several regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and China, and can spread quickly through goat herds and sheep flocks.
A survey of 89 junior doctors in three NHS hospital trusts in Wales found that nearly all were unaware of their roles and responsibilities during a major incident. The knowledge gap has sparked concerns about the preparedness of healthcare professionals to respond effectively in emergency situations.
Research found that outpatient electronic prescribing systems do not significantly reduce medication errors, with over 12% of prescriptions containing mistakes. The most common errors were related to missing information and involved anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, nervous system drugs, and cardiovascular drugs.
Research suggests that students who experience frequent drink-fueled memory blackouts are at a higher risk of sustaining an injury while under the influence. The study analyzed data from over 800 undergraduates and found that those with six or more memory blackouts were almost three times as likely to sustain an injury.
The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin warns that current UK sun cream advice is too low on protection and impractical to follow. The organization recommends rethinking the current SPF of 15 and suggests a more balanced approach with products labeled as 'factor 30' for broad-spectrum ultraviolet screening effect.
Regular cultural activities like visiting museums and theatres improve mental health in adults, with receptive cultural activities showing greatest benefits for men. Engaging in creative or active cultural activities also has positive effects on perceived health and well-being.
Most medical students feel unprepared to challenge poor clinical practice and promote better patient care due to inadequate legal training. A survey of 1,154 UK medical students found that confidence in using legal rules and challenging deficiencies is low.
A systematic review found that t'ai chi is effective for fall prevention and improving psychological health, with general health benefits for older people. However, its effectiveness for other conditions such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis is contradictory.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that young drivers who engage in risky behavior, such as speeding and using mobile phones while driving, are at a greater risk of psychological distress. The study also discovered that women are more likely to experience increased psychological distress compared to men.
Research published in the Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery suggests that taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy may reduce the risk of developing cerebral aneurysms. The study found that women with cerebral aneurysms were less likely to have taken these medications and had an earlier average age of menopause.
The number of children dying a violent death has fallen by nearly 90% since 1974, according to analysis of national mortality data. The decline is attributed to improved child protection services, with reductions in family violence and neglect in infancy and early childhood.
The incidence of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is increasing rapidly in the UK, with estimated annual diagnoses of 5,000 new cases. Researchers found a significant rise in IPF-related deaths, with more people dying from IPF than from certain types of cancer.
Researchers found that heart attacks between 6am and noon cause a 20% larger area of dead tissue, leading to more severe consequences for patients. This study suggests that time of day can significantly impact the severity of heart attacks.
UK researchers found that persistent poverty affects children's cognitive functioning at the age of five, while family instability does not have a significant impact. The study, based on data from 18,819 families in the UK, shows that children growing up in stable two-parent families have higher levels of cognitive ability than those i...
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that infants with regulatory problems are more likely to develop behavioral problems in childhood. The most common outcomes were externalizing problems and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Research found that frequent shopping among the elderly increases survival rates, with daily shoppers 27% less likely to die compared to those who shopped less frequently. The study suggests that shopping may improve health by ensuring a good supply of food and promoting social connections.
Research tracking lung transplant patients living near roads found they had double the risk of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and mortality. The study suggests traffic air pollution is a significant risk factor for lung transplant recipients, with proximity to main roads impacting health outcomes.
Research reveals that physician-based pre-hospital critical care support is scarce, particularly evenings and weekends. Critical care doctors are needed to improve survival rates for severely injured patients before hospital admission.
A large population-based study found that even mild stress can lead to long-term disability and an inability to work. Higher levels of stress at the start of the study were associated with a significantly greater likelihood of receiving disability benefits, with up to 70% more likely for those with mild stress.
Ivory wave has emerged as a new legal high, replacing banned substance mephedrone, with reports of hospital admissions and deaths in various parts of England. The drug's effects include euphoria, paranoia, and cardiovascular problems, leading to violent behavior and organ damage.
Research from the BEACON Consortium found no association between heavy drinking and esophageal adenocarcinoma, contrasting with a well-established link to squamous cell carcinoma. Light drinkers had lower risk of these cancers than non-drinkers.
A study of over 7,000 Australians found that poor-quality jobs have a significant impact on mental health, often worse than unemployment. Those in the poorest quality jobs experienced the sharpest decline in mental health, with each additional adverse condition lowering their score.
A small clinical trial suggests traditional Chinese acupuncture can curb the severity of menopausal hot flushes and other symptoms. The treatment showed cumulative benefits, with significant improvements in somatic and psychological symptoms but minimal impact on urogenital symptoms.
Research suggests that high levels of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) are associated with a reduced risk of bowel cancer. The association remains intact even after accounting for other factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxygen free radicals. HDL may alter the inflammatory process in some way, according to the study's authors.
A survey of over 2,000 US and 1,000 UK doctors found that one in five have experienced incompetent colleagues and nearly three-quarters have sounded the alarm. However, many doctors fear retribution for reporting poor performance.
A survey of 168 locked-in syndrome patients found that most (72%) are happy, while 28% experience unhappiness due to various factors. Improving rehabilitation and anxiety treatment can help patients regain a happy life, suggesting optimal life-sustaining care can have major long-term benefits.
Research using primary care records reveals that GPs often take more than a month to record an ovarian cancer diagnosis after receiving notification from specialists. In fact, one in ten cases took over four weeks, while 11% of records showed incorrect or premature diagnoses.
Research found obesity independently increases risk of fatal coronary heart disease, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The study tracked over 6,000 middle-aged men with high cholesterol and found a significant increase in mortality rates among obese individuals.
A small study found that portable pedal exercise machines can significantly reduce sedentary time in the workplace among employees. Participants used the devices for an average of 23 minutes per day, burning up to 500 calories and covering distances of over 13 miles.