Research published in Heart found that men with low testosterone levels were more likely to die prematurely from heart disease and all causes. The study of 930 men with coronary artery heart disease showed that those with low testosterone had nearly twice the risk of death compared to those with normal levels.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that anorexia nervosa can cause significant damage to the retina and optic nerve, leading to impaired vision. The condition was associated with thinner maculae and reduced dopamine activity, which may be related to the initial stages of progressive blindness.
A Finnish study found that children born in spring are more likely to develop food allergies due to sensitization during fetal development. Research suggests a peak in birch and alder pollen levels in April-May may contribute to this association.
The use of bespoke drugs in primary care is associated with high costs, lack of transparency, and legal pitfalls. The review calls for a major overhaul to reduce unnecessary prescribing and improve patient safety.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found no increased risk of socioemotional difficulties or cognitive deficits at 5 years of age for children born to mothers who light drank during pregnancy. Children born to light drinkers were 30% less likely to have behavioral problems than those whose mums had a...
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that workers exposed to loud noise at work are twice as likely to have serious heart problems as those in quiet workplaces. Workers under 50, particularly men and smokers, were at greater risk.
Research published in Heart found that the combination of depression and coronary heart disease triples the risk of death from all causes and quadruples the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Depression alone increases mortality by twice as much as having neither condition.
Research published online in journal Gut found that taking even a very low dose of regular aspirin (75 mg) can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer. After one year, daily low-dose aspirin was associated with a 22% reduced risk of developing bowel cancer, which increased to 30% after five years.
The study found that 82 doctors treated 2567 athletes, reporting 287 injuries and 185 illnesses. The highest risk sports were bobsleigh and short track, with injury rates of 15% and 35%, respectively.
Research finds that linking financial incentives to quality improvement has improved primary care in the UK, leading to reduced heart disease deaths and hospital admissions. Practices with higher quality scores had lower death rates and fewer hospital admissions, especially in deprived areas.
Preliminary research published in Gut suggests that plantain and broccoli fibers may prevent the translocation of E. coli across M-cells, a key stage in Crohn's disease development. The study found that plantain and broccoli fibers reduced E. coli translocation by 45-82%, while leek and apple fibers had no effect.
Researchers analyzed 163 YouTube videos featuring top tobacco brands and found that nearly three-quarters of the content was pro-tobacco. The most popular brand, Marlboro, had over 104,000 views on its most viewed video.
A study of over 8500 UK doctors found that those with strong faith are less likely to discuss end-of-life care decisions with patients. Non-religious doctors, on the other hand, are almost twice as willing to take actions expected to shorten a patient's life.
Research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that children aged 6 and older are significantly less likely to invite peers with a visible squint to their birthday party. This discrimination may have lasting psychological impacts on individuals concerned.
Research reveals that only around half of acute hospital trusts in England have a formal chaperone policy, which could have severe medico-legal repercussions. The lack of policies may be due to the current financial climate and the NHS's budget constraints.
The new criteria redefine RA by classifying it based on the confirmed presence of synovitis in at least one joint, absence of alternative diagnoses, and a combined score from four domains. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent destructive joint damage with the help of synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Leading respiratory specialists call for a new approach to TB screening for newly arrived immigrants from high-risk countries. They argue that the current system is fundamentally flawed and fails to address the growing number of TB cases in the UK. The authors propose screening new arrivals in community services, rather than relying on...
Novo Nordisk's decision to withdraw Mixtard 30 insulin could add £9 million to the NHS drugs bill in England, affecting 90,000 patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Alternative biphasic insulins are more expensive and may cause disruption to patient care.
A child nutrition expert argues that a global code for formula milk marketing has been mired in disputes since its adoption in 1981. The lack of effective national and international governance has hindered efforts to improve maternal, infant, and child nutrition. Effective governance is now needed to replace bitter hostilities.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that maternal affection at 8 months predicts emotional distress in adulthood. The study tracked 482 participants from childhood to adult life, revealing a strong correlation between mother's warmth and child's emotional well-being.
A study found that nearly half of suicides among mental health patients occurred within a year of visiting an emergency department, highlighting the need for better screening and assessment practices. Frequent attendees were more likely to have a history of self-harm and alcohol misuse, underscoring their high risk group status.
New guidelines conclude that air travel does not pose a significant risk to cardiovascular health for those with conditions such as angina, heart attack, or abnormal heart rhythms. Passengers should take their medication and follow in-flight oxygen and airport assistance to minimize risks.
A meta-analysis of published evidence reveals painters are at significantly increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The risk increases with length of employment as a painter, and persists even after accounting for smoking and other risk factors.
A small study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that regular mobile phone use for at least four years may double the risk of developing chronic tinnitus. The prevalence of chronic tinnitus is increasing, with around 10-15% of people in developed countries affected.
Over half of UK swine flu hospital admissions and inpatient deaths were from people with no underlying health issues or obvious risk factors. The data support the government's priority vaccination strategy for high-risk groups, but also suggest that everyone with asthma might benefit from vaccination.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that informal childcare arrangements significantly reduced the likelihood of breastfeeding, affecting all strata of society. Around a third of infants were breastfed for at least four months.
Research reveals high rates of STIs among older swingers, particularly those over 45, who have higher infection rates than other groups. Swingers are largely ignored by healthcare services, posing a significant risk to the general population.
A large international study found that a burger diet may boost children's risk of asthma and wheeze, particularly in developed nations. Conversely, a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish appears to reduce this risk. The study, published in Thorax, analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 8-12 from 20 countries.
A new gene on chromosome 13 has been identified as a potential cause of bowel cancer spread and progression. The discovery is based on a large family study that analyzed the genetic profiles of 81 family members over five generations.
Researchers observed 40 doctors over 210 hours in an emergency department, finding that interruptions led to shorter task completion times and a fifth of tasks were not resumed. Interruptions occurred most frequently during documentation and direct care.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that giving infants a small amount of sucrose or glucose before immunization significantly reduced crying and pain. Healthcare professionals are recommended to consider using these solutions as an analgesic during painful procedures.
A large study of female nurses found that high-pressure jobs boost young women's risk of ischemic heart disease. Nurses who experienced work pressures were 25-60% more likely to develop heart disease, depending on the level of pressure.
Research reveals a stark social divide in assault-related deaths in Scotland, with the poorest facing a 32-fold increased risk. The study analyzed 1,109 certified deaths due to assault between 1980 and 2005, finding that violence costs the Scottish economy £3 billion annually.
Research published in Thorax found tobacco use and brand appearances in 15 commercially successful UK films between 1989 and 2008. Despite a 80% decline in five-minute tobacco intervals, imagery persisted across all age categories, including those deemed suitable for children and young teens.
A study comparing lung cancer survival rates in England, Norway, and Sweden found that Swedes had the highest survival rates, with 16% of women diagnosed surviving five years. The difference in death rates was largely concentrated in the first year after diagnosis, suggesting a possible link between treatment activity and outcomes.
Children born to mothers prescribed methadone during pregnancy may experience significant vision problems, including nystagmus, strabismus, and refractive errors. Up to 80% of these cases require treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Despite longer active resuscitation times, the survival rate of very preterm babies (born at 22-23 weeks) remains unchanged. The study found that more babies were being actively treated, but outcome remained the same.
UK researchers found that many urologists fail to diagnose and treat Chlamydia in young men, despite clear guidelines. In a survey of five teaching hospitals, only 7% of cases were tested for Chlamydia, and most received inadequate treatment.
Research finds that occupational exposure to synthetic fibers and petroleum products before mid-30s may treble the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause. Women exposed to these chemicals have a seven-fold increased risk, with risks magnified by each additional decade of exposure.
Despite being a common medical emergency, half of UK patients needing emergency investigation for sudden gut bleeding still wait too long for endoscopy. This audit reveals significant delays and underuse of standard treatment, affecting thousands of lives annually.
A small study found that acupuncture reduces anxiety in highly anxious dental patients, enabling them to receive necessary treatments. Researchers assessed 20 patients using the Back Anxiety Inventory before and after five minutes of acupuncture treatment, resulting in a significant decrease in BAI scores.
A study of over 1000 people aged 65+ in Britain found that having a large number of supportive relatives increases the fear of dying, particularly among those from ethnic minority groups. This runs counter to the common perception that a network of supportive family carers eases fears around death.
Research involving over 5000 people found hair dye and smoking increase risk of primary biliary cirrhosis, a progressive autoimmune liver disease. Smoking was also more common among those with PBC compared to the general population.
Curcumin reduces bile duct blockage, liver cell damage, and scarring in mice with chronic liver inflammation. The spice interferes with chemical signalling pathways involved in the inflammatory process, offering a promising alternative to current treatments like ursodeoxycholic acid.
Research published in Gut journal finds that a purified form of omega 3 reduces rectal polyp number and size in familial adenomatous polyposis patients. The treatment is as effective as prescription medicine but without cardiovascular side effects.
Hypnotherapy has been shown to significantly improve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms in a majority of cases, with some patients experiencing complete relief. Probiotics can also be an effective option, but the efficacy depends on specific strains and clinical trial evidence.
Gastroenterologists face challenges in managing poor nutrition, highlighting the need for standardized core nutrition training. The profession must adapt to technological advances and shifting training models to prioritize nutrition education.
Research suggests that trauma from war increases asthma risk, with twice the likelihood of development in those most traumatised. A study of 2000 Kuwaiti civilians aged 50-69 found a direct correlation between trauma and asthma risk.
Research finds that young Britons are exposed to more smoking in movies due to the UK's film classification system. The study, published in Tobacco Control, reveals that UK adolescents see nearly 28% more tobacco impressions in '15' or '12A' rated films compared to their US peers.
Research found that UK prisoners have significantly higher rates of drug-resistant TB, with one in three cases resistant to treatment, and poorer treatment outcomes compared to other TB patients.