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.
Researchers found that frying meat on a gas hob produces higher levels of potentially harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), mutagenic aldehydes, and particulate matter compared to electric hobs. Cooking fumes from vegetable oils and lard also contain fine and ultrafine particles.
Fatal car crashes among young female drivers in the US have seen a rise in alcohol-related incidents, with rates among young men declining over the study period. Notably, young women's rates were lower but showed less predictable patterns, including an increase in positive blood tests at certain ages and times of the week.
A study published in Sexually Transmitted Infections found that badly fitting condoms can lead to reduced sexual pleasure for both partners. Researchers surveyed 436 men who reported using poorly fitting condoms, finding a significant link between poor fit and increased rates of breakage, slippage, and penile irritation.
A population-based study of over 10,000 participants found that women with gout were 39% more likely to have a heart attack and 41% more likely to experience a non-fatal heart attack. This risk was significantly higher than in men with gout.
A large-scale study found that estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may increase the risk of developing asthma after menopause. Women who used estrogen-only HRT were 21% more likely to develop asthma than those who never used HRT, with a significant increased risk among non-smokers and those with previous allergies.
The increasing use of smart drugs to boost academic performance may necessitate routine doping tests for exam students, suggests Vince Cakic. Despite the illegitimacy of chemically enhanced academic success, nootropics are near impossible to ban due to their ready availability for therapeutic use.
Research published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reveals that adults who witnessed interparental violence as children are more likely to experience depression, intimate partner violence, and alcohol dependence. The study highlights the importance of early prevention and screening for domestic violence.
Research finds most food adverts shown during children's TV are not targeting kids with unhealthy foods, contrary to common belief. Fewer than 5% of food adverts were found to be prohibited under new UK regulations aimed at limiting such ads.
Research suggests music can reduce pain and encourage better oral feeding in premature babies, leading to calmer infants and parents. The studies found preliminary evidence of therapeutic benefits, including improved physiological measures and behavioral states.
A study of 1,373 men found that light long-term alcohol consumption, especially wine, was associated with a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and death from all causes. Moderate wine consumption was linked to an extended life expectancy of around five years in men.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that repeatedly going to work when ill increases the chances of taking long-term sick leave. Workers who did this at least half a dozen times were more likely to take extended absences, even after accounting for other risk factors.
Current testosterone doping tests may fail to detect steroid abuse in athletes of different ethnicities due to varying hormone metabolism. Researchers suggest recalibrating thresholds for each ethnic group to address this issue.
A telephone consenting system piloted by specialist nurses improved parents' willingness to consent to post-mortem research on their children. The study found that most parents viewed the process positively and appreciated the opportunity to discuss post-mortem options with a bereavement nurse.
Research reveals that over half of children born before 26 weeks need extra help with maths and reading, struggling with simultaneous processing of complex information. These children are more likely to require special educational needs support and multiple services.
A new testosterone patch designed to boost female sex drive after menopause has been found ineffective, with small improvements and large placebo responses reported in clinical trials. The treatment's long-term safety is also unknown due to short trial duration and high side effect rates.
A study of over 3,000 children found that spending more than two hours a day watching TV doubles the risk of developing asthma by age 11.5. The research, published in Thorax, suggests a complex relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and asthma.
A study found that smokers are more likely to quit for their pet's health than their own. Secondhand tobacco smoke poses a significant risk to pets, causing various health issues.
Research shows Irish children's average weight has increased by 24 kilos since 1948, with growth rates accelerating in the 1970s. The study, published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, suggests current economic downturn may exacerbate obesity trends.
Research found that bar workers' symptoms improved after a smoking ban in Scotland, with significant reductions in respiratory and sensory symptoms. The study also showed benefits for smokers themselves, highlighting the importance of addressing environmental tobacco smoke exposure at home.