A large observational study found that high levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol are associated with a heightened risk of glaucoma, particularly among those older than 55. In contrast, higher levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides are linked to a lower risk of the condition.
A Chinese trial suggests that fresh embryo transfer may have a higher live birth rate than frozen embryos in women with low IVF treatment success. The study found lower rates of pregnancy and live births in the frozen group, but no differences in birth weight or complications.
A pooled data analysis found that cancer chemotherapy is linked to persistent severe peripheral nerve pain for around 4 in every 10 patients, with platinum-based drugs and taxanes associated with the highest rates of painful neuropathy. The study analyzed data from 77 eligible studies involving 10,962 participants from 28 countries.
A pooled data analysis of 132 studies involving 52,501 participants found that 45% of people with type 2 diabetes have a micronutrient deficiency. Vitamin D was the most common deficiency, affecting 60.5% of those with the condition.
A study analyzing primary care data in England found a significant rise in the prevalence of gender dysphoria between 2011 and 2021. The condition affects fewer than 1 in 200 17-18 year olds, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and self-harm recorded. Access to timely care is a pressing concern for young people and their families.
Two pooled data analyses suggest that puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormone therapy have no conclusive evidence on their effectiveness or impact on mental and physical health. The findings echo the Hilary Cass review, concluding that the evidence is wholly inadequate to gauge the effectiveness of these treatments.
A trial published by The BMJ found that combining dapagliflozin with moderate calorie restriction led to higher rates of diabetes remission compared to calorie restriction alone. This study provides a practical strategy for achieving remission in patients with early type 2 diabetes.
Research finds that exercise and nutritional prehabilitation may reduce complications and improve recovery after surgery. The analysis of clinical trials suggests a 50% reduced risk of complications with exercise and a 38% reduced risk with nutritional support.
Research from the UK Millennium Cohort Study finds that children exposed to poverty and family adversity are more likely to carry or use a weapon and get in trouble with the law by age 17. These factors account for nearly a third of teen weapon issues and over a quarter of police contact cases.
A recent study suggests that fizzy water may help with weight loss by increasing glucose uptake and metabolism. However, the effects are minimal and should not be relied upon as a sole means of shedding pounds. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet remain essential components of sustainable weight management.
A pooled data analysis of 47,000 cancer patients found that high muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with a 31-46% lower risk of death from any cause. Tailored exercise programs may help increase survival rates in these patients.
Gaps in maternal health care for pregnant women in UK prisons are due to barriers, say experts. Improved provision is needed to protect the health of pregnant women and their babies while incarcerated.
Experts argue that the UK needs an overarching national strategy to tackle the harms caused by alcohol, with record numbers of deaths in England prompting calls for increased and sustained health funding. Sustained funding is needed for screening and care, as well as industry contribution.
A pooled data analysis reveals that comprehensive tobacco product advertising, promotional, and sponsorship bans are associated with a 20% lower prevalence of smoking and a 37% lower risk of smoking uptake. The findings suggest that these bans influence behavior, lending weight to calls for their wider implementation.
A shift towards less reliable 'natural' contraception methods, such as period tracking apps, has occurred among women requesting abortion in England and Wales over the past five years. The trend corresponds to a rise in abortion rates, with implications for healthcare services.
A vascular fingerprint on the retina can predict stroke risk with high accuracy, combining well with age and sex. The study analyzed 68,753 UK Biobank participants and found that specific retinal parameters were significantly associated with increased stroke risk.
A systematic review of 261 studies involving over 5 million people with dementia found that average survival from diagnosis varies widely by age, with women living up to 9 years longer than men. The study also suggests that nearly one-third of people with dementia are admitted to a nursing home within three years of diagnosis.
A Tesco pilot promoting breast milk substitutes has been called 'unethical' due to Danone's involvement. Critics say the initiative undermines women's self-efficacy and promotes formula products.
A case report warns of the dangers of overheating in saunas without proper hydration. A woman's condition led to admission and treatment for heat stroke, with a high core body temperature and organ dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of regular checks on sauna staff.
Research suggests that engaging in low to moderate levels of physical activity before a cancer diagnosis can significantly lower the risk of disease progression and death. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 participants with stage 1 cancers and found that rates of cancer progression and death were lower among those who were physi...
A study found that surgeons are quicker and more successful at completing a buzz wire game than other hospital staff, with an average completion time of 89 seconds. However, they also exhibited the highest rate of swearing during the task. Nurses showed the highest rates of audible frustration noises.
Researchers suggest that traditional fairy tales like Snow White, The Princess and the Pea, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Peter Pan offer opportunities to discuss healthy sleep with children. These stories highlight the importance of optimising environmental conditions and managing stress for better sleep.
Leading AI chatbots exhibit mild cognitive impairment in tests for early dementia detection, performing poorly in visuospatial skills and executive tasks. This finding challenges the assumption that AI will replace human doctors and highlights a significant area of weakness that could impede their use in clinical settings.
A Scottish study of 202,237 people found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with higher rates of hospital admissions for all causes and mental illness. The researchers conclude that stricter environmental restrictions are necessary to curb the impact on secondary care.
A survey of women who had medical abortions found that many were unprepared for the intensity of the pain they experienced. The study suggests that more realistic and patient-centered information is needed to enable women to make an informed choice about abortion methods.
Experts warn Disney princesses are at risk of various health problems, including cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety, and early death. The authors call on Disney to implement strategies such as mindfulness, personal protection measures, and psychotherapy to improve the princesses' wellbeing.
A randomized clinical trial found that coaching trainees just before a procedure boosts their success rate and improves patient safety. The study showed significant improvements in quality of care, including fewer complications and lower cognitive load scores.
Taxi and ambulance drivers have lower mortality rates from Alzheimer's disease compared to other occupations, possibly due to enhanced hippocampus activity. The study analyzed death certificates of nearly 9 million people and found a significant reduction in Alzheimer's deaths among these drivers.
A recent study found that childhood vaccination rates in England are consistently lower in areas of higher deprivation, with significant inequalities in vaccine uptake. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for strengthening vaccination systems, particularly in underserved populations.
A new investigation by BMJ raises concerns over the PLATO trial that approved ticagrelor, citing discrepancies in data reporting and patient deaths. The study calls for a reappraisal of guidelines recommending the drug's use.
Research published online in Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found that cutting early life exposure to parental smoking may lower the risk of developing MS in those who are genetically predisposed. The study also showed an interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors for MS, associated with certain aspects of...
Around 846 million people under 50 are living with genital herpes, and over 200 million experienced symptomatic outbreaks in 2020. Researchers call for new treatments and vaccines to curb the spread of the infection and its health and financial toll.
Higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better performance across all 5 cognitive domains assessed, including processing speed and executive function/attentional control. This association holds true irrespective of key risk factors for cognitive decline, such as age and APOE4 gene carriage.
1 in 6 US adults with asthma cite cost as reason for not taking meds as prescribed, leading to near doubling of asthma attack risk and 60% greater odds of emergency care visits. Financial hardship remains a significant barrier to equitable access to healthcare policy.
E-scooter and e-bike injuries in the US have tripled since 2019, with most incidents involving alcohol or substance use, particularly among young riders. The study found that nearly 18% of e-scooter visits and 12.5% of e-bike visits ended in hospital admissions.
A recent investigation reveals widespread influence of food brands in schools and nurseries through breakfast clubs, nutrition guidance, and healthy eating campaigns. The study highlights the need for greater scrutiny and pushback on these tactics, which experts deem 'subtle but very problematic'.
A long-term US study found that eating five servings of dark chocolate a week reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 21% compared to those who rarely or never eat chocolate. In contrast, milk chocolate consumption was not significantly associated with type 2 diabetes risk.
Direct-to-consumer tests may provide misleading information and trigger unnecessary medical interventions, warn experts. Inaccurate results can cause false positives or false reassurance, leading to delayed treatment and health risks.
Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that just 1.5-4 daily minutes of high-intensity routine activities like brisk stair climbing or carrying heavy shopping can significantly lower cardiovascular disease risk among women who don't exercise regularly. The study, which tracked over 81,000 middle-aged men and...
The study estimated that the total cost of chikungunya infections between 2011-20 was approximately US$49.9 billion, with chronic disease making up most of this total. The infection had a devastating impact on individuals and communities, causing widespread disability and economic loss.
An investigation by The BMJ found over 180 medical articles funded by the fossil fuel industry, with ties to top journals including The BMJ and The Lancet. Experts demand stronger action against the industry's influence on research, citing similarities with tobacco companies in harm caused and tactics used.
Research finds that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) containing oestrogen and progestogen increases the risk of heart disease and blood clots, while tibolone has a similar effect on heart attack and stroke. Transdermal HRT treatments show no increased risk.
A review of trials suggests that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and physical and mental rehabilitation can reduce fatigue and improve concentration. Intermittent aerobic exercise also improves physical function.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that irregular sleep-wake cycles are associated with a heightened risk of major cardiovascular events. People with regular sleep patterns were 26% less likely to experience these events than those with irregular patterns, even if they met recommended sleep quotas.
A long-term study of 34,425 participants found that men with cardiovascular disease risk factors experience brain health decline between ages 55-74, while women experience it between 65-74. The effects are associated with abdominal fat and visceral adipose tissue.
A large US-based study linked endometriosis and uterine fibroids to a heightened long-term risk of premature death. The research, published in The BMJ, found that women with these conditions had a 31% higher risk of mortality compared to those without the conditions, largely driven by deaths from gynaecological cancers.
A study of 236,000 nurses and 41,800 senior doctors found high turnover rates associated with higher deaths for emergency patients admitted to NHS hospitals. Reducing staff turnover through better pay packages, engagement, and working conditions could improve patient care.
A study of 61,214 dementia-free individuals found that high cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with better cognitive performance and a lower risk of dementia. The findings suggest that enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness could be a strategy for preventing dementia in people with a genetic predisposition.
A study found that oral microbiomes vary with life stress and mental health symptoms in pregnant women, differing from gut microbiome associations. Women experiencing anxiety or depression showed high alpha diversity, while those with PTSD symptoms had high beta diversity.
A modeling study suggests that if Americans over 40 match the physical activity level of the top 25%, their average lifespan would increase by 5 years. The least physically active group could live up to 11 years longer, with each hour of walking adding 6 hours to life expectancy.