Research on civil servants reveals that high job demands and low workplace support are key factors contributing to sick building syndrome symptoms. Physical building attributes have a small influence on symptoms, suggesting that poor psychosocial conditions play a significant role.
Research found a significant association between high leptin levels and asthma risk in women, but not men. The study suggests leptin may play an independent role in increasing asthma risk, rather than being linked to obesity.
Coronary heart disease deaths in Ireland decreased by 47% between 1985 and 2000, with improved treatment accounting for 44% of the drop-off. Sharp falls in smoking and cholesterol also contributed to the decline, while rising obesity rates offset some gains.
A population-based study found that children with lower birthweights and shorter gestational ages are more likely to be placed on the child protection register. The association held true even after adjusting for levels of deprivation and age of the mother at birth.
A global study estimates that 60.5 million people will have glaucoma by 2010, with 3 out of 4 cases being open angle glaucoma. By 2020, this number is projected to reach 80 million, mostly affecting women and people from Asia. The disease will also increase rapidly in India, causing significant blindness worldwide.
The polypill could slash the risk of coronary artery disease by 88% and stroke by 80% in those aged between 55 and 64. However, its widespread treatment would require a significant annual expense, with costs ranging from £208 to £282 per person, depending on age and risk level.
A midriff bulge roughly doubles a woman's chances of needing gallstone surgery, according to a comprehensive study. The study, which monitored over 42,000 women for two years, found that women with larger waist sizes were more likely to develop gallstones.
Research suggests that gay men and lesbians experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse due to discrimination and prejudice. Civil partnerships are proposed as a solution to promote greater understanding and stability for same-sex relationships.
To meet the 48-hour access target, sexual health clinics would need to triple their capacity, highlighting a capacity/demand mismatch. The current system cannot address this issue, emphasizing the urgent need for additional providers.
A study found that more sensitive Chlamydia testing led to a significant increase in reported cases, with a 62% jump in female infections and a 56% rise in male infections between 1992 and 2003. The shift from culture tests to nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is believed to be the primary cause of this increase.
A text messaging service reduced the average number of days to diagnosis from 11 to under 8, saving staff time and costs. The study found that a text messaging service minimizes the risks of missed results and is often more acceptable for patients with limited access to landlines.
A growing concern over lack of funding for UK sexual health services has raised alarm among experts. Despite government commitments, many clinics struggle with long waiting times and restricted access, hindering effective STI diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that watching comedy films increased brachial artery blood flow in 19 out of 20 participants, while sad movies reduced it. The impact was equivalent to a bout of aerobic exercise or starting statin treatment.
Exposure to household insecticides and garden pesticides during childhood is associated with a higher risk of developing acute leukemia. The study found that mothers who used insecticides while pregnant or after birth nearly doubled their child's risk, while exposure to garden insecticides increased the risk by more than doubling.
A study of 76 men found that those taking impotency drugs like Viagra and Cialis were more likely to develop optic nerve damage. Patients with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure also showed a higher risk.
A Norwegian missile torpedo boat operated high-frequency transmitters, increasing the risk of birth defects in its employees' children. The study found a significant association between exposure to these transmitters and an increased risk of congenital anomalies.
A study of 2000 female flight attendants found that those experiencing sexual harassment were nearly three times more likely to report poor health and psychological distress. Almost half of all women surveyed had been sexually harassed by a colleague or superior.
The new JBS 2 guidelines focus on cardiovascular disease as a whole, including those with hardened arteries and diabetes. Screening is recommended for adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease, with targets set for blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels.
Researchers found that passive smoking significantly increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, with pack years of cigarette smoke being a major determinant. Regularly smoking for 40 years or more can almost triple this risk compared to non-smokers.
Researchers found that dark chocolate improved arterial flow and reduced platelet activity, benefiting vascular health in smokers. A daily treat of 40g dark chocolate improved smoothness of arterial flow for eight hours.
A study found that road deaths are nearly 400 times higher than those from international terrorism in OECD countries. The data reveals a significant disparity between the number of lives lost to car crashes and terrorist attacks.
A study of British adults found the rate of paid-for sex with women has more than doubled between 1990 and 2000. Men who paid for sex were more likely to be younger, single, and from London, and had had multiple sexual partners
A survey of 116 primary schools in Sheffield found that nearly 40% of pupils had asked for separate facilities, but one in five schools lacked them. The proportions diminished for younger children, with school toilets being the most common alternative, often in an empty classroom or staff room.
Contrary to police reports, which attribute rising crime rates to increased surveillance and policing efforts, research shows a significant decrease in violent crime episodes in the US and a 36% fall in British violent crime since 1995. Hospital emergency data support these findings, revealing a decline in non-self-inflicted injuries.
A study found that lifetime illegal drug use accounts for nearly a third of patients visiting an inner city hospital emergency department. Recently used drugs significantly increase the risk of requiring emergency care, with possible 1 million ED attendances and 40,000 acute admissions annually in England.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that longer breastfeeding reduced a child's risk of coeliac disease by 52%. Infants breastfed regularly had lower risk when first introduced to gluten, suggesting reduced exposure or gut health benefits.
A recent study found that 37% of health service costs in the UK are attributable to food-related diseases, with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes accounting for most of this burden. The estimated annual cost is £6 billion, double that of road traffic accidents and significantly higher than the cost of smoking.
Researchers found that vasostatin, a protein gene incorporated into an adenovirus vector, effectively blocks the formation of new blood vessels and curbs tumour growth in mice with pancreatic cancer. This approach may represent a promising therapeutic option for malignancy with a poor prognosis.
A population study of over 3,000 adults found that hostility does not affect long-term heart health in women, unlike men. Men with high hostility scores were twice as likely to experience recurrent heart disease events.
Research on 24 young men and women found that faster music speeds up breathing and circulation, while slower music decreases heart rate. Musicians experienced a stronger effect due to their ability to synchronize breathing with musical phrases.
A national survey found that married women were significantly more likely to report sex life problems than single women. Good communication and quality of first experience were also identified as important factors. The study suggests that many people with sexual dysfunction remain silent, with only a small percentage seeking help.
Researchers found that POZ parties in New York City attracted predominantly white, over-30 men with varying lengths of HIV infection. The parties' mix of unprotected sex and multiple partners raises concerns about the spread of treatment-resistant strains of HIV.
The prevalence of unprotected anal sex with casual partners increased by 10% between 1996 and 2002, with rates higher among those who were less optimistic about HIV treatment. Renewed national efforts are needed to counteract 'prevention fatigue' and promote effective HIV prevention strategies.
The study reveals a significant increase in emergency care attendances, particularly among elderly patients and those arriving by emergency ambulance. Average waiting times doubled, and treatment times increased, despite staffing increases, suggesting pressure on emergency services.
A study tracking 43,000 men and women found that light smoking (1-4 cigarettes/day) significantly increases the risk of coronary artery disease and lung cancer. Women are almost five times as likely to die from lung cancer compared to non-smokers.
A study analyzing 13,000 Scottish individuals found that excluding deprivation from heart disease risk scoring can exacerbate social gradients in disease. The researchers call for guidelines to be adjusted to take account of deprivation, potentially saving thousands of lives.
A study of 51 countries found that women outlive men due to higher murder rates among men and patriarchal societies. The wealth gap also contributes to male mortality, with GDP accounting for 13.6% of death rate variation among men.
A prospective cohort study of 503 men and women found that downward mobility increases depression risk in men by three and a half times, while women's risk is more closely tied to birth social class.
Researchers investigated tumour necrosis factor alpha, finding higher levels in severe asthmatics with chronic disease resistant to steroid treatment. A treatment using a TNF-alpha blocking drug improved symptoms and lung function in patients with severe asthma.
A study found that the BRCA2 gene mutation significantly increases cancer risk in men, with higher rates of prostate, pancreatic, pharyngeal and bone cancers. The mutation is associated with an increased risk of developing these cancers, particularly among younger men.
Critically ill patients with glucose in their bronchial aspirates were twice as likely to develop MRSA and spend longer in intensive care. Elevated glucose levels may have caused or promoted bacterial growth.
A US study found that employees working overtime were 61% more likely to sustain a work-related injury or illness compared to those who did not. Long working hours, particularly over 12 hours a day and 60 hours a week, also increased the risk of injury or illness.
Researchers analyzed data from 12,461 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 1996 and 2003. The study found that elderly patients were more likely to undergo emergency surgery, but their chances of survival were 50% better after the first year of surgery compared to their younger peers.
Research found a strong link between childhood cancer and air pollution, particularly from vehicle exhausts and diesel engines. Children exposed to high levels of pollutants in the womb or shortly after birth were at increased risk of developing cancer, with proximity to emission sources also playing a critical role.
Researchers found paternal discrepancy rates range from less than 1% to as much as 30%, with genetic testing potentially boosting these rates. Around one in 25 families could be affected, highlighting the need for support services and guidance on disclosure.
Researchers argue that the pharmaceutical industry and medical professionals colluded to promote the view that menopause is a 'deficiency disease' for which women needed long-term treatment. This has led to increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular health issues, and other adverse effects.
Men with severe anxiety/nervousness face nine-fold higher risk of attempted suicide compared to those without such issues. Long-term studies in Sweden reveal a significant correlation between reported anxiety and increased mortality rates from all causes.
A large European survey of 11,000 patients admitted with heart failure found that only two thirds had received a heart tracing, while four out of ten patients lacked an ACE inhibitor prescription. Multidisciplinary treatment can cut hospital admissions and deaths from heart failure.
A study of 59 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation found a strong link between Helicobacter pylori infection and elevated C reactive protein levels, suggesting chronic gastritis may predispose to atrial fibrillation. The researchers also noted that H pylori has properties enabling it to evade the immune system.
Research based on a Taiwanese survey of nearly 40,000 people found that better-educated women experience better nighttime sleep, whereas higher education is associated with poorer sleep in men. Social factors such as unemployment, single parenthood, and sex discrimination contribute to these differences.