A recent report from the World Bank suggests that violence against women is responsible for one out of every five working days lost. Research found a third of women aged 40-50 had been abused as children, with common symptoms like joint pain and fatigue more likely in those who were beaten or sexually abused.
A study suggests that dietary fat is unlikely to cause breast cancer, but rather depletes the body of an essential nutrient that protects against the disease. The research concludes that age and oestrogen also play a role in breast cancer development.
A survey of over 3000 Gulf War veterans revealed that lower ranks were significantly more likely to report psychological and physical ill health, with privates being 20% more likely than non-commissioned officers. Discharge from military service was also linked to a higher risk of reported ill health.
Researchers have identified two Bifidobacterium strains that exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, protecting the intestinal tract from lethal infection with salmonella. These strains, CA1 and F9, decrease bacterial numbers, prevent entry into cells, and work in concert with gut lining enzymes to produce a barrier against infection.
The current medical research protocols are out of step with evidence-based medicine and new technology developments, suggests an analysis in the Journal of Medical Ethics. Patients taking part in research deserve the same safety and regulation standards as public transport passengers, yet often receive inadequate care.
New research found that 13 of 50 people with primary pulmonary hypertension shared a genetic defect in the BMPR-II gene, similar to those with familial forms. This discovery has important implications for treatment and future therapies focused on altered cell signals.
A study of 300 former professional footballers found that almost two-thirds had experienced osteoarthritis, with knee problems being the most common. Anxiety and depression were also prevalent among those with this type of joint disease, which often led to early retirement.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that injuries among rugby union players have almost doubled since the sport turned professional. Protective equipment worn by players is likely a contributing factor, according to the authors.
A case study in British Journal of Sports Medicine reports a physical education teacher who suffered from permanent nerve damage after using a frozen chip ice pack for at least 40 minutes. The authors recommend applying ice packs with caution and limiting the application time to 30 minutes or less.
Research in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that around one in five young children were wheezy between 18-30 months, with the risk higher if the mother smoked during pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy and environmental tobacco smoke are linked to an increased risk of wheezing and asthma in early childhood.
Research in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that babies whose mothers smoked were twice as likely to experience colic. Breastfed infants were less prone to colic when their mothers smoked, highlighting a potential risk factor for smoking mothers.
A study suggests that disposable nappies lined with plastic can increase scrotal temperature in boys, potentially leading to impaired normal testicular cooling mechanisms and increased risk of male infertility. The research found that rectal temperatures were significantly lower than scrotal temperatures when cotton nappies were worn.
Research in Occupational and Environmental Medicine shows that prolonged wakefulness impairs reaction times, accuracy, coordination, and attention span, similar to levels of alcohol intoxication. The effects are thought to be cumulative and pose a serious risk to safety, particularly in transportation settings.
A study analyzing data from 28 countries found that a diet rich in olive oil was associated with a decreased risk of bowel cancer. The researchers discovered that meat and fish consumption, particularly high amounts, increased the risk of the disease, whereas cereal and vegetable intake had a protective effect.
Research in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that bullying at work increases sick leave among hospital staff, with victims and colleagues of bullies taking more time off. The study analyzed data from over 7000 employees across Finland, finding a significant link between workplace bullying and increased rates of sickness.
A study in Tobacco Control found that nicotine addiction symptoms appear within weeks of starting to smoke, rather than gradually. Almost two-thirds of smokers exhibited symptoms of dependency, with cravings and feelings of addiction being the most common initial symptoms.
A controlled trial found that anti-smoking TV advertising can help smokers quit, with over 50% of participants reducing their smoking habits. The campaign led to a fall in smoking prevalence of more than 1% in targeted regions.
Industry documents reveal little evidence of testing for the impact of additives on mainstream or sidestream smoke content or toxicity. The study highlights the importance of regulating tobacco additives to address public health concerns.
Research published in Thorax found that COPD rates in women have almost doubled over the past decade. The study analyzed data from over 4 million patients and found significant increases in COPD cases among older women. Despite this, women with severe COPD tend to survive longer than men with similar severity.
A recent study published in Heart journal has found that recreational cocaine use promotes the formation of blood clots, leading to an increased risk of heart attacks. The research, which monitored 14 young adults after they received a dose of cocaine, showed that even occasional use can have significant effects on cardiovascular health.
Mothers prefer family practice vaccinations over clinics, citing lack of empathy and pain from vaccination as reasons. Health professionals who acknowledge distress and engage with babies are valued most by mothers, research suggests.
Research shows that smoking exacerbates circulatory problems caused by vibration white finger, a condition affecting workers who use pneumatic tools. Smokers are twice as likely to experience severe symptoms of vasoconstriction compared to non-smokers.
A study published in Thorax found that children who had measles before age 3 and had two or more younger siblings were less likely to develop asthma. The study, which followed over 300 people for 30 years, suggests that exposure to certain infections in infancy may help protect against asthma.
Research from the University of Birmingham found little evidence of exercise addiction among women, unless they have an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia. The study showed no significant psychological problems among women who exercised excessively compared to non-exercisers.
Research in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that short boys were more likely to repeat a grade, with two-thirds being boys. The study suggests that height may influence the decision to keep children back a year, reflecting societal biases against short children.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that sports massage has little effect on muscle power and blood lactate levels, contradicting its long-held use as a recovery aid. However, participants who received massage reported feeling significantly better than those who rested.
A recent study found that smoking cannabis regularly may increase the risk of developing emphysema, a disease that damages lung tissue and reduces surface area. The study examined four young men who smoked heavily and found large areas of their lungs had disappeared and been replaced with cysts.
A new study published in Thorax suggests that daily or weekly use of paracetamol may be associated with an increased risk of asthma. The research found that frequent users of paracetamol were more likely to develop severe asthma and experience rhinitis, highlighting the potential risks of this analgesic.
A study of over 3300 schoolchildren reveals that exposure to maternal cigarette smoke during pregnancy significantly reduces lung function. The effects are particularly noticeable on small airways and airflow, with environmental tobacco smoke having a lesser impact.
Research analyzing births in Malta and Western Europe from 1890 to 1995 found a strong association between lower birth rates for boys and colder climates. The study suggests that warmer climates favor the birth of boys, possibly due to temperature affecting fertility and sex ratios at birth.
Young women in Scotland are four times more likely to have a heart attack than those in the South of England, but survive at almost twice the rate. Ambulance response time may play a significant role in differences in mortality rates across UK regions.
Research suggests that prolonged exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields may increase the risk of suicide. The study found a significant association between electromagnetic field exposure and death from suicide, particularly among those with high levels of exposure.
Research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that divorced and separated men are more than twice as likely to commit suicide as married or partnered men. The study analyzed data from a long-term US research project, which included around 472,000 men and women.
Research by Injury Prevention found that toughened glassware in bars led to a 60% higher injury rate among staff compared to annealed glassware. The study also showed that the toughened glasses tended to break spontaneously, leading to multiple injuries.
A study published in Sexually Transmitted Infections reports that over one in five women attending genitourinary medicine clinics have experienced sexual assault. Long-term distress is common among these survivors, with those who disclosed their experience to multiple people reporting more severe emotional impact.
Research suggests that home screening kits for Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection, could be a useful tool in preventing lifelong infertility. The study found that men and women aged 18-35 were willing to participate in urine test kits, with higher participation rates among those from Avon than London.
Researchers identified a link between genetic mutations in the cathepsin C gene and severe gum disease and periodontitis. The study found that individuals with normal functioning of the cathepsin C gene tend to have healthy gums, suggesting dietary, bacterial, and other genetic factors can compromise its function.
A study in rats found that olive oil reduced precancerous tissue and tumours, while increasing the production of anti-cancer prostaglandin E. The research suggests that other constituents of olive oil, such as squalene, flavonoids, and polyphenols, may also protect against cancer.
New research published in Gut journal found no evidence that measles virus is associated with Crohn's disease. The study isolated particles from the gut tissue of patients and compared them to healthy tissue samples, but found high levels of related cells in all types of samples.
Research suggests that children allergic to eggs are not at a higher risk of anaphylaxis from the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. A growing body of evidence shows that only minor reactions may occur in some cases.
A recent study in the Netherlands found that children's obesity rates have almost doubled between 1980 and 1997. The researchers attribute this increase to factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and early maturation. Children from large cities with poorly educated parents are at greatest risk of obesity.