Research suggests that targeting four specific pathogens, including rotavirus and ETEC, could reduce diarrheal deaths in children by up to 40%. The study found that malnutrition is a major risk factor for severe diarrhea, highlighting the need for preventive strategies.
A new global surveillance tool detects and monitors public concerns about vaccines, allowing for swift responses to prevent low vaccine uptake and disease outbreaks. The tool analyzes reports from 144 countries, identifying key themes and prioritizing action to promote immunisation.
The Lancet Series on bipolar disorder offers a comprehensive overview of the condition, including its genetic basis, diagnostic challenges, and treatment limitations. The series highlights the need for more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatments, with neuroimaging research potentially transforming bipolar diagnosis.
Researchers have identified key biological changes in people with presymptomatic Huntington's disease, which can predict disease progression and guide treatment trials. Baseline measures from brain imaging were found to be the clearest markers of disease progression beyond age and CAG length.
Tobacco deaths can be reduced in the USA with new regulations and public health efforts. In Asia, controlling the tobacco epidemic is crucial to prevent devastating loss of life and illness. European countries face challenges in implementing effective tobacco control measures, highlighting opportunities for improvement.
Researchers developed an implantable device that detects abnormal brain activity and predicts seizures with a high accuracy rate. The technology has the potential to improve management strategies and potentially allow patients to avoid dangerous situations.
Genetic analysis reveals potential origins of novel avian influenza A H7N9 virus, suggesting at least four possible evolutionary paths. The virus has evolved into two distinct lineages, with unknown intermediate hosts implicated, highlighting the need for global surveillance and close monitoring of domestic-poultry-to-person transmission.
A comprehensive analysis of 83,399 women found SERMs significantly reduce ER-positive breast cancer incidence by 38%. The study also showed increased thromboembolic events with all SERMs except tamoxifen.
The region faces an alarming increase in cancer rates, with more than 1.7 million cases predicted to be diagnosed by 2030 and over 1 million deaths annually. Inadequate healthcare systems, lack of access to medical care, and inadequate health insurance exacerbate the issue.
Scientists confirm H7N9 transmission from birds to humans in China, with four confirmed cases and symptoms similar to H5N1 influenza. No evidence of person-to-person transmission, but genetic analysis suggests the virus may adapt for more efficient transmission.
A large-scale trial found that integrated 2D and 3D screening detected more cancers and reduced false positives compared to 2D screening alone. The study showed a rate of 5.3 cancers per 1,000 screens detected by 2D screening versus 8.1 with combined 2D and 3D screening.
A study in Australia found routine screening and counselling for partner violence did not improve women's quality of life, safety planning or mental health. However, counselling reduced depressive symptoms and trained doctors had more safety discussions with women.
As malaria incidence declines, it becomes increasingly concentrated in specific locations and groups, making targeted approaches crucial. Effective identification and treatment of infected individuals, particularly migrant workers and mobile populations, are essential for successful malaria elimination.
A new Lancet Series provides evidence for treating and preventing diarrhoea and pneumonia, with interventions like vaccination and zinc supplementation potentially saving millions of lives. Modest further investment could eliminate diarrhoea deaths in just over a decade.
Researchers identified frequent patient-to-patient transmission of multidrug-resistant M abscessus subspecies massiliense despite strict infection control measures. Whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed clusters of genetically identical strains, suggesting widespread cross-infection.
A study found that higher birthweight and faster linear growth in infancy and childhood are associated with increased adult height, schooling, and reduced blood pressure. Conversely, excessive weight gain after age 2 may increase the risk of chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes.
The Lancet Series reveals significant disparities in male life expectancy between eastern and western Europe, with a gap of over 40 years. Public health policies are also at risk due to EU law's influence from industry and pro-business stances.
A UK study found that compulsory community treatment (CTOs) for mentally ill patients did not reduce rates of hospitalization. The study compared 166 patients under CTOs with 167 patients released under Section 17 leave and found no significant differences in readmission rates or clinical outcomes.
The Lancet warns of the growing threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis, with more than 30% of newly-diagnosed patients having MDR TB in some parts of eastern Europe and central Asia. To eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2050, incidence needs to fall by 16% per year for 40 years.
A large observational study found no significant association between maternal vitamin D levels and children's bone mineral content, suggesting that UK guidelines for vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may be overstated.
Young servicemen under 30 are more likely to have a conviction for violent offending, with 20.6% vs 6.7% in the general population. Combat exposure and mental health issues also significantly increase the risk of violent behavior among military personnel.
A meta-analysis found a small excess risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with H1N1 flu vaccination. However, the benefits of vaccination significantly outweighed the risks. The study analyzed data from 23 million people vaccinated in the USA during the 2009 pandemic.
A study projects that over 230 million women worldwide will have an unmet need for modern contraceptive methods by 2015. Global contraceptive prevalence has increased from 55% in 1990 to 63% in 2010, while unmet need for family planning decreased from 15% to 12% during the same period.
A study of ancient mummies from diverse cultures reveals that hardening of the arteries was a widespread problem globally, contradicting previous assumptions about its occurrence in ancient Egypt and diet-related factors. The research found that nearly half of the examined mummies showed signs of probable or definite atherosclerosis.
A pilot study found DBS to be effective in improving mood and BMI in severely anorexic patients. After surgery, patients began stabilizing or gaining weight, with three maintaining higher weights than before. Improvements in mood and obsessive-compulsive behavior were also observed.
The UK's premature mortality rates have worsened, particularly among men older than 55 years, due to increases in drug and alcohol use disorders. The country ranks lower than other nations in several health metrics, including ischaemic heart disease, COPD, and stroke.
A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that a single inhaler therapy using beclometasone/formoterol combination is more effective in preventing asthma attacks than the traditional combination of corticosteroid and rapid-onset long-acting β2 agonist. This approach reduces hospital admissions and healthcare cos...
A large-scale genetic study has identified four shared genetic risk loci across five major psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The findings suggest that a new classification system based on underlying causes may be possible in the future.
A unique study highlights the importance of universal newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a life-threatening disorder affecting cortisol production. Screening improves survival in both boys and girls, contradicting previous beliefs that boys were at higher risk of delayed diagnosis.
A new study has found that many individuals with a clinical diagnosis of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may inherit small-effect changes in multiple genes, rather than a single gene mutation. This could lead to cost savings and more targeted treatment for patients.
A growing health threat across low-income and middle-income countries, childhood cancer claims over 100,000 lives of children under 15 annually. Poor treatment access, lack of awareness, and limited healthcare infrastructure hinder effective care, emphasizing the need for investment in healthcare systems and capacity.
Increased regulatory barriers and limited research funding hinder the development of effective treatments for childhood cancer. The authors call for renewed collaboration among industry, academia, governments, and patient advocacy to accelerate the discovery of new medicines for this devastating disease.
The post-2015 development agenda should include measurable targets for NCD prevention and treatment. Experts argue that making NCDs central to the agenda is essential for achieving sustainable development and reducing disability and deaths globally.
The global response to NCDs can benefit from the successful integration strategies of HIV/AIDS and TB treatment. Building on these partnerships and investments will be crucial in addressing the rising NCD burden, which will overwhelm health systems due to multimorbidity.
A study by the University of Melbourne found that multinational food and drink industries employ similar tactics to the tobacco industry to shape public health policies. The authors recommend government regulation to address this issue, citing a lack of evidence on the effectiveness or safety of industry self-regulation.
Addressing social and economic inequalities among disadvantaged groups is vital to tackle NCDs. Investing in early child development, education, employment, and high-quality healthcare can reduce these inequalities and lower mortality rates.
Researchers suggest that a small number of cheap generic drugs can treat most non-communicable diseases (NCDs), improving availability in poorer nations. Better selection and sourcing of generics, as well as increased investment and policies, are key to making life-saving medicines affordable to all.
Implementing three cost-effective interventions - tobacco control, reduced salt intake, and appropriate drug treatment - could rapidly reduce NCD deaths and disabilities. The proposed measures could cost governments as little as $1-2 per head in low-income nations.
A new TB vaccine, MVA85A, did not offer extra protection against TB in South African infants who had already received the BCG vaccine. The vaccine induced modest immune responses, but these were insufficient to protect against the disease. Further research is needed to understand why this was the case.
A new study finds that extra-couple transmission accounts for 30% of new HIV infections in men and 10% in women within stable partnerships. Targeting all heterosexual routes of transmission with test-and-treat strategies could be key to fighting the epidemic.
A UK study found that improved prevention measures failed to reduce HIV levels among men who have sex with men in England and Wales, despite increased testing and treatment rates. The researchers suggest that targeting the most-at-risk groups and initiating treatment earlier may be necessary to bring about a drop in HIV incidence.
A pioneering study published in The Lancet Oncology found that local volunteers increased early breast cancer detection rates in a low-income rural area. The study showed that 70% of women screened were diagnosed with benign lesions or successfully treated for breast cancer, significantly improving long-term survival chances.
A meta-analysis of large randomised trials found no significant increase in cancer risk among those taking daily folic acid for 5 years or less. The study provides reassurance about the safety of folic acid intake, particularly in countries where fortification is mandatory.
A study reveals that radiotherapy services are insufficiently equipped in 10 European countries to meet the growing demand for treatment, with Nordic countries and Belgium being well-equipped. The authors suggest further investigation into optimizing efficiency to address fragmentation of radiotherapy services.
A study of 305 pregnant women found that valproate exposure was associated with reduced IQ and verbal memory abilities in children, with effects dependent on drug dose. Folic acid supplementation may improve IQ scores, suggesting a potential positive effect on cognitive development.
A large European trial confirms that commonly prescribed antibiotics are ineffective for treating acute uncomplicated respiratory infections. Patients given amoxicillin did not recover much quicker or have significantly fewer symptoms, and the treatment appeared to have a limited effect even in older patients.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that intensive therapy is no more effective than traditional care in speeding up recovery from whiplash. While physiotherapy interventions showed modest benefits, they were not cost-effective from a UK NHS perspective.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking mind-controlled prosthetic hand that allows users to control it with remarkable accuracy and naturalism. The device has been tested in a clinical trial, achieving a success rate of up to 91.6% and demonstrating clinically significant improvement.
The study reveals that high blood pressure, tobacco smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are the leading causes of death globally, with significant regional variations. Dietary factors and physical inactivity also contribute substantially to disease burden.
Global life expectancy has increased by 11.1 years for men and 12.1 years for women since 1970. Notable gains in life expectancy have been observed in the Maldives, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, and Peru. However, some countries, such as Haiti, Lesotho, Belarus, and Ukraine, have experienced significant declines due to various factors like...