The destruction of live smallpox samples is crucial for further research, as the last naturally occurring case occurred in 1977. New vaccines have been developed, but full development is essential for global security and public health.
China's nationwide HIV treatment coverage has increased to 63.4%, while mortality among eligible patients has fallen by 60%. However, targeting injecting drug users, those infected sexually, and men remains crucial for further improvement.
The prevalence of gambling disorders varies greatly across countries, with high rates in Asia and the US. Research suggests a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and psychological factors contributing to the development of problem gambling.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that agomelatine, a melatonin analogue, may have a role in treating major depression. The research found that agomelatine has similar antidepressant efficacy to other common medications while improving sleep quality and reducing relapse rates.
Researchers found that even those with low faecal haemoglobin concentrations are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Higher initial faecal haemoglobin concentration is linked to a greater likelihood of developing the disease.
Pirfenidone reduces lung function decline in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients, showing a clinically meaningful benefit and favourable safety profile. The treatment has been approved for mild to moderate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Europe and shows promise for the estimated 100,000 people affected across the continent.
The Lancet has launched a new website to collect and summarize evidence on the impact of UK health service reforms on health outcomes. The website aims to provide accurate information from various sources, including health professionals and members of the general public.
Twitter played a vital role in getting medical assistance to patients affected by the tsunami, particularly those with pulmonary hypertension. Meanwhile, a team of doctors successfully transferred 600 dialysis patients from Iwaki to Niigata hospital within a short timeframe, providing them with life-sustaining care.
The BABY HUG trial shows that hydroxycarbamide safely prevents early organ damage and reduces common complications of sickle cell disease in very young children. The study's findings suggest that hydroxycarbamide therapy should be considered for all young children with the disease, regardless of symptoms.
Rapid treatment with medication and surgical procedures is crucial for stroke patients, reducing recurrence risk by 20%. Rehabilitation care has improved significantly over the past two decades, but evidence gaps remain, particularly in addressing mobility and speech impairments.
A study found that elderly patients can participate in clinical trials and benefit from chemotherapy if they are active, have less widespread cancer, and fewer symptoms. The 'FOCUS2' trial showed that reduced-dose chemotherapy is effective for frail and elderly patients with advanced colorectal cancer
Control of infectious diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, Chagas disease, and those preventable by vaccination have been successful in Brazil. However, failures exist, including the ongoing public health problem of dengue fever and visceral leishmaniasis.
Chronic diseases are a major concern in Brazil, driven by increasing prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The country has made significant progress in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with age-standardised mortality rates declining by 1.8% per year since 1996.
Despite high murder rates and traffic-related injuries, Brazil has made progress in reducing violence, with the introduction of effective policies such as the zero-tolerance law. The country's geographical distribution of domestic violence and its impact on public safety also require attention.
The Unified Health System (SUS) has been a key development in improving access to healthcare in Brazil. Despite improvements, the country faces aging population, rising obesity rates, and uneven distribution of healthcare services.
The Lancet series highlights Brazil's successes in healthcare, but also notes areas of concern such as high caesarean section rates and increasing obesity. The country's experience offers valuable lessons for addressing health inequities and implementing reforms to prioritize public health.
Despite significant improvements in child survival interventions and education, Brazil still faces challenges in reducing maternal mortality rates and increasing access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
Brazil's unique national health service has improved health outcomes, but socioeconomic disparities and regional inequalities remain. The authors emphasize the need for coordinated action among government, private sector, academia, and civil society to address these challenges and secure universal access to healthcare.
A randomized trial found women are at more than double the short-term risk of stroke following carotid stenting compared to traditional surgery. This study suggests that sex should be considered when choosing treatment options for carotid disease, as men show little difference in stroke risk between procedures.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that treating acute appendicitis with antibiotics is not as effective as surgically removing the appendix. In the study, patients who received antibiotics were more likely to develop post-intervention peritonitis, a serious inflammation of the abdominal cavity.
Pakistani public health experts express shock and dismay at the government's plan to abolish the Ministry of Health. The move is seen as a threat to national health functions and capacity, particularly in light of ongoing challenges such as polio eradication and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
A new study found that extended-release naltrexone is an effective treatment for opioid dependence, with patients experiencing high rates of abstinence and reduced craving. However, critics argue that the FDA's approval of this drug was premature and failed to adequately investigate risks, such as post-treatment overdose.
A study of 435 women who underwent treatment for precancerous cervical lesions found that a three-cytological-smears post-treatment surveillance strategy is effective in identifying women at long-term risk of cervical cancer. By adding high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing, the need for subsequent screens can be reduced.
New studies on Fukushima's aftermath might uncover more accurate estimates of health consequences of nuclear power plant accidents, including thyroid cancer risks for children and young adults. The authors also highlight the psychological burden of nuclear disasters on those affected.
A new immunological technique has shown that artificially induced malaria immunity can last for at least 2.5 years, significantly longer than naturally acquired immunity. The study found that immune volunteers who were re-infected with the same strain of malaria had a quicker and more effective response to infection.
A study finds that the UK's current tuberculosis screening policy for immigrants is missing 70% of imported latent infections. Implementing a broader screening program could identify 92% of infected immigrants and reduce future cases of active tuberculosis while remaining cost-effective.
A study of European HIV-positive children reveals that 12% develop triple-class virological failure by 5 years after starting antiretroviral treatment, compared to adults. The high failure rate underlines the need for strategies to promote optimum drug adherence in children and young people.
A phase 3 trial found subcutaneous administration of bortezomib to be as effective as intravenous delivery, but with a better safety profile and lower rates of peripheral neuropathy. Subcutaneous injection could provide an easy home-based treatment option at reduced cost.
A new TB test has been shown to detect tuberculosis and multi-drug resistant TB with high sensitivity and specificity in resource-poor settings. The test can rapidly diagnose those infected, including those with MDR-TB, and reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that North America's first supervised injecting facility in Vancouver, Canada, helped reduce the number of fatal overdoses in the community by 35%. The area within 500m of the facility experienced a significant decrease in fatal overdose rates compared to the rest of the city.
Experts recommend collecting peripheral blood stem cells from Fukushima radiation workers to prepare for potential future stem cell transplants. This technique has several advantages over allogeneic transplantation, including reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease and immunosuppression.
Stillbirths occur at an alarming rate of 3 million annually worldwide. Families affected often struggle with grief and lack recognition, leading to feelings of isolation. The Lancet's commentary emphasizes the need for increased awareness and support for those experiencing stillbirth.
Despite being among the wealthiest nations, high-income countries like the US, UK, and Australia still experience high rates of stillbirths. The causes are complex, but factors such as obesity, advanced maternal age, smoking, and socioeconomic disparities contribute to these statistics.
Stillbirths in low-income and middle-income countries are a major concern, with 98% of all stillbirths occurring in these regions. The Lancet report highlights the need for improved data collection and classification of programmatic causes of stillbirths.
The Lancet Series on Stillbirths reveals over 2.6 million stillbirths annually, with 98% in low-income countries, and explores causes and actions to halve this devastating event.
A new study suggests that less invasive lymph-node biopsy can accurately diagnose lymph node status in patients with early stage endometrial cancer, reducing the risk of surgical complications. The procedure has been shown to be safe and effective, with a negative predictive value of 97% and sensitivity of 84%.
A new two-drug combination of phentermine and topiramate achieves more than double the weight loss of orlistat and compares favorably with emerging drugs. The treatment also improves blood pressure, lipids, glycaemia, and inflammatory markers.
A modified chemotherapy regimen combining reduced CHOP doses with rituximab has shown substantial response and improved survival in very elderly patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The R-miniCHOP regimen is well-tolerated, with a high overall response rate and low treatment toxicity.
The study found NDM-1-positive bacteria in drinking-water samples and seepage samples from urban New Delhi, highlighting the need for global action to limit the worldwide spread of NDM-1 producing bacteria. The gene was also detected in pathogenic species like Shigella boydii and Vibrio cholerae.
The Lancet NCD Action Group and the NCD Alliance recommend five priority interventions: reducing tobacco use, lowering salt intake, improving diets, reducing hazardous alcohol intake, and increasing access to essential drugs. These actions aim to reduce NCD death rates by 2% per year, avoiding an estimated 36 million deaths over 10 years.
A large multicentre trial found that radial access for coronary angioplasty in patients with acute coronary syndromes does not reduce death, heart attack, stroke, or major bleeding compared to femoral access. However, it significantly reduces complications at the access site and improves patient comfort.
The RESOLUTE All Comers trial confirms that the new-generation Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent is clinically equivalent to the Xience V everolimus-eluting stent after 2 years. The study included patients with complex lesions and acute coronary syndromes, demonstrating improved safety and efficacy of the zotarolimus-eluting stent.
In developing countries, breast cancer mortality rates are high due to inadequate diagnosis, treatment, and awareness. The Lancet Oncology review highlights the need for resource-appropriate solutions to improve outcomes.
A study published in The Lancet found that properly trained auxiliary nurse midwives and nurses can administer safe, low-technology medical abortion services as effectively as doctors. This could expand access to safe abortion services in developing countries where unmet need is greatest.
Research suggests that most second cancers are due to lifestyle and genetics, not radiotherapy. The study found an estimated 8% proportion of second cancers related to radiotherapy, with higher risks for younger patients and organs exposed to higher radiation doses.
The Lancet study finds that death rates in young people are now higher than in children across most high- and low-income countries, with injury being a major cause of death in young men. The authors highlight the lack of interventions and resources to tackle contemporary health problems faced by young people.
A new study found that combining 6 months of hormone therapy with radiotherapy significantly improved survival rates for men with locally advanced prostate cancer. The treatment reduced the risk of death from prostate cancer by half and deaths from any cause by a third compared to radiation alone.
Researchers found that early treatment within an hour of injury reduced mortality by over 30% compared to placebo, while delayed treatment beyond 3 hours showed no benefit and possible harm. Tranexamic acid's benefits were also observed in patients who received treatment between one and three hours post-injury.
A new 2-hour accelerated diagnostic protocol identified 352 patients with chest pain at low risk of major adverse cardiac events, who could be discharged earlier. The 99% accurate protocol uses point-of-care biomarkers, ECG, and TIMI score to classify patients.
The European Consensus Group has developed guidelines for HIV tropism testing, which is required before starting maraviroc treatment. The guidelines recommend phenotypic enhanced sensitivity Trofile assay or V3 loop genotypic sequencing for drug-naive patients with toxic side-effects or poor tolerability.