A new study finds that hazardous alcohol consumption is linked to increased HIV infection rates in Southern and Eastern Africa. Venue-based interventions have been shown to be effective in changing individual behavior and social norms, but more research is needed to address the gender gap in these programs.
A meta-analysis found that only intensive, multi-session treatment programs reduced amphetamine use. The authors emphasize the need for scalable and cost-effective interventions to address the relationship between amphetamine drug use and HIV risk.
Women who use drugs face double neglect and risk of HIV infection via unprotected sex and unsafe injections. A new proposal outlines trauma-informed approaches to prevent HIV infection, including couple-based interventions and empowerment strategies.
The growing HIV epidemic in people who use drugs is a significant public health concern, with 16 million injecting drug users worldwide and 3 million living with HIV. A comprehensive approach combining access to antiretroviral treatment, opioid substitution therapy, and needle programs can help contain the outbreak.
Researchers confirm bevacizumab's safety in treating advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer when combined with chemotherapy. The comprehensive study found no new safety signals beyond previously known toxicities, including life-threatening effects like bleeding.
A 24-year-old pregnant woman was diagnosed with vitamin A deficiency due to poor diet and intestinal absorption issues. Following vitamin A supplementation, her vision returned to normal, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition and diagnosis for potentially curable forms of blindness.
A Canadian study found that the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV patients in 1996 led to a significant decrease in new HIV diagnoses. The study showed that every 100 patients on HAART resulted in a 3% reduction in new HIV diagnoses.
A new study found that HIV may increase the risk of death in people with high CD4 counts, but only moderately. The risk was highest among injecting drug users and heterosexual individuals, likely due to socioeconomic factors rather than HIV itself.
Researchers developed two new risk models to predict the survival of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa. The models identified key factors such as CD4 cell count, clinical stage, and bodyweight that increase the risk of death. These predictions will aid in clinical decision making and improve treatment outcomes.
A 26-year study found that 18 months of combined antibiotic therapy with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine is sufficient to make infection undetectable in most patients, but six patients experienced serological relapse after 15-24 months. The optimal treatment duration may be longer for prosthetic valve patients.
A large multicentre study found that early antiviral treatment reduced hospitalization and intensive care admissions among transplant recipients with H1N1. Vaccination and preventive measures may also provide protection for this high-risk population.
A new study found that patients with hypertension who monitor their blood pressure at home and adjust their medication can experience greater falls in blood pressure. The TASMINH2 trial showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure after 6 months, with no increase in side effects.
Despite claims that a campaign to promote healthy eating in UK schools has failed, new evidence suggests that such interventions can make a difference in reducing body fat and type 2 diabetes risk in schoolchildren. The Lancet Editorial cautions against diverting attention from the growing public health risks of obesity and diabetes.
Two phase-2 trials demonstrate the efficacy of olaparib in treating advanced ovarian and breast cancer in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The higher dose of olaparib showed better treatment response rates compared to the lower dose, with ORR of 33% and 41% respectively.
The study found that stroke incidence rates in urban Tanzania were almost three times higher than in rural areas, with crude yearly rates of 94.5 per 100,000 in rural Hai and 107.9 per 100,000 in urban Dar-es-Salaam. The authors suggest that undiagnosed or inadequately treated hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke i...
Despite these challenges, Palestinian researchers were able to attend a conference on global health issues, showcasing their resilience and determination. The conference, hosted by the Lancet-Palestinian Health Alliance, brought together international and local experts to discuss population health in the context of occupation.
A Palestinian perspective on aid critiques the politics behind aid provided to the occupied territory, highlighting how it maintains an unacceptable situation. The authors argue that generous aid subsidizes Israel's expansion and perpetuates donor dependency, with 42% of health expenditure financed by donors.
In a letter to The Lancet, 35 public health students from Birzeit University in the oPt urge an end to the conflict and call for advancements in research capacity. They highlight the need for a comprehensive development system suitable for the population, with control over local resources and a coherent health system.
A recent study published in The Lancet finds that 26% of Palestinian children skip breakfast, leading to concerns over anaemia, stunting, and poor eating habits. The study suggests that comprehensive school nutrition programs are needed to address these issues and promote healthy eating habits among all age groups.
The Lancet series on health in the occupied Palestinian territory emphasizes that structural and political conditions are key determinants of population health. The series aims to focus international attention on health injustices faced by Palestinians, advocating for long-term solutions.
Research on Palestinian women who have given birth multiple times found a significant association between parity and increased risk of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and high blood triglyceride concentrations. The study suggests that any of these factors alone or in combination can increase the incidence of coronary heart disease.
The article shares harrowing accounts of women who gave birth during the Israeli assault on Gaza strip in December 2008 and January 2009. The women described severe trauma, complications such as sepsis and hypothermia, and their heroic struggles to survive with their families amidst destruction.
A study of non-fatal war injuries found that those affected had significantly lower quality of life compared to US and Turkish general populations. Men were four times more likely to be injured than women, with injuries from jet bombings being a major contributor.
The study analyzed health-related quality of life in Gaza before, during, and after the 2009 Israeli attack. The findings show a significant decline in quality of life, with nearly half of respondents reporting less-than-good scores. The survey also identified urgent needs, including home repair, a source of livelihood, and utilities.
The Lancet study reveals substantial disparities in surgical care access between high- and low-income countries, with over 2 billion people lacking adequate surgical services. The authors estimate that nearly half of all operating theatres worldwide are not equipped with vital equipment.
A 14-year randomized controlled trial shows that prostate cancer screening significantly reduces mortality rates. The study found that men screened for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) had a lower risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to those not screened.
A study found that overweight and obese individuals from the Asia-Pacific region are significantly more likely to die from cancer compared to normal-weight individuals. The research highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to tackle the obesity epidemic in Asia, which is fuelled by lifestyle changes and fattier diets.
A new estimate suggests that Huntington's disease affects at least 12.4 per 100,000 people in England and Wales, likely an underestimate due to stigma and lack of genetic testing. The true prevalence may be higher, with implications for healthcare services and research into treatments.
The ACCORD study found that intensive glucose treatment delayed albuminuria onset but didn't reduce microvascular complications like eye disease or kidney failure. However, it increased mortality, weight gain, and severe hypoglycemia risk, prompting a shift to standard therapy.
Researchers identify LGI1 as the main target of autoantibodies in patients with limbic encephalitis, leading to a new diagnostic test and potential therapeutic strategies for other neurological disorders. The findings also suggest that limbic encephalitis should be classified as an autoimmune synaptic encephalopathy.
The DURATION-2 study found that once-weekly exenatide improved HbA1c levels by 1.5% compared to 0.9% for sitagliptin and 1.2% for pioglitazone, with significant weight loss in the exenatide group. The findings suggest that exenatide should be considered as an adjunct to metformin for improving glucose control and weight loss.
A new study found that vitamin C and E supplements do not prevent pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, but may benefit those with low antioxidant status. The supplement did not cause harm to mothers or babies.
A new diabetes drug, dapagliflozin, has been shown to improve blood sugar control in patients who have inadequate control with metformin. The drug acts independently of insulin, promotes excretion of glucose in the urine, and is associated with weight loss and low risk of hypoglycaemia.
The Lancet Editorial emphasizes the need for low-cost and easy-to-implement interventions to address the global type 2 diabetes epidemic. The campaign led by Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative promotes a three-component approach: nutrition, activity, and children.
A recent study of 700,000 people found that diabetes approximately doubles the risk of developing blood vessel diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. The disease is now estimated to be responsible for 325,000 cardiovascular deaths per year in industrialized countries.
Diabetes prevalence is set to double by 2030 in sub-Saharan Africa due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes. Implementing national diabetes prevention programs involving multiple sectors is crucial to address this public health issue.
A 26-week randomized study found that once-weekly exenatide significantly improved blood sugar control, inducing a mean weight loss of 2.6kg per patient, compared to insulin glargine's lesser effect and mean weight gain of 1.4kg. The treatment also had lower rates of hypoglycemia and a progressive decrease in bodyweight.
A randomized study found that inhaled insulin plus insulin glargine achieved similar blood sugar control as twice-daily premixed biaspart insulin, with less weight gain and hypoglycemia. The treatment also showed a better safety profile, with fewer cough and lung function issues.
Residents of Bangladesh exposed to low-level arsenic in well water are at increased risk of death, with up to 24% of deaths attributed to arsenic exposure. Long-term arsenic exposure is also linked to various health problems and heart disease.
The INTERSTROKE study found that high blood pressure, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio, diet, physical activity, lipids, diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake, stress, and depression are significantly associated with stroke. Collectively, these risk factors accounted for 90% of the global risk of stroke.
The European Working Time Directive is likely to remain in place due to its benefits on healthcare quality and patient safety. The directive's implementation has led to a decrease in hospital stays and admissions, as well as improved doctor well-being.
The Lancet Editorial calls on Google and Facebook to promote safe lifestyles and encourage young people to donate blood. Harnessing the internet's power could boost blood supplies by recruiting a new generation of late teens and 20-year-olds.
A recent study found that patients taking celecoxib (a COX-2 selective NSAID) had lower rates of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to those taking diclofenac slow release plus omeprazole. The CONDOR study suggests that celecoxib may be a safer option for arthritis patients at increased gastrointestinal risk.
Researchers found similar leukaemia-free survival rates for unrelated cord blood transplants and matched bone marrow or peripheral blood progenitor cell transplants. UCB transplantation was also linked to lower rates of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease.
A longitudinal study found that women in relationships with low equality had a higher incidence of HIV compared to those with medium or high relationship power, highlighting the importance of addressing gender-based abuse and inequity in preventing HIV infection.
A randomized trial found that trained nurses can safely and effectively manage antiretroviral treatment, similar to doctor-monitored care. The study adds evidence to the success of 'task-shifting' in HIV care, which could help ease healthcare worker shortages and expand access to ART for millions in need.
A new trial shows that Tranexamic acid (TXA) can reduce the risk of death in bleeding trauma patients by 10%, with potential to save up to 100,000 lives per year globally. TXA is a cheap and widely available drug that works by inhibiting clot breakdown, and its inclusion on the WHO list of essential medicines is proposed.
A meta-analysis of publicly available data from randomised trials found that patients taking ARBs had a significantly increased likelihood of new cancer diagnosis compared with patients in control groups. The study also found a modestly increased risk of lung cancer among ARB users, but no significant excess in cancer deaths.
A radiographic examination of the Santa Rosa mummy's heart suggests a cardiac embolism may have caused her death. The study also confirms a ventricular diverticulum and thrombus, common in patients with Cantrell's syndrome.
A genome-wide association study found three genetic variants significantly associated with vitamin D concentrations and risk of insufficiency. Participants with certain genotypes were at two-and-a-half times increased risk of having low vitamin D levels, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in regulating vitamin D status.