The HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine (Cervarix) induces a strong and sustained antibody response and has a favourable safety profile. Vaccine efficacy against incident infection with HPV-16/18 was 95% and against 12-month persistent infection was 100%.
A five-year study shows enzyme replacement therapy reduces left ventricular mass index by around 10% and improves midwall fractional shortening in patients with baseline cardiac hypertrophy. The treatment also significantly improves average pain and quality of life scores.
A meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 1862 HIV patients found no statistically significant difference between directly observed and self-administered antiretroviral therapy in promoting virological suppression. This suggests that directly observed therapy may not be necessary to support adherence in the general patient population.
A new study suggests that safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is key to preventing climate change in Indian cities. By prioritizing non-motorized transport, cities like Delhi can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save lives from road traffic injuries, and promote physical activity.
A study by Professor Maureen S Durkin and colleagues found that children in low- and middle-income countries are at higher risk of disability due to nutritional deficiencies, lack of early-learning activities, and limited educational access. The researchers analyzed data from 18 countries and found significant associations between disa...
A study of 15,000 elderly individuals in 11 low- and middle-income countries found dementia to be the largest contributor to disability, followed by stroke, limb impairment, and depression. Chronic diseases, including those of the brain and mind, pose significant challenges for carers and society.
The Copenhagen Climate Change meeting is a critical beginning, not an end, according to Lancet Editor Dr Richard Horton. He emphasizes the need for concerted high-level political negotiations to address climate change.
Studies show that reducing carbon-based electricity generation in India, China, and EU states will lead to substantial health benefits due to decreased air pollution. In India, a 50% CO2 reduction by 2050 can avert 93,000 premature deaths.
A 30% reduction in livestock production in high-producing countries could lead to a substantial decrease in saturated fat consumption, resulting in positive effects on health. This reduction would also contribute to slowing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Copenhagen conference emphasizes the need to strengthen international negotiations to address public health benefits of mitigation policies. The series aims to deepen cuts in emissions while advancing development and health goals.
In low-income settings, household energy interventions have greater potential to improve public health than those in high-income countries. In the UK, combined insulation and behavioral changes can avert 5,500 premature deaths and save 41 megatonnes of CO2. In India, introducing efficient cooking stoves can benefit up to 87% of househo...
New research highlights the importance of controlling short-lived greenhouse pollutants like sulphates, methane, and black carbon to reduce global warming and improve health. The study finds that sulphates can have negative health effects while ozone pollution has a significant impact on cardiovascular mortality.
A new study found that increased walking and cycling in cities like London and Delhi can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve public health more effectively than using lower-emission motor vehicles. The study suggests prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure to create safe urban environments for mass active travel.
Climate change poses a fundamental threat to global health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Strengthening health systems and investing in cheap and proven public health interventions can accelerate progress towards the MDGs and help mitigate climate change.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that policies to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions can have additional positive effects on population health, beyond those related to climate change mitigation. These 'co-benefits' can provide a rationale for pursuing mitigation strategies and may also lead to cost savings for countries.
The medical profession is urged to accelerate its role in the climate change debate. A low carbon development fund of at least $150 billion is proposed to support global health. The authors emphasize the need for clear communication with patients, politicians, and the public about the risks of inaction.
Adding cetuximab to neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly increases tumor response rates, making more patients eligible for potentially curative surgery. The treatment also improves the proportion of tumors deemed resectable, with a notable increase after treatment.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that home-based HIV care is an effective strategy, relying less on clinical staff and hospital services than facility-based care. This approach provides large savings for patients and could improve equitable access to HIV treatment, especially in areas with scarce clinical infrastructure.
A phase 2 trial investigates the effectiveness of a combined chemotherapy regimen of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GEMOX-B) plus bevacizumab in treating advanced biliary-tract cancers, showing an overall response rate of 40% and stable disease in 29%. Whole-body PET scans show promising results for monitoring treatment response.
Researchers have successfully generated human epidermis from human embryonic stem cells, providing a potential unlimited resource for temporary skin replacement in patients with large burns. The skin substitute was shown to be functional and structurally consistent with human skin after just 12 weeks of grafting onto mice.
Ann Veneman's leadership at UNICEF has sparked a debate about her potential second term, with some praising her focus on child survival while others criticize her lack of field experience. The Lancet editor Dr. Richard Horton calls for a transparent, merit-based appointment process to select the next Executive Director.
A large trial has shown that patients with specific genetic makeups do not respond differently to treatment for asthma, regardless of their genotype. The study found substantial improvements in airway function when patients received longacting β2 agonists plus moderate-dose inhaled corticosteroids.
Researchers suggest remote therapies, such as online cognitive behavioral therapy, could improve treatment outcomes for eating disorders. The study reviews the current state of eating disorder diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for increased access to specialized care.
The HEAAL study found that higher-dose losartan (150mg) reduces death or hospital admission for heart failure by 10% compared to low-dose (50mg). The high dose also showed a significant reduction in hospital admissions, with a hazard reduction of 13%.
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health recommends postponing Hajj participation for high-risk groups, including elderly and pregnant individuals. The plan aims to minimize disease transmission and ensure optimal provision of health services.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) significantly reduces pain after treatment for non-specific neck pain. LLLT is a non-invasive, painless treatment that can be administered in primary-care settings, with no reports of serious adverse effects.
Emerging research highlights the link between poor doctor health and subpar patient care, with doctors often neglecting their own wellness. To address this issue, authors propose routinely measuring physician wellness as an indicator of healthcare system quality.
A study of Mexican swine flu cases reveals that young people are most likely to get infected, while the elderly have the highest mortality rates. The study also found that vaccination significantly lowers infection risk and prompt treatment is crucial for pregnant women.
A study comparing optical diagnosis with conventional histopathology found that optical methods accurately identified up to 93% of small colorectal polyps. The method also enabled quicker follow-up colonoscopies and saved patients an estimated £6560 in clinical appointments.
A recent study found that adding capecitabine to a standard chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer improves recurrence-free survival, but at the cost of increased adverse events. The treatment was associated with more cases of diarrhea and hand-foot syndrome, while also causing more severe neutropenia.
The GAZEL study found that older workers' perceived health improves significantly after retirement, especially in those with ideal working conditions. This suggests that improving working conditions is crucial to retaining older workers in the workforce.
Adding cetuximab to radiation therapy improves survival rates in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, with benefits persisting for up to 5 years. Patients who develop a prominent rash after treatment show significantly improved overall survival compared to those without the rash.
A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found that therapeutic hypothermia reduces lesions and improves outcomes for infants starved of oxygen at birth. MRI scans predict with 80% accuracy the likelihood of death or disability by 18 months.
A study found that on-demand chest radiographs for mechanically ventilated patients resulted in a third fewer radiographs without compromising patient care. The on-demand strategy was associated with significant cost savings and decreased radiation exposure.
A long-term follow-up study found that Mexico's Oportunidades program conferred health benefits on children, particularly those whose mothers had no formal education. The additional 18 months of inclusion in the program reduced socioemotional problems and improved child growth, especially for those with mothers who were less educated.
Researchers emphasize the importance of considering background rates of adverse events in H1N1 vaccination campaigns to prevent public panic. The study highlights that these background rates can provide valuable information on expected number of events occurring in the absence of any vaccination program.
A controversial theory suggests that vaccinating children against seasonal flu could prevent the development of heterosubtypic immunity to pandemic strains. However, experts disagree, arguing that vaccination is a definite benefit for preventing seasonal flu infections. The debate highlights the need for more effective influenza vaccines.
The Lancet Editorial highlights the global undernutrition crisis, affecting over 1 billion people, particularly in Asia and Africa. The world currently produces enough food to feed everyone, yet inequitable distribution and lack of national safety nets hinder access to nutritious food.
The first ever World Pneumonia Day highlights the potential for renewed global action against this forgotten killer of children. The Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia aims to reduce child pneumonia mortality through exclusive breastfeeding, vaccine use, and community-level management.
A long-term follow-up study found that lifestyle intervention and metformin therapy can persistently delay the onset of type 2 diabetes for at least 10 years. The studies showed a significant reduction in diabetes incidence rates, with lifestyle intervention delaying onset by about 4 years and metformin by 2 years compared to placebo.
Combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy more than doubles event-free survival for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer without prior surgery. Non-platinum-based chemotherapy shows long-term benefit with lower toxicity compared to platinum therapies.
Gene therapy has been shown to improve vision in children with Leber congenital amaurosis, a severe form of inherited retinal degeneration. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in both subjective and objective measurements of vision.
In the study, participants on liraglutide lost significantly more weight than those on placebo and orlistat. Liraglutide also reduced blood pressure and improved prediabetes rates with all doses.
A recent study found that lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone is associated with better short-term overall survival and lower toxicity than traditional high-dose therapy in newly diagnosed myeloma patients. The treatment regimen shows acceptable toxicity and low early mortality, making it a viable option for these patients.
New research confirms the effectiveness of alteplase in treating strokes up to 4.5 hours after symptoms appear, regardless of age, gender, or underlying health conditions. The study's findings suggest that extending the treatment window could improve outcomes for stroke patients.
Researchers found that chlorhexidine-soaked wipes did not reduce neonatal sepsis or vertical transmission of group B streptococcus. The study suggests that other interventions are needed to target child mortality and achieve the Millennium Development Goal of reducing childhood mortality.
A cohort study of 19,486 patients with inflammatory bowel disease found a significant increased risk of lymphoma associated with thiopurine use. The absolute cumulative risk remains low in young patients, but elderly patients and prolonged treatment periods warrant further investigation.
A review estimates that 166 million adults worldwide aged 15-64 years used cannabis in 2006, despite the risks of its adverse effects on health. Regular cannabis smokers report more symptoms of chronic bronchitis and cognitive impairments, while cannabis use is associated with poor educational attainment.
Randomized controlled trials show prophylactic paracetamol administration can reduce fever and antibody responses to vaccines in children, but also highlights the need for careful weighing of benefits and risks. The study concludes that prophylactic use should no longer be routinely recommended.
A new report by UNICEF and WHO outlines a seven-point plan to combat diarrhoeal diseases in children, a leading cause of child mortality. The plan includes treatment and prevention strategies such as vaccination, breastfeeding promotion, and improved water quality, aiming to reduce child deaths from diarrhoea.