A study published in The Lancet found that UK armed forces personnel who took part in the 2003 Iraq War experienced slight rises in common symptoms, but not to the same extent as those who fought in the 1991 Gulf War. Fatigue was not increased after the 2003 Iraq War.
A study of UK armed forces personnel deployed to the 2003 Iraq War found no specific health effects on regular service members. However, reserve personnel reported higher rates of physical and mental illness due to deployment-related stresses.
A new point-of-care assay for C trachomatis has shown higher specificity and sensitivity than the standard TF technique, allowing for more targeted treatment of trachoma. The study's findings suggest a major re-think in how trachoma control is conducted in Africa.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) fired Editor-in-Chief John Hoey and senior deputy editor Anne Marie Todkill due to irreconcilable differences. However, Peter Singer and Gordon Guyatt argue that the burden of proof should be on medical journal publishers to show that termination was not related to editorial decisions. Th...
The Lancet emphasizes the need for strong governmental leadership to address the obesity epidemic, with a focus on production of cheap healthy foods, urban planning, education, and a global code to promote only healthy food and drink. Effective policy changes are crucial to reduce obesity and curb the epidemic.
Persistent post-operative pain affects 10-15% of individuals after common operations. Surgical techniques like careful dissection and minimally invasive methods can reduce nerve damage and associated pain. Surgeons must be aware of these techniques to improve patient outcomes.
A two-dose regimen of the H5N1 vaccine induced the highest antibody response after 42 days, with all formulations well-tolerated. However, the level of post-vaccination antibodies needed for protection against the H5 N1 virus remains unknown.
The DCPP identifies four major health challenges: cardiovascular diseases, HIV/AIDS, influenza, and malaria. The authors recommend adopting cost-effective interventions on a wider scale to tackle these threats.
A new study found that high plasma folate levels are associated with an increased risk of twin births after in-vitro fertilization (IVF), particularly when two embryos are transferred. The study suggests that limiting folic acid intake may help reduce the incidence of multiple births while maintaining livebirth rates.
The global community faces a worsening crisis with 1.2 million road-traffic fatalities in 2002, projected to rise to third leading cause of disease by 2020. A UN resolution promotes road safety measures and organizes the first Global Road-Safety Week.
Patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy who don't respond to treatment have increased mortality compared to the general population. In contrast, those who become seizure-free at follow-up do not experience a rise in mortality rates.
A study of 103 countries found an estimated 3.2 million stillbirths worldwide each year, with rates ranging from 5 per 1000 in rich countries to 32 per 1000 in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The true figure is likely higher due to under-reporting.
Despite positive changes, reducing neonatal deaths and improving newborn health in high-mortality countries remains a significant challenge. The Lancet Neonatal Series emphasizes the need for governments, partners, and donors to work together to develop country action plans and invest strategically in maternal, neonatal, and child care.
The editorial concludes that inhaled insulin is not suitable for everyone with diabetes, citing high costs and limited long-term safety data. Despite this, individual physicians should discuss its use with patients on a case-by-case basis.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that prevents haemorrhagic fever developing in monkeys infected with the deadly Marburg virus. The vaccine was found to be highly effective as a post-exposure treatment, with all treated monkeys surviving for at least 80 days.
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting brain tumours during surgery using a fluorescent compound, which significantly improves complete tumour removal rates (65% vs 36%) and survival rates without tumour progression (41% vs 21%). The technique has been shown to be safe with no significant difference in serious side effects.
A group of experts allege that the World Bank has neglected malaria treatment for years, concealing its expenditures and downscaling its staff. In response, the World Bank defends its efforts, citing research on the challenges of linking funding to health outcomes.
Researchers found that blood tests T-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold show good diagnostic agreement with the skin test, but have higher specificity. This suggests they could increase diagnostic sensitivity in testing for latent TB infection. However, results differ between blood tests, especially in immunosuppressed patients and young ...
Despite global recommendations, many women are not following daily folic acid guidelines to reduce neural tube defects. Countries should intensify national campaigns to increase knowledge and use of supplements among women.
A study estimated the costs and benefits of 28 US NIH-funded phase III clinical trials, finding a total cost of $335 million and a projected net benefit of over $15 billion at 10 years. The trials led to significant improvements in public health.
A study evaluated European countries' preparedness plans against WHO's checklist, finding that surveillance planning was good but maintenance of essential services, putting plans into practice, and public-health interventions were less well prepared. The implementation of these interventions was unclear in many plans.
The US government's PEPFAR program aims to prevent 7 million new HIV infections by 2010, but a GAO report reveals that an ambiguous approach to condom promotion may hinder its success. Promoting condoms alongside abstinence and faithfulness messages is crucial for reaching this target.
A UK trial of TeGenero's TGN1412 biological agent resulted in six healthy volunteers developing serious adverse events, highlighting the need for urgent changes to phase I trial authorisation processes. Regulatory bodies must now consider the unique risks associated with activating antibodies compared to conventional drugs.
A study assessing combined interventions found co-trimoxazole, ART, and insecticide-treated bed nets substantially reduced malaria frequency in HIV-infected adults. The treatments had a cumulative protective effect on malaria incidence, with co-trimoxazole lowering rates by 76%, ART and co-trimoxazole by 92%, and all three by 95%.
The BCG vaccine is highly cost-effective in preventing severe childhood tuberculosis, with an estimated cost of US$200 per year of healthy life gained. The largest impact was found in southeast Asia, Africa, and the western Pacific region, where TB infection rates and BCG coverage are highest.
The WHO's 2006 World Health Report faces criticism for its limited information on human-resource gaps and needs. The report lacks geographical distribution, skill levels, and sector balance details, hindering policymakers' decisions. The Lancet comments that the WHR shows a significant gap between current knowledge and necessary data.
A vaccine against cervical cancer has shown sustained high levels of antibodies for up to 4.5 years, providing substantial long-term protection against cancerous cell changes associated with high-risk HPV types. The vaccine was also found to be effective against persistent and new infections, setting the stage for its widescale adoption.
Researchers developed engineered bladders using patients' own cells, showing improved functional parameters without bowel tissue complications. The procedure has the potential to treat bladder disease, but additional studies are needed for wider adoption.
A large-scale study in the UK found that both respiratory and urinary tract infections increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The risk is particularly high in the first two weeks after infection. Researchers suggest a causal relation between infections and venous thromboembolism.
Renowned clinicians call for collaborative effort to revive clinical pharmacology in the UK. The Lancet experts advocate for joint action by medical schools, government bodies, and industry partners to bolster this crucial field.
A long-term follow-up study found no evidence of poorer outcomes in children who received CNEP, a treatment for respiratory distress syndrome. In fact, the CNEP group had higher language and visual/spatial skills compared to those receiving standard ventilation support.
Researchers found a 35% decline in HIV-1 prevalence among women in southern India, dropping from 1.7% to 1.1%, and an even greater reduction of 36% among men aged 20-29 attending STI clinics. The authors attribute the decrease to increased condom use in sex work or abstinence by males.
A large trial found that vitamin C and E supplements did not reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women at high risk. However, they were associated with a higher risk of low birthweight babies and increased need for treatment.
A study by WHO found that haemorrhage was the leading cause of maternal death in Africa and Asia, while high blood pressure was responsible for most maternal deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean. The review highlights the need for increased emphasis on programs to prevent and treat postpartum haemorrhage.
Researchers found a decreased risk of colorectal cancer for those taking high SSRI doses before diagnosis. The study's results provide interesting insights but highlight the need for further investigation and trial data.
A study reveals that variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease can be transmitted to humans with specific genetic variations, including methionine/valine (MV) and valine (VV), suggesting a significant public health issue. The transmission rate varies among these genotypes, with VV mice showing the highest susceptibility.
Patients undergoing more extensive (D3) lymph node dissection had higher 5-year overall survival rates compared to those with less extensive (D1) surgery. D3 nodal dissection offers a survival benefit when performed by experienced surgeons.
Researchers recommend vaccination campaigns, visa quotas, and rapid repatriation to minimize health hazards during the Hajj. International collaboration is crucial in managing the overwhelming task of Hajj management.
The Lancet highlights efforts to eliminate infectious diseases and promote healthy change in the Middle East. Global interest in health can be used to forge partnerships and depoliticize the region, catalyzing a renaissance of medicine.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that mental disorders are common in Lebanon, with a prevalence equivalent to that in Western Europe. Only one out of every 10 individuals with mental disorders received treatment, highlighting the need for improved mental health care in Lebanon.
Mass drug administration has led to sharp falls in infection rates and transmission in both study areas. The Egyptian national programme is likely to be successful if sentinel villages are representative of communities included in the programme.
The Middle East and North Africa region is experiencing a rapid shift in health trends, with increasing rates of non-infectious diseases and obesity. Health systems must adapt to address these emerging challenges, prioritizing disease prevention and promotion.
In a phase 1 trial, six volunteers received TGN1412 and suffered severe inflammatory reactions, leading to two remaining critically ill. The Lancet urges maximum transparency in clinical trials to reaffirm trust in regulation.
In the Middle East, public education is crucial for reducing genetic diseases linked to close-kin marriage. The WHO defines close-kin marriage as one between individuals who are second cousins or more closely related.
Researchers found that donepezil significantly improved cognitive function and daily activities in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a 20% reduction in dementia symptoms and an increase in quality of life for patients on the treatment.
Researchers found no association between mammography and increased risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA mutations. The study suggests that screening may be safe for this high-risk group, but prospective studies are needed to confirm the results.
A study by Barbara McPake and colleagues found that increasing nursing pay in the UK is key to resolving the labor market imbalance caused by health worker emigration. Ensuring numbers graduating from medical and nursing schools meet demand in the USA can also prevent international brain drain.
The World Health Organization has launched a new stop TB strategy, which builds on the current DOTS control strategy and includes six components to address TB, HIV co-infections, and multi-drug resistant TB. The strategy aims to help achieve the 2015 Partnership's targets and eliminate TB by 2015.
Denial of joint-replacement surgery to obese patients has been a policy in some UK primary-care trusts due to financial pressures. Medical professionals argue that obesity is not a valid reason for denying care to patients, as all individuals deserve equal treatment and attention.
A life-threatening complication of the Atkins diet was reported in a case study, highlighting the risk of ketoacidosis. Low-carbohydrate diets are associated with various side effects, including ketosis, constipation, and fatigue, according to experts.