A recent study published in The Lancet found a significant deficit of 0.59-0.74 million female births in India between 1997 and 2011. Researchers estimated that around 10 million girls were 'missing' due to prenatal sex determination and selective abortion, with educated mothers being at higher risk.
Liver cirrhosis mortality rates have increased significantly in Scotland, England and Wales, doubling the European average. The authors attribute this to rising alcohol consumption, particularly wine and spirits, as well as other factors like obesity and hepatitis C.
The Lancet Editor Richard Horton emphasizes the importance of medical journals and general news media in drawing attention to neglected issues of child and maternal health. The current huge imbalances in research publications between high and low-income countries highlight the need for increased funding and action.
Researchers propose a simple test that identifies more accurately individuals who might have colorectal cancer when used alongside traditional guaiac tests. This new approach could decrease the number of false positives in screening programs and reduce the need for colonoscopy, potentially leading to improved accuracy and reduced costs.
Research suggests that maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy influences bone growth and risk of osteoporosis in offspring. Studies have found that women who took vitamin D supplements or were exposed to higher levels of sunlight during pregnancy had fewer deficiencies and lower risk of osteoporosis in their children.
A nationwide household mortality survey found the national crude mortality rate to be 40% higher than sub-Saharan regional levels, resulting in 600,000 more deaths. The conflict has led to 3.9 million total deaths and 38,000 excess deaths per month.
A 12-year-old girl from rural Hunan, China died of acute respiratory distress syndrome after developing fever and cough. Her 9-year-old brother recovered after treatment with antiviral medication. The investigation highlights the need for improved infection control measures in backyard farming settings.
A new case of dementia arises every seven seconds worldwide, with 60% of those affected living in developing countries. By 2040, rates are projected to rise by 71% in developing countries and 100% in developed countries.
The UK Select Committee on Science and Technology has been criticized for its lack of knowledge about research use in public policy and funding bodies it monitors. This oversight allows the committee to ask irrelevant questions, compromising the integrity of British science.
A new study found that radiotherapy significantly reduces breast cancer mortality and local recurrence rates, particularly in women with lymph node involvement. Radiotherapy can improve long-term survival, especially for those with a history of breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.
Researchers found a significant association between women who have experienced recurrent SIDS and complications in future pregnancies, including smaller gestational age infants and preterm deliveries. The study suggests a possible mechanism for recurrent SIDS that may be linked to previous infant death.
A study found that etanercept reduced psoriasis severity by 47% and improved depression symptoms by 50% in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. The treatment also alleviated fatigue, showing promise for treating the emotional and psychological effects of the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of preparing health ministries for progressive liberalization of trade in health services. The WHO should continue to provide guidance on international standards and advice on trade rules from a public-health perspective.
The Lancet is hosting a conference on child survival progress, focusing on reducing neonatal deaths by two-thirds by 2015. The event aims to provide opportunities for politicians and health-care workers to invest in proven interventions that can save one newborn life for every $2100 invested.
A review and meta-analysis of 127 trials found ACE inhibitors and ARBs no better than other drugs in preventing diabetic kidney disease. Treatment decisions for hypertension in renal disease should be based on blood-pressure-lowering effect, comparative tolerability, and cost.
Researchers estimated that 150 blood group compatible donors, 100 O donors, or ten highly selected donors could provide maximum benefit for HLA matching. The study aims to establish a hESC bank with sufficient HLA diversity for the UK population.
The article highlights the need for a new focus on medical professionalism to address the demoralization of doctors in Britain. The RCP working party's recommendations aim to redefine medical professionalism, incorporating professional values into evaluating doctor performance and development.
A study published in The Lancet found that good adherence to medication is associated with lower all-cause mortality in chronic heart failure patients. Patients who took more than 80% of their prescribed medication had a lower risk of death compared to those who took less, even when not taking any treatment.
Research in three countries found that uncontrolled use of artemisinin led to resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Mutations in the gene SERCA-type Pftpase6 were associated with this loss of sensitivity. The study highlights the need for increased vigilance and rapid deployment of drug combinations.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that high-dose chemotherapy improves both event-free and overall survival for women with advanced breast cancer. This finding contradicts previous studies, highlighting the need for further investigation into this treatment strategy.
Research published in The Lancet suggests that light to moderate alcohol consumption may have little to no health benefits, outweighing the potential harms. Professor Rod Jackson's findings emphasize that there is no 'safe' window for drinking, and individuals should avoid consuming alcohol altogether.
The Lancet highlights the need for validated research involving homeless people to expand and improve healthcare services. Addressing this data gap is crucial to sharing health advances with society as a whole.
A new initiative launched by UICC's World Cancer Campaign will provide funding for 14 projects aimed at improving childhood cancer care in the developing world. The initiatives focus on early diagnosis, access to care, and support for children with cancer and their families.
Evidence-based research and innovative initiatives can safeguard sex workers' lives. Peer education, condom-negotiating skills training, and occupational health guidelines are proven interventions that can benefit sex workers.
A study by William Moss and colleagues found that zinc supplementation did not increase blood HIV viral load but reduced diarrhoea in children with HIV-infection. The authors suggest using zinc as an adjunct therapy to reduce morbidity and mortality in resource-poor countries.
A study of over 3,900 children with HIV found that total lymphocyte count can predict disease progression as well as CD4 cell percentage. The current WHO guidelines for starting ART are inconsistent and may lead to inadequate treatment in low-income countries.
A recent study highlights the urgent need for consistent HIV prevention methods in prisons, despite international guidelines recommending similar healthcare standards. Experts argue that mass incarceration of non-violent drug-offenders needs review and should prioritize public health over punitive policies.
Researchers found that nine modifiable risk factors contribute significantly to cancer mortality worldwide. These include low fruit and vegetable intake, physical inactivity, and exposure to urban air pollution. Implementing lifestyle and environmental interventions can prevent a substantial proportion of cancer-related deaths.
A study published in The Lancet found that pregnant women with maternal placental syndromes have a double the relative risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Women with restricted fetal growth or pre-existing risk factors for cardiovascular disease are at higher risk.
Public anxiety about a human influenza pandemic can be stemmed by governments acting transparently and issuing guidance on disease protection. This approach enables people to trust their leaders and adhere to health advice during an outbreak.
The Oxford Vascular Study found that cerebrovascular events occurred at similar ages to coronary vascular events, but stroke was more likely to cause major disability. Stroke has a greater clinical burden than heart disease in the UK due to higher rates of acute events and major disability.
The RTS,S/AS02A vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of clinical malaria by 30% and severe malaria by 58% in a trial involving over 2000 Mozambican children. The vaccine's efficacy did not wane after 12 months of follow-up, providing sustained protection against clinical malaria for at least 18 months.
A new combination treatment for glioblastoma has been found to improve survival rates without negatively affecting patients' quality of life. The study, which involved 573 patients, found no significant differences in six out of seven health-related quality of life measures after three months.
A study of 14,200 patients with type 2 diabetes found that fenofibrate reduced total CVD events by 11% due to a decrease in non-fatal heart attacks and bypass surgery. The drug was well-tolerated but associated with increased risks of pancreatitis and pulmonary embolism.
Ophthalmic surgeon Simon Kelly disputes the claim that private cataract services have improved English cataract patients' care. He attributes the increase in surgery rates to targeted capital for NHS facilities and practice improvements within the National Health Service (NHS).
The Lancet reports a growing global burden of diabetic foot disease and amputation, affecting an estimated 25% of people with diabetes. Prevention measures such as foot-care services and simple clinical tests can reduce the risk of complications, but are often ignored in many countries.
The available evidence on Herceptin for early breast cancer is insufficient to make reliable judgments, states The Lancet. Drug regulatory agencies must consider the totality of available evidence and be free from external influences.
A prospective study found that long-term aspirin use reduces the risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma in people with Barrett's oesophagus. Current users had a significantly lower risk than never users, with a hazard ratio of 0.32.
A new drug, clopidogrel, has been shown to significantly reduce deaths from heart attacks, with a 9% decrease in mortality rates compared to placebo. The treatment also resulted in a 14% reduction in repeat heart attacks during the study period, highlighting its potential to save thousands of lives each year.
A recent study found that waist-to-hip ratio is a stronger predictor of heart attack than BMI in diverse ethnic populations. The researchers discovered that larger waist size was harmful, while larger hip size was protective, leading to substantial reassessment of obesity's importance for cardiovascular disease worldwide.
The Geneva summit aims to address critical issues in preventing the spread of H5N1 influenza, including early detection of new clusters, effective surveillance systems, and strategies to avoid resistance to antivirals. The event seeks to promote global cooperation and coordination in addressing this pandemic threat.
A study found that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects around 1,000 people in Latin American cities. The disease prevalence varies greatly between cities, with rates ranging from 7.8% to 20%. Altitude is a key factor contributing to the high COPD rates in Latin America.
New therapy Iressa shows no significant survival improvement for NSCLC patients, but offers better outcomes for Asian and non-smoking patients. The study results provide insight into the effectiveness of EGFR inhibitors in specific patient groups.
A study found that relatives of women with bilateral breast cancer and a normal CHEK2 gene are at a 23.8% risk by age 80, while those with the faulty variant have a 58.8% risk. Testing for the CHEK2*1100delC mutation in women with family history could be useful for predicting personal risks.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that consuming cruciferous vegetables may protect against lung cancer, particularly for individuals with inactive forms of specific genes. The research revealed a 33% protective effect in those with an inactive GSTM1 gene and a 37% effect in those with an inactive GSTT1 gene.
Population growth is expected to double in Africa by 2050, posing a significant threat to poverty reduction. Experts argue that continued high fertility rates and rapid population growth could be more serious obstacles to development than AIDS, threatening food security and increasing dependence on international assistance.
Research reveals that many poor children in low-income countries are missing out on effective child survival strategies, including vitamin A supplements, safe water, and immunizations. Countries with higher coverage rates have less inequity than those with lower coverage rates.
The Bush Administration proposed purchasing 25% of its food aid abroad to reduce transportation costs, but Senate leaders opposed the move, prioritizing domestic interests over international efforts to combat hunger. The World Food Programme emphasized the need for a concerted global response to address the issue.
A study analyzed 802 Sri Lankan patients who ingested three common organophosphorus insecticides, highlighting substantial variation in clinical course and response to treatment. Current treatment is only partly effective, with case fatality rates often exceeding 10%.
A new study found that psychosocial stimulation led to beneficial effects on cognitive and educational tests in children with stunted growth. In contrast, a food supplement alone was insufficient to sustain benefits. The study suggests that early childhood stimulation is crucial for improving the development of undernourished children.