A study of 3,802 people tested for SARS-CoV-2 found that older age, male sex, deprivation, and ethnic minority status were linked to a positive test result. Chronic kidney disease and obesity also showed significant associations with a positive test.
A study from Italy reported a significant increase in cases of rare Kawasaki-like disease in young children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that 10 patients presented with symptoms similar to Kawasaki Disease, with more severe symptoms and heart complications compared to previous cases.
A two-week course of antiviral therapy with interferon beta-1b plus lopinavir-ritonavir and ribavirin has been found to be safe and more effective at reducing the duration of viral shedding than lopinavir-ritonavir alone in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The treatment combination also showed significant shortening of hospital...
A small observational study of 29 Italian patients with severe COVID-19 and hyperinflammation found that high-dose intravenous anakinra was associated with respiratory improvements and reduced signs of cytokine storm in 72% of patients. The treatment was generally safe, but more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.
A randomized trial of remdesivir suggests the antiviral drug is not associated with significant clinical benefits for treating COVID-19. Patients treated with remdesivir within 10 days of symptom onset showed faster recovery compared to those given placebo, but results were not statistically significant.
A study in Shenzhen, China found that contact tracing and isolation reduced the length of time people were infectious by 2 days, confirming new cases in an average of 3.2 days compared to 5.5 days without contact tracing.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that Hong Kong successfully controlled the first wave of COVID-19 without resorting to a complete lockdown. By implementing measures such as border entry restrictions, quarantine, isolation, and social distancing, the city was able to contain the outbreak and reduce transmission rates.
A new 12-week clinical trial found that heat-inactivated Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75 improved IBS symptoms by at least 30% in 34% of patients compared to 19% on placebo. The treatment was also associated with a strong placebo effect, but the dead bacterial cells were still significantly better than placebo.
A modelling study suggests that relaxing control measures in regions outside Hubei province could lead to a second wave of COVID-19 infection, with cases potentially exceeding 1 and resulting in higher health and economic loss. The study advises policymakers to fine-tune control measures using real-time monitoring of transmissibility a...
A new modelling study published in The Lancet Public Health finds that school closures to reduce COVID-19 transmission may lead to increased childcare needs among healthcare workers, potentially compromising the system's response. Researchers estimate that up to 15% of health-care workers may need additional childcare, with certain occ...
A new report by global experts predicts that over 11 million children will die from cancer worldwide between 2020 and 2050 if no additional investment is made. However, the authors argue that sustainable care for children with cancer is affordable and achievable in all countries.
The study provides critical estimates on the proportion of people requiring hospitalisation due to COVID-19, with a significant increase in risk with age. Hospitalization rates nearly double from 4.3% in 40-49-year-olds to 8.2% in 50-59-year-olds.
Researchers estimate that extending school and workplace closures in Wuhan until April would delay a second wave of cases until later in the year, relieving pressure on health services. Physical distancing measures are likely to be most effective if staggered return to work commences at the beginning of April.
A Singapore modelling study suggests that quarantining infected individuals and their families, school closures, and workplace distancing are effective in reducing COVID-19 cases. The combined approach was found to be most effective, preventing a national outbreak at relatively low levels of infectivity.
A new molecular imaging technique, PSMA PET/CT, is more accurate than conventional medical imaging in detecting prostate cancer spread. The approach helps doctors tailor treatments by identifying disease extent at diagnosis.
A single dose of THC can induce a range of psychiatric symptoms in healthy volunteers, including schizophrenia-like symptoms. No consistent evidence suggests that cannabidiol moderates the effects of THC.
A study of over 20,000 American trans adults found that having access to identification documents reflecting their identified gender is associated with reduced psychological distress and lower rates of suicidal thoughts. The authors suggest policy changes to increase access to gender-concordant IDs, including reducing fees and administ...
A study published in The Lancet describes the first locally-transmitted case of SARS-CoV-2 in the USA, where a woman transmitted the virus to her husband after returning from China. Despite extensive contact tracing and monitoring, no further transmission was detected.
A new US study reports that around 8.4% of children aged 9-10 years experience suicidal ideation, with psychological problems and family conflict being key risk factors. Protective factors include greater parental supervision and positive school engagement.
The study of 1,100 people with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from eight countries shows that TACTs are highly efficacious with no safety concerns. However, they showed slightly higher rates of vomiting and minor changes in the electrical activity of the heart compared to existing treatment.
A study of a second HIV patient to undergo successful stem cell transplantation from donors with a HIV-resistant gene finds that there was no active viral infection in the patient's blood 30 months after they stopped anti-retroviral therapy. The patient had a healthy CD4 cell count, suggesting they have recovered well from the transplant.
A study of 191 patients with confirmed COVID-19 found that older age, sepsis, and blood clotting issues were key risk factors for death. The study also identified the median duration of viral shedding as 20 days in survivors, highlighting the importance of isolation precautions and antiviral treatment.
Results from 46 patients who received targeted therapies alongside standard chemotherapy showed a 31-month average survival compared to 18 months for those without molecular changes. Targeted therapy has already improved survival for many forms of cancer and could be a game-changer for pancreatic cancer patients with specific alterations.
A nine-year observational study found that Universal Credit's roll-out was associated with a 6.6% increase in psychological distress among unemployed recipients, affecting all social groups equally. The study suggests that the welfare reform may exacerbate pressures on mental health and social care services.
A phase 2b clinical trial of gefapixant, a new treatment for unexplained chronic cough, has shown promising results. The study found that patients who received the medication experienced a significant reduction in cough frequency, with the lowest dose of 50mg showing the most pronounced effect.
A digital intervention targeting attention and cognitive control improved attentional functioning in children with ADHD, with minimal adverse effects. The study's findings suggest that digital alternatives to traditional care could help tackle issues with access to treatment.
African countries with strong health systems have lower risk but still face transmission concerns. Countries like Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa are at highest risk due to high volumes of travel from China.
A landmark report warns that every child worldwide faces existential threats from climate change and exploitative marketing practices, stalling progress in child and adolescent health over the past 20 years. The Global Index of 180 countries reveals no single country is adequately protecting children's health, environment, and futures.
A study of 672 participants found life-course-persistent antisocial behavior associated with thinner cortex and smaller surface area in specific brain regions. In contrast, adolescence-limited antisocial behavior showed no widespread structural brain abnormalities.
Cancer survivors diagnosed between ages 15-20 have an increased risk of premature death and severe health conditions compared to siblings. The study highlights the need for long-term screening of young cancer survivors throughout their lives.
A small observational study found no evidence of intrauterine transmission of the new coronavirus and similar symptoms to non-pregnant adults. The study results were based on nine pregnant women with COVID-19 infection, all of whom gave birth via cesarean section.
A new study found that biomarker MOG antibodies can accurately diagnose life-threatening autoimmune conditions in children, leading to complete or near-complete recovery after appropriate treatment. The study involved 535 children with central nervous system demyelinating disorders and encephalitis.
A phase I clinical trial has confirmed the safety and effectiveness of a monoclonal antibody in neutralizing henipaviruses, which have pandemic potential. The antibody, m102.4, was found to be well-tolerated in healthy volunteers, with no serious adverse events reported.
A new modelling study estimates that up to 75,800 individuals in Wuhan may have been infected with 2019-nCoV by January 25, 2020. The researchers also suggest that multiple major Chinese cities might have already imported dozens of cases of 2019-nCoV infection from Wuhan.
Two new studies quantify the potential for eliminating cervical cancer in 78 low-income and lower-middle income countries, proposing measures to avert 74 million cases and 62 million deaths over the next century. The proposed triple intervention strategy of HPV vaccination, cervical screening, and treatment could reduce mortality by up...
The 2019-nCoV virus has nearly identical genetic sequences among patients, indicating a recent emergence and rapid detection. The virus shares similarities with bat-derived coronaviruses and may use the ACE2 receptor to enter human cells.
The Lancet report provides comprehensive clinical and treatment data on 2019-nCoV cases from Wuhan, China. Most patients had underlying chronic diseases and pneumonia, but responded well to antivirals and antibiotics.
A study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that children aged two to three who spend more than three hours a day viewing screens are less physically active at age 5.5 years. Adhering to WHO guidelines to limit screen time may promote healthier behaviors in later life.
Redlining practices in the 1930s are associated with higher rates of emergency department visits due to asthma, with a 39% increased risk in previously redlined neighbourhoods compared to non-redlined areas. Historical policies may have shaped neighbourhood development and air quality, contributing to asthma incidence.
A guided self-help approach was safe and effective in reducing psychological distress and improving functioning among female South Sudanese refugee women living in Uganda. The intervention resulted in meaningful improvements in symptoms of depression, PTSD, and explosive anger, with benefits seen across different trauma histories and l...
A long-term study found that bariatric surgery does not improve general mental health in adolescents despite substantial weight loss. Mental health problems persisted, and those who underwent surgery had more hospital-based care for mental health issues.
A study found that fewer than half of US clinical trials comply with the law on reporting results, with non-industry sponsored trials most likely to breach. Trials with industry sponsors are more likely to report results on time, but progress has stalled since July 2018.
A study found improved real-time prediction of influenza-like illness in five US states compared to current surveillance methods using de-identified data from wearable devices. The researchers used Fitbit data to identify abnormal resting heart rates and sleep patterns, which were linked to increased risk of flu.
A 10-year study found that the prevalence of probable depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were significantly higher during the 2019 social unrest in Hong Kong compared to pre-2014 levels. The study estimates that mental health-care providers may need to prepare for a 12% rise in demand for public sector services.
Researchers found genetic signs of Borna disease virus in brain tissue from patients with unknown cause of encephalitis, indicating a potential link to severe and deadly cases. The study suggests clinicians should test for BoDV-1 more often in patients with rapidly evolving central or peripheral nervous system disorders.
A recent study found that one in three children affected by the outbreak are yet to receive treatment, highlighting the need for urgent government intervention. The average age of children affected is just 3 years old, and most cases were transmitted through reused needles and contaminated blood products.
A randomized controlled trial found that fenfluramine reduced convulsive seizures by 62% in patients with Dravet Syndrome. Low-dose fenfluramine also showed significant reductions in seizure frequency, while side effects were manageable.
A growing double burden of malnutrition affects individuals, families, communities, and countries in low- and middle-income countries. High-quality diets are crucial to prevent all forms of malnutrition, while changes in food systems drive the emerging global epidemics of type 2 diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
The Lancet Global Health study found that on average, countries implemented just over half of the 18 WHO-recommended policies to reduce chronic diseases. Implementation improved over time, but some countries lagged behind, including the USA. Democratic centre-left countries tended to implement more policies.
The study, published in The Lancet, analyzed data from almost 400,000 people and found a strong link between non-HDL cholesterol levels and long-term cardiovascular disease risk in those under 45. Reducing cholesterol levels by half may lower the risk of heart disease or stroke by up to 60% for some individuals.