Studies of rural communities in Cameroon found that people exposed to blood or body fluids from primates during hunting have a higher risk of simian retrovirus infection. Genetic analysis revealed three geographically independent human infections, acquired from different primates.
A study published in The Lancet found that subdural hemorrhages in full-term babies are rare and typically resolve on their own. The research suggested that forceps-assisted deliveries and other trauma during birth may increase the risk of bleeding, but even then, it is usually not a cause for concern.
A recent study examines seroprevalence of non-pneumonic SARS-CoV infections in general population and healthcare workers. The findings suggest that non-pneumonic infections are more common than SARS-CoV pneumonia, shedding light on possible explanations for cases with no obvious contact to other patients.
A study of 300 former child soldiers found nearly all experienced traumatic events, including physical and sexual abuse. The study highlights the need for stronger intervention by the UN to prevent children from being used as soldiers in conflicts.
A breakthrough in fertility preservation allows women to store their ovarian tissue before cancer treatment, which can be transplanted years later to restore reproductive function. The technique shows promise but also raises concerns about safety and effectiveness, prompting calls for further research.
A recent five-year study found that simvastatin therapy significantly reduces the incidence of ischemic strokes by 30%, while having no adverse effect on hemorrhagic strokes. The study also shows a substantial reduction in combined major vascular events among patients with cerebrovascular disease.
The World Health Organization's (WHO) global tuberculosis control strategy, DOTS, is facing challenges in meeting its 2005 targets. A significant case-detection gap exists between estimated annual incident cases and reported cases under the DOTS strategy. The WHO recommends four key actions to address this issue, including equipping na...
Researchers found improved heart function in some patients treated with stem cells and G-CSF after a heart attack. However, the treatment also led to an unexpected high rate of complications, prompting further investigation before its use in humans.
The main thrust of a 1998 Lancet paper described an unexpected intestinal lesion in children, raising the possibility of a link between MMR vaccine and autism. Despite lack of evidence, the paper's interpretation sparked major implications for public health, leading to formal retraction by the authors.
Researchers found ACR scores improved for symptom relief after 6 months with combination treatment, and remission occurred in 35% of patients compared to 16% and 13% with individual therapies. Combination therapy also showed a statistically significant improvement on joint erosion.
A new norovirus variant was identified as the cause of increased gastroenteritis outbreaks in Europe in 2002. The data collected from ten European countries showed a striking increase in norovirus outbreaks that coincided with the emergence of the new virus variant, leading to an unusual seasonal pattern.
Patients from lower socio-economic backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing postoperative MRSA infections. The study found that patients from the most deprived areas had a seven-fold higher infection rate than those from the least deprived areas.
A new vaccine has shown significant improvement in 5-year progression-free survival rates for patients with renal cancer, with a 77% rate in the vaccinated group compared to 68% in the control group. The well-tolerated treatment was associated with only 12 adverse events.
Researchers emphasize the need for adequate surveillance and pandemic planning to prevent further avian influenza outbreaks. The development of a vaccine against the H5N1 virus is crucial to mitigate this risk.
A blood test measuring procalcitonin levels can guide antibiotic treatment for lower respiratory tract infections, reducing unnecessary use and promoting more targeted therapy. The study found that withholding antibiotics based on procalcitonin thresholds did not compromise health outcomes in patients with viral infections.
The editorial highlights concerns about government over-regulation of science, highlighting the need for transparency and clarity in research funding. It emphasizes that strong and sustainable research cultures are crucial for addressing global health threats.
Researchers have found that the inheritance of a parental X chromosome is strongly correlated with similar telomere length between parents and children. This suggests that the process of ageing might be an X-linked trait.
A study of over 50,000 patients found consistently low rates of early discharge in Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, and Poland. Despite this, the number of potentially unnecessary hospital days varied greatly between countries, with Germany having the highest rate.
A Thai court case ruled in favor of patients with HIV-1, increasing access to essential antiretroviral drugs. Civil society groups played a crucial role in challenging multinational pharmaceutical industry practices, leading to improved treatment outcomes and increased self-image confidence among people living with HIV/AIDS.
Researchers conclude that sexual transmission remains the primary mode of HIV-1 spread in Africa. The authors also acknowledge the need for improved data to identify risks associated with unsafe injections in healthcare settings.
A UK-based study found that individuals who received blood components from donors later diagnosed with vCJD were at increased risk. Researchers also discovered that the BSE agent can be transmitted through intravenous routes, highlighting concerns for possible transfusion cases.
The HABITS trial was terminated after an unacceptably high risk of recurrent breast cancer was found in women with previous breast cancer who received hormone therapy, compared to those without hormones. Women on active treatment have been advised to discontinue use.
The authors argue that genetic testing poses no new ethical issues compared to existing practices, but the inconsistency in disclosure of results is unjustifiable. Genetic tests may soon be linked to lifestyle and future health, making them inappropriate for premium assessment if not disclosed equally.
Therapy-based rehabilitation services for stroke patients living at home reduced the odds of deteriorating in personal activities of daily living (eg. walking, dressing) by 28% and increased the ability of patients to undertake activities of daily living by 14%. These findings suggest that a therapy-based rehabilitation service could b...
A UK study estimates that diagnostic X-rays contribute to around 700 cancer cases annually in the UK, with similar but higher risks observed in other developed countries. The researchers emphasize the importance of avoiding unnecessary X-ray procedures and weighing benefits against risks for patients.
A meta-analysis of five published trials found that aluminium-containing vaccines were more likely to cause redness and induration in young children and local pain in older children. However, there was no evidence of serious or long-lasting side effects.
Recent studies suggest that pediatric influenza is a significant medical problem, causing excess hospitalizations and antibiotic prescriptions. Experts call for increased efforts to identify and vaccinate high-risk children, as well as educating parents and physicians about the importance of flu vaccination.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that doubling the dose of inhaled corticosteroid before a severe asthma attack does not provide additional benefits. The research involved 390 patients who monitored their asthma for up to one year and received either an extra inhaler or placebo when control deteriorated.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that prenatal genetic testing should be offered to all pregnant women, regardless of age or risk, as it is cost-effective. The researchers found that the benefits of early testing outweigh the costs, particularly for high-risk pregnancies.
A recent avian influenza outbreak in Vietnam underscores the importance of veterinary science and animal husbandry in preventing human pandemics. The article emphasizes that animal experts must receive adequate funding and resources to combat emerging diseases.
A review of 26 studies found that cancer patients enrolled in clinical trials did not have significantly better health outcomes compared to those not participating. The studies highlighted the importance of clinical trials in advancing treatment and improving options for patients with cancer.
Postnatal depression is a severe mental illness with long-term effects, responding to treatment and requiring multidisciplinary care. The Lancet article shares a personal account and highlights the importance of recognition, support groups, and medical community response.
A study of 78 children aged three found low levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior significantly lower than recommended. Experts call for urgent public health interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors in early childhood.
The Lancet article reveals that inadequate funding for effective treatments like ACT is contributing to the increase in global childhood malaria deaths. Inappropriate drug distribution by WHO and GFATM is being criticized for wasting international aid money and potentially killing patients.
A European study has identified major risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), including prone sleeping positions and household smoking. These avoidable risk factors suggest a basis for further reductions in SIDS incidence rates through changes in infant sleep arrangements and environmental habits.
A study found that women who experienced miscarriage had lower concentrations of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 compared to those who delivered normally. Low MIC1 levels often preceded miscarriage, suggesting its potential as a predictor and therapeutic target for pregnancy loss prevention.
A WHO expert consultation suggests that traditional BMI cut-off points may not be suitable for Asian populations, who experience a higher risk of adverse health outcomes at lower BMI values. The consultation proposes intermediate public-health action points to address this disparity.
A new study by William Checkley and colleagues found that water and sanitation are key determinants of infant health in developing countries. The research, conducted on 230 Peruvian infants, revealed that inadequate water and sanitation can lead to higher rates of diarrheal episodes and stunted growth.
A review article by Daniel B. Di Giulio and Paul B. Eckburg reports the first confirmed cases of monkeypox in the US, likely introduced through the pet trade and rodent importation. The disease has been mild in the US, with no fatalities, but poses a risk of endemicity in US rodent populations.
Maternal deaths worldwide can be addressed by investing in effective technologies and ensuring their availability. The Lancet series highlights key causes, including haemorrhage, sepsis, and obstructed labour.
Environmental samples from food factories and households contained E. sakazakii, highlighting the need for preventive control measures. Health professionals should follow recommendations to handle reconstituted powdered infant formulas with care.
A meta-analysis of 16 randomised trials shows that artesunate is highly effective in treating malaria when added to other antimalarial drugs. The new combination dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is also found to be highly efficacious in Vietnam, where multidrug-resistant parasites are common.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is shifting its approach to prioritize reducing global health disparities and addressing emerging epidemics. The organization aims to strengthen health systems and deliver sustainable care to vulnerable populations by 2015. This shift in focus will depend on research priorities and funding to achieve...
A study of long-haul air travelers found a 1% risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Traditional risk factors and prophylactic measures may need further investigation to reduce the risk.
A pilot study found that children who underwent steroid-free immunosuppression had a lower rate of graft rejection after 12 months compared to those who received steroids. The findings suggest no harmful effect on graft acceptance, but further follow-up is needed to confirm the results.
This year's Wakley Prize essays share personal reflections from doctors and patients in Peru, highlighting the struggle to tackle tuberculosis despite financial constraints. The essays reveal how poverty draws a line between life and death for many individuals.
A study published in Science reveals that the overwhelming source of human genetic variation is between individuals, not ethnic groups. The research also highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in advancing medical knowledge.
A five-year study found that mechanical assist devices increased survival rates to hospital discharge for 77% of supported children. External mechanical hearts and ECMO provided the safest forms of support in urgent situations.
The cold-chain hypothesis proposes that psychrotrophic bacteria in refrigerated foods contribute to Crohn's disease. These bacteria have been identified in disease lesions and may trigger excessive host responses.
The Lancet editorial highlights the need for improved patient and family support in hospitals, citing a tragic case of a chronically ill child's experience. The authors propose increasing liaison staff to at least two per ward to provide emotional wellbeing support and reduce stories like Michaela's in the medical community.