Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for Ebola, showing a 33% survival rate among treated macaques. The study found that inhibiting blood coagulation pathways prolonged survival time and improved health outcomes.
A five-year study in Germany found that early ultrasound screening reduced the number of subsequent hip operations from 147 to around 80-100. However, the effectiveness depends on timely screening before six weeks of age.
The Lancet editorial calls for a complete ban on smoking in the UK, citing health risks and addiction concerns. If implemented, such a ban could lead to 300,000 quitters and save 150,000 lives annually.
A new form of coronavirus was genetically altered to resemble parts of the SARS virus, then injected into rhesus macaques. The results showed strong immune responses against SARS in all immunized animals, suggesting a potential protective vaccine.
A new method for estimating true HIV/AIDS incidence has been proposed using population surveys, which may provide more accurate results than conventional estimates. The study found that HIV-1 prevalence was around 25% higher according to conventional UNAIDS/WHO estimates than data obtained from population surveys.
The HART study found HPV testing was more sensitive than cytology for detecting pre-malignant cells, but less specific. Surveillance at 12 months was as effective as immediate colposcopy for women with minimal abnormalities. This approach could improve detection rates of cervical cancer without increasing colposcopy referrals.
A new study suggests that women who have had a caesarean section may be at higher risk of stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies. The research found that the risk of stillbirth was greater for women who had previously given birth by caesarean section, with an increased risk starting at around 34 weeks of their second pregnancy.
Research by Dennis Lo and colleagues found that viral sequences from two major Hong Kong SARS outbreaks were nearly identical, with only three nucleotide differences. This suggests that non-viral genomic factors may have played a role in the distinct clinical features of the Amoy Gardens outbreak.
The Lancet editorial proposes a serostatus-based approach for universal voluntary knowledge of HIV status, simplified clinical testing, and prevention of discrimination. Two viewpoints discuss the necessity of testing before prophylaxis with single-dose nevirapine in preventing mother-to-child transmission.
A study found UVGI significantly reduces reported work-related illnesses, particularly respiratory and mucosal symptoms, among 771 participants. The cost-effectiveness of UVGI installation compared to building-related illness losses is estimated to be favorable.
Asylum seekers in the US face increased anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms with prolonged detention. A new study suggests that these policies should be reviewed to address the mental health needs of this vulnerable population.
The SPORTIF III study found that oral ximelagatran was at least as effective as warfarin in reducing the frequency of stroke or systemic blood clots, with a lower risk of bleeding. Ximelagatran may offer a safer alternative to warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation and high stroke risk.
A recent brain-imaging study has identified specific areas of abnormal structure and function in the brains of children with ADHD, including reduced prefrontal cortex size and increased grey matter in regions controlling impulse control. The findings may help inform the development of new therapeutic agents for treating ADHD.
A study analyzing 62 movies across four continents found that epilepsy is often stereotyped, with males shown as violent and females as exotic and vulnerable. The dramatic potential of seizures may contribute to these portrayals.
Researchers found that total lymphocyte count and albumin independently predicted the risk of death in HIV-1-infected children. Using these low-cost measures could establish when to initiate antiretroviral therapy in settings where CD4 and RNA assays are not available.
A study published in The Lancet found that medium-firm mattresses can significantly improve symptoms of low back pain, including reductions in pain while lying down and getting out of bed. Participants who used medium-firm mattresses reported twice the improvements compared to those using firm mattresses.
Despite improvements in reported pain after surgery, patients continue to express concerns about anaesthesia, including fear of not waking up or experiencing nausea and vomiting. The authors note that developments in technology and training have improved anaesthetic practice, but challenges remain to improve patient comfort.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that global obesity rates among children have more than doubled between 1975 and 2003. This significant increase poses serious health risks for the millions of children affected by childhood obesity worldwide.
A new blood test detects mesothelioma at an early stage, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The test uses soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMR) as a biomarker, which can detect the cancer several years before symptoms appear.
Open-access initiatives aim to make scientific research freely available online, with proponents arguing that it promotes science and improves human health. Critics, however, suggest that authors' payment models may compromise the quality of published research.
A prospective study in Botswana found that only 1.8% of asymptomatic HIV-infected outpatients with preventive therapy developed TB, rendering routine chest radiography unnecessary for screening in settings where signs and symptoms can be effectively identified.
A large-scale trial found no major effect of cannabinoids on spasticity but showed small reductions in walking time and subjective improvements in patients. The study suggests that cannabinoids may be clinically useful in treating MS symptoms, particularly when other treatments fail.
A study found that nearly a quarter of families with deceased individuals had inherited heart disease, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac death among relatives. The researchers suggest screening 12-lead ECGs for first-degree relatives of those who died suddenly and unexpectedly.
A UK measles expert warns that major epidemics are likely to occur in the country this winter if vaccination rates do not improve rapidly. The Lancet publication cites unequivocal evidence supporting the safety of the MMR vaccine and highlights the risks associated with unvaccinated children.
A new dried blood-spot test has shown promising results for monitoring HIV treatment in less-developed countries. The test, which uses a commercial enzyme immunoassay, compares well with standard flow cytometry and could make CD4+ lymphocyte count measurements more accessible to rural populations.
A recent study has found that oral steroid treatment for preschool children with viral wheeze may not provide any benefits in reducing respiratory symptoms or hospital admissions. The study analyzed data from over 200 young children and found no difference in symptom scores between those who received prednisolone and placebo. However, ...
Childhood visual impairment and blindness in the UK are more common and severe than assumed, often linked to complex disabilities and increased mortality rates. The study highlights the need for new interventions to address this largely insurmountable burden of blinding eye disease in industrialized countries.
A study highlights the rise of vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children and pregnant women, particularly in immigrant groups in more temperate regions. Experts recommend extra dietary vitamin D supplementation for these populations to prevent deficiencies.
AstraZeneca's rosuvastatin has an inferior evidence base supporting its safe use compared to competitors. The company is facing unusually acute commercial pressure to force the drug into the market.
A new study published in The Lancet found that pulse-dye laser therapy (PDL) was effective in reducing acne symptoms by half at three months. PDL treatment was also well-tolerated and showed the largest effect within four weeks, suggesting it could be a promising alternative to daily conventional pharmacological treatments.
The Lancet editorial questions the qualifications of key health officials in Iraq, while noting progress in hospital funding. The article warns that donors must prioritize the health and security of all Iraqi people before it's too late.
A multicentre trial involving 351 patients found that anaemia treatment with epoetin beta did not improve cancer control or survival rates. Instead, patients receiving epoetin beta had a 60% better chance of progression-free survival compared to those given placebo.
A recent study found that patients with a genetic subtype of diabetes have a significantly greater response to sulphonylurea drugs compared to those without a defined cause. This discovery highlights the importance of individualizing treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes, depending on their underlying cause.
The study found substantial survival increases after HAART, with death rates reduced by 50% in 1997 and over 80% by 2001. Injecting drug users had four times higher death rates than those infected through homosexual contact. Earlier diagnosis maximizes treatment gains.
Patients developing neutralizing antibodies had longer time to first relapse and increased yearly relapse rate compared to antibody-negative patients. The presence of antibodies did not affect overall disease outcome, but prompt consideration for alternative treatments may be necessary.
A study found that administering nevirapine and zidovudine to babies after birth reduced mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission by around 15% compared to nevirapine alone. This combination therapy resulted in a protective efficacy of 36%.
A study found that four paleontologists developed acute illness after returning from expeditions in Mongolia, with antibodies detected in their blood. The risk of acquiring North Asian tick typhus is unknown during travel to endemic regions, and travelers should be suspected of having the disease even without a recognized tick bite.
A large cohort study found that individuals with low birthweight had higher systolic blood pressure at 36 years of age, which was sustained by age 53. People from manual social classes also showed increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time. The findings highlight the importance of weight control throughout life to preven...
A study of 352 patients found that sirolimus-eluting stents significantly improved minimum coronary artery diameter at 8 months, reducing restenosis rates by 42% and major cardiac events by 23%. The technology offers promising results for endoluminal therapy, potentially rivaling bypass surgery.
Research suggests that low and high birthweights are associated with a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Babies born with weights below the 10th percentile or above the 97th percentile had a four to six times increased risk, respectively.
A study found that vibrating insoles can significantly improve balance and reduce sway among elderly participants. Younger individuals also showed reduced sway with stimulation, suggesting the potential of noise-based devices to enhance motor control performance.
A study of 100 patients found that nearly a quarter had pivotal physical findings, leading to changes in diagnosis and treatment. These findings prompted collaboration with specialist consultants to perform urgent procedures, highlighting the importance of skilled physical exams in hospital care.
Hepatitis A vaccine boosters are unnecessary for healthy individuals, according to a meeting of experts; protective antibody amounts persist beyond 10 years after primary vaccination. Further investigations are needed for special patient groups.
A randomized trial found that surgical decontamination (SDD) significantly reduces mortality in ICU patients by lowering antibiotic-resistant bacteria infections. SDD is recommended for patients on mechanical ventilation or in ICUs with low vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and meticillin-resistant S aureus prevalence.
A randomized trial found that selective use of antibiotic decontamination (SDD) significantly reduced ICU deaths by 15% and overall hospital deaths by 24%, as well as infection rates with antibiotic-resistant bacteria by 16%. The study advocates for the use of SDD in patients on mechanical ventilation or in ICUs with low prevalence of ...
A recent study highlights the need for cheaper antitoxins to treat plant poisoning in developing countries. The research found that removing an expensive antitoxin led to a significant increase in deaths, emphasizing the importance of affordable treatments.
A study by the World Health Organization found that officially reported global vaccination coverage rates are higher than actual rates, highlighting issues with data quality. The investigation compared national data with a 'gold standard' household survey method in 45 countries between 1990 and 2000.
Researchers found distinct lymphoid tissue activation patterns in patients with acute, mid-stage, and late HIV-1 disease. PET scans showed predictable sequence of lymph node involvement, suggesting potential for treatment interruptions during active node removal.
A new approach to monitoring suicide trends suggests that favourable overall rates may hide increasing rates of years lost due to suicide among young people. This analysis of English and Welsh data reveals a potential decline in life expectancy for this age group.
A randomised controlled trial found that accelerated radiotherapy improved five-year tumour control by 10% compared to standard radiotherapy, with benefits also seen in patients with laryngeal cancer. The treatment was associated with a small increase in disease-specific survival, but also more acute morbidity.