A two-thirds reduction in childhood deaths is achievable in 42 countries with 90% of child deaths if known low cost measures such as breastfeeding and vaccination are extended to maximum coverage. The primary challenge today is to transfer what we already know into action.
Researchers exposed eight healthy participants to hypoxia and normal air conditions to investigate potential link between air travel and venous thrombosis (DVT). The study found no significant changes in clotting activity during hypoxic exposure, but a larger study is required to confirm these findings.
A study published in The Lancet found that law enforcement can substantially reduce fatal traffic crashes by 35% lower risk of fatalities after a conviction. Enforcement policies, including penalty points for driving convictions, show greater reductions in fatal crashes than mandatory vehicle improvements.
Postconflict psychiatric research reveals high prevalence of common mental disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorder. Exposure to violence is a potent risk factor for various disorders, with comorbidity analyses showing complex relationships between disorders.
Researchers are exploring neural transplantation as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease, despite initial disappointing results from clinical trials. Further studies aim to improve the effectiveness of transplants and address concerns about side effects such as dyskinesias.
A study of 800 women with relapsing ovarian cancer found that combination chemotherapy showed a modest survival benefit compared to platinum-based chemotherapy alone. Women assigned combination therapy survived for an average of five months more than those given platinum therapy.
A study of over 3600 women found that gynaecologists can identify victims of abuse and refer them to community support services, reducing the risk of re-traumatization. Gynaecologists can also discuss how to handle consultations and pelvic examinations to avoid triggering flashbacks.
A recent study in Beijing found that men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk of HIV-1 infection, with 15 out of 481 participants testing positive. The study highlights the potential for MSM to serve as a bridge between high-risk and low-risk populations, increasing the transmission of HIV-1.
A recent meta-analysis has found that vitamin E and beta carotene supplements do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or death. The analysis analyzed data from seven trials involving over 1000 participants, concluding that these supplements may even increase mortality rates.
A large prospective study of over 6,300 patients found no significant difference in postoperative complications between obese and non-obese individuals. Obesity alone does not appear to be a risk factor for postoperative complications, contrary to previous attitudes.
Researchers at Frankfurt University Medical School have assessed the antiviral potential of five drugs against the SARS coronavirus. Glycyrrhizin, an antiviral agent proven to treat HIV-1 and hepatitis C, is the most active compound in inhibiting replication, with increased nitric oxide synthesis contributing to its effectiveness.
A study led by Rory Collins found that statin therapy reduces the risk of primary outcomes for people with diabetes, including cardiac death, non-fatal heart attack, and stroke. The reduction in risk appeared to be greater among diabetic patients who did not have occlusive arterial disease.
Teenagers who view more smoking in movies are almost three times more likely to start smoking compared to those with low exposure. The study found that half of smoking initiation can be attributed to viewing smoking in movies, highlighting the need for policy changes to reduce youth exposure.
Researchers found that multiple-dose activated charcoal significantly reduced deaths in patients with oleander poisoning compared to placebo. The treatment also decreased the need for cardiac pacing and intensive care. Charcoal may be useful in treating other cardiac glycoside poisonings as well.
Early-onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) infection affects one in 1000 newborns, but diagnostic tests often yield false-negative results. A new study suggests that active surveillance and alternative diagnostic methods could improve accurate diagnosis and prevention of this potentially deadly disease.
A study of 114 asthmatic children found that higher exposure to nitrogen dioxide before a viral infection led to more severe asthma symptoms and exacerbations. This suggests that controlling air pollution could reduce healthcare costs associated with treating acute asthma attacks.
The UK Government's proposed law on corporate killing aims to make companies financially accountable for their actions. However, the editorial criticizes this approach, arguing that it fails to hold individual directors directly responsible for decisions leading to injury.
A large international study has found that kidney-transplant patients who receive statin therapy experience reduced cardiovascular risk and mortality. The study's findings support the use of statins as a preventive measure for these high-risk patients, particularly those with mild renal failure.
Researchers found that early exposure to probiotics Lactobacillus GG reduced the risk of atopic eczema by 40% in children at four years old. The study suggests a potential preventive effect against eczema in infancy and childhood.
Researchers found that varicocele treatment had no significant effect on pregnancy rates among subfertile couples. Despite this, men with varicoceles still experience lower sperm quality and quantity due to testicular damage.
The Lancet's editorial highlights the connection between economic instability, poverty, and the risk of civil conflict. The World Bank and WHO reports support this warning, emphasizing the need for collective action to avoid repeating past century's evils.
The UK is experiencing an increased rate of gonorrhoea infection due to growing antibiotic resistance, particularly with ciprofloxacin. The Health Protection Agency recommends reviewing national and local treatment guidelines to ensure effective treatment using alternative antibiotics such as cephalosporins or spectinomycin.
A study found that prenatal exposure to a diabetic environment from mothers with type 1 diabetes is associated with increased occurrence of impaired glucose tolerance and a defective insulin secretory response in adult offspring. This effect was observed independently of genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.
A study of 800 young male army recruits found that nearly 10% could have chlamydia infection, with a higher proportion than previously reported having asymptomatic cases. Infected men were equally active sexually as the general population.
Researchers propose pathogenic bacteria and viruses could originate from outer space, citing the unusual nature of major epidemics like SARS. The novel virus in SARS has been identified as a possible explanation for its unexpected appearance and global spread.
The world's population is aging rapidly, with a quarter of the US population expected to be over 65 by 2030. Various models of care are discussed, including those in the UK, USA, Germany, and Italy. Governments must take initiative to configure or restructure long-term care, examining social and ethical values and public policies on el...
The Lancet report emphasizes the need for WHO to prioritize health as a human right in the 21st century. Creating primary health-care services and upgrading national disease surveillance systems are crucial measures to ensure global security.
A global network of scientists identified a new coronavirus as the cause of SARS, rapidly developing diagnostic tests and sharing data in real-time. Three diagnostic tests are now available, but limitations exist, highlighting the need for further work to develop reliable and sensitive tests.
Researchers found that topiramate significantly reduced heavy drinking days and increased abstinence days in heavy drinkers compared to placebo. The study also showed substantial reduction in plasma concentrations of the enzyme g-glutamyl transferase, an objective measure of high alcohol consumption.
A large study of 779 mother-infant pairs found no association between prenatal mercury exposure and impaired neurodevelopment. Despite finding two tests associated with exposure, the results were likely due to chance, suggesting that current fish consumption levels are probably safe during pregnancy.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is a legally binding international treaty aimed at reducing tobacco use, but its adoption in the US is threatened by American exceptionalism. The FCTC covers tobacco taxation, smoking prevention and treatment, illicit trade, advertising, sponsorship and promotion, and product regulation.
A new study found that spiritual well-being can significantly impact the mental health of terminally ill cancer patients. Patients with high spiritual well-being were less likely to experience strong feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. The research highlights the importance of addressing spiritual needs in palliative care.
Researchers found that many patients with SARS developed recurrent fever and worsening lung conditions after initial improvement. The immune system's excessive response to the virus may be responsible for this clinical deterioration in the second week after hospitalization.
A reanalysis of previous studies found that new-generation antipsychotics were moderately more efficacious than low-potency conventional drugs but did not significantly reduce neurological side-effects. Clozapine was the only new-generation drug associated with fewer side-effects and higher efficacy.
Researchers have identified two distinct genotypes of the SARS virus, linked to geographic clusters of infections. The study provides valuable insights into the genetic makeup of the virus, which could inform public health strategies and vaccine development.
A major study of 1425 SARS cases in Hong Kong found that public health interventions, including rapid hospital admissions and contact tracing, have successfully reduced the spread of the disease. The study also revealed a higher fatality rate for older patients, with case fatality rates ranging from 13.2% to 55.0% depending on age.
Researchers found that wearing surgical masks significantly reduces the risk of SARS transmission for healthcare workers. In contrast, staff members who did not wear masks were more likely to contract the disease despite following other safety protocols.
A study by Makrina Savvidou and colleagues found that impaired placental blood flow precedes pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Raised concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are strongly associated with reduced arterial dilation and increased risk of pre-eclampsia.
A new study published in The Lancet found that a high-fibre diet was associated with a lower risk of colorectal adenoma and colon cancer. Participants who consumed the most fibre had a 25% lower risk of developing adenoma compared to those who consumed less fibre.
A study of 10 young children with SARS found that they exhibited milder symptoms such as cough and runny nose, unlike teenagers who showed symptoms similar to adults. The clinical course was also shorter and less aggressive among younger patients.
Researchers at Cardiff University discovered that inflating urinary catheters with a solution of triclosan inhibits the formation of crystalline biofilm, preventing blockages. The method could have practical applications in controlling catheter encrustation and treating urinary tract infections.
Exclusive breastfeeding rates increased by 33% with counselling, while diarrhoea decreased by a third at three months and 15% at six months. No negative impact on infant growth was observed in either group.
The article discusses how war affects public health, citing concerns from medical editors about the profession's responsibility to address these issues. It highlights the need for doctors to raise debate over the consequences of coalition actions.
Mammography screening has been shown to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality in European countries. Studies found that women aged 40-69 years who received screening had a 44% reduced risk of dying from breast cancer, while those not screened had a 16% reduction.
The editorial highlights China's slow information-gathering from rural districts and secretive attitude to national health statistics as major challenges. A concerted effort to compile accurate statistics on HIV/AIDS prevalence could demonstrate China's ability to learn from its mistakes and acknowledge global responsibilities.
A collaborative research group investigated whether Down's syndrome and NTD arise more often in the same family. The study found a significant link between the two conditions, with increased rates of pregnancy loss among families at high risk of NTD and Down's syndrome.
A recent study highlights the importance of nurses in reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The research found that the proportion and quality of reports received from nurses were similar to those from doctors. This suggests that nurses can play a valuable part in enhancing pharmacovigilance within the UK.
A study of 1782 first-year university students in Auckland found a high prevalence of recreational nitrous oxide use. The survey revealed that many students were unaware of the potential health risks associated with this substance.
Researchers found that cannabis compounds have previously unknown qualities, potentially enabling the discovery of new treatments for neurological disorders. The study suggests that tailored varieties of cannabis may be used to prevent neurodegeneration and manage conditions such as Alzheimer's and motor neuron diseases.
Research suggests that clitoral surgery can lead to non-sensuality and difficulty achieving orgasm in individuals with intersex conditions. The study highlights the need for informed consent and further research on this topic.