The Lancet Neurology recently published a series of articles discussing the latest evidence on Alzheimer's disease, including preventative anti-inflammatory clinical trials and the role of secretases in producing amyloid-beta peptide. Researchers argue that these approaches hold promise for preventing or slowing the onset of the disease.
A study of 45 male identical twin pairs found no difference in disc degeneration between occupational drivers and their non-driving twin brothers. The researchers suggest shifting attention from degenerative changes to other explanations for the link between driving and back problems.
Recent cancer patient data reveals higher-than-expected five-year to twenty-year relative survival rates across various types of cancer. Period analysis shows more optimistic estimates compared to traditional cohort-based methods.
A retrospective analysis of 87 patients with moderate paracetamol poisoning found that acetylcysteine treatment can decrease prothrombin index values significantly. This decrease may be misinterpreted as a sign of liver failure, highlighting the need for cautious management decisions based on measurement of this value.
The WHO election process will be covered in a Special Report by The Lancet, providing information on the organisational structure and history of WHO. Readers can share their comments on international health through an email address on The Lancet's website.
A study published in The Lancet found that individuals with a family history of completed suicide and mental illness are two and a half times more likely to commit suicide than those without such a history. A family history of psychiatric illness increased suicide risk by around 50% for those without a prior psychiatric history.
Otitis media is a common childhood infection with rising antibiotic resistance; the Lancet Infectious Diseases review calls for targeted larval mosquito strategies. A systematic review of over 5000 women also finds that cheap spermicide gels are ineffective in reducing HIV-1 and other STIs.
Research suggests that smoking during adolescence increases the risk of breast cancer in women by 70%, particularly those who start smoking within five years of menarche. This is due to the sensitivity of human breast tissue to environmental carcinogens during periods of rapid cell proliferation, such as puberty.
Sexual violence is rooted in gender power inequalities and hierarchical relationships, with prevention efforts extending to health services, education, and social policies. Health professionals play a crucial role in supporting victims and promoting autonomy, bodily integrity, and self-esteem.
Researchers found that aspirin use did not decrease the effectiveness of ACE inhibitor therapy in patients. The combination of both treatments significantly reduced major vascular outcomes by 22%, producing substantial additional benefits for patients at high risk of events.
The Lancet Oncology editorial discusses the EPA's 10-year report on diesel exhaust fumes' toxic effects, emphasizing public health implications. The article also reviews mathematical models identifying breast cancer risk factors and explores chemoprevention strategies.
A recent study found that stent-assisted angioplasty reduced the need for repeat revascularization by 14% compared to CABG. Additionally, patients who received angioplasty experienced a lower risk of subsequent heart attack (5%) than those given CABG (8%).
Researchers examine the mechanisms underlying inactivation of BRCA1 and its impact on patient management. The study assesses the potential usefulness of BRCA1 as a prognostic tool and predictive marker for response to different classes of drugs.
A recent study found that nonoxynol-9 spermicide may increase the risk of HIV-1 infection in women due to vaginal lesions caused by frequent use. In contrast, low-frequency use showed no harm or benefit. The findings highlight the need for alternative vaginal microbicides.
A study found that azithromycin improved forced expiratory volume in one second's exhalation (FEV1) by around 5% in some children with cystic fibrosis. The drug was well-tolerated and showed no significant difference in quality-of-life assessments compared to placebo.
The study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cancer, pulmonary embolism, and stroke in women, while reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and hip fractures. HRT may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease among older women.
A randomized controlled trial found that sildenafil reduced pulmonary blood resistance, a key indicator of pulmonary hypertension. The study suggests sildenafil could be a promising candidate for long-term treatment of secondary pulmonary hypertension in lung fibrosis. Controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings.
A recent study found that breastfeeding had no significant effect on the risk of developing asthma or allergies in childhood. In fact, children who were breastfed for more than four weeks were twice as likely to develop allergic disease or asthma compared to those who were not breastfed.
A study of Vietnamese refugees in Australia found that most are not at risk of long-term mental illness, but those exposed to high levels of trauma have a higher risk. The research highlights the need for specialized services for this high-risk group.
A global consensus on histopathological diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease is within reach thanks to an interactive website. NMDA receptor antagonists failed to show efficacy in clinical trials of stroke and traumatic brain injury, but lessons learned will guide new developments.
Research suggests that diet is a second leading cause of cancer, accounting for approximately 30% of cancers in developed countries. A healthy weight, restricted alcohol consumption, and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and cereals can help reduce cancer risk.
A recent clinical trial found that tamoxifen reduces the frequency of breast cancer by a third in women at increased risk. However, tamoxifen use also increases the risk of blood-clotting complications, which may contribute to higher death rates.
In Angola, displaced people turn to family members, neighbours, and church groups for advice and consolation in the form of conselho. This community-based approach emphasizes shared suffering and practical help over Western-style counseling. Local perspectives are crucial for culturally relevant psychosocial interventions.
A randomized multicenter trial of 840 patients with severe heart attacks found no difference in mortality between pre-hospital fibrinolysis and emergency angioplasty. Despite this, experts advocate for early intervention with antiplatelet therapy and primary PTCA, regardless of hospital proximity.
Researchers have developed a new technique to record visual evoked brain activity in human fetuses, using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Four out of ten fetuses showed brain responses to visual stimuli, paving the way for further studies on neurological development.
A study published in The Lancet found that single-session psychological debriefing after traumatic events is ineffective and may even do more harm than good. The research suggests that formal therapy like critical incident stress debriefing can prevent people from seeking natural family or social support systems.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to generate a genetic fingerprint of fertile men's sperm cells, identified around 3000 individual mRNAs, and suggest it could help diagnose idiopathic infertility and reveal paternal influences on fetal development.
A randomized trial of 1810 patients with unstable coronary syndromes found that early intervention reduced the combined endpoint of death, non-fatal heart attack, or severe angina by half. The main effect was seen in severe angina, and rates of death and heart attack were similar between groups at one year follow-up.
A study in Greenland found that atopy increased by nearly 100% between 1987 and 1998, affecting all age groups. The rise in allergies is linked to a transition from traditional to modern society in Greenland.
A reanalysis of 55 studies found no strong inverse association between low birthweight and high adult systolic blood pressure, suggesting that previous findings may be due to statistical bias or inconsistencies. The study also suggests that publication bias may have contributed to overestimates for the size of the association.
A review highlights the association between excess body weight and increased cancer risk, particularly in colon, breast, endometrium, oesophagus, and kidney. The study suggests that alterations in hormone metabolism may play a role in this link, emphasizing the importance of weight management for cancer prevention.
Research identifies young women with breast cancer at increased risk of ovarian cancer, including those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. The study suggests that these women may benefit from prophylactic oophorectomy or counseling.
A study found that approximately 40% of rejected lungs might have been suitable for transplantation, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of donor selection criteria. This could lead to an increase in the number of available lungs for transplantation, addressing a potential shortage in lung transplantation.
A Global Development Organisation is necessary to overcome barriers to global development, including fragmentation, strategic incoherence, and resource overconsumption. The organisation would aim to set standards for best practice, avoid duplication of work, and hold institutions accountable for their impact on development.
A systematic review found that ear thermometry is not a reliable method for measuring infants' body temperature, with wide individual differences and potential overestimation or underestimation of temperatures. This raises concerns about the accuracy of fever detection and precise temperature measurement in clinical settings.
A study highlights the need for UK childhood screening for amblyopia, finding that effective treatment can prevent incapacitating vision loss later in life. The research also suggests a lower risk of visual improvement among adults, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
A randomized controlled trial found that early laser treatment of uncomplicated childhood haemangiomas offered no significant benefits in terms of clearance or cosmetic concerns. However, treated lesions were at a higher risk of skin atrophy and hypopigmentation compared to untreated children.
Trawler fishermen face unique occupational and weather-related hazards, while economic pressures often hinder safety measures. New technology can improve vessel buoyancy and provide access to reliable weather predictions.
A new study from the International Collaborative Ovarian Neoplasm (ICON) Collaborators found that paclitaxel plus carboplatin produces similar effectiveness to other treatments for women with ovarian cancer, but with more serious side effects. Carboplatin may be considered a preferred treatment option due to its better toxicity profile.
Research suggests that irritable bowel syndrome is a discrete collection of organic bowel diseases, characterized by morphological, psychological, and physiological changes. Treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy and tricyclic antidepressants, show promise in managing symptoms.
The Lancet neurology reviews research on migraine genetics, highlighting the challenges of identifying genes involved in the disorder. The article also examines the implications of private diagnostic testing without physician support, sparking debate about its role in advancing treatment options for neurological diseases.
The Lancet Seminar highlights the role of adverse environmental factors in childhood obesity and advocates for straightforward solutions. Comprehensive measures targeting energy intake and expenditure are necessary to prevent and treat obesity in children.
Researchers have developed a potential treatment for limb ischemia by injecting bone marrow cells into the affected area, stimulating the growth of new blood vessels. This process can reduce pain and improve ulcer healing rates, offering a promising alternative to surgical interventions.
B-lymphoproliferative disorders, such as lymphomas, cause almost a quarter of cases of massively enlarged spleens in tropical countries. Malaria is the most common cause, but unexpectedly, B-lymphoproliferative disorders are also prevalent, particularly in women younger than 40 years without raised absolute counts of lymphocytes.
A recent study has found that exposure to bacteria significantly increases the expression of genes involved in immune response, reducing the risk of developing allergies in children who grow up on farms. This discovery highlights the potential benefits of living on a farm for children's immune system development.
A study found that children adopted from foreign countries have a higher risk of severe mental health problems and social maladjustment, especially suicide, drug abuse, and psychiatric disorders. Adoptees are 3-5 times more likely to experience these issues compared to those born in Sweden to Swedish parents.
Researchers found that tirofiban and abciximab were equally effective in preventing longer-term events such as death, heart attacks, and repeat surgery after coronary-artery angioplasty. The study's conclusion was that while abciximab is more expensive, it provides little long-term advantage compared to tirofiban.
A new genetic screening method has been developed to predict the behaviour of Wilms' tumour in children. Genes on chromosome 1q are overexpressed in tumours that relapse, suggesting that identifying subgroups at presentation could improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study found that dog collars fitted with deltamethrin resulted in a 42% reduction in transmission of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis to children and a 54% drop in infection rates among dogs. This alternative control method is more practical and effective than current methods, such as dog culling and spraying insecticide.
A study has identified a significant difference in brain tissue structure between individuals with persistent developmental stuttering and those with normal speech. The abnormality may develop during early language and speech acquisition, explaining how disturbed signal transmission affects speech production.