The Lancet Oncology and Infectious Diseases examine the effectiveness of cancer prevention strategies, including chemoprevention and lifestyle changes. Researchers also explore the impact of HIV treatment on reducing epidemics and developing vaccines against the virus.
This month's TLN discusses the role of genetic risk factors in sleep disorders, including narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. The study highlights the importance of investigating the effects of mobile phone use on human populations to better understand the complex mechanisms regulating sleep.
A UK population study suggests a possible link between colorectal cancer and human growth hormone therapy, with treated patients at an increased risk of death from the disease. The study found significant risks of incidence and mortality associated with colorectal cancer in patients treated during childhood and early adulthood.
The Lancet has highlighted concerns over the slow response to humanitarian emergencies in Angola, with three million people in need of medical or nutritional assistance. Humanitarian organizations are working together to address the crisis, but resource and political constraints remain significant barriers.
A recent study found that prenatal zinc supplementation had no significant effect on the mental development of children. However, infants whose mothers received zinc supplements during pregnancy showed poorer nutritional status, which was strongly related to their development. The researchers emphasize the serious nature of undernutrit...
A study of 50,000 women with invasive breast cancer and 97,000 without found that reduced breastfeeding contributed significantly to the disease's high incidence. The research suggests that increased breastfeeding could prevent around 5% of breast cancers each year.
Researchers have developed a potential treatment for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) by using CpG oligodeoxynucleotides to stimulate the immune system. Studies on mice infected with scrapie prions showed improved survival times, suggesting a possible therapeutic approach for human CJD patients.
Researchers found that more frequent ivermectin treatment reduced the number of female worms responsible for the disease by one third. Higher doses or frequency did not provide additional benefits, but were associated with some visual disturbances in patients.
A new assessment method using a patient questionnaire and computer-generated risk score has been developed to identify people at high risk of colorectal cancer. The system was tested on 2268 patients with adverse colorectal symptoms, detecting nearly all cancers (99%) by investigating just over half (57%) of the patients referred.
Researchers found that adding hormone-suppression therapy to radiotherapy for advanced prostate cancer significantly improved five-year disease-free survival rates. The study involved 415 patients, with those receiving combined therapy showing a substantial increase in overall survival rates.
Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 adult patients starting HAART, finding that those with more advanced disease had a higher risk of progression to AIDS or death. Early initiation of treatment was associated with reduced mortality rates, particularly for those with lower CD4 counts.
Research found that men exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) before age 20 had a lower chance of having a baby boy, with a 35% difference. The study's lead author proposes that dioxin-like compounds may negatively impact the viability of Y-chromosome carrying sperm or XY-fertilised eggs.
A study of 65 women who experienced stillbirth found that those who saw their dead baby were more likely to develop depression and anxiety. Women who did not see their stillborn child had lower rates of mental health issues, suggesting that forcing mothers to confront their loss may be counterproductive.
A study of younger and older children with phenylketonuria (PKU) reveals significantly poorer adherence to recommended dietary controls in older children, affecting blood phenylalanine levels. Biochemical control can be challenging even in young patients, emphasizing the need for improved treatment options.
A recent study in rural Uganda found a significant decline in HIV-1 incidence rates between 1990 and 1999, with a notable decrease in the second half of the decade. The reduction was particularly pronounced among men aged 20–24 years and women aged 13–19 years. This finding suggests that targeted interventions may be effective in slowi...
New findings from the Heart Protection Study (HPS) reveal substantial benefits of statins among high-risk patients, including those with normal or low blood cholesterol levels. The study found a significant reduction in death rates from heart attack and stroke, with simvastatin also showing well-tolerated benefits.
A pilot study in Uganda found that patients with advanced HIV disease can survive and thrive with antiretroviral therapy. The program implemented an effective system for medical care and drug distribution, resulting in improved adherence to treatment and better virologic responses.
Research suggests that personality disorders change over time, with certain traits increasing in severity as individuals age. A 12-year follow-up study found that anxious and obsessive personality traits became more pronounced in patients, while flamboyant tendencies decreased.
A study of 219 patients with non-metastatic colon cancer found that laparoscopy-assisted colectomy (LAC) reduced perioperative morbidity, shortened hospital stays, and prolonged cancer-related survival. LAC was associated with a 60% lower risk of tumour relapse compared to open colectomy.
A study found that people with type 2 diabetes experienced increased oscillatory potentials after dark adaptation, which decreased with oxygen inhalation. The researchers suggest that diabetic patients might benefit from a modified night-time illumination cycle during sleep to reduce oxygen consumption in the retina.
A study of 219 patients with non-metastatic colon cancer found that laparoscopy-assisted colectomy (LAC) reduced tumour relapse and death from all causes by 60% and 50%, respectively. LAC also resulted in shorter hospital stays and lower perioperative morbidity compared to open colectomy.
A new study found that the continuous stitching technique significantly reduced pain in women with perineal damage after childbirth. The method also resulted in fewer suture removals within three months compared to interrupted suturing. This could lead to cost savings and improved outcomes for patients.
The study found that mortality from melanoma remained relatively stable in Scotland between 1979 and 1993, with a slight decrease in women under 65. Meanwhile, the number of people diagnosed with melanoma has increased each year. The researchers attribute the decline in death rates to improved treatment seeking behavior.
A study of 77 twin pregnancies found that women who chose to continue their pregnancy despite a hydatidiform mole experienced a 40% chance of a successful outcome. This choice was associated with a relatively small chance of serious obstetric complications and did not increase the risk of developing malignant disease.
A study on twin pregnancies with a hydatidiform mole found that women who continue the pregnancy have a 40% chance of a successful outcome. The risk of serious obstetric complications is relatively small, and malignant disease does not appear to increase in this group
A new study found that anastrozole improved disease-free survival and was better tolerated than tamoxifen, a current standard treatment. The ATAC trial also showed no additional benefit from combining both drugs.
A new study found that anastrozole improved disease-free survival and was better tolerated than tamoxifen. Anastrozole may be a viable alternative to tamoxifen for adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
A study of 181 patients who had a heart attack found that 35% had impaired glucose tolerance at discharge, while 40% developed it three months later. High fasting blood glucose concentrations and abnormal glucose levels in red blood cells were also associated with impaired glucose metabolism.
A study of 181 patients with acute myocardial infarction found that nearly 40% had impaired glucose tolerance at discharge and 31% had undiagnosed diabetes. The risk factors were independent predictors of abnormal glucose tolerance, suggesting a need for screening tests after heart attacks.
The African HIV-1/AIDS epidemic is reaching catastrophic levels, with significant implications for the region's healthcare infrastructure. Co-existing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), malaria, and tuberculosis further complicate the situation, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions to mitigate these consequences.
In a large clinical trial, patients with impaired glucose tolerance who took acarbose were 25% less likely to develop type-2 diabetes than those taking placebo. Acarbose also helped reversion of impaired glucose tolerance to normal glucose tolerance. The main side effects were flatulence and diarrhea.
A study of Chinese in-patients with first-time schizophrenia reveals a genetic alteration associated with increased bodyweight and drug-induced weight gain. The research suggests a predictive test could determine a patient's likelihood of developing this side effect, allowing for personalized treatment.
A recent study, TRAFFIC, found that intra-arterial infusions of recombinant fibroblast growth factor-2 (rFGF-2) improved exercise capacity in patients with moderate-to-severe intermittent claudication. Peak walking time increased by 1.77 minutes with single-dose rFGF-2 and 1.54 minutes with double-dose rFGF-2.
Researchers argue that NY-ELCAP cannot determine if spiral CT screening saves lives due to a lack of control group. The study's design flaw could lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment for some participants.
The study identified the gene responsible for producing ear wax as being located on chromosome 16, near another gene linked to paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis. This discovery may shed light on the development of apocrine glands and their secretory products.
A large-scale study in Scotland found that breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of childhood obesity, persisting even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The relative reduction in risk was 30% when obesity was defined as the 98th percentile or higher for BMI.
A randomized trial found that virtual outreach services, where patients and GPs attend a video conference with specialists, resulted in more follow-up appointments (52%) and fewer tests ordered compared to standard outpatient referrals. Patients expressed greater satisfaction with virtual outreach consultations.
The WHO's annual report on global TB control reveals a persistent gap in detection rates, with expanded DOTs and cash injections needed to reach targets. Sex disparities also emerge as a significant issue, with women being infected at a higher rate than men, highlighting the need for tailored research and policies.
A diet rich in phyto-oestrogen-rich foods like soy and whole grains may protect against certain cancers. Jetlag's impact on hormone regulation could increase breast-cancer risk in flight attendants.
A new diagnostic faecal test detected MCM2-positive cells in 37 of 40 patients known to have colorectal cancer, but not in healthy individuals. The findings suggest that the test could be suitable for population screening, either alone or in combination with other tests.
The Lancet's editor urges caution on expanding nurse prescribing rights in the UK, citing concerns over inadequate training and potential risks to patient care. The government's plan to extend prescribing powers to all nurses is criticized for its haste and lack of regard for nursing professional boundaries.
A field study in Zimbabwe found that younger women formed partnerships with men 5-10 years older, increasing their risk of HIV-1 infection. Younger women also reported fewer condom uses and more frequent sexual activity, further exacerbating the issue.
A large international trial found that magnesium sulphate reduced the risk of eclampsia by over half and maternal death by 45% compared to placebo. The treatment was also associated with a lower incidence of side effects.
A study published in The Lancet found that telemedicine can reduce unnecessary follow-up tests and improve patient satisfaction. Patients who received virtual outreach consultations had a higher rate of offered follow-up appointments than those who received standard outpatient referrals.
A six-month intervention increasing fruit and vegetable intake lowered blood pressure and boosted antioxidant levels in UK participants. The study found a significant association between higher fruit and veg consumption and lower cardiovascular disease risk, similar to previous findings from the DASH trial.
A study found that children exposed to home bombardment and demolition reported higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder compared to those not directly exposed. The research highlights the need for early detection and training of healthcare professionals to address child mental health problems in war zones.
A Swedish registry study found that early revascularisation significantly reduces mortality risk by up to 50% within a year after a heart attack. This suggests improved success rates for bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty over time, as well as the inclusion of sicker patients in previous studies.
A multi centre collaborative study found a two-thirds reduction in group C meningococci carriage after UK-wide vaccination. The programme protected both vaccinated and unvaccinated populations, providing valuable insights for future comprehensive vaccines.
A study published in The Lancet found that rubber bullets can cause severe and penetrating injuries, including fatalities. Experts recommend limiting the use of rubber bullets to lower limbs and increasing firing ranges to prevent serious injuries.
Research suggests that individuals with coronary artery disease are less tolerant to anaemia during non-cardiac surgery. A study of 2059 patients found those with anaemia had a five-fold higher in-hospital mortality rate after bypass surgery despite blood transfusions, indicating the need for further investigation before surgery.