Cannabis use in pregnancy linked to low birthweight and intensive care

As drug gains social acceptance, doctors and women need to be better informed, say researchers Use of cannabis during pregnancy is linked to low birthweight and the need for intensive care, reveals an analysis of the available evidence, published in the online journal BMJ Open. As cannabis becomes more socially acceptable, it’s important that prospective mums-to-be and […]

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Sugar content in fruit drinks marketed to kids “unacceptably high”

Almost half of products assessed contain entire daily recommended maximum intake The sugar content of fruit drinks—including natural fruit juices and smoothies—is “unacceptably high,” with smoothies among the worst offenders, finds research published in the online journal BMJ Open. Almost half the products assessed contained at least a child’s entire daily recommended maximum sugar intake […]

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‘Ultra-processed’ foods make up more than half of all calories in US diet

…And contribute 90 per cent of all dietary added sugar intake ‘Ultra-processed’ foods make up more than half of all calories consumed in the US diet, and contribute nearly 90% of all added sugar intake, finds research published in the online journal BMJ Open. Ultra-processed foods are formulations of several ingredients. Besides salt, sugar, oils and […]

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Higher nurse to patient ratio linked to reduced risk of inpatient death

Death rates 20 per cent lower in hospitals with 6 or fewer patients per registered nurse A higher nurse to patient ratio is linked to a reduced risk of inpatient death, finds a study of staffing levels in NHS hospitals, published in the online journal BMJ Open. In trusts where registered (professionally trained) nurses had […]

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Certain antidepressants linked to heightened risk of mania and bipolar disorder

Strongest association found for SSRIs and venlafaxine Taking certain antidepressants for depression is linked to a heightened risk of subsequent mania and bipolar disorder, reveals research published in the online journal BMJ Open. The strongest association seemed to be for serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs for short, and the dual action antidepressant venlafaxine, the analysis […]

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US pedestrian wheelchair users third more likely to die in car crashes than general public

And men’s risk is five times higher than women’s, particularly among 50 to 64 year olds Pedestrian wheelchair users in the US are a third more likely to be killed in road traffic collisions than the general public, finds research published in the online journal BMJ Open. And men’s risk is five times higher than women’s, […]

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12+ hour hospital nursing shifts linked to heightened risk of burnout and job dissatisfaction

Findings similar across 12 European countries, and run counter to perceived value of longer shifts Working 12+ hour shifts is linked to a heightened risk of burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intention to leave among hospital nurses in 12 European countries, finds research published in the online journal BMJ Open. The findings run counter to the […]

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Forum 2015: Global Forum on Research and Innovation for Health

With the aim of identifying solutions to the world’s unmet health needs through research and innovation, Forum 2015 provided delegates with a unique global platform on which to present ideas for innovation in health and create partnerships for action. The Council on Health Research for Development (COHRED) partnered with the Philippines for this event, which […]

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“Substantial” number of NHS hospital staff treat victims of human trafficking

Maternity services most likely to do so; but staff across NHS don’t know how best to respond A “substantial” proportion of NHS hospital staff—around one in eight, in some places—treat the victims of people trafficking, with maternity services most likely to do so, finds research published in the online journal BMJ Open. Although understanding of the […]

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Depression and personality disorders most common diagnoses in psychiatric patients requesting euthanasia

  Most common diagnoses among those requesting help to die, due to unbearable suffering Depression and personality disorders are the most common diagnoses among Belgian psychiatric patients requesting help to die, on the grounds of unbearable suffering, finds research published in BMJ Open today. Drugs, given either by mouth or administered intravenously, are used to perform euthanasia […]

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