Latest news – Page 2606
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GPs at the sharp end
Meningococcal meningitis deserves its sinister reputation. At the dawn of the 21st century , here we still are at the mercy of a bacterium able to invade the bloodstream and damage vital organs with devastating speed. Even with prompt diagnosis and expert treatment, the mortality rate is around 10 per ...
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In brief
Beta-carotene, promoted as protection against cancer and heart disease, has no significant role in preventing the diseases, according to US research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Results of a study of 40,000 women - half taking a placebo, half beta-carotene - found 378 cancers in the ...
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Study doubts MS drug
Money would be better spent on alternative ways of improving quality of life in people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis than on the drug beta interferon, according to research conducted in Scotland.
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Heart disease on the increase
Smoking, drinking and poor diet are driving up levels of cardiovascular disease after recent falls in episodes of stroke and ischaemic heart disease.
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New test for colon cancer in sight
Scientists have identified a potential new screening technique, using skin cells, to identify people with an inherited predisposition to colorectal and other types of cancer .
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The real millennium bug
In the first quarter of this century, recognition of the different blood groups, combined with improved venepuncture techniques, allowed blood transfusions to be performed with relative safety. The same technologies led to the spread of a variety of different infectious agents capable of causing a post transfusion hepatitis.
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Have I got news for flu
The National Institute for Clinical Excellences decision to reject the new flu treatment Relenza is a move the drug companies are not taking lying down.
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Growing pains
Life-expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis has doubled in the past 20 years, and there are now almost as many adults with the disease as children. The best results are achieved when CF patients are managed in specialised centres.
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future possibilities Born free?
In vitrofertilisation is often held up as the prime example of healthcare rationing. Its availability has depended on the willingness of individual health authorities to fund treatment - often hedged with restrictions and eligibility criteria - or a couples ability to pay for treatment privately.
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Research and destroy
The cancer research industry is under fire, described as wasteful and driven by rivalry. Now MPs are launching a root and branch investigation. Patrick Butler reports
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Top of the shops
The latest push to revitalise local shopping services has been accused of focusing exclusively on commercial issues, writes Alison Forbes
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Crunch issue: the role of the NHS
What part will the NHS have to play in improved access to shopping?
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Out in front
Out in front Just 13 primary care trusts will be launched in the first wave, but guidance only increases speculation over who will control whom.
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Puff daddies
David Hinchliffe was in his usual forthright mood as he faced five of the tobacco industrys biggest players across committee room 15 of the Commons last week.
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Decline and Fall
Decline and fall Despite recruitment drives, figures show the numbers of nurses, midwives and health visitors are still falling. And they're getting older, writes Barbara Millar
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Misconduct proved: 93 axed from register
The UKCC'; professional conduct statistics show that 93 nurses, midwives or health visitors were removed from the register in 1998-99, and a further 34 were cautioned about their conduct.
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Blairs pledge rests soundly on funding through taxation
But many questions remain about when and what extra cash will appear
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Vaccine and not heard
Some claim the shortage of childhood vaccines is due to the drug companies monopoly. The real reason is lack of political priority