A new calcium scoring method takes into account plaque distribution to predict heart attack risk, showing a significant association between diabetes and increased coronary artery calcification. The study found that the location of calcium in arteries is crucial in estimating patient risk.
A clinical trial found that adding ultrasound screening to mammography increases the detection of breast cancer, but also raises the risk of false positive findings and unnecessary biopsies. The study suggests that women at high risk of breast cancer may benefit from supplemental ultrasound screening.
A nationwide study found a significant association between coarse particulate matter and increased risk of cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. The research also suggested that the risk was higher in more urban counties.
A McGill University study has found a significant link between breastfeeding and improved cognitive development in children. The research, which followed 14,000 children for six years, suggests that prolonged and exclusive breastfeeding can improve IQs and academic performance.
Researchers found that genetic effects on obesity vary by age and may be missed in replication studies if not accounted for. The study identified a specific gene variant associated with childhood obesity, but its influence diminishes after age 45.
The Drexel University School of Public Health has been awarded a $14.3 million NIH grant to study risk factors and biological indicators for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in expectant mothers and their babies. The researchers aim to follow 1,200 mothers of children with autism and document the development of newborns through 36 months.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified six new genes that play a role in type 2 diabetes, including one also linked to prostate cancer. The study provides insights into the mechanisms controlling glucose levels in the blood, offering potential new methods for preventing or treating the disease.
Recent data from the National Oncologic PET Registry (NOPR) shows that PET scans can dramatically change treatment plans for cancer patients, with a 36.5% change in treatment or no-treatment decisions reported.
Researchers modelled pandemic flu to guide national planning, finding that prompt implementation of social-distancing measures combined with antiviral treatment and prophylaxis can reduce influenza cases by 83-94%.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that patients and their caregivers experience a sense of relief upon receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, rather than increased anxiety. The study suggests that providing an early diagnosis can allow individuals to make plans for the future, including treatment and preparing for ...
Researchers found that older Americans with high stroke risk, but without a history of stroke, experience accelerated cognitive decline. The study, conducted by the American Heart Association, analyzed data from over 17,000 participants and found that those at high risk declined twice as fast as those considered low-risk.
A large-scale drug comparison trial involving 23,077 people with both high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome found that diuretics significantly reduced the risk of heart disease. Diuretics were particularly effective in reducing cardiovascular disease in black patients, who have a higher incidence of hypertension.
A new study analyzing over 2,000 women found that BRCA1 and BRCA2 carrier status varies significantly in relation to breast cancer incidence. The research highlights the importance of considering additional genetic factors beyond known mutations when assessing risk.
A new study found that black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive strong pain drugs in emergency rooms, despite increased opioid use. Non-opioid pain relievers were prescribed more often to non-whites than whites.
Researchers found that older adults with diabetes and depression who receive depression care management live half as long as those who don't. The study, published in Diabetes Care, suggests integrating depression evaluation and treatment into diabetes management in primary care.
A new study found that up to 37% of males and 44% of females will be obese when they turn 35 years old, leading to increased heart attacks, chronic chest pain, and deaths. The study projects over 100,000 extra cases of heart disease by 2035.
Researchers suggest that internationally licensed, killed whole-cell cholera vaccines may be highly effective in controlling endemic cholera when given via mass immunization. Vaccinating just 30% of the population every two years could achieve a 76% overall reduction rate.
The US National Science Foundation has honored 11 mentors of scientists and engineers for their work in promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding mentoring and guidance to underrepresented students, helping to increase representation in the sciences.
Researchers present a new framework for mapping mild cognitive impairment, including an online diagnostic algorithm. The framework characterizes different classifications of MCI and their patterns of etiology, cognitive decline, and clinical outcome.
A new study from McGill University finds that the HPV screening test outperforms the traditional Pap test in detecting pre-cancerous lesions without false negatives. The HPV test achieved an accuracy of 94.6%, while the Pap test only reached 55.4% accuracy, making it a more reliable method for cervical cancer screening.
A new self-completed instrument, the Cleveland Adolescent Sleepiness Questionnaire (CASQ), measures excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents. CASQ scores are positively correlated with age and display convergent validity with other surveys, showing promise as a valid measure for clinicians and parents.
Default options can be used to improve individual patient care, reducing hospital-borne infections by removing unnecessary urinary catheters. Additionally, opt-out organ donation policies have increased donation rates in European countries.
Researchers from Boston University and NHLBI analyzed genetic differences associated with cardiovascular disease and other disorders using Framingham Heart Study data. The study found associations between specific genomic regions and characteristics such as blood pressure, lipids, and diabetes.
Researchers developed a framework to address health-care information technology's unintended consequences, which can reduce medication errors but also produce unforeseen issues. They emphasize the need for real-time evaluations to identify and remedy these problems before they cause lasting harm.
A recent study led by McGill University found that breastfeeding does not offer protection against childhood asthma and allergies. The research, which followed 13,889 children from birth to age 6½, revealed an increased risk of positive allergic skin tests among breastfed infants.
A study found that internal medicine residents scored low in a test of biostatistics knowledge, with many expressing low confidence in understanding medical literature statistics. The results highlight the need for more effective training in biostatistics for residency education to prevent incorrect interpretations of clinical research.
A new study found a strong link between reduced levels of LR11 in the brain tissue of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that LR11 may be a biomarker for predicting disease progression and a potential therapeutic target.
Women who experienced cognitive decline were more likely to have disturbed sleep patterns, according to a study. The researchers found that it's not the total amount of sleep that matters, but rather how well it's quality, suggesting a potential link between poor sleep and cognitive decline.
A study of twins has connected genetic factors to the link between smoking addiction and major depression. The research found a shared gene associated with conduct disorder, which increases the risk of nicotine dependence and major depression, also leading to impulsivity and other drug addictions.
Researchers developed a predictive model using Bayesian network modeling to estimate sickle cell disease severity and predict mortality risk. The model identified laboratory markers and clinical events contributing to the risk of death, providing a personalized disease severity score for therapeutic decisions.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that antidepressants significantly lower the risk of suicide attempt in young adults ages 18 to 25, even those with severe depression.
Patients treated with Tarceva who develop a moderate to severe rash experience longer survival without disease progression compared to those with mild rashes or none. The analysis found that more severe rashes were associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Random Technologies launched its RPro Statistic Software, providing enterprise-level support for the widely-used open source system R, which is well-suited for biomedical research and data-intensive fields. The company aims to standardize the process of releasing new features and provide professional technology support.
Professor Xihong Lin at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has been awarded a MERIT Award for developing statistical methods to analyze correlated and high-dimensional data in cancer research. The award will support his work on longitudinal and familial data, as well as genomic and proteomic data in epidemiological studies.
Kurt C. Stange has been named an American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professor, a prestigious award recognizing his innovative research on cancer prevention and treatment. The five-year grant will support work to identify emerging models of personalized, integrated care.
A new study compares primary care practice in the US, Australia, and New Zealand, finding that patients receive significantly less time with their physicians. The US averages just 15-16 minutes per visit, while Australia and New Zealand average 14.9-15 minutes.
The global prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is estimated to grow from 26 million in 2006 to over 106 million by 2050. A significant increase in Asia is predicted, with the region accounting for 59% of worldwide cases.
A large cohort study found that using Swedish moist snuff (snus) increases the risk of developing pancreatic cancer by twice the rate of non-users. The study, conducted on almost 300,000 male construction workers, suggests that while the risks are small, snus use can still be a concern for overall health.
Researchers at VCU's Massey Cancer Center are developing a new form of radiation therapy that can safely administer more aggressive cancer treatments. The project aims to enhance the safety and effectiveness of current treatments by incorporating quantitative and predictive image analysis.
A new study has found that a once-a-year treatment for osteoporosis can be as effective as monthly or weekly regimens at reducing bone fractures. The treatment, zoledronic acid, was shown to reduce the risk of spinal fractures by 70% and hip fractures by 40% over three years.
A U of M-led study has identified 10 new genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes, which could lead to the development of new drugs and more effective treatments. The findings also improve our understanding of how these genetic factors interact with lifestyle factors.
Researchers found a strong association between HRT use and decreased breast cancer incidence, with a 6.7% decline between 2002 and 2003. The lowest rate seen since about 1987 was maintained in 2004, primarily in estrogen-receptor-positive cancers.
A detectable PSA level is first indicator of recurrent prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, with a doubling time of less than three months indicating imminent death from prostate cancer. Patients with longer doubling times are at significant risk for disease recurrence and cancer-specific death.
A major clinical trial shows that MRI scans can quickly identify cancer in the opposite breast of women diagnosed with cancer in one breast. The study found a 90% accuracy rate for detecting contralateral breast cancers.
Research reveals significant differences in gene expression between individuals and populations, with individual-level factors dominating variations. This study challenges the notion of biological races, highlighting the importance of understanding human genetic variation for better disease treatment and drug development.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health confirms the association between passive smoke in the workplace and an increased risk of lung cancer. Researchers found a 24% increase in lung cancer risk among people exposed to passive smoke, with highly exposed workers facing a 100% increased risk.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found significant differences between antihypertensive drugs and their risk of new-onset diabetes. ACE-inhibitors and ARBs prevent diabetes, while diuretics and beta-blockers increase the risk. The study analyzed 22 long-term randomized clinical trials and included 143,153 patients.
Researchers found antiviral drugs highly effective in preventing seasonal flu illness, with oseltamivir at 81% efficacy. Treatment also reduced infectiousness, particularly with oseltamivir, but further studies are needed to confirm results.
Researchers discovered that arsenite destabilizes lysosomes, breaking them apart and releasing enzymes that destroy APL cells. This finding could inform further research into treating APL, a rare cancer caused by chromosome fusion.
The University of Virginia Health System has received a $583,000 NIH training grant to train four new researchers in kidney disease research annually. This multidisciplinary program aims to address the growing problem of kidney disease by equipping researchers with skills to translate lab research to clinical practice.
A new analysis suggests that the decline in breast cancer incidence between 2002 and 2003 was largely due to the reduction of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use. The study found a 7% relative decline in breast cancer cases, with an absolute decline of about 14,000 fewer women diagnosed in 2003 compared to 2002.
Researchers found that older men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer who received treatment lived significantly longer than those who didn't receive treatment. After accounting for differences, the study discovered a 31% lower risk of death in patients who underwent surgery or radiation therapy.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that firefighters are twice as likely to develop testicular cancer and have higher rates of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 110,000 firefighters and confirmed previous findings on multiple myeloma risk.
A US study found an inverse relationship between antidepressant prescriptions and child suicide rates, with counties having high prescription rates showing lower suicide rates. The study predicts that no SSRI prescriptions would lead to 253 more suicides per year among children and adolescents.
A recent study suggests that prompt surveillance and containment of victims would be sufficient to thwart an epidemic in the event of a large bioterrorist US smallpox attack. Researchers found that mass pre-vaccination of the general population may not be necessary, as the benefits of vaccination are outweighed by potential side effects.
Pfizer is funding a series of seminars for graduate students and faculty at Rutgers, valued at $23,000 over five years. The company's commitment reflects the increasing importance of mathematics in life sciences, with nearly three-quarters of statistics graduates pursuing careers in pharmaceuticals.
The Burnham Institute for Medical Research will create a world-class neuroscience research center with a $12.7 million NIH grant. The center will bring together nearly 100 scientists from four San Diego institutions to study the nervous system and develop treatments for nervous system diseases.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health reveals high rates of physical and mental hardship among Tibetan refugees crossing the Himalayan range. Researchers found over half faced persecution at the hands of Chinese and Nepalese authorities, with reports of torture, extortion, and sexual assault.
The NIH will provide $54 million over five years to Columbia University Medical Center to establish an Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. This investment will enable the expansion of core resources available to clinical researchers, including biomedical informatics support and biostatistical analysis.
The Genetics and Public Policy Center will conduct a public discussion about future potential large U.S. population-based studies examining the roles of genes and environment in human health. The study aims to unravel complex genetic and environmental factors contributing to common diseases such as cancer and heart disease.