A study found that CMS closely followed AMA committee recommendations on physician fees, agreeing with 87.4% of the recommendations. The analysis shows that CMS tends to recommend lower fees for radiology and specialty services when it differs with the committee's suggestions.
A landmark clinical trial found that aspirin and warfarin are equally effective in preventing a combined risk of death, stroke, and cerebral hemorrhage in heart failure patients. The WARCEF trial, which involved over 2,300 patients, showed that the overall risks and benefits of the two medications are similar.
A new study finds that prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos may lead to long-term changes in brain structure, potentially resulting in cognitive deficits. The study used MRI to evaluate the brains of 40 New York City children and found associations between higher exposure levels and brain anomalies.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that text message reminders to parents increased the proportion of children and adolescents vaccinated against flu. The study, published in JAMA, showed a higher vaccination rate among those receiving text messages compared to traditional reminders.
A Columbia University study finds pregnant women exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are more likely to have obese children. Children of mothers with high PAH exposure were nearly twice as likely to be obese at age 5 and 7, with an average weight gain of 2.4 lbs.
To meet childhood obesity prevention goals by 2020, US youth must eliminate an average of 64 excess calories per day through decreasing calorie intake or increasing physical activity. This reduction is crucial to prevent more than 20% of young people from becoming obese, up from 16.9% today.
A new study finds that high levels of black carbon, a pollutant from truck emissions and dirty oil, contribute to childhood asthma hot spots in NYC. Children with higher black carbon exposure have higher exhaled nitric oxide, indicating greater lung inflammation and increased risk for asthma exacerbations.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that prenatal exposure to combustion-related pollutants was significantly associated with symptoms of anxious/depressed and attention problems in young children. High levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were measured in mothers' air samples and umbilical cord blood.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between economic conditions and suicide rates in NYC. The monthly suicide rate was 29% higher at the economic low point in 1992 than at the peak in 2000, with white men under 45 being the most affected.
A new study by ICAP at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that HIV infection rates among black women in US hot spots are 5 times higher than the national estimate. The study highlights the need for tailored prevention efforts in these communities.
The Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey found that HIV prevalence has stabilized over the past five years, with current prevalence peaking at 54% for women ages 30-34 and 48% for men ages 35-39. The survey also indicates declines in HIV prevalence among young adults, which may suggest a reduction in new HIV infections.
Researchers discovered lead's impact on brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) production, impairing synapse development and function. Small amounts of lead can impede or reverse vesicle transport, while curbing BDNF gene transcription through the MeCP2 protein.
A large-scale genomic study in Bangladesh has found genetic variants that increase the risk of skin lesions from arsenic exposure. The discovery could lead to new screening and intervention options.
Researchers found that soldiers experiencing depression and/or PTSD during or after deployment were most likely to develop new onset alcohol abuse. The study suggests that self-medication with alcohol may be a coping mechanism for these individuals.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health conducted a case-control study to investigate the link between Borna disease virus and psychiatric illness. The study found no evidence of active or historical infection with BDV in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
A new study finds that La Niña conditions in the equatorial Pacific precede four major flu pandemics, including 1918, 1957, 1968 and 2009. The researchers theorize that altered bird migration patterns promote genetic reassortment of the influenza virus.
A study published in mBio found that children with autism and gastrointestinal symptoms have high levels of the bacterium Sutterella in their intestines. The researchers detected Sutterella species at remarkably high levels, which may play a role in the development of gastrointestinal disturbances in children with autism.
A penny-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could reduce consumption by 15% and result in an estimated savings of $17 billion in healthcare costs over a decade. The tax would have the greatest impact among younger adults and men, leading to significant reductions in obesity-related health problems.
A recent study conducted in the Netherlands has found a striking link between migrating at a young age and an increased risk of psychotic disorders. Those who migrated before the age of five had a twofold higher risk than those who immigrated as adults.
A recent study found that injecting methamphetamine is associated with an 80% greater risk of attempted suicide compared to other substances. The study's authors suggest that social and structural mechanisms, including isolation and poorer social support systems, may contribute to this increased risk.
A new study found that same-sex marriage laws in Massachusetts led to significant reductions in medical care visits and mental health care costs among gay and bisexual men. The study, which analyzed data from a large community-based health clinic, suggests that marriage equality may produce broad public health benefits by reducing stre...
A new study shows a 20-percentage point jump in colonoscopy screenings among New Yorkers ages 50 and older, erasing disparities across several demographic populations. The campaign aimed to address growing disparities in colon cancer mortality rates, particularly among blacks, Hispanics, and women.
A recent study published in Health Affairs reveals that climate change-related events in the US resulted in $14 billion in health costs, 21,000 emergency room visits, and nearly 1,700 deaths. The analysis highlights the need for effective partnerships to mitigate public health damage and reduce health risks.
Researchers found that nicotine alters the response to cocaine in terms of addiction-related behavior and synaptic plasticity. Nicotine also primes the response to cocaine by inhibiting histone deacetylase, enhancing cocaine's ability to activate the FosB gene.
Researchers have discovered a new Ebola-like virus, Lloviu, in bats from northern Spain, which is the first filovirus native to Europe. The study reveals that Lloviu may be a cause for concern as it was detected in deceased bats with signs of an immune response, but not in healthy bats.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the optimal time to integrate HIV treatment with TB therapy depends on a patient's immune status. Patients with advanced HIV disease who start antiretroviral treatment earlier show significant improvements in survival rates.
A mathematical model predicts that expanding HIV treatment to discordant couples in Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, and Rwanda can prevent 96% of transmission. The intervention's effectiveness varies by country, with potential for significant impact in certain nations.
A study found that mothers who took folic acid supplements from 4 weeks before to 8 weeks after conception reported a significantly lower prevalence of severe language delay in their children at age 3. Researchers analyzed data from the Norwegian pregnancy cohort MoBa, which included over 38,000 children.
A meta-analysis of nine epidemiologic studies found that marijuana use by drivers significantly increases the risk of car accidents. Drivers who test positive for marijuana or report driving within three hours of use are more than twice as likely to be involved in crashes.
Researchers found that people born after World War II are more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking and develop alcoholism. The study highlights the need for specific public health prevention and intervention efforts, particularly for young women who face unique health risks due to their smaller body size.
Research finds children with autism and GI disturbances have changed genes involved in digestion, altering intestinal bacteria. These changes may contribute to behavioral disturbances in some cases.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with decreased mental and motor development in preschoolers, as well as increased behavioral problems. The researchers measured metabolites of four phthalates in maternal urine and evaluated associations between prenatal exposures and child development at age 3.
Researchers predict 65 million more obese adults in the US and 11 million more in the UK by 2030, leading to increased medical costs and preventable diseases. Annual spending on obesity-related diseases is estimated to increase by $48-66 billion/year.
Researchers found that smokers who light up within 30 minutes of waking have a higher risk of developing lung and head and neck cancers. This increased risk is independent of smoking frequency and duration, suggesting that nicotine dependence may play a role in cancer development.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that blue collar workers are more likely to suffer from arthritis and reduce their quality of life due to health conditions. The research highlights the need for enhanced federal programs, including disability and health insurance, to support these workers.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 30-40% of women in Sudan, Uganda, and Congo do not want more children, yet only 4-16% use modern contraception. This gap highlights the need for increased family planning services in conflict-affected regions.
Research suggests that mothers experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop wheezing before age 5. The study found a significant association between prenatal psychological stress and the risk of asthma in minority populations.
The Girl's Puberty Book Project provides critical information about puberty and health to Tanzanian girls, addressing significant gaps in knowledge and promoting empowerment. The project has been integrated into government policy and distributed over 140,000 copies, aiming to improve population health.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that African Americans with dental insurance still experience barriers to quality care, including limited coverage and inadequate provider availability. This leads to postponed treatment, worsening symptoms, and increased public health expenses.
Researchers estimate that poverty, low levels of education and social factors contribute to approximately 245,000 deaths in the US annually. These findings argue for a broader public health conceptualization of mortality causes and an expansive policy approach.
Researchers have identified a novel hepatitis C-like virus in dogs, providing new insights into the origins of the human disease. The discovery offers renewed hope for developing a model system to study HCV's mechanisms and may lead to the development of drugs and vaccines.
Research found higher levels of cockroach allergens and increased sensitization among children living on NYC blocks with high asthma rates. Cockroach exposure was associated with a higher risk of asthma, highlighting the relevance of urban allergen exposure to public health.
A Columbia University study found that business travelers have poorer health outcomes, including higher BMI and cholesterol levels, compared to those who travel less often. The study suggests that extensive travel is associated with negative health consequences, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found a link between prenatal chlorpyrifos exposure and decreased IQ and working memory in children at age 7. Higher exposure was associated with lower scores on cognitive tests, with no evidence of a safe threshold below which exposures are completely safe.
A study published in The Lancet found a significant reduction in overdose deaths in the vicinity of North America's first supervised injection facility. Insite, located in Vancouver, saw a 35% decline in overdose mortality, while the rest of the city experienced only a 9% decrease.
A new study links negative social environments surrounding gay youth to high attempted suicide rates, with supportive environments associated with a 25% lower risk. The study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are more than five times as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to air pollutants, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), is linked to attention problems and anxiety/depression in young children. The study monitored 215 children from birth and found that those with high levels of PAH exposure had more symptoms at ages 5 and 7.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that young women experiencing controlling behaviors are less likely to report relationship violence, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to screen for controlling behaviors.
A new study found that human metapneumovirus and bacterial pneumonia contributed to the deaths of mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park. The virus was closely related to strains circulating in South Africa, suggesting that tourists may have carried it into the parks.
A new asthma management program for preschoolers, developed by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, has shown dramatic results in reducing emergency room visits and hospitalizations. The program, which includes educational activities for parents and children, as well as training for healthcare providers, has led to a ...