A new study found that only 39 out of 93 possible behavior change techniques were used in top-ranked fitness apps, with social support and feedback being the most common. The study suggests that users should consider their individual needs when selecting an app to increase physical activity.
Researchers found daily blueberry consumption resulted in significant reductions of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with pre- and stage 1-HTN. The study suggests that blueberries may prevent the progression to full-blown hypertension, potentially through enhanced nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation.
A new multiple-target, real-time reverse transcription-PCR (real-time RT-PCR) TaqMan assay can differentiate between patients with latent TB and those with active disease. The assay targets eight human immune markers and has a sensitivity of up to 100% for active disease.
A study of over 3,000 women in Michigan found that nearly 40% did not receive alternative treatment before their hysterectomy. Nearly two in five women under 40 had unsupportive pathology, suggesting that treatment guidelines are often not followed.
A study of almost 75,000 US nurses found a modest increase in all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality among those working rotating night shifts for five or more years. Lung cancer mortality was also higher among women with 15 or more years of rotating night shift work.
A new study published in the American Journal of Pathology suggests that HLA class I hyperexpression on pancreatic islet cells may not be a crucial step in developing type 1 diabetes. The study found discrepancies between results from immunohistochemistry and quantitative molecular techniques.
Researchers found significant reductions in red and processed meat consumption and increased fruit and vegetable intake among patients who received nutrition education. This led to lower BMI and reduced oxidative stress, potentially decreasing the risk of cancer reoccurrence.
Despite efforts to reformulate RTE GBDs, nutritional content remains unchanged, but overall consumer purchases have declined by 24%. The study highlights the need for public health officials and manufacturers to work together to shift consumer purchases towards healthier products.
New studies suggest that MERS-CoV is unlikely to reach epidemic status due to effective infection control measures. The virus exhibits a high mortality rate, but hospital-acquired infections dominate the epidemiology. Prolonged infection control measures are crucial in severely ill patients with MERS-CoV.
A new case study assesses the immediate and ongoing response to the 9/11 disaster, identifying key elements that impact the health of exposed populations. The study emphasizes the importance of clinical expertise, site safety, attention to vulnerable populations, and developing trust and transparency in public health disaster response.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa lacks standardized treatment guidelines, with conflicting reports on mortality rates and treatments. Experts propose a range of measures, including the development of guidelines and international cooperation to ensure quality control and transparency.
The global spread of asbestos is a pressing concern, with over 50 countries banning the substance due to its deadly health risks. India and the US remain among the largest producers and importers of asbestos, contributing to the ongoing challenge to global health.
Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and immediate breast reconstruction are at risk of thrombotic complications, which can delay or modify reconstructive plans. In some cases, these complications require anticoagulation therapy and may necessitate additional surgeries.
A recent study found a significant association between statin use and an increased risk of developing cataracts. However, experts emphasize that the benefits of statins in preventing cardiovascular disease outweigh the potential risks. The study's findings add to the accumulating knowledge on the statin-cataract connection.
High levels of miR-21 in tumor stroma and epithelia are associated with poorer clinical outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer. The study found that changes in the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in determining disease progression.
A review of 252 papers identified 11 cases of MERS-CoV transmission among healthcare workers, highlighting lapses in infection control. The virus can survive on hospital surfaces for up to 48 hours and is transmissible through vomit and diarrhea.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology analyzed data from three independent registries and found no increase in prostate cancer incidence among men treated with long-term testosterone therapy. The study followed over 1,000 men for up to 17 years, with a median follow-up of approximately 5 years.
Researchers estimate that universal preconception care for pregnant women with diabetes can avert an estimated $5.5 billion in health expenditures and lost employment productivity over their children's lifetimes. Effective care could also help mitigate significant complications such as preterm deliveries, birth defects, and perinatal d...
Physicians urge policy-makers to address care gaps due to misalignment of reimbursement policies and clinical guidelines. Newer blood-thinning agents like DOACs are safer and more effective than traditional warfarin, yet government funders restrict access.
A new study published in PAIN found that chronic pain patients without opioid treatment have an increased risk of death compared to those with pain but without opioid use. Long-term opioid users had a higher risk of death due to causes other than cardiovascular and cancer mortality, as well as a four times higher risk of toxicity poiso...
The latest issue of Global Heart explores the challenges of delivering critical care in resource-limited settings, where cardiovascular disease is emerging rapidly. Key findings include the need for effective diagnostic resources and treatments for conditions like sepsis, ARDS, and pulmonary vascular disease.
The study analyzed data from nearly 300,000 respondents and found significant variation in 10-year cardiovascular risk across states. States with high predicted risks need more interventions to reduce disparities in CVD morbidity and mortality.
Virginia Tech researchers found that school lunches have greater nutritional quality compared to packed lunches. School lunches were lower in energy and iron but higher in protein and fiber. The study suggests promoting healthier options in packed lunches through nutrition education programs.
A systematic review found that theory-based interventions were beneficial for vegetable intake only, with limited overall effects. The authors recommend future research examining the causality and strength of relationships between theoretical variables and dietary change behaviors.
Researchers found that a blood sugar level of ≥135 mg/dL is the optimal first step cutoff for additional screening in women carrying twins, yielding 100% sensitivity with a 28.6% test positive rate. This cutoff may decrease cost and anxiety without compromising treatment effectiveness.
Canadian health organizations call on governments to implement policies that facilitate access to affordable healthy foods and beverages in workplaces, schools, and communities. This can help prevent diet-related diseases like obesity and hypertension, ultimately improving cardiovascular health.
A new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine addresses the need for a more effective public health workforce in the 21st century. Key findings include the importance of clear definitions of public health workforce challenges and the role of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in workforce development.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) plays a pivotal role in disrupting the brain/spinal cord barrier, cell death, and functional deficits after spinal cord injury (SCI). Mice deficient in MMP-3 showed improved functional recovery and smaller volumes of injured tissue.
A study evaluated the rate of physician adherence to American Urological Association's BPH/LUTS guidelines over a five-year period. Provider adherence rates varied from 53% to 92.8%, with low rates for challenging measures like subjective symptom description and physical examination.
Researchers found that fermented milk produced with Lactococcus lactis H61 strain improved skin hydration and reduced sebum content in healthy young women. The study, published in the Journal of Dairy Science, suggests a potential health benefit of probiotic dairy products.
A new study identifies a set of RNA molecules in urine and tissue samples that can detect prostate cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. These long noncoding RNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, offering a promising approach to reduce overtreatment and morbidity.
Researchers found that a combination of specialist behavioral support and medication significantly increases the odds of smoking cessation success, with a 23% quit rate among study participants. The approach outperformed unaided quitting and nicotine replacement therapy alone.
A new study reports significant ocular injuries from liquid laundry and dishwasher detergent pods. The bursting pods can cause severe corneal abrasions, bloodshot eyes, and other complications.
A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that sandwiches account for one-fifth of total daily sodium intake among American adults. Nearly half of adults aged 20 years and older eat a sandwich on any given day, contributing to higher energy intakes and sodium levels.
A study of over 2,200 adolescents found that those who had at least one family meal a week were less likely to be overweight or obese as adults. Regular family meals are associated with reduced odds of obesity, regardless of race or ethnicity.
A new theory proposes that blackflies infected with Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae transmit a secondary pathogen causing NS. The study suggests that population displacement and insecticide control measures may limit the spread of NS.
Rates of intestinal superbug C. difficile infections rose from 4.5 to 8.2 discharges per 1,000 hospitalizations between 2001 and 2010, despite no improvement in patient mortality rates. Antibiotic exposure remains the leading risk factor for CDI incidence.
A recent study found that smartphone apps can help users track their dietary data more consistently and accurately than traditional methods. The research used a commercially available app, recording dietary intake using the memo function of smartphones, and paper and pencil for comparison.
Research from Rush University Medical Center found that African American women and their female children have the highest obesity prevalence and tend to underestimate their body weight. The study showed a large chasm between biomedical and cultural definitions of body size, with many overweight women not considering themselves 'too fat'.
Research suggests that ErbB4 receptor activation in breast milk protects against intestinal damage and promotes epithelial cell survival. NRG4, an ErbB4-specific ligand, is believed to play a key role in this protection, potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for intestinal diseases.
A literature review found inadequate adherence to infection prevention protocols in emergency departments, with varying rates of compliance. The study highlights the need for more standardized practices and improved surveillance to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that a one cent per ounce excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, combined with physical activity programs and an advertising ban, could effectively reduce childhood obesity. The tax is expected to generate significant revenue for additional obesity prevention a...
A nationwide population-based study in Sweden found that six percent of men filled a prescription for antibiotics within 30 days after having a prostate biopsy, with a twofold increase in hospital admissions over five years. Men with prior infections or significant comorbidities were at highest risk.
A nationwide survey of Swedish anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists found low awareness of cognitive side effects following surgery. Postoperative cognitive impairments can have major implications for patient care. Investigators called for improved knowledge on risk factors, prevention, and management.
The American Journal of Preventive Medicine supplement provides actionable recommendations for prioritizing research on suicide prevention. The focus areas include early behavioral detection, interventions, and the use of mass media to reduce suicidal behavior.
A new study in the Annals of Global Health highlights the urgent need for substance abuse programs in developing countries. The study calls on policymakers to design effective programs that meet known population needs, adapting models like Alcoholics Anonymous to fit different cultural norms.
A study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics found a combination of nucleic acid sequence-based amplification and real-time quantitative PCR detects aspergillosis with 100% accuracy. This diagnostic test has the potential to improve patient outcomes by providing early detection of this potentially deadly fungus.
A new study identifies a novel gene, Inpp4b, that controls nerve conduction velocity and is linked to multiple sclerosis. The researchers found that polymorphisms in this gene affect nerve conduction speed in both mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and humans with MS.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that heart attack survivors who exercise excessively are at a higher risk of cardiovascular deaths. Researchers recommend exercising within a moderate range to reap long-term health benefits, with daily doses not exceeding 60 minutes and 5 hours of vigorous exercise per week.
JNEB has announced the 2014 Best Article and Best Great Educational Material (GEM) awards, recognizing authors who developed a curriculum to promote healthy eating habits and prevent childhood obesity. The winners include Amy Storfer-Isser and Dara Musher-Eizenman for their article on meal planning and preparation.