A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
A case-control study found that adhering to a healthy lifestyle was crucial even at late ages for promoting healthy aging and longevity. Strategic plans to improve lifestyle behaviors among all older adults may play a key role in this process.
Research suggests increased maternal mental health symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic are associated with regional brain growth changes in newborn offspring. Maternal psychological distress may impact newborn brain development.
Researchers found significant variation in surgical outcomes within each hospital star rating group, despite CMS star ratings being associated with mortality, complications, and readmissions. This study emphasizes the need for continued improvement of publicly reported hospital grade measures to accurately reflect surgical quality.
A study of 450 community outpatient mental health facilities found that approximately one-third offered medications for opioid use disorder. The availability of these medications highlights the need for further research on uptake and effective referral models.
Rates of cannabis-related disorders increased from 2017 to 2022 among Medicare-insured older adults, particularly in states that legalized adult and medical cannabis. Higher average annual increases were observed in these states compared to others.
The USPSTF recommends providing or referring children and adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI) to comprehensive behavioral interventions. Approximately 19.7% of US children aged 2-19 have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile, with higher prevalence among Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and lower-income families.
A cohort study found that more than 1 in 5 adults did not recover within 3 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of recovery was lower among women and those with preexisting cardiovascular disease, but higher among vaccinated individuals during the Omicron variant wave.
A randomized clinical trial found that both electronic cigarettes containing nicotine and varenicline were effective for 6-month smoking cessation. The study results suggest a potential new approach to smoking cessation.
A study found that adding dapagliflozin to standard care did not improve clinical outcomes, but wide confidence intervals suggest potential benefits or harms. The results did not support the use of dapagliflozin in critically ill patients with acute organ dysfunction.
Past-year Papanicolaou testing rates dropped in 2022 compared to 2019, highlighting the need to increase access to screenings. Rural-vs-urban differences indicate a focus on rural females requires attention.
Families with germline CDH1 P/LP variants show a cumulative risk of gastric cancer between 7-10% and breast cancer in female carriers at 37%
A post-pandemic surge in pediatric RSV hospitalizations was observed, with older children requiring advanced respiratory support. The study suggests that novel vaccine strategies could reduce the overall burden during future RSV seasons.
Elimination of cost sharing may lead to higher naloxone prescription rates among commercially insured individuals, as well as Medicare beneficiaries. The study found a positive association between the removal of out-of-pocket costs and increased naloxone dispensing.
Prolonged β-lactam antibiotic infusions associated with reduced 90-day mortality in adults with sepsis or septic shock. This standard of care approach is now supported by high certainty evidence.
A cohort study found that severe dust exposure increased the risk of dementia in World Trade Center responders under 65. Using personalized protective equipment may prevent this age of onset, according to the research.
The BLING III trial found a 2% lower 90-day mortality and a 6% higher clinical cure rate for continuous β-lactam antibiotic infusions compared to intermittent infusions in critically ill patients with sepsis. Continuous infusions were also associated with improved patient outcomes.
A cohort study found that neighborhood deprivation is associated with increased breast cancer mortality in non-Hispanic white women, but not in non-Hispanic Black women. Factors beyond those explored may contribute to the disparity in breast cancer mortality among Black women.
The study found that 1 in 5 children and adolescents experience excess weight, with rates varying by region. Excess weight is linked to multiple factors, including inherent, behavioral, environmental, and sociocultural influences.
Generation X sees gains in leading cancers, but lower rates of lung and cervical cancers compared to previous generations. Cancer incidence could remain high for decades if current trends continue.
Children and adolescents with acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C and severe neurological manifestations are at high risk for long-term impairment. Early intervention and screening may be beneficial to assist recovery.
A 15-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir did not demonstrate a significant improvement in select postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms in vaccinated adults with prolonged symptom duration. Further studies are needed to determine the role of antivirals in PASC treatment.
Using three definitions of iron deficiency, researchers found significant variations in prevalence rates among women in the US and Canada. Higher serum ferritin thresholds led to a greater diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency, resulting in reduced morbidity.
In individuals with a diabetes duration of 10 years or less, bariatric metabolic surgery was associated with greater weight loss and reduced mortality compared to first-generation GLP-1RAs. No differences were observed between treatment modalities in patients with longer diabetes duration.
A cohort study found lower moderate to vigorous physical activity levels linked to increased cardiovascular disease or mortality in normoglycemic Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults. Adults with prediabetes may gain from reducing sedentary behavior and improving lifestyle factors beyond exercise alone
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found a positive association between heavy lifetime cannabis use and cardiovascular disease mortality among female participants. The study suggests that long-term cannabis use may have negative effects on mortality rates, highlighting the need for further research.
A large health system study found cannabis use was prevalent among primary care patients, with most using it to manage health-related symptoms. The study suggests clinicians could benefit from integrating cannabis use information to assess patient risk for cannabis use disorder.
A recent study highlights the significant impact of rheumatic heart disease on adults' lives, with mortality rates being substantially reduced through valve surgery and valvuloplasty. The findings underscore the need to improve access to surgical and interventional care for these patients.
A study found that mass incarceration contributes to social disorganization and increased firearm homicides among Black communities in Chicago. Targeted policies addressing mass incarceration may help reduce urban firearm violence.
This population-based study found that higher PSA screening prevalence was associated with lower odds of advanced disease and prostate cancer-specific mortality among men with prostate cancer. Associations varied by age, race and ethnicity, and U.S. Census region.
A nonrandomized controlled trial found that psychiatric service dogs partnered with usual care significantly reduced PTSD symptom severity and improved psychosocial functioning in veterans. This study suggests that psychiatric service dogs may be an effective complementary intervention for military service-related PTSD.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends exercise interventions for older adults at increased risk of falls, considering prior falls, medical conditions, and patient values. The overall net benefit is small, making a personalized approach necessary to balance benefits and harms.
The article discusses the need for better integration of clinical trials and health care delivery enterprises to improve patient safety and healthcare outcomes. The study highlights the benefits of integrating clinical trials with medical practice, including more accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Early admission of COVID-19-positive patients to skilled nursing facilities was associated with preventable cases and mortality among residents. Facilities with staff and PPE shortages were disproportionately affected, underscoring the importance of adhering to infection-control protocols.
A cohort study found that decentralization through telemedicine and local care can substantially reduce cancer care's environmental impact. The study also showed small reductions in human mortality as a result of these changes.
A quality improvement analysis found that many US residents live within 30 miles of a clinical trial site, highlighting disparities in access. The study highlights concerns about equity and fairness in healthcare resource distribution, particularly for marginalized communities.
Longitudinal study finds that higher baseline body mass index is associated with more depressive symptoms over time. Children's cognitive performance also declines as they enter adolescence, highlighting the importance of monitoring children with overweight or obesity for depression problems.
A stepped-care model integrating palliative care at key points in patients' cancer trajectories shows reduced palliative care visits without compromising quality of life. The approach enables more efficient delivery of early palliative care, enhancing patient-reported outcomes.
This study found that lowering the fecal immunochemical test positivity threshold can achieve comparable sensitivity and specificity to the multitarget stool RNA test without additional testing. The findings are similar to previous observations with multitarget stool DNA testing, suggesting a potentially simpler screening method.
Higher Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality risk. The study found that cardiometabolic factors played a partial role in this inverse association.
A new study found that tirzepatide significantly reduced weight in Chinese adults with obesity, with both 10mg and 15mg doses showing clinical benefits. The treatment also demonstrated an acceptable safety profile.
Ivonescimab plus chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival (7.1 vs 4.8 months) compared to chemotherapy alone in TKI-treated non-small cell lung cancer patients. This treatment may offer a new option for patients with EGFR variant and limited treatment options.
US college student mental health challenges rose with a notable increase in PTSD and acute stress disorder diagnoses. Factors contributing to this rise include pandemic-related stressors and traumatic events.
Active surveillance for favorable-risk prostate cancer demonstrated to be a safe and effective management strategy, with less than 2% developing metastatic disease. The study found no significant association between delayed treatment during surveillance and worse outcomes.
Patients who received COVID-19 vaccines after acute coronary syndromes had similar rates of primary composite end point and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to unvaccinated patients. Retrospective studies have shown a short-term reduction in MACE risk after COVID-19 vaccination.
A study in Seattle found a small but significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) among children living in areas with a sweetened beverage tax compared to nontaxed areas. The results support the effectiveness of such taxes as a policy for improving children's BMI, building on existing US studies.
After the Dobbs ruling, more people traveled from out of state for abortion care. In-state patients waited a week longer to receive care. These findings can inform access-improving interventions and policies.
Ransomware attacks on targeted hospitals led to a temporary decrease in emergency department visits and inpatient admissions. Nearby unattacked hospitals experienced a corresponding increase in ED visits, suggesting a broader impact of such attacks.
A study found that thumbnails on a popular video-sharing platform used by children contained attention-capturing designs with violent and stereotyped themes. The researchers aim to understand how children respond to such thumbnail designs and their impact on the quality of consumed content.
A matched cohort study found no overall increased risk of early death among women with premenstrual disorders. However, the risk was elevated for young women and deaths by suicide, highlighting the need for careful follow-up and suicide prevention strategies.