Patients using medical cannabis reported sustained improvements in health-related quality of life in the study. Adverse events were common but rarely serious, highlighting the need for caution when prescribing medical cannabis.
Deaths from falls among adults aged 65 or older in the US rose between 1999 and 2020, affecting all population subgroups. The relative ranking of groups remained unchanged over time despite varying magnitudes of increase.
Fentanyl-related pediatric deaths increased substantially from 2013 to 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating this public health crisis. Annual deaths peaked in 2020 and 2021, indicating a more than 6-fold increase among children under 5 years.
Hospitals affected by ransomware may see increased patient loads and resource strain, impacting time-sensitive care for acute stroke patients. Targeted cyberattacks can have regional disaster implications on healthcare delivery.
A study of 390,000 infants found that those born to mothers with opioid use disorder or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome had a higher risk of postneonatal infant mortality. The study highlights the need for supportive interventions during and after pregnancy to reduce adverse outcomes.
Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection report cognitive deficits that are associated with post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID) symptoms. Researchers suggest a potential affective component in some patients, highlighting the need for further exploration of underlying reasons.
Quitting smoking early after a lung cancer diagnosis was associated with lower mortality rates. Detailed smoking history collection can improve lung cancer prognosis and treatment selection. The study's findings suggest that smoking cessation timing may impact overall survival, particularly at different clinical stages.
A study of 1,340 women with high-risk breast cancer found that strongest collective adherence to lifestyle recommendations was associated with significant reductions in disease recurrence and mortality. Education strategies to help patients adhere to cancer prevention recommendations are warranted.
A diagnostic study using 4,095 retinal fundus images found that biomarker-based AI algorithms can be susceptible to racial bias, even when trained on raw images. This issue highlights the need for careful evaluation of AI performance in diverse populations.
The study found that endocrine, musculoskeletal, and vascular diseases were the most common causes of hospitalization in individuals with depression. Depression is considered a potential target for preventing both physical and mental health issues.
The study found that COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity rapidly declines after primary vaccination and booster doses, leading to a decrease in protection against Omicron and Delta infections. The results highlight the need for targeted vaccination strategies to combat the evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A recent study found that COVID-19 mortality disparities widened between the initial and Omicron waves, particularly among non-Hispanic white adults. The authors suggest continued prioritization of racial health equity in pandemic response efforts to address these persistent disparities.
The USPSTF recommends screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in populations at increased risk, including those born in or former residents of high-prevalence countries and congregate settings. Estimated prevalence is about 5.0% in the US, with up to 13 million persons affected.
Over the past decade, pediatric emergency department visits related to mental health concerns have significantly increased, with a 5-fold rise in suicide-related cases. The study underscores the urgent need for enhanced crisis and emergency mental health services for young people, particularly those experiencing suicidal symptoms.
A study of 1,300 participants found that increased physical activity 6 months after stroke was associated with better functional outcomes. Interventions targeting individuals with decreasing physical activity in the subacute phase may play a role in improved functional recovery.
A systematic review of 53 studies found significant increases in depression symptoms among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with female individuals and those from higher-income backgrounds most affected. Anxiety symptoms also rose slightly during this time.
A randomized clinical trial found that community health workers in early childhood well-child care teams improved receipt of preventive care services compared to usual care. The intervention resulted in better outcomes for Medicaid-insured children, highlighting the potential benefits of team-based approaches to healthcare.
A case series study found prostate cancer occurs in transgender women, contrary to previous reports suggesting rarity. Rates were lower than anticipated based on prior male veteran prostate cancer incidence estimates.
A study comparing physician and AI chatbot responses found chatbots excelled in both quality and empathy, while physicians were preferred for their nuanced understanding. The findings suggest that integrating chatbots into clinical settings could improve response quality and reduce clinician burnout.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that preterm-born children and young adults were more likely to seek health care related to COVID-19 concerns. This increased utilization was independent of a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or asthma, highlighting the need for refined care models.
A recent study reveals that many children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not receiving adequate treatment. The findings highlight the need for improved communication and access to outpatient mental health care for children with ADHD.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increases the risk of Bell palsy, whereas vaccination poses a lower risk. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine did not differ significantly from the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine in terms of BP incidence.
A recent study assessed an AI chatbot's ability to answer ophthalmic questions, finding it answered approximately half correctly. The results suggest that while AI has medical advances, the current chatbot is not yet ready for substantial assistance in board certification preparation.
A study found that residents of economically disadvantaged areas were more likely to use violence against others after experiencing injuries. The research suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary to address neighborhood-level issues contributing to violence.
The NVX-CoV2373 vaccine demonstrated strong safety and immunogenicity profiles in a clinical trial of over 2,200 adolescents. The study found the vaccine to be efficacious in preventing COVID-19, including the Delta variant.
Monthly buprenorphine initiation rates in the US rose from January 2016 to October 2022, then plateaued prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests factors beyond the pandemic contributed to this trend.
A study of 436 cognitively normal older adults found that unawareness, rather than awareness, of memory decline was strongly associated with future clinical progression. The research suggests that discordant self- and informant-reported cognitive decline may provide important information to practitioners.
A nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults found that stroke prevalence remained stable overall, but increased among men. The study's estimates underestimate the total burden due to institutional settings not included in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
A study of 167,000 non-hospitalized patients revealed that neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 was associated with significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalization rates, and mortality. These findings suggest targeted risk stratification strategies may optimize future nMAb treatment decisions.
A 25-year longitudinal cohort study revealed that youths involved with the juvenile justice system have a significantly increased risk of firearm mortality, with rates varying by sex, race, and ethnicity. Sixteen years after detention, nearly one-quarter of Black and Hispanic males had been injured or killed by firearms.
The study reveals COVID-19 worsened existing inequities in food security and rental struggles based on race and ethnicity and maternal origins. Equity-focused policy changes are necessary to ensure all US children and families can afford basic needs for optimal health.
A study of 5,000 patients with breast cancer found that women from disadvantaged neighborhoods had shorter breast cancer-specific survival rates compared to those from advantaged areas. The findings suggest potential unaccounted mechanisms, including social determinants of health and access to care.
A study of 55,000 Canadian patients with COVID-19 found that vaccination significantly reduced severe outcomes and burden on healthcare systems. The research also highlights the importance of vaccination in reducing mortality rates associated with COVID-19.
Researchers found that participants with lower written health literacy experienced longer delays in initiating postoperative radiation therapy. The study controlled for demographic and clinical factors, highlighting the importance of health literacy in cancer care.
A study of 415,000 US female breast cancer deaths from 2011 to 2020 found that Black women should start screening earlier than previously recommended. Health policy makers and clinicians may consider an alternative approach with race- and ethnicity-adapted age recommendations for breast cancer screening.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals with a family history of depression exhibit reduced cognitive abilities. The research highlights the potential impact of genetic and environmental factors on brain development and aging, as well as modifiable lifestyle factors.
A large study of over 600,000 individuals found a strong association between COVID-19 infection and the development of incident diabetes. The researchers estimate that SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to a 3% to 5% excess burden of diabetes at a population level.
The USPSTF finds the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of visual skin examination by a clinician to screen for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with melanomas causing the most skin cancer deaths.
A survey study of 19,000 patients found that self-managed abortion was prevalent before accessing in-clinic care, particularly among those with limited access. The findings suggest a need for increased access to telemedicine and decentralized abortion care models.
A national cohort study found that early dexamethasone administration reduced odds of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients needing supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The treatment was not associated with improved outcomes for those without such needs.
Researchers found that high-dose VE303 prevented recurrent C. difficile infection compared to placebo, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. A larger phase 3 study is needed to confirm these findings.
A study of matched counties found that those reopening with in-person instruction experienced higher COVID-19 case incidence six and eight weeks later. County-level COVID-19 incidence increased at these time points compared to virtual instructional models.
A study of 1,618 US counties found that greater representation of Black primary care physicians is associated with improved survival-related outcomes for Black individuals. The findings suggest investments to build a more representative PCP workforce nationally may improve population health and reduce disparities.
American Indian, Black, and Hispanic students reported lower parental education levels, financial barriers, and discouragement from pre-health advisers compared to white students. These disparities may deter underrepresented groups from pursuing a career in medicine.
A study of over 5 million hospitalizations found COVID-19 patients were more susceptible to HAIs, requiring additional prevention measures. Despite increased infection control pressures, HAI rates among inpatients without COVID-19 remained similar to those in 2019.
A large study of over 3 million patients receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine found extremely rare cases of retinal vascular occlusion. The researchers concluded that there is no evidence suggesting an association between the vaccine and newly diagnosed RVO, rates similar to those of other vaccinations.
A randomized clinical trial found that using smartphone apps for home monitoring after oncologic surgery leads to improved quality of recovery and equal patient satisfaction. The study compared this approach with conventional in-person follow-up, revealing no significant differences in these outcomes.
This systematic review found associations between evictions and adverse birth outcomes, with childhood exposure linked to neurodevelopment harms. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing rental housing affordability crises and ongoing racial disparities in evictions.
During the pandemic, children's recreational screen time significantly increased on weekdays compared to weekends. Once schools reopened, weekday screen time decreased but remained higher than pre-pandemic estimates.
A survey study of 9,400 adults found that those with post-COVID-19 condition were more likely to forgo needed healthcare due to cost and access challenges. The study suggests developing clinical protocols and addressing insurance-related barriers can improve healthcare access for these individuals