Articles tagged with Risk Assessment
A statistician at Virginia Commonwealth University has been awarded a $1.7 million grant to investigate the long-term effects of neighborhood exposures and racial segregation on cancer risk. The researcher aims to better understand how geographic and socioeconomic factors contribute to disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.
Scientists estimate annual probability of a mass shooting in every US state and public places like schools, using statistical methods and computer simulations. The study finds that mass shootings are low-probability but high-consequence events.
A new study found that a simple blood test can predict the risk of progressive heart and kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. The test measures levels of four biomarkers, which fell after treatment with canagliflozin, a type 2 diabetes medicine.
Cancer patients undergoing certain treatments are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection, but boosting can significantly reduce this risk. Boosting every three months cuts the risk in half, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to assess CXR images for probable COVID-19 severity. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 when predicting intensive care need within 24 hours.
George Mason University Assistant Professor Nora McDonald is investigating privacy ecosystems among vulnerable populations using qualitative research and participatory design. She will develop a toolkit to support healthcare providers in mitigating privacy harms for vulnerable individuals.
A long-term study of nearly 2,400 solid organ transplant recipients found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization rates, with a 75% decrease in later omicron waves. Despite this, post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 viral infections remain common, highlighting the importance of vaccination in high-risk populations.
A new study from Texas A&M University finds a correlation between secondhand smoke exposure and higher blood lead levels in children. The research suggests that education and mitigation efforts can further protect kids and adolescents from lead exposure, building on past success of lead removal initiatives.
A large-scale international collaborative study has identified new genes associated with breast cancer, which could lead to better risk prediction and improved clinical management. The study found evidence for at least four new breast cancer risk genes, with many others showing suggestive evidence.
A historical analysis of Bern Maternity Hospital data showed a notable surge in low birth weight and stillbirth rates coinciding with the 1918 'Spanish flu' pandemic. Researchers found that mothers exposed to the pandemic had a higher risk of stillbirth, highlighting the potential impact of pandemics on infant health.
Researchers found that children and adolescents exposed to the 1959-61 Chinese famine in utero or under age 2 are at double the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The study, published in PLOS Global Public Health, examined the long-term health effects of early exposure to famine on later life.
Research tracking nuclear industry workers' deaths suggests prolonged low-dose ionising radiation exposure increases solid cancer mortality by approximately 52% per unit of radiation absorbed. The study's findings should inform current rules on workplace protection from low-dose radiation.
A new study identifies over 800 bivalve species that humans harvest and find to be more resilient to extinction due to their adaptability in various climates. The researchers highlight the need for sustainable management to preserve these populations, but also warn of potential risks if human demand exceeds their capacity.
A new kidney function equation has been shown to be more accurate than the old equation in estimating kidney function, particularly for Black individuals. This new equation may reduce racial disparities in cardiovascular disease by making previously ineligible patients eligible for heart failure therapies.
A team of researchers has identified four metabolism-related biomarkers associated with an increased risk of metastatic prostate cancer in men of West African heritage. These findings could lead to improved testing and treatments for patients.
A study published in PNAS found that government-mandated external moderation is likely to be effective in limiting harm on fast-paced platforms like X. The researchers examined the dynamics of content dissemination and found that a lower half-life means most harm happens right after content is posted.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that connected vehicles improve travel time through intersections, but automated vehicles without connectivity actually increase wait times. The study suggests that incorporating vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is crucial for optimizing traffic flow.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that stratified sampling is more effective at catching contaminants in infant formula than random sampling. The researchers used computer models to simulate testing finished formula and suggest ways to improve safety plans.
A new tool helps evaluate pesticide toxicity at high resolution and suggests targeting a few pesticides in watersheds could significantly reduce aquatic toxicity in California. The Environmental Release Tool (ERT) quantifies pesticide applications and toxicity by watershed, covering hundreds of commodities.
Research reveals US municipal bonds are priced higher for communities with larger Black populations, despite lack of correlation with climate risk. This association adds up to an estimated $900 million cost penalty per year across all Black Americans.
A large study found that fully vaccinated individuals have lower concentrations of inflammatory markers than unvaccinated participants after symptomatic COVID-19 infection. This suggests that vaccination significantly reduces morbidity and mortality by reducing elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a method to monitor critically ill patients with circulatory shock, which may help control blood pressure and heart function. The new approach uses tissue perfusion pressure to predict patient risk of death, length of hospital stay, and peak blood lactate level.
Critically ill children on ventilator support can experience patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA), which worsens outcomes. Researchers are using machine learning to develop a common set of definitions and measurements for PVA in pediatric patients, aiming to minimize risks and improve clinical outcomes.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that continued breast cancer screening after age 70 is associated with a greater incidence of cancer that likely would not have caused symptoms. Researchers estimate up to 47% of breast cancers found among women aged 74-84 were overdiagnosed.
A new American Heart Association science advisory emphasizes the need for more resources and best practices in pediatric preventive cardiovascular care. The survey found that many programs are overwhelmed with referrals and have long wait times, highlighting the importance of updated guidelines and strategic action plans.
A meta-analysis of multiple studies found no association between depression and anxiety and most types of cancer. However, the study found a link between depression and anxiety with a 6% higher risk of developing lung cancer and smoking-related cancers.
A high level of cardiac troponin is associated with a 76% increased risk of death, including non-cardiovascular causes, over medium-term survival. Researchers suggest that troponin may serve as a general indicator of health issues, including undiagnosed conditions.
AI-powered clinical decision support systems can enhance patient care, but doctors lack necessary skills to interpret and act on risk predictions. To address this gap, medical education and training need to incorporate explicit coverage of probabilistic reasoning tailored to CDS algorithms.
A new diagnostic method assesses electrical and mechanical activity in the heart during atrial fibrillation, providing personalized assessment of atrial remodeling. This can help predict disease progression and guide treatment.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst kinesiologist is implementing a physical activity program for young children in preschools with low socioeconomic status. The pilot study aims to measure the impact on cognitive development and gross motor skills, with potential long-term implications for health disparities.
Researchers found that African ancestry patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have fewer clinically actionable variants in DCM genes compared to European ancestry patients. The study enrolled 1,198 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, revealing a racial imbalance in genetic trials for heart failure.
A study published in Stroke found significant disparities in stroke risk factors between Black and non-Black adults. However, after one year of intensive medical intervention, some risk factors were reduced in Black adults.
Between 1990 and 2019, US coronary heart disease mortality rates declined, but slowed significantly since 2011. The study found that eliminating smoking, drinking, and obesity could have prevented half of the deaths observed during this period.
Researchers identified five genes influencing BMI in women and two in men, with faulty variants of three genes linked to higher BMI in women. Age-specific factors also emerged, with genes OBSCN and MADD associated with childhood body size and fat.
A study found that breast cancer patients with higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to experience heart damage, or cardiotoxicity, during chemotherapy. The study suggests that addressing obesity and considering the potential risk of cardiotoxicity requires a comprehensive approach.
The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for asymptomatic adults with average risk. The guideline aims to balance benefits and harms of screening in this population. Screening in younger adults may not offer significant net benefit due to lower incidence rates.
Research analyzed seven international studies and found a continuous increase in blood pressure measures with both low and high alcohol intake. Low levels of alcohol consumption were linked to detectable increases in blood pressure levels, which may lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
A study of 860,000 soldiers found that individuals with military-related traumatic brain injury were at higher risk for new-onset mental health conditions. The research also showed a direct and indirect association between TBI history and increased suicide risk.
Research found no association between oxycodone prescriptions and persistent opioid use after delivery, but those who delivered vaginally were at greater risk. Higher dosages and prescription durations also linked to increased risk of persistent opioid use.
The study identified two genes, SOX9 and KLF5, that contribute to the development of hidradenitis suppurativa. These genes play a role in hair follicle and epidermal development, respectively, and their mutations may lead to improper development of hair follicles and inflammation.
A new study by Flinders University researchers suggests that only 1% of dormant pathogens could cause major ecological harm, leading to the loss of host organisms worldwide. The simulations showed that these ancient microbes can survive, evolve, and become dominant in modern ecosystems, posing a substantial danger.
A Stanford analysis of planned relocations worldwide shows that community engagement is key to successful outcomes, with slower-paced efforts yielding better results for small communities. The study also found that distance and horizontal movement made little difference for livelihood outcomes.
Researchers found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with reduced blood oxygen levels being the leading factor. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea could help prevent future cardiovascular outcomes.
The American Heart Association has funded seven new scientific research projects to explore the connection between migraines, strokes, and cardiovascular disease. The studies will analyze existing datasets using machine learning and aim to create a collaborative group of experts to uncover the causes of increased risk.
Researchers designed machine learning models to identify children at risk of self-harm, finding that incorporating more data points and diagnostic codes improved detection rates. The models were particularly effective for detecting underrepresented groups, such as Black and Latino youth.
A new study finds that climate change poses a significant threat to all listed plant and lichen species, with only a minority of conservation plans taking direct action to address this issue. The researchers urge policymakers to use their findings to inform conservation planning and recovery efforts for these endangered species.
A federally funded study led by University of Cincinnati clinical psychologist Sarah Whitton aims to identify mental health risks and protective factors for sexual minority women. The FAB400 cohort, a racially diverse group of nearly 400 women aged 21-26, will participate in an additional six waves of data collection over 2.5 years.
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that daily low-dose aspirin increases the risk of intracranial bleeding in healthy older adults, but does not reduce ischemic stroke risk. The study's findings have particular relevance to individuals prone to developing intracranial bleeding after head trauma.
An observational study of college students found that young women are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like multitasking and conversation while descending stairs. This is compared to young men who were less likely to engage in these behaviors, suggesting that women may be more distracted while descending stairs.
A new clinical practice resource provides valuable information for healthcare professionals caring for individuals with pathogenic variants in the CHEK2 gene. The resource assesses personalized risk estimates based on family history, specific variant, and other factors.
PSMA PET imaging provides prognostic information on cancer recurrence risk before treatment, improving personalized treatments and guiding surgical plans. The tool outperforms current standard tests in predicting biochemical recurrence, a critical factor in determining cancer-specific mortality.
A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals that older adults who belong to sexual and gender minorities experience higher rates of frailty, starting at younger ages, compared to non-OSGM participants. The research highlights the need for early geriatric assessment among OSGM and potential targets to mitigate frailty.
A new study published in Radiology found that AI can use data from low-dose CT scans of the lungs to improve risk prediction for death from various causes. The study used data from over 20,000 individuals and found that body composition measurements derived from lung screening LDCT were strong predictors of mortality.
A historic study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that e-scooter riders face significant safety risks from infrastructure, environmental factors, and their own behaviors. Transitions between surfaces proved to be the riskiest, with riders facing nearly 60 times more likelihood of a crash or near-crash experience.
A new study published in Circulation found that heat waves and high levels of fine particulate pollution can double the risk of fatal heart attacks. The combination of extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution was associated with an increased risk of heart attack deaths, especially among women and older adults.
A study at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that people living with HIV who donate a kidney to others with HIV have a low risk of developing end-stage kidney disease or other kidney problems. The study, which monitored three donors for two to four years post-transplant, bolsters support for living donations from people with HIV.
A new editorial explores the potential of machine learning to enhance early cancer detection in primary care, leveraging extensive patient data and improving risk stratification accuracy. The authors emphasize the need for responsible implementation, collaboration, and validation across diverse populations.
A new position paper reviews TBS for fracture risk prediction, treatment initiation and monitoring in osteoporosis. The evidence-based guide provides practical guidance for clinicians to integrate TBS into clinical practice.
A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.
A Michigan Medicine study in Texas found that 61.4% of older adults with cognitive impairment are still driving, but one-third of caregivers have concerns about their care recipient's ability to drive safely. Researchers emphasize the need for open discussions between caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure safety.