Study links omega-3s to reduced mortality
A recent meta-analysis in Scientific Reports supports the link between omega-3s and reduced mortality. The analysis showed a 9% reduced risk of all-cause death associated with high versus low omega-3 intake.
Risk Assessment
Articles tagged with Risk Assessment
Male general practitioners more likely to consider heart disease a 'man's issue'
A study found that male GPs are less likely to assess cardiovascular risk in female patients due to insufficient information in medical files. Female patients were also less likely to have their CVD risk assessed using the SCORE scale when seen by a female GP.
Australian study finds no method reliable in assessing suicide risk for mental health patients
A recent Australian study found that no method is reliable for assessing suicide risk in mental health patients. The meta-analysis suggests that traditional approaches may be ineffective and that a more patient-focused approach is needed.
Replicating psychiatrists' expertise to prevent inpatient suicide
Researchers developed a tablet-based suicide risk assessment tool that performed at a high level, predicting expert psychiatric assessments at between 91-94 percent accuracy. The tool was found to be quick and easy for patients to complete, standardizing risk assessment and helping hospitals meet the Joint Commission mandate.
Research finds offender risk assessment tools in US Are promising, but questions remain
A new meta-analysis of US recidivism risk assessment instruments found them to be accurate but with unclear impact on reducing bias against offenders based on race or other factors. The study evaluated 19 commonly used RAIs and assessed their accuracy in predicting recidivism, ease of use, and inter-rater reliability.
Tests show drivers can't accurately judge speed of approaching train
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that drivers can see trains from a distance, but struggle to estimate their speed. On average, drivers overestimated the train's speed by 36% at 750m away and 29% at 350m away.
Lung cancer survival rate increases by 73 percent if caught early
A recent UK lung cancer screening trial found that patients with high-risk disease can be identified and have a 73% chance of surviving five years or more. The trial's results provide crucial evidence for implementing a national screening programme in the UK.
ACS NSQIP® Surgical Risk Calculator has good prediction accuracy, new study finds
A new study has confirmed the accuracy of the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator, which estimates a patient's risk of postoperative complications. The calculator will undergo recalibration to improve its performance, addressing minor distortions in estimating risk for low- and high-risk patients.
Infertility risk posed by endometriosis may be half of previous estimation
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that the majority of women with endometriosis do not experience infertility, contradicting previous estimates. The study found a higher risk of subsequent infertility in women under age 35, but only half of cases previously thought to be related to endometriosis.
Genetic variants may put some soldiers at higher risk of PTSD
A massive analysis of DNA samples from over 13,000 U.S. soldiers has identified two statistically significant genetic variants associated with an increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings suggest a possible link between PTSD and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
UK Health Check has only modest impact on risk factors for cardiovascular disease
A new study published in CMAJ found that the UK Health Check program had a modest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors, with limited success in meeting national and international targets. The program resulted in increased diagnoses of vascular diseases such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes among participants.
QUT develops new model to better predict crash blackspots
A new blackspot identification method developed by QUT uses a Bayesian latent class model to analyze multiple crash risk processes. The model identifies additional high-risk sites, resulting in improved prediction ability and accuracy.
WSU researcher improves mental health evaluations
A new assessment tool has been developed to gauge the risk of patients with mental illnesses committing crimes, improving upon the current evaluation system. The tool aims to strike a balance between patient rights and freedoms and public safety, facilitating quicker evaluations and hospitalizations for high-risk patients.
Trabecular bone score validated as standalone predictor of fracture risk
A large study validates TBS as a standalone predictor of fracture risk, independent of FRAX, with robust results across diverse populations. The combination of TBS and clinical risk factors shows enhanced risk gradients for hip and non-hip fractures.
Mobility assessment tool may help predict early postoperative outcomes for older adults
A mobility assessment tool may help predict early postoperative outcomes for older adults by identifying those at risk of complications. The study found that preoperative scores on the Mobility Assessment Tool: Short Form (MAT-sf) were predictive of early postoperative complications, longer hospital stays and discharges to nursing homes.
No risk association observed for anthracycline chemotherapy, cognitive decline
Breast cancer survivors undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy did not experience greater risk of lasting cognitive decline, according to a recent study. Neuropsychological tests revealed comparable cognitive function between groups up to seven years after treatment.
Loneliness and isolation linked to heightened risk of heart disease/stroke
Research analysis found a 29% increased risk of heart or angina attack and a 32% heightened risk of stroke associated with loneliness and social isolation. The effect size was comparable to that of other recognized psychosocial risk factors, highlighting the importance of addressing loneliness for public health.
Intelligent transaction tax could help reduce systemic risk in financial networks
A new study suggests that a tax on individual transactions between financial institutions could eliminate systemic risk in the financial system. The proposed tax relies on an analysis of banking network data and would go into a government fund to bail out struggling banks.
Omega factor: Novel method measures mortality risk when multiple diseases threaten
Researchers developed a novel method to measure mortality risk in elderly cancer patients with multiple diseases, providing a more accurate assessment than current survival rates. The approach uses machine learning and calculates the 'omega factor,' which compares a patient's cancer mortality risk to their overall mortality risk.
Researchers test new Risk of Bias assessment tool for non-randomized intervention studies
A new Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions showed potential in assessing studies with higher risk of bias. Exclusion of high-risk studies altered estimates of clinically pertinent outcomes in two systematic reviews, highlighting the need for further testing of the new instrument.
Finding a new 'sweet spot' for improving cancer risk assessment
Researchers propose a new strategy integrating linear no-threshold (LNT) and hormetic dose-response models to optimize public health benefits. This approach reconciles conflicting methods, offering significant improvements in cancer risk assessment.
Evidence-practice gap for sealant application: Results from a dental PBRN
A recent study by researchers at Kyushu Dental University found a significant evidence-practice gap for sealant application among Japanese dentists. The findings suggest that dentists' beliefs about the effectiveness of caries risk assessment are strongly associated with their recommendation of dental sealants.
Speeding up accuracy of flood risk assessment
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a faster and more accurate flood risk assessment method that relies on an algorithm to extract key causative events driving major floods. This new approach reduces the time taken for modeling while maintaining high accuracy, potentially saving properties and lives.
Risk score may help identify patients at risk for sudden cardiac death after acute coronary syndrome
A new risk model and risk score have been developed to identify patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). The cumulative incidence of SCD was found to occur continuously over time, with a rate of approximately 1 percent per year.
Assessment tool may help predict risk of persistent postconcussion symptoms among children
A clinical risk score developed among children presenting to an emergency department with a concussion was significantly better than physician judgment in predicting future persistent postconcussion symptoms. The study found that approximately 33% of children experience ongoing symptoms, which can have serious adverse effects.
New study finds troubling health care outcomes for US workers without paid sick leave
A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that US workers without paid sick leave are three times more likely to delay medical care than those with paid leave, regardless of income or occupation. This delay can lead to more complicated and expensive health conditions.
Projected 10 billion world population drives moderate-to-high risk worries
A new study by the University of Southampton found that people are worried about the increase in global population, focusing on food and water shortages, species extinctions, and catastrophic consequences. The researchers discovered that individuals who perceived greater risk were generally those who indicated a willingness to adopt mi...
EU decision process hinders use of genetically modified trees
The European Union's complex and unpredictable decision process is hindering the introduction of genetically modified trees to the market. The current procedure involves extensive risk analyses, which are costly and time-consuming, making it difficult for scientists to predict the long-term consequences of GM tree use.
Everyday mindfulness linked to healthy glucose levels
A study of 399 participants found an association between higher mindfulness scores and healthier glucose levels. The researchers identified obesity risk and sense of control as potential mediators of this link, with mindful individuals being less likely to be obese and more likely to believe they can change their lives.
Getting the right amounts of sleep and regular exercise lower stroke risk
Research found that sleeping seven to eight hours per night reduces stroke risk by 25%, while excessive long sleep increases the risk by 146%. Regular exercise of 30-60 minutes, three to six times a week, also significantly decreases stroke risk. A computerized analysis of health data from 288,888 adults revealed these key findings.
Salt and sodium intake remains high in China
A recent study in JAMA found that all provinces in China exceeded the recommended daily maximum intake of salt (5 g/d) and sodium (2 g/d), highlighting a persistent public health concern. The study suggests that total diet studies underestimate sodium consumption due to increased use of processed foods and seasonings.
Assessment of surgical danger when surgeons remove implanted small arms ammunition
Embedded projectiles can pose significant risks to surgical teams, and identifying them requires careful consideration of clinical and radiological factors. Radiological studies, including CT scans, are crucial for determining the presence and potential explosive nature of embedded ordnance.
New test could predict dementia risk during routine GP visits
Researchers developed an algorithm to predict five-year dementia risk from UK patient records, identifying 930,395 patients. The Dementia Risk Score could help rule out low-risk patients and aid primary care clinicians.
Airlines aren't learning enough from near misses
Researchers found that airlines focus on near misses linked to past accidents, but overlook those that haven't yet caused an incident. Airlines can improve by expanding data collection and vigilance towards deviations from normal procedures.
First clinical practice guidelines call for lifelong maintenance of restored teeth
The American College of Prosthodontists has published its first national clinical practice guidelines, emphasizing the importance of routine dental examinations every 6 months to maintain restored teeth and implants. The guidelines also highlight the need for continuous education on individualized at-home maintenance regimens.
Use of oral antifungal medication during pregnancy, risk of spontaneous abortion
A nationwide Danish study found that oral fluconazole exposure during pregnancy is associated with a significantly increased risk of spontaneous abortion compared to unexposed women or those treated with topical azole antifungals. The risk was not significantly higher for stillbirths, but further investigation is warranted.
When apps talk behind your back
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that almost 9% of popular apps download from Google Play interact with malicious URLs, posing a risk to users' security and privacy. The team developed a tool called AURA to evaluate app riskiness before downloading.
Network analysis shows systemic risk in mineral markets
A new study examines trade flows of 71 mineral commodities between 107 countries and finds that regional shortages of essential minerals can lead to cascading shocks and instabilities in the global market. The research proposes policy measures, such as commodity risk taxes, to create more stable markets.
New model helps predict breast cancer risk in Hispanic women
A new breast cancer risk-prediction model for Hispanic women has been developed using data from the San Francisco Bay Area Breast Cancer Study. The model incorporates factors such as age at first full-term pregnancy, age at first menstrual period, history of benign breast disease, and family history of breast cancer to estimate risk.
Penn researchers present findings on cardiac risks for patients with chronic kidney disease
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine analyzed CRIC data to find that larger left atrium size is associated with an increased risk of heart failure among CKD patients. This finding provides valuable insights into identifying high-risk patients who require closer monitoring and targeted interventions.
Link between small mammals and evolution of hepatitis A virus to humans discovered
Researchers have found a link between the origins of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and small mammals, specifically bats and rodents. The study provides novel insight into the evolution of HAV and how it spread to humans, highlighting the importance of analyzing animal reservoirs for risk assessment of emerging viruses.
Improving risk-cost-benefit analysis
Baruch Fischhoff reviews four types of analysis to guide policymakers' decisions: estimating risks, deciding on worst-case scenarios, achieving maximum benefits with minimal risk, and weighing risks and benefits. He proposes making the analysis process more transparent and relevant to increase trust.
Effect of duration of storage of red blood cells transfused for cardiac surgery
A study of patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Sweden found no link between transfused red blood cell storage duration and mortality rates, serious complications, or adverse outcomes. Blood services follow national guidelines, allocating the oldest available unit first.
Trial results show that 'health risk assessment' benefits non-disabled elderly people
A trial found that a collaborative care model using health risk assessment and counseling reduced the number of risk factors and preventative care deficits among older participants. The study demonstrated improved 8-year survival rates, with a mortality rate of 3.16 per 100 person-years in the intervention group.
Can work stress be linked to stroke?
A meta-analysis of six studies found that people with high stress jobs had a 22% higher risk of stroke than those with low stress jobs. Women with high stress jobs were 33% more likely to experience an ischemic stroke.
Effectively using the advice of experts
A new framework provides eight key ways to improve the advice of experts, including using groups with diverse members and minimizing psychological bias. The framework aims to balance conventional expert advice with methods that alleviate biases and ensure accountability.
One in 8 children at risk for measles, analysis shows
A study found nearly 9 million children are susceptible to measles, with nearly 4% of 17-year-olds unvaccinated. The percentage of vaccinated children must remain above 92% to prevent outbreaks.
Distinguishing coincidence from causality: Connections in the climate system
Scientists developed a new method to analyze air pressure data from thousands of measurements, revealing key gateways for teleconnections between climate changes. The East Pacific, Indonesia, and tropical Atlantic are most important regions, where air masses play a crucial role in transmitting perturbations.
Analysis of 21 studies shows exposure to pesticides is associated with increased risk of developing diabetes
A meta-analysis of 21 studies found pesticide exposure increases diabetes risk by 61%, with some pesticides linked to higher risks for type 2 diabetes. The study suggests environmental contaminants like pesticides may play a role in diabetes pathogenesis, but results require caution due to observational data.
In year of US wildfires, Nepal earthquake, NSF awards $27.5 million in hazards research grants
The National Science Foundation has awarded $27.5 million in research grants to study ways to predict and respond to natural disasters. Researchers will focus on topics such as hurricane risk assessment, wildfire resilience and drought policy.
Higher risk of death for patients admitted to NHS hospitals at the weekend
A study published in The BMJ found that patients admitted to NHS hospitals on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays have a higher risk of death compared to those admitted during the week. This "weekend effect" is attributed to reduced support services and increased severity of illness.
Surprise cardiac finding predicts future risk
A small left ventricle with thick walls is the strongest predictor of morphologic remodelling, a first step towards heart failure. This unexpected finding could change risk stratification among patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Better outcomes achieved with ESC guideline adherent antithrombotic management
Patients with atrial fibrillation who received antithrombotic management according to ESC guidelines had better outcomes than those who did not. Guideline-adherent patients had significantly lower rates of major adverse events during one year follow up compared to over- or under-treated patients.
Survey finds many physicians overestimate their ability to assess patients' risk of Ebola
A survey of primary care physicians found significant variation in how doctors make decisions in situations of uncertainty, with those least likely to encounter Ebola patients being most likely to choose overly intense management. The results highlight the need for additional resources and responsible reporting by news media.
New environmental risk assessment of veterinary antibiotics applications
Researchers at Leuphana University developed a new screening-based procedure to assess environmental risks caused by veterinary antibiotics. The Usage Pattern-Based Exposure Screening (UPES) method aggregates data on antibiotic usage patterns and models consumption to predict environmental impact.
Analytics for resilience
The field of risk analysis is entering a new phase with real-time probabilistic risk analysis, enabling better management of complex systems. New methodologies and technologies are being used to predict risks and improve global resilience.
Even a little weekly physical activity goes a long way for over 60s
Analysis of 835 studies shows that even low weekly physical activity is associated with a 22% lowered risk of death. The most significant health benefits were found among those who increased their physical activity, particularly women.
Unsuccessful fertility treatments not linked with clinically diagnosed depression in women
A study of 41,000 Danish women found unsuccessful fertility treatments do not increase depression risk. Becoming a mother is a greater trigger for clinically diagnosed depression than fertility treatment stress.
Gene mutation contributes to liver disease in patients of normal weight
Researchers found that normal-weight carriers of the PNPLA3 mutant genotype are at higher risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and renal function dysfunction. The study suggests this mutation may be used to identify individuals at high-risk for NAFLD, regardless of weight status.
Women have up to a fourfold increase in risk of stillbirth following a previous stillbirth
A meta-analysis published in The BMJ found that women who experience a stillbirth have up to a fourfold increased risk of stillbirth in a second pregnancy. Pregnancies should be closely monitored, and antenatal interventions offered for women at high risk. Improved care and research are needed to address this major public health concern.