Research on identifying and measuring risk. Covers rock-avalanche modeling, cardiovascular risk, food-toxin safety, and heart calcium scans.
A study found that older adults with major and minor electrocardiographic abnormalities were associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease events. The addition of ECG abnormalities to traditional risk factors improved the prediction of CHD events.
Patients taking oral fluoroquinolones had a higher risk of developing retinal detachment compared to non-users, with an average number of days from first prescription to event being 4.8 days. The absolute risk increase was small, with 2,500 patients needed to be harmed for every user
The survey found that 81% of employers target lifestyle habits such as physical activity, tobacco use, and weight management. Employers that tracked screening results reported measurable improved outcomes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index.
A scale measuring harm risk from invasive research placebos was successfully tested by 43 independent clinicians. Agreement varied among assessors, with those in academic posts showing higher scores.
A new study by University of Nottingham researchers found that systematically collecting family medical history is a significant tool in helping GPs spot patients at high risk of heart disease. The study identified an additional five percent of patients who would benefit from prevention measures, highlighting the potential for low-cost...
A study published in The Lancet has found that a common variant on the Y chromosome increases the risk of coronary artery disease by 50 percent in men. Men carrying this variant have a higher risk of CAD, independent of traditional cardiovascular and socioeconomic risk factors.
A study found no association between the rotavirus vaccine and an increased risk of intussusception in US infants. Researchers analyzed almost 800,000 doses administered from 2006-2010 and found no statistically significant increase in risk for all doses combined or dose-specific analyses.
A recent health impact assessment (HIA) reveals the light rail line would bring increased access to transit, jobs, and affordable housing. However, it also identifies potential risks of displacing low-income residents and rising housing costs, which could lead to health problems.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that reduced cognitive function in adolescence is associated with a higher risk of subdural hematoma later in life. On the other hand, higher levels of education and physical fitness were linked to a decreased risk of this condition.
A novel approach to analyze potential health hazards associated with pesticides and toxic chemicals has been proposed by a UM researcher. The new model can predict the likelihood of illness from chemical mixtures and reduces data requirements significantly.
A study using coronary CT angiography found that women are at a significantly greater risk of cardiovascular events than men when experiencing large amounts of plaque build-up or extensive artery narrowing. In contrast, men with non-calcified plaque are at higher risk for major adverse cardiac events compared to women.
A study found that higher sodium excretion was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, while lower sodium excretion was linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for congestive heart failure. Higher potassium excretion was also found to be protective against stroke.
A toxicologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is urging governments and industries to adopt more evidence-based risk assessments for nuclear radiation and chemical exposure. He argues that the current linear no-threshold model has questionable scientific foundations and should be objectively assessed.
A systematic review of 26 validated readmission risk prediction models found most models have poor predictive ability for both clinical and administrative use. The review suggests that only a few models can accurately identify high-risk patients for early intervention.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that same-day discharge after coronary artery stenting is safe for low-risk patients, but not commonly practiced. The study of over 100,000 patients suggests that better risk assessment tools are needed to identify high-risk patients who require hospital overnight stay.
A study analyzing Medicare data found that older patients treated by low-volume operators had a significantly higher risk of death within 30 days after receiving a carotid artery stent. Patients treated early in an operator's career also faced a higher mortality rate.
A meta-analysis of 28 prospective cohort studies found depression associated with a 45% increased risk of total and fatal strokes. Depression also increases the risk of ischemic strokes by 25%. The study suggests depression may contribute to stroke through various mechanisms, including neuroendocrine and immunological effects.
The American Dental Association recommends using sugar-free polyol gum, lozenges, and hard candy to prevent cavities in patients at high risk. Nonfluoride varnishes with chlorhexidine and thymol can also be effective when used as adjuncts to fluoride-containing products.
Blacks with prehypertension have a 35 percent greater risk of progressing to high blood pressure than whites. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and physical activity can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure for those with prehypertension.
A new study analyzed over 230,000 physician-years of coverage and found that 7.4% of all physicians faced a claim, but only 1.6% made a malpractice payment. The risk of making payment varied from around 5% in low-risk specialties to nearly 20% in high-risk specialties.
Patients with clinically diagnosed superficial vein thrombosis are four to six times more likely to develop venous thromboembolism, a dangerous and often life-threatening condition. Studies have shown that patients with
A study analyzing nearly 500,000 individuals found that the risk of bladder cancer among smokers is significantly higher than reported in previous studies. The risk for women smokers was comparable to men's, and former smokers had a 2.2 times increased risk, while current smokers faced about 4 times higher risk relative to never smokers.
A new risk assessment model predicts development of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in individuals with early symptoms. The model identifies phenotypic, demographic, environmental, and genetic risk factors, accurately predicting progression and helping determine follow-up examinations and preventive measures.
The FRAX tool has been validated in 11 independent cohorts covering over 1 million patient years, providing empirical evidence to guide intervention. However, clinicians should be aware of the tool's limitations, including exclusion of certain risk factors and failure to account for variations in fracture rates within countries.
A new study suggests that people with higher levels of optimism may be less likely to have a stroke. The research found that each point increase in optimism corresponded to a 9 percent decrease in acute stroke risk over a two-year follow-up period.
A Nordic study of 60,650 singletons from ART registers found a marginal increase in the risk of stillbirth in ART children compared to naturally conceived peers. The overall risk remains low, however.
A study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are also smokers have an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer, as well as all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality. Smoking cessation after diagnosis did not significantly impact mortality risks compared to never-smokers.
Researchers found that established fracture prediction methods were associated with hip and nonspine fracture risk in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Femoral neck BMD T score and FRAX score were linked to fracture risk, but patients with DM had a higher risk of fracture at the same scores as those without DM.
A recent study by an international team of researchers found that the processes of extinction and speciation are linked in plants, with young species often appearing at high risk of extinction. This challenges the application of the same threat criteria across living organisms and regions.
A new study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that high levels of saturated fat in dairy products do not increase the risk of heart attack. Instead, other nutrients in dairy products, such as calcium and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), may have protective effects against heart disease.
Two widely used multi-gene tests produce broadly similar results for high- and low-risk breast cancer patients, but differ for those at intermediate risk. The study's findings suggest that these tests can provide additional independent prognostic information to help clinicians make informed treatment decisions.
A randomized trial found that older workers who received personalized coaching alongside a web-based risk assessment reported improved physical activity and reduced dietary fat intake. In contrast, those in a control group experienced a decline in waist circumference at six months that was maintained at 12 months.
A study found that receiving higher prescribed doses of opioids is associated with an increased risk of opioid overdose death, but receiving both as-needed and regularly scheduled doses is not. The study included data on over 154,000 patients who received opioid therapy for pain.
Researchers estimate that airport backscatter scanners emit extremely low levels of radiation, comparable to natural exposure from the sun and earth. The analysis suggests that these devices do not significantly increase the lifetime risk of cancer for travelers, even frequent flyers.
A study found an association between occasional physical activity and a short-term increased risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. The absolute risk was small, but those with high levels of regular physical activity were less susceptible to the triggering effect of episodic physical activity.
A study found that long-term bisphosphonate therapy is associated with an increased risk of subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fractures, while reducing typical osteoporotic fractures. The researchers suggest reconsidering extended therapy for patients at low fracture risk and exploring drug holidays to mitigate this risk.
Researchers analyzed data from 592 patients with type 1 diabetes and macroalbuminuria to identify predictors of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and pre-ESRD mortality. The study found that poor glycemic control increases ESRD risk but not pre-ESRD mortality, while improved lipid management affects both outcomes.
A recent study found that adhering to current guidelines for treating intensive-care unit patients with multi-drug resistant pneumonia may result in higher mortality rates. The authors suggest re-assessing the guidelines due to a lack of evidence supporting triple antibiotic therapy.
A UCLA-led study finds that health care reform can improve coordination between assessing disease risk and providing appropriate tests and follow-up medical services. The law expanded coverage for an annual wellness visit, which includes assessing risk for disease and developing a personalized prevention plan.
A new study identifies genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart attacks. The researchers found that certain genetic profiles increase the risk of CAD and heart attacks in individuals with CAD, while blood group O offers protection against heart attacks.
A computer decision model suggests that statin therapy may increase the risk of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with a history of brain hemorrhage. Statins may not provide sufficient benefits to outweigh these risks for this patient group, particularly those with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage.
New research presents findings on patient and physician understanding and use of family health history to assess disease risk. Family health history information is shown to be a useful and accurate tool for assessing an individual's risk of developing various diseases.
A study published in JAMA found that the use of a fall prevention tool kit with health information technology reduced patient falls in hospitals by 30%. The intervention, which included a fall risk assessment and personalized prevention plans, was most effective for older patients.
Archaeologists issue call to action for scientists to assess and preserve archaeological sites at risk from sea level rise and urban development. A scientifically sound method has been proposed to measure vulnerability using quantifiable factors like shoreline change and geomorphology.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found a positive correlation between investor risk tolerance and stock market returns, indicating investors buy stocks at high prices and sell at low prices. Improved financial education is recommended to help Americans overcome biases in investment decisions.
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is developing image processing technology to analyze large amounts of video data and recognize potential risk situations. The new application can identify, locate and track abandoned luggage, allowing security authorities to take swift action.
Regular beer consumption is linked to an increased risk of developing psoriasis. Non-light beer drinkers have a higher risk compared to those who don't drink beer or consume light beer.
The University of Leicester has developed an online diabetes risk assessment tool using 7 questions to identify those at high risk. The tool is being used in a number of studies to encourage people to see their doctor and has already been taken by over 21,000 individuals.
A study published in JAMA found that a genetic risk score is strongly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and can predict the type of disease. The researchers identified specific genes that have different effects on different subtypes of breast cancer.
A study by McMaster University researchers found that overweight and obese women have a 30% greater risk of induced preterm birth before 37 weeks, increasing to 70% for very obese women. This higher risk is associated with serious health problems for the baby, especially when born earlier than 32 weeks.
A meta-analysis of published evidence reveals painters are at significantly increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The risk increases with length of employment as a painter, and persists even after accounting for smoking and other risk factors.
A Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology study found that executives with higher negative emotional traits took fewer risks, while those with higher educational levels took more. The researchers analyzed data from 70 banks and 46 savings banks, discovering a significant connection between the CEO's emotional traits and firm risk.
Researchers at OHSU School of Dentistry use ATP-driven bioluminescence to assess children's oral bacteria and plaque, linking it to caries risk. The study finds a strong statistical association between ATP measurements and bacterial numbers in saliva and plaque specimens.
Researchers found that risk assessment analysis can identify patients without PE, allowing for reduced radiation exposure and cost savings. The study's results suggest that thromboembolic risk factor assessment can be an effective method to determine when to perform CT angiography for PE.
Use of vascular closure devices and anticoagulant bivalirudin significantly reduced bleeding rates in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Higher-risk patients were less likely to receive these treatments, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Treatment with alteplase until 4.5 hours from stroke onset enhances favourable outcome chances, while late treatment is associated with reduced short-term survival and increased mortality risk. Early treatment initiation is crucial to maximize benefit and minimize risks.
A study identified two genetic variations linked to Alzheimer's disease, but these did not enhance the ability to predict AD risk. The findings provide insights into pathophysiological mechanisms of AD.
A review of available breast cancer risk assessment tools reveals their limitations, particularly in assessing individual risks. The models rely heavily on known risk factors, with up to 60% of breast cancers arising without them.
A coronary artery calcium score provides a better estimate of future heart disease events when added to traditional risk factors, especially for those at intermediate risk. The study found that the score accurately placed 77% of participants into high or low risk categories.
A leading medical authority criticizes the use of anti-aging hormones, citing little to no benefit and high risks. Dr. Thomas T. Perls advocates for caution and proper guidance for patients seeking healthy aging solutions.