Research on identifying and measuring risk. Covers rock-avalanche modeling, cardiovascular risk, food-toxin safety, and heart calcium scans.
An analysis suggests that the use of gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, tiagabine, and valproate may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal acts. The study found a higher risk of suicide attempts or violent deaths in patients taking these medications compared to topiramate.
Researchers have identified four relatively simple measures of alcohol consumption that can accurately index the genetic risk for alcohol dependence in both women and men. These findings provide significant implications for risk identification and suggest that simpler measures of drinking behavior may be sufficient to capture the same ...
A landmark international study of over 60,000 women found that many are unaware of their risk factors for debilitating fractures, which can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and increased mortality. The study emphasizes the need for improved education on osteoporosis risk factors and treatment options.
Despite being a common medical emergency, half of UK patients needing emergency investigation for sudden gut bleeding still wait too long for endoscopy. This audit reveals significant delays and underuse of standard treatment, affecting thousands of lives annually.
Researchers found that environmental chemicals form a complex cocktail, leading to greater toxicity than individual chemicals. The EU recommends implementing guidelines for managing the chemical cocktail effect to assess risks to humans and the environment.
An analysis of nearly 25 years of data found a strong association between socioeconomic position and risk of death, with health behaviors explaining 42% of the association. Health behaviors assessed at baseline explained 29% of the gradient for cardiovascular mortality, increasing to 45% when entered as time-dependent covariates.
Researchers created a risk assessment method based on race, Medicaid eligibility, and neighborhood characteristics, which identified even more high-risk children than current methods. The new approach could save taxpayers $153,000 by reducing unnecessary lead poisoning tests.
A study analyzing three studies on chocolate and stroke found that eating chocolate may reduce stroke risk by up to 46% and lower the risk of death after suffering a stroke. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.
A study published by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found that women with fibroids are at a significantly increased risk of stillbirth. The research discovered that pregnancies with fetal growth restriction had an even higher risk of IUFD, with absolute risk remaining rare.
A new approach to smoking cessation uses individualized risk assessments to motivate smokers to quit. Studies show that tests like Respiragene improve quit rates by providing smokers with personalized information about their risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases.
A meta-analysis of 457,922 participants found that drinking regular or decaffeinated coffee lowered diabetes risk by approximately 25%, while those who consumed three to four cups daily had a one-third lower risk. Tea consumption was also associated with a reduced risk, with more cups per day resulting in greater protection.
Regular coffee consumption was associated with a 7% reduced risk of diabetes, while decaffeinated coffee had a one-third lower risk. Tea consumption also showed a significant protective effect, with a one-fifth lower risk. The study suggests that compounds in these beverages may have direct biological effects.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that carotid endarterectomy surgery significantly reduces the risk of future strokes in patients with chronic kidney disease. The procedure was shown to be safe and effective, without increasing the risk of death from surgical complications.
Researchers analyzed all clinical trials of rofecoxib before its market withdrawal and found an association between the drug and increased cardiovascular risk as early as December 2000. The study provided a roadmap for assessing drug safety after product introduction, highlighting the importance of public disclosure of trial results.
Researchers at MIT developed a new modeling methodology to determine the capacity and assess risks of leakage in potential underground carbon-dioxide reservoirs. The tool can quickly predict how carbon dioxide will migrate through subsurface, reducing hours or days of computational time required.
The analysis found that hazard ratios for vascular disease were nearly identical with non-HDL-C and HDL-C measurements as those seen with apo B and apo AI. Moreover, triglyceride concentration was not independently related to CHD risk after controlling for HDL-C and total cholesterol levels.
A recent study by Dr. Khaled El Emam found that hospital pharmacy prescription records can easily re-identify patients, posing a significant privacy risk. The study demonstrates a methodology for de-identifying patient data to maintain patient confidentiality.
A new analysis by MIT researchers reveals that even moderate carbon-reduction policies can substantially lower the risk of future climate change. To avoid a 2 degree Celsius temperature increase, global emissions reductions are required now to provide a good chance of stabilizing the climate.
A non-invasive test can effectively screen for silent heart disease and identify high-risk patients, potentially preventing heart attacks and sudden deaths. Coronary artery calcium scans detected plaque in coronary arteries, which were more effective than standard measurements.
Women taking hormone therapy have a 38% increased risk of ovarian cancer, with risks increasing by 44% for epithelial tumors. The absolute risk is approximately 1 extra ovarian cancer for every 8,300 women taking hormone therapy annually.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found a consistent inverse association between adiponectin levels and type 2 diabetes risk across various ethnic groups. Higher adiponectin levels were associated with a lower risk of developing the condition.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is investigating possible links between insulin glargine and increased cancer risk based on 2009 Diabetologia study findings. The organization emphasizes that people needing insulin should not stop taking the drug, urging them to consult their doctors for advice.
A new risk assessment test, CAPRA, has been developed to predict long-term risks and pinpoint high-risk cases in prostate cancer. The test accurately predicted bone metastasis, prostate cancer-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality when localized prostate cancer is first diagnosed.
A novel approach estimates that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are produced in increasing amounts, posing potential environmental and health risks. The study's findings suggest that up to 2.5 million metric tons of nanomaterial could be released into the environment by 2025.
A mathematical model predicts that face protection measures can significantly reduce the spread of influenza. The use of N95 respirators and surgical masks is effective in preventing the flu due to their filters that keep out 98% of the virus.
Researchers used the MACRO model to simulate the transport of three PPCPs and a strongly sorbing dye, finding that non-equilibrium sorption in macropores significantly impacted solute transport. The updated version of the model showed better fits to measured data, but limitations were found in accounting for all relevant processes.
Higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with a lower risk of all-cause death and coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease. A meta-analysis suggests that even a minimal level of CRF, above 7.9 METs, can provide significant prevention for these conditions.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found that approximately 17% of individuals were at high-risk, while 70% were at moderate-to-high risk. The researchers emphasize the importance of accurately assessing cancer risk to provide targeted prevention support.
A study published in JAMA found that men with systolic chronic heart failure who have low or high levels of estradiol have an increased risk of death compared to those with moderate levels. The study, conducted on 501 men, showed that both low and high concentrations of circulating estradiol are significant predictors of a poor prognosis.
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation releases guidelines to assess and mitigate the risks of aquatic invasive species, which can cause significant environmental harm and economic losses. The guidelines aim to promote preventive measures and harmonized actions among North American countries.
Research from NHANES data reveals that drinking 100% fruit juice is associated with a lower risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Juice consumers were found to have better insulin sensitivity, lower BMI, and smaller waist circumference compared to non-consumers.
Researchers warn that unregulated biofuel crop planting poses a significant threat to Hawaii's environment due to their high invasiveness. The study identifies high-risk biofuel crops that could be grown with implemented measures to reduce their risk of spreading out of control.
A new study published in Risk Analysis found that public support for nuclear power is highest among those who trust the industry and hold traditional values. The study's findings suggest that increasing public trust in the nuclear industry is crucial for a resurgence of nuclear power in the US.
A recent study found that drinking alcohol is the greatest risk factor for acetaldehyde-related cancer. Heavy drinkers are at increased risk due to exposure from multiple sources, including ingesting acetaldehyde through alcoholic beverages.
A nationwide study found that long-term exposure to ground-level ozone is associated with a 25-30% greater annual risk of dying from respiratory diseases. The study followed nearly 450,000 people for two decades and covered 96 metropolitan regions in the US.
A new study by León Paumen has improved the accuracy of risk assessments for soil and sediment contamination. The research found that prolonged exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs) can lead to unpredictable effects on life cycles, contradicting previous assumptions about gradual effects.
Systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses support the use of risk assessment models combined with breast density information to identify high-risk postmenopausal women. Lifestyle factors such as exercise, weight reduction, and reduced alcohol intake also show promise in reducing breast cancer risk.
A new risk score has been developed to identify people at risk of atrial fibrillation in primary care, using clinical characteristics and echocardiographic measures. The tool was tested on 4,764 participants and showed good predictive value, with age being the strongest risk factor associated with atrial fibrillation.
A review and meta-analysis found that maternal obesity is associated with a significantly increased risk of congenital anomalies, including spina bifida, cardiovascular anomalies, and cleft palate. The absolute risk of these anomalies is estimated to be 0.47-0.61 per 1,000 births higher in obese women than in women of recommended BMI.
A study by Rutgers University scientists found that both humans and mice are proficient in assessing risk, challenging traditional views of human decision-making. The research suggests that risk assessment is a programmed cognitive mechanism that is present in many animals.
A new study reveals that younger individuals defined as low risk by conventional risk stratification methods may actually have a higher lifetime risk of heart disease. Those in the high-risk group had a greater subclinical disease burden and incidence of atherosclerotic progression, even at younger ages.
Researchers found that half of individuals under 50 with low short-term risk may not remain low-risk throughout their lives. Long-term risk estimation could provide new information on risk prediction, supporting its inclusion in clinical practice.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that traditional risk assessment tools do not accurately predict coronary heart disease. The study analyzed 1,653 patients and found that 21% of those thought to need statin drugs did not require them, and 26% of those already taking statins had no detectable plaque.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that teen sexual risk behaviors are similar among youth with few and those with many non-sexual health risks. Despite differences in overall health risk levels, trends in sexual behavior were remarkably consistent across both groups.
A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA found that smoking is significantly associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) and death. The study analyzed data from nearly 40,000 new cases of CRC, indicating a 25% higher risk of CRC death among smokers compared to non-smokers.
A recent study found that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are three times more likely to experience severe coronary events, including heart attacks. The disease is also linked to increased risks of angina, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis.
A new method for determining osteoporosis treatment targets has been developed using the WHO's fracture risk assessment tool, FRAX¹. This approach considers both fracture risk and cost-effectiveness to provide more accurate and targeted treatment.
A study of 34,715 women found that up to two drinks per day is not associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. However, women who consumed more than two drinks per day had a higher risk of developing the condition.
A review of 11 randomized trials found no benefit in survival from inhaled corticosteroid therapy for stable COPD. However, the use of ICS was associated with a higher incidence of pneumonia in patients with COPD.
Researchers found that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels can improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment and guide treatment decisions. Studies showed hsCRP adds 5-14% accuracy over traditional risk factors, especially for individuals at intermediate risk.
A meta-analysis found that many wines contain high levels of metal ions, exceeding the safe threshold and posing potential health risks. The study suggests that these metals may contribute to neurological problems, oxidative damage, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
A study published in Medical Decision Making found that cardiac risk estimates vary between Christians and Muslims, with more serious estimates given to Christians. The research highlights the psychological impact of mortality concerns on healthcare decisions.
A new study published in Risk Analysis found that the presence of safety measures has a significantly higher impact on trust than their absence. Researchers surveyed 640 participants and asked about various safety measures such as emergency phone numbers and weather conditions.
The Federal Air Marshals Service is exploring the use of USC's ARMOR system to enhance its operations. The system, which applies game theory insights to scheduling, has been shown to improve security by making it difficult for observers to find predictable patterns in law enforcement patrols. This collaboration aims to further develop ...
A recent study published in the American Cancer Society's journal found that hip bone mineral density can provide additional information for predicting breast cancer risk. Women with higher bone mineral density scores had a 25% increased risk of developing breast cancer, while those with high Gail scores had a 35% increased risk.
A study of 10,000 postmenopausal women found that higher bone mineral density was associated with a 25% increased risk of developing breast cancer. Adding bone mineral density tests to current risk assessments may improve the prediction of breast cancer risk in older women.
Researchers used topographic analysis to identify active faults in the Sichuan earthquake, which can help refine existing maps of earthquake risk. This approach can shed light on blind and hidden faults in remote mountainous areas.
A meta-analysis found the ankle brachial index (ABI) improves accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction by identifying individuals at high risk for atherosclerosis. The ABI may help modify treatment recommendations in approximately 19% of men and 36% of women.
A Kaiser Permanente study published online in the Journal of Perinatology found that integrating substance abuse screening and treatment into routine prenatal care improved health outcomes for pregnant women. The study, which examined nearly 50,000 women, found that treating pregnant women with substance abuse early in their pregnancy ...
A new approach to developing parenting plans after separation when domestic violence is alleged involves assessing risk and identifying appropriate arrangements. The level of potency, pattern, and primary perpetrator of violence are key indicators of the risk of future violence.