Research on identifying and measuring risk. Covers rock-avalanche modeling, cardiovascular risk, food-toxin safety, and heart calcium scans.
The updated charts show a person's risk of dying from a given cause within the next 10 years, taking into account their age, sex, and smoking status. The charts provide two key elements: the magnitude of the risk and context to help people understand where to focus risk reduction efforts.
A genetic disorder previously associated with lung disease may also increase lung cancer risk, according to a study. Researchers found that carriers of the disorder had a 70-100% increased risk of lung cancer compared to non-carriers.
A new analysis found that children who attend daycare have a 30% lower risk of developing childhood leukemia. The study, which combined results from multiple studies, suggests that early exposure to infections may provide protection against the disease.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a new model for estimating breast cancer risk, incorporating breast density and ethnicity, which is well-calibrated and reasonably accurate across risk factor subgroups. The model may one day be used to calculate a woman's risk for breast cancer during mammograms.
The new voting system in Cuyahoga County has serious flaws, including a lack of review screens to catch mistakes and potential security problems. Researchers warn voters to be careful and review their ballots closely to avoid errors.
Researchers found that older Americans with high stroke risk, but without a history of stroke, experience accelerated cognitive decline. The study, conducted by the American Heart Association, analyzed data from over 17,000 participants and found that those at high risk declined twice as fast as those considered low-risk.
A study by University of Leeds researchers found that human psychology and automatic pilot can compromise data security. Employees tend to oversimplify risks and fail to consider consequences, leading to errors. To improve security, organisations should design systems with user involvement and implement triggers for critical thinking.
A new simplified scoring system accurately assesses overall cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and individual component risks. The system, developed from 12 years of patient data, shows significant correlation with 10-year CVD risk.
A study of 609 men aged 72.6 found that those with low blood testosterone levels had a significantly higher risk of fractures, particularly hip and non-vertebral fractures. The study suggests that measuring serum testosterone may provide additional clinical information for assessing fracture risk in elderly men.
A four-year study found that selectively restraining elderly residents and reducing sleeping pills can significantly reduce falls in nursing homes. The study, led by the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, analyzed over 2,300 reported falls and fractures to find a link between safety measures and fall risk.
A new study analyzing over 2,000 women found that BRCA1 and BRCA2 carrier status varies significantly in relation to breast cancer incidence. The research highlights the importance of considering additional genetic factors beyond known mutations when assessing risk.
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found a correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help lower this risk, according to experts from the American Academy of Periodontology.
Researchers found that people with high triglycerides were 2.7 times more likely to have a large artery atherosclerotic stroke than those with low levels. Non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol was also linked to an increased risk of this type of stroke.
Patients with severe psoriasis have a 50% higher risk of death compared to those without the condition. The study found that men and women with severe psoriasis died an average of 3.5 and 4.4 years earlier, respectively.
Young children of depressed mothers are more prone to behavioral problems and injuries, according to US research. The study found that maternal depression significantly increases the risk of behavioral problems in children, which may lead to an increased risk of injury.
Patients with venous thromboembolism face a substantially higher long-term risk of heart attack and stroke, with relative risks comparable to those for diabetes and smoking. The study found that the combined increased risk for arterial cardiovascular events was between 20% and 40% higher over 20 years.
The US is relying on medical graduates from low-income countries to fill primary care gaps, draining developing nations of needed physicians. Family physicians play a vital role in equity in healthcare, with disproportionately high rates of care for disadvantaged populations.
A new, rapid and cheap way of estimating the potential risk posed to human health by volcanic ash has been devised. The technique uses state-of-the-art laser technology to analyze the grain size of samples from around the world, allowing emergency response teams to quickly measure the potential risk without high-tech equipment.
A team has developed M-POSSUM, a modified scoring system that combines elements of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), APACHE and POSSUM to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in high-risk surgical patients. The study found that M-POSSUM is more accurate than original POSSUM and APACHE II.
A standardized intervention incorporating risk assessment and telephone counselling improved cardiovascular risk factors among those at risk for coronary disease, but not among those with established coronary disease. The study found a positive impact on reducing cardiovascular risk factors in high-risk individuals.
Two studies found that early initiation of current treatments following a minor stroke or TIA significantly reduces the risk of subsequent major stroke. The UK alone could prevent nearly 10,000 strokes per year if this treatment is universally applied.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no strong association between fruit and vegetable intake and colon cancer risk. However, a lower risk of distal colon cancer was observed among those consuming high amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Researchers analyzed relationships between apolipoprotein E genotypes and lipid levels, as well as coronary risk. They found that E2/E2 genotype was associated with lower LDL-C values and reduced coronary risk compared to other genotypes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that smokers experience greater residual gum recession after periodontal plastic surgery. The two-year study showed smokers had less desirable long-term outcomes compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking before oral surgery can improve treatment success, according to experts.
A re-analysis of the data used in a controversial meta-analysis suggests that rosiglitazone's cardiovascular risks may not be as high as initially reported. The study finds that only prospective clinical trials can definitively establish the drug's safety.
A new analysis of rosiglitazone data found an uncertain heart risk, while a study on geriatric conditions revealed they are common among adults 65+ and increase with age. Counseling programs about preventing car accident injuries showed inconclusive evidence.
Researchers identified a significant genetic link between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with evidence of clustering within families over six generations. The study found increased risk ratios for relatives of affected individuals, indicating a common genetic component for both conditions.
A class of diabetes drugs increases the risk of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a new analysis of over 78,000 patients. The risk is estimated to be up to 100% higher in patients taking thiazolinediones, and may be triggered by fluid retention caused by the drugs.
A study estimates that radiation exposure from cardiac CT scans increases the lifetime risk of cancer, with higher risks for women and younger individuals. The study suggests using alternative diagnostic modalities for young individuals and weighing the risks and benefits of each test.
A study found that women with a smaller family history of breast cancer are more likely to carry the BRCA gene mutation, challenging breast cancer prediction models. This may lead to reevaluation of genetic testing guidelines and improved individualized risk management advice.
The ASCE panel's report confirms the city's vulnerability to hurricanes and recommends steps to reduce damage. The panel estimates that New Orleans residents' pre-Katrina risk was 1,000-fold higher than considered minimally acceptable.
A meta-analysis of eight trials found folic acid supplementation lowers the concentration of homocysteine in the blood, reducing stroke risk by an average of 18%. The study also revealed greater reductions in risk when treatment lasted over 36 months or reduced homocysteine levels by more than 20%.
The University of Southern California has developed a risk analysis system called Risk Analysis Workbench (RAW) to aid policymakers in quantifying risk estimates. The system, which will be used at all eight DHS research centers, uses data from web resources and artificial intelligence to perform 'what-if' risk analyses in a uniform way.
A systematic review of rosiglitazone trials suggests a 43% increased risk of heart attack and 64% risk of death from heart attack. However, recent studies DREAM and ADOPT suggest these findings may be overstated, warranting a more considered approach to its safety
Research published in the journal Heart found a significant link between performance league tables and lower death rates after coronary artery bypass surgery. The study analyzed data from almost 26,000 patients and showed that public disclosure of cardiac surgery outcome data led to improved patient outcomes.
Adding CRP testing to routine assessments would increase Americans eligible for treatment by 2-25 million, mostly low-risk individuals. The medical community should focus on treating high-risk patients before expanding to low-risk populations.
A meta-analysis of 24 studies found that smokers are 40-60% more likely to develop tuberculosis disease after infection, with a 73% increased risk of becoming infected. Smoking may also decrease immune response or damage airway cilia, increasing TB risk.
Researchers developed and validated two clinical algorithms to predict global cardiovascular risk in women, showing improved accuracy and reclassification of 40-50% of those at intermediate risk. The Reynolds Risk Score calculator is freely accessible online.
A new analysis confirms the benefit of switching treatment from tamoxifen to an aromatase inhibitor on disease-free survival, with a modest improvement in overall survival for oestrogen-receptor-positive patients. The findings suggest that molecular markers may predict which patients benefit from endocrine treatment strategy.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health confirms the association between passive smoke in the workplace and an increased risk of lung cancer. Researchers found a 24% increase in lung cancer risk among people exposed to passive smoke, with highly exposed workers facing a 100% increased risk.
A study of nearly 900 adolescents found that nearly 80% had multiple physical activity and dietary risk behaviors. Only 2% met all four health guidelines.
Abstracts on Soliris (eculizumab) will be presented at the ASH Annual Meeting, highlighting its potential to reduce thrombosis in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients. The therapy has shown promise in clinical trials with significant reductions in anemia and intravascular hemolysis.
A new Mayo Clinic study reveals that normal aging of breast tissue reduces breast cancer risk, particularly in women who experience complete lobular regression. Women with complete involution have half the risk of developing breast cancer compared to those without.
Researchers developed a model to identify high-risk patients for developing glaucoma. The model uses five key risk factors and can predict an individual's risk of developing glaucoma over the next five years. This tool will help physicians determine which patients to treat aggressively and inform patients about their treatment options.
A recent study assesses the effectiveness of available technologies for detecting nuclear devices at ports, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in current security measures. The authors propose an 11-layer security system and estimate a detection rate of 90% would require substantial investments.
A review of published research suggests that cigarette smoking increases the risk of contracting HIV and progressing to AIDS. The study found that five out of six studies concluded smokers were more likely to become HIV positive, with varying risks ranging from 60% to tripling.
A recent survey of 4,193 New York City men found that nearly 10% of those identifying as straight reported having sex with at least one man. This group was more likely to be from minority racial or ethnic groups, foreign-born, and married. They were also less likely to get tested for HIV or use condoms during last sexual encounter.
A new screening tool called the pedigree assessment tool (PAT) effectively identifies women at risk for hereditary breast cancer, outperforming another commonly used tool in assessing individual patient risk. The PAT was 100% sensitive in identifying high-risk patients with potential BRCA mutations.
Two new breast cancer risk models use breast density to predict individual risks, outperforming the existing Gail model. The models identify high breast density as a significant predictor of breast cancer, with some studies suggesting it may be as powerful a risk factor as age.
A new gene signature of 70 genes linked to breast cancer was found to accurately predict patient outcomes, surpassing traditional risk classifiers. The study's results suggest that the 70-gene signature adds valuable prognostic information, which may lead to improved treatment decisions and reduced chemotherapy for eligible patients.
Researchers developed a novel approach to assessing the risk of water-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, by measuring bacterial DNA in environmental waters. The method provides a quantitative risk assessment for human disease and has implications for health departments monitoring water safety.
Experts suggest airlines take preventative steps to protect against shoulder-fired missile attacks, which could have a significant economic impact of up to $250 billion. The cost-benefit analysis is crucial in making informed decisions about countermeasures.
A large study found that measuring C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and other novel risk markers does not improve the assessment of future coronary heart disease risk. The study, which followed over 15,000 adults, suggests that standard risk factors such as age, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure remain the most accurate indicators.
Recent study finds that screening levels of C-reactive protein and other compounds do not improve prediction of coronary heart disease risk. Major traditional risk factors, such as age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, remain the most accurate predictors of CHD.
A new calculator tool, ETHRISK, has been developed to better assess the risk of heart disease in British black and minority ethnic groups. The tool is based on a re-calibration of the Framingham risk equations and provides more realistic assessments of heart disease risks within a 10-year period.
A recent study calculates the risks of nanotechnology, emphasizing the need for rational work to understand and minimize adverse effects. The research highlights the importance of managing exposure to manufactured nano-sized particles, particularly through respiratory or skin routes.
A recent MUHC study found that Vioxx-related heart attacks can happen as early as two weeks after starting the medication. The risk of cardiovascular events decreases with longer duration of use and returns to normal after one month of stopping the drug.
The study found that patients' lung volumes are lower following surgery and general anesthesia, increasing the risk of developing pneumonia, respiratory failure, or worsening existing lung disease. The guidelines provide patient-related risk factors and surgery-related risk factors to assess pulmonary complications.
Researchers developed a risk calculator that uses various statistical tests to analyze biopsy results, family history of prostate cancer, race, age, rectal examination results, and previous biopsy history. The model can help patients and physicians decide whether a prostate biopsy should be performed.
Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and found that moderate-intensity exercise has a negligible risk of sudden cardiac death in women. The study suggests that regular exercise can significantly minimize this risk, making it a safe and beneficial activity for healthy adults.