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Latest research redefines neurodevelopmental risks, outcomes for congenital heart disease

A new American Heart Association scientific statement offers the latest knowledge on neurodevelopmental outcomes in people of all ages with congenital heart disease. The statement highlights that neurodevelopmental difficulties are common complications faced by individuals with congenital heart disease, affecting their ability to funct...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 22, 2024

Climate change increases the risk of preterm births by 60% and will devastate children’s health without fast global action

A new study links climate change to a 60% increase in preterm births and severe respiratory diseases. Without global action, climate-driven extremes will devastate children's health for generations, with the strongest link found between temperature extremes and increased risk of preterm birth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Families of men with fertility problems show distinct patterns of increased risk for several types of cancer

Men with low sperm count or none have a higher risk of developing cancer, including at younger ages, compared to fertile men. Families of azoospermic men have a significantly increased risk of five cancers, while families of oligozoospermic men have a higher risk of colon, bone and joint, and testicular cancers.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Older adults with a history of stroke at high risk of pandemic-induced depression

A new study from the University of Toronto found that older Canadians with a history of stroke experienced depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those with no lifetime history of depression, immigrant status and family stressors were associated with an increased risk of incident depression.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Blood test could determine diabetes risks

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that a blood test using joint cumulative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio can predict type 2 diabetes risk more effectively. Females were most at risk with significant interaction between MHR and CRP observed.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 21, 2024

Access to prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors remains a significant barrier leaving patients at risk for heart attacks and strokes

A new study reveals that utilization of PCSK9 inhibitors is low among high-risk patients, despite extensive evidence documenting their role in LDL-C reduction and the prevention of heart attacks. The study found that insurance coverage rejection or abandonment leads to significantly more cardiovascular events within 12 months.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Burnout: identifying people at risk

A new study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology has developed a tool to identify individuals at high risk of burnout. The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) measures four main groups of risk factors, including exhaustion, mental distancing, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScandinavian Journal of Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine study reports a novel prognostic biomarker for lung cancer

Researchers identify a promising prognostic biomarker for lung cancer using circulating tumor DNA-based minimal residual disease detection. The study found that this method can effectively guide treatment decisions and predict recurrence risk, potentially modifying the lung cancer treatment paradigm.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 14, 2024

A Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Review looks at the mechanisms of ‘long COVID’

Researchers document various reasons for long-term clinical symptoms in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Key findings include immune system alterations, chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and mitochondrial issues contributing to post-COVID syndrome.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 12, 2024

Robotic-assisted surgery and navigation don't affect infection risk after hip arthroplasty

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery suggests that robotic-assisted surgery and surgical navigation techniques do not significantly increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,000 patients undergoing THA between 201...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2024

Physical activity is insufficient to counter cardiovascular risk associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption

A new study found that physical activity levels are insufficient to counter the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. Even moderate consumption can lead to higher cardiovascular disease risk, emphasizing the need to limit these drinks' omnipresence in the food environment.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 8, 2024

Incheon National University researcher examines proactive change-oriented behaviors by public service providers

A study by Incheon National University researcher finds that job autonomy alone is not enough for public servants to engage in proactive change-oriented behavior. The study identifies factors over which public managers have control, including information, norms, incentives, and human relationships, as levers to encourage change.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalReview of Public Personnel Administration·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2024

Re-excision rates after breast-conserving surgery pose ongoing challenges in the US: UTHealth Houston study unveils high reoperation rates and costs

Rates of re-excision after initial breast-conserving surgery remain high across the US, leading to increased healthcare costs and a higher risk of postoperative complications. The study found that younger age and ductal carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher reoperation rate.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2024

How to provide effective falls prevention in aged care

New research from Flinders University found that regular exercise and a personalized falls prevention plan based on individual needs can reduce the likelihood of falls. The studies also highlighted the importance of having an individual falls risk assessment and modifying strategies according to specific circumstances, such as dementia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 6, 2024

A tie between the most common obesity surgeries

A study of over 1,700 adult patients found that gastric bypass and sleeve surgeries have few short-term complications and are equivalent in terms of risk. The results suggest that patients and doctors can choose between the two procedures without worrying about short-term surgical risks.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

Large Finnish study finds that maternal pulse recording during childbirth prevents encephalopathy in newborn babies

A large Finnish study found that external fetal heart rate monitoring without simultaneous maternal pulse recording increases the risk of neonatal encephalopathy and acidemia. The study suggests that combining maternal pulse recording with fetal heart rate monitoring can effectively prevent these complications and improve neonatal outc...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 29, 2024

Students are missing more school, and school nurses may be well-positioned to help

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Knoo Lee found that school nurses are well-positioned to identify students at-risk for chronic school absenteeism. Students who have many partial-day absences often proactively seek out school nurses as a source of comfort and support, presenting an opportunity for intervention before...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of School Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJan 29, 2024

Pusan National University researchers decode the link between smoking and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk

Researchers from Pusan National University found a notable association between smoking and an increased risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), particularly among female smokers. The study revealed a dose-response relationship, with the risk peaking at moderate to heavy smoking levels.

SourcePusan National University·JournalTobacco Induced Diseases·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 29, 2024

Flame-retardant chemicals may increase risk of preterm birth, higher birth weight

A Rutgers Health study found that pregnant women exposed to certain flame-retardant chemicals may face an increased risk of preterm birth, especially for baby girls, or higher birth weights. The study linked three specific markers of organophosphate ester exposure to shorter pregnancies and higher risks of preterm birth in female infants.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeSurvey·DateJan 26, 2024

International consortium identifies biomarkers that improve prediction accuracy of cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes

A international academic consortium has identified 13 biomarkers that significantly improve the ability to accurately predict cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The standout biomarker was N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which is currently used to monitor heart failure status in patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJan 25, 2024

Risk of death during heatwaves in Brazil linked to socioeconomic factors

A new study found that heatwaves in Brazil are disproportionately affecting female, elderly, Black, Brown, and low-education individuals, resulting in a staggering 48,075 deaths between 2000 and 2018. The research highlights the need for targeted efforts to reduce mortality rates during future heatwaves.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Exposure to flame retardants linked to premature birth, higher birth weight

A large study found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, especially among female newborns. Higher birth weight was also linked to increased obesity risk. The chemicals are widely used in building materials, furniture, and electronics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Retinal imaging and genetics data used to predict future disease risk

A study combines retinal imaging, genetics, and big data to estimate the likelihood of developing eye and systemic diseases. The researchers identified significant associations between retinal layer thickness and increased risk of various diseases, including ocular, neuropsychiatric, cardiac, metabolic, and pulmonary diseases.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2024