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Formalized education on breast cancer survivorship can help nurses provide more streamlined care, MU study finds

A new MU study found that APRNs recognize the importance of breast cancer survivorship care and can benefit from standardized education. The findings suggest that formalizing education on breast cancer survivorship could lead to improved healthcare for patients, including symptom management, monitoring, and follow-up appointments.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

Safer neighborhoods may mitigate risk of child abuse

A Rutgers study finds that safer neighborhoods can reduce the risk of child abuse by providing a stable environment and reducing stress. Improving the built environment, reducing poverty, and providing adequate housing services can help mitigate maltreatment risks in low-income communities.

SourceRutgers University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

Job strain combined with high efforts and low reward doubled men’s heart disease risk

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal reveals that men who experience job strain combined with high efforts and low reward have doubled the risk of heart disease. The research highlights the pressing need to proactively address stressful working conditions to create healthier work environments.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateSep 19, 2023

How do suicide risk or depression screenings compare to identify patients at risk?

Research found that depression screening methods, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, correctly identified more patients who attempted suicide than suicide risk screenings. The study suggests that comprehensive screenings tools may be more effective in identifying patients at risk of suicide and depression.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2023

Ultrasound scans by doctors in emergency departments to diagnose deep vein thrombosis halve patients’ stay and may help to reduce over-crowding

A study found that ultrasound scans performed by emergency physicians can nearly halve the time patients spend in emergency departments. This technology, known as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), enables faster diagnoses and treatment for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Study: Many primary care providers & adult patients wary of discussing firearms

A new study reveals that over half of adult patients skip questioning about firearms on screening questionnaires, while surveyed primary care providers are often uncomfortable discussing firearm safety with most patients. The study suggests a need for more research and improved training on firearm-related topics for primary care clinics.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 14, 2023

Addressing social determinants of health in post-overdose outreach associated with greater reduction in fatal opioid overdoses

New research from Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction found that municipalities offering wide-ranging social services to overdose survivors saw a 21% decrease in fatal overdoses. The study suggests connections to housing, food, employment, and transportation may be key to successful post-overdose outreach programs.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateSep 14, 2023

Healthy lifestyle can help prevent depression – and new research may explain why

Research found that a healthy lifestyle involving moderate alcohol consumption, healthy diet, regular physical activity, and frequent social connection can reduce the risk of depression. The study identified seven healthy lifestyle factors linked to a lower risk of depression, with good sleep being the most protective.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2023

Higher breast cancer risk after certain forms of childhood cancer treatment

A large-scale international study of childhood cancer survivors found that women who received high-dose doxorubicin chemotherapy without chest radiation have a significantly increased risk of breast cancer before age 40. The researchers are calling for broadening guidelines for breast cancer screening in these patients.

SourcePrincess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023

High levels of depression found among Canadian older adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study published in Cancer Management and Research found that 1 in 8 older adults with a history of cancer experienced depression for the first time during the early stages of the pandemic. Those with functional limitations, family conflict, and women were particularly vulnerable to depression.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCancer Management and Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2023

Treating high risk heart patients with immediate double cholesterol-lowering therapy could save thousands of lives each year

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients who start taking a combination of statins and ezetimibe after a heart attack are 47% less likely to die within three years. The study suggests that changing treatment guidelines could prevent many thousands of deaths each year.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2023

New research highlights opportunities to protect carbon and communities from forest fires

A new study identifies locations where proactive forest management can reduce carbon loss and protect communities from wildfires in the Western United States. Proactive forest management techniques like thinning, prescribed fire, and cultural burning can help keep carbon in forests and reduce wildfire risk.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2023

Precarious employment conditions can increase risk of early death

A Swedish study found that precarious employment conditions increase the risk of early death, with workers who shifted to standard employment experiencing a 20% lower risk of mortality. The study used registry data from over 250,000 workers and found that job security is crucial in reducing premature deaths.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2023

How little things can reduce hip fractures

A new Australian study found that implementing simple bone-strengthening strategies throughout the community can lead to a substantial decrease in hip fractures. The study analyzed data from over 3000 individuals aged 60+ and showed a 45% decline in hip fractures despite only a 3% increase in bone mineral density.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2023

Do smoking significantly increases the risk of mental illness?

Research from Aarhus University suggests that smoking may increase the risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia by 250 percent. The study analyzed genetic data from over half a million people and found that certain genetic variants linked to smoking also contribute to mental illness.

SourceAarhus University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

Two studies demonstrate the benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence in colonoscopy

Two studies demonstrate that artificial intelligence in colonoscopy can increase adenoma detection rates and reduce miss rates, but also lead to increased removal of non-neoplastic polyps. The findings suggest the need for additional research on more defined detection parameters before AI can be integrated into routine clinical care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 28, 2023

UEA researchers develop new tool to reduce stroke risk

Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2023

Metabolite in urine predicts diabetic kidney failure 5-10 years early; oral therapeutic drug shows promise in mice

Researchers found that urine levels of adenine are predictive and causative biomarkers of looming progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes. An oral therapeutic drug showed promise in mice by reducing kidney adenine levels and protecting against diabetic kidney disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Police involvement may hamstring overdose outreach efforts

A new study found that law enforcement's role in post-overdose outreach programs may undermine their effectiveness. The research highlights the importance of law enforcement data and contact information to reach overdose survivors, but also notes challenges posed by police involvement due to lack of training and negative past experiences.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 2023

LRT, REM, mass transit projects and their fuzzy reality

New research from the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management suggests that managing public transit projects requires a comprehensive approach considering rational, psychosocial, and political dimensions. This involves engaging stakeholders, including non-users, to ensure societal impact and cost-effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 17, 2023

Several vaccines associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease in adults 65 and older

Researchers found that vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and shingles, as well as pneumococcus, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 25-30% in adults over 65. Vaccination is hypothesized to change how the immune system responds to toxic proteins contributing to Alzheimer’s disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateAug 16, 2023

Recent study at UC Irvine found that semaglutide medication may benefit 93 million U.S. adults

A recent study at UC Irvine found that semaglutide medication can lead to significant weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risk in 93 million U.S. adults. The medication may prevent up to 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes over 10 years, resulting in 43 million fewer obese people.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCardiovascular Drugs and Therapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

New kidney function equation may reduce health disparities by improving access to heart failure therapy in previously ineligible patients

A new kidney function equation has been shown to be more accurate than the old equation in estimating kidney function, particularly for Black individuals. This new equation may reduce racial disparities in cardiovascular disease by making previously ineligible patients eligible for heart failure therapies.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Many adults who smoke cigarettes wrongly think that vaping is worse for them, say Hollings researcher and FDA Center for Tobacco Products director

A recent commentary highlights the misconception that vaping is worse for adults who smoke. Experts emphasize the importance of educating adults about relative risks while preventing youth use. For those who can't quit with medications or counseling, transitioning to e-cigarettes may be a less harmful route.

Self-driving cars can make traffic slower

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that connected vehicles improve travel time through intersections, but automated vehicles without connectivity actually increase wait times. The study suggests that incorporating vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is crucial for optimizing traffic flow.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

Government regulation can effectively curb social media dangers

A study published in PNAS found that government-mandated external moderation is likely to be effective in limiting harm on fast-paced platforms like X. The researchers examined the dynamics of content dissemination and found that a lower half-life means most harm happens right after content is posted.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 14, 2023