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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

Study: Infant formula safety checks can be improved with stratified sampling

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that stratified sampling is more effective at catching contaminants in infant formula than random sampling. The researchers used computer models to simulate testing finished formula and suggest ways to improve safety plans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 11, 2023

World’s largest study shows the more you walk, the lower your risk of death, even if you walk fewer than 5,000 steps

The study found that walking at least 3967 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from any cause, while 2337 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The researchers also found that every 500-1000 extra steps increase health benefits and reduce mortality risk by up to 15%.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2023

New guidance on safe injection practice in hospitals emphasises the importance of prefilled and labelled syringes in avoiding medication errors

The AAGBI has published new guidance on safe injection practice, highlighting the importance of prefilled and labelled syringes to avoid medication errors. The guidance recommends standardization of fit-for-purpose physical structure and medicine storage, as well as exploring technological solutions to reduce errors.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateAug 8, 2023

New research shines light on how COVID-19 vaccination reduces severity and mortality after breakthrough infections

A large study found that fully vaccinated individuals have lower concentrations of inflammatory markers than unvaccinated participants after symptomatic COVID-19 infection. This suggests that vaccination significantly reduces morbidity and mortality by reducing elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateAug 7, 2023

New blood-pressure related measure predicts health outcomes in patients with intensive care

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a method to monitor critically ill patients with circulatory shock, which may help control blood pressure and heart function. The new approach uses tissue perfusion pressure to predict patient risk of death, length of hospital stay, and peak blood lactate level.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

ACP issues updated guidance for colorectal cancer screening of asymptomatic adults

The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for asymptomatic adults with average risk. The guideline aims to balance benefits and harms of screening in this population. Screening in younger adults may not offer significant net benefit due to lower incidence rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 31, 2023

Ancient pathogens emerging from melting ice and permafrost risk eroding ecosystems

A new study by Flinders University researchers suggests that only 1% of dormant pathogens could cause major ecological harm, leading to the loss of host organisms worldwide. The simulations showed that these ancient microbes can survive, evolve, and become dominant in modern ecosystems, posing a substantial danger.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2023

Could early induction of labor reduce inequities in pregnancy outcomes?

A new study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks can reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for women from socioeconomically deprived areas. The analysis of over half a million births in England showed a small benefit from induction, with increased uptake associated with reduced inequities in pregnancy outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Cardiac rehabilitation reduces risk of death years after heart surgery, still underutilized

A Michigan Medicine study finds that patients who participate in cardiac rehabilitation have a decreased risk of death years after surgery. The greatest reduction in mortality was found in patients who completed 36 or more sessions, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to improve participation and adherence.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 19, 2023

AJR on sociodemographic factors and screening CTC among Medicare beneficiaries

Lacking Medicare coverage for screening CTC may contribute to greater income-based differences in its use compared to other recommended screening strategies or diagnostic CTC. Medicare coverage of CTC could reduce income-based disparities for individuals avoiding optical colonoscopy due to invasiveness or complication risk.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 19, 2023

Prescribing psychostimulants for people at risk of overdose

The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends prescribing psychostimulants to help reduce illegal stimulant use. This approach is based on growing evidence from clinical trials in Australia, Europe, and the United States. Implementing this practice can help address the ongoing unregulated drug poisoning crisis in Canada.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 17, 2023

Blood pressure patterns in the first half of pregnancy improve early prediction of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension

Researchers identified six distinct blood pressure trajectories in the first half of pregnancy that accurately predicted preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. These early predictions worked equally well across different racial groups, with three patterns identifying 74% of patients at risk.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 12, 2023

Gene mutations linked to hereditary kidney cancer predisposition but potential Achilles' heel identified

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center confirmed genetic variants of unknown significance are verified mutations that increase the risk of kidney cancer. The findings could lead to new treatment options for people with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC).

Caesarean birth injury rates have risen for mums and babies but training and a new device could change that

A significant rise in caesarean sections in late labour has led to an increase in impacted fetal head (IFH) injuries, resulting in minor damage, lifelong consequences, or even death. New devices like the Tydeman tube and training approaches aim to improve management of this obstetric emergency.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 11, 2023

Realizing the benefits of probiotics in the neonatal intensive care unit requires high-quality products

A new study calls for collaborative efforts to improve probiotic manufacturing standards for preterm infants. The authors propose five action areas to optimize the safety of probiotic products, including collaboration between clinicians, pharmacies, and manufacturers.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 10, 2023

International migrants left behind in HIV response: study

A recent study found that international migrants in Australia are at increased risk of HIV infection due to reduced access to PrEP, a highly effective prevention measure. The study identified multiple barriers, including lack of awareness, low risk perception, and provider discrimination, which hinder their ability to access PrEP.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 5, 2023

Study finds younger kidney cancer survivors at significant risk for heart problems

Researchers found that younger age is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors treated with sunitinib or sorafenib. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of health complications and death among AYAs diagnosed with cancer, with hypertension being a common complication.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2023

Supportive communities can help increase breastfeeding rates for moms, MU study finds

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that supportive communities and education about breastfeeding health benefits can boost breastfeeding rates, particularly in rural areas where it is less common. The study also showed that reduced stigma surrounding breastfeeding occurred with increased community exposure.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPublic Health Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2023

Researchers discover new opportunities for preventing kidney injury following cardiac surgery

A study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that lower oxygen delivery thresholds are associated with reduced risk of kidney injury. Researchers recommend reevaluating current guidelines for oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass to minimize unnecessary blood transfusions and improve patient outcomes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 29, 2023