Articles tagged with Risk Reduction
A new study found consistently high TB case rates among incarcerated people, but low detection rates. Nearly half of TB cases were not detected, highlighting the need for increased efforts to reduce TB spread in prisons.
Researchers found that US public pension funds would have seen a 13% higher return on investments if they had divested from fossil fuels a decade ago. Divestment also reduced the carbon footprint of portfolios equivalent to powering 35 million homes per year.
A Cornell University study found that e-cigarette warning labels with unclear language reduce risk perceptions among adults trying to quit smoking. The researchers tested 17 different warning statements on focus groups and found that specific risks were generally accepted, but uncertain language was confusing.
A new UMass Amherst study aims to develop a more robust understanding of the effects of ambient air pollution on women's reproductive health. The researcher will analyze data from 1,228 participants to identify mechanisms and susceptible reproductive processes across the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy.
The Martin/Hopkins method has been shown to accurately calculate LDL cholesterol levels in over 89% of patients, surpassing other available equations. This method is particularly beneficial for identifying patients at higher risk of heart disease and strokes.
Researchers found that when a patient's congestive heart failure is mentioned during the initial check-in process, emergency room physicians are less likely to test for pulmonary embolism, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis. This anchoring bias can delay crucial testing and diagnosis of deadly medical conditions.
A new study found that school suspensions increase the likelihood of arrest for Black and Hispanic students, but not White students. Suspension labels can perpetuate stereotypes linked to each racial group, with Blackness associated with criminality and Hispanic people with illegality.
The University of Sydney-led guidelines recommend personalized deprescribing plans and gradual dose reduction to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Clinicians should avoid abruptly stopping opioids without support or pain management plans, especially for patients with severe opioid use disorder.
Researchers aim to identify best practices for increasing viral suppression in low-income populations with HIV. They will examine state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs to understand disparities in care and outcomes.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients face substantial burden of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Modifiable CV risk factor control is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death among these patients.
A study found that people with a history of gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within nine years after delivery, particularly in Black and Hispanic women. Regular diabetes screenings in the early postpartum period can alter disease progression and improve control.
Researchers developed a polygenic scoring system to predict ALS disease risk, improving case status prediction in Michigan and Spain. The system takes into account common genetic variants and explains 4.1% of ALS cases caused by genetic factors.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that women who turned 35 in recent years and those without children are most at risk of excessive alcohol consumption. The study's findings highlight the need to address unhealthy drinking habits among middle-aged women, particularly those without children.
Researchers found digital contact tracing apps were ineffective due to low adoption rates and privacy concerns, but may still be useful in targeted populations.
A randomized phase II study found that adding metformin to androgen deprivation therapy did not reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome or improve PSA response in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Metformin showed some antitumor effects through mTOR inhibition, but these were not significant.
Researchers found that exercise-induced heart rate can cause plaque in moderately to severely blocked carotid arteries to migrate and halt blood flow to the brain. This can lead to ischemic stroke. The authors recommend checking arterial health regularly for people doing intense workouts.
A post-hoc analysis of the ASPREE trial found that low-dose aspirin was associated with a 20% increased incidence of anemia and decline in ferritin levels in healthy older adults. The study recommends periodic monitoring of hemoglobin for patients taking aspirin.
High-energy electrons pose significant radiation damage to satellites; a new study sets benchmark levels for extreme space weather events. Satellite operators must prepare against these risks as the global space economy relies on over 5,465 operational satellites.
A new analysis of the CLEAR Outcomes Trial found that bempedoic acid lowered LDL cholesterol levels by 21% and reduced cardiovascular events by 13%. This suggests that different classes of cholesterol drugs have similar benefits for cardiovascular health.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) disproportionately affects Black adults, with higher rates of diagnosis and poor outcomes. Low-cost, routine testing can help reduce disparities and health care costs by identifying individuals at risk and providing preventive measures.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that wearable activity trackers improve patient activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and enhance physical function, supporting faster recovery in hospitalized adults. The study examined 15 studies with a combined total of 1911 patients and found significant improvements in clinical outcomes.
A group of international experts developed a consensus statement on concussion management, including new tools and strategies for identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The statement includes evidence-based recommendations for return to active sport, education, and light intensity exercise to aid recovery.
An international expert panel has revised concussion management guidelines to optimize athlete care at all levels of participation. The updated recommendations include new age-appropriate assessment tools and strategies for prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, and return to sport and education.
A study of 142 nations found a strong link between access to formal financial services and lower COVID-19 mortality rates. Access to bank accounts, credit cards, or loans from a financial institution is a key predictor of lower mortality risk, even stronger than comorbidities.
A plant-based, oral delivery of proinsulin regulated blood sugar within 15 minutes similar to naturally secreted insulin in diabetic mice. This method eliminates the need for expensive laboratory equipment and results in a shelf-stable product, making it more affordable and accessible.
A new study found that elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels are a significant predictor of recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) in people over 60. The study suggests current cholesterol-lowering medications may not be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent CHD, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics to target elevated Lp(a).
A recent study of 106,000 births in New York City found that neighborhoods with healthier food options had lower rates of small for gestational age births. Higher densities of unhealthy food retail establishments were linked to increased risks of large or small-for-age birth weights.
Research highlights chronic exposure to contaminant metals as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing individuals can help implement public health initiatives.
Researchers developed a new approach to evaluate HIV infection through the entire male genital tract, showing that productive HIV infection occurs in all organs of the male genital tract. Antiretroviral treatment can suppress HIV production and prevent penile HIV infection by using pre-exposure prophylaxis with an antiviral drug.
A new study found that police drug seizures are associated with increased fatal overdoses in the surrounding geographic area, suggesting that efforts to disrupt drug markets can have unintended effects. The research highlights the need for comprehensive policing strategies that consider all outcomes, including harm reduction approaches.
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
Researchers have designed a helmet with liquid shock absorbers that could significantly reduce the impact of blows to the head, potentially cutting injuries. The helmet performed better than existing models, producing the lowest 'Helmet Performance Score' in key areas, including the side upper portion of the helmet.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher has updated the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), a widely used tool for measuring prenatal physical activity. The new PPAQ is considered reliable and valid, providing estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in pregnant women.
The BCG vaccine, primarily developed to prevent tuberculosis, was found ineffective against COVID-19 in a large international trial involving nearly 4,000 healthcare workers. Researchers discovered that vaccination increased the risk of symptomatic disease during the first six months following enrolment.
A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.
A new study published in Hypertension found that oral estrogen hormone therapy may increase the risk of high blood pressure in women, while transdermal and vaginal formulations appeared to have a lower impact. The research involved over 112,000 women aged 45 years and older who took estrogen-only hormone therapy.
Researchers at UCSF tested a nitroglycerin patch for treating menopausal women experiencing severe hot flashes. The study found short-term improvements, but benefits did not last past 12 weeks, with some side effects reported.
A new framework developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers significantly reduces consumers' privacy risk while preserving advertisers' utility in mobile location data analysis. The framework uses machine learning to quantify personalized privacy risks and performs personalized data obfuscation.
A Rutgers study found that reentry services helped reduce the risk of overdose and death related to substance use disorder after a large-scale prison release in New Jersey. Researchers attribute this finding to the state's robust reentry supports for incarcerated individuals with substance use disorders.
A new Stanford-led study quantifies the value of Belize's coastal mangrove forests in terms of carbon storage, tourism, and fisheries benefits. The findings suggest that relatively small amounts of mangrove restoration can have big economic benefits, while also providing protection against coastal storms and other risks.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that elevated levels of two protein biomarkers associated with heart damage were linked to undetected or symptomless cardiovascular disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed health information and blood samples from over 10,300 adults and foun...
Researchers found that individuals understood genetic risk scores and reported intentions to reduce their drinking if they had high-risk scores. However, the study's authors caution that receiving genetic feedback is just the first step in behavior change, and connecting individuals to resources and support is crucial.
A study from the University of Bergen reveals that women with a first normal weight offspring and a small second offspring have an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, also found reduced risk if the second offspring was large.
A study of 438,000 UK Biobank participants found that adherence to healthy lifestyle factors was associated with a reduced risk of various obesity-related diseases. However, this association was modest in adults with obesity, suggesting that a healthy lifestyle may not entirely offset health risks.
A study found that high school students' attitudes towards drinking have shifted over the past 20 years, with a decrease in youth drinking attributed to changes in social media and spending time online. Today's teens view not drinking as more socially acceptable than it used to be.
Scientists have discovered that increasing expression of the RIT2 gene reduces alpha-synuclein accumulation and protects neurons from cell death in Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough offers hope for developing a simpler intervention to reduce risk of the disease.
Increasing physical activity, particularly daily 20-minute walks, can improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities in heart health. Despite this, only one in four American adults meet the recommended physical activity levels, with certain groups facing additional barriers to accessibility.
Researchers found both dryer types produce microfiber pollution, including water pollution from lint traps. Simple remedy is to clean lint filters and dispose of collected fibers as dry waste to reduce microfiber release.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that plant-based diets can play a significant role in reducing blocked arteries and lowering the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. The analysis of 30 randomised trials with over 2,300 participants showed a 14% reduction in artery-clogging lipoproteins.
A machine learning model trained on clinical text notes can effectively categorize patients into 10 risk groups, allowing for targeted care. The study found that patients in lower-risk groups had lower rates of lung inflammation and were less likely to receive antibiotics or chest X-ray referrals.
A literature review found that dietary nitrate from vegetables may prevent cardiovascular disease, while nitrate from meat and water may pose a cancer risk. Experts emphasize the need for clarification in current guidelines and more research to distinguish fact from fiction.
A new device invented by Emile Daoud and his team at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center significantly reduces the risk of esophageal injury during heart ablation. The device uses suction force to gently move the esophagus away from the catheter tip, creating a safe pathway for treatment.
Illinois Tech researchers found that blockchain technology, investor sentiment, and economic stress are key predictors of bitcoin returns. Bitcoin's detachment from economic fundamentals makes it a poor safe-haven asset.
NERC has invested £25 million in a host of high-risk, high-reward research projects tackling key unanswered questions about our planet. The projects cover geology, atmospheric science, biodiversity and ecology, with research spanning 3-4 years and funding up to £1.3 million.
Researchers have identified a brain marker that may indicate future suicide risk, suggesting potential new treatments and prevention strategies. The study found differences in brain connections among veterans with a history of suicide attempts compared to those without, which could help identify individuals at risk.
Researchers developed a new tool to predict heart disease risk in those over 40 based on their total exposure to heart disease risk factors. The study found that black patients have a 46% greater risk of developing heart disease compared to white patients.
A new study found that cognitive training, specifically speed of processing training, reduced the risk of falling among older adults at high risk of falls by 31% over 10 years. However, it had no effect on those at low risk of falling. Cognitive training may enhance physical-based interventions to reduce falls for some individuals.
Researchers developed a 'Skeletal Age' metric to assess impact of fractures on mortality, revealing a loss of one to seven years of life depending on gender, age, and bone site. The online calculator measures bone fragility to help doctors and patients understand fracture risks.
Researchers found that monkeypox viruses remain infectious for a long time on surfaces, with some concentrations dropping significantly after five days. Disinfectants like alcohol-based and aldehyde-based cleaners reliably reduced the risk of infection.
Researchers tested zoledronic acid's effects on cellular senescence using multiple approaches. The study found that zoledronic acid killed senescent cells with minimal effects on non-senescent cells and reduced circulating SASP factors, including CCL7, IL-1β, TNFRSF1A, and TGFβ1.