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Buprenorphine after nonfatal opioid overdose results in reduced risk of overdose death

Receiving buprenorphine after a nonfatal opioid overdose significantly lowers the risk of subsequent overdose death. The medication was associated with a 62% reduction in risk, highlighting the need for lifesaving treatment following these events. Current evidence shows low uptake of buprenorphine and other medication-assisted treatments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2023

State incentive program improves initiation of medication treatment for opioid use disorder after emergency visit

A statewide incentive program in Pennsylvania is associated with a 50% improvement in initiating medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid-enrolled patients. The study found that the program increased prescription fills for buprenorphine and substance use disorder treatment within a week of emergency departme...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 24, 2023

Cover crops help mitigate farmer losses

A North Carolina State University study found that cover crop adoption can reduce crop insurance losses due to prevented planting in the US Midwest. Longer term use of cover crops also leads to larger reductions in prevented-planting risk, with a 1% increase translating to nearly $40 million in reduced indemnities.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2023

Research Brief: Weight stigmatizing experiences associated with disordered eating behaviors

Research from the University of Minnesota Medical School found weight stigmatizing experiences are common among adolescents and associated with higher prevalence of disordered eating behaviors. Positive family and parenting factors can help alleviate this stressor but cannot completely protect young people from negative effects.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2023

Daily step counts before, after onset of COVID-19

A study found a consistent and widespread decline in activity following the onset of COVID-19 in the US, with vulnerable populations at higher risk. The researchers discovered that even after most COVID-19-related restrictions were relaxed, daily step counts persisted at a lower level.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 20, 2023

Cases and transmission of highly contagious fungal infections see dramatic increase between 2019 and 2021

Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2023

Federal-local immigration enforcement policies designed to reduce crime found to raise victimization among Latinos

Researchers found that federal-local immigration enforcement policies significantly increase violent victimization risk among Latinos, contradicting their purpose of enhancing public safety. The study analyzed NCVS data from 2005-2014 and confirmed individual-level factors as major sources of variation in violent victimizations.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateMar 20, 2023

THE LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH: Elite football players are more likely to develop dementia, suggests Swedish study

A Swedish study suggests that elite male footballers are 1.5 times more likely to develop neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, compared to population controls. Football players had a higher risk of dementia due to head trauma exposure, with goalkeepers showing no significant increase in risk.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2023

Remote blood pressure management program enhanced care during pandemic

A remote hypertension program, operated by Mass General Brigham, successfully supported patients through the COVID-19 pandemic in achieving their blood pressure goals. Participants who enrolled during the pandemic reached and maintained their goal blood pressures an average of two months earlier than in the pre-pandemic period.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2023

Major medical organizations form a coalition to stem the rising tide of firearm violence using a comprehensive public health approach

Leading medical organizations have formed a coalition to combat the growing problem of firearm violence in the US. The Healthcare Coalition for Firearm Injury Prevention aims to promote education, advocacy, and community-centered approaches to reduce firearm-related injuries.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2023

Pioneering study shows flood risks can still be considerably reduced if all global promises to cut carbon emissions are kept

A pioneering study finds that flood risks in the UK can be kept below a 5% increase by 2050 if all countries meet their carbon emission pledges. The research reveals dramatic regional variations in flood hazards, with areas like South East England and London facing significant increases in damage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNatural Hazards and Earth System Science·DateMar 6, 2023

Mass General Brigham study finds virtual care team strategy improved treatment for heart failure patients

A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023

Obesity puts people at higher risk of diabetes and hypertension than dyslipidemia, especially women

Research reveals obesity increases risk of diabetes and hypertension more significantly in women, with weight loss effective in reducing disease risk. However, merely losing weight is insufficient for reducing dyslipidemia in women, highlighting the need for lifestyle improvement guidance and treatment.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

New study reveals parents’ concerns about their sexual and gender minority teens using prep for HIV prevention

A new study examines the concerns of parents of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents regarding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Parents cited effectiveness and adverse effects as key factors in their decision-making, while also expressing questions about how to discuss PrEP with their children.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAIDS Education and Prevention·DateMar 1, 2023

Daily 11 minute brisk walk enough to reduce risk of early death, say Cambridge researchers

Researchers found that 11 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, equivalent to a brisk walk, lowers the risk of diseases like heart disease and stroke. This amounts to a 23% lower risk of early death, with benefits also seen in reduced cardiovascular disease and cancer risks.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 28, 2023

The Texas Heart Institute delivers a new first in heart failure treatment using cell therapy

A new cell therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in improving the heart's pumping ability and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with chronic heart failure. The therapy, using mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), also showed a strong signal in reducing inflammation and improving microv...

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2023

Experts demand fire safety policy change over health impact of widely used flame retardants

Experts call for a comprehensive review of UK's fire safety regulations to address the environmental and health risks of chemical flame retardants. The chemicals are found in various products, including furniture and building materials, and have been linked to health risks such as cancer and DNA damage.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 27, 2023

Children’s lung capacity improved in cleaner air

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Cancer symptom algorithm presented in JNCCN can aid doctors in predicting patients at risk for unplanned emergency visits

A new algorithm uses patient-reported outcomes to identify patients with cancer who are at increased odds of having unplanned emergency department visits. The algorithm, which calculates a symptom complexity score, has shown that patients with high complexity scores are three times more likely to use the ED.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateFeb 15, 2023

Purple vegetables and tubers have antidiabetic properties

Acylated anthocyanins found in purple potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots have been shown to reduce type 2 diabetes risk by affecting glucose transporters and enzymes involved in metabolism. These compounds also maintain gut microbiota homeostasis and suppress pro-inflammatory pathways.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 15, 2023

Breast cancer risk models may incorrectly classify many women

A recent study found that breast cancer risk models can lead to vastly different recommendations for individual women, depending on the model used and threshold applied. The study highlighted the importance of considering both sensitivity and inaccurate classification when using these models.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Lower fracture risk for older wheelchair users

A University of Gothenburg study found that wheelchair users had significantly lower rates of fractures compared to ambulatory older adults. The study, which included 55,442 wheelchair users in Sweden, showed that wheelchair use was associated with a reduced risk of fractures, particularly osteoporotic and hip fractures.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Does risk for heart disease start before birth?

Research highlights the intergenerational impact of prepregnancy heart health on offspring, with low pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health linked to pregnancy complications and higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Improving women's heart health before pregnancy could reduce these risks and have a positive impact on future generations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 13, 2023

Overweight and obesity prevalent and poorly managed among adults with type 1 diabetes

A recent study found that adults with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk of being overweight or obese, but only half receive lifestyle recommendations to manage their weight. The study also highlighted the importance of individualized patient education in improving weight management for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

Single dose of common antibiotic reduces mothers’ risk of death during childbirth, study finds

A single dose of azithromycin has been shown to decrease sepsis and death by half in women in labor, making it an important tool for keeping mothers safe before, during, and after delivery. The antibiotic was found to be beneficial for vaginal childbirth as well, reducing mortality rates and the risk of developing sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2023

Scanning for the best results: pediatric trauma team helps reduce radiation exposure in children

A pediatric trauma team at Golisano Children's Hospital significantly reduced unnecessary CT scans, minimizing radiation exposure and healthcare costs. The team's efforts, which included adapting existing guidelines and developing new ones, resulted in a 45% reduction in non-indicated scans.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 8, 2023

Breastfeeding may reduce arsenic exposure in infants in arsenic-contaminated areas

A study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that breastfeeding can reduce arsenic exposure in infants compared to formula feeding. Researchers measured arsenic levels in mothers, babies, and breast milk, revealing a clear association between maternal and neonatal arsenic exposure.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 8, 2023

As extreme weather events become more often and intensify, the number of people and places exposed to flooding events is likely to grow

A new study from the University of North Carolina found that over ten new residences have been built in NC's 100-year floodplains for every residence removed through government buyouts. This trend contributes to increasing risk, despite community and government efforts to reduce flood damage.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateFeb 7, 2023