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Korea University offers new breakthrough for Hepatitis C to improve life expectancy

A new study by Korea University College of Medicine shows that direct-acting antivirals significantly reduce liver-related clinical outcomes and lower the risk of disease progression to cancer or cirrhosis, increasing life expectancy for patients with Hepatitis C. The treatment approach has a high effectiveness rate of 90%.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2024

Work-related stress a clear risk factor for sick leave

A University of Gothenburg study found that work-related stress, particularly job conflicts and lack of influence, significantly increase the risk of future sick leave. Women who experienced these stressors were more than twice as likely to take sick leave, with adjusted factors indicating a significant impact on their wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2024

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by diet and exercise even in individuals with a high genetic risk

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows that a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes even in individuals with a high genetic risk. Lifestyle changes significantly improved glucose metabolism and reduced the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, regardless of genetic risk.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateAug 7, 2024

Eating more fruits & vegetables to reduce dietary acid lowers blood pressure and improves kidney and heart health in patients with hypertension

A five-year randomized control trial found that diets high in fruits and vegetables lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health. The study also suggests that incorporating fruits and vegetables into treatment plans can be more effective than traditional medication approaches.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

Study finds regular aspirin use associated with greatest reduction in colorectal cancer among those most at risk

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that regular aspirin use significantly lowers the risk of colorectal cancer in individuals with higher lifestyle-related risk factors. The benefits were most pronounced among those with unhealthiest lifestyles, where treating 78 patients with aspirin would prevent one case of colorectal cancer o...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2024

Risks of anxiety, suicide attempt may rise significantly after cardiovascular hospitalization

A new analysis found that people hospitalized for heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions within the first year after hospitalization. Early mental health screening and intervention are crucial for patients and their loved ones.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 31, 2024

Kidney dysfunction may predict sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure

A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that kidney dysfunction can be used as a criterion to stratify patients requiring implantable defibrillators. The research identified two key independent predictors for the risk of sudden cardiac death: left ventricular ejection fraction and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalESC Heart Failure·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

New study shows at-home colon cancer screening test reduces risk of colorectal cancer death, as effective as screening colonoscopy

A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that an at-home fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) screen can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%, comparable to screening colonoscopy. FIT is a non-invasive test that involves mailing a stool sample to the laboratory for analysis.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024

New study determines incidence of and risk factors for hepatitis C virus reinfection among men with HIV, offers new insight on transmission

A new study found that the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection among men with HIV is 10-fold higher than primary infection rates in New York City. The researchers identified receiving semen in the rectum as the only risk factor for reinfection, contradicting previous assumptions about transmission routes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 24, 2024

Physical activity improves early with customized text messages in patients with heart problems

Researchers found that personalized text messages effectively increased physical activity among patients after significant heart events, with Apple Watch users showing a 10% increase in step count. However, the benefits later tapered off as patients became accustomed to the messages.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

Living in greener neighborhoods during midlife can slow cognitive decline

A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Risk of long COVID declined over course of pandemic

The risk of developing long COVID has decreased significantly over time, primarily attributed to vaccination against COVID-19. Despite this decline, the researchers found that vaccinated individuals still face a substantial risk of long COVID, with an estimated 3.5% rate in some groups.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Nature-based solutions to disaster risk from climate change are cost effective, UMmass Amherst study confirms

A global assessment of scientific literature finds that nature-based solutions (NbS) are an economically effective method to mitigate risks from disasters such as floods, hurricanes, heatwaves, and landslides. NbS have been proven consistently cost-effective in mitigating hazards in 71% of the studied articles.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 16, 2024

Female Australian football players are taking more hits

Sub-elite female Australian football players experience different injury patterns compared to males, highlighting the need for targeted training and injury prevention strategies. Ankle sprains, concussions, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries are the most common and burdensome, resulting in the most missed matches.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Active commuting linked to lower risks of mental and physical ill health

A large-scale study published in the BMJ Group found that commuters who cycle or walk to work have lower risks of mental and physical ill health compared to those who don't. Cyclists were associated with a 47% lower risk of death from any cause, while pedestrian commuters had an 11% lower risk of hospital admission for any cause.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

30-year risk of cardiovascular disease may help inform blood pressure treatment decisions

A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHypertension·DateJul 15, 2024

Lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg may reduce dementia risk among Black, Latino populations

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg over time may produce slight health-protective benefits against late-life dementia. The study found that middle-aged adults who lower their systolic blood pressure, particularly Black and Latino individuals, had a reduced risk of developing dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Most Salmonella illnesses from chicken caused by few products with high levels of virulent strains

A new study reveals that a small number of products containing high levels of virulent Salmonella strains are responsible for most salmonellosis cases from raw chicken parts. The researchers suggest regulating these high-risk contamination events rather than frequency of detection to protect public health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2024

Movement sensors show promise in identifying horses at injury risk

Researchers used movement sensors to track thoroughbreds' stride patterns and identified miniscule changes associated with increased injury risk. The technology has been shown to prevent catastrophic injuries by alerting trainers and veterinarians to intervene before a major injury occurs, resulting in longer careers for affected horses.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJul 11, 2024

Trained peers are as effective as clinical social workers in reducing opioid overdose, new trial finds

A randomized controlled trial found that support from a peer recovery support specialist was as effective in reducing opioid overdose as support from a licensed clinical social worker. The trial included 648 ED patients at high risk of opioid overdose and showed no significant difference between the two groups in fatal opioid overdoses.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2024

Metabolically healthy obesity: Fat distribution key to assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Research suggests that metabolically healthy obese individuals have a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those with metabolic unhealthy obesity. Fat distribution plays a crucial role in defining metabolic health, according to a recent review article.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 10, 2024

New guidance for healthcare professionals to address muscle-building supplement use

The University of Toronto has introduced comprehensive guidelines for healthcare professionals to address muscle-building supplement use among adolescents and young adults. These guidelines focus on assessment and harm reduction strategies to better support young individuals engaged in the use of these supplements. Healthcare professio...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 10, 2024

Combining popular diabetes drugs offers complementary heart and kidney benefits

Researchers found that combining sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease progression by 11% and 33%, respectively. The study suggests using this combination to further improve outcomes in patients with typ...

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 8, 2024

Lymphoma patients at high risk of infections after diagnosis

Patients with mantle cell lymphoma are more vulnerable to other diseases and infections due to intensive chemotherapy and a weakened immune system. A large-scale national study found that MCL patients had twice as many infections as reference subjects, with common causes including influenza and urinary tract infections.

SourceUppsala University·JournalHemaSphere·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2024

Safer, swifter, smaller scar: new brain surgery approach targets difficult tumors at skull base

Researchers have developed a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove lesions in the skull base region, reducing damage to the brain and preserving neurological functions. The endoscopic approach results in shorter operative times and less blood loss compared to conventional microscopic surgery.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·TypeCase study·DateJul 2, 2024

The Mediterranean Diet is linked to lower risk of mortality in cancer survivors

An Italian study found that adherence to the Mediterranean Diet after a cancer diagnosis is associated with reduced mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease. Participants who followed a high-Mediterranean-Diet pattern had a 32% lower risk of mortality compared to those with lower adherence.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 2, 2024