Articles tagged with Risk Reduction
A new study identifies public and private companies operating in economic sectors associated with increased risks of emerging infectious diseases. Financial actors can mitigate these risks through investments that promote ecological restoration, pathogen surveillance systems, and community health care.
A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research found that 12% of people aged 50-80 have consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year. Those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a higher rate of cannabis use, highlighting the need for education and screening for older adults.
A recent study published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine reveals that genetics significantly contribute to the sex differences in hypertension development. The research found that females with high genetic risk scores had a higher risk of hypertension compared to males, while low-risk females had a lower risk than males.
The Brain Care Score (BCS) is a scientifically validated way to assess current health habits and risk to future brain health. A higher BCS score indicates better brain care and is associated with a lower risk of developing dementia and stroke. The study found that each five-point positive difference in the BCS was associated with a 59%...
A novel pilot study combines mindfulness and exposure therapy to reduce PTSD symptoms in cardiac arrest survivors, with 80% showing significant improvement. The treatment protocol also improved cardiovascular health behaviors, including sleep quality and physical activity.
Adults with congenital heart disease are at increased risk of death or cardiovascular complications after hospitalization for heart failure. However, those who received recent cardiology care before hospital admission had lower rates of death and major complications.
Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry finds that cannabis use disorder is disproportionately increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with more severe mental health conditions. The study suggests that factors like increased legalization and potency may contribute to this trend.
A randomized clinical trial found that excluding aspirin from the antithrombotic regimen in LVAD patients improved adverse event rates by a significant reduction in non-surgical bleeding. The study results suggest that an aspirin-free regimen is safe and may improve longevity, morbidity, and quality of life for these patients.
Researchers found that immunomodulatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients treated with these drugs had a 46% lower risk of developing an autoimmune thyroid disease compared to those without rheumatoid arthritis.
A new framework demonstrates that proportionately more multi-homing consumers lead to significant efficiency gains when integrating two business platforms. However, this trend also creates higher barriers to entry for new platform firms and may require policy guidance to mitigate potential harms of platform mergers.
The study found that median premiums decreased across the board, especially for rural communities. Rural counties gained an average of three plans overall after the switch, while urban counties lost almost nine plans.
Researchers linked hearing loss to microstructural differences in auditory areas of the temporal lobe and frontal cortex. The study suggests that compensatory brain changes may lead to increased dementia risk, and interventions like subtitles or speech-to-text apps could protect against this.
A recent study reveals that over one-quarter of older transgender adults have seriously contemplated ending their lives, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support and interventions. The study found that experiencing challenges in areas such as workplace issues and personal safety significantly increased the odds of contemplatin...
Research finds that poor nutrition contributes to both type 2 diabetes and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy can reduce the risk of these conditions.
A recent cyberattack in southwestern Ontario highlights the need for clinicians and hospitals to improve their cybersecurity practices. Experts recommend navigating trade-offs between efficiency and risk reduction using the US National Institute of Standards and Technology's Cybersecurity Framework.
A team of researchers used trail cameras and GPS collars to track the effects of Cyclone Idai on Gorongosa National Park's mammal community. They found that body size was a key predictor of survival, with smaller animals more vulnerable to the storm's impact.
Research published in Nature Human Behaviour suggests that lockdowns and voluntary behaviour change lead to similar economic damage, with lockdowns saving more lives. The study's model simulates the balance between health and economic impact, predicting health-economic outcomes of political and health measures during a pandemic.
A new hotspot map reveals where women working in agri-food systems face the highest climate risk, with central, east, and southern Africa, as well as west and south Asia, being among the most vulnerable regions. Women's exposure to climate hazards and systemic gender inequalities converge to increase their vulnerability.
A study of 34,000 patients found that screening-detected colorectal cancer had a lower risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence decreased over time, and risk-stratified surveillance protocols may be warranted for selected patient groups.
A large Asian cohort study identified systolic blood pressure targets below 130 mmHg and diastolic targets between 80-89 mmHg as key to reducing cardiovascular mortality. The findings underscore the need for cautious blood pressure management in patients with diabetes.
Researchers have developed a handheld device called MicroNIR that can accurately identify and quantify suspected drug specimens. The device has been shown to be highly accurate, correctly predicting the identity of suspected drugs over 95% of the time.
A systematic review of air filtration systems found little evidence to support their effectiveness in reducing the risk of viral infections. The study analyzed 32 studies and found no strong evidence that air treatment technologies can protect people from catching airborne respiratory or gastrointestinal infections.
A nationwide UK diabetes prevention program has been shown to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in adults. The program, which refers high-risk individuals to lifestyle counseling, has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness.
A new study suggests that a fourth dose of the mRNA vaccine significantly reduces risk of infection and severe COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The study found a 41% reduction in risk for infection and 65% reduction for admission/death compared to those who did not receive a fourth dose.
A new method calculates rockfall risk over large areas of very high mountains, considering both earthquake-induced and erosion-driven risks. The study found that nearly 60% of total rockfall hazard in the Andean zone is attributable to seismic activity.
A study of 54,000 participants found that diabetes was associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. The association was attenuated for those who completed colonoscopies, highlighting the potential benefits of preventative screening.
A three-year intensive treatment strategy to lower systolic blood pressure below 120mmHg significantly reduced cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death, compared to standard treatment. The study found that participants in the intensive group experienced fewer major vascular events and deaths over a two-year period.
A 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events has been observed for patients with obesity but no history of diabetes taking semaglutide. This study marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide beyond its weight loss effects.
A new study by Columbia University and Stanford University finds that low-intensity fires can dramatically reduce the risk of devastating wildfires in California forests. The analysis reveals a 60% reduction in risk after a low-intensity fire burns, with effects lasting at least six years.
Researchers developed a new risk assessment system to identify patients with low-risk profiles who can benefit from liver stents. These patients have a significantly higher mortality rate than previously thought, highlighting the need for targeted treatment and further personalization.
A single infusion of CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that increases heart attack risk. The treatment has shown potential as a long-term or permanent option for high LDL-C control.
A study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
A new study suggests that a PCSK9 inhibitor given every 1-3 months may effectively lower bad cholesterol levels in people with non-genetic hypercholesterolemia. The medication, recaticimab, showed similar effectiveness and safety as other PCSK9 inhibitors when administered less frequently.
A new therapeutic, lepodisiran, has shown promising results in reducing lipoprotein(a) levels to undetectable levels for nearly one year. The study found that the medication is safe and effective in lowering Lp(a) levels by more than 94%.
A phase 1 trial shows that a single dose of lepodisiran can reduce blood levels of lipoprotein(a) by up to 96%, a key driver of heart disease risk. The therapy, which blocks the production of lipoprotein(a), is well-tolerated and has long-lasting effects.
A new anti-clotting medication, abelacimab, has significantly reduced bleeding among people with atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke. The AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial found that abelacimab substantially reduced bleeding compared to the current standard of care use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants.
Researchers found that abelacimab, a Factor XI inhibitor, reduced bleeding compared to rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study showed significant reduction in hospitalization due to bleeding and almost eliminated gastrointestinal bleeding.
A four-year blood-pressure intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia among adults with high blood pressure, compared to those who received usual care. The study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to less than 80 mm Hg reduced dementia risk.
A phase 4 clinical trial found that apixaban, an anti-clotting medication, reduced the rate of stroke and blood clots in adults with implanted heart devices experiencing short bouts of asymptomatic, irregular heart rhythms. The study suggests that these individuals may benefit from receiving an anticoagulant.
A single dose of zilebesiran safely and effectively lowered systolic blood pressure in people with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure for up to six months. The study found significant reductions in daytime and nighttime systolic blood pressure, as well as low rates of adverse events.
Researchers found that people with overweight or obesity who took semaglutide for over 3 years had a 20% lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular disease. The study showed significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular outcomes in adults without diabetes.
Patients with heart failure treated with dapagliflozin experienced frequent initial estimated glomerular filtration rate declines, but without increased cardiovascular or kidney event risks. The study suggests that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors can be safely continued in patients experiencing eGFR decline.
A randomized clinical trial found that avoiding aspirin as part of an antithrombotic regimen reduces bleeding events without increasing thromboembolism risk in patients with advanced heart failure treated with left ventricular assist devices. The study suggests that aspirin avoidance may be a viable option for these patients.
Researchers at Stanford and Columbia universities found that low-intensity fires can dramatically reduce the risk of devastating wildfires for years at a time. By analyzing satellite data from over 100,000 square kilometers of California forests, the team showed that controlled burning can significantly decrease the risk of high-intens...
Researchers found that stopping TNF inhibitors led to more flares and lower remission rates among RA patients who were already in sustained remission. This contrasts with those who continued treatment, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches for RA patients.
A new risk calculator estimates a person's risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) over the next 30 years by combining measures of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health. The PREVENT risk calculator uniquely quantifies risks for CVD for each biological sex, without including race as a factor.
A clinical trial found that high levels of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in pregnant women are associated with an increased risk of fetal atrioventricular block (AVB), a condition that can be fatal. Home-based fetal heart rate monitoring reliably detects conduction abnormalities, potentially reducing the need for serial echocardiograms.
A study published in JAHA found that sleep-related hypoxia is associated with a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation over time. Regular screening and treatment of sleep apnea may help reduce the likelihood of AFib, especially in those already at high risk.
A new study published in BMJ Mental Health reveals that people with severe mental health issues are almost twice as likely to experience multimorbidity, a combination of chronic diseases. The research emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to address this critical issue.
The Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi is spreading drug and diagnostic resistant malaria in Africa, increasing the risk of malaria infections by 270%. Its unique ecology and resistance to insecticides make it challenging for conventional mosquito control tools.
Researchers found that a high-sugar diet causes insulin resistance in the brain, reducing its ability to remove neuronal debris and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This study provides insight into how obesity-inducing diets contribute to disease risk.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have found a correlation between flavonoid compounds and reduced endometriosis symptoms. Flavonoids like Quercetin and Kaempferol show promise in easing inflammation, with studies suggesting they may help suppress the symptoms of inflammatory diseases like endometriosis.
A new study has found that tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, commonly used for inflammatory arthritis, are not associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Women who continued treatment had lower risks of severe infections postpartum compared to those who stopped. The results provide reassuring data on the use of TNF blockers during pregna...
A study at ACR Convergence 2023 found that hydroxychloroquine lowers the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients, particularly in women and men under 50. The medication may exert its effect through increased adiponectin levels, a hormone inversely linked to insulin resistance and inflammation.
A study found that physicians who presented treatments for obesity as good news and an opportunity were more successful in helping patients lose weight. Patients who received counseling with a positive and optimistic tone had significantly higher weight loss outcomes compared to those who received neutral or negative advice.
A new study finds that higher cardiovascular health is associated with decelerated biological aging, as measured by phenotypic age. Greater adherence to all Life's Essential 8 metrics can slow down the body's aging process and have numerous benefits.
Researchers found that Black men are more likely to have prostate cancer than white men, regardless of PSA level. This highlights the importance of earlier and more frequent screening for Black men to reduce health disparities.
A new land change model simulates interactions between urban growth, increased flooding, and human adaptation, offering deeper insights into adaptive capacities and identifying communities with limited resources. The model reduces projected developed land exposed to flooding by 5-24% depending on flood hazard zone.
The Otago Community Head Impact Detection study and Elite Extension study used smart mouthguard technology to measure head acceleration events in over 17,000 players. These findings provide greater clarity and confidence than ever before into the benefits and safety of rugby.
A large US study found that persistent tobacco use and prediabetes significantly increase the risk of stroke in young adults without other cardiovascular risk factors. Quitting smoking is crucial for preventing stroke and heart disease, especially among those with prediabetes.