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Healthcare access is not preventing deaths among pregnant and postpartum people

A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that birthing people who died during pregnancy or postpartum had received significant amounts of hospital care. The study identified factors such as severe maternal morbidity, opioid use, and prior hospitalization as linked to pregnancy-associated deaths.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2023

Comprehensive new Canadian guideline for skeletal health and fracture prevention

The new comprehensive guideline from Osteoporosis Canada provides recommendations for exercise, nutrition, fracture risk assessment, treatment, and more to optimize skeletal health and prevent fractures. The guideline recommends screening in men and younger women, reflecting advances in risk assessment and nonpharmacologic and pharmaco...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 10, 2023

Tetris to the rescue of women having experienced a traumatic birth: A large-scale study confirms its effectiveness for prevention

A large-scale study confirms that playing Tetris for fifteen minutes can prevent psychological trauma in mothers after a difficult birth. The therapeutic activity was found to interfere with memory consolidation of traumatic images, thereby preventing the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms linked to childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 28, 2023

Patients who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention do as well as non-smokers – unless they had smoked heavily

A large study of 74,471 patients found that those who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have comparable rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths to non-smokers. However, heavy smokers showed no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

Global study provides new insights into barriers to effective cardiovascular rehabilitation for women and why women are less likely to participate

A global comparative study assesses barriers to participation in cardiovascular rehabilitation programs for men and women, highlighting sex differences and regional variations. The study provides patients with mitigation strategies to address these barriers and improve CR utilization.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

How do suicide risk or depression screenings compare to identify patients at risk?

Research found that depression screening methods, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, correctly identified more patients who attempted suicide than suicide risk screenings. The study suggests that comprehensive screenings tools may be more effective in identifying patients at risk of suicide and depression.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2023

Ultrasound scans by doctors in emergency departments to diagnose deep vein thrombosis halve patients’ stay and may help to reduce over-crowding

A study found that ultrasound scans performed by emergency physicians can nearly halve the time patients spend in emergency departments. This technology, known as point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), enables faster diagnoses and treatment for suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

LSU Health New Orleans researchers discover a key failure in amd that may lead to progression and vision loss

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) decreases essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), limiting protective molecule formation and repair potential. The discovery may open new therapeutic avenues for AMD, particularly in females, who are more susceptible to retinal degeneration due to estrogen effects.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalExperimental Eye Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

UEA researchers develop new tool to reduce stroke risk

Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 27, 2023

Diabetes Magazine Paper of the Month features Pennington Biomedical research demonstrating the link between exercise and improved pancreatic function and insulin secretion

A recent study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center identifies GDF15 as a protein that acts as a cellular signal to enhance insulin secretion. High-intensity exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes was found to have elevated levels of GDF15, associated with improved glycemic control.

Few children – especially those with safety-net insurance – get vision checked at checkups

A new study found that fewer than a third of children have had their vision checked in the past year, with uninsured and public-insured kids having lower rates than privately insured peers. The disparity in screening rates is linked to disparities in primary care visits focused on prevention and early detection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2023

A new DNA drug to fight blood clots

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a DNA-based anticoagulant that has shown promising results in test mice and may be ready for human trials soon. The treatment could provide a safer alternative to existing medications, such as heparin, which can cause severe bleeding side effects.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2023

Victims of partner violence and child abuse face a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine documents a consistent risk level across race and gender for victims of partner violence and child abuse. The risk is similar among adult males and females and lower income Black and White Americans, increasing by 20-35% compared to those without interpersonal violence.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2023

Successful mentorship program in Latin America leads to more Fracture Liaison Services, finds new review

A new review describes the development and impact of a Latin American mentorship program for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), resulting in 64 FLSs getting started and providing coverage for over 17,200 patients. The program also supports the establishment of active communities of mentors across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2023

For people with diabetes, healthy eating is not enough if their diet is rich in ultra-processed foods

A study by I.R.C.C.S. Neuromed found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods significantly increases mortality risk among people with type 2 diabetes. Even those following a Mediterranean diet are at increased risk if ultra-processed foods account for a large share of their diet.

SourceIstituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed I.R.C.C.S.·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2023