Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A study published in Brain found that disconnecting nerve pathways in the brain can lead to improved seizure freedom in patients with frontal lobe epilepsy. The research, involving 47 patients, revealed that cutting these connections resulted in 88% of patients being seizure-free after three years.
A team of researchers at Aarhus University has discovered a protein that helps protect the body against blood clots in hibernating bears. The protein, HSP47, is found to be downregulated during winter months, allowing bears to avoid blood clots.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that reducing added sugars consumption by an average of 14 to 57 calories per day is sufficient to meet the Healthy People 2030 target. This represents just less than half of a 12-ounce soft drink, and requires minimal changes to dietary habits.
A study of over 5 million hospitalizations found COVID-19 patients were more susceptible to HAIs, requiring additional prevention measures. Despite increased infection control pressures, HAI rates among inpatients without COVID-19 remained similar to those in 2019.
Despite the decline in most services, FQHCs reported an increase in patient visits for substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, and sexually transmitted infections. Quality-of-care measures also plummeted, with only one measure returning to pre-pandemic levels.
A randomized trial found tailored education and peer support significantly reduced binge-drinking among Army National Guard members over the course of a year. Participants who received online education sessions and supportive phone calls from veteran peers showed substantial declines in binge-drinking days and scores on risk assessments.
A nationwide study found that more experienced resident physicians are at risk of medical errors when working extended-duration shifts or long weekly hours, similar to first-year residents. The study calls for policy changes to limit work hours and extend safer training periods in the US.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tranexamic acid did not reduce the need for blood transfusions or prevent maternal death in patients with increased risk for excessive bleeding after cesarean delivery. However, patients who received tranexamic acid had less need for additional medical intervent...
Researchers found that alcohol screening rates significantly declined during the initial COVID-19 surge due to competing pandemic priorities and telemedicine shifts. Screening rates later recovered as in-person care resumed and telemedicine workflows improved.
Researchers found that timed birth strategies, including induced labor and Cesarean deliveries, can reduce the risk of at-term preeclampsia by more than half. The study analyzed over 90,000 pregnancies and suggested that this approach has huge potential for global good in maternity care.
Researchers found clinician-owned practices significantly improved quality of cardiovascular preventive care without burnout among clinicians and staff. Across various practice sizes, geography, and composition, 18.3% met criteria for quality and well-being promoting practices.
Using image-based computational blood dynamics, researchers mimicked health conditions and investigated hemodynamic parameters to better understand how aneurysm size affects blood flow. They found that altered blood flow velocity distribution can lead to rupture, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment options.
Studies investigate multimorbidity, which is increasing due to improved survival from chronic diseases and population aging. The prevalence of multimorbidity varies greatly depending on the number and types of conditions considered, with some combinations spending more than the sum of individual diseases.
A major international study published in Nature Genetics has provided new insights into the genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length. The research reveals a mutually antagonistic effect between the woman's and unborn child's genes, favoring earlier labor for the mother's survival and extending pregnancy for the child's weight gain.
A randomized clinical trial found that a video-based decision support tool increased patient knowledge, but not assent, to ICD implantation among Black patients. The study also highlighted the complexity of aversion to cardiac procedures in Black communities, emphasizing the need for further research on social determinants of health.
A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...
Researchers found that metformin + leucine (MET+LEU) treatment prevents myotube atrophy by reversing cellular senescence and improving proteostasis. The study used C2C12 myoblasts, aged mouse single myofibers, and human primary myotubes to demonstrate MET+LEU's skeletal muscle cell-autonomous properties.
A UCF research team, in partnership with the City of Orlando, aims to prevent falls among older adults through a low-cost, portable technology-based intervention. The project seeks to address public health disparities and support the development of affordable housing options.
A recent study suggests that cardiac sphericity, or the roundness of the heart, may be a useful indicator for diagnosing cardiovascular conditions. The research used machine learning to analyze medical images and found a link between increased sphericity and future heart troubles.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is updating its methods to prioritize topics based on disease burden, extent of new evidence, and ability to be provided in primary care. The task force will increasingly consider health equity when making recommendations.
Research highlights that intensive behavioral weight loss programs significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes risk factors, which persist for at least five years. Participants who lost weight through such programs had lower risk factors compared to those in less intensive or no weight loss programs.
A study of 32 Black patients with type 2 diabetes found that humanistic communication, family involvement, and clear medical information are crucial for effective shared decision making. The research team offers recommendations to improve SDM in safety-net primary care settings.
Researchers investigated perspectives of Black patients on shared decision making (SDM) during medical appointments. They identified preferences for humanistic communication, the need for doctors to account for family members' roles in decision-making, and a growing mistrust in doctors. The study's findings offer insights for adapting ...
A recent study found that social determinants of health influenced care in 35% of surveyed encounters, with the most common sources being patient conversations and prior knowledge. Integrating this data into EHRs can support personalized care planning.
Researchers have developed a novel technology for nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds, specifically anthocyanin, using pectin and lysozyme. The methodology ensures slow release of the compound, allowing it to survive gut bacteria and digestive enzymes.
Rates of naloxone prescriptions for high-risk individuals and co-prescribing with opioids rose in emergency departments from 2012 to 2019. Opioid prescribing guidelines made it easier for doctors to prescribe naloxone, which is highly effective at reversing opioid overdose effects.
A new research letter highlights how quickly Colorado's children and teenagers can access a loaded gun, increasing the risk of adolescent suicides and firearm injuries. Nearly one-third of middle and high school students report having access to a gun within 24 hours or under 10 minutes.
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.
A national survey of radiologists reveals moral distress is widespread, often stemming from high case volumes and lack of administrative support. The study highlights the need for education of leadership regarding causes of distress among frontline workers to address this issue.
A new study finds that smokeless tobacco products increase the risk of developing peripheral artery disease by two-fold compared to non-users. The study analyzed data from 14,344 participants and found a significant association between smokeless tobacco use and PAD, with a rate of 4.4 cases per 1,000 person years.
The study found that statin use for primary prevention was low among all racial and ethnic groups, despite varying levels of 10-year ASCVD risk. Improving access to care may help increase equitable use of primary prevention statins in Black and Hispanic adults.
A new LSU Health New Orleans study suggests that single, focused Interprofessional Education-based exercises can significantly decrease stigma associated with alcohol use and improve knowledge and confidence in screening for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The exercise led to substantial improvements in student understanding of AUD risks, ...
A national US study found trust in government cancer information plummeted by 53% among non-Hispanic Black people during the pandemic. Meanwhile, trust in doctors remained high, highlighting the need for effective communication and access to healthcare services.
A new study confirms that California's tobacco control program significantly reduces smoking rates and lowers health care expenses. Over three decades, the program resulted in a 10% reduction in smoking prevalence and saved Californians $51.4 billion they would have otherwise spent on cigarettes.
Implementation of post-overdose programs in Massachusetts municipalities associated with a 6% lower annual opioid fatality rate and a 7% lower opioid-related emergency encounter rate compared to non-programmed areas. The study suggests that these programs offer a critical opportunity to address overdose among high-risk individuals.
UVA researchers discovered a metabolic pathway that can modulate COVID-19 inflammation, lung recovery, and host metabolic health. They suggest a potentially viable therapeutic agent that may be combined with existing anti-viral agents to treat severe COVID-19 in patients with underlying metabolic disease.
A new study published in The Lancet found that an existing drug, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, protects pregnant women from sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections. Researchers tested this drug alongside a promising new treatment, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, which showed unique ability to prevent malaria.
A Kaiser Permanente study of over 800,000 children aged 3-17 found that youth with higher BMI were at a 26% increased risk of developing hypertension. The study highlights the importance of preventing hypertension in young people to avoid irreversible organ damage.
The study found that intimate partner violence experiences during the pandemic were associated with increased mental health symptoms and negative health factors in younger female participants. The authors highlight the need for screening and interventions to prevent severe long-term health consequences.
A community-based approach using health workers increased IPTp coverage by up to 473% in Nigeria, but did not reduce antenatal care attendance. The TIPTOP project shows that community health workers play a critical role in supporting the health of women and can save thousands of maternal and infant lives.
A new study found that California's Insurance Gender Nondiscrimination Act led to a significant increase in gender-affirming surgery utilization. The data suggests that similar policies could inform state legislative efforts to protect transgender and gender-diverse patients' health coverage.
A Rutgers study found that healthcare providers rarely screen their patients for firearm access, with only 17.1% of participants being asked about it. Researchers argue that adding screening to standard practice can provide resources on secure storage to families at risk.
A study of 398,000 COVID-19 patients found the absolute risk of venous thromboembolism to be low overall. Patient-level factors associated with higher risk may help identify subsets of patients who could benefit from more intensive surveillance or preventive strategies.
The European Society of Cardiology presents novel research on meditation and yoga, air pollution effects, and technology updates to prevent heart disease. Sessions focus on risk management, women's cardiovascular health, COVID-19 impact, and global strategies for prevention.
Expanding Medicaid-benefit eligibility reduced Black-white disparities in preventable hospitalizations and emergency department visits by 10% or more. The study controlled for age, sex, and state variables to understand the effects of expansion on access to care.
A comprehensive study of 200,000 Swedish children found a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates between 2018 and 2020, with obesity rates rising by 30%. The greatest increase was seen in morbid obesity, highlighting the challenges faced by those who were already struggling before the pandemic.
A web-based program educating mothers about reliable health information and vaccine-preventable illnesses was effective in persuading vaccine-hesitant mothers to vaccinate themselves and their infants. The study found that 82% of hesitant pregnant women received flu and Tdap vaccines after participating in the online intervention.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine found that men over 65 are at a higher risk of developing skull fractures due to head trauma from falls. The research compared geriatric males and females, with surprising results indicating males had a significantly increased incidence of skull fracture.
A global study aims to better understand the burden of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among girls and women in low- and lower middle-income countries. The study will inform effective strategies to prevent infection and introduce HPV vaccine into national programs, protecting the health of girls and women and reducing rates of cervical cancer.
The study estimates that tap water scald burns result in significant healthcare costs, with average costs of $572 per emergency department visit and $28,431 per hospital stay. Thermostatic mixing valves could reduce the risk of these burns by mixing hot water with cold water.
A new study published in BMC Public Health suggests that problematic social media use in preteens is linked to both positive and negative alcohol beliefs. Researchers found that 97% of social media posts display alcohol in a positive context, contributing to positive perceptions among adolescents.
A new study found significant links between sleep disturbances and the risk for developing dementia over a 10-year period. Sleep-maintenance insomnia was associated with a lower risk of dementia, while sleep-initiation insomnia and sleep medication use were linked to an increased risk.
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.
A study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that feeding pregnant mothers a combination of four nutrients before and during pregnancy can reduce the incidence and severity of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. These nutrients include folic acid, choline, betaine, and vitamin B12.
The HALP score, a novel immune-nutritional marker, has been linked to prognostic ability in different cancer types. It integrates indicators of immune status and nutritional status, showing promise as a cost-effective biomarker.
Preliminary research found that better sleep health was associated with higher rates of attendance at group interval sessions, adherence to caloric intake goals, and improvement in time spent performing moderate-vigorous physical activity. However, the association between sleep health and physical activity was not statistically signifi...
Two studies found that adults with high cardiovascular health scores tend to live longer lives free of major chronic diseases. The research highlights the importance of maintaining ideal cardiovascular health to delay onset of age-related diseases, allowing individuals to enjoy life in their years as well as their years in life.
A new study found that walking an additional 500 steps per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. This benefit is significant for older adults, as most studies have focused on early-to-midlife adults.
Researchers discovered that telomere shortening is associated with early subjective depressive symptoms and cognitive complaints among healthy elderly individuals. The study also found a link between telomere shortening and increased interleukin-6 levels.
A survey of over 2,500 teens and young adults found that vaping nicotine and THC is associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dual vapers were more likely to report addiction to nicotine and feel less depressed after starting vaping.