Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum suggests that Medicare could save $3.6 billion annually by eliminating or reducing low-value tests and procedures for patients who do not benefit from them. This reduction in unnecessary care could also result in $800 million less in out-of-pocket costs for older adults.
A new online tool calculates a person's 'heart age' based on cardiovascular disease risk factors, revealing significant gaps among certain groups. On average, women had a heart age of 55.4, while men had an average heart age of 56.7, with disparities found among those with lower incomes or education.
A new study shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer years-long protection against HIV. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver instructions to muscle cells, which produce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
A novel analysis confirms the benefits of regular walking at a faster pace in improving health, particularly for low-income and Black populations. The study found that fast walking as little as 15 minutes a day was associated with a nearly 20% reduction in total mortality.
Researchers from FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine recommend using high-potency statins as the primary pharmacologic approach in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet, are also crucial in reducing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers have demonstrated a novel vaccine delivery method using dental floss, which stimulates the production of antibodies in mucosal surfaces, such as the lining of the nose and lungs. This technique has shown superior antibody response compared to current oral vaccination methods.
Researchers at Penn State and WHO develop a method to predict regional measles vaccination coverage even without accurate survey data. The method uses routinely collected data on potential measles cases, resulting in highly correlated predictions with gold-standard DHS data.
Research suggests that fresh grapes possess numerous health benefits due to their high antioxidant content, including promoting relaxation of blood vessels, healthy circulation, and modulating cholesterol levels. Grapes have also been shown to support brain, skin, gut, and eye health through various mechanisms
A new study finds that risk-reducing mastectomy is cost-effective for women aged 30-55 with a lifetime breast cancer risk of 35% or higher. The findings have significant clinical implications, suggesting that RRM could expand access to the procedure beyond BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 pathogenic variant carriers.
A new study reveals that the human gut microbiota can pinpoint an individual's city of residence with high accuracy, strongly linked to each city's characteristic diet. The researchers identified unique microbial signatures and interaction networks between cities in China, shedding light on how local environments shape our inner biology.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that benign and cancerous breast calcifications have unique structures and formation processes. The study provides a new classification scheme and opens the possibility of treating benign calcifications using certain drugs.
A new study from Emory University reveals that maintaining optimal cardiovascular health can significantly improve overall physical and psychological well-being. The review confirms that heart-healthy behaviors positively impact brain function, vision, hearing, muscle strength, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique that maps temperature in three dimensions within biological tissue using invisible light and artificial intelligence. This new technology has the potential to improve early disease detection and treatment monitoring without the need for costly or invasive imaging technologies.
Researchers created a digital twin to detect disease risk, initiate preventive treatment, and simulate effective treatments. The model uses extensive human data from the Human Phenotype Project to identify deviations from expected physiological changes in 17 body systems.
A review led by Oregon Health & Science University researchers suggests that the US could save $1 billion a year by dropping adult tetanus and diphtheria booster shots if childhood vaccination rates remain strong. The safety of this approach depends on maintaining high childhood vaccination coverage.
A study published in Pediatrics reveals a sharp surge in nicotine pouch ingestions among young children, with a 763% increase in rate of reported cases between 2020 and 2023. The ingestion rates for other nicotine products declined during the same period.
Researchers used an optogenetic platform to discover dozens of molecules that can act as pan-antivirals, including two chemical scaffolds that could serve as development candidates. The compounds were tested on Zika, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and herpes, showing promising results.
A recent study published by Fujita Health University found that poor oral health can increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The researchers examined 118 individuals aged 50 or above and found significant links between oral function test results and blood test results.
A Danish study finds that HPV vaccination has reduced prevalence of high-risk HPV types among vaccinated women, suggesting population immunity. However, non-vaccine types remain common and new infections occur more frequently in vaccinated women than unvaccinated women.
A study found a significant increase in adolescent vaping of THC, CBD, and synthetic cannabinoids from 2021 to 2023. The prevalence of THC vaping peaked in 2022, while SCs continued to rise, with females having a higher rate of vaping these substances.
A new study found that extending Medicaid coverage for 12 months after birth improved access to medical and behavioral health services. This expansion may help mitigate adverse outcomes, including chronic condition management.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that the closures resulted in a 4% reduction in physicians per capita and declines in infant, non-infant, and total mortality rates. The Flexner Report era reforms led to significant changes in the US medical education landscape.
UVA Health received two anonymous $25 million estate gifts to support the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology. The institute will develop new treatments for hard-to-treat diseases with a state-of-the-art biomedical research facility expected to drive economic growth in Central Virginia.
A new survey conducted by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that only 1% of men are concerned about bone density, with cancer and heart disease being top concerns. Men can build back bone density through exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes, and early intervention can prevent deadly fractures.
The USPSTF recommends screening for intimate partner violence in women of reproductive age. Screening for caregiver abuse is not recommended due to insufficient evidence. Abuse can result in significant injury and long-term health consequences.
A machine learning model developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis can predict the risk of persistent post-operative pain and provide uncertainty estimates for each prediction. The model achieves better performance than other prediction algorithms and offers a valuable tool for doctors to guide their decisions.
A new international study identified two distinct genetic signatures for complex forms of Alzheimer's disease, with one primarily driven by apolipoprotein E and the other involving a combination of 75 additional genetic variants. This shared biological mechanism is largely consistent across global populations.
A new lateral-flow test for mucormycosis has shown swift and accurate results in identifying the disease. The test detects the disease in 30 minutes with high sensitivity and specificity, making it a critical milestone in its development and potential commercialization.
A new study reveals that Rapamycin has a comparable life-extending effect to dietary restriction in eight species of vertebrates. The compound, originally developed as an immunosuppressant, offers similar benefits without the need for caloric restriction.
This cross-sectional study reveals a substantial rise in alcohol-associated liver disease mortality, particularly among women and younger adults. The findings highlight the importance of targeted public health initiatives to address this growing health concern.
A cohort study suggests severe neonatal morbidity is a significant risk factor for childhood mortality, highlighting the importance of preventing and identifying early signs of severe conditions. Efforts to reduce mortality through infancy and late adolescence may benefit from targeted prevention strategies.
A study found that knowledge-based messages are more well-received than those focusing on avoiding pain during a pap test. Demonstrating medical instruments like the speculum can cause unintentional fear, especially when combined with messaging about potential discomfort.
A cross-sectional study found significant differences in poor mental health among US workers by sociodemographic categories and industry/occupation groups. The findings suggest that work-related factors may contribute to mental health outcomes, underscoring the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
Researchers found that higher McCance Brain Care Score is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and three common cancers worldwide. The score evaluates physical, lifestyle, and social-emotional domains linked to brain health.
The CONFIDENCE trial demonstrates that combination therapy with finerenone and empagliflozin leads to significantly greater reductions in albuminuria than either agent alone. The study shows a 52% median reduction in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, achieving the ADA-recommended target for 70% of patients.
Long-term data from the Phase 1/2 study of zigakibart demonstrate sustained proteinuria remission, stable kidney function, and a reassuring safety profile in patients with IgA nephropathy. The treatment also led to reductions in serum immunoglobulins, consistent with APRIL pathway inhibition.
A national decline in measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations has been observed across US counties since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an average decline of 2.67% and 78% of counties reporting drops in vaccinations.
A new study found that routine testing for multiple infectious diseases among migrants can identify key infections earlier, improving health outcomes and reducing onward transmission. The Leicester screening programme, which tested 4004 migrant patients, revealed new diagnoses of TB, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
A first-of-its-kind clinical trial demonstrates the impact of therapeutic plasma exchange on biological age, reducing it by an average of 2.6 years. The study used multi-omics biomarkers to investigate the effects of TPE on biological age and found promising results for its potential in disease prevention and longevity applications.
A study by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that vaccinated people generated an overall protective immune response to Delta and Omicron strains, with slightly fewer antibodies for the mutated parts of the virus. The research suggests that immune changes due to antigenic imprinting may not be a significant ...
A new study found that eight times more American young adults now take HIV-prevention medication than a decade ago, but inconsistent use and barriers persist. PrEP can reduce the chances of acquiring HIV by 99%, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers and public health agencies to promote consistent use among high-risk patients.
Nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is the third most common stroke type, accounting for 5-10% of all strokes. Despite declining age-standardized burden rates, SAH remains a major public health concern globally.
A cohort study found children on the path to obesity by age 3.5, highlighting modifiable risk factors that can be targeted in prevention programs. The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) cohort provided valuable insights into early-life factors and BMI trajectories.
A 25-year review highlights the stomach cancer-fighting potential of Brazilian plant species, which contain bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties. The studies suggest that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in polyphenols and flavonoids may help lower the risk of stomach cancer.
A new smartphone app, ECHAS, can help people determine if they are suffering from a heart attack or stroke and need medical attention. The app, developed by experts at UVA Health and other leading institutions, proved effective in identifying patients with cardiac and neurological emergencies.
A new partnership between Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Retro Biosciences will advance personalized therapies for children and adults with bone marrow failure, leukaemia, and other blood disorders. The $35M agreement aims to develop autologous therapies using the breakthrough blood stem cell discovery.
A new partnership between Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Retro Biosciences aims to develop personalized blood stem cell treatments for children and adults with blood disorders. The collaboration has the potential to prevent complications from mismatched donors by using a patient's own perfectly matched cells in transplants.
MIT researchers develop polymer microparticles that release vaccine doses at predetermined times after injection, reducing the need for follow-up shots. The particles showed comparable antibody levels to traditional vaccines in mice, paving the way for potential childhood vaccines with fewer doses.
The USPSTF recommends early, universal screening for syphilis infection during pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis. Untreated syphilis can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth in the fetus.
The Buck Institute's hybrid intervention combines a daily ketone ester with ICOPE-INTENSE, a personalized approach improving Intrinsic Capacity and age-related functions. The team aims to restore muscle, cognition, and immune function by 10 years in one year or less.
Researchers from Japan evaluate the LC16m8 vaccine, an attenuated vaccinia virus strain, for its efficacy and safety against mpox. The study confirms the vaccine's ability to induce strong immune responses and protect against mpox in mice, monkeys, and humans.
Viet Le, a clinician and researcher, will serve as the next editor of the American College of Cardiology's CardioSmart program. The program aims to personalize care and foster partnership between patients and clinicians through trusted resources and tools.
A systematic review found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse health outcomes. The study suggests that limiting intake of such foods may offer measurable health benefits.
A recent study found that a protein called URI degrades p53, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumour formation. Researchers have identified URI as a crucial regulator of p53 levels, which may be associated with environmental factors such as poor diet.
A new study reveals a significant increase in ischemic heart disease prevalence across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania between 1990-2021. The regions experience distinct risk factors, including air pollution, dietary patterns, and high blood pressure.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that teen drivers in vehicles 6-15 years old and those with fewer driver assistance technologies had a higher risk of death in fatal crashes. The study also showed that driving newer vehicles can reduce the risk of fatal crashes for teen drivers.
A cross-sectional study finds a doubling in nicotine pouch past-30-day use and an increase in pouch plus e-cigarette dual use, leading to decreased exclusive e-cigarette use among US 10th and 12th graders. Prioritizing surveillance, regulation, and prevention strategies is crucial for addressing pediatric nicotine pouch use.
A new study identified 56 non-clinical risk factors associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), finding that improving unfavorable profiles could prevent up to 63% of SCA cases. Lifestyle habits and environmental factors were found to be the most impactful in preventing SCA cases.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) emphasizes the need for high immunization coverage to protect European populations from diseases like measles and polio. Vaccination remains a crucial tool in public health, with recent data showing a tenfold surge in reported measles cases in the EU/EEA.
The study estimates that expanded Medicare coverage for GLP-1RAs would increase access to these treatments and reduce obesity-related comorbidities. However, this would come with substantial costs over a decade, projected at $8 billion, highlighting the need for further price reductions and cost-saving strategies.