Articles tagged with Preventive Medicine
A study by Michigan Medicine found that over- or under-dosing anticoagulants can result in serious health conditions, most often occurring after the initial prescription. The researchers evaluated five years of prescribing data and found that nearly 70% of alerts to off-label dosing occurred during a follow-up visit.
A new study suggests that public health interventions, such as reformulating food products and introducing low emission zones, could yield significant cost savings and QALY gains in England. The interventions studied could save up to £4bn by reducing dementia rates and helping people live longer and healthier.
A large-scale study published in JACC shows that promoting healthy habits in elementary school children can effectively reduce abdominal fat and obesity markers. The study found that early intervention, particularly during the first three years of school, was more effective than delayed interventions.
Researchers found that combining plasma p-tau217 and Aβ42/40 levels could predict early brain Aβ accumulation in people with subthreshold Aβ accumulation. These biomarkers may help screen participants for primary prevention trials.
A survey of 5,991 participants found presumptive PTSD to be prevalent long after mass violence incidents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive screening efforts. The study suggests that MVIs have persistent impacts on communities, particularly those with prior exposure to trauma.
A UCalgary study found that involving community pharmacists in prescribing blood thinners for individuals with undiagnosed or undertreated atrial fibrillation can improve stroke prevention. The study showed a 34% increase in optimal blood thinner use among at-risk individuals.
Experts advocate for incorporating normalization of blood sugar regulation into diabetes prevention strategies. Studies show that weight loss-induced prediabetes remission can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially when combined with lifestyle changes.
A new University of Michigan study found that over 82% of Americans aged 50-80 take one or more prescription medications, with 80% open to stopping certain drugs. However, researchers stress the importance of personalized guidance for deprescribing older adults, particularly those taking medication for cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that years of high systolic blood pressure increase the risk of stroke, with Black and Hispanic patients facing a higher risk. Early diagnosis and controlled high blood pressure are crucial to preventing stroke, especially in these populations.
A Texas A&M University study found that stand-biased workstations led to more standing time, reduced sitting time, and fewer discomforts compared to traditional desks. However, the benefits were not statistically significant, and energy expenditure was higher in stand-biased groups.
A study of nearly half a million women found that endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among women with ovarian endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a 19-fold increased risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.
Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disabling condition affecting up to 2% of the population, with most patients experiencing years of diagnostic delays. CVS can be managed through lifestyle modifications and medications, with timely diagnoses crucial to prevent complications.
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.
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...
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.
A team of scientists from Max Planck Institute found that extremely long-lived proteins in the ovary play a crucial role in preserving fertility. These proteins, known as chaperones, help maintain cellular processes and prevent misfolded proteins from aggregating.
A UCLA Health study discovered that suvorexant, an insomnia medication, blocks brain receptors for hypocretin and prevents opioid addiction in mice. The drug maintains behavioral alertness at lower doses than those inducing sleep. Further studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in humans with opioid use disorder.
A new study found that delaying diabetes diagnosis for at least four years through diet and exercise significantly lowers the risk of dying and experiencing cardiovascular events. Individuals who maintained prediabetic status for longer periods had better long-term health outcomes, with a reduced risk of death and complications.
A recent analysis found that nearly half of US counties lack a cardiologist, exacerbating rural-urban health disparities. Counties without cardiologists tend to be more rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and experience higher cardiovascular mortality rates.
Researchers discovered a correlation between higher COVID-19 vaccination rates and lower symptomatic child asthma prevalence. The study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination may provide protection against other human coronaviruses through cross-reactive antibody responses.
Researchers discovered that young adults with higher levels of inflammation were more likely to experience reduced cognitive function in midlife. Higher inflammation was associated with lower performance on skills testing and differences in executive functioning.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have investigated a range of contributing risk factors for suicide in a large-scale study. The study identified biological and behavioral predictors, including elevated white blood cells, neuroticism, childhood experiences, and reduced grey matter in the brain.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that specific exercise concomitant with chemotherapy can prevent nerve damage in many cases. The exercises reduced the incidence of CIPN (chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy) by 50-70% and improved patients' perceived quality of life.
Black participants with greater access to green spaces had up to 35% lower odds of calcification, while those near a river had 32% lower odds. These findings highlight the potential benefits of environmental policies promoting public health and addressing racial and neighborhood-related health disparities.
A recent study investigates maternal suicide mortality during the perinatal period, revealing complex factors and opportunities for further research. The findings underscore the importance of evidence-based interventions targeting mental health, substance use, and intimate partner problems to prevent maternal suicide and enhance matern...
A survey study found that transgender men are particularly vulnerable to all forms of violence, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and intervention services. The results emphasize the importance of policies protecting trans and gender-diverse individuals from discriminatory violence.
A first-of-its-kind study compared preventative therapy efficacy between two groups: gene therapy alone and in combination with risdiplam or nusinersen. Dual therapy showed promise in independent sitting outcomes, but not in walking age or muscle disease progression prevention.
A recent statistical analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals a significant association between more restrictive alcohol policy environments and lower homicide rates. The study suggests that adopting stricter policies could lead to a reduction in approximately 1200 homicides annually.
A new study from the University of Oklahoma found that measuring circulating microRNAs is likely as effective as measuring blood sugar levels in determining how young people with type 2 diabetes will fare. The study also found a 20% decrease in beta cell function during the first six months of treatment.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine demonstrated strong protection against a range of COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission. Annual updates to the vaccine are recommended due to waning immunity from older versions.
Researchers found that starting resuscitation with high concentrations of oxygen (90% or greater) can increase survival chances for premature babies. The study examined over 1,000 premature babies and found a significant reduction in mortality rates by using higher oxygen levels.
Researchers have developed a novel drug therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which has shown significant improvements in reducing breathing interruptions and improving overall health. The treatment targets both respiratory and metabolic complications, providing a promising alternative to existing therapies.
A new study by Michigan Medicine University found that nearly all patients with buprenorphine prescriptions filled them, even when paying more out-of-pocket. The researchers suggest removing barriers to continuous prescribing as the main focus of efforts.
A randomized clinical study found that a lateral episiotomy reduced the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) by 53% in first-time mothers. The procedure also did not increase the risk of other complications, but may lead to wound complications.
The USPSTF recommends providing or referring children and adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI) to comprehensive behavioral interventions. Approximately 19.7% of US children aged 2-19 have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile, with higher prevalence among Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and lower-income families.
The number of US individuals with chronic hypertension in pregnancy increased significantly, while medication treatment remained low, according to a new study. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal health strategies to address high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.
Past-year Papanicolaou testing rates dropped in 2022 compared to 2019, highlighting the need to increase access to screenings. Rural-vs-urban differences indicate a focus on rural females requires attention.
The IOF position paper emphasizes the need for population-specific vitamin D approaches, considering factors like diet, skin pigmentation, and supplement use. The authors also highlight the importance of standardized measures of 25(OH)D in future studies.
The NIH is investing $30 million in a pilot program called CARE for Health, which aims to integrate clinical research with community-based primary care. The initiative seeks to improve health outcomes by providing access to clinical research and expanding opportunities for participation in clinical trials.
A recent Cleveland Clinic-led study found that high levels of the sugar alcohol xylitol are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The research team identified a link between xylitol consumption and elevated platelet activity, which can lead to blood clots and thrombosis.
Research suggests that altered lipid signaling in brain cells contributes to mental disorders, with specific inhibitors showing promise in rebalancing this mechanism. The study found similar changes in both human patients and healthy relatives, as well as mice with genetic disorders, opening up new treatment opportunities.
A Finnish study found that adolescents with higher blood pressure and arterial stiffness exhibit poorer cognitive functions, particularly attention and learning. The study also reveals interesting sex differences in the associations between blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and cognition in adolescents.
A study by UCLA researchers found that one in six primary care patients reported cannabis use, with most using it for symptom management despite identifying as recreational users. The study suggests the need for routine cannabis screening in healthcare settings.
The new certification aims to standardize training and increase skills in telehealth stroke care delivery, ultimately improving stroke outcomes. Telehealth stroke care can expand access to rural areas and communities facing barriers to stroke care.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends exercise interventions for older adults at increased risk of falls, considering prior falls, medical conditions, and patient values. The overall net benefit is small, making a personalized approach necessary to balance benefits and harms.
A new molecular test WID-qCIN detects significantly more cancers and precancerous stages than current methods, identifying 100% of invasive cervical cancer and 93% of serious precancerous lesions. The test reduces the need for colposcopy examinations by 40%, improving the effectiveness of screening programs.
Early admission of COVID-19-positive patients to skilled nursing facilities was associated with preventable cases and mortality among residents. Facilities with staff and PPE shortages were disproportionately affected, underscoring the importance of adhering to infection-control protocols.
Research by APPC scholars found that increased knowledge about Covid-19 vaccination made a significant difference in reducing the disparity between Black and White Americans' vaccination rates. This increase was associated with improved trust in vaccine safety and efficacy, as well as reduced skepticism towards vaccines.
A matched cohort study found no overall increased risk of early death among women with premenstrual disorders. However, the risk was elevated for young women and deaths by suicide, highlighting the need for careful follow-up and suicide prevention strategies.
A new study reveals that poor access to simple elective surgery in developing countries is storing up future health problems for patients. Inguinal hernia repair was used as a tracer condition, showing that untreated hernias can lead to delayed recovery and higher healthcare costs due to the need for more complex emergency surgery.
Research reveals morning sickness is caused by hormone GDF15, linked to life-threatening hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). HG can lead to postnatal depression, preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and other complications. Expert Marlena Fejzo discusses potential treatments targeting GDF15 hormonal pathway.
Researchers developed adhesive hydrogel coatings that eliminate fibrosis, a common issue with medical implants. The coatings bind devices to tissue and prevent the immune system from attacking them.
Older people experiencing homelessness are at risk of premature death, cognitive impairment, and mobility concerns. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between health, long-term care, public health, and housing to provide adequate shelter policies, age-friendly shelters, and supportive housing models.
A new study at Hebrew University found that guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly improves depression and insomnia symptoms over time. The study emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic alliance and attachment styles in predicting treatment outcomes.
The FTC brought about enforcement actions against pharmaceutical manufacturers from 2000-2022, pursuing a small fraction of estimated misconduct in the market. A rule defining 'unfair methods of competition' remains untested, potentially allowing the FTC to more effectively prevent repetitive anticompetitive behavior.
A study of 14,399 women found that both step-based and time-based exercise targets were associated with lower risks of early death and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that individuals should choose a goal aligned with their personal preferences rather than focusing on specific metrics.
The Post-Acute Recovery Center (PARC) model has been associated with fewer deaths and more days outside of the hospital among veterans who received care after a serious illness. The study found that high-risk veterans who received PARC care had a median increase of four additional days at home compared to matched controls.
A recent study found that treatment with intravenous acetaminophen for 5 days in critically ill sepsis patients was safe, but did not improve the primary end point of days alive and free of organ support. The study suggests acetaminophen may have a role in preventing or treating organ dysfunction in sepsis.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates cognitive decline and increases risk of dementia. The research, which followed a cohort of nurses for 27 years, also suggests that physical activity may mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution.
Researchers developed a game-changing blood test that can quickly and accurately identify large vessel occlusion strokes, which have the potential to bring life-saving care to patients globally. The test combines biomarkers with a clinical score to detect strokes with 93% specificity and 81% sensitivity.