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Energy drink use in teens has adverse effects

New research from Chapman University found that 40% of teens aged 13-19 reported an adverse effect while consuming energy drinks. The most common side effects included insomnia, jittery feelings, and heart palpitations. Additionally, some teens mix alcohol with energy drinks and use them for weight loss.

SourceChapman University·JournalTurkish Journal of Pediatric Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine·DateJan 23, 2018

Increase in use of high-dose vitamin D supplements

The prevalence of daily supplemental vitamin D use above 1,000 IU increased from 0.3% in 1999-2000 to 18.2% in 2013-2014. Intake of 4,000 IU or more daily also rose, with 3.2% of participants using such supplements in 2013-2014. The trend was observed across most age groups, race/ethnicities, and sexes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 20, 2017

Taking B vitamins may reduce epigenetic effects of air pollution

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that B vitamins can increase plasma concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, reducing the impact of air pollution on the epigenome. The results have significant public health implications for regions with frequent PM2.5 peaks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

Harms reporting in trials of orlistat

A document analysis found that orlistat trial reports underestimated adverse effects, with only 3-33% of reported events appearing in published papers. This suggests potential for bias in harms reporting and highlights the need for more accurate reporting practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 16, 2016

Inspirational managers may harm workers' health

Researchers found that transformational leadership can increase sickness absence levels among employees who ignore their ill-health and frequently show up for work while ill. The study suggests that managers should strike a balance between encouraging staff to perform well and prioritizing their health and well-being.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalWork & Stress·DateApr 21, 2016

ACP: CBT and antidepressants are similarly effective treatments for adults with depression

The American College of Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and second-generation antidepressants (SGAs) as similarly effective treatments for adults with major depressive disorder. CBT is a reasonable approach for initial treatment, particularly when discussing treatment effects and patient preferences.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2016

Adverse trends in mental health linked to disability assessments

A UK study found that each additional 10,000 people reassessed using the Work Capability Assessment was associated with an increase in suicides, self-reported mental health problems, and antidepressant prescribing rates. The most deprived areas experienced the greatest increases in these adverse outcomes, widening health inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 16, 2015

New computational approach to predicting adverse drug reactions with higher confidence

Researchers from IMIM and partner institutions developed a new integrated computational method to predict adverse drug reactions more reliably. The method combines structure-based detection of labile fragments with information on the mechanism of action of the drug, resulting in improved ability to foresee possible adverse effects.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateNov 3, 2015

Green walls: A red card for office worker health?

A new study by University of York academics reveals that green walls can lead to higher levels of ultrafine particles (UFPs) indoors due to the oxidation of outdoor plant species. This could have significant implications for indoor air quality, particularly in offices with high temperatures and pollution.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 5, 2015

Particulate air pollution: Exposure to ultrafine particles influences cardiac function

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that exposure to ultrafine particles can induce immediate changes in heart rate variability in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism or diabetes. The research suggests potential health risks and demands for threshold limit values for environmental standards.

NIDA review summarizes research on marijuana's negative health effects

A recent review in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that marijuana use is associated with increased risks of addiction, impaired critical thinking and memory functions, and lower IQ in teens. The study also highlights the need for physicians to convey to families the potential health consequences of early marijuana use.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2014