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PEPFAR HIV/AIDS programs linked to uptick in babies born at health facilities in sub-saharan Africa

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that PEPFAR-funded HIV programs are associated with more deliveries at health facilities, suggesting a positive impact on maternal health services. This is likely due to the expansion of HIV treatment and infrastructure investments supporting other health services.

Phone contact with nurses linked with better outcomes for women with gestational diabetes

Women referred to the telephone-based nurse management program had a lower risk of high baby birth weight and were more likely to have postpartum glucose testing, leading to earlier identification and management of postpartum glucose intolerance or diabetes. The study suggests that this program can improve outcomes for women with gesta...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 25, 2012

Lifelong depression may increase risk of vascular dementia

Research suggests that lifelong depression increases the risk of developing vascular dementia, while late-life depression may be an early symptom of Alzheimer's disease. A study of over 13,000 participants found a significant association between depressive symptoms in midlife and late life with increased risk of dementia.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2012

Middle-of-the-night PCIs do not adversely affect success of next-day procedures

A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that middle-of-the-night PCIs do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of procedures performed the next day by the same operator. The researchers identified no significant difference in complication rates or outcomes between PCIs performed durin...

SourceWiley·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMar 30, 2012

'Personalized immune' mouse offers new tool for studying autoimmune diseases

Researchers have developed a personalized immune mouse that can recreate an individual's immune system, allowing for unprecedented analysis of abnormalities contributing to type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. This model has the potential to develop individualized immunotherapies against cancer and infection.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 14, 2012

Sport fields: Catalysts for physical activity in the neighborhood?

A University of Alberta study found that individuals who live near areas with more traffic-related incidents are more likely to engage in sufficient levels of physical activity. The research also highlights the importance of increasing awareness about available facilities to encourage physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Alberta - Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 8, 2012

Risks of pregnancy via egg donation similar for women over age 50 as for younger women

A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that women over 50 who undergo egg donation have similar rates of obstetrical complications as younger recipients. Despite concerns about increased risks, the research suggests thorough medical screening is essential for all pregnant women regardless of age.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology·DateJan 31, 2012

Gym benefits help Medicare plans recruit healthy seniors

A study by Brown University researchers found that offering fitness club memberships as a covered benefit attracts healthier patients. This strategy is effective in reducing costs and improving quality for Medicare Advantage plans. The trend of increasing plans offering fitness benefits suggests it may be an attractive business strategy.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 11, 2012

Changing to a simple oral antibiotic administration programme could enable elimination of neglected yaws disease

A study published in The Lancet shows that a single dose of oral azithromycin is non-inferior to injectable penicillin for treating yaws disease, avoiding equipment and medically trained personnel needs. This finding supports the potential elimination of neglected tropical disease through mass drug administration programs.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2012

Bat brains parse sounds for multitasking

Researchers found that bat brains process echolocation and social calls in a lateralized manner, with the right hemisphere handling navigation and the left hemisphere processing communication sounds. This study provides insights into the neural basis of sound processing and may lead to new treatments for human communication disorders.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateJan 3, 2012