The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests that surgery should be considered for patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism to improve survival rates. The statement also calls for increased research and data quality registries to better understand the disease process and effective treatments.
Researchers at Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology will use a unique combination of MRI and mass spectrometry imaging techniques to study Alzheimer's disease on an unprecedented scale. By capturing detailed chemical information, they aim to understand the molecular-level changes that occur in aging brains and develop ...
Pakistan's health challenges have been compounded by natural disasters, including the 2022 floods, which affected over 33 million people. The country is experiencing a slowdown in reducing maternal and child mortality, high fertility rates, and persistent gender disparities.
A study published in Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy found that an individual's prior adherence behavior is a key predictor of future adherence. The research suggests interventions can move patients to adherence at any time, leading to better adherence in the future.
Researchers are working to understand the events contributing to pancreatic cancer development by studying gene abnormalities and their effects on the disease. Dr. Krushna Patra's lab is focused on understanding how genetic mutations like GNAS contribute to pancreatic cancer growth.
A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.
Mount Sinai researchers discovered that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be caused by two distinct types of deposits in the retina: drusen and subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs). Early intervention with vitamin supplements can slow down drusen formation, while SDDs pose a greater threat to advanced AMD.
Researchers found that exercise induces a cycle of fatigue and recovery in muscles, paralleled by mitochondrial network rebuilding. Long-term training programs improved middle-aged fitness, while AMPK interventions enhanced exercise capacity during aging.
A recent study found a significant decrease in influenza activity in China during the 2020-2022 COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in winter and spring. The observed reduction in influenza seasonality may be attributed to everyday COVID-19 public health interventions.
Pediatric mental health emergency department visits are rising, driven by markers of disease severity and healthcare access issues. Targeted hospital and community interventions can help mitigate recurrent visits and improve mental health care delivery.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for cancer-associated thrombosis found that DOACs are more medically effective and cost-effective. The most cost-effective DOAC, apixaban, was also shown to be the least costly anticoagulant.
A Mediterranean diet has been associated with a reduced risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study found a dose-response relationship between the intake of Mediterranean diet and lower risk of such outcomes.
A randomized trial found that non-invasive interventions for treating spine pain improved disability and quality of life but did not decrease healthcare spending. Both treatments provided a small but significant reduction in pain-related disability at 12 months.
A study suggests young people are hesitant to use digital mental health resources due to lack of trust in their effectiveness. Researchers found that perceived ease of use and mental health need did not significantly impact intentions to use a resource.
The expert panel recommends individualized gender-affirming care, considering unique needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. They propose abandoning strict rules, such as hormone therapy initiation prior to surgery, in favor of a more comprehensive approach.
A Christmas-themed physical activity intervention during Advent showed promise for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among inactive adults. The study, published in the BMJ, found that participants who received a daily email with physical activity ideas reported participating in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity...
Jon A. Jacobson, MD, FACR, has been recognized as the 2023 ARRS Distinguished Educator for his exceptional contributions to radiological education and innovative educational activities. He is a renowned expert in musculoskeletal ultrasound and MRI, with over 250 peer-reviewed publications.
A University of Cincinnati clinical research study found that participants who received on-site individualized nutrition education and shopping practice had a greater increase in adherence to a heart-healthy diet than the control group. The study, called SuperWIN, was conducted in partnership with Kroger Health.
A randomized controlled trial found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helped patients with type 2 diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control over a 6-month intervention compared to a high-carb, low-fat diet. However, changes were not sustained 3 months after the intervention.
Researchers from Nagoya University found that 5G network telemedicine is effective in providing telerehabilitation and teletreatment in a remote community. The study showed that 5G transmitted high-definition images with low latency, reducing the need for physical therapist visits and improving patient outcomes.
The Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity aims to design societies that benefit both older and younger individuals. Investing in the health, well-being, and purpose of older adults can yield great rewards for all ages, fostering productive lives, social capital, and a sense of fulfillment.
A web-based multicomponent intervention has been shown to improve blood pressure control and lower blood pressure levels in patients with hypertension. The study included 4,100 patients and found that such an intervention can provide a new, effective way to treat hypertension in the community.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that a strong majority of those diagnosed with COPD were in excellent mental health. 87% of older Canadians with COPD had no mental illness, highlighting the importance of social support and interventions to promote well-being.
A study of over one million Medicaid beneficiaries found that more than half experienced significant lapses in coverage, with only 25% continuously enrolled throughout the period. The authors recommend increasing investments to improve long-term health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a wearable heart monitor using a breathable material with antibacterial and antiviral properties. The device will track heart health via dual signals, providing continuous monitoring for early detection of heart disease.
A recent study published in Geriatrics found that age, education, social network, pain, and depression are significant predictors of physical activity in older adults. The findings suggest that modifying these factors through targeted interventions can increase physical activity levels.
A low-cost prenatal intervention benefits mothers’ mental health up to eight years later. The eight-week class intervention supported healthier stress responses in their children, and cut their short-term risk of depression and diabetes.
A study of over 1,000 healthcare workers found that medical masks may be as effective as N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 infection. However, the results varied across countries and were influenced by factors such as vaccine use and variant circulating during the pandemic.
A study published in Oncotarget found that APOE genotype is associated with the presence and severity of cancer treatment-related side effects and symptoms, as well as the response to exercise-based interventions in cancer survivors. ApoE4 carriers showed a lower fall rate after exercise intervention compared to non-carriers.
A Michigan Medicine study found that Black patients who undergo minimally invasive procedures for clogged arteries are more likely to die or be readmitted to the hospital months after the procedure. Social determinants of health, including community economic well-being and preexisting health conditions, played a significant role in the...
A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.
A study by University of Cologne scientists found that colleagues' encouragement and own healthy behaviors positively correlate with employees' fruit and vegetable consumption. However, explicit encouragement has a positive effect on physical exercise, while colleagues' behavior does not typically influence others' physical activity.
Research on interventions to mitigate housing insecurity found low-certainty evidence of positive health outcomes, primarily for emergency rent assistance and homeownership assistance. However, existing interventions may need to be paired with other efforts to address structural determinants of health.
A study in Japan reveals that universal screening methods for biliary atresia, a rare and severe lung condition in infants, are cost-effective. The research found that stool color card screening and direct bilirubin testing gained significant clinical benefits and saved lives.
A new study from researchers at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy found that coalitions working to combat childhood obesity are more effective when members form close relationships with people in different organizations, learn new information rapidly, and share that knowledge with others. This can lead ...
A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...
A 5-year follow-up study found patients who received a patient activation training had more primary care use and fewer substance-related emergency department visits. The intervention taught patients to connect with their primary care team, manage their health holistically, and overcome stigma associated with addiction treatment.
Research conducted at Linköping University found that screening for atrial fibrillation in older people could increase the chance of preventing stroke while saving money for healthcare systems. The study, based on data from the STROKESTOP clinical trial, suggests that screening can be a cost-effective intervention.
A study found that COVID-19-related brand advertising leads to increased social distancing behavior, with a 1% increase in ads resulting in an average of 466 more people staying at home daily. The effect is stronger among educated populations and attenuated in conservative counties.
A new study suggests that prelamin A, a precursor of lamin A, accumulates with age and may drive normal aging. Researchers propose this protein as a target for intervention strategies to extend healthspan and lifespan.
Researchers developed a 'leapfrog design' to efficiently test new psychological interventions. This method allows for the quick identification of ineffective interventions and rapid integration of new findings, leading to faster optimization of existing treatments.
The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) named Dr. Sarah Kamel of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Dr. Ankur Goyal of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences as Melvin Figley and Lee Rogers Fellows in Radiology Journalism, respectively. They will receive expert instruction in scientific writing and communication through the...
A new study found that genetic factors may underlie the link between unhealthy teenage behaviors and accelerated biological aging. The research, involving 824 twins, suggests that individuals with high body mass index scores or substance use are more likely to experience rapid aging.
A national study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that early intervention with catheter cryoablation can halt disease progression and reduce serious health risks. Cryoablation is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs in reducing the risk of persistent AF, hospitalization, and adverse events.
Dr. Volpp's research on behavioral economics and health incentives has significantly advanced understanding of cardiovascular outcomes, leading to changes in benefit design and program offerings. He is also the founder of Penn Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics.
A new study suggests that CPR education programs tailored to public housing communities can significantly improve cardiac arrest survival rates. The research found that more than half of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in Vienna and Copenhagen occurred in these communities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to train ...
The Institute of Human Virology has received $7.5 million in NCI grants to combat lung cancer and anal precancer in Botswana and Nigeria, respectively. The studies will utilize existing HIV treatment infrastructure to reach at-risk populations and contribute to global cancer control.
Research found social vulnerabilities such as poverty and minority status linked to increased cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 19 million pregnancies in US counties from 2016-2020 and found that four leading cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with some social vulnerability.
Survival rates for in-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest events have increased significantly between 2000 and 2021. Children with a history of cardiovascular disease showed slower improvement in survival rates compared to those without a history of CVD.
A one-year lifestyle intervention with a digital app and group counselling improved diet quality, reduced abdominal obesity and insulin resistance among 2907 Finnish adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that commitment to lifestyle counselling supports positive changes.
A collaborative effort aims to lower rates of obesity and diabetes by increasing access to locally produced fruits and vegetables in the Mississippi Delta. The $6.6 million NIH grant will fund community-based programs to expand local production and consumption of healthy foods, targeting high-risk areas with high rates of these diseases.
Dr. Eldrin F. Lewis, a clinician scientist at Stanford University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2022 Clinical Research Prize by the American Heart Association. His work focuses on improving quality of life and care delivery models for patients with heart failure through point-of-care initiatives.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that patients who participate in multiple outpatient visits early in treatment are more likely to continue care. Nearly half of these patients remained in treatment for six months or more, compared to just 2.9% of those with less frequent visits.
Researchers analyzed three intervention strategies to mitigate mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining, finding that while some methods reduce emissions, others create new environmental problems. The study suggests a need for more comprehensive approaches to address the complex issues surrounding mercury use.
Researchers developed an AI model that uses daily step counts to predict the likelihood of unplanned hospitalization during cancer therapy, offering personalized care and potential prevention of treatment interruptions. The model was tested on data from wearable consumer devices and showed strong predictive performance.
The American Gastroenterological Association releases new guidelines recommending medications paired with lifestyle changes for adults struggling to lose weight. The guidelines highlight the importance of treating obesity as a biological disease, reducing health complications like diabetes and fatty liver.
A study published in JACC: CardioOncology found that exercise during chemotherapy improves long-term cardiorespiratory fitness and alleviates adverse effects of cancer treatment. After treatment, an exercise program can recover lost function. The optimal timing of exercise intervention is during chemotherapy.
A new study found that timely treatment of depression can reduce the risk of dementia by about 30% in certain patient groups. The study, published in Biological Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 350,000 participants and found that depression elevated the risk of dementia by 51%, but treatment reduced this risk. Those with increasing ...
A study found that higher levels of inflammatory markers are associated with lower trabecular bone scores, indicating poorer bone health. Dietary intervention with prunes may counteract inflammation's negative effects on bone health, preserving cortical bone density and strength in postmenopausal women.