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What makes a public health campaign successful?

A new study analyzed 31 previous studies on global health programs to find common themes in public health success. The researchers identified eight key drivers, including efficient data systems, effective leadership, and women's empowerment, that contributed to exceptional outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 9, 2024

Addition of radix salviae decoction for a short period does not significantly change coronary stenosis and restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention

A clinical trial found that adding Radix Salviae decoction to conventional treatment did not change coronary stenosis and restenosis rates after percutaneous coronary intervention. The diagnosis of MI/angina, average stent length, and ALT levels were associated with neostenosis occurrence.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology·DateMay 8, 2024

Mobile teams bring COVID-19 vaccines to rural villages in Sierra Leone

A new research project showed that mobile vaccination teams are an effective way to increase vaccination uptake in remote areas of Sierra Leone. Immunization rates increased by up to 26% in trial villages, and the cost was about $33 per person, making it a cost-effective intervention.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 7, 2024

Assessing knowledge and first-aid practice scores of caregivers of epilepsy patients before and after an educational program in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia

A recent study in Saudi Arabia assessed the effectiveness of an educational program improving epilepsy care among caregivers. The intervention showed a significant decrease in knowledge gaps, with 23.2% having sufficient knowledge post-intervention compared to 60% before.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateMay 6, 2024

An omega-6 fatty acid may reduce the risk for bipolar disorder

Researchers found a genetic link between higher circulating levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk for bipolar disorder. The study suggests that altering arachidonic acid synthesis pathways may reduce bipolar disorder risk, particularly in those with compromised pathways.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Listening to mindfulness audios during radiation improves physical, emotional side effects

Men with prostate cancer who listened to mindfulness audio recordings during radiation therapy experienced significant reductions in fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The study found that the mindfulness intervention was more effective than listening to relaxing music during treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateApr 30, 2024

Study highlights importance of early interventions to combat HIV

Researchers compared HIV reservoirs between patients with early and late treatment initiation. Early treatment was associated with faster decay of virus reservoirs, indicating a more effective immune clearance mechanism. This study supports the potential for early interventions to combat HIV by enabling an eventual cure.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateApr 30, 2024

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to addressing men’s health issues globally

Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that life transitions and global health policies for men vary across communities, with differing effects on physical and mental health. Men's life expectancy lags behind women's, and health interventions should focus on individual needs and cultural contexts.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

Pennington Biomedical’s Dr. Steven Heymsfield and colleague publish guidance on energy and macronutrients across the lifespan

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine provides recommendations for protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and water intake at various stages of life to support overall health. The guidance, developed by Dr. Steven Heymsfield and Dr. Sue Shapses, aims to promote personalized diets with key macronutrients.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 17, 2024

Older adults with diabetes experienced functional decline during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes found that approximately 1 in 5 older Canadian adults with diabetes developed functional limitations for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with lower incomes faced a significantly higher risk of developing functional limitations compared to their peers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Diabetes·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2024

Preventive angioplasty does not improve prognosis

A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive angioplasty for heart attack patients does not improve prognosis. The research included 1542 patients and showed no difference between treatment groups in terms of new heart attacks or all-cause deaths.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 8, 2024

Life expectancy increased as world addressed major killers including diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, and stroke

The study found that reductions in deaths from chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and cancer led to the largest net gain in life expectancy between 1990 and 2021. The super-region of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the largest net gain, while South Asia had the second-largest increase primari...

First performance standards published to measure the effectiveness of lifestyle medicine treatments

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has published the first performance measures to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle medicine treatments. The standards aim to facilitate the broader integration of lifestyle medicine into healthcare by documenting remission and long-term progress. The 32 proposed performance measures cover v...

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateMar 28, 2024

Parental avoidance of toxic exposures could help prevent autism, ADHD in children, new study shows

Researchers found that parents with high chemical intolerance scores were 5.7 times more likely to report a child with autism, highlighting the potential preventive role of avoiding toxic exposures. The study also suggests that reducing exposure prior to and during pregnancy could help prevention.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Xenobiotics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Handing out vapes in A&E helps smokers quit

A UK trial found that giving e-cigarette starter packs to smokers in emergency departments led to a significant increase in quitting, with nearly one-quarter of participants successful after six months. The intervention also helped those who didn't quit reduce their cigarette smoking.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 26, 2024

Depression in Black people goes unnoticed by AI models analyzing language in social media posts

Researchers found that AI models using language patterns from past studies are less predictive for depression among Black people on Facebook. The study suggests that considering intersection of race and social media can improve depression detection, and calls for more data to learn depression patterns in Black individuals. Better under...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2024

Digital twin allows for tailored medication

A study published in Genome Medicine uses digital twins to computationally treat thousands of medications in individual patients with autoimmune diseases, finding promising results in mice and human tissue samples. The technology has the potential to revolutionize precision medicine by providing tailored medication for each patient.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 20, 2024

Details in pregnancy history shed light on risk of dying of cardiovascular disease

Research found that certain patterns of pregnancy history, including early deliveries and multiple hypertensive disorders, are associated with high risk of heart attack and stroke. Others with fewer or no complications have lower risk, suggesting other factors may also play a role in predicting cardiovascular disease mortality.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

AI tools and parent support could be keys to unlock perfectionism

A new pilot study explores the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-supplemented Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Perfectionism (CBT-P) intervention for young people with anxiety and depression. The research suggests that AI tools could provide strong guidance through a therapy program, while parent support is also crucial in hel...

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternet Interventions·TypeCase study·DateMar 18, 2024

Burning mouth syndrome: Study unveils instant relief through low level laser therapy

A new study found that low-level laser therapy (PBM) provides immediate pain relief for Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) patients, with a significant drop in pain scores after each treatment. The study also observed a cumulative effect of PBM on alleviating BMS symptoms, especially up to the third treatment.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalOral Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 13, 2024

A simple intervention benefits cancer patients while saving hospitals money, Pitt study showed

A Phase III clinical trial showed that cancer patients who received specialized mental health support experienced lasting improvements in quality of life, reduced pain, depression, and fatigue. The intervention also led to lower risk of cardiovascular disease in family caregivers and substantial cost savings for the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 12, 2024

Factors that increase risk of frailty in old age are different in men and women

A study analyzing ELSA data found that osteoporosis, heart disease, and poor hearing increased frailty risk in men, while high fibrinogen levels, diabetes, and stroke were linked to higher risks in women. This highlights the importance of gender-specific action plans and intervention for older people.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·DateFeb 28, 2024

Healthcare leaders plea to reinstate the Canadian hypertension control program to prevent death and disability

Canadian healthcare leaders call for re-establishment of a national hypertension control program to reduce deaths and disabilities. The program aims to provide population-scale prevention methods, proven to save lives and reduce healthcare costs. Experts highlight the need for collaboration with governments and healthcare providers.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 26, 2024

Uptake of HIV prevention medication doubles with mix of digital health interventions, study finds

A UCLA-led study found that a combination of telehealth coaching, peer support, and automated text messages increased PrEP uptake among younger Americans by more than doubling it. The intervention's success suggests the importance of behavioral interventions and wraparound services in supporting HIV prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2024

This common medication could save half a million children’s lives each year. So why is it underprescribed?

A new study found that healthcare provider perceptions of patient preferences are the biggest barrier to prescribing oral rehydration salts (ORS), which costs only a few cents. Patients expressing a preference for ORS increased prescribing by 27 percentage points, making it an effective intervention.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2024

Global study unveils strategies to shield breast cancer patients from distressing lymphoedema condition after surgery

A global study has identified evidence-based approaches to prevent breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema (BCRAL) by addressing risk factors and implementing surveillance programs. The research provides a clinical guide for healthcare teams worldwide to adopt a proactive approach in preventing this irreversible complication.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 4, 2024

‘Rare positive result' in trial of new support intervention for people with dementia and their family carers

A new therapy called NIDUS-Family has shown promising results in improving the lives of people with dementia and their family carers. The study found that those who received the intervention were more likely to achieve their personal goals, such as increasing social engagement or improving caregiver support.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2024

Students are missing more school, and school nurses may be well-positioned to help

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Knoo Lee found that school nurses are well-positioned to identify students at-risk for chronic school absenteeism. Students who have many partial-day absences often proactively seek out school nurses as a source of comfort and support, presenting an opportunity for intervention before...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of School Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJan 29, 2024

The more the merrier: Research shows online interventions with social support help middle-aged adults with obesity lose weight

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Mansoo Yu found that online weight loss interventions with counseling and social support are effective for middle-aged adults with obesity. The study identified two key features: professional health coaching and access to social support from other users, which led to significant long-...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

APOE genetic variants linked to Alzheimer disease are also associated with the development of subclinical aterosclerosis

The study found that APOE4 carriers have elevated LDL cholesterol levels, increasing their risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. In contrast, APOE2 carriers have lower cholesterol and reduced atherosclerosis prevalence.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 23, 2024