Articles tagged with Disease Prevention
Researchers aim to decipher human odor chemistry for detection and classification of smells, with progress in identifying odors associated with diseases like diabetes and cancer. Scientists also explore detecting 'smell of deception' to screen and identify terrorists and criminals.
Research suggests that diets high in fermentable carbohydrates, such as sugar and starch, can lead to dental decay and contribute to chronic systemic diseases. A diet low in these carbohydrates may improve cardiovascular markers and reduce body fat. Dental problems can serve as an early warning sign for dietary imbalances.
Researchers have identified 116 host factors essential for successful dengue infection in fruit flies, with at least one also necessary for mosquito infection. The study opens doors to new ways to prevent or treat the disease, which infects millions globally each year.
The new guideline encourages healthy men to talk to their doctors about using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) to prevent prostate cancer, with a 25% relative risk reduction in most men. ASCO developed a Decision Aid Tool to help patients and families understand the risks and benefits of 5-ARIs.
Chronic stress can lead to neglected oral hygiene habits, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help maintain healthy teeth and gums, reducing stress's negative impact on overall health and potentially lowering healthcare expenses.
The Lancet's Editorial emphasizes the importance of oral health prevention in reducing dental decay and its consequences. Daily use of fluoride is identified as a cost-effective approach to prevent tooth decay, especially in low- and middle-income countries where access to dentists is limited.
A clinical tool called TAG-IT has been developed to assess the risk of undetected hyperglycemia, impaired fasting glucose, and undiagnosed diabetes in patients. By identifying high-risk patients early, clinicians can implement preventative strategies to minimize progression to diabetes and related diseases.
A study found that the World Health Organization's (WHO) budget allocations do not align with global disease burdens. The WHO allocated 87% of its budget to infectious diseases, while non-communicable diseases received only 12%. This disparity in funding is concerning, particularly for injuries and violence, which are largely underfunded.
Researchers have identified compounds that block the activity of a specific enzyme, preventing brain injury and improving survival in fruit flies with Huntington's disease. The findings could lead to better treatments for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The International Red Cross has adopted a cholera prevention program developed by Hebrew University students, which was effective in preventing and managing the disease in displaced persons camps. The program aims to increase safe drinking water sources, promote awareness, and improve surveillance and reporting of cholera cases.
Patients taking proton pump inhibitors for 7 years or more are at higher risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. The study found a significant increase in hip fracture risk after 5 years and any fracture risk after 7 years of continuous exposure.
Researchers at the Burnham Institute have demonstrated successful enzyme replacement therapy to prevent hypophosphatasia in mice, paving the way for future clinical trials. The treatment maintains healthy bone mineral density and preserves skeletal structures, offering new hope for patients with this genetic disorder.
The incidence of group B streptococcus has decreased among infants younger than 7 days, but increased among adults aged 15-64 years and those over 65, according to a recent study. Disease trends following the release of guidelines for prevention near birth have not yet been well studied.
A study of 938 people with Alzheimer's disease found that heavy drinking reduced the age of onset by six to seven years, while heavy smoking reduced it by two and a half years. The combination of both risk factors led to an earlier onset of the disease.
A large-scale study published in Journal of the American Medical Association finds that omega-3 fatty acids offer no benefit for preventing relapse in Crohn's disease. However, patients who took omega-3 supplements experienced significantly lower triglyceride levels, a risk factor for heart disease.
Dr. Gitlin emphasizes the need for research on childhood diseases and their potential prevention through genetics and nutrition. His work aims to identify key factors leading to diseases in infancy, which may affect them later in life.
A global sanitation fund has been launched, with 32 African countries pledging to spend at least 0.5% of their GDP on sanitation and hygiene. Improved water and sanitation have a tremendous positive impact on health, but sanitation has languished at the bottom of the international agenda for far too long.
A single injection of doxycycline hyclate has shown 100% effectiveness in preventing Lyme disease and Anaplasmosis in mice, offering a promising new treatment option. Researchers are planning to test different release kinetics and delivery methods to develop a slow-release patch for broader protection.
A new study reveals that health professionals and the public lack preparation to integrate genetic testing into practice. The study suggests that education and training are needed to address this gap, with potential solutions including increasing the size of the genetics specialty workforce.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that zoonoses, disease originating in animals, are a major threat to emerging diseases. The team's analysis of 335 disease emergence incidents between 1940 and found that tropical regions with abundant wildlife species are likely next targets.
Researchers found that Group Health patients who regularly used their SilverSneakers benefit experienced significantly fewer inpatient admissions and lower total health care costs. Regular physical activity can help prevent falls, heart attacks, and diabetes complications.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife's Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center developed a special carrot to increase calcium absorption in humans. The study found a two-fold increase in calcium intake, which can help prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
Researchers at Yale University have shown that early treatment of epilepsy-prone rats with ethosuximide can suppress seizures and reduce their frequency even after treatment is stopped. This breakthrough could lead to preventing epilepsy in genetically susceptible people.
Achieving a 2% annual reduction in mortality rates due to chronic diseases could prevent 36 million deaths by 2015. The authors urge key players, including governments, industries, and NGOs, to prioritize policies and programs to tackle chronic diseases, such as tobacco control, diet modification, and physical activity promotion.
The Lancet report highlights the need for donors to invest in chronic disease prevention and treatment. The authors argue that evidence is not dichotomous, but rather a continuum that should trigger action under certain conditions. Policymakers must evaluate the level of evidence required before intervening.
A recent study found that patients with severe periodontal disease incur higher overall health care expenses compared to those with no periodontal disease. Treating periodontal diseases early on using simple non-surgical techniques can help restore a healthy mouth and potentially lower total health care costs.
Researchers have created a global consensus on the 20 foremost measures needed to curb humanity's most fatal diseases. The list of Grand Challenges includes prioritizing resource allocation within health systems and mitigating the impact of poverty and urbanization.
A city-wide sanitation intervention in Salvador, Brazil, significantly reduced diarrhoea prevalence among children, with a 22% decrease. The study found that diarrhoea was 43% lower in areas with the highest baseline prevalence of diarrhoea.
Researchers have found that mutated forms of the angiogenin gene are toxic to motor neurons and affect their ability to grow and extend. Targeting these faulty molecules may help maintain healthy neurons and prevent disease progression.
Researchers analyzed genes of 278 people with Parkinson's disease and found a higher prevalence of mutations in the GBA gene among those diagnosed before age 50. The study suggests that Jewish ancestry may be an important risk factor for younger-onset Parkinson's disease due to the increased presence of GBA gene mutations in this group.
Researchers at Tufts University developed mathematical models to accurately assess seasonality in six diseases, enabling more precise forecasting of outbreaks. The study found that certain diseases peak one month after the temperature peak, likely due to close person-to-person contact and different routes of transmission.
Six researchers will receive $60,000 awards to investigate biological, genetic, and environmental factors associated with Alzheimer's. The study aims to identify new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the disease, which affects an estimated 26 million people worldwide.
A pooled analysis of data from previous studies suggests that cigarette smoking is associated with a reduced risk for developing Parkinson’s disease. Current and long-term smokers had the lowest risk, while those who quit smoking up to 25 years prior to diagnosis also showed a significant decrease in risk.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that older adults with high levels of cognitive activity were 2.6 times less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Frequent cognitive stimulation during old age was associated with reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment and slower decline in cognitive function.
The global prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is estimated to grow from 26 million in 2006 to over 106 million by 2050. A significant increase in Asia is predicted, with the region accounting for 59% of worldwide cases.
A policy paper proposes new ethical principles for obtaining informed consent in large-scale genomic studies conducted in low-income countries. The authors emphasize the importance of protecting participants' rights and dignity, while also advancing global health research.
Researchers identified 9 clinical variables that independently predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis in early arthritis patients. The formula allows physicians and patients to make evidence-based treatment choices, potentially avoiding serious complications associated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Global health experts highlight the need for more international assistance to address chronic non-communicable conditions in low and middle income countries. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer cause more deaths than infectious diseases, yet receive less funding.
A new study suggests that prepaying benefits for diabetes prevention could save healthcare costs by preventing millions of individuals from developing the disease. By sharing costs with employers and individuals, private health insurers and Medicare can cover lifestyle interventions, reducing the economic impact of obesity and diabetes.
The NIH panel advocates for expanded regulation of vitamins and minerals, calling for changes in FDA's authority to ensure quality production and consumer reporting of adverse events. The panel also recommends rigorous randomized trials and new MVM databases to test efficacy and safety.
Research finds high incidence of skin diseases among Hispanic migrant farmworkers, including acne and foot fungus. The study highlights the need for better health education and access to services for these workers.
Researchers successfully engineered goat cells to silence prion protein genes, achieving over 90% knockdown. This breakthrough raises the possibility of using similar technology in cattle to prevent Mad Cow Disease and other diseases.
Researchers found that Resolvin E1 provided remarkable protection against soft tissue and bone loss associated with gum disease. The study supports the concept that inflammation is a good therapeutic target in the treatment of periodontal disease.
A recent study found that most Americans believe the US should increase funding for health research, with 55% saying they want more spent on the field. Americans also prioritize preventing disease over curing it, and are willing to pay $1 more per week in taxes for additional medical research.
The symposium discussed the potential of individualized dietary recommendations to optimize health and reduce chronic disease risk. Experts emphasized the need for tailored food choices, new definitions of health, and the application of technology to determine individual nutritional needs.
The Usher Institute has played a significant role in advancing public health in Edinburgh, with a particular emphasis on the study of human genetics and its impact on health outcomes. The institute's research programs have contributed to the University of Edinburgh's reputation as an international research centre.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects 1 in 500 adults and is the commonest cause of sudden death in otherwise fit young people. Treatment options include medication, surgery, or implantable defibrillators to relieve symptoms and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
Recent research suggests that autoantibodies can identify individuals at risk of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Autoantibodies were detected in healthy individuals years before the onset of symptoms, paving the way for potential preventive treatments and improved disease management.
A new study by McGill University researchers has identified phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) as a key enzyme that triggers multiple sclerosis-like disease in an animal model. Treatment with a chemical inhibitor of this enzyme results in a marked reduction in the onset and severity of the disease.
Tobacco smoking weakens the body's defense mechanism, increasing the development of periodontitis. Quitting helps to improve oral health through increased brushing and flossing, which can also prevent periodontal diseases.
Leaders at Duke University Medical Center propose a new approach to healthcare that emphasizes personalized health planning and prevention. The plan aims to reduce disease risk by analyzing individual genetic backgrounds, lifestyles, and environments, and providing patients with customized health plans.
The NIH has established a network of clinical research centers focused on rare diseases, aiming to accelerate diagnosis and treatment. The RDCRCs will facilitate data sharing and collaboration among investigators and patient support groups to improve lives and potentially prevent or eliminate these diseases.
A study highlights the rise of vitamin D deficiency and rickets in children and pregnant women, particularly in immigrant groups in more temperate regions. Experts recommend extra dietary vitamin D supplementation for these populations to prevent deficiencies.
A Cornell University expert argues that 8 million childhood deaths worldwide are preventable due to malnutrition. Malnutrition interacts with diseases like measles and pneumonia, increasing the risk of death by up to 12 times. The solution lies in making healthcare more equitable and accessible, despite funding issues.
A major herpes vaccine trial is underway for women to prevent genital herpes, with over 70% of HSV-1 and HSV-2 negative women showing protection against the disease. The trial aims to recruit thousands of HSV-negative women to test the efficacy of a subunit vaccine containing a piece of the virus outer coat.
A new healthcare model is being launched at Duke University Medical Center, focusing on personalized health planning, coaching, and disease prevention. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes by empowering patients to make lifestyle changes.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine osteoporosis screening to reduce fracture risk in women with low bone density. The optimal frequency of testing is unclear, but intervals of two to five years are most consistent with current understanding.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients with alcoholic-liver disease are at a higher risk of developing confusion and delirium after liver transplant surgery. The study, which included 87 patients, revealed that the length of sobriety before surgery is directly correlated to the severity of these complications.
Newborn diabetes screening benefits patients, medicine, and society by preventing complications, identifying at-risk individuals, and advancing research. Early detection enables targeted interventions to improve disease management, reduce hospitalizations, and lower medical costs.
The Society for Women's Health Research will release four news reports in February addressing key topics related to heart disease in women. The reports cover sex differences in referrals, mortality rates post-heart attack, the Framingham study, and the connection between heart disease and diabetes.