Articles tagged with Disease Prevention
The American Heart Association invites communities nationwide to walk together on National Walking Day to break the cycle of sedentary behavior. Regular walking can improve both physical and mental well-being, even in small steps.
Researchers identified a new way to fight infections like Lyme and syphilis by disrupting the bacteria's 'motor', preventing it from spreading through the body. The findings could have wide-ranging impacts on the treatment of infections in the future as concern about antibiotic-resistant strains grows.
A new study found that reported tuberculosis diagnoses among incarcerated people in Europe and the Americas plummeted by up to 100% during the pandemic, despite consistent incarceration rates. This reduction was distinct from general population trends, highlighting the need for improved healthcare systems within prisons.
The BHF PROTECT-TAVI trial found no reduction in stroke rate for patients undergoing TAVR with an embolic protection device. Despite its large sample size, the study showed that cerebral embolic protection devices do not improve outcomes for TAVR patients.
Patients who received nurse-led follow-up care had a 30% lower rate of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attacks, or strokes at five years compared to those receiving standard care. This was achieved through improved lifestyle habits and medication adherence.
A new study developed an AI-powered algorithm that accurately predicted sudden cardiac death risk in over 70% of cases. The algorithm analyzed data from 240,000 ambulatory electrocardiograms and identified patients at risk of severe arrhythmias within two weeks.
A new study found that three months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was better than one month for reducing heart attacks, strokes, and other adverse events without increasing bleeding risk in high-risk patients. For low-risk patients, three months of DAPT was comparable to 12 months in reducing adverse events, while being better th...
Researchers have studied the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds from papaya, passion fruit, and medicinal plant extracts. Modified pectins extracted from these plants show potential as supplements or food ingredients to boost biological activity against colon cancer and gut microbiota.
The American College of Cardiology will honor three early career cardiologists with the Hani Najm Global Scholar Award Observership Program at ACC.25, taking place in Chicago. The program encourages international cardiology professionals to share knowledge and enhance their training by shadowing a practicing cardiologist in the US.
The American College of Cardiology has recognized 21 distinguished award recipients for their outstanding contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine. The awardees will be honored during Convocation at ACC.25 in Chicago, showcasing their remarkable work in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health.
New study finds park entrances in Dublin, Ireland, to be heavily contaminated with infective Toxocara canis eggs, posing a risk of zoonotic infection. The researchers call for increased measures to prevent dog feces disposal at these locations.
A new white paper finds that expanding access to anti-obesity medications can prevent or delay chronic disease by years, providing significant societal benefits. The study estimates a $10 trillion return on investment and 13% annual returns on investment for society.
Researchers tested various disinfectants to inactivate hepatitis A virus particles, finding only a few effective agents. The study suggests that surface disinfection could help prevent infection, especially in high-risk areas.
The American Heart Association has launched a new certification program for hospitals dedicated to optimizing heart failure treatment, reducing readmissions. The Heart Failure Center Certification aims to enhance patient outcomes and promote evidence-based treatments.
A UK study found that children of obese mothers are more likely to become obese adults, suggesting that societal and early-life factors play a significant role in obesity. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 people born in the same week in 1958 and found that these early life factors persisted through adulthood.
A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers at Lancaster University discovered a new type of vaccine-specific scepticism, where some people perceive COVID-19 vaccines as 'not a vaccine' compared to MMR. This phenomenon may also apply to the flu vaccine, highlighting the need for clear public health messaging.
Many teenagers enter adulthood with significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and emerging adulthood is a key time to address these risks. Interventions such as health practices, lifestyle changes, and improved access to healthcare can help reduce the risk of developing future cardiovascular disease.
A meta-analysis of 14 studies reveals that combination lipid-lowering therapy using statins and ezetimibe significantly lowers LDL cholesterol levels and diminishes cardiovascular risks. Early integration of this approach in treatment protocols can substantially curtail mortality and CVD events.
The rate of maternal mortality related to cardiovascular causes has more than doubled between 1999 and 2022 in the US. Researchers attribute the increase to factors such as socioeconomic disadvantages, limited access to healthcare, and higher prevalence of risk factors.
A growing body of evidence suggests a significant link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and heart disease. Researchers pooled data from nearly 250,000 patients in seven studies, finding HPV-positive individuals had a 40% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
A new study finds that Canada is the slowest country to report genetic information about bird flu, with an average time of 618 days. However, the same researchers note that Canada was able to improve its response to COVID-19, highlighting the need for similar urgency in addressing this public health threat.
A remote booster program after cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces daily sitting time and increases light physical activity, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Participants who received coaching via phone and digital communication showed a clear improvement in sedentary behavior and increased physical activity.
A study published in Nutrients found that men and women eat differently, with women taking longer to finish meals and chewing more. Increasing the number of chews per bite and taking smaller bites can extend meal duration, which is positively associated with reduced food consumption.
A family-based approach to lifestyle interventions significantly improved weight management and obesity-related health outcomes among individuals with a family history of premature coronary heart disease. The study found that participants experienced an average reduction of 2.61 kg in weight, 1.06 kg/m² in BMI, and 4.17 cm in waist cir...
A study of over 105,000 individuals found that following a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods and moderate animal-based foods can promote overall healthy aging. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) was the leading dietary pattern, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Childhood tuberculosis cases in the EU/EEA have increased by 26% over the past three years, with young children under 15 accounting for 4.3% of all TB cases. The rise in pediatric TB has raised concerns about incomplete treatment, drug-resistant TB, and further transmission.
A large study suggests that patients at high risk of heart attacks and strokes should be treated immediately with a combination of a statin and ezetimibe, rather than statins alone. This combination therapy significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause and major adverse cardiovascular events.
A Mount Sinai-led team has discovered a link between gamma delta intraepithelial lymphocytes and the development of Crohn's disease. By analyzing a mouse model, they found that impaired communication between these cells led to inflammation in the lower small intestine.
A deep learning model analyzes breast arterial calcification and translates results into a cardiovascular risk score, helping identify patients at higher risk of heart disease. The tool is particularly useful for younger women, who can benefit from early interventions.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports a rise in tuberculosis cases among children and adolescents in the EU/EEA, with a slight increase in the notification rate from 2.0 to 2.5 per 100,000 population. The highest proportion of paediatric TB was observed in children aged 1 to 4 years old.
Researchers found that patients who received non-compliant care had more complex medical conditions and were more likely to present with unusual symptoms. The study's findings challenge the assumption that SEP-1 compliant care is associated with better survival, highlighting the need for risk-adjusted outcome measures.
CHEST MedCast offers over 400 videos and podcasts with personalized content recommendations, available on-demand and at any time from any device. The platform features an algorithm-based recommendation engine and up to 100 available CME credits/MOC points.
A clinical trial shows that removing amyloid plaques from the brain can delay Alzheimer's symptoms, supporting the amyloid hypothesis. The treatment reduced the risk of developing dementia in people destined to develop early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have identified a type of immune cell that produces extracellular matrix, strengthening the skin's defensive function and maintaining its integrity. This discovery may lead to new strategies for treating skin diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and age-related conditions.
The Endocrine Society calls for the reinstatement of the Diabetes Prevention Program, which has been halted by government funding cuts. The program, spanning three decades, found that lifestyle changes or metformin could prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in at-risk individuals, with a notable 58% risk reduction through 5%-7% weight loss.
A longitudinal study of Hispanic mothers found that women with normal blood pressure levels during pregnancy but no mid-pregnancy drop in blood pressure face an increased risk of developing hypertension after giving birth. Tracking blood pressure patterns during pregnancy may help identify these women and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a computational tool called LogiRx that can predict how drugs will affect biological processes in the body. The tool has demonstrated its potential by identifying a promising candidate to prevent heart failure, a leading cause of death worldwide.
Researchers argue that the current paradigm of cancer as a genetic disease is unproductive due to inconsistencies in sequencing data. Alternative paradigms considering non-genetic processes, such as disruptions in gene regulatory networks and tissue organization, are proposed to guide future experiments.
Researchers found that lifestyle and health factors linked with heart disease have a stronger impact on women than men. Women were more likely to have fewer negative risk factors but faced a greater increase in cardiovascular events if they had more negative risk factors compared to men.
A Northwestern University study found significant disparities in glaucoma monitoring, with rural and economically distressed communities facing barriers to care. The study identified strategies to improve access, including expanding tele-ophthalmology services, home monitoring technology, and financial support.
Oropouche virus has been reported in travellers from Canada and the US who visited Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Cuba, with symptoms including fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. The risk of miscarriage and microcephaly is high for pregnant individuals, prompting cautionary measures.
A Phase 1 clinical trial is enrolling up to 55 healthy adults to test the safety and immunogenicity of a candidate Lassa vaccine. The trial aims to prevent Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease that can cause permanent hearing loss.
Thomas Jefferson University has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial for a Lassa virus (LASV) vaccine, currently enrolling healthy volunteers. The vaccine's safety and immunogenicity will be assessed in both the rabies virus and LASV.
A recent cohort study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that statin use was associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation in patients with chronic liver disease. This suggests that statins may play a role in preventing the progression of liver disease and reducing the risk of liver cancer.
A novel subset of progenitor cells, called high-risk MSCs, reside in the stroma and promote DNA damage and tumor growth. These cells play a critical role in the initiation of ovarian cancer, particularly in older women or those with BRCA mutations.
Consuming raw milk and its products increases the risk of foodborne illness, including from Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have detected H5N1 bird flu in raw milk, posing a risk to human health.
Researchers discovered that exposure to similar behaviors within a person's social network is the most significant factor predicting individual prevention behaviors. Household-level interventions targeting entire families could result in more effective prevention strategies.
A study has established the importance of immunoglobulin A in generating a response to pneumonia vaccines. The research found that poor regulation of gut microbiota can lead to an inadequate immune response, leaving individuals vulnerable to respiratory infections.
A recent study by Oregon Health & Science University and Weill Cornell Medicine has found that CMV lacking a certain viral protein complex can still be transmitted and cause significant harm to the developing fetus. The research suggests that additional vaccine targets need to be identified and explored to provide superior protection.
A cross-sectional survey revealed high costs, inadequate training, and poor financing as major challenges to gastrointestinal endoscopy practice in Nigeria. Locally developed innovations have eased the practice, preventing it from collapsing.
A national survey found that nearly 90% of Americans believe eating healthy foods is crucial for preventing conditions like obesity and type-2 diabetes. More than half would participate in produce prescriptions or medically tailored meal programs if offered through their healthcare providers.
A major clinical trial has identified ensitrelvir as an effective medication to prevent symptomatic COVID-19 in people exposed within households. The trial showed a 67% reduction in risk of illness among participants taking the antiviral compared to those given a placebo.
The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of brain health, citing a growing burden of dementia and neurological conditions worldwide. By adopting healthy behaviors and addressing modifiable risk factors, individuals can improve their cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related decline.
A new study found that limiting TV viewing to one hour or less daily may help offset an increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases for people with a genetic risk for Type 2 diabetes. This suggests that reducing TV watching could serve as a key behavioral target for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases linked to Typ...
Researchers have discovered how cholesterol crystals form in human bodies, shedding light on heart disease and gallstones. The team identified a special solvent that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing them to watch how cholesterol crystals grow in real time.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights disparities in risk factors, symptoms, screening, treatment, and outcomes for women with peripheral vascular disease. The statement emphasizes the need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies to improve health equity.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports a significant increase in measles cases across EU/EEA countries, with eight out of ten unvaccinated individuals contracting the disease. Vaccination levels fall short of the 95% target, leaving vulnerable populations susceptible to measles.
A new study analyzing global data from 1990 to 2021 found significant cross-country disparities in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, with approximately two-thirds of individuals living in low- and middle-income countries. The study highlights the need for targeted prevention and control strategies in different countries.
The American College of Physicians updates its guidelines recommending SGLT2 inhibitors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) management, regardless of diabetes type. The new guidelines emphasize the importance of tailored care and suggest individualized risk-based approaches to predict kidney failure.