A recent study found that Kenyan patients who spend more than three days in hospitals are more likely to harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research team identified three risk factors associated with colonization, including hospitalization for extended periods and intubation.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that supportive communities and education about breastfeeding health benefits can boost breastfeeding rates, particularly in rural areas where it is less common. The study also showed that reduced stigma surrounding breastfeeding occurred with increased community exposure.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that minimally invasive surgical procedure staging laparoscopy can identify cancer spread early and determine the stage of pancreatic cancer. The research found a higher risk of cancer spread in patients with certain factors, such as age and tumor markers.
Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and loneliness, which can lead to a higher likelihood of developing heart disease. A recent study found that loneliness was associated with a 11% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with lower loneliness scores.
A study by Regenstrief Institute has identified seven risk factors for early onset colorectal cancer in males, providing a framework for clinicians to consider screening recommendations for younger men. The model may help estimate relative risk and identify individuals at higher risk for colorectal cancer.
Among US females ages 12-21, iron deficiency affected nearly 40%, while iron deficiency anemia occurred in approximately 6%. Menstruation was a significant risk factor for both conditions, with over one-quarter of premenarchal girls experiencing iron deficiency.
A new study published in JAMA found that bempedoic acid can reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in high-risk primary prevention patients who cannot tolerate recommended doses of statins. The treatment has the potential to improve outcomes for these patients, providing a new option for primary prevention.
The American Heart Association has launched a $20 million initiative to tackle health challenges in rural America, focusing on novel solutions to heart disease disparities. The Health Equity Research Network on Rural Health aims to explore innovative ways to address unique obstacles faced by rural communities.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients face substantial burden of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Modifiable CV risk factor control is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death among these patients.
A UMass Amherst biostatistician is developing statistical tools to better predict breast cancer survival rates and survival time after recurrence. The methods, funded by an NIH grant, will also have a broad application for other chronic diseases, such as those involving hormones and biomarkers.
Researchers found that 'concerning' CT imaging results were associated with lower clinical outcomes and shorter hospital stays in low-risk patients with acute pulmonary embolism. This suggests that emergency physicians may be managing these patients differently, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations.
A new study analyzing death records data found that men had a 2–3 times greater rate of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. The researchers noted that biological, behavioral, and social factors likely combined to increase the mortality risk for men.
Research identified three genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's contracture, a condition affecting fingers, that originated from Neanderthal DNA. The study, based on 7,871 affected individuals and 645,880 healthy controls, provides evidence of the intermingling between Neanderthals and modern humans influencing disease prevalence.
A study published in Neurology found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to have a stroke than those without the disease. The study revealed an association between IBD and an increased risk of stroke, with people with IBD being 13% more likely to experience a stroke up to 25 years after diagnosis.
Researchers suggest that multifactorial prediction models could enhance dementia risk estimation. Current dementia risk scores are found to have limited clinical utility for estimating 10-year dementia risk.
A new study found that elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels are a significant predictor of recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) in people over 60. The study suggests current cholesterol-lowering medications may not be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent CHD, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics to target elevated Lp(a).
A Dartmouth-led project has updated the Know Your Chances website to include smoking status as a major risk factor for mortality estimates. The new estimates provide more accurate predictions of cancer and disease risk, with smokers facing significantly higher risks after age 40.
The American Heart Association invites researchers to compete in a data challenge to better understand how lipoprotein(a) levels impact cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. The winning project can receive a $40,000 cash prize.
A recent study published in the journal CANCER found that supplemental ultrasound screening can detect breast cancers missed by mammography, but it requires careful targeting of high-risk groups. Women with dense breasts are at higher risk of interval invasive breast cancer, and clinicians should consider other breast cancer risk facto...
A new study found that obesity is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, with stronger links in female patients for gallbladder and endometrial cancer. The study also revealed differential effects between sexes on colorectal, esophageal, and liver cancer.
A recent study found that mothers who attended prenatal checkups had a lower risk of low birth weight. The study identified factors such as marital status, mental and physical health, and employment status as key contributors to attendance rates.
The new scientific statement highlights the importance of identifying the root cause of pediatric cardiomyopathy to develop effective treatment strategies. Genetic testing is recommended for all children with cardiomyopathy, which may lead to financial and emotional cost savings.
A study found that patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) who received incomplete neurovascular imaging were at higher odds of experiencing a stroke within 90 days. The research, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, used Medicare claims data to analyze TIA emergency department encounters.
A new study found that most adults with Type 2 diabetes in Alabama Medicaid did not receive follow-up healthcare within the recommended two-week period after a heart failure hospitalization. African American and Hispanic adults were particularly affected, with worse follow-up care compared to white adults.
A study found that people with insomnia symptoms are more likely to have a stroke, with the risk being higher in those under 50. Insomnia was associated with a 16% increased risk of stroke, with five to eight symptoms having a 51% increased risk.
Scientists at University of Virginia Health System discovered a gene that acts as a master controller for immune tolerance, shedding light on how our immune systems are calibrated to prevent MS. The new understanding could lead to better, more targeted treatments.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that a 5-year increase in muscle fat stored in the thigh muscle is associated with faster cognitive decline. The research suggests that muscle adiposity plays a unique role in cognitive decline, distinct from other types of fat or muscle characteristics.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers finds that crime risk assessment tools, such as machine learning models, are prone to cohort bias when ignoring social change dynamics. This bias can generate inequality in the criminal justice system, distinct from racial bias.
Researchers found that women with higher-quality cardiovascular fat during midlife had stronger long-term memory and lower inflammation, while those with lower-quality fat had worsening working memory. The study suggests that taking care of heart health during menopause may protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.
A new study published in Hypertension found that oral estrogen hormone therapy may increase the risk of high blood pressure in women, while transdermal and vaginal formulations appeared to have a lower impact. The research involved over 112,000 women aged 45 years and older who took estrogen-only hormone therapy.
Research shows higher physical activity levels can lower type 2 diabetes risk in people with high genetic risk. Regular exercise, especially moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities, was associated with a 74% lower risk of developing the condition.
Late-onset cognitive impairment emerged in adult childhood cancer survivors decades after diagnosis and treatment. Modifiable health behaviors and chronic health conditions significantly increase this risk.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease on AI/AN women. The study reveals that more than 60% of these women have suboptimal heart health when pregnant, increasing their risk of heart disease later in life.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that elevated levels of two protein biomarkers associated with heart damage were linked to undetected or symptomless cardiovascular disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed health information and blood samples from over 10,300 adults and foun...
A study of almost 65,000 children aged up to 5 found that nearly 27% are infected with malaria, with older under-five children and those from large families or rural areas being most vulnerable. Insecticide-treated bed nets and improved housing are promising means to prevent malaria infection among children.
A study of 8,269 pediatric patients reveals persistent disparities in central line–associated bloodstream infection rates for Black patients and those who speak a language other than English. Stratifying outcomes to assess for disparities may inform targeted interventions to improve equity.
A study of 438,000 UK Biobank participants found that adherence to healthy lifestyle factors was associated with a reduced risk of various obesity-related diseases. However, this association was modest in adults with obesity, suggesting that a healthy lifestyle may not entirely offset health risks.
New research from Ohio State University suggests that cognitive dissonance can lead to added pressure on the neck and low back during lifting and lowering tasks. The study found that participants who experienced higher levels of cognitive dissonance had increased spine loading, particularly in the neck region.
A new study from Tulane University found that eight social determinants of health significantly contribute to the racial mortality gap in the US. The research indicates that addressing these factors can eliminate the disparity in premature deaths among Black and White adults.
A novel county-level index, Maternal Vulnerability Index (MVI), was associated with preterm birth after individual confounders adjustment, suggesting its utility for policy implications and lowering preterm rates improvement.
Women with short or long menstrual cycles are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attack or AFib. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and found that irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with higher risks of CVD, independent of other factors.
Increasing physical activity, particularly daily 20-minute walks, can improve cardiovascular health and reduce disparities in heart health. Despite this, only one in four American adults meet the recommended physical activity levels, with certain groups facing additional barriers to accessibility.
A recent study published in Calcified Tissue International found that heavy drinkers are at risk of muscle loss and frailty. The research, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank, suggests that consuming 10 units or more of alcohol per day can lead to lower muscle mass, even when adjusted for body size and other factors.
A new method of analysis flags impaired glucose homeostasis (IGH) in 20% of 'healthy' participants using continuous glucose monitors. This finding has significant implications for early detection and prevention of Type 2 diabetes, with the potential to impact millions worldwide.
Researchers found that apoE4 poorly binds factor H, a regulatory factor of immunity, leading to amyloid-β oligomerization and neuroinflammation. This could be a potential solution to preventing Alzheimer's disease, with further research needed to find a bridging molecule.
A new study from the University of South Australia shows that the Mediterranean diet is not only good for health but also for your weekly budget. Compared to the typical Australian Western diet, the Mediterranean diet costs less, with a family of four saving $28 per week and nearly $1500 per year
A new Northwestern University study finds that CT scans are more effective than genetics in predicting the risk of heart disease in middle-aged individuals. The study used data from over 3,200 adults and found that adding CT scan data to conventional risk factors improved the accuracy of risk prediction.
A team of researchers developed a deep-learning model called WearNet that uses Fitbit data to detect depression and anxiety. The study found that WearNet performed better than state-of-the-art machine learning models in detecting these conditions, producing individual-level predictions.
Researchers found that 78% of patients reported at least one social risk factor impacting their health. A chatbot was developed to provide follow-up outreach and deliver educational content to recently discharged birthing individuals.
A new study found that lesbian and bisexual women are less likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores compared to heterosexual women. In contrast, gay and bisexual men were more likely to have ideal cardiovascular health scores. The study highlights the need for prevention strategies among sexual minority adults in France.
Researchers developed a new tool to predict heart disease risk in those over 40 based on their total exposure to heart disease risk factors. The study found that black patients have a 46% greater risk of developing heart disease compared to white patients.
Researchers identified novel genetic associations between AD and modifiable risk factors, including high HDL cholesterol concentrations and systolic blood pressure. These findings may inspire new drug targets and improved prevention strategies for AD.
A new study found an initial decline in diabetes mellitus plus cardiovascular disease-related mortality, but it reversed from 2014 to 2019. The researchers emphasized the need for primary prevention of diabetes and early diagnosis to prevent cardiovascular complications and mortality.
SourceElsevier·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2023
The number of deaths worldwide from ischemic stroke increased from 2 million in 1990 to more than 3 million in 2019, with an expected increase to nearly 5 million by 2030. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and high blood pressure are identified as major contributors to the rising stroke rate.
A study found that muscle fat accumulation, known as myosteatosis, is associated with a higher risk of major adverse events and death in asymptomatic adults. The presence of muscle fat was comparable to the mortality risk associated with smoking or type 2 diabetes.
A Pharmacy PhD student from the University of Huddersfield has won a prestigious award to present her research on how community pharmacies can contribute to preventing suicide in low and middle-income countries, particularly in Nigeria. She aims to raise awareness of suicide and train pharmacists to recognize signs and risk factors.
A new study found that managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors can help preserve physical function in older adults. The research, led by Dr. Shivani Sahni, showed that vascular measures are associated with grip strength and change in gait speed.
Researchers developed a computational approach to predict diabetic kidney disease using DNA methylation markers from a blood sample. The model can use this information to assess current and future kidney function, enabling early detection and prevention of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
The statement highlights enormous inequities in stroke care, leading to significant gaps in functional outcomes for historically disenfranchised groups. Upstream interventions, such as policy changes and place-based initiatives, are crucial to address these disparities.
A Cochrane review found that individual-level stress management interventions, such as cognitive behavioral training and exercise, can reduce stress in healthcare workers for up to a year. The long-term effects of these interventions remain unknown, highlighting the need for further research.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 11, 2023