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Supportive communities can help increase breastfeeding rates for moms, MU study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPublic Health Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2023

Staging pancreatic cancer early with minimally invasive surgery shows positive results in patient prognosis, Mayo Clinic study finds

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 29, 2023

‘Concerning’ CT scans may cause unnecessary hospitalization for some pulmonary embolism patients

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

The Viking disease can be due to gene variants inherited from Neanderthals

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2023

Elevated Lipoprotein(a) is the latest variant of ‘bad cholesterol’ found to increase the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease

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).

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2023

Incomplete imaging for transient ischemic attack emergencies increases stroke risk

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.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

Does fat content within muscle predict risk of cognitive decline?

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.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 7, 2023

Healthy vascular fat during menopause may stave off dementia later in life

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2023

1 in 3 adults with Type 2 diabetes may have undetected cardiovascular disease

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...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 31, 2023

Almost 3 in 10 of young kids may have malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMay 31, 2023

Heavy drinkers risk muscle loss, new study finds

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCalcified Tissue International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Lesbian, bisexual women more likely to have worse heart health than heterosexual women

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 17, 2023

New study highlights dangers of cumulative exposure to cardiovascular risks and need for earlier primary prevention strategies

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

New algorithm can predict diabetic kidney disease

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2023