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Home measurement of blood oxygen levels by corona patients themselves easily applicable

A study by UMC Utrecht shows that corona patients can measure their blood oxygen levels at home using a pulse oximeter, feeling safe and experiencing more control. This method does not increase GP visits or hospitalization but contributes to relieving caregivers and keeping healthcare affordable.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 10, 2023

Change in breast density over time linked to cancer risk

Researchers found that women with denser breasts who developed cancer had slower declining density over time. The study suggests using past history of density in addition to current estimates to better understand risk levels and potentially identify which breast is at risk.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution

A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2023

Declines in racial disparities in COVID mortality in 2021 were largely driven by increases in white mortality and changing pandemic geography

A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2023

Young men at highest risk of schizophrenia linked with cannabis use disorder

A recent NIH study reveals that young men with cannabis use disorder are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. The study analyzed health records data from over 6 million people in Denmark and found that as many as 30% of schizophrenia cases among young men aged 21-30 might have been prevented by averting cannabis use disorder.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 4, 2023

Red flags indicate risk for early-onset colorectal cancer

Researchers have found four key red flags for early-onset colorectal cancer, including abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, which can indicate an increased risk in younger adults. Early detection through timely endoscopy and follow-up is crucial to improve survival rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2023

Behavior patterns of people who achieve clinically significant weight loss

Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 US adults, finding that those who lost at least 5% of their body weight showed higher diet quality and more moderate physical activity. However, the study also found that many individuals relied on unsustainable non-evidence-based approaches for weight loss, highlighting the need for a paradig...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2023

New ACS report finds smoking rates, alcohol use, physical inactivity decreased during COVID-19; worsening trends in obesity, cervical cancer screening

While smoking rates, physical inactivity, and heavy alcohol consumption declined, obesity prevalence increased, and cervical cancer screening declined between 2019 and 2021. Disparities by racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status persisted, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateMay 2, 2023

HIV status is not associated with mpox treatment outcomes in persons using tecovirimat

A cohort study of 196 people treated with tecovirimat found that HIV status did not impact treatment outcomes. Only 22% of participants experienced nonsevere adverse effects, and 4 serious adverse events occurred, with 3 being persons with HIV. The findings contradict previous uncertainty about HIV's role in mpox acquisition.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Risk of rehospitalization in younger women after heart attack nearly double that of men

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that younger women are nearly twice as likely to be rehospitalized after a heart attack as men. The disparity is largely due to higher rates of risk factors such as obesity and depression among women, which contribute to more adverse outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2023

Slowing down in your old age? It may be a dementia warning sign.

Research from Edith Cowan University found that lower grip strength and slower timed-up-and-go tests were significant risk factors for presenting with dementia. The study suggests that incorporating muscle function tests into dementia screening could help identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from primary prevention programs.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2023

Study shines light on impact of environment on neurocognitive outcomes

A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children with supportive environments fared better than those living in neighborhoods with economic hardship. Higher EHI scores were associated with lower cognitive abilities and greater decline after treatment, especially in math skills.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

U.S. adults who felt discrimination at work faced increased risk of high blood pressure

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that U.S. adults who experienced workplace discrimination were more likely to develop high blood pressure. The research, which analyzed data from over 1,200 adults, suggests that work-related stress due to discrimination may be an emerging risk factor for card...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 26, 2023

Achieving prevention and health, rather than more healthcare

Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2023

Online tool found to be effective at assessing dementia risk

A new online tool, CogDrisk, has been found to be effective in assessing dementia risk, providing a personalized report for patients and GPs. The tool uses a combination of statistical methods and modifiable risk factors to predict dementia risk, including physical activity, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 19, 2023

UMD psychologist finds daily occurrences’ impact on suicide, self-harm ideation in LGBTQ+ teens

A University of Maryland study found that LGBTQ+ teens experience more suicidal thoughts and self-harm ideation on days when they face high levels of minority stress, including microaggressions and internalized stigma. The study suggests that daily interventions are crucial to reducing these risks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science·DateApr 18, 2023

Cancer prevention with rapamycin

Researchers discuss rapamycin's potential to delay cancer onset by slowing cell proliferation and tumor progression. The mTOR pathway is involved in both cancer and aging, making rapamycin a promising chemopreventive agent.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 17, 2023

Risks of removing ovaries at benign hysterectomy may outweigh the benefits for women at low risk for ovarian cancer

Researchers found that removing ovaries during a benign hysterectomy increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women, but not necessarily for cancer. The study supports current recommendations to conserve ovaries in premenopausal patients at low risk for ovarian cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023

Study finds disparate gender differences in victims of child sex trafficking

The study reveals that female youth charged with prostitution had significantly higher prevalence rates of physical abuse and lower likelihood of living with parents, while males were more likely to live with their parents. Education and training are crucial for professionals to identify sex trafficking victimization and reduce misiden...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalVictims & Offenders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2023

Non-biological factors and social determinants of health important in women’s CVD risk assessment

The new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of including non-biological factors and social determinants in CVD risk assessment for women. These factors include economic stability, neighborhood safety, education level, and access to quality healthcare, which disproportionately affect women from dive...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateApr 10, 2023

Scientists show how we can anticipate rather than react to extinction in mammals

Researchers developed a model that predicts which species are at risk of becoming threatened or extinct based on climate change, human population growth, and land use patterns. The study aims to shift conservation efforts from reactive to proactive, enabling the protection of species before they reach threatened status.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2023

High blood pressure in your 30s is associated with worse brain health in your 70s

A new UC Davis study found that high blood pressure in young adulthood is associated with lower regional brain volumes and worse white matter integrity, both factors linked to dementia. The research also showed sex differences in the negative brain changes, with men exhibiting stronger effects than women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

New test could help identify type 2 diabetes risk

Researchers used DNA methylation data alongside traditional risk factors to improve prediction accuracy for type 2 diabetes. The study, involving over 14,600 participants, found that the new approach correctly predicted an extra 449 individuals, leading to potential preventative measures and reduced health burden.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Aging·TypeObservational study·DateApr 6, 2023

Community-based prevention system linked to reduced handgun carrying among youth growing up in rural areas

A study published by the University of Washington found that a community-based prevention system called Communities That Care (CTC) reduced handgun carrying among adolescents growing up in rural areas. By the 12th grade, adolescents in CTC communities were 24% less likely to report carrying a handgun than those in control communities.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 6, 2023

Communication may guide family members’ decisions after sudden cardiac death

A new study finds that clear and accurate information about the cause of death, provided in multiple formats, can influence family members' decisions to seek follow-up screening for inherited heart conditions. The study suggests that communication from death investigators and health care professionals is crucial in addressing families'...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateApr 4, 2023