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Physiological effects of peripheral amyloid-β elucidated - Type 2 diabetes seen as major risk to development of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers identified peripheral tissues as source of blood amyloid beta, which regulates blood glucose levels and suppresses insulin secretion. The study suggests a possible mechanism linking type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer's disease development.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

Hospitals risk losing key services during disaster

A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that UK hospitals face significant challenges in maintaining capacity and vital services during extreme events, with an average staff capability of attendance at 61%. The research highlights the need for comprehensive disaster management strategies to mitigate against risks.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeSurvey·DateMar 10, 2022

Mapping of exposed water tanks and swimming pools based on aerial images can help control dengue

Researchers in Brazil developed a computer program that locates swimming pools and rooftop water tanks in aerial photographs, using artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti. The innovation can be used as a public policy tool for dynamic socio-economic ...

Follow-up shows 'very high odds' of long-term disability for veterans with combat concussion

A study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that service members who sustained combat-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at high risk of long-term disability. The odds of being on a trajectory of worse long-term outcome were 49 times higher for those with blast TBI compared to those with no blast exposure.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateMar 8, 2022

Reading builds resilience among at-risk kids

A study from University of South Australia found that reading aloud to children can triple a child's resilience at school, particularly for those who have suffered abuse or neglect. The study identified reading as a key factor in supporting children's emotional, social and physical development before they start school.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Lipid profiling can predict risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease decades before onset

A new study reveals that simultaneous measurement of dozens of types of fats in the blood can predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease years in advance. The researchers found that individuals with a certain lipid profile are at increased risk, while those with a different profile have lower risk. This d...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2022

Evidence links e-cigarette use with increased odds of prediabetes

A large US survey found a strong association between e-cigarette use and prediabetes, with users having higher prevalence of high-risk lifestyle factors and worse health status. The study's findings challenge the promotion of e-cigarettes as a safer smoking alternative.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2022

First data in a decade highlights ethnic disparities in cancer

The study found that White people are more than twice as likely to get some types of cancer, including melanoma skin cancer and oesophageal bladder cancers, compared to Black, Asian or Mixed ethnic backgrounds. Black people are also more likely to get certain types of cancer, such as myeloma and prostate cancer.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2022

A possible therapeutic approach to COVID-19

The article suggests a potential treatment option for COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2's interaction with ACE2 receptors. Combining DPP4 inhibitors and spironolactone may mitigate COVID-19 complications and infections without adverse side effects.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalEndocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 27, 2022

Providence study: COVID vaccine effectiveness declines after 6 months without boosters

A Providence study confirms COVID vaccines are 94% effective at preventing hospitalization within 50-100 days of vaccination, but protection declines to 80.4% after 200-250 days. The study also identifies key risk factors for severe breakthrough infections, including advanced age, comorbidities, and vaccine type.

SourceProvidence Health & Services·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeCase study·DateFeb 25, 2022

A decade of women’s heart health, reexamined

A new collection of scientific articles reviews the past decade of research on women's cardiovascular health, identifying key differences between men and women. The studies highlight critical gaps in current knowledge and emphasize the need for a more tailored approach to diagnosing and treating heart disease and stroke risk in women.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateFeb 24, 2022

What factors might put older adults at higher risk of experiencing greater disability after major surgery?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who underwent non-elective surgery had more disabilities in daily activities after surgery. Factors associated with increased disability burden included age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood disadvantage, multimorbidity, frailty, and health conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 24, 2022

Patients with rare skin cancer face 40% recurrence rate

Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma face a high risk of recurrence, with 95% of cases occurring within the first three years. The study found that advanced age, male sex, immunosuppression, and known primary lesions are associated with higher recurrence rates, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance efforts.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

Identification of new risk factors or early signs of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers analyzed health records of nearly 80,000 patients to identify new risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, including depression, anxiety, and hearing loss. The study found that these conditions were associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's up to 15 years before the onset of symptoms.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

New health survey of indigenous Nepali people uncovers clues about the prevalence and determinants of non-communicable diseases

A recent study led by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers found that 23.8% of indigenous Nepali individuals were hypertensive, with nearly 14% having no association with identified lifestyle factors. The findings highlight the need for tailored medical research to address the unique health challenges of indigenous populations in Nepal.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateFeb 18, 2022

Bu study: Racism, discrimination likely key drivers of racial inequities in preterm birth rates among black parents

A new study found significant variation in preterm birth rates among Black parents by region, country of origin, and nativity. Despite adjusting for socioeconomic, health, and behavior factors, the researchers suggest that racism and discrimination may be key drivers of these inequities.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2022

Construction workers at risk of unintentionally exposing families to multiple toxic metals

A new study reveals that construction workers are at high risk of tracking multiple toxic metals into their homes, including arsenic, chromium, and lead. The study found a range of factors, such as lack of work lockers and poor hygiene practices, can impact metal concentrations in home dust.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2022

UTSA collaborative study with DoD and VA aims to heighten awareness, improve care for veterans with traumatic brain injury

A UTSA-led study found that post-9/11 military veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at higher risk of chronic disease, mortality, and mental health issues compared to the general population. The study estimates excess deaths among a large cohort of veterans and highlights the need for better methods of intervening.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateFeb 17, 2022

Core strength could help dogs avoid knee injuries

A study of over 1,200 agility dogs found that core strength exercises and balance activities can lower the risk of cranial cruciate ligament ruptures. Dogs that engage in high-level agility events and flyball are at higher risk, while those with certain breeds and age factors may also be more prone to injury.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBMC Veterinary Research·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 17, 2022

First get your heart in shape then get pregnant

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that more than half of young women in the US have at least one risk factor for poor heart health before pregnancy. Optimizing heart health before and during pregnancy can prevent complications, deliver a healthy baby, and even reduce the risk of heart disease years later.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 14, 2022

Trauma centers expand care to treat patients beyond physical injury

Trauma centers in the US are increasingly screening and intervening for patients with alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. A survey found that over 95% of trauma centers screen and intervene for high-risk patients, leading to significant reductions in re-entry rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 14, 2022

Changing your diet could add up to a decade to life expectancy, study finds

A new model estimates the impact of dietary changes on life expectancy, suggesting that adopting an optimized diet rich in legumes, whole grains, and nuts can increase lifespan by over a decade. For young adults, this could add up to 10-13 years, while older individuals may still experience significant gains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2022

Risk factors linked to anxiety disorders differ between men and women during the pandemic

A Canadian study found that the pandemic-related risk factors for anxiety differ between men and women, with 13.6% of Canadians experiencing clinically significant levels of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Men's high anxiety was linked to exposure to COVID-19 misinformation, while women's anxiety was tied to precarious employment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2022

Poor sleep can triple risk for heart disease

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that combining aspects of poor sleep health increases the risk of heart disease. Researchers analyzed data from 6,820 U.S. adults and found a strong association between sleep health problems and heart disease risk, with Black participants showing higher rates of both.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Discovery of 29 new acne risk genes provides hope for new treatments

A recent study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with acne, providing potential new targets for treatment and helping clinicians identify individuals at high risk of severe disease. The research, involving over 20,000 individuals with acne, also found a link between genetic risk and disease severity.

SourceNIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Improving air quality associated with slower cognitive decline in women

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that reducing air pollution exposure can slow cognitive decline in older women, with benefits seen across various demographics. The research followed 2,232 women for up to 20 years, revealing a significant association between improved air quality and reduced cognitive decline.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 3, 2022

UMass Amherst study examines associations between contraceptive methods and early menopause

A UMass Amherst study found associations between oral contraceptive use and certain tubal ligation methods with lower levels of antimüllerian hormone (AMH), a biomarker for ovarian aging. This may suggest an increased risk for early menopause in women who have used oral contraceptives or undergone specific types of tubal ligation.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMenopause·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Suicides by drug overdose increased among young people, elderly people, and Black women, despite overall downward trend

A recent study found an increase in intentional drug overdose deaths among young people aged 15-24, older adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic Black women. Despite a downward trend in overall deaths, these subgroups saw a rise in intentional overdose death rates, with women ages 45 to 64 having the highest rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2022

Despite genetic makeup, following heart health guidelines can decrease risk of heart disease

Researchers found that adhering to Life's Simple 7 guidelines significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease regardless of genetic predisposition. Individuals with high polygenic risk saw the greatest benefits from a healthy lifestyle, with a reduced lifetime risk and extended years lived free of coronary heart disease.

Most older adults support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, study shows

A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 27, 2022