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Is low-fat or whole-fat milk better for kids? Science says it makes no difference

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming whole fat milk has no negative impact on children's health. The research, which involved 49 healthy children aged four to six, showed that both groups consumed similar amounts of calories and fat.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2021

History of alcohol offenses associated with higher suicide risk for men who bought handguns

Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 7, 2021

Cannabis causes birth defects in susceptible mice

A new study reveals that THC can cause birth defects in genetically predisposed mice, highlighting the risks of cannabis consumption during pregnancy. Pups with a mutation in Hedgehog signalling developed brain and face defects, emphasizing the need for further research into human health implications.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

A protein causes significantly higher risk of severe cancer progression for men

A research team at TUM has discovered that the protein TIMP1 is associated with a significantly higher risk of liver metastasis and death in male patients, particularly those with pancreatic, colon, and melanoma cancers. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and targeted therapy options for men.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

International experts develop Clinical Care Pathway in response to NASH epidemic

A multidisciplinary taskforce developed a Clinical Care Pathway for NAFLD/NASH, outlining practical guidance from screening to patient care management. The pathway aims to provide efficient, safe, and value-based care for patients with NAFLD and NASH, highlighting the importance of early interventions and shared decision-making.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·DateOct 1, 2021

Lifestyle changes and adhering to treatment targets can greatly reduce excess dementia risk in people with type 2 diabetes, study from UK and the Netherlands suggests

A large study of over 88,000 participants found that addressing key risk factors such as smoking, diet, and blood pressure can lower dementia risk in those with type 2 diabetes. The study also showed improvements in cognitive function and brain structure with greater adherence to treatment targets.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 28, 2021

Children and youth at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during first part of pandemic: Canadian study

A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 27, 2021

Sticking to low-fat dairy may not be the only heart healthy option, study shows

A new study has found that consuming more dairy fat may actually be beneficial for heart health, challenging traditional dietary guidelines. The research analyzed data from over 43,000 people and found that those with higher intakes of dairy fat had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with low intakes.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 21, 2021

Dangers of smoking during pregnancy

Researchers at McGill University found that smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. The study, which examined over nine million deliveries, also discovered that smoking mildly decreases the risk of preeclampsia.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2021

Important signs of blood clots in the lungs missed in patients with dementia

Patients with dementia presenting with shortness of breath were less likely to be tested for pulmonary embolism compared to those without dementia. Clinical signs and risk factors, such as elevated heart rate, were also evaluated differently in patients with dementia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2021

Marching band kids at risk from heat illness

A comprehensive study found that marching band students are at risk of heat-related illnesses due to their physical demands and lack of protective measures. The study analyzed news reports of heat illnesses among band members from 1990 to 2020, revealing nearly 400 cases, including hospitalizations and heat stroke.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology·DateSep 15, 2021

Active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer: New data on risk factors for switching to active treatment

A study analyzing 6,775 patients with low-risk prostate cancer found that cancer-related factors such as tumor grade and size are key risk factors for conversion to active treatment. The study also found that higher Gleason grade, PSA level, tumor stage, and number of positive biopsy cores are related to shorter conversion times.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateSep 10, 2021

Calculated risk – A new tool to predict mortality in patients with liver failure

A novel mortality risk prediction method helps tailor treatment decisions and transplant needs for patients based on individual symptoms. The new tool uses a random survival forest algorithm to predict individual mortality risk curves, calculate mortality at any given time, and provide a 95% confidence interval.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2021

USC study identifies new risk factor for most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Children genetically predisposed to overproduce lymphocytes in relation to other white blood cells are at higher risk of developing ALL, according to a new USC study. The research found that the ratio of lymphocytes to other key blood cells is significant in predicting leukemia risk.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2021

Schizophrenia study suggests advanced genetic scorecard cannot predict a patient’s fate

A Mount Sinai study found that polygenic risk scores were no better at predicting worsening symptoms than written reports in schizophrenia patients. The results raise questions about the use of polygenic risk scores in real-world situations, suggesting a doctor's report may be an untapped source of predictive information.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2021

Panic buying is driven by fear, perceived lack of supplies and social pressure, finds NTU Singapore study

A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that individuals experiencing fear, social pressure, and perceived scarcity are more likely to engage in panic buying. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing the psychological and social components of panic buying to mitigate its detrimental impact on societies.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2021

Young adults at highest risk of weight gain

A new study found that young adults aged 18 to 24 are four times more likely to become overweight or develop obesity over the next 10 years than those aged 65 to 74. The study suggests that age is the most important sociodemographic factor for BMI change, and that targeted interventions for young adults may be necessary to prevent obes...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Setting the teeth on edge: Identifying the risk factors for tooth loss

A study published in International Journal of Environment and Public Health Research reveals that oral bacteria, specifically P. gingivalis and Lactobacillaceae families, are associated with periodontitis. Genetic differences among hosts contribute to susceptibility to pathogens, but the oral microbiome plays a more significant role in...

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2021

Decades after toxic exposure, 9/11 first responders may still lower their risk of lung injury

A new study from NYU Langone Health found that losing weight and managing excess body fat can significantly reduce the risk of lung disease in firefighters exposed to toxic substances on 9/11. The study analyzed 20 years of data from over 5,700 first responders and identified five key factors that predict lung disease.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 2, 2021

Preoperative chest CT improves assessment of postoperative mechanical ventilation

A single-center retrospective study found that preoperative thoracic CT findings can complement preoperative clinical risk factors to improve risk assessment for the need of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Bronchial wall thickening, pericardial effusion, and anteroposterior chest diameter were identified as independent predictors...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeCase study·DateSep 2, 2021

Report: Autistic individuals have increased risk of COVID-19

Research from Drexel University's Autism Institute identifies higher odds of living in residential facilities, receiving outside caregiver services, and having high-risk health conditions among autistic adults, as well as those with intellectual disability and mental health diagnoses. These groups are more likely to contract COVID-19 a...

SourceDrexel University·JournalAutism·DateAug 30, 2021

Environmental pollution may contribute to racial/ethnic disparities In Alzheimer’s disease risk, says new study

A recent study found that fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5, may contribute to the disproportionate number of African American women affected by dementia. Despite adjusting for various risk factors, Black women still had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to white women.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2021

Exposure to tobacco smoke in early life is associated with accelerated biological ageing

A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 25, 2021

Eight predictors of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified eight primary factors that increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack. The study, published in European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, found that smoking, blood pressure, and blood glucose are among the new predictors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2021

Cannabis use disorder: Another COVID risk factor

Research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that cannabis use disorder (CUD) may be a risk factor for poorer COVID-19 outcomes due to a genetic predisposition. CUD was found to account for up to 40% of genetically influenced risk factors, such as body mass index and diabetes, for severe COVID-19 presentations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiological Psychiatry Global Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Evaluation of data from a large-scale SARS-CoV-2 surveillance study reveals that comorbidities predict positive RT-PCR testing. Study finds equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults

A large-scale surveillance study in Madurai, India, found that comorbidities are a significant predictor of positive RT-PCR testing. The study also revealed an equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, highlighting the importance of non-communicable disease control in COVID-19 containment s...

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 16, 2021

Vaping just once raises oxidative stress levels in nonsmokers, increasing disease risk

A new UCLA study found that even one vaping session can significantly increase cellular oxidative stress in healthy younger nonsmokers. The researchers discovered a two- to four-fold increase in oxidative stress levels after a 30-minute vaping session, highlighting the alarming effects of e-cigarettes on young people's health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 2021

How society’s inequalities showed up in COVID outcomes

A new study from University of Utah researchers explores how socioeconomic inequalities, particularly in Utah's Salt Lake County, contributed to racial minority groups being unequally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that residents of affluent areas had lower rates of infection compared to those in low-income zip codes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCOVID·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021