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Chronic infection, smoke inhalation, or yet to be discovered causes could explain why ancient men and women had atherosclerosis

Research suggests that ancient cultures may have been plagued by atherosclerosis due to chronic infection, inflammation, or exposure to smoke. The study of mummies from various cultures reveals a high incidence of the disease, which contradicts the expectation that modern lifestyles are the primary cause.

SourceWorld Heart Federation·JournalGlobal Heart·DateJul 30, 2014

Fear of losing money, not spending habits, affects investor risk tolerance, MU study finds

A recent study at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that investors' willingness to take risks is primarily driven by their fear of losing money, rather than spending habits. The researchers analyzed data from a risk tolerance survey and found that loss aversion plays a significant role in shaping investors' risk tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFinancial Services Review·DateJul 30, 2014

Small increases in Ugandan urbanicity tied to CVD risk factors

Researchers found that even small-scale increases in urbanicity levels were associated with higher prevalence of unhealthy behaviors among rural residents. Lifestyle risk factors such as physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, and high body mass index increased in more urbanized villages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 29, 2014

Urbanization of rural Africa associated with increased risk of heart disease and diabetes

A new study found that urbanization in rural sub-Saharan Africa is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Living in more urban villages was linked to poorer lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity and heavy drinking, despite the benefits of access to education, healthcare, and improved sanitation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 29, 2014

A healthy lifestyle adds years to life

Researchers found that an individual with unhealthy habits, such as smoking and physical inactivity, has a 2.5-fold higher mortality risk than one who maintains a healthy lifestyle. The study's findings have significant implications for health policy and prevention strategies for non-communicable diseases.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJul 8, 2014

Weekend emergency surgeries deadlier for children

A study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that children undergoing simple emergency surgeries on weekends are more likely to suffer complications and die than those treated during the week. The researchers analyzed 22 years' worth of surgical records involving nearly 440,000 pediatric admissions nationwide.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery·DateJul 1, 2014

AJMC publishes results showing big data analytics can predict risk of metabolic syndrome

Researchers used large-scale patient data analytics to predict future risk of metabolic syndrome, identifying individual variable impact on risk associated with adherence to prescribed medications and routine doctor visits. The study also found that improving waist circumference and blood glucose yielded the largest benefits.

SourceMacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc.·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 27, 2014

Highlights from the June issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Researchers found that patients with Barrett's esophagus and low-grade dysplasia have a high incidence rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma, while metabolic syndrome and smoking heighten concerns regarding colorectal cancer screening in men. A new guideline for endoscopy in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding is also introduced.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 23, 2014

Study of 850,000 people shows women with diabetes 44 percent more likely to develop coronary heart disease than men with diabetes

A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 850,000 people shows that women with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than women without diabetes. Men with diabetes are twice as likely to develop CHD. The study suggests that sex-specific interventions could improve the prevention of CHD.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMay 22, 2014

Little exercise and heavy use of electronic media constitute a significant health risk for children

The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children Study found that low levels of physical activity combined with heavy use of electronic media increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and vascular diseases in 6-8 year-old children. Heavy electronic media use is also linked to higher risk factors even in physically active children.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateMay 20, 2014

Significant differences in CVD risk factors between men and women with type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics reveals significant disparities in cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, between men and women with type 2 diabetes. The research highlights the importance of addressing gender differences in managing co-morbidities.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 15, 2014

Study finds free fitness center-based exercise referral program not well utilized

A study from Boston University School of Medicine found that a free fitness center-based exercise referral program was not well utilized among low-income, multi-ethnic women with chronic disease risk factors. Despite providing access and support, fewer than half of the women activated their memberships or achieved consistent attendance...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Community Health·DateMay 14, 2014

Anti-aging factor offers brain boost too

Researchers found that a variant of the KLOTHO gene not only has anti-aging effects but also enhances brain function by increasing klotho levels. The improvements occur regardless of age, with beneficial effects observed in aging mice as well as young animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 8, 2014