Articles tagged with Risk Factors
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that the common HIV infectivity rate of 1 transmission per 1000 contacts is inaccurate and significantly underestimates actual transmission rates. The study estimated varying degrees of risk, including a 300-fold difference between different types of contact.
A study published in the journal AIDS has found that long-term antiretroviral therapy for HIV may offer protection against atherosclerosis. The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study measured coronary artery calcification in nearly 950 HIV-positive and HIV-negative men, finding CAC scores were almost 60% lower in those on HAART.
A 14-year follow-up study found that individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those with mild OSA or no sleep apnea. The study, which involved a community-based sample of adults, provides strong evidence linking sleep apnea to all-cause mortality.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in schizophrenia research, identifying three microdeletions and several single nucleotide polymorphisms that contribute to the illness. These genetic variations increase disease risk, with one of the microdeletions found on chromosome 1 having a moderate to large impact.
A bi-national study found that male injection drug users deported from the US to Tijuana have a four-fold higher risk of HIV infection. The study suggests a need for cross-border prevention and treatment programs.
A new study found that smoking is associated with a higher risk of stroke in spouses, particularly among never-smokers. Quitting smoking eliminates this risk, suggesting the health benefits of cessation extend beyond individual smokers to their partners.
Researchers found that a lifetime of eating tuna, sardines, salmon and other fish appears to protect Japanese men against clogged arteries despite other cardiovascular risk factors. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish were linked to low levels of atherosclerosis.
A large study of 5837 middle-aged civil servants found that coronary heart disease is associated with impaired cognitive performance, particularly for men. The study suggests that preventive measures such as smoking cessation and physical exercise can help mitigate this effect.
Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered under-active brain regions associated with genetic risk for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity in patients with OCD and their family members, showing impaired function in areas controlling flexible behavior.
Researchers found no therapeutic benefit in low-sodium diets for adults with asthma, contrary to past studies. The study suggests that further dietary research should focus on factors other than sodium.
A new study found that kids who believe cigarettes are easily accessible and have friends who smoke are more likely to become regular smokers. The researchers used simple questions to identify high-risk children, highlighting the importance of discussing smoking risks with parents and healthcare professionals.
A study found that male mice are more susceptible to blood clots due to sex-specific growth hormone secretion patterns. The researchers used a mouse model of thrombosis and discovered that pulsatile GH secretion in males protects against clot formation, while continuous GH secretion in females has the opposite effect.
Researchers found that adding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to clinical models did not significantly improve the accuracy of breast cancer risk predictions. In fact, SNPs were less able to accurately discriminate risk than established models using clinical factors.
Researchers found that current mathematical models overlook random differences between individuals in a given population, leading to underestimated extinction risks. The study's results suggest that factors such as sex ratio variations and physical variation within populations can significantly impact extinction rates.
Researchers at Montreal Heart Institute and Mount Sinai Hospital discover 21 new genetic risk factors associated with Crohn's disease, more than doubling the amount of genetic information about the disease. This breakthrough study offers hope for better-targeted therapy for millions of people with inflammatory bowel diseases.
A study found 10.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged individuals had silent cerebral infarctions, a brain injury caused by blood clots. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation significantly increased the risk of SCI.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic risk factor, CALHM1, associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The gene affects calcium levels and is linked to increased amyloid-ß peptides, forming brain plaques in the disease.
A study led by Florida State University has found that the APOE epsilon 4 allele is a risk factor for African-Americans as well as whites. The gene increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in both populations. Researchers hope to develop medicines that slow or prevent Alzheimer's disease using this newfound understanding.
A multicenter study has identified risk factors for sudden death in people with myotonic dystrophy type 1, a common form of muscular dystrophy. The study found that patients with significant ECG abnormalities were at a 3.5 times higher risk of sudden death, while those with atrial arrhythmias had a 5 times higher risk.
Restoring normal testosterone levels in hypogonadal men leads to major improvements in metabolic syndrome features. Older men (63+) benefit equally as younger men from testosterone treatment, according to studies presented at The Endocrine Society's 90th Annual Meeting.
A study published in JAMA found that treated type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of developing depression, while untreated diabetes has no significant link. The study suggests that psychological stress from managing diabetes may contribute to elevated depressive symptoms.
A new study found that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery improves the health of morbidly obese teenagers just six months after the procedure. The patients experienced significant improvement in measures of medical disorders, including abdominal fat, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients with depression are more likely to develop type-2 diabetes, and those with type-2 diabetes are also at a higher risk for developing depression. The study used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) to investigate this connection.
Researchers from Harvard University found that teenage athletes with hormone disorders may experience amenorrhea, leading to infertility and early bone density loss. Ghrelin levels were higher in amenorrheic girls than non-athletes, suggesting a link between energy deficit and menstrual irregularities.
Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy maintained coronary endothelial function, while those without HRT experienced worsening endothelium function. Postmenopausal women who gave up HRT demonstrated the most severe drop in endothelial function.
Older adults experience increased bone loss, but antiresorptive medications can attenuate this process. Researchers found that even in women aged 50-54, bone loss was only 1.3% per year.
A new study found that Mexico's southern region has the highest rates of infectious and nutritional diseases, as well as non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The study also identified being overweight, high blood glucose, and alcohol use as major risk factors for these diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory rheumatic diseases increase cardiovascular risk; EULAR Task Force recommends adapted risk calculators and lifestyle changes to mitigate this risk. Aggressive inflammation suppression also lowers CV risk in patients with these conditions.
Researchers found that RA disease factors and CVD risk factors have a comparable impact on the risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study, which analyzed data from the CORRONA registry, identified specific RA factors such as nodules, HAQ-DI, and CDAI that increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
The EUROACTION study found that a nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary family-based cardiology programme improved cardiovascular disease risk factors for patients with coronary heart disease and those at high risk. The programme also showed significant increases in physical activity levels, dietary improvements, and blood pressure contr...
A large European study found that smoking, obesity, and occupational noise are risk factors for age-related hearing loss. In contrast, moderate alcohol consumption was seen to have a protective effect. The study involved 4083 participants and confirmed the importance of avoiding excessive noise exposure.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by up to 50%. The study, which involved over 2,750 participants, also highlighted the importance of quitting smoking as a key preventive measure.
A study analyzing data from 6,916 girls and 5,618 boys found that risk factors for binge eating and purging vary between sexes and age groups. Frequent dieting and media pressure were key predictors of binge eating in females, while negative weight comments from fathers were linked to starting to binge eat in males.
A new study links smoking during pregnancy to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) with the strongest causal link yet. The research found that prenatal cigarette smoke exposure can increase the likelihood of gasp-like respiration and prolong breathing time after hypoxia, placing infants at higher risk for SIDS.
A growing number of 'pseudoepidemics' of false-positives for TB are occurring in the US Army due to universal testing with an inaccurate TST. The problem is most prevalent in regions with high TB rates, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
A recent analysis of US births reveals that babies born preterm are more than twice as likely to have major birth defects. The study found that very preterm babies were five times more likely to suffer from such defects, with central nervous system and cardiovascular issues being the most common.
A new analysis of nearly 7 million US live births found that babies born preterm were more than twice as likely to have major birth defects. The study also showed that very preterm babies, those born between 24-31 weeks gestation, were five times more likely to have a birth defect.
Global menopause experts conclude that HRT is safe and beneficial for healthy women in the early postmenopausal period. The Zürich Summit reviews evidence on the safety, risks, and benefits of HRT, finding no increased risk of chronic heart disease or breast cancer in this group. HRT also maintains bone health and may delay cognitive d...
A new study by LA BioMed researcher Rajnish Mehrotra found that black patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease are 78% more likely to die than whites. The study suggests that socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education and medical insurance contribute to the higher mortality rates among blacks.
A study of 504 patients with herpes zoster found that individuals with a family history of the condition were 4.35 times more likely to develop shingles. The authors suggest targeting at-risk individuals based on their family history to decrease the risk and health care expenditures associated with herpes zoster morbidity.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that men with community-acquired pneumonia are more likely to die within a year due to their sicker condition and increased risk of complications. Despite receiving more aggressive medical care, men still face a higher mortality rate compared to women.
Researchers found that African-American men with a family history of prostate cancer are unlikely to develop the disease if their baseline PSA level is below the age-specific median. In contrast, those with high baseline PSA levels are more likely to develop prostate cancer, even with other risk factors.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine has documented the association between obesity and increased risk of heart disease. The research found significant ethnic disparities in weight and cardiovascular health, with non-Hispanic white participants showing a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that high HIV loads cause CD8+ T cell exhaustion, while reducing antigen levels allows these cells to recover their functions. This suggests that immune exhaustion is a consequence of persistent HIV replication rather than its cause.
The American College of Physicians has released a new clinical practice guideline on screening for osteoporosis in men. Osteoporosis is expected to affect nearly 50% more men over the next 15 years due to increasing rates among older adults.
Women with a family member who has had a hernia or prolapse are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding heavy lifting and maintaining a healthy weight, can help reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
A recent study from University College London suggests that investors' emotional states play a significant role in the stock market's behavior. The researchers argue that 'emotional inflation' - the unchecked enthusiasm and wishful thinking that can lead to excessive risk-taking - is a major contributor to market crashes.
Researchers found high levels of E-selectin, white blood cells, and low serum albumin levels are clear predictors of high risk for type 2 diabetes. The study used data from the Western New York Health Study and found that combining these markers increased identification of high-risk patients by 8%.
Researchers followed Minneapolis school children from ages 11 to 19 to track the emergence of cardiovascular risk factors. By age 19, boys were at greater cardiovascular risk despite gaining muscle mass and losing fat during puberty.
A study of 938 people with Alzheimer's disease found that heavy drinking reduced the age of onset by six to seven years, while heavy smoking reduced it by two and a half years. The combination of both risk factors led to an earlier onset of the disease.
Researchers found that hormone therapy started around menopause onset may have similar benefits as those without risk factors for heart disease. The study suggests that current guidelines may need to be revised for younger women taking hormone therapy.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have discovered a novel genetic marker, H2A.Z, linked to breast cancer progression and metastasis. Elevated expression of this protein can help physicians make better predictions and treatment choices for patients.
Children screened for amblyopia before age 2 tend to have improved visual outcomes compared to those detected between ages 2 and 4. Early photoscreening yields better results in treating amblyopia.
A large Scottish Health Survey study found that just 20 minutes of weekly physical activity, including housework, reduces the risk of stress and anxiety. The more activity a person engages in, the lower their chances of psychological distress.
A recent study found that genetic risk factors for common fears, such as situational or blood-injury phobias, decline in importance during childhood and adolescence. However, new genetic influences emerge during early adolescence, late adolescence, and adulthood, suggesting a dynamic relationship between genetics and fear.
A new study finds that depression is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, rather than an early sign of its underlying pathology. The research, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, found no increase in depressive symptoms before the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
A University of Alberta study reveals that consuming natural trans vaccenic acid (VA) can lower cholesterol levels and improve metabolic health. Results show significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, suggesting a potential benefit to using diets with enhanced VA.
The Drexel University School of Public Health has been awarded a $14.3 million NIH grant to study risk factors and biological indicators for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in expectant mothers and their babies. The researchers aim to follow 1,200 mothers of children with autism and document the development of newborns through 36 months.
A gluten-free vegan diet has been shown to lower blood levels of oxidized LDL-cholesterol and increase anti-PC antibodies, providing atheroprotective effects. This study suggests that diet can impact the immune system and reduce disease incidence.
Genetic tests marketed directly to consumers may be premature and lack scientific validity. Dr. Kenneth Offit warns of the risks of self-ordering these tests without guidance from healthcare professionals. He advocates for cautious introduction of new 'whole genome' testing in clinical trials.