Current Research from Top Journals -- Archive

Studies in recent years have questioned role of red meats in heart disease risk, with some citing less harm than once thought. However, this review of a large cohort found that red meat may increase the risk of heart disease.

More and more details emerge about mental health issue related to concussions in adults. This study found a similar link in high school athletes with concussions.

Researchers wanted to investigate if the amount of gluten intake is associated with celiac disease autoimmunity (pre-celiac disease) and celiac disease in genetically at risk children. The study, published in JAMA, found that higher gluten intake during the first five years of life was associated with an increased risk of celiac disease autoimmunity and celiac disease among genetically predisposed children.

Researchers wanted to examine the evidence about the effects of nutritional supplements and dietary interventions on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in adults. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that most dietary supplements cannot be linked to life longevity or protection from heart disease.

Researchers wanted to investigate the link between oral health conditions and the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, such as liver, colon, rectum, and pancreatic cancer. The study, published in SAGE, found that poor oral health is associated with a 75% increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer.

Researchers wanted to look for links between diet and cancer in a large pool of people. The study, published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum, estimated that 80,110 new cancer cases (5.2%) in the United States in 2015 were associated with poor diet.

Researchers wanted to see if antiretroviral medicine could reduce the risk of passing HIV to a sexual partner. A study published in Lancet, found that the risk of passing on the HIV virus is completely eliminated by effective treatment of the HIV-infected partner with antiretroviral therapy.

In the last few years, some studies have suggested that foods high in cholesterol do not increase blood cholesterol in everyone. This study, published in JAMA, found that a higher intake of dietary cholesterol or eggs was linked to an increased risk of heart disease and early death.

Researchers wanted to look at the link between post-menopausal women who drink artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) and stroke, coronary artery disease, and all-cause mortality. The study, published in Stroke, found that a higher intake of ASB was linked to an increased risk of all three.

E-cigarettes have become quickly popular and some are trying it as a tool to help them quit smoking. A trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that they may be more helpful than other quitting tools but there is a catch....

A combination of treatments may be helpful in decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression of dementia. A review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that music therapy may be helpful.

ADHD diagnosis is made in part but observation of how a child acts in school environment with other children. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a child's age in kindergarten may play a role in the chance of ADHD diagnosis.

Sedentary lifestyle is a known risk factor for a number of preventable diseases like heart disease or stroke. However, a trial published in JAMA, found that a lack of exercise can be as bad for your health as smoking....

Digital media is a common teen factor and has changed how they access information and socialize. A study, published in JAMA, found that high digital media usage may also exacerbate ADHD symptoms even in those without ADHD.

Depression is treated using medicine, counseling, and therapy, such as exercise. This study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, found that resistance training reduced depressive symptoms among adults.

There are many factors related to a teen's environment that may raise the risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior, such as lack of a support system, poor coping skills, or a traumatic life event. The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, indicates that internet addiction is prospectively associated with the incidence of self-harm and suicidal behavior in adolescents.

Dysmenorrhea is painful lower abdominal cramps that happen with menstruation. This study found that physical activity may be an effective treatment for dysmenorrhea, but that there is a need for more high-quality trials before this can be confirmed.

It is becoming more common for adults to engage in sedentary activities in Western societies. This study found that both the total volume of sedentary time and time for each session are associated with all-cause mortality, suggesting that physical activity guidelines should target reducing and interrupting sedentary time to reduce the risk of death.

The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish have been thought to reduce the risk of Alzheimer disease by destroying proteins that can damage memory and thinking. This study found that consuming more than 4 servings of fish per week was associated with slower decline in episodic memory in older adults.

People with fibromyalgia have difficulty sleeping and experience fatigue and weakness. This study found that aerobic exercise may reduce pain and improve physical function in people with fibromyalgia.

People with Tourette syndrome have motor and vocal tics, which are rapid, involuntary movements or sounds that occur repeatedly. Researchers found that acupuncture alone or in combination with drug therapy may reduce tic severity compared to drug therapy alone in patients with TS.

Many parents avoid exposing high-risk babies to eggs and other common food allergens for fear that early exposure may increase the chance of developing allergies. This study found that early oral raw egg exposure may not reduce the risk of egg allergy in infants without allergy symptoms or eczema.

When taken regularly, inhaled corticosteroids can prevent asthma symptoms and attacks; however, some people forget to take their medication as prescribed, don't understand why it is important, or don't like the side effects. This study found that a variety of interventions, including electronic trackers, can improve adherence.

Women who have breast cancer may undergo a variety of treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other medications, depending on the stage and type of cancer. This study found that non-pharmacologic interventions, including expressive writing, may have an effect on a middle-aged woman with breast cancer.

Fruit juice is a common beverage for children, but it contains a lot of calories. This study found that consumption of 100% fruit juice is associated with a small amount of weight gain in children ages 1 to 6 years that is not clinically significant and is not associated with weight gain in children 7 to 18 years.

Researchers wanted to evaluate the use of dust mite-impermeable bedding and its impact on severe asthma exacerbations in children. The study found that the bedding may be effective in reducing the number of hospitalizations and/or emergency room visits of mite-sensitized children with asthma.

Swaddling is a practice used to wrap infants in cloth to mimic the mother's womb and promote calm and sleep. One study found that the risk of SIDS from swaddling was higher in infants in front or side sleep positions.

Sucking on a pacifier, known as non-nutritive sucking, has been thought to encourage sucking behavior and improve digestion. Researchers wanted to assess the effects of non-nutritive sucking on physiologic stability and nutrition in preterm infants. The study, published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, found that non-nutritive sucking reduces the time infants need to transition from tube to oral feeding.

Researchers wanted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of capsaicin in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Capsaicin is a chili pepper extract that produces a burning sensation when applied to the skin. It affects the nerves and reduces the activity of pain receptors. The study, published in the Journal of Pain, found that capsaicin treatment provides modest improvements in pain and sleep quality.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is especially dangerous to infants until they receive a 3-vaccine series called DTaP. One study, published in Pediatrics, found that maternal Tdap vaccination during pregnancy is highly protective against infant pertussis, especially in the first 2 months of life.

Procedures can be painful to infants, but giving an infant pain medication can pose its own problems. One study found that skin-to-skin contact appears to reduce procedural pain in infants.

A food allergy occurs when the body has an abnormal immune reaction to a food, such as peanuts, milk, eggs, and fish. One trial found that the early introduction of allergenic foods at 3 months in average-risk, breastfed infants is associated with lower rates of food allergy at 3 years compared to introduction at 6 months.

Children with conduct disorder have difficulty following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable manner. A recent study found that Internet-assisted parent training may improve behavior in preschool children with disruptive behavioral problems.

Cancer symptoms and treatment side effects can cause both physical pain as well as anxiety and depression. A recent study found that music interventions may have beneficial effects on anxiety, pain, fatigue, and depression in patients with cancer.

Adults who are obese are at an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain types of cancer, and other complications. Activity trackers can help you monitor and track fitness-related data, but they may not lead to weight loss in those under 35.

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that interferes with the way a person interprets reality. Non-pharmaceutical therapies are being tried to further reduce symptoms.

Alzheimer dementia is a condition that progressively affects the ability to learn, function, and remember. Some lifestyle changes have been shown to help manage certain symptoms.

Many factors affect asthma management, including taking medications, avoiding environmental triggers, and staying physically fit. Researchers found that yoga was associated with improvements in quality of life and reduced symptoms in people with asthma.

Cancer-related fatigue can last for an extended period of time and can make it difficult to complete daily tasks and affect quality of life. Alternative treatments are gaining notice. This study showed that acupressure reduced persistent fatigue.

Previous studies have strongly suggested that eating whole grains is an effective way to lower the risk of many chronic diseases, but the amount of whole grains is not always clear. This study found that 3-7 servings of whole grain everyday was associated with a reduced risk of a number of chronic diseases.

High BMI is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults but researchers wanted to see how early this affect started. The study found that high BMI in adolescents may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life but it is too early to make a firm link.

Low back pain is a common complaint that can last a few days or weeks or become a chronic condition with significant impact on well being. Treatments can vary depending on the cause. A recent study found that exercise alone or in combination with education was most effective for preventing low back pain.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis results in uncomfortable symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and sinus pressure and congestion. The best treatment approach is avoiding allergen exposure but it can be difficult with certain allergens. A recent study showed that nasal filters were effective for managing seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Earlier research has suggested that long working hours may be linked to stroke, but the evidence is limited. This study found that employees who work long hours have a higher risk of stroke than those who do not.

Ginger is one alternative approach that is often used by pregnant women to try to relieve nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy. This study found that ginger capsules and syrup might improve nausea symptoms in women with pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting.

Improving parent-adolescent sexual communication has been noted as one factor that could help to encourage adolescents to practice safer sex behavior. This study found that sexual communication with parents plays a small protective role in safer sex behavior among adolescents.

Although celiac disease is known to reduce vitamin D and calcium levels in the blood, the link between celiac and bone damage itself is not clear. This study found that celiac disease was associated with an increased risk of bone fractures.

Insomnia can make your days miserable and a cure can be hard to find. There are some medications but there is some worry with side effects and the potential for addiction. Music is side effect free and according to this study may help you find sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea can not only make you sleepy but also deeply affect the quality of life and overall health. CPAP has been shown to reduce the effects of sleep apnea but benefits for older adults was not clear. These two studies found that CPAP does appear helpful for older adults with sleep apnea.

A randomized trial found that drinking water before main meals led to higher weight loss than those who were asked to imagine a full stomach before main meals. Water preloading is believed to help create a feeling of fullness or satiety during the meal, which may help curb overeating.

A randomized trial found that fecal microbiota transplantation had a higher rate of remission in patients with active ulcerative colitis than those who recieved placebo. Fecal transplantation is believed to help the intestine develop a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut which can help the intestine recover and function more effectively.

A meta-analysis found that mothers participating in a prenatal exercise group were less likely to have a large newborn, less likely to need a cesarean section, and no more likely to have a low birthweight baby than those who did not exercise. The study supports proper prenatal care advice which advocates for mothers to exercise during pregnancy if allowed by the physician.

A randomized trial found that participants in a mindfulness awareness group showed significant improvement in insomnia symptoms, depression symptoms, and fatigue. Although the trial was small, mindfulness meditation has has been linked to both physical and mental health benefits, including stress reduction. More research may support this finding.

A systematic review found that participants given chewing gum after abdominal surgery may have a faster return to normal for their digestive system. Unfortunately, the quality of trials is low and more research will need to be done before this simple solution is confirmed.

Many medical groups felt that early exposure to certain foods like peanuts increased a child's risk of developing food allergies. However, newer research including this trial suggest that early exposure may actually decrease the risk of developing food allergies.

Obesity is associated with a complex combination of factors but the earliest feeding habits may play a role in childhood obesity. A review of studies across several countries found that breastfeeding may decrease the risk of obesity in childhood.

Removing the tonsils is a common procedure in children. It is often recommended for children with recurrent infections of the throat to reduce sick days. A study, completed in the United Kingdom, found that a tonsillectomy was associated with fewer sore throats in children who were selected to have the surgery.

Health and medical shows are some of the most popular talk shows on television. The hosts, highlighted as experts, offer a plethora of information but this study has found that almost half of those recommendations have little research support.

Osteoarthritis can make basic movement more difficult and in older adults this can increase the risk of falls. Balance is a major factor in falls and a complication of osteoarthritis but this trial has shown that strength, tai chi, and aerobic training may effectively improving balance in people with osteoarthritis.

Exercise during pregnancy has been associated with many benefits for mom and baby. This review supports the trend and finds that even one day of purposeful activity per week may reduce the need for cesarean birth.

Newborns who are underweight are at increased risk of complications, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This study found that higher maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of having a low birth weight infant.

The painful red, itchy, and scaly rash known as eczema is a common condition in children that is often stubborn to manage. Researchers have found that a daily dose of moisturizer may reduce the development of eczema in newborns who are at higher risk.

Autism spectrum disorders is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in every 68 children. Researchers have found that a phytochemical derived from broccoli sprout extracts may improve behavioral problems associated with autism.

Children and adolescents who are overweight are more likely to be overweight as adults, increasing their risk of health complications. Researchers have found that meals taken together as a family may protect children against becoming overweight or obese young adults.

Television, smart phones, I pads and more offer continual opportunity for entertainment, information, and distraction. This excess screen time in teens has been linked to some health and behavior issues and researchers from California found that screen time may also impact social skills.

Although once villainized, nuts have found popularity as a health food because of their healthy fats, fiber, and protein. This study found that having nuts in your diet may also decrease the risk of common chronic conditions.

There are many power toothbrush options now available but are they worth the investment? This study published in Cochrane Databases found that power toothbrushes may have the edge in cleaning teeth compared to manual toothbrushes.

Shoe inserts are advertised as potentially helping a number of orthopedic issues but the most common and perhaps popular one is low back pain. Unfortunately, a study from Australia found that inserts were not helpful in decreasing low back pain.

You've probably heard how smoking can affect your heart and lungs but your bones too? This randomized trial found that smokers had a greater risk of complications after a fracture than non-smokers.