Pharmacy closures associated with declines in cardiovascular medication adherence

Bottom Line: How pharmacy closures are associated with declines in cardiovascular medication adherence for statins, β-blockers and oral anticoagulants among adults 50 or older was the focus of this analysis of prescription claims. Authors: Dima M. Qato, Pharm.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, and coauthors (doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.2606) Editor’s Note: The article contains conflict…

Light, physical activity reduces brain aging

(Boston)–Incremental physical activity, even at light intensity, is associated with larger brain volume and healthy brain aging. Considerable evidence suggests that engaging in regular physical activity may prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Active individuals have lower metabolic and vascular risk factors and these risk factors may explain their propensity for healthy brain aging. However, the…

Study examines privacy policies, data sharing of popular apps for depression, smoking cessation

Bottom Line: This study looked at the privacy practices of popular apps for depression and smoking cessation. Researchers assessed the content of privacy policies and compared disclosures regarding data sharing with commercial third parties to actual behavior for 36 apps. Authors: Kit Huckvale, M.B.Ch.B., M.Sc., Ph.D., UNSW (University of New South Wales) Sydney, Australia, and coauthors…

Study finds that quitting smoking during pregnancy lowers risk of preterm births

There is an important association between maternal cigarette smoking cessation during pregnancy and risk of preterm birth, according to a new Dartmouth-led study published in JAMA Network Open. The negative health impacts of cigarette smoking during pregnancy–which include low birth weight, delayed intrauterine development, preterm birth, infant mortality, and long-term developmental delays–are well known. In…

Using Edge AI to listen to the ‘silent voices’ of cattle

IMAGE: This is an overview of cattle observing systems equipped with a ‘Sense and Think Collar’. view more  Credit: Research Center for the Earth Inclusive Sensing Empathizing with Silent Voices A joint project team led by Tokyo Institute of Technology (hereinafter, “Tokyo Tech”), Shinshu University and Information Services International-Dentsu, Ltd. (hereinafter, “ISID”) developed cattle observing systems…