Global Trends in Risk Factors for Low Back Pain: An Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study Data From 1990 to 2021
The increasing burden associated with low back pain (LBP) is a critical health issue that demands global attention Local and global strategy and policy urgently need to consider the management of the modifiable lifestyle risk factors of occupational/ergonomic, behavioral (smoking), and especially metabolic (high BMI) risk factors to address the growing global burden associated with LBP. Full Access: American College of Rheumatology
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Antiviral Reduced Transmission of Influenza to Close Contacts
The antiviral Baloxavir significantly reduced household transmission of influenza compared with placebo. The drug showed consistent effects across age groups, virus types, and countries, with no new safety concerns. Experts caution that Baloxavir resistance and limited data on novel flu strains remain key challenges. Full Access: NEJM
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Modeling Reemergence of Vaccine-Eliminated Infectious Diseases Under Declining Vaccination in the US
At current state-level vaccination rates, measles may become endemic again; increasing vaccine coverage would prevent this. Under a 50% decline in childhood vaccination in the US, the simulation model predicted 51.2 million measles cases over a 25-year period, 9.9 million rubella cases, 4.3 million poliomyelitis cases, 197 diphtheria cases, 10.3 million hospitalizations, and 159 200 deaths. Childhood vaccination at a high coverage level is needed to prevent resurgence of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases and their infection-related complications in the US. Full Access: JAMA
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Metformin for Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients With Overweight or Obesity
In this randomized clinical trial that included 107 participants, compared with placebo, metformin, 2000 mg/d, reduced knee pain in the metformin group. In patients with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity, metformin, 2000 mg/d, for 6 months had a moderate and statistically significant effect on knee pain reduction compared with placebo. Full Access: JAMA
