A study in the Journal of Surgical Oncology suggests that ultrasound can match MRI in diagnostic accuracy for surveillance imaging in patients with soft tissue sarcoma. "We should be considering potentially hybrid strategies to combine the strengths of both [modalities] to optimize surveillance," said Dr. R. Lor Randall. Randall added that a hybrid approach could lead to earlier detection of recurrences and significant cost savings, although more high-quality, prospective data are needed.

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that echocardiography reveals the adverse cardiovascular effects of anabolic steroid use among recreational athletes. The study found a higher risk of coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial dysfunction in athletes who used steroids, with more severe calcification in those with over five years of exposure. The researchers found significant differences in coronary noncalcified plaque prevalence and severity of calcifications between steroid users and nonusers.

Oracle Health has introduced an AI tool for its patient portal that translates medical jargon into plain language. The tool, built on OpenAI technology, will provide explanations of diagnoses, test results and treatment options, and patients can ask questions to clarify information.

Health policy experts are developing a centralized, standardized approach to collecting patient experience data to better inform health care decisions. The Patient Experience Dossier template is being pilot tested and may help identify research gaps and enhance patient-centered care.

Interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in the success of interorganizational health care collaborations. The study revealed that representatives from organizations are not interchangeable and that consistent participation by the same individuals fosters better collaboration. Strong interpersonal connections help in leveraging expertise within the alliance, making it important to assign stable representatives.

A healthful diet can reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain and improve quality of life, independent of weight loss, according to a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition. Participants in a three-month dietary intervention showed a 22% improvement in diet quality, an 8% average weight loss and reported a decrease in pain severity.

Data in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that influenza hospitalizations in the US reached record levels during the 2024-25 season, with rates 1.8 times to 2.8 times greater when compared with median cumulative rates since the 2010 to 2011 season. Hospitalization rates were lowest for children and teens ages 5 to 17 and highest for adults 75 and older.