Cuba successfully contained COVID-19 through door-to-door screening, utilizing a public health approach that emphasized community-level work. This 'shoe-leather' epidemiology method may have prevented the dramatic failures in the UK's response to the pandemic.
Researchers found that music from this period connects individuals to significant people and places in their identity. Half of all musical choices made by Desert Island Discs guests were from this age range, which was previously known as the 'reminiscence bump'.
A new epidemiological study found significant welfare concerns for hoarded cats not just from home environments but also from institutional settings. The study, which analyzed 371 hoarded cats relinquished to a shelter, showed that conditions such as overcrowding, uncontrolled breeding, and neglect were prevalent.
A new study found that UK ethnic minorities continue to face significant challenges in employment, with many groups more likely to be in manual work or unemployed than their white counterparts. The research highlights the impact of persistent racism on access to positive socioeconomic outcomes and social mobility.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates existing health disparities among ethnic minorities and migrants, who face higher risks of infection and severe illness. Economic hardship during the recession further marginalizes these groups, making them more vulnerable to mental health issues.
A recent special issue of Economic Development Quarterly examines the impact of local and state financial incentives on business location decisions. Research suggests that simply expanding incentives may not be effective in creating jobs, while some types of incentives work better for specific industries in certain local economies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened health inequalities in hospitals due to restricted clinical services and emergency department attendances. Marginalized groups, including homeless people and migrants, are disproportionately affected by these changes.
A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that people aged 60-69 are at a higher risk of complications and death from COVID-19. The authors recommend stringent public health measures for this age group to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.
A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has developed a screening checklist to help diagnose degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats. The checklist, called the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist, asks owners six questions about their cat's behavior and can be completed quickly by owners.
Researchers at LSU found that cats were less stressed when played cat-specific music, with lower cat stress scores and handling scale scores compared to classical music and no music. The study suggests that cat-specific music may benefit both cat welfare and owner experience.
Children separated from their parents for extended periods may experience long-term genetic changes due to elevated cortisol levels. The study highlights the importance of parental care on a child's genes and behavior.
Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) affects sexually active individuals, causing genital numbing, loss of libido and emotional numbing. Pharmaceutical companies are now warning that these effects can last even after treatment stops.
A new analysis of HPV vaccine clinical trials raises doubts about their effectiveness, citing methodological problems and limited trial populations. The study found that the trials were not designed to detect cervical cancer, which takes decades to develop, and that vaccination may only prevent low-grade abnormal cell changes.
The AAFP has released updated Feline Retrovirus Testing and Management Guidelines, providing current information on pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. The guidelines aim to optimize care for feline patients infected with FeLV and FIV, and offer practical guidance for veterinarians and cat caregivers.
Fever in cats is often caused by infectious agents transmitted through fleas, ticks, and sandflies. Consistent use of products that rapidly kill vectors or prevent bites is crucial to preventing these diseases.
A new study published in the UEG Journal found that young patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing severe viral infections. Clinically active IBD and immunomodulators used to treat the condition are identified as main drivers of infection, with thiopurines increasing the risk by six times.
The study found that the current system of immediate psychological help after a terrorist attack is inadequate, with most people seeking external help and expressing dissatisfaction with their GP's response. The researchers recommend improving the system to provide better support sooner.
Research highlights factors affecting locum practice quality and safety, emphasizing the need for better understanding of differences between locum and permanent doctors. Organisations must ensure locums are integrated into clinical governance systems and policies are fit for use by all staff.
Researchers suggest 'Havana Syndrome' is akin to shell shock, with symptoms paralleling those of war trauma. Studies on embassy patients found no conclusive evidence for exposure to an energy source or toxin.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released updated guidelines for feline zoonoses, which are preventable diseases transmitted from animals to humans. The guidelines aim to educate veterinary teams and cat owners about these risks and provide recommendations for prevention and treatment.
A new special collection of articles analyzes the impact of 11 articles from the American Journal of Medical Quality (AJMQ) on improving healthcare safety. Despite progress, the country has only made modest strides towards zero harm, emphasizing the need for continued efforts.
A leading public health expert warns of systemic failures in the public health system that led to the deaths of 17 elderly patients. The expert draws parallels with two major incidents in the mid-1980s, highlighting the need for strengthened public health and better links between the NHS and local government.
A leading public health expert is calling for strategic green burial corridors alongside major transport routes due to Britain's rapidly depleting graveyards. With 500,000 annual deaths in England and Wales, no burial space will be left within five years.
A recent study by Maury Gittleman and Kristen Monaco suggests that automation will not eliminate most truck-driving jobs due to factors like non-driving tasks and segment-specific automation challenges. The researchers found that long-haul trucking is easier to automate than short-haul trucking.
A large UK cohort study found poor oral health is strongly associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. Poor oral health, including painful gums and loose teeth, was linked to an increased risk of HCC in patients.
Researchers found that private sector hip operations on NHS patients from affluent areas increased by 288%, compared to a 186% increase among patients from low-income areas. The study concludes that continued outsourcing to the private sector will worsen health inequalities.
Recent falls in vaccination rates and uptake of other preventative programs, such as bowel and breast cancer screenings, indicate a fragmentation of public health arrangements. Visible public health leadership is needed to address these weaknesses and prevent further deterioration.
A new federal rule of evidence is proposed to educate juries on theories of false memory, producing more just verdicts. This rule would be particularly beneficial for child testimonies, where age-related factors play a significant role in memory.
A new study provides policy recommendations to help legal authorities determine the accuracy of testimonies from children and adults. The authors suggest using scientifically-established protocols, open-ended questions, and analyzing supporting and opposing elements to verify memories.
Researchers found many Democrats overstated mental stress after the 2016 election, particularly for party loyalty rather than Trump specifically. They discovered a 'reverse' cheerleading phenomenon where people reported negative sentiments to show support for fellow Democrats.
A recent study analyzing Twitter comments found that ISIS remains successful at inspiring low-level attacks due to its 'call for lone jihad' messaging. The research discovered correlations between media coverage, online conversations, and support levels towards the group.
A new study on Twitter conversations about President Trump found that people are engaging in rich and engaging discussions to bridge political divides. The study revealed that participants tend to engage with those who have different beliefs and backgrounds, and that pleasant conversations are more likely to receive positive replies.
A new analysis of a 16th-century drawing reveals that Leonardo da Vinci's right hand was affected by ulnar palsy, rather than stroke. The study suggests that the artist's hand impairment may have been caused by traumatic nerve damage, leading to incomplete paintings and limited motor function.
Lung cancer in non-smokers is under-recognized, with an estimated 6,000 deaths per year in the UK. The risk factors include second-hand smoke, occupational carcinogen exposure, and outdoor pollution.
The UK could benefit from Colombia's systemic approach to reducing violence, which resulted in a 53% decrease in homicides between 1995 and 2018. Interventions included restricting alcohol sales, community mobilization, and increased access to education and employment opportunities.
A commentary published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine warns that removing explicit ethics and values from NICE's revised Social Value Judgements document undermines the organization's innovative approach. Experts argue that this revision leaves patients and clinicians struggling to understand NICE's decisions.
Researchers have found GS-441524 to be highly effective in treating FIP, with 26 out of 31 cats showing significant improvement in appetite and weight gain. The treatment has also been shown to be safe for cats of all ages and stages of the disease.
Researchers used eye-tracking technology to demonstrate that people don't need to mindfully look at eyes to be perceived as making eye contact during conversation. Participants rated their enjoyment of conversations equally regardless of researcher's gaze direction.
Gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) has been identified as a major contributor to feline cancer and chronic kidney disease, while morbillivirus has linked to tubulointerstitial nephritis. The viruses have no known zoonotic risk, but further research is needed.
The first international consensus on fibromuscular dysplasia provides a unified approach to diagnosis, management, and treatment of this vascular disease. Key recommendations include imaging protocols, antiplatelet therapy, and standardized angioplasty procedures.
A study by Elena Greguletz, Marjo-Riitta Diehl, and Karin Kreutzer found that women's tendency to harbour moral concerns about 'exploiting' social ties causes them to under-benefit from networking activities. Women also tend to underestimate and poorly demonstrate their own contributions in a professional context.
Researchers warn that current research models and regulation are blocking human-focused approaches to drug discovery. The UK has world-leading research in this area, but significant investment is taking place in the US and Europe.
New research published by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine highlights the high burden of sport-related injuries among children and adolescents. The study found that almost half of sport injury-related emergency department attendances involved children under the age of 19, with fractures being the most common type of injury.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners has released a consensus statement on feline feeding programs, highlighting the importance of allowing normal feeding behaviors such as hunting and foraging to occur in the home environment. This can help alleviate or prevent stress-related issues like cystitis and obesity.
New research shows that drinking No 1 Rosemary Water can improve memory by up to 15%. The study, conducted by Dr Mark Moss at Northumbria University, found that the drink increased brain blood flow and improved cognitive performance in participants.,
A study found that post-Brexit immigration restrictions would significantly damage the UK's science output and international research reputation. The research also revealed a substantial contribution of European doctors to the UK's healthcare system.
A modelling study suggests that integrating community health workers at scale could significantly reduce the NHS primary care workload crisis. The researchers estimate that 110,585 community health workers would be needed to cover England's general practice population, costing £2.22bn annually.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch found that testosterone replacement therapy reduces respiratory hospitalizations in middle-aged and older men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This suggests that testosterone replacement therapy may slow the progression of COPD in these individuals.
An analysis of UK newspaper reporting on the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund found mostly positive but uncritical stories, potentially misleading the public about the fund's benefits. The study suggests that media coverage contributed to a strong perception that expensive new medicines are the best way to help cancer patients.
A new study found that stroke survivors struggle to discuss their sexuality and intimacy with healthcare professionals, who rarely address the topic during rehabilitation. The review highlights the importance of proper support from health and rehabilitation professionals to address these issues.