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Health impacts of abuse more extensive than previously thought, research says

Research found elevated risks between intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse and various health conditions. Intimate partner violence was associated with increased risk of major depressive disorders, maternal abortion, and alcohol misuse, while childhood sexual abuse linked to increased risk of self-harm and alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

Light therapy may improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 6, 2023

Choice of intravenous fluid therapy could improve survival in critically ill patients

A new meta-analysis found that intravenous fluid therapy using balanced solutions can reduce the risk of in-hospital death in critically ill patients by four percent. Balanced solutions are more closely matched to human blood chemistry than commonly used saline, and may be associated with lower mortality rates.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

Prioritizing circulation before the airway in trauma may improve outcomes for patients with massive bleeding

A literature review found that prioritizing circulation before the airway in trauma patients with major blood loss leads to improved outcomes, including lower mortality rates. This approach, known as CAB, has gained acceptance over the ABC model and is now being recommended by the American College of Surgeons.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 28, 2023

The Lancet: Deferred clamping of umbilical cord reduces risk of death in premature babies by at least a third, suggest two studies with the most comprehensive analysis to date

Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by at least two minutes can reduce the risk of death in premature babies. The studies included over 10,000 babies from 60 studies and showed a significant reduction in mortality rates for deferred clamping compared to immediate clamping.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 14, 2023

Meta-analysis identifies native priority as a mechanism that supports the restoration of invasion-resistant plant communities

A meta-analysis found that prioritizing native species can increase invasion resistance by over 50% and reduce invasive alien species' performance. High-density seeding of functionally similar or multifunctional seed mixtures is effective in controlling invasive species, with priority effects strengthened by increasing time advantage.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

Researchers measure global consensus over the ethical use of AI

A systematic review of global guidelines for AI use found that most valued principles such as transparency, security, and justice. However, fewer guidelines prioritized truthfulness, intellectual property, and children's rights. Most guidelines were normative but lacked practical methods for implementation.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

No universal body image experience in pregnancy - study

A new study found that body image dissatisfaction during pregnancy varies widely among women, influenced by complex factors such as positive and negative experiences. Negative body image can have serious effects on the mother and baby, including depression, anxiety, and poor quality interactions. The research highlights the importance ...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateOct 12, 2023

Ocean acidification research is robust despite ebbs and flows

A new study published in Nature Climate Change assesses the last 24 years of ocean acidification research and finds that negative effects remain consistently observed. The researchers' efforts to reproduce early results have shown improvement over time, with sufficient data contributing to a rebuilt confidence in the community.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 25, 2023

Estimated lifetime gained with cancer screening tests

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 clinical trials involving 2.1 million individuals found no significant lifetime gain from common cancer screening tests. However, colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy may have a potential benefit, according to the study.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2023

Knowledge of building blocks of words plays an important role when deaf children learn to read, analysis shows

Morphological awareness plays a crucial role in deaf children learning to read and expand their vocabulary. The study found that this knowledge is more important for deaf students than phonology or phonics, offering opportunities for them to actively construct words.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 23, 2023

World’s largest study shows the more you walk, the lower your risk of death, even if you walk fewer than 5,000 steps

The study found that walking at least 3967 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from any cause, while 2337 steps a day reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The researchers also found that every 500-1000 extra steps increase health benefits and reduce mortality risk by up to 15%.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2023

Meta-analysis of research on acne reveals that oral isotretinoin, followed by topical antibiotic, benzoyl peroxide and retinoid, are most effective treatments

A meta-analysis of 221 randomized controlled trials reveals oral isotretinoin as the most effective treatment for acne, followed by triple therapies containing antibiotics and retinoids. The study also found that monotherapies like antibiotics and retinoids have comparable efficacy for inflammatory lesions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

Food size matters

A study by Kyoto University found that Daphnia's phenotypic plasticity is strongly related to its body size and the type of predator. Medium-sized Daphnia are more vulnerable to predation by both Chaoborus larvae and fish, which prefer larger prey.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFreshwater Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 19, 2023

Controlled cruelty: New study from VCU finds aggression can arise from successful self-control

A new study by VCU researcher David Chester found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control, but rather can be the result of successful self-control to inflict greater retribution. The study argues for a more nuanced view of aggression and challenges common interventions aimed at reducing violence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

New review finds the benefits of a widely-used treatment for gambling problems may be overstated

A new meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials on cognitive-behavioral techniques for treating gambling problems found mixed results, including potential overstatements of treatment benefits. The analysis highlighted publication bias and limited funding as contributing factors to the shortcomings of existing research.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 29, 2023

Wearable activity trackers accelerate hospital patient recovery

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that wearable activity trackers improve patient activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and enhance physical function, supporting faster recovery in hospitalized adults. The study examined 15 studies with a combined total of 1911 patients and found significant improvements in clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

Does multimorbidity impact chronic disease treatment?

Researchers analyzed data from 120 clinical trials and found no evidence that treatment efficacies differ depending on the number of comorbidities. The study suggests that modest levels of comorbidities do not affect treatment outcomes, providing valuable insights for clinicians to make informed recommendations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 6, 2023

New, comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis illustrate the need for nuance in public health guidance related to consumption of sugars

A comprehensive review of 169 clinical trials found that the effect of fructose-containing sugars on adiposity varies among food sources and energy control. High doses of certain sources, like SSBs, lead to increased body weight, while others, such as fruit and honey, show moderate beneficial effects when consumed in moderation.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 26, 2023

What’s wrong in statistics

A new paper proposes an itemized checklist to guide researchers in publishing analyses using complex sample survey data. The checklist, PRICSSA, consists of 17 important items to report for any analyses conducted on complex survey data. This reform aims to increase transparency and make analytic mistakes easier to spot.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Survey Statistics and Methodology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 26, 2023

Social comparisons better than knowledge in climate change mitigation interventions

Researchers found that social comparisons and financial incentives are more effective than knowledge-based interventions in changing behaviors. The meta-analysis of over 400 primary studies showed a relatively small effect on proenvironmental behaviors, with an average increase of just 7 percentage points.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

HIV and hepatitis C virus monitoring needs to increase to achieve global elimination goals

Global efforts to track HIV and HCV incidence among people who inject drugs are necessary to validate targets for ending the epidemics by 2030. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing this population in prevention and elimination work, particularly for vulnerable subgroups like young people and women.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

Meta-analysis shows association between autism in children and cardiometabolic diseases

A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 10, 2023