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More evidence that sugary drinks cause weight gain

A review of dozens of studies found a positive association between sugary drinks and weight gain in both adults and children, with increasing SSB intake linked to greater weight gain over time. Limiting SSB consumption is an effective way to prevent age-related weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Traumas in children and adolescents can be treated effectively

A meta-analysis by researchers at the University of Münster confirms that trauma-focused therapy is highly effective for treating PTSD in children and adolescents. The study found that this form of therapy can change patients' thought patterns and behaviors, enabling them to confront their trauma under therapist supervision.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Palliative care doesn’t improve psychological distress

A Rutgers study found no statistically significant improvements in patient or caregiver anxiety, depression, or psychological distress in palliative care interventions. The researchers identified conceptual and methodological problems in the literature, including excluding patients with existing mental health conditions from studies.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 24, 2023

Global proportion of disordered eating in children and adolescents

A systematic review of 32 studies involving 63,000 participants from 16 countries found that disordered eating affects approximately 22% of children and adolescents globally. The study highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent eating disorders, particularly among girls and those with increasing body mass index.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 20, 2023

MRI surveillance for postsurgical musculoskeletal soft-tissue sarcomas: AJR systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that MRI-based surveillance after surgical treatment can detect clinically occult local recurrences, potentially improving patient outcomes. The study included 19 studies and showed a significant association between high-intensity surveillance and the detection of local recurrences.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 1, 2023

American College of Physicians recommends cognitive behavioral therapy or second-generation antidepressants for adults with major depressive disorder

The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 23, 2023

COVID-19: vaccines halve the risk of reinfection

A recent study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the likelihood of reinfection and severe symptoms. Vaccinated individuals who have recovered from the virus have a 50% to 60% lower risk of reinfection compared to those who are not vaccinated.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 7, 2022

Meta-analysis informed the updated WHO guidelines for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy

A new meta-analysis commissioned by WHO informs updated treatment guidelines for uncomplicated malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy. The study finds that artemether-lumefantrine is as safe and possibly more effective than non-artemisinin-based treatments, including quinine, with significant reductions in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

SourceInfectious Diseases Data Observatory·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 28, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal study explores the association of influenza vaccination with COVID-19 infection and associated outcomes

A systematic review of 36 studies found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 20% and poor outcomes like ICU admission and death by 17-31%. The findings suggest that routine influenza vaccination could offer non-specific immunity against COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 22, 2022

Which weather characteristics affect agricultural and food trade the most?

A new study by the University of Illinois found that temperature in the place of origin has a significant negative impact on export of agricultural goods, while temperature in the destination has little effect. The researchers also identified precipitation as a more nuanced factor in trade.

New Psychological Science findings link local prejudice to police militarization, offer hope for fostering belief in science

Recent research suggests that racial prejudice within communities predicts the militarization of local police departments. In contrast, communicating scientific consensus appears to be an effective way to change factual beliefs about contested science topics. Additionally, studies have found that happy people tend to overestimate their...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

Having suffered trauma during childhood triples the risk of suffering a serious mental disorder in adulthood

A recent study analyzing over 93,000 cases reveals a direct link between childhood trauma and the risk of developing a mental disorder in adulthood. The study highlights the importance of treating psychological trauma in patients and investing in prevention programs to reduce the risk of suffering a mental disorder.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2022

Getting to the heart of COVID-19 vaccination and its cardiovascular risks

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis found that young adults under 40 have a slightly elevated risk for myocarditis or pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The analysis analyzed data from over 58 million participants and explored the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine and these rare but dangerous adverse reactions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 1, 2022

Do caffeine and alcohol affect fertility treatments?

A recent study found no association between women's caffeine consumption and pregnancy or live birth rate after fertility treatments. However, moderate alcohol consumption (84g/week) was associated with decreased pregnancy and live birth rates in both men and women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateOct 19, 2022

Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative making genome-wide association studies more diverse and representative

The Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative has made significant advancements in expanding genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to include more diverse and representative data from around the world. By analyzing genomic data from over 2 million individuals across four continents, researchers have identified new genetic variants asso...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Genomics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was found to lower the risk of severe outcomes including preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage. Vaccination during pregnancy is now recommended to protect against COVID-19 infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 3, 2022

HKUMed research team estimates over 30% elevated risk of breast cancer among antipsychotic users

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies found a moderate association between antipsychotic use and an increased risk of breast cancer, estimated at over 30%. The study highlights the importance of risk-benefit assessment of antipsychotic prescription in high-risk patients.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2022

The prevalence of hypertension in low- and middle-income countries increases more sharply in rural areas

A meta-analysis of nearly 300 studies reveals a higher hypertension prevalence in urban areas but with a narrowing gap over time and socio-economic development, indicating rapid increase in rural areas. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and control measures in rural areas to address the growing burden of hypertension.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2022

Changes in child, adolescent physical activity during pandemic

Pooled estimates from 22 international studies indicate a 20% reduction in total daily physical activity among children and adolescents during the pandemic. The findings highlight the need for bolstered access to support and resources related to physical activity to ensure good health and social functioning during pandemic recovery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 11, 2022

Smoke break: UNLV study strengthens link between smoking and increased fracture risk in men

A UNLV study analyzed nearly 30,000 broken bone cases and found that smoking increases the risk of breaking a bone by as much as 37%. The study also found that men are more likely to experience fractures, particularly in the wrists, spine, and shoulders, due to nicotine's negative impact on bone cells and calcium absorption.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 8, 2022

Meta-analysis shows targeted radiation therapy may be as effective as standard care for small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases

A meta-analysis published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that targeted radiation therapy, which spares healthy brain tissue, is equitable to whole brain radiation therapy for patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases. This approach may improve their care experience with fewer negative cognitive consequences.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 27, 2022