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In health care, does 'hotspotting' make patients better?

A new study by MIT economists found that a hotspotting program has virtually no impact on patient health care use, contradicting previous claims of a significant reduction in rehospitalizations. The study evaluated 800 patients and found similar outcomes between those enrolled in the program and those not.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2020
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Treatment of migraine pain in randomized clinical trial

In a randomized clinical trial, adults with moderate to severe migraines took either ubrogepant or a placebo. After two hours, participants reported a significant reduction in pain and associated symptoms. The study provides encouraging results for the treatment of migraine pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 19, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New in Ethics & Human Research, September-October 2019

Emerging norms in engaged translational genomics research raise substantial ethical concerns. Simplified Spanish-language consent materials require cultural congruence, while participant benefits in HIV prevention research highlight potential direct and indirect benefits for stigmatized populations.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·DateOct 1, 2019

No need to cut down red and processed meat consumption

A major Canadian-led study has found that most adults can continue to eat red and processed meat without significant impacts on heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. The researchers concluded that a small reduction in risk was associated with reducing meat consumption by three servings per week.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

Randomized quality improvement projects help assess effectiveness of patient-focused programs

The study implemented randomized quality improvement projects across NYU Langone Health, finding that changing prompts for tobacco cessation counseling increased medication prescription rates. Post-discharge phone calls were largely ineffective in improving patient satisfaction or hospital readmissions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 18, 2019
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Public attitudes toward police

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in New Haven, Connecticut, where police officers made community policing visits to residents' homes. The study found that positive interactions improved public trust and cooperation with police, especially among black individuals and those with strong negative views towards the police.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2019

The Lancet journals: Papers at ESC Congress 2019

The Lancet published several studies on cardiovascular disease, including a new risk chart for 21 global regions and a trial on percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting. Additionally, the journal presented findings on sirolimus-eluting stents versus durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents in patients ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 3, 2019

Excess body fat increases the risk of depression

A new study finds that excess body fat increases the risk of depression, with a 17% higher probability for every ten kilograms of extra weight. The study suggests that psychological consequences of being overweight or obese drive this increased risk, rather than biological effects.

SourceAarhus University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 27, 2019

BU finds alternative to 'revolving door' of opioid detox and relapse

Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health found that patients who start long-term buprenorphine treatment before discharge from a short-term inpatient program are less likely to relapse and more likely to keep up treatment. This approach reduces the risk of overdose and improves outcomes for opioid users.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAddiction·DateAug 20, 2019

Study analyzes outcomes of dual antiplatelet therapy after minor stroke or TIA

The study analyzed combined patient-level data from two randomized clinical trials to examine the effectiveness of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients who experienced a minor stroke or transient ischemic attack. The results indicate that treatment with clopidogrel and aspirin can improve outcomes for these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 19, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Virtual reality experiences may help treat severe pain

A randomized trial of 120 hospital patients found that virtual reality (VR) sessions significantly reduced severe pain scores compared to a relaxation program on TV. Patients who used VR reported higher satisfaction with the experience and no difference in opioid prescribing.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Nutritional supplements and diets not always protective, WVU research suggests

A WVU study found that only folic acid and omega-3 supplements showed promise in reducing cardiovascular risk. Eating less salt was also beneficial for overall survival and cardiovascular mortality rates. However, the quality of evidence supporting other supplements and diets was considered low due to methodological issues.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 8, 2019
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

UNC receives $3.8 million grant to study 'Med-South' weight loss program

The University of North Carolina will test the effectiveness of Med-South, an adapted form of the Mediterranean diet, in promoting long-term weight loss among patients with obesity. The randomized trial aims to assess the impact of this unique dietary approach on cardiovascular risk factors and blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateJun 11, 2019

The Lancet journals: Papers at American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2019

Two new trials show oral semaglutide is more effective than subcutaneous liraglutide in treating type 2 diabetes, with the latest trial showing it's also safe for patients with moderate renal impairment. Another trial found that insulin degludec plus liraglutide is a durable therapy option for type 2 diabetes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 9, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Higher weight increases risk of psoriasis

A new study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to an increased risk of developing psoriasis. The observational study analyzed data from over 750,000 individuals and found a 9% increase in risk for each whole BMI unit increase.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 26, 2019

Anti-inflammatory plant-based diet helps reduce gingivitis

A randomized trial found that a plant-based whole food diet reduced gingival bleeding and increased vitamin D values in patients with gingivitis. The experimental group also experienced weight loss and showed significant benefits without changes to plaque values.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal Of Clinical Periodontology·DateApr 3, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

How measurable is online advertising?

Researchers found that commonly used observational approaches often fail to accurately measure ad effectiveness, overestimating its impact. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for evaluating ad campaigns.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateMar 21, 2019

Prevention of alcohol use in older teens

A randomized trial of Smart Choices 4 Teens, an online family prevention program, found significant reductions in teen alcohol use and related problems. The program decreased drinking days, amount consumed, and parent-teen communication about social host laws.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateMar 17, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Cannabis-based compound may reduce seizures in children with epilepsy

A recent analysis of published studies suggests that cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, can reduce seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy. The median frequency of monthly seizures decreased with cannabidiol treatment, with many participants experiencing a 50% or greater reduction.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateDec 5, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy should be a treatment option for elderly patients with LS-S

A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that elderly patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) can benefit from concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, similar to younger patients. The analysis showed comparable survival rates and toxicity between older and younger groups, providing robust evidence for tre...

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateNov 1, 2018

Oral curcumin shows no benefit in reducing inflammation following vascular surgery

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that oral curcumin did not reduce inflammation or improve outcomes in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. In fact, the study showed an increased risk of post-surgical kidney damage in patients taking curcumin.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 29, 2018

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Vitamin D supplementation in adults does not prevent fractures, falls or improve bone mineral density

A large meta-analysis of 81 randomised trials found no effect of vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density, fractures, or falls in adults. The study suggests that clinical guidelines should be changed to reflect the best available evidence and that there is little justification for using vitamin D supplements for musculoskeleta...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 4, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Study finds that a lifestyle intervention may mitigate PFAS-related weight gain

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are associated with increases in weight, but exercise and diet may reduce the obesogenic effects of these environmental contaminants. Lifestyle changes can fight the obesogenic action of PFAS.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 25, 2018

Results from the OAC-ALONE trial reported at TCT 2018 and published in Circulation

The OAC-ALONE study found that oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone did not provide non-inferiority to combined OAC and antiplatelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease beyond one year after stent implantation. The study also found higher rates of major bleeding with OAC alone.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalCirculation·DateSep 24, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Results from the ReCre8 trial reported at TCT 2018

The ReCre8 trial found that a novel polymer-free amphilimus-eluting stent was clinically safe and effective, comparable to a durable polymer zotarolimus-eluting stent. The study showed that one-month DAPT in troponin-negative patients may be safe regarding stent thrombosis.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateSep 24, 2018

Results from the SOLVE-TAVI trial reported at TCT 2018

The SOLVE-TAVI trial found that local anesthesia is both safe and effective for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), especially those with intermediate to high surgical risk. The study also showed similar outcomes between current-generation balloon-expandable and self-expanding valves.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateSep 23, 2018

The effectiveness of online cannabis responsible vendor training program

A new study reveals that an online RMV training significantly improved employees' ability to check IDs, recognize intoxicated customers, and use inventory tracking systems. The training was rated as user-friendly and satisfactory by over 75% of trainees.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateSep 16, 2018

Calorie counts on restaurant menus have customers ordering less

A recent study by Cornell University found that customers who saw calorie counts on restaurant menus ordered meals with 45 calories less than those without calorie information. Customers also valued the nutrition information and supported future implementation of calorie labels.

SourceCornell University·DateSep 13, 2018

High dose folic acid does not prevent pre-eclampsia in high risk women

A randomised controlled trial found that high dose folic acid supplementation beyond the first trimester has no benefit for preventing pre-eclampsia. However, low dose folic acid supplements before and during early pregnancy are still strongly recommended to prevent birth defects such as spina bifida.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 12, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.