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App to help doctors help patients with leukemia

Researchers have developed an app to help doctors identify patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at risk of developing infections, allowing for earlier treatment. The app uses blood test results and genetic data to predict patient risk, improving treatment outcomes and reducing pressure on the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJun 24, 2022

Methods from weather forecasting can be adapted to assess risk of COVID-19 exposure

Researchers developed a smartphone app that harnesses weather forecasting data to provide individuals with a granular understanding of their COVID-19 risk. The app would blend various types of data, including surveillance testing and wearable sensor data, to forecast the spread of disease across a network of human contacts.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2022

Inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds in mid to later life linked to near doubling in risk of death

A balance test that measures an individual's ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds can predict mortality risk in middle-aged and older adults. Researchers found that those who failed the test had a significantly higher risk of death from any cause within the next decade, with an absolute difference of nearly 13%.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022

Study explores uncertainties in flood risk estimates

A new study found that conventional methods for calculating flood risk underestimate frequencies, especially at the 100-year flood, due to neglecting unique roles of each flood type. Researchers from DRI, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Colorado State University investigated historic floods in 308 watersheds.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2022

Vitamin D deficiency leads to dementia

A world-first study from the University of South Australia found a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of dementia and stroke. The study analyzed data from 294,514 participants and found that up to 17% of dementia cases might have been avoided by boosting vitamin D levels.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2022

Physical activity should be encouraged during pregnancy, even for socially vulnerable women

Research in western Amazonia found that at least 150 minutes of exercise per week correlated with lower birth weight and reduced risk of childhood obesity and diabetes. The study also showed that physical activity during pregnancy may help prevent excessive weight gain, contributing to a reduced birth weight.

Researchers assess the risk of monkeypox transmission following exposure in healthcare settings

Researchers reviewed literature from 2000 to find only one reported case of monkeypox transmission following exposure in non-endemic areas. The study suggests a low risk of nosocomial transmission, but highlights the need for more data on exposure definitions and personal protective equipment use.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2022

Heart failure patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are three times more likely to die from it than boosted heart failure patients

A new study from Mount Sinai Heart found that heart failure patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are three times more likely to die from it than those who are fully vaccinated and boosted. The research also shows that these unvaccinated patients face higher risks of hospitalization and ICU admission if infected with the virus.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2022

Pregnant women’s drinking correlates with their partner’s drinking

A new study found that pregnant women's use of alcohol correlates with that of their partner, highlighting the importance of both parents reducing their alcohol consumption. The research, which analyzed data from 14,822 Finnish women and their partners, showed that exposure to alcohol can have detrimental effects on fetal development.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateJun 8, 2022

Risk of breakthrough Covid-19 infection after vaccination is higher among people with HIV

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that people with HIV are at a higher risk of breakthrough COVID-19 infections after vaccination. The study analyzed data from nearly 114,000 fully vaccinated individuals and found that the HIV group had a 28% higher rate of breakthrough infections compared to the non-HIV group.

Transgender, sexual minority teens at high risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts

A new study finds that transgender adolescents are at a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to their cisgender peers. The research suggests that targeted interventions, such as suicide prevention programs and gender-affirming care, can help reduce the burden of suicidality among this group.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022

At least 2,000 species of reptiles are threatened

The first international study of its kind assesses the status of all reptile species, revealing that at least 2,000 species are threatened with extinction. The study found that 50% of turtle and crocodile species face extinction threats, while 30% of forest-dwelling reptiles and 14% of arid area reptiles are in danger.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2022

Good news, bad news on risky medication use in nursing homes

A decade-long effort to reduce medication risks for nursing home residents with dementia has shown some positive results, but also unintended consequences. Fewer people are receiving antipsychotic and anti-anxiety drugs, which can raise the risk of falling or dying, but more are receiving alternative behavior-changing medications with ...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2022

Too impatient to get vaccinated?

A survey of hospital staff in two Swiss hospitals found that those who were hesitant or refused vaccination displayed higher impatience and lower expectations for public vaccination rates. This has implications for future health campaigns, as medical staff serve as role models for the general public.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMay 30, 2022

Online assessment tool helps predict ICU need following surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Surgery analyzes data from almost 35,000 surgical patients to evaluate the accuracy of a risk assessment system called SURPAS. The researchers found that the eight-variable SURPAS model accurately predicted post-operative ICU use across nine surgical specialties.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2022

Exposure to wildfires increases risk of cancer

A new study from McGill University finds that people living near regions prone to wildfires may have a higher incidence of lung cancer and brain tumors. Exposure to carcinogenic wildfire pollutants on a chronic basis increases the risk of certain cancers, according to researchers.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2022

UCI researchers reveal possible molecular blood signature for suicide in major depression

Researchers developed a novel gene expression approach to identify potential blood biomarkers associated with suicide in major depressive disorder. The study analyzed data from non-preserved blood samples and found significant differences in gene expression changes linked to stress response, immune dysregulation, and telomere maintenance.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMay 5, 2022

Patients with past cancer history not associated with higher risk of COVID-19-related death or hospitalization

A new study led by UTHealth Houston found that patients with recent cancer diagnoses had a higher risk of death and hospitalization, but those with cancer more than one year ago were not significantly associated with increased mortality. The research also confirmed racial disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients.

How MRI could revolutionise heart failure diagnosis

A new study published in the European Heart Journal shows that MRI is superior to echocardiography for diagnosing heart failure and predicting patient outcomes. The research found that MRI can accurately measure left ventricular filling pressure, leading to improved diagnosis and reduced need for invasive assessments.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2022

A Concordia-made tool assessing indoor COVID-19 transmission risks expands across North America

CityRPI, a web-based tool developed by Leon Wang, calculates the probability of COVID-19 infection through aerosol transmission in indoor spaces. The tool can be expanded to project this likelihood in cities across North America using customizable assessments based on building type and mitigation measures.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 3, 2022

Coronaviruses on Glass: Commercial detergents and manual glass washers effectively remove viruses from glass

A German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) study published in Food Microbiology found that coronaviruses on glass are stable but can be inactivated through conventional rinsing processes. Commercial dish washing detergents and manual glass washers were shown to effectively remove coronaviruses from drinking glasses.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalFood Microbiology·DateMay 3, 2022

Student debt can impair your cardiovascular health into middle age

Adults with student loan debt face a higher risk of cardiovascular illness and may experience undermined health benefits from post-secondary education. Researchers analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and found that those who took on new debt or consistently had debt had higher CVD risk scores.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2022

Remaining increase in cancer risk after high childhood BMI

A new study from University of Gothenburg found that men with high childhood BMI are at an elevated risk of obesity-related cancer, even if their weight is normal in young adulthood. The study analyzed data from 6,565 men born between 1945 and 1961 and found a persistently increased risk of adult obesity-related cancer.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCancer Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

Risk score seems to accurately identify patients at low risk for syncope in Emergency Department

A new study validates the Canadian Syncope Risk Score as a reliable tool to identify patients at low risk for serious outcomes after 30 days, potentially reducing hospitalization rates. The score showed better performance than another validated score, but its clinical utility remains uncertain and warrants further research.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2022

UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group publishes new guidance

The UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group has published a new guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which includes updated recommendations for vertebral fracture detection and anabolic treatment options. The guidance aims to improve service provision in both primary and secondary care settings.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2022

Mental illness associated with increased death from cardiovascular disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 108 studies found that people with severe mental illness, including schizophrenia, have twice the cardiovascular-related mortality rate as the general population. The association has grown stronger over recent decades, with a possible link to changes in antipsychotic use and smoking prevalence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 19, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal study assesses mortality risk in multimorbid patients

A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Researchers study how to unlock clinical risk-prediction models so they can be applied to multiple clinical settings

A team of NYU Tandon researchers investigated the variability of mortality prediction models when applied to different hospitals and geographic regions. They found that these models exhibit a lack of generalizability due to dataset shifts in race and clinical variables, leading to disparities in performance across racial groups.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

New machine learning models can predict adverse outcomes after abdominal hernia surgery with high accuracy

Researchers developed a procedure-specific risk calculator to encourage changes in patient behaviors before surgery. The machine learning models accurately predicted which patients were most likely to experience complications or hernia recurrence after ventral hernia repair.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2022