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Vitamin D deficiency linked to premature death

A new study from the University of South Australia found that severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The research evaluated 307,601 records from the UK Biobank and found that individuals with low vitamin D levels had a significantly decreased risk of death over a 14-year follow-up period.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2022

Lower prostate cancer screening rates associated with subsequent increase in advanced cancers

A large-scale analysis of VA medical centers found that facilities with lower yearly PSA screening rates had higher rates of metastatic prostate cancer in subsequent years. The study supports the benefits of prostate cancer screening in reducing metastatic prostate cancer risk, particularly for high-risk groups like Black patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 24, 2022

Single stranded suture threads could prevent pregnancy infection complications, C-STICH trial finds

The C-STICH clinical trial found that single-stranded suture threads may improve outcomes for mothers at risk of preterm birth by reducing the risk of infection. Researchers tested whether using single stranded sutures could decrease miscarriage or stillbirth rates due to an increased risk of infection.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2022

Landmark study finds antisepsis agents interchangeable in reducing infection risk in open fracture surgeries

A landmark study published in The Lancet found that chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine aqueous solutions are equally effective in preventing surgical site infections in patients with open fractures. This finding has significant implications for healthcare practitioners and may reduce costs associated with accessing these antis...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 14, 2022

Independent Task Force on COVID-19 and other Pandemics: origins, prevention, and response

The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.

SourceEcoHealth Alliance·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 10, 2022

Multiple health benefits of b-type procyanidin-rich foods like chocolate and apples consumed in right amounts

Researchers found that B-type procyanidins induce hormesis in hemodynamic and metabolic responses, with optimal doses triggering improved cognitive functions and stress resistance. The study suggests a link between B-type procyanidin intake and CNS neurotransmitter receptor activation.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Care gap: Hospital readmission rate for younger women is higher than for younger men after a heart attack

A new study found that younger women hospitalized with heart attacks had a significantly higher prevalence of cardiac risk factors and comorbidities compared to younger men. This led to higher rehospitalization rates and all-cause readmission rates, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to improve prevention strategies.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Particle radioactivity linked to pollution-associated heart attack and stroke death

Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 5, 2022

Neurodegenerative disease risk more than doubled among former Scottish international rugby union players

Research has found that former Scottish international rugby union players are at a significantly increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor neurone disease. The study's findings suggest that strategies to reduce head impact and traumatic brain injury in all sports are necessary.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

Improving hospital stays and outcomes for older patients with dementia through AI

Researchers developed a machine learning model to quickly recognize predictive risk factors and their importance for undesirable hospitalization outcomes. The model achieved an accuracy of 95.6% and identified modifiable risk factors that can be mitigated through clinical interventions.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2022

Exposure to air pollution worsens COVID-19 outcomes, even among the fully vaccinated

Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2022

UK government media releases risk flouting regs on promotion of prescription only meds, warns DTB

Recent media releases from UK government agencies and NHS organizations lack objectivity and provide unbalanced information on prescription-only medicines. The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin expresses concerns over the use of hyperbolic language and omission of key information about potential harms and benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalDrug and Therapeutics Bulletin·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2022

Rising global temperatures point to widespread drought

A new study finds that even a modest temperature increase of 1.5°C will spell serious consequences in India, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Brazil, and Egypt, with droughts projected to last longer than two years in some countries. Limiting warming to 1.5°C could greatly benefit all six countries, but meeting the Paris Accords is crucial to r...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2022

New MIT Sloan research identifies which countries may be better positioned to accept a “new normal” of living with COVID-19

Researchers at MIT Sloan School of Management studied 93 countries and found more than half willing to tolerate higher death rates without NPIs. The US, however, may face high daily death rates exceeding 1,000 per day during winter months if past responsiveness continues.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalSystem Dynamics Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 21, 2022

Can eyes on self-driving cars reduce accidents?

A new study at the University of Tokyo suggests that robotic eyes on autonomous vehicles can help pedestrians anticipate a vehicle's intentions, leading to safer crossings. The experiment found that participants made more cautious decisions when faced with moving eyes, with some males even reporting feeling safer.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Air pollution may spur irregular heart rhythms in healthy teens

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that air pollution may trigger irregular heart rhythms in healthy teenagers, with exposure causing arrhythmias to occur within two hours. The research analyzed data from over 300 adolescents and found a significant impact of fine particulate matter on cardiac ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 14, 2022

Concussions at school may affect academic performance

A study published in Injury Prevention found that adolescents who experienced a concussion in the past 12 months were 25% more likely to be in poor academic standing. This association was stronger with a history of repeated concussions, and varied by race/ethnicity.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2022

Global analysis identifies at-risk forests

Forests face risks from climate change in three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity, and forest loss from disturbances. The study found higher risks in southern boreal forests and drier regions of the Amazon and African tropics.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 1, 2022

How can a welfare state boost population health?

Researchers found a negative correlation between age-standardized death rates and levels of decommodification in 21 OECD countries. Decreased labor market polarization and risk were associated with improved population health, particularly in men.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2022

Increased use of telehealth for opioid use disorder services during COVID-19 pandemic associated with reduced risk of overdose

A study found that expanded telehealth services for opioid use disorder care during the COVID-19 pandemic led to individuals staying in treatment longer and reducing their risk of medically treated overdose. The expansion also showed improved receipt and retention of medication-assisted treatment, suggesting a valuable approach to addr...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2022

State-level earned income tax credit linked to reduction in high-risk HIV behavior among single mothers

A 21% relative risk reduction in reported high-risk HIV behavior was found for single mothers with a State-level Earned Income Tax Credit (SEITC) of 10% or above the Federal EITC. A 10 percentage-point increase in SEITC was also linked to a 38% relative reduction in high-risk behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2022

“Polypill” reduces cardiovascular mortality by 33% in patients treated after a heart attack

The SECURE trial found that the polypill, containing aspirin, ramipril, and atorvastatin, achieves clinically relevant reductions in recurrent cardiovascular events among patients recovering from a heart attack. This simplified approach improves treatment adherence, leading to a 33% reduction in cardiovascular mortality.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2022

Obesity, alcohol use, and decreased blood clotting associated with return to operating room after liver transplant

Research finds that liver transplant recipients with a BMI of 30 or higher and those who drank heavily have a high risk of needing a second surgery within 48 hours. Coagulopathy, or decreased blood clotting, is also linked to this risk. The study aims to reduce the number of return-to-operating-room cases by mitigating these factors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe American Journal of Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

Physical activity may have a stronger role than genes in longevity

A recent study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that higher levels of light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were associated with lower risk of death. In contrast, higher sedentary time was linked to increased mortality risk, regardless of genetic predisposition for longevity.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2022