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Racial disparities and facility access in mammography recovery after COVID-19 closures

A study found that racial disparities in mammography screening worsened after COVID-19 closures, with non-white patients facing reduced access to facilities. Early interventions aimed at expanding access to these facilities helped to recover late recovery volumes for patients of races other than white.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021

$4.6 million NIH grant to study mechanical ventilator protocols for COVID and other critically-ill ICU patients

The $4.6 million NIH grant will help implement a telehealth-enabled audit and feedback process to monitor adherence to recognized standards of care in 14 Intermountain Healthcare ICUs. This study aims to reduce the time patients spend on mechanical ventilators, improving lung protective mechanical ventilation best practices.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

Earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in the rates of landslides in Nepal

A recent study found that earthquakes and extreme rainfall lead to a significant increase in landslide rates in Nepal during the monsoon season. The research, published in Nature Communications, reveals that landscape damage caused by the April 2015 Gorkha earthquake increased landslide risk by six times.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2021

Simple surgical technique associated with significant reduction in the risk of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

A new study found that a simple surgical technique called posterior left pericardiotomy significantly reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The procedure, which involves draining excess fluid and small clots from the heart sac, was associated with a 56% lower incidence of irregular heart rhythm...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 15, 2021

Artificial intelligence–based method predicts risk of atrial fibrillation

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed an AI-based method to predict atrial fibrillation risk based on electrocardiogram data. The method was highly predictive, especially in subsets of individuals with prior heart failure or stroke, and could serve as a pre-screening tool for patients at risk.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCirculation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 15, 2021

Supplementing patient health questionnaire with suicide cognition scale questions improves identification of individuals at highest risk of suicide

Researchers found that adding one of three Suicide Cognitions Scale items to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 improved accuracy in identifying those at highest risk of suicidal behavior within a month. This augmentation can lead to reduced unnecessary treatment and misallocated resources, benefiting both patients and physicians.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 9, 2021

Vaccine passports/COVID passes: The best way of preventing another lockdown or a threat to civil freedoms and rights?

COVID passes may help prevent lockdowns, but experts warn of risks including segregation, surveillance, and economic barriers. Some researchers advocate for mandatory covid passes as a 'mechanism to target restrictions' and reduce cases, while others argue they introduce profound risks and can exacerbate existing inequalities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 3, 2021

Interpretation outside training: Discrepancy rates in 5.9 million radiological examinations

A study of 5.9 million radiological examinations found no significant difference in major and minor discrepancy rates for acute community setting exams between concordant and discordant with radiologists' fellowship training. However, advanced examination discrepancies were higher when concordant with radiologists' fellowship training.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2021

D-dimer test still helpful to rule out pulmonary embolisms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

Flu and heart disease: The surprising connection that should convince you to schedule your shot

A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 15, 2021

How to better identify dangerous volcanoes

Researchers found that high water content in magma can reduce the risk of an explosive eruption. The study suggests combining different metrics to predict gas bubbles and crystallization, potentially leading to better forecasts for dangerous explosions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 12, 2021

Choosing the 'best' embryo in IVF

Researchers found that selecting the embryo with the lowest predicted risk score reduces disease risk more effectively than eliminating high-scoring embryos. However, polygenic embryo screening offers no guarantees about a baby's health and has limited effectiveness depending on factors like ancestry and age.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2021

Patients with kidney transplants more vulnerable to common, usually harmless bacterium

A national review of nocardia infection in kidney transplant patients found that those with compromised immune responses are more vulnerable to the opportunistic agent. Nocardiosis can lead to pneumonia and brain abscess, and screening is crucial, especially in combination with pneumonia symptoms.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateOct 11, 2021

Nationwide study shows link between COVID vaccination and reduced household transmission

A nationwide study found that increasing family members with immunity from previous infection or full vaccination reduces the risk of infection and hospitalization in non-immune individuals. Vaccination is crucial not only for individual protection but also for reducing transmission within high-risk environments like families.

SourceUmea University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2021

History of alcohol offenses associated with higher suicide risk for men who bought handguns

Men with a history of alcohol charges have more than twice the risk of suicide when purchasing handguns, according to new research. The study also found that recent and repeat alcohol charges were associated with the greatest risk of suicide, suggesting that reducing firearm access or addressing alcohol use could help mitigate this risk.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateOct 7, 2021

K-State researchers publish article on data collection of maternal mortality due to violence

Researchers at Kansas State University argue that integrating National Violent Death Reporting System data into Maternal Mortality Review Committees can improve the efficacy of MMRCs and address racial disparities in maternal mortality. The study found increased risk for pregnancy-associated homicide and suicide during pregnancy and po...

SourceKansas State University·JournalJournal of Women s Health·DateOct 6, 2021

Study: Aerobic exercise after a sport-related concussion speeds recovery in adolescent athletes

A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that daily aerobic exercise within 10 days of getting injured reduced the risk of prolonged recovery by 48%. This approach is non-pharmacological, safe and effective, with benefits experienced by both genders equally.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021