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Infants born to COVID-infected mothers have triple the risk of developing respiratory distress

A new study finds that infants born full-term to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy are three times more likely to develop respiratory distress compared to uninfected infants. Vaccination prior to infection was found to be protective, reducing the risk by half.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Risk of death during heatwaves in Brazil linked to socioeconomic factors

A new study found that heatwaves in Brazil are disproportionately affecting female, elderly, Black, Brown, and low-education individuals, resulting in a staggering 48,075 deaths between 2000 and 2018. The research highlights the need for targeted efforts to reduce mortality rates during future heatwaves.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Simple steps can cut snakebite deaths

A new study finds that most people take steps to prevent snakebites, but the measures taken don't always reflect evidence-based advice. Promoting locally practical methods could save many lives, especially in rural areas where snakes are more common.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateJan 24, 2024

The serious risks and high costs of monoclonal antibodies may outweigh the benefits for patients with Alzheimer dementia

A recent meta-analysis of 20,000 patients with Alzheimer's disease found no clinically significant improvement in cognitive or functional abilities from monoclonal antibody treatment. The studies also revealed a high risk of serious harms, including cerebral edema and death, associated with the use of these expensive medications.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 22, 2024

Office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke

A new study by the University of Technology Sydney suggests that office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke. The researchers found that air conditioning filters in UTS Buildings 4 and 7 captured a significant portion of wildfire smoke, reducing exposure to toxic particles for staff and students.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2024

Obsessive-compulsive disorder linked to heightened risk of death

A recent study found that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes. The researchers suggest that better surveillance, prevention, and early intervention strategies should be implemented to reduce the risk of fatal outcomes in individuals with OCD.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Supports help keep Aussie firefighters safe

Research from University of South Australia shows professional firefighters have lower movement quality as they age, which could put them at greater risk of injury. Functional strength training can help maintain a fit and healthy workforce.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Chung-Ang University study highlights barriers preventing bystander help during gender-based violence

A recent study by Chung-Ang University reveals that lack of success in previous intervention attempts and negative emotions are significant barriers hindering bystander interventions. The research highlights the need for targeted education programs to address these barriers, particularly among university students and those experiencing...

SourceChung Ang University·JournalTrauma Violence & Abuse·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 15, 2024

Preeclampsia and preterm birth risk may be reduced by calcium dose lower than current WHO standard

A new study found that low-dose calcium supplementation (500mg per day) was as effective as high-dose supplementation (1,500mg per day) in preventing preeclampsia, with no significant difference in preterm birth rates. The findings provide an opportunity to revise the WHO's current recommendation for pregnant women with low-calcium diets.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 10, 2024

More than 900 chemicals, many found in consumer products and the environment, display breast-cancer causing traits

Scientists have discovered a way to predict breast cancer risk based on specific chemical traits, identifying over 900 chemicals that could contribute to the disease. These chemicals are commonly found in consumer products, food, and workplaces, and can alter hormones or damage DNA.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2024

About 22 high school age adolescents died each week from overdoses in 2022, driven by fentanyl-laced prescription pills

A new study found that fentanyl-laced prescription pills are driving a surge in overdose deaths among high school age adolescents in the US. The death rate for this group has increased to 5.2 per 100,000, with Arizona and Colorado experiencing rates double the national average.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2024

Fitness with no age limit

The MU Extension program has proven results, showing improvements in physical energy, self-confidence, and muscle strength among participants. The program also reduces the risk of falling and provides social enjoyment for participants, who often form close relationships with instructors and each other.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2024

Study on extremely preterm infants provides important healthcare knowledge

A large clinical study led by Linköping University found no difference in the risk of severe complications between breast milk-based and cow's milk-based enrichment for extremely preterm infants. The study included 228 infants and found that both groups had a similar incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, sepsis, and death.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 2, 2024

Fewer hospital admissions when people are fitter

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that maintaining aerobic fitness is linked to a 7-14% lower risk of hospitalizations for any reason. Increased fitness also reduces hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest potential benefits for individual health and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 22, 2023

Beetroot juice supplement lowers blood pressure and improves exercise capacity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A 12-week beetroot juice supplement reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.5mmHg and increased walking distance by 30 meters in COPD patients. The nitrate-rich supplement improved cardiovascular risk markers, suggesting potential benefits for everyday life and heart disease prevention.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2023

Toothbrushing tied to lower rates of pneumonia among hospitalized patients

A new study found that daily toothbrushing among hospitalized patients is associated with lower rates of hospital-acquired pneumonia and ICU mortality. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,700 patients, also showed that toothbrushing was linked to shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2023

Few patients receive opioid agonist therapy after opioid overdose, despite benefits

Only 4.1% of hospital encounters for opioid overdoses led to opioid agonist therapy (OAT) initiation within a week of discharge from hospital, highlighting missed opportunities to prevent future mortality and morbidity related to opioid use disorder. Studies show that prompt OAT initiation in the emergency department is crucial to redu...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2023

Where patients live impacts whether they pick up their heart-failure medications

A new study by NYU Langone Health found that patients from lower socioeconomic areas were less likely to fill their heart-failure medications, highlighting the importance of neighborhood-level interventions to improve access to lifesaving drugs. The research team plans to explore additional barriers, such as cost and language barriers,...

Mothers need more “exclusive breastfeeding” support

A study from the University of Tokyo found that the World Health Organization's 24-hour recall method overestimates exclusive breastfeeding by six times. The researchers suggest that in-hospital breastfeeding support and guidance are crucial for increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates. To improve breastfeeding outcomes, experts recomm...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 7, 2023

Repeated blast exposures may harm the brain health of military personnel

A study found increased brain inflammation and structural changes in special operations personnel exposed to blasts, potentially increasing the risk of long-term brain-related disease. The research suggests that repetitive exposure to low-level blasts may cause brain injuries and highlights the need for better protective measures.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 6, 2023