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New model adds human reactions to flood risk assessment

A new land change model simulates interactions between urban growth, increased flooding, and human adaptation, offering deeper insights into adaptive capacities and identifying communities with limited resources. The model reduces projected developed land exposed to flooding by 5-24% depending on flood hazard zone.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 6, 2023

Patients more likely to lose weight if physicians offer advice using optimistic tone

A study found that physicians who presented treatments for obesity as good news and an opportunity were more successful in helping patients lose weight. Patients who received counseling with a positive and optimistic tone had significantly higher weight loss outcomes compared to those who received neutral or negative advice.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 6, 2023

Predicting postpartum hospitalizations among high-risk populations

Researchers developed a prediction model to identify people at high risk of postpartum complications, focusing on social and structural determinants of health. The study found that Black and Hispanic individuals are more likely to experience postpartum hospitalizations due to racial inequities in maternal mortality.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateNov 5, 2023

Risk of serious infection even in low-active IBD

Research at the University of Gothenburg found that even low-active IBD patients have a higher risk of serious infections due to microscopic intestinal inflammation. Achieving a fully healed intestinal mucosa may reduce this risk, contributing to lower morbidity and mortality in IBD patients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2023

University of Cincinnati study: Strawberry consumption may reduce dementia risk for middle-aged individuals

A recent study published in Nutrients found that daily strawberry consumption can improve cognitive performance and reduce depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. The research, led by Professor Robert Krikorian, suggests that strawberries contain antioxidants and micronutrients that may help mitigate the risk of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2023

Docetaxel use associated with significant reduction in prostate cancer death in very poor prognostic group

A meta-analysis of five clinical trials found that adding docetaxel to standard-of-care treatment reduced prostate cancer-specific mortality by 70% and improved overall survival to 80%. The study focused on high-grade prostate cancer patients with low PSA levels, who previously had limited effective treatment options.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Brain health in over 50s deteriorated more rapidly during the pandemic

Researchers found that cognitive decline quickened by 50% in the first year of the pandemic, with factors like loneliness, depression, and decreased exercise contributing to the impact. The study suggests that lockdowns had a lasting effect on brain health in people aged 50+, raising concerns about increased risk of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2023

Umbilical venous catheterization and bloodstream infection among preterm infants

A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2023

Most forms of exercise are overwhelmingly safe – but don’t ignore the dangers

A five-year study found that most sports and exercise are overwhelmingly safe, with injuries being rare. Fitness activities like running, golf, and dance classes have the lowest injury rates, while sports like football have a moderate risk of injury, with motorsports and gliding carrying significantly higher dangers.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalInjury Prevention·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

The term “antimicrobial resistance” has little meaning to the public and should be renamed

A study by Dr Eva Krockow found that existing terms for antimicrobial resistance, such as 'antimicrobial resistance' and 'AMR', are not taken seriously enough, failing to evoke risk perceptions. The researchers suggest renaming the term to a more memorable one that can effectively convey the severity of the issue.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2023

Convalescent plasma reduces mortality by 10% in COVID-19 patients in acute respiratory distress and on artificial respiratory assistance

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that convalescent plasma administration reduced mortality by 10% in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress requiring artificial mechanical ventilation. The reduction was most pronounced when plasma was administered within the first 48 hours after initiation of ve...

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 25, 2023

Metformin cessation and dementia incidence

Terminating metformin treatment was associated with higher risk of developing dementia in a large cohort of adults. The study of 41,000 participants found that early metformin cessation was linked to increased dementia incidence compared to continued use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 2023

Older adults from distressed communities attend less cardiac rehab after heart procedures

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that older adults from distressed communities are less likely to attend cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization. The study found that only 26% of patients from these areas used cardiac rehab, compared to 46% from prosperous areas.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2023

The addition of a dedicated nursing team to assist with catheter insertions can help reduce bloodstream infections in hospitals

A new report published in the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrates that implementing a dedicated team of nurses to assist with central line insertions can significantly reduce patients' risk of developing bloodstream infections. The study found that having this dedicated team reduced the proportion of central line-associa...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

Canadians with peptic ulcer disease faced mental health challenges during COVID-19 pandemic

The study, which analyzed data from older adults with peptic ulcer disease, revealed that approximately 1 in 8 individuals developed depression for the first time during the pandemic. Women, those who felt lonely, and those with functional limitations were at higher risk of depression. Targeted screening and intervention are being reco...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

Opioid limits didn’t change surgery patients’ experience, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum shows that implementing a five-day limit on opioid prescriptions for surgery patients did not lead to increased pain levels or decreased satisfaction. However, the amount of opioid pills patients received dropped significantly after the limit went into effect.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

Study shows little improvement in mandated disaster plans, despite required updates

A new study from the University of Kansas found that mandated disaster plans have mediocre quality and modest improvements over time. Despite regular updates, the plans fail to address key issues such as public engagement and land use policies, leading to repeated mistakes in areas prone to natural disasters.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2023

University of Minnesota Medical School professor receives $4.39 million grant to study heart condition linked to dementia

A University of Minnesota Medical School professor is receiving a $4.39 million grant to study atrial myopathy, a heart condition associated with increased risk of dementia and vascular brain injury. The project aims to characterize the progression of atrial myopathy and its relationship to dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

Women living in more walkable neighborhoods have lower rates of obesity-related cancers

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that women living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of obesity-related cancers, particularly postmenopausal breast cancer. Neighborhood walkability is associated with increased physical activity and reduced car-dependency.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 4, 2023

University of Cincinnati research shows widespread naloxone distribution not enough to impact overdose death rate

A recent study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that a community-wide naloxone distribution program did not significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths. The study, which ran from 2017 to 2019, saw no significant change in median monthly opioid overdose rates despite widespread availability of the medication.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 2023

Job loss is linked to increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a doubling in the chances of pregnancy miscarrying or resulting in a stillbirth following a job loss. The researchers emphasize an association between job loss and increased probability of miscarriage or stillbirth, highlighting potential socioeconomic factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2023

Doctor and pharmacist revamp standard processes for ordering and documenting mifepristone use

Clinical researchers developed a single prescriber account to centralize ordering and distribution of mifepristone, reducing barriers to providing abortion care. The new process mirrors other health system procedures and sets the stage for rapid expansion of medication abortion access in a post- Roe environment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Transgender persons face challenges when seeking clinical care, including decisions about what information to disclose and risk of substandard care

A qualitative study found that transgender individuals often perceive clinician questions as stigmatizing or voyeuristic, leading to pathologization and substandard care. To improve care, medical systems must adopt inclusive policies, procedures, and data collection tools, prioritizing the safety and well-being of transgender patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023