Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Gastro outbreaks hit elderly hardest

Frail elderly people living in residential care facilities are at increased risk of severe illness or death from viral gastroenteritis. Prompt notification of outbreaks to public health units led to a shorter outbreak duration.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateApr 2, 2014

Screening for liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis

A systematic review of 47 studies found that surveillance screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis patients led to earlier detection, curative treatment, and longer survival. The pooled 3-year survival rate among screened patients was 50.8%, compared to 27.9% among unscreened patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 1, 2014

Personality may be key risk factor in preventive health care

Conscientious personality traits appear to be a key risk factor for better health, with participants who were more conscientious having lower rates of obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Researchers suggest that incorporating personality assessments into preventive healthcare could lead to more effective care plans.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 11, 2014

Blasts may cause brain injury even without symptoms

Veterans exposed to explosions may have brain damage despite lacking symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), according to researchers at Duke Medicine. The study found comparable white matter damage in both groups, with no clear link between brain injury and cognitive problems such as reaction time or decision-making.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateMar 3, 2014

Gastric banding patients should closely monitor nutrition following surgery

A recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found that gastric banding patients often fail to meet daily nutrient requirements despite supplements and counseling. To maintain health after bariatric surgery, patients are advised to consume more protein-rich foods, include fatty fish, and limit processed foods.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJan 30, 2014

Not safe at home

A new study found that tag plays at home plate have the highest injury rate in professional baseball, occurring 4.3 times more often than other base-running plays. The researchers suggest adopting the collegiate rule to reduce collisions and protect both catchers and baserunners.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJan 21, 2014

Long-term care seniors at high risk of head injuries

A study by Simon Fraser University researchers found nearly 40% of seniors who fall experience head impact, with linoleum or tile flooring being the most common cause. The team suggests designing safer environments, improving procedures for detecting brain injuries, and promoting strengthening exercises to reduce falls.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 7, 2013