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Cannabis, tobacco use, and COVID-19 outcomes

A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 21, 2024

New research casts doubt over cryptocurrencies’ ‘safe haven’ properties

A recent study published in the International Review of Financial Analysis suggests that cryptocurrencies are not completely disconnected from economic risks. The research found that during turbulent periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine war, cryptocurrency prices experienced increased volatility.

SourceBangor University·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

Could auto-antibodies be linked to severe COVID-19?

Researchers found auto-antibodies against type I interferons in severe and critical COVID-19 patients, compromising their immune response. This discovery highlights the importance of detecting these auto-antibodies in regular health checkups to better prepare for viral infections.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

Inclusive education improves students' socio-emotional skills

A comprehensive study by researchers at the University of Córdoba found that teachers' commitment to inclusive education positively impacts students' socio-emotional skills. The study, involving over 3,500 students and 294 teachers, reveals the decisive role of teachers in boosting social-emotional skills through inclusive education.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Adding genetic information to health checks improves identification of people at risk of heart attacks and strokes

Researchers have discovered a better way to identify those at high risk of potential heart attacks and strokes by adding genetic information to health checks. The study found that combining clinical risk scores with polygenic risk scores significantly improves identification rates, especially among younger people.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Depression, antidepressants, epigenetic age acceleration, and mortality in postmenopausal women

A new study reveals that depression and antidepressant use are associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women. Epigenetic age acceleration, measured by GrimAge DNA methylation age acceleration, partially mediates the relationship between antidepressant use and increased mortality risk.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2024

Korea University study reveals that gastric cancer surgery may reduce heart disease risk reduced

A Korea University study reveals that gastrectomy decreases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with gastric cancer. The research analyzed data from 2004 to 2013 and found a significantly lowered risk of cardiovascular disease in those who underwent gastrectomy.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

UPF and Côte d’Azur University establish that the inclination with which the pulmonary veins reach the heart influences the risk of thrombi

Researchers found that the angle at which pulmonary veins reach the left atrial appendage affects blood flow and thrombus formation. The study used a sample of 130 patients to investigate the relationship between pulmonary vein morphology and thrombi risk in atrial fibrillation patients.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Factors potentially contributing to the decline of the mpox outbreak in the Netherlands, 2022 and 2023

The 2022-2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands declined due to infection-induced immunity in high-risk groups, highlighting the importance of prompt vaccination implementation and ongoing surveillance. The study recommends swift vaccination programs and continuous monitoring to mitigate future outbreaks.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2024

Stress resilience is linked to increased risk of psoriasis

A large register-based study found that young adults with low stress resilience are more likely to develop psoriasis later in life. The study, based on data from over 1.6 million Swedish men, showed a significant link between stress resilience and the risk of developing severe cases of psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024

New guideline: Barrett’s esophagus can precede esophageal cancer, but not all patients need a procedure to remove abnormal cells

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends considering endoscopic eradication therapy for patients with low-grade dysplasia after discussing risks and benefits. For patients with high-grade dysplasia, the AGA suggests removing abnormal pre-cancerous cells to reduce esophageal cancer mortality.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 17, 2024

The number of people experiencing poor health and early death caused by metabolism-related risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI has increased by 50% since 2000, reveals new global study

The Global Burden of Diseases study reveals a 49.4% increase in global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to metabolism-related risk factors between 2000 and 2021. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI are key contributors to poor health and early death.

Global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years by 2050 despite geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats, reports new global study

Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.

Early diagnosis & treatment of peripheral artery disease essential to improve outcomes, reduce amputation risk

The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMay 14, 2024

Better nutrition can help firefighters fight cancer

A recent study found that American firefighters recognize the link between diet and cancer risk and are interested in acquiring knowledge and support to change their dietary habits. The study suggests that targeted interventions focusing on individualized support and evidence-based interventions can help mitigate cancer risks among fir...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024

US geographic region results in vastly different anal cancer risk for people with HIV

A new study reveals significant disparities in anal cancer risk among people with HIV across different US regions. The relative risk varies significantly depending on the region, with higher risks in the Midwest and South compared to the West and Northeast. Screening rates also differ between regions, with New York state leading the way.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 7, 2024

New study shows the dramatic impact of extreme poverty on mortality in a racially diverse low-income population

A study of an extremely low-income and predominantly Black population found that those earning less than $15,000 a year died, on average, more than 10 years earlier than those with higher incomes. The researchers highlighted the need for policy interventions to reduce mortality and health disparities in low-income Americans.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

People with rare longevity mutation may also be protected from cardiovascular disease

A recent study found that individuals with a rare condition known as growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHRD) have normal or improved levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors compared to their relatives. This suggests that GHRD may actually protect against cardiovascular disease, contrary to previous speculation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalMed·TypeObservational study·DateApr 26, 2024

Traffic noise, a novel risk factor for cardiovascular diseases

A new analysis published in Circulation Research finds strong evidence that transportation noise is closely linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that traffic noise increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and diabetes.

SourceUniversity Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz·JournalCirculation Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 26, 2024

Women’s heart disease is underdiagnosed, but new machine learning models can help solve this problem

Researchers built more accurate cardiovascular risk models using machine learning, finding that women are underdiagnosed due to sex-neutral criteria. The study used the UK Biobank dataset and found that electrocardiogram (EKG) tests were most effective in improving detection of cardiovascular disease in both men and women.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024