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New diagnoses of common chronic diseases and cancers plummeted during COVID-19 pandemic

Common chronic conditions like high cholesterol, pulmonary diseases, and anxiety disorders saw significant declines in new diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A substantial increase in primary care physicians, face-to-face visits, and proactive care is needed to address this decline and prevent poor health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2022

USPSTF statement on screening for atrial fibrillation

The USPSTF recommends against screening for atrial fibrillation in asymptomatic adults aged 50 or older. The current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening, which is associated with a substantial increase in stroke risk. Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 25, 2022

Redefining alcohol use disorder

Researchers at MU developed a new framework to identify people previously overlooked for AUD, focusing on 13 risk factors such as impulsive behavior and reward sensitivity. The framework aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and connect individuals with tailored treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 24, 2022

Black and Hispanic communities bore disproportionate share of Texas’ early COVID-19 deaths

A Rice University study analyzing COVID-19 death data found that Black and Hispanic communities experienced a disproportionately high fraction of losses from COVID-19 mortality. The study also examined the relationship between air pollution and COVID-19 deaths, but found no statistically significant correlations at a countywide level.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2022

TV watching linked with potentially fatal blood clots

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that prolonged TV watching is associated with a higher risk of blood clots, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. To reduce this risk, scientists recommend taking breaks every 30 minutes to stand and stretch or using a stationary bike.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJan 19, 2022

Protective gene variant against COVID-19 identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a specific gene variant that protects against severe COVID-19 infection, found in individuals of African ancestry. The study analyzed 2,787 hospitalized patients and 130,997 people from six cohort studies, revealing an 80% prevalence of the protective variant among Africans.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

Epstein-Barr virus may be leading cause of multiple sclerosis

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between Epstein-Barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis. The risk of MS increased 32-fold after EBV infection, while serum levels of neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve degeneration, only increased after EBV infection.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022

The Lancet Public Health: Global dementia cases set to triple by 2050 unless countries address risk factors

The number of adults living with dementia worldwide is expected to nearly triple from an estimated 57 million in 2019 to 153 million in 2050 due to population growth and aging. Improvements in global education access are projected to reduce dementia prevalence, but obesity, high blood sugar, and smoking are expected to increase cases.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2022

New study highlights key health opportunities, causes of death for Coloradans

A Colorado State University study analyzed global health data to identify the leading causes of deaths and disabilities in the state from 1990 to 2019. Cardiovascular disease and cancers accounted for half of the deaths, while musculoskeletal disorders and tobacco use were also significant contributors.

SourceColorado State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2022

Association of weight loss surgery with severity of COVID-19

A study of nearly 12,000 obese patients found that substantial weight loss achieved through weight loss surgery was associated with improved outcomes after contracting COVID-19, including lower risk of severe disease. The results suggest that weight loss surgery may help mitigate the severity of COVID-19 in individuals with obesity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateDec 29, 2021

A new post-surgery approach for treating HPV-related throat cancer uses less radiation safely and spares the majority of patients from chemotherapy

A new post-surgery approach for treating HPV-related throat cancer uses low-dose radiation and spares the majority of patients from chemotherapy. The trial found high survival rates and quality of life in patients at medium risk for recurrence.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 21, 2021

BU study suggests replacing the term ‘race’ with underlying factors that increase risk for heart attacks, strokes, in Blacks compared to whites

Researchers found that for 20% of risk factor combinations, Black-white differences in predicted risk can result in different treatment decisions. They also observed large differences in predicted risk, with Blacks being prescribed statins more often due to perceived higher risk.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2021

Reduce frailty to lower dementia, study finds

A large-scale new study found that frailty was a strong risk factor for dementia, even among people at high genetic risk, and that it can be modified through a healthy lifestyle. Over 10 years, dementia was detected in 1,762 participants, with those who were frail before diagnosis having a much higher risk.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2021

Greater exposure to nitrogen dioxide linked to higher levels of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the brain

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particles is associated with increased beta-amyloid protein deposition and neurofilament light in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to air pollution to mitigate this risk.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 16, 2021

Chronic exposure to air pollution may increase risks for ICU admission or death among COVID-19 patients, study finds

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with chronic exposure to higher particulate matter had increased risks for ICU admission and death. Chronic air pollution exposure was associated with an 11% higher risk of mortality and a 13% higher risk of ICU admission.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 9, 2021

Impact of obesity and metabolic disorders on severity of COVID-19 and vaccine-breakthrough infections

A study found that obesity is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission or death. Additionally, accelerated immunosenescence may be a key mechanism explaining the relationship between obesity and T2DM in severe COVID-19. Vaccination effectiveness may also be impacted by metabolic disorders.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2021

UConn study: Improved parenting reduced youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children

A UConn study found that supporting surviving parents can reduce youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children. The Family Bereavement Program improved parenting skills and needs, leading to reduced aversive self-views and increased child positive connectedness.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Elevated heart rate linked to increased risk of dementia

A study at Karolinska Institutet found that individuals with a resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute or higher had a 55% higher risk of dementia. The association remained significant after adjusting for other cardiovascular diseases, suggesting a potential link between elevated heart rate and cognitive decline.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2021

LSU Health New Orleans review reveals alarming increase in physician burnout

A recent review reveals alarming increase in physician burnout among diagnostic radiologists, with causes including lack of control, social isolation and technological demands. Possible solutions include heightened engagement, dedicated reading room assistants and mindfulness techniques.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCurrent Problems in Diagnostic Radiology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 3, 2021

For cardiovascular disease patients, more physical activity may be better

Researchers found that increased physical activity reduced mortality risk in all groups, but health benefits plateaued in healthy individuals and those with cardiovascular risk factors. In contrast, cardiovascular disease patients showed no further benefit beyond a certain volume of physical activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021

Major life events influence level of physical activity, may negatively impact heart health

A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights how major life events, such as starting school or entering retirement, can negatively impact physical activity levels and heart health. The statement emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address this issue and provides guidance for healthcare professionals to pro...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateDec 1, 2021