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Risk factors for multiple drug use

Researchers found that accumulation of unfavourable environmental factors increases the risk of polytoxicomania, a form of multiple drug use. The study identified use of cannabis before 18, physical and sexual abuse, migration, and growing up in a big city as major risk factors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 2, 2021

Exercise reduces risk of airway disease

A recent study published in Radiology found that regular exercise can reduce the long-term risk of bronchiectasis, a potentially serious airway disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,000 healthy young adults, found that preservation of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with lower odds of developing bronchiectasis.

Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have a small risk of heart failure

A new Mount Sinai study found that patients hospitalized with COVID-19 have a small but significant risk of developing heart failure, even without a previous history of heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors. The study's findings may prompt clinicians to monitor for signs of congestive heart failure more closely in these patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 26, 2021

Physical inactivity linked to more severe COVID-19 infection and death

A large US study found that physical inactivity is associated with more severe COVID-19 infection and a heightened risk of dying from the disease. Patients who were consistently inactive during the pandemic were more likely to be admitted to hospital, require intensive care, and die than those who met physical activity guidelines.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 13, 2021

South Korea data helps create framework to identify COVID-19 vulnerable areas worldwide

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that South Korea's effective public health interventions and prompt measures helped decrease COVID-19 cases, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 7, 2021

Ranking virus spillover risk

A new web application, SpillOver, evaluates wildlife viruses to estimate their zoonotic spillover and pandemic potential. The tool creates a watchlist of newly-discovered viruses, prioritizing them for further characterization, surveillance, and risk-reducing interventions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2021

Study identifies risk factors for COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and mortality among U.S. nursing home residents

A large study found that risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection differed from those for hospitalization and death in U.S. nursing homes. Risk of infection was mainly dependent on nursing home and community factors, while hospitalization risk varied more with patient-specific characteristics such as age, BMI, and ethnicity.

Failing to see the forest for the trees may prevent better cardiovascular outcomes

A new study from The George Institute for Global Health found that countries are wasting resources by treating only one aspect of cardiovascular disease, rather than looking at the big picture. The researchers discovered a higher risk of CVD in lower educated and non-employed people, as well as an underuse of medicines in those at high...

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 4, 2021

Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers used electronic medical records to estimate SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk and identify risk factors for household transmission. The study found that addressing in the home address could be used to predict transmission risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 26, 2021

Certain factors are linked with an elevated risk of bone fractures

A new study followed 30,446 middle-aged individuals and found that older age, female sex, and low leisure-time physical activity are associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing a fracture. The study highlights the importance of these factors in public health initiatives for fracture prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 18, 2021

Spanish scientists uncover early links between cardiovascular risk and brain metabolism

Researchers found a link between elevated cardiovascular risk and low brain metabolism in middle-aged individuals, with hypertension being the most closely associated factor. Atherosclerosis was also linked to lower brain metabolism, particularly in areas implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 15, 2021

Tap water access linked to dengue risk

Researchers have identified tap water access as a strong predictor of dengue risk in urban environments. Poorly accessed colonies showed higher risks of exposure and recent infection compared to wealthier areas, highlighting the need for targeted mosquito control measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 11, 2021