Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a highly effective and nontoxic way to kill western drywood termites using a pleasant-smelling chemical called pinene. The method involves releasing the scent of pinene, which attracts termites and guides them to a spot where insecticide is injected into wood.
A Boston University study suggests that in-hospital mortality for patients with sepsis may not accurately reflect true short-term mortality rates, potentially harming safety-net hospitals. The researchers found no difference in 30-day mortality between safety-net and non-safety-net hospitals, contrary to previous reports.
Higher Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality risk. The study found that cardiometabolic factors played a partial role in this inverse association.
Researchers found a significant association between higher Mediterranean diet intake and lower risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that modest changes in established risk factors can yield substantial long-term benefits from following a Mediterranean diet.
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.
Active surveillance for favorable-risk prostate cancer demonstrated to be a safe and effective management strategy, with less than 2% developing metastatic disease. The study found no significant association between delayed treatment during surveillance and worse outcomes.
A new study by the Colorado School of Public Health found that high ICU occupancy levels during COVID-19 patients' stays contributed to increased mortality rates. The research highlights the critical need for tools to anticipate surges and effective resource management in healthcare systems.
A new study of 11,000 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania found that Black people who died from an overdose were half as likely to have received naloxone as white people. This racial disparity in naloxone administration highlights the need for targeted strategies to distribute life-saving medication and educate communities about its use.
A recent analysis reveals that Black individuals in Pennsylvania are less likely to receive naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdose. Hispanic decedents had similar odds of naloxone administration as white decedents.
A matched cohort study found no overall increased risk of early death among women with premenstrual disorders. However, the risk was elevated for young women and deaths by suicide, highlighting the need for careful follow-up and suicide prevention strategies.
A study of 2,814 men found that cardiovascular health in older age was worse for fathers compared to nonfathers, despite lower death rates. Fathers may have a more robust social support system and lower rates of depressive symptoms contributing to these findings.
A study found that statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in adults aged 60 years and older, including those over 85. Statins also did not increase the risk for adverse events such as myopathies and liver dysfunction.
Research highlights varied associations between social isolation and mortality risk across demographic groups, including socioeconomic disparities. The study emphasizes the importance of considering sociodemographic heterogeneity in understanding the impact of social isolation on health outcomes.
A nationwide study found a high incidence rate of sepsis cases among non-child cancer patients in China, with males exhibiting higher rates than females. The study also revealed significant geographic variations in sepsis burden across China, with regions having lower and higher development levels exhibiting elevated rates.
Receiving a kidney from a deceased donor who underwent dialysis prior to donation was associated with delayed graft function, while other factors such as graft failure and death were not significantly affected. The study found no significant differences in outcomes between these two groups.
Black individuals ages 15 to 24 are disproportionately represented in firearm homicide deaths before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study's findings highlight social and structural conditions contributing to racial disparities in firearm homicides.
Researchers from Mount Sinai will present new research on long COVID, lung cancer, asthma, and sleep apnea at the ATS 2024 International Conference. The studies aim to improve diagnosis and care for these conditions.
A new study found that extreme temperatures are associated with increased risks of death from ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, particularly in low-income countries. The researchers analyzed data from over 3.4 million ischemic stroke deaths and 2.4 million hemorrhagic stroke deaths across 522 cities in 25 countries.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identified key elements to improve diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, addressing the common misdiagnosis of heart attacks. The new guidelines provide recommendations to help clinicians better address sex-specific symptoms and treatments.
A cross-sectional study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in treatment delays and discontinuations among patients with SARS-CoV-2, leading to increased cancer mortality among minoritized adults. The disproportionate burden varied across SARS-CoV-2 waves.
Cases of gallbladder cancer have been steadily increasing among non-Hispanic Blacks in the US, with growing numbers diagnosed at later stages. The incidence of late-stage tumors has also risen, contributing to a higher mortality rate compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
The Post-Acute Recovery Center (PARC) model has been associated with fewer deaths and more days outside of the hospital among veterans who received care after a serious illness. The study found that high-risk veterans who received PARC care had a median increase of four additional days at home compared to matched controls.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that declining childhood mortality has added a full year to women's lives. The study used mathematical modeling based on CDC data and estimated that the reduction in maternal bereavement adds one year, or about 6%, to life expectancy.
A recent study published at the ATS 2024 International Conference found that hospitals caring for diverse patient populations experience strain that affects all patients, leading to higher mechanical ventilation mortality rates. The researchers suggest that systemic factors such as hospital resources and income levels contribute to dis...
A phase 3 trial found that pamrevlumab did not significantly improve lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study's results underscore the need for effective treatments to slow disease progression and improve patient outcomes.
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.
A study published in JAMA found that hospitalization for COVID-19 increased the risk of death more than seasonal influenza during the fall-winter 2023-2024 season. The research also highlights the importance of vaccination and public health measures to mitigate COVID-19-related mortality.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that more than 150,000 people die annually from heatwaves worldwide, with the highest number of deaths in Asia and Europe. The research also reveals regional disparities in heatwave-related mortality, with areas having dry climates and lower-middle incomes experiencing the highest rates.
New cancer projections highlight progress in reducing incidence rates for common cancers like lung, colorectal, and prostate, but also warn of rising rates for less common types such as liver, kidney, melanoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A new study found that treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam increased 90-day mortality by 5% compared to cefepime. The antibiotic depletes the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in metabolism, immunity, and preventing infections.
Cardiovascular biomarkers strongly associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. Adding biomarkers to established risk factors improved heart failure and mortality prediction, but only slightly enhanced atherosclerotic disease risk prediction.
The V142I transthyretin variant is associated with substantial risk for heart failure hospitalization and death in Black individuals, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction. Further investigation into the complex interplay between the variant, ancestry, social determinants of health, and biological factors is warranted.
A UK Biobank study suggests that adults living with obesity who were underweight or average weight in childhood may be at increased risk of all-cause mortality. The study found that adult men and women who reported being thinner as children had higher mortality risks, with a 63% and 60% increase respectively.
In Brazil, deaths from diabetes and hypertension have increased significantly since 2020, even after excluding those linked to COVID-19. This persistent trend highlights the need for continued efforts to address these major public health concerns.
Between 2011 and 2021, more than 320,000 US children lost a parent due to drug overdose. The study highlights significant racial and ethnic disparities in the impact of parental loss on families and children.
A study estimates that over 321,000 US children lost a parent to drug overdose between 2011 and 2021. The highest rates of loss were among non-Hispanic white parents and communities of color.
Almost 90% of U.S. adults met criteria for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic syndrome (CKM) stage 1 or higher, with 15% meeting advanced stage criteria that did not improve between 2011 and 2020. Advanced stages were associated with increased risk among older age, men, and Black adults.
A recent VCU study reveals that Black and Native American youth are dying at significantly higher rates than white youth due to injuries. The gap in pediatric mortality rates is widening, with disparities seen in death rates from diseases like asthma and pneumonia.
A recent study reveals significant racial and ethnic disparities in all-cause and cause-specific mortality among US youth. The findings highlight a disproportionate burden of mortality among American Indian or Alaska Native and Black youth, particularly those involving firearms.
The prevalence of lung cancer mutations varies significantly across different ethnic groups in Latin America, highlighting the need for region-specific medical interventions. Enhancing molecular diagnostic and research efforts is crucial for effective management of cancer in this 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.
A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis B is globally undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach to reduce new infections and deaths, with oral antiviral therapy being a lifesaving but underutilized treatment option.
Liver cancer mortality in China decreased from 2008 to 2020, with higher rates among males, older adults, and rural populations. The study predicts a downward trend for liver cancer mortality in the next decade.
A study found that US state abortion bans primarily impact American Indian and Black female populations of reproductive age. These policies concentrate in regions with higher proportions of these groups, leading to unequal access to reproductive healthcare.
The USPSTF updates its breast cancer screening recommendation to biennial mammography for women ages 40-74. However, the balance of benefits and harms is unclear for women over 75 or those with dense breasts. Breast cancer is a common cause of death among US women.
A University of California - Riverside study finds that medium-sized dogs have a higher risk of developing cancer than larger or smaller breeds. The multistage model of cancer acquisition supports this finding, suggesting that size is a major risk factor for cancer.
A significant disparity in mortality rates was observed between lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual female nurses, highlighting the need to address modifiable risks and social forces driving these disparities. The study's findings underscore the importance of promoting inclusive workplaces and addressing LGBTQ+ health inequities.
Research found that one more job per 100 Black workers in a county was associated with .29 fewer overdose deaths per 100,000 Black Americans. The study suggests that economic context is critical to understanding the demand side of the drug epidemic among Black Americans.
A recent study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that bisexual women died 37% sooner and lesbian women 20% sooner than heterosexual women. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 female nurses and highlighted the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities among sexual minority groups.
A study using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data shows both frailty and type of surgical procedure impact postoperative outcomes among elderly patients. Procedure type and its risk level have a greater effect on complications and death.
Contemporary US heart failure mortality rates have surpassed those in 1999 due to reversals from 2012 to 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated these increases, partly due to healthcare access limitations.
Research suggests that female physicians have a clinically significant impact on patient outcomes, with lower mortality and readmission rates compared to male doctors. Female patients benefit more significantly from treatment by female physicians, possibly due to better communication and understanding of sensitive health issues.
An observational study of over 700,000 patients found that female physicians treated male and female patients with lower mortality and readmission rates. The effect was particularly pronounced in female patients treated by female physicians, possibly due to patient-centered communication and reduced sociocultural taboos.
A recent study published at the ESCIMD Global Congress found that Black female patients are at higher risk of death from carbapenem-resistant enterobacterales (CRE) bloodstream infections. The study analyzed data from 362 US hospital patients and discovered that Black females had a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to ...
Women with germline BRCA pathogenic variants face increased risk of mortality from postpartum breast cancer, particularly those diagnosed under 10 years after giving birth. The study highlights the importance of genetic counseling and tailored prevention strategies for these high-risk individuals.
A new study found that offering stop smoking support alongside lung cancer screening can significantly increase quit rates among high-risk individuals. Up to half of those who attend for lung cancer screening currently smoke, and dedicated funding is urged to provide this essential support.
Global disease burden rates dropped by 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this trend, causing a 4.1% increase in disease burden in 2020 and a 7.2% increase in 2021.
A new study estimates that opioid dependence in Scotland has remained relatively stable since 2014/15, affecting 1.3% of the adult population aged 15-64. The prevalence of opioid dependence among those aged 50-64 increased by 2,800, while those aged 15-34 decreased by 5,100.
A national cohort study of over 2 million Swedish women found that those experiencing five major adverse pregnancy outcomes had significantly higher mortality rates. The study highlights the importance of early preventive evaluation and long-term follow-up for detection and treatment of chronic disorders associated with premature morta...
Opioid-related deaths doubled between 2019 and 2021 across Canada, with over 1 in 4 deaths among young adults aged 20–39 years attributable to opioids. The concentration of harm in younger populations was consistent across provinces and territories.