Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
A comprehensive Chinese National Cohort study found a significant association between high ozone exposure and increased mortality risk. The study revealed a J-shaped pattern of O3-mortality relationship, indicating a potential threshold of O3 concentration.
A study examining unemployment and underemployment figures and suicide rates in Australia found both to be significant drivers of suicide mortality between 2004-2016. Economic policies prioritizing full employment should be a core part of any comprehensive national suicide prevention strategy.
A study found that joint exposure of unequal income distribution and lack of social mobility increases risks of deaths from suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related liver disease. Addressing underlying social and economic conditions is crucial in responding to the deaths of despair epidemic.
A new study by Washington University researchers identifies primary organics as the main drivers of high PM2.5 concentrations over South Asia, attributing 1 million deaths to residential combustion and industry emissions in 2019.
A study published in Nature Medicine estimates that the intense heat waves during the European summer of 2022 led to more than 61,000 deaths. The highest mortality rates were found in Italy and Spain, with women being 63% more likely to die from heat than men.
Smoke-free legislation associated with significant reductions in morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease and respiratory system disease. Accelerating the implementation of smoke-free laws is crucial for protecting populations against smoking-related harm.
Opioid toxicity-related deaths in the US increased substantially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1 in every 22 deaths attributable to unintentional opioid toxicity. This trend highlights the urgent need for support people at risk of substance-related harm, particularly men and younger adults.
A major new study found that countries with strong pandemic preparedness capacity achieved lower COVID-19 mortality rates than those with weaker capacities. The analysis accounted for age and national capabilities to diagnose COVID-19 deaths, revealing pre-pandemic investments in capacity saved lives.
Researchers used coastal surveys from 1993-2021 to find a dramatic delayed effect of warmer oceans on seabird mortality. Massive die-offs occurred roughly once per decade, with five events exceeding a quarter million birds between 2014 and 2019.
A recent study published in PLOS One found that most people have something wrong with them, but the relationship between risk factors and mortality changes over time. The researchers discovered paradoxical relationships, such as increased mortality risks associated with lung cancer despite decreased funding for research.
A new study found that three million children and adolescents die from infectious diseases every year, with the greatest impact on low- and middle-income countries. The research highlights the need for policy change and funding to address this unmet health need among older children and adolescents.
A new study found that maternal mortality rates have worsened from 1999 to 2019, with the highest rates seen in Black women. The study used data from 1999 to 2019 and found significant disparities in maternal mortality rates across states and racial/ethnic groups.
Death rates due to unintentional poisonings and firearm homicides rose substantially in the US from 1999 to 2020, highlighting a pressing public health concern. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address this alarming trend.
The study highlights the increasing global burden of childhood diabetes, with rising deaths and disability-adjusted life-years. Improved understanding of diabetes epidemiology in children is crucial for prevention and control efforts.
A study of US state-level maternal mortality from 1999 to 2019 found increased risk among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black individuals. The study highlights persistent disparities in maternal health care, with limited impact on prevention efforts.
A deep learning-based model developed in 7,105 patients predicted 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with CAP with AUCs ranging from 0.77 to 0.80. The model showed higher specificity than the CURB-65 score at the same sensitivity.
A study found disparities in Hispanic cancer mortality rates, with higher rates for men in certain age groups and women for liver, pancreatic, and uterine cancers. The researchers highlight the need for targeted education and screening efforts to address these disparities.
A large Swedish study found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness may lower the incidence and mortality rates of certain cancers in men. The researchers suggest prioritizing CRF interventions for individuals with low fitness levels.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that surgical stabilization of odontoid fractures is associated with better outcomes, including lower rates of nonunion, myelopathy, and mortality. The study used propensity score analysis to compare surgical stabilization with nonoperative treatment and found significant benefits in both surviva...
A large clinical trial found that monthly vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks by 9% in older adults. The study involved over 21,000 Australians aged 60-84 and showed a significant reduction in heart attack rates, but no difference in stroke rates.
A randomized controlled trial found that time-restricted eating produced similar weight loss results to traditional calorie counting in a racially diverse population of adults with obesity. Participants who engaged in 8-hour time-restricted eating had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those in the control group.
A study by Penn State researchers found that minority communities bore the brunt of the opioid crisis, with Black men and American Indian/Native Alaskan men and women disproportionately affected. The researchers suggest that race- and gender-specific interventions may be more effective in preventing overdose deaths.
A new study finds that exposure to posthospitalization home-delivered meals is associated with lower 30-day rehospitalization and mortality rates. The study suggests that this service may help prevent hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
A new study estimates a total of 1,179,024 excess deaths from March 2020 to February 2022, with significant increases in rural counties. The findings highlight the sustained burden of mortality in rural areas despite vaccine development and policy changes.
A new study reveals increased excess mortality rates in US rural counties during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Excess mortality rates decreased in large metropolitan areas but remained high in rural areas, despite vaccine availability.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients face substantial burden of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Modifiable CV risk factor control is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death among these patients.
A recent study found that elderly patients treated in local intermediate care units have lower mortality rates and fewer hospital readmissions. The research suggests that Norway's healthcare system has improved with the introduction of these units, providing better integrated services adapted to individual users.
The study found a decreasing trend in the global TBL cancer burden from 1990 to 2019, but regional variations persisted. The burden was highest in upper-middle-income countries and lowest in high-income countries.
US delivery-related hospital mortality decreased for all groups between 2008 and 2021, while severe maternal morbidity increased, particularly among older women and minority patients with comorbidities
A new study revealed significant racial and ethnic disparities in US alcohol-related deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic. American Indian and Alaska Native populations saw a more than doubling of alcohol-related deaths, while Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans experienced substantial increases as well.
The study found that while there has been a decline in child mortality rates in Ethiopia, too many children are still dying. The country's neonatal mortality rate is significantly higher than the global target of 12 deaths per 1000 livebirths by 2030.
The USPSTF recommends regular screening for depression in the adult population to address its significant impact on daily functioning. Major depressive disorder can lead to increased mortality if left untreated.
Researchers found female babies with CDH have a 32% higher risk of dying within 30 to 60 days of birth compared to males. The study, using medical records from an international registry, suggests that lower birth weights for females may be linked to the disparity in survival rates.
A recent study published in JAMA found that continuous meropenem administration did not improve mortality rates or reduce the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria in critically ill patients with sepsis. The results suggest that intermittent administration may be a more effective treatment strategy for this condition.
A new study reveals sickle cell disease is far deadlier than its textbook description, with a total mortality burden of 373,000 deaths in 2021. The condition disproportionately affects children, adolescents, and young adults worldwide, highlighting the need for universal newborn screening and early intervention.
A new study analyzing death records data found that men had a 2–3 times greater rate of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. The researchers noted that biological, behavioral, and social factors likely combined to increase the mortality risk for men.
Researchers at Tulane University have identified a synthetic compound called dimethyl malonate that can prevent coagulopathy during massive hemorrhages. The study found that this compound inhibits excessive cellular metabolism, preventing the glycocalyx from shedding and causing bleeding to stop.
A study of 142 nations found a strong link between access to formal financial services and lower COVID-19 mortality rates. Access to bank accounts, credit cards, or loans from a financial institution is a key predictor of lower mortality risk, even stronger than comorbidities.
A study published in The BMJ found that women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer today can expect to become long term cancer survivors. The average risk of dying from breast cancer in the five years after a diagnosis has fallen from 14% to 5% since the 1990s.
Research suggests that the Bhopal gas disaster had long-term intergenerational effects on health and education. Men exposed in utero to toxic gas had a higher risk of disabilities and cancers, while those born later had reduced educational attainment. The sex ratio of births also changed among children born near the incident site.
A machine-learning study has found that individual characteristics, including age and weight, determine which drug combinations most effectively reduce COVID-19 recurrence rates. The study used real-world data from a hospital in China and identified unique treatment combinations for different demographic groups.
A Dartmouth-led project has updated the Know Your Chances website to include smoking status as a major risk factor for mortality estimates. The new estimates provide more accurate predictions of cancer and disease risk, with smokers facing significantly higher risks after age 40.
The study found that taking home methadone doses increased deaths of black and hispanic men but had little effect on the other demographic groups. Relaxing methadone restrictions may help certain at-risk groups, addressing the heterogeneity in treatment.
A decision analytical model study found that sustained public health interventions can reduce opioid-related overdose deaths. Implementing medications for opioid use disorder and increasing naloxone supply were key factors in reducing death rates.
State palliative care laws are associated with an increased likelihood of dying at home or in hospice among decedents from cancer. Passage of these laws may be an effective policy intervention to increase the number of seriously ill patients who experience their death in such locations.
Projected health outcomes associated with Supreme Court decisions in 2022 suggest substantial harms to public health due to lack of COVID-19 workplace protections and revoked abortion rights. Nearly 3,000 excess deaths are projected over a decade.
The UCDP reported a 97% increase in deaths in armed conflicts to 237,000 in 2022, with Ethiopia and Ukraine being the deadliest conflicts. The number of active conflicts remains at a historically high level, with over 50 state-involved conflicts and 82 non-state conflicts.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found similarities in COVID-19 mortality rates between certain US states and Canadian provinces, highlighting the importance of localized public health strategies. The findings suggest that factors such as population density, age, and socioeconomic conditions may have contributed to these s...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease on AI/AN women. The study reveals that more than 60% of these women have suboptimal heart health when pregnant, increasing their risk of heart disease later in life.
Researchers found that boosting vaccine use can reduce lockdown intensity and duration, but the relationship varies based on factors like disease severity and vaccination speed. The study suggests a nuanced approach to balancing lockdowns and vaccinations in future pandemics.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that elderly hospitalized patients treated by physicians with MD or DO degrees had virtually identical mortality rates, readmissions, length of stay, and healthcare spending. The results suggest high-quality care regardless of the physician's educational background.
Researchers discuss chemotherapeutic resistance in recurring ovarian cancer, focusing on the unfolded protein response and its effect on polyploid giant cancer cells. Understanding this mechanism could lead to investigating cancer cell molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.
A new combination treatment for brain hemorrhage significantly improves survival rates and reduces disability. The INTERACT3 study shows a Care Bundle of readily available treatments can improve outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where most cases occur.
A new study from Tulane University found that eight social determinants of health significantly contribute to the racial mortality gap in the US. The research indicates that addressing these factors can eliminate the disparity in premature deaths among Black and White adults.
A study of nearly 4,000 patients with cirrhosis found that mortality rates were more than twice as high in lower-income countries compared to high-income countries. The research highlights the need for improved access to medical care and preventive measures to address liver disease.
A study of 5,813 youths found that socially vulnerable communities experienced a disproportionate number of assault-related firearm deaths. Stricter gun laws were associated with lower death rates, but disadvantaged communities remained disproportionately impacted.
Researchers found that COPD patients prescribed non-benzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists (NBZRAs) like zolpidem did not have increased risk of hospitalizations or death compared to those prescribed other types of hypnotics. However, they had a greater risk of death and exacerbations when not prescribed hypnotic drugs
A comprehensive multicontinental analysis found that COVID-19 vaccination reduced mortality by 22% among hospitalized and oxygen-dependent individuals. Vaccination was particularly beneficial for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
A retrospective analysis of patient data suggests that targeting mucus plugs in the lungs may help prevent deaths from COPD. The study found that patients with mucus plugs had a higher mortality rate compared to those without, with significant associations across different disease phases.
A new study found an initial decline in diabetes mellitus plus cardiovascular disease-related mortality, but it reversed from 2014 to 2019. The researchers emphasized the need for primary prevention of diabetes and early diagnosis to prevent cardiovascular complications and mortality.