Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...
A new study found that quitting smoking before a lung cancer diagnosis is associated with higher survival rates. Former smokers who stopped smoking years before their diagnosis had significantly longer survival than current and former smokers diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.
Quitting smoking early after a lung cancer diagnosis was associated with lower mortality rates. Detailed smoking history collection can improve lung cancer prognosis and treatment selection. The study's findings suggest that smoking cessation timing may impact overall survival, particularly at different clinical stages.
Nearly half of COVID-19 patients develop secondary bacterial pneumonia, which can lead to death. Machine learning analysis found that this complication offsets the mortality rate from the viral infection itself.
A study of 1,340 women with high-risk breast cancer found that strongest collective adherence to lifestyle recommendations was associated with significant reductions in disease recurrence and mortality. Education strategies to help patients adhere to cancer prevention recommendations are warranted.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has introduced new guidelines recommending earlier and more intensive breast cancer screening for high-risk women, including Black women. According to the ACR, risk assessment by age 25 is necessary to determine if screening should start before age 40.
A study found that declines in racial disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates were largely due to increases in mortality among White individuals, rather than decreases in non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations. The shift from urban to rural areas also contributed to the decline.
A study of 371,159 individuals aged 50 to 71 years found that a healthy low-fat diet was associated with fewer deaths from all causes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. In contrast, unhealthy low-carbohydrate diets were linked to significantly higher mortality rates.
A recent study analyzing 46 million births across nearly three decades reveals a concerning pattern of maltreatment of non-white pregnant women, including disregarding their birthing wishes. The research suggests that medical induction of labor nearly tripled between 1990 and 2017 in the U.S., with no clear association with increased r...
A new study found six suicide clusters, four overdose clusters and nine alcohol-related liver disease clusters in the US west, southeast and Appalachia/rust belt. These co-occurring clusters suggest specific regions at increased risk for deaths of despair warranting public health intervention.
A new study from the University of Chicago shows a direct link between social determinants of health and suicide risk, with counties experiencing high levels of social vulnerability having nearly double the suicide rate as those with lower levels. The study proposes several public health policies to address these disparities.
A new study comparing outcomes between Ontario and New York State found patients in Ontario more likely to die within a month of procedure due to inadequate availability and long wait times. The study suggests that improved access to TAVR may lead to better post-procedural outcomes.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique using laser speckle imaging to visualize microvasculature in donor hearts and detect abnormal blood flow. The method enables precise visualization of blood circulation, potentially identifying hearts suitable for transplantation.
A study of 167,000 non-hospitalized patients revealed that neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 was associated with significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalization rates, and mortality. These findings suggest targeted risk stratification strategies may optimize future nMAb treatment decisions.
Two recent studies conducted at the University of Eastern Finland found that renal hyperfiltration (RHF) is associated with an increased risk of mortality, independent of diabetes mellitus. A lower kidney filtration rate threshold may serve as a more precise measure for defining RHF.
A Brazilian study analyzed data from over 40,000 patients admitted to ICUs and found lower mortality rates during the Omicron outbreak compared to previous strains of Covid-19. Vaccination coverage contributed to the lower mortality observed in the Omicron period, but vulnerable patients remain at risk.
A 25-year longitudinal cohort study revealed that youths involved with the juvenile justice system have a significantly increased risk of firearm mortality, with rates varying by sex, race, and ethnicity. Sixteen years after detention, nearly one-quarter of Black and Hispanic males had been injured or killed by firearms.
A new study by Northwestern University found that up to a quarter of juvenile justice youth are later injured or killed by firearms within 16 years. The study highlights the need for policy and intervention strategies to address the epidemic of firearm injury and death among high-risk youth, particularly those in the juvenile justice s...
Replacing sugary drinks with healthier options like coffee, tea, and plain water is associated with lower rates of early death among adults with type 2 diabetes. The study found that increasing consumption of these beverages was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
A study of 415,000 US female breast cancer deaths from 2011 to 2020 found that Black women should start screening earlier than previously recommended. Health policy makers and clinicians may consider an alternative approach with race- and ethnicity-adapted age recommendations for breast cancer screening.
A new study found that high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an elevated risk of premature death and incidence of cardiovascular disease among people with type 2 diabetes. Drinking healthier beverages like coffee, tea, and plain water was linked to lower risk of dying prematurely.
A nationwide survey in the Central African Republic found a severe health emergency with a 5.6% mortality rate, four times higher than UN estimates, and widespread malnutrition, food insecurity, and violence, with 82.3% of households reporting adults ate ≤1 meals per day
A modelling study suggests that specifying menu calorie counts is likely to reduce obesity-related cancers and healthcare costs in the US. The policy could prevent 28,000 new cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths, as well as save $1.48 billion in medical costs.
A national cohort study found that early dexamethasone administration reduced odds of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients needing supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The treatment was not associated with improved outcomes for those without such needs.
A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased mortality rates among people with intellectual disabilities, with a disparity of five times higher than in the general population. This increase was not limited to COVID-19-related deaths but also affected other conditions such as cancer and mental health disorders.
A meta-analysis found that Indigenous populations in these countries face significantly higher rates of influenza-related hospitalizations compared to non-Indigenous individuals. The study highlights the increased vulnerability of Indigenous populations to severe influenza outcomes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found a link between opioid prescribing patterns and suicide risk. The researchers analyzed data from 2009-2017 and discovered that regions with the greatest decrease in opioid prescriptions also experienced the greatest decline in suicide deaths. This suggests that policies a...
Researchers found that alcohol screening rates significantly declined during the initial COVID-19 surge due to competing pandemic priorities and telemedicine shifts. Screening rates later recovered as in-person care resumed and telemedicine workflows improved.
Researchers found that 89% of Dominica's trees sustained damage from Hurricane Maria, but only 10% were immediately killed. The study suggests that forests in hurricane-prone regions can resist extreme weather events due to their adapted structure and composition.
A randomized clinical trial found that anakinra did not prevent mechanical ventilation or reduce mortality risk in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Future research is needed to assess anakinra in less severe cases.
A new machine learning model estimates optimal treatment timing for sepsis, taking into account vital signs and lab test results to predict patient survival. The model was trained on a dataset of over 14,000 individuals with sepsis and showed improved outcomes when actual treatment matched the recommended timeline.
A population-based study found that pregnancy-associated cancers have a higher overall 5-year mortality rate compared to non-pregnancy associated cancers. The study highlights the need for improved cancer screening and treatment options during pregnancy.
Adults hospitalized with Omicron had a higher death rate than those with seasonal influenza, even though Omicron is considered less virulent. The study found patients hospitalized with Omicron were older and had more underlying illnesses, which may contribute to the higher mortality rate.
Researchers found decreased lung injury, coughing up blood, and mortality rates after balloon pulmonary angioplasty between 2013 and 2022. The minimally invasive procedure is now considered a safer option for inoperable CTEPH patients.
A new study models current and future trends in heat-related mortality in the MENA region, predicting a significant increase in deaths under high-emissions scenarios. Limiting warming to 2°C may prevent over 80% of these predicted deaths, highlighting the urgent need for better adaptation policies and renewable technologies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 4.8 million participants found no significant association between daily low or moderate alcohol intake and all-cause mortality risk. However, increased risk was evident at higher consumption levels, starting at lower levels for women than men.
Overdose mortality among people aged 65 and older has quadrupled, driven by illicit drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and synthetic opioids. Researchers call for updated Medicare coverage and harm reduction supplies to curb the trend.
A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.
A study found that as alcohol consumption increased, the probability of a firearm-involved suicide also rose until a certain blood alcohol concentration was reached. Interventions focusing on heavy alcohol use may help reduce suicide mortality rates, particularly those involving firearms.
A study of 3,101 adults found that taking 8,000 steps or more per day, even just a couple days a week, can have meaningful health benefits and lower mortality risk. The findings suggest that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on overall health.
A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found a substantial increase in crash fatalities in four states with legalized recreational cannabis, with an average 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. The study suggests that investing in policies and public health initiatives may mitigate this harm.
A major European study confirms a significant drop in suicides over the last decade, with 15 countries showing a 20% decrease in rates. The study suggests that active measures to prevent suicide may be linked to this decline.
A recent study by IIASA researchers found that maternal education, especially secondary education, significantly reduces under-five mortality rates in both rural and urban areas of India. The study analyzed data from the Indian National Family Health Survey and discovered a protective effect of maternal education on child mortality.
A retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with and without substance use disorders during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic found no association between SUD and inpatient COVID-19-related mortality. Patients with and without SUD had similar clinical complications, including mechanical ventilation and ICU admission.
A new UK study of 3.6 million surgeries found that operating within 2 weeks of a positive COVID test is safe for recovered patients, with lower mortality rates compared to current guidelines. The study suggests that delaying surgery might cause more harm than good, particularly in patients who have already waited longer for surgery.
A Danish cohort study reveals significant health risks associated with bereavement in older adults. The study found that men are disproportionately affected, with an increased mortality rate after spousal loss.
A study found that people with epilepsy have a higher risk of early death, especially in younger individuals, those taking multiple medications, and those living in rural areas. The increased risk varies depending on the individual's specific circumstances.
Researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze electrocardiogram results from 1.6 million patients, predicting mortality risk with 85% accuracy. The study aims to improve individual care and create a learning health-care system that feeds data back into the healthcare system.
A recent review article highlights the significant impact of cancer on Hispanic patients and their caregivers, citing communication barriers, financial difficulties, and sociocultural issues. The study estimates 126,000 new cancer cases diagnosed yearly in Hispanics, placing a substantial burden on family members and friends.
Cases of Candida auris, a highly contagious fungal infection, rose drastically between 2019 and 2021, with an increase in echinocandin-resistant cases. The findings emphasize the need for improved detection and infection control practices to prevent the spread of C auris.
A team of UCF researchers is working on a new project to educate the next generation of nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers to improve heart health in medically underserved communities. They are using high-fidelity simulation scenarios to foster inter- and intradisciplinary care.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health reveals a 104% increase in pregnancy-related deaths among American Indian/Alaska Native people, with rates nearly doubling from pre-pandemic levels. The Delta and Omicron variants contributed to the worsening burden of mortality, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.
After Hurricane Maria, the African tulip Tree's total biomass increased, potentially reclaiming its prominence among native tree species in Puerto Rico. This shift was attributed to improved light conditions in forest canopies post-hurricane damage.
Implementation of post-overdose programs in Massachusetts municipalities associated with a 6% lower annual opioid fatality rate and a 7% lower opioid-related emergency encounter rate compared to non-programmed areas. The study suggests that these programs offer a critical opportunity to address overdose among high-risk individuals.
A new study finds that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), lithium, and clozapine may reduce suicide rates in adolescent men with severe mental illness. The study suggests that early intervention with medico-psychiatric treatment can lower suicide rates among late-teenage boys.
A new study found that pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and preterm delivery, can increase the risk of death in decades following childbirth. The research tracked data from over 46,000 people born between 1959 and 1966, revealing a significant association between these complications and increased mortality rates.
The pediatric death rate in the US sharply rose between 2019 and 2021, offsetting years of progress in medicine and public health. The alarming spike is primarily due to deaths from homicide, accidental drug overdoses, motor vehicle accidents, and suicide among those ages 10-19.
A recent study published in JNCCN found that the lack of genomic research for people with African ancestry is hindering efforts to reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. The researchers evaluated molecular genetic results for 113 Black South African men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, identifying 17 pathogenic and pot...
A novel rare mutation in the ABCA12 gene was identified as a cause of Harlequin Ichthyosis through BGI genetic tests. The mutation leads to a severely dysfunctional protein responsible for the disease's serious phenotype.
A new study published in The Lancet found that contracting a respiratory infection in early childhood is associated with a higher risk of dying from respiratory disease as an adult. Children who had a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) before the age of two were 93% more likely to die prematurely from respiratory disease, account...