Research on death rates and what drives them. Covers cancer-linked stroke, COVID underreporting, hemoglobin levels, and education and survival.
Lying prone reduces the risk of needing a breathing tube in COVID-19 patients by 24.2% compared to usual care, but evidence for its effect on mortality or other outcomes is inconclusive. The intervention also results in 55 fewer intubations per 1,000 patients.
Global rates of type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults have increased significantly between 1990 and 2019, with countries with lower socioeconomic development and women under 30 showing the largest increases. High body mass index is the main contributing factor to this trend.
Administration of vaccine boosters to nursing home residents significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 infections and hospitalizations. The study suggests that booster vaccination may play a crucial role in preventing COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality among vulnerable populations.
A new study published in JAMA found that choosing a Medicare Advantage plan does not significantly improve heart attack survival rates compared to traditional Medicare. Despite this, Medicare Advantage participants still had higher rates of certain care procedures and lower hospital readmission rates.
The study suggests a significant decrease in US melanoma mortality rates, thanks to the availability of effective therapies and new pharmacological treatments. These findings are encouraging and support the continued development of such therapies.
The study of 12,600 adults in Hong Kong found that viral rebound was not associated with increased risk of mortality. Novel oral antivirals like molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may be effective treatments for more patients with COVID-19 in the early phase of the infection.
Between 2017 and 2020, drug overdose mortality among pregnant and postpartum individuals rose by 81%, closely tracking overall trends in reproductive-age populations. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the surge in 2020.
A new study reveals that high ecosystem resilience is linked to high mortality risk in western US forests, contradicting previous assumptions. The research combines decades of satellite data and ground observations to show a surprising correlation between forest resilience and tree death rates.
A study of 1.1 million firearm fatalities in the US from 1990 to 2021 found increasing disparities in rates between men and women, as well as by racial and ethnic group. These findings highlight the need for public health approaches to address underlying demographic trends and geographic differences in reducing firearm violence.
A recent study found that the proportion of COVID-19 deaths among young people increased in 2021 compared to 2020, resulting in a 7.4% rise in Years of Life Lost due to the virus. The median age of COVID-19 deaths decreased from 78 years in 2020 to 69 years in 2021.
A long-term study found that eating more than 100 micrograms of vitamin K1 daily reduced the risk of fractures and hospitalizations by 31-49%. Dark leafy vegetables and one-to-two serves of vegetables are recommended for optimal benefits. Vitamin K1 has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and promote bone health.
A new study from the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Research Institute highlights nationwide health disparities in COVID-19 testing, hospitalization rates, and death. Black and Hispanic men were more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID-19 compared to their white counterparts.
A new study estimates that the pandemic has cost over 1 million Russian lives, with regional differences in mortality rates reported. The research used a novel methodology to calculate excess mortality, including deaths from lockdowns and postponed operations.
Researchers found that treatment with remdesivir within 9 days of symptom onset decreases mortality in Japanese patients with severe to critical COVID-19 who received corticosteroids. The study suggests early treatment with remdesivir and corticosteroids is associated with decreased mortality.
A recent study of 5,034 youth ages 5 to 19 who died by suicide from 2015 to 2016 found a significant association between county-level mental health professional shortages and increased suicide rates. The findings suggest that addressing workforce shortages may be crucial for preventing youth suicides.
A study found that CPR mannikins depicted in public social media accounts are predominantly white, lean men, lacking representation of diverse groups. The lack of diversity in these models may influence disparities in training and care for patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
A study of 3,110 US counties found that residential segregation is associated with increased cancer mortality. The findings highlight opportunities for targeted cancer prevention and control efforts at the county level.
A 30-year tree planting campaign in Portland, Oregon found significant reductions in non-accidental and cardiovascular mortality associated with tree planting. The association grows stronger as trees age and grow, suggesting preserving existing mature trees is crucial for public health.
A study of 315 women found moderate physical activity to be associated with a 60% lower risk of death. Physical activity levels may play a crucial role in extending survival and improving quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
A new study reveals that middle-aged adults faced higher mortality rates during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the first year. The researchers attribute this shift to various factors, including the delta variant's impact on younger age groups and decreased preventive care.
A study analyzing data from eight European countries found that younger and older mothers, as well as those born abroad or from minority ethnic backgrounds, are at particular risk. The maternal mortality rate is significantly higher in Slovakia and the UK compared to Norway and Denmark, with a fourfold difference.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that self-reported loneliness is associated with an increased risk of death at 30 days post-surgery among Medicare patients. The research suggests that loneliness may be a significant social determinant affecting postoperative outcomes, particularly for non-elective care.
A 3-year study of a 20 mph speed limit in Belfast found no significant reduction in road traffic collisions or driver speed, despite a notable decrease in traffic volume. The reduction in traffic volume was 57 vehicles per week after implementation.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in asymptomatic adults and those with unrecognized symptoms. OSA is linked to various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment.
A new study found that people with a higher sense of purpose in life have a lower risk of death from any cause, regardless of race or gender. The association was strongest among women, who may benefit more from the health-protective effects of purpose.
A University of Gothenburg study finds that light physical activity can lead to milder symptoms and improved survival rates for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. The research shows a clear link between physical activity and reduced severe symptoms, as well as higher survival rates compared to those who are less active.
A recent study suggests that even low levels of fine particulate matter can cause significant mortality risk, contributing to 1.5 million extra deaths globally each year. The research used Canadian data to inform global estimates and highlights the need for improved air quality guidelines.
The risk of death from infective endocarditis (IE) among young US residents aged 15-44 years has doubled in the last two decades. IE cases among younger patients and those who inject drugs have increased, with mortality rates increasing by 50%.
A pooled analysis of firearm-related deaths from 2000 to 2019 found that permit requirements and prohibition of violent misdemeanor possession had decreased total firearm-related deaths and homicide rates. Synergic legislative action to implement firearm laws in proximate states may help prevent firearm-related deaths.
A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.
A new study found that ultraprocessed foods contributed to 57,000 premature deaths in Brazil in 2019. The study estimated the impact of reducing UPF intake and suggested that limiting consumption could prevent approximately 5,900 to 29,300 premature deaths annually.
A randomized study compared the effects of torsemide and furosemide in people with heart failure. The study found that both loop diuretics were effective in reducing death and hospitalization rates, with no significant clinical difference between the two medications.
A large clinical trial found that administering steroids during infant heart surgery did not improve post-operative outcomes compared to placebo. However, secondary analysis revealed a small net benefit for some infants, with lower odds of bleeding requiring another operation.
Research highlights the significant role emergency departments play in end-of-life care, with nearly one-third of decedents visiting the ED just before death. The study's findings emphasize the need for emergency medicine practitioners to identify patients in need of end-of-life care and provide necessary resources.
A study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that breast cancer survivorship has doubled among Canadian women, with 2.1% of adult females diagnosed with breast cancer and 86% surviving by 2022. The prevalence varies by age group, with senior women having a higher rate of survival.
New research by Lancaster University and Bocconi University finds that Kenyan parents with access to mass media believe the risk of dying in a terrorist attack is 12 times larger than actual rates. This leads to children being kept out of schools, affecting their education and future earnings.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that higher exposure to political conservatism is associated with higher COVID-19 mortality rates and increased stress on hospital intensive care unit (ICU) capacity. The study examined data from all 435 U.S. Congressional districts between April 2021 and March 2022.
Researchers found a significant increase in heart disease deaths among adults in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study attributed this rise to factors such as lockdowns, lack of physical activity, increased smoking and alcohol use.
A randomized clinical trial found that applying topical antibiotics to the upper digestive tract can improve survival rates in mechanically ventilated intensive care patients. The study, published in JAMA, also showed a significant reduction in new hospital-acquired infections.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers found that more conservative state policies were associated with higher mortality rates among US workers. The study suggests that liberalizing policies on gun safety, labor, and tobacco taxes could lower mortality rates.
Researchers found a significant association between NTM infection and increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve survival. NTM can cause nonspecific symptoms like fever and weight loss, and patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
Researchers used smartphone sensors to measure walking activity in 100,000 UK Biobank participants and developed predictive models of mortality risk. The study showed that just 6 minutes per day of steady walking measured by the sensor can accurately predict mortality risk, similar to physical measures.
A new study found that living in a community with easy access to grocery stores and affordable, healthy food is associated with lower heart failure death rates. The research analyzed data from nearly 3,000 counties in the US and found that food insecurity is linked to increased rates of death from heart failure.
A Penn State-led researcher team found that population aging and low baseline mortality rates most impact outcomes on premature deaths due to air pollution. The study used past and projected data to model five future scenarios estimating premature deaths and identified areas of the world that could be most impacted.
A study by Max Planck Researcher Jonas Schöley and colleagues found that life expectancy continued to decline globally in 2021, with differences between Eastern and Western Europe widening. However, vaccination efforts helped mitigate mortality shocks in some countries, particularly those with robust healthcare systems.
A clinical trial of over 1,500 outpatients with mild to moderate COVID-19 found that treatment with ivermectin did not significantly improve time to sustained recovery compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes showed no reduction in hospitalization, death, or acute care visits.
A recent analysis found that higher BMI in adolescent men is strongly associated with developing early atrial fibrillation, as well as subsequent worse clinical outcomes after diagnosis. Men with higher BMIs had significantly increased risks of mortality, heart failure, and ischemic stroke.
A population-based analysis of 1,193 major surgeries found that 13.4% of patients died within a year, with frail and dementia-affected individuals facing significantly higher mortality rates
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is partnering with the Chinatown Service Center to address disparities in cervical cancer screening and treatment. The partnership aims to optimize access, shorten diagnosis-to-treatment timeframes, and enhance quality of care for Chinese and Latina women in Los Angeles.
A study found that Italian regions with high levels of environmental pollution have higher cancer mortality rates, even after controlling for lifestyle factors. The analysis identified specific sources of pollution associated with certain types of cancer, highlighting the need for environmental reduction and prevention to combat cancer.
A 14% decrease in live births was observed in Europe nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdowns. The decline may be linked to lockdowns rather than COVID-19 infection, with countries experiencing longer lockdowns having lower birth rates.
A new report finds that men and women in the UK have higher probabilities of dying than predicted, with a marked difference in gender. The slowdown since 2010 has raised questions about the viability of pensions schemes and inequalities within the UK.
The USPSTF concludes that screening for major depressive disorder (MDD) is insufficient for children under 12, while recommending it for adolescents. Screening for suicidal ideation and attempts is also recommended for all ages in question.
A study of over 300,000 Danish adults found that fractures closer to the centre of the body were associated with higher mortality rates. The presence of certain clusters of health conditions compounded this risk, suggesting a new way of identifying patients at high risk of poor outcomes.
The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased waiting list times for pediatric heart transplants, but did not affect graft and recipient survival rates. Waiting list mortality remained unchanged during this period.
A study of 265 patients found full vaccination status was associated with lower mortality among those intubated due to COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. The results may inform discussions on prognosis for families.
A new study found that younger women hospitalized with heart attacks had a significantly higher prevalence of cardiac risk factors and comorbidities compared to younger men. This led to higher rehospitalization rates and all-cause readmission rates, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to improve prevention strategies.
Global liver cancer cases are estimated to rise by more than 55% by 2040 unless preventive measures are strengthened. Countries must achieve at least a 3% annual decrease in liver cancer incidence and mortality rates to avoid this increase, according to a new report.
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was found to lower the risk of severe outcomes including preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage. Vaccination during pregnancy is now recommended to protect against COVID-19 infection.
A recent study found that among US patients with cancer during the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 16,561 deaths were attributed to cancer or COVID-19 complications. The majority of these deaths occurred in older adults and minority groups, highlighting a concerning disparity in healthcare outcomes.