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Emergency department physicians vary widely in their likelihood of hospitalizing a patient, even within the same facility

A new study found that emergency department physicians differ in their likelihood of hospitalizing patients, with those who admit more patients being discharged sooner but not less likely to die. The study suggests that differences in physician decision-making drive these variations, rather than patient health.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 23, 2024

Cold-related deaths in the US

A study published in JAMA found that cold-related deaths increased by over 100% in the US between 1999 and 2022, with factors such as homelessness, social isolation, and substance use playing a role. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the underlying drivers of this trend.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 19, 2024

Worsening heat waves pose unique risks to people living with neurodegenerative disease

Worsening heat waves exacerbate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and dementia due to impaired sweating and blood flow. Doctors can take proactive steps by regularly screening for social isolation, providing resources, and utilizing telemedicine to monitor high-risk patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 17, 2024

Changes in adult obesity trends in the US

Adult obesity trends in the US have declined for the first time in more than a decade, according to recent data. The South region experienced the largest decreases in body mass index and obesity prevalence, despite also facing high COVID-19 mortality rates among obese individuals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 13, 2024

Women born prematurely are at greater risk of committing suicide

A new Nordic study found that women born prematurely have a nearly 80% higher risk of committing suicide compared to those born at full term. However, premature-born men do not show the same elevated risk. The researchers analyzed birth data and causes of death for nearly 37,000 individuals in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal article sheds light on the global lifetime risk of lung cancer

The global lifetime risk of lung cancer is 3.49%, with high-risk countries like French New Caledonia and Canada, while low-HDI countries have lower risks due to shorter lifespans and limited resources. After 40, the risk drastically increases, but residual risk decreases with age.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

Cervical cancer mortality among US women younger than age 25

A significant drop in cervical cancer mortality among US women younger than age 25 has been observed, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network. The findings indicate that widespread HPV vaccination is driving this decline, reducing the prevalence of HPV infection and subsequent cervical cancer incidence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 27, 2024

Alcohol-related deaths in the US more than double from 1999 to 2020

Researchers found that alcohol-related deaths in the US surged dramatically between 1999 and 2020, with a nearly fourfold increase in those aged 25-34. The study highlights significant gender differences and regional disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to combat the growing US alcohol mortality epidemic.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 18, 2024

Frequent emergency care during pregnancy could signal greater risk for severe maternal morbidity

A new study found that pregnant people in Massachusetts who made multiple unscheduled hospital visits during pregnancy were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity. The study revealed that nearly half of these patients visited multiple hospitals, leading to inconsistent treatment and poor maternal outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2024

What’s chubby enough for lower disability after stroke?

A recent study published in Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation found that slightly overweight stroke survivors (BMI 22.1-27.5 kg/m²) have a lower risk of sustaining disabilities compared to those with normal weight. The research suggests that a higher-than-normal BMI may be beneficial for recovering from a stroke with less disability.

SourceKobe University·JournalTopics in Stroke Rehabilitation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2024

Personality traits may explain how individuals accumulate daily physical activity and sedentary behavior

A study from the University of Jyväskylä found associations between personality traits and daily physical activity and sedentary behavior. Individuals with high conscientiousness and extraversion tend to accumulate longer periods of both, while those with higher neuroticism interrupt their sedentary behavior more often.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateOct 30, 2024

New parasite discovered amid decline of California’s unique Channel Island fox

A new parasite, Pachysentis canicola, has been discovered on the Channel Island fox, causing severe intestinal damage and inflammation in infected individuals. The study highlights the importance of biosecurity in the Channel Islands National Park and underscores the impact of human activity on isolated ecosystems.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Bystanders in a combat zone are treated as guilty until proven innocent

A study published in PLOS ONE found that people are more likely to assume unknown bystanders are enemy combatants than civilians, leading to a higher acceptance of collateral damage. The research suggests that this bias can result in civilian deaths and highlights the need for decision-makers to carefully evaluate their targets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal study reveals key insights on the global burden of thyroid cancer in 2022

A study published in the Chinese Medical Journal projects a significant rise in global thyroid cancer burden, with 821,214 new cases and 47,507 related deaths reported worldwide in 2022. The incidence is expected to increase by 44.1% from 2019 to 2030, with women experiencing higher rates than men.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 2024