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Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults have third highest cardiovascular death rate in the U.S.

A nationwide mortality data study found Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults have the third highest cardiovascular death rate in the US, with approximately 40% of deaths attributed to coronary heart disease. The study highlights a need for focused interventions to promote cardiovascular health among NHPI adults.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 14, 2024

Extreme heat may substantially raise mortality risk for people experiencing homelessness

A new study found that extreme heat increases mortality risk for people experiencing homelessness, particularly in hot-climate US counties like Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Heat exposure is estimated to be 10-100 times greater among unhoused individuals than in the general population.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 10, 2024

Can adrenaline auto-injectors prevent fatal anaphylaxis?

A recent review published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy suggests that intravenous adrenaline infusions can prevent fatal anaphylaxis, but adrenaline autoinjectors may have little impact in such deadly cases. Fatal anaphylaxis is rare, with a population incidence of 0.03–0.51 per million per year.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateOct 9, 2024

Attention seniors! It’s never too late to stop smoking

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that quitting smoking even at 75 can significantly increase life expectancy. The research showed that older individuals who quit smoking can avoid an average loss of 4-9 years of life, with some regaining up to 8 years or more.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 8, 2024

Health care site- and patient-related factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination completion rates

A recent study found that community health centers (CHCs) played a crucial role in COVID-19 vaccination completion, with 72% of patients receiving vaccinations by the end of 2022. CHC-related factors such as location and Medicaid expansion significantly influenced vaccination rates, highlighting disparities among socioeconomically disa...

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

Presence of subclinical atherosclerosis is marker of mortality and its progression increases risk of death

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that subclinical atherosclerosis is independently associated with the risk of dying from any cause. The study also showed that monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis can improve the prediction and prevention of death from any cause.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal investigates recent and future trends of lung cancer

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), lung cancer is the most common type of cancer, with 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths worldwide in 2020. China had the highest number of new cases, and incidence and mortality rates have been steadily rising from 1990 to 2019.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2024

Hardest hit by heat

A new study analyzing US data from 1993 to 2005 found that extreme heat disproportionately affects racial minorities, with a higher excess death rate for Non-Hispanic Blacks compared to whites. The study's findings highlight the need for adaptation measures to shield vulnerable populations from growing temperature dangers.

Vulnerable patients have a decreased mortality risk when treated at commission on cancer-accredited hospitals

A new study found that vulnerable patients treated at Commission on Cancer-accredited hospitals had a 9% lower mortality rate and were more likely to receive guideline-based care. This is attributed to CoC accreditation requirements for treatment guideline adherence, community engagement, and addressing barriers to care.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateSep 19, 2024

Black women have a higher risk of dying from all types of breast cancer, meta-analysis reveals

A meta-analysis by Mass General Brigham researchers found that Black women face higher mortality rates from breast cancer across all tumor subtypes, attributed to socioeconomic inequality, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate access to timely quality treatment. This disparity is not limited to hormone-positive tumors, with differences als...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 17, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal study provides updates on rising burden of breast cancer in China

The study examines breast cancer incidence, mortality, and disease burden in China to inform urgent prevention and treatment strategies. The Age-Standardized Incidence Rate is relatively low compared to other countries, but the sheer number of cases and DALYs highlights a significant public health challenge.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2024

BMI’s relation to cancer therapy mortality risks not so straightforward

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that body mass index (BMI) has a more complex relationship with mortality risk during cancer therapy than previously thought. For patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, higher BMI was associated with lower mortality when undergoing immunotherapy or conventional chemotherapy. Howe...

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2024

Honeybees: Combinations of pesticides can be dangerous

Research found that combining neonicotinoids with fungicides significantly increased mortality of bee larvae, while also affecting adult honeybee survival rates and lifespan. The study suggests that solitary wild bees may be more vulnerable to pesticide effects due to their smaller colony size.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

1 in 5 COVID deaths potentially attributable to hospital caseload strain

A nationwide retrospective cohort study found a detrimental relationship between COVID-19 caseload and survival across all hospital types. Approximately 1 in every 5 COVID-19 deaths were attributed to hospital caseload strain, highlighting the importance of minimizing caseload surge during future public health emergencies.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 9, 2024

Melanoma incidence and mortality trends in Sweden

A recent study in Sweden found a significant decline in both melanoma incidence and mortality among individuals aged 30-49. The causes of this downward trend are unclear but may be attributed to increased UV protection, public health campaigns, demographic changes, or advancements in melanoma treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateSep 8, 2024

Infections following hip replacement associated with an increased risk of death, study finds

Patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip replacement have a five-fold increased risk of mortality within 10 years. Researchers found that PJI patients had a significantly higher 10-year mortality rate than those who didn't develop an infection, highlighting the need for prevention efforts and best practice gui...

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal reports on emerging trends and implications of non-communicable diseases in China

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a major global health issue, characterized by their chronic nature and long-term impact on quality of life. In China, understanding the extent and distribution of NCDs is essential for developing effective public health strategies.

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

Brigham-led study finds weight loss drug semaglutide reduced COVID-19 related deaths during the pandemic

A recent study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that semaglutide reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and infections, including COVID-19, in obese and overweight patients. The study involved over 17,000 participants and showed a 19% lower overall death rate compared to placebo.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2024

Semaglutide reduces COVID-19 related deaths in patients with obesity and CVD

A new substudy of the SELECT Trial found that semaglutide reduced rates of all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death, including death from COVID-19, in patients with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease without diabetes. Semaglutide also showed protective effects against COVID-19-related adverse events.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies implementing a state standing order to distribute naloxone without a prescription showed a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths. The analysis, conducted from 2013 to 2018, observed a gradual decline of 16% per year in cities with naloxone distribution, compared to those without.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies dispensing standing order naloxone experienced a gradual and significant decrease in opioid deaths, averaging 16% per year. This suggests that expanding access to naloxone through state-mandated standing orders can save lives and reduce opioid fatality rates.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

The Lancet Public Health: Climate change and ageing populations to drive greater disparities in deaths from hot and cold temperatures across Europe, modelling study suggests

A new study suggests that climate change and ageing populations will widen regional disparities in death risk from hot and cold temperatures in Europe. By 2100, heat-related deaths are projected to increase significantly, mostly in southern regions, while cold-related deaths are expected to decline slightly.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024

Even as COVID raged, spikes in homicide were a significant drag on life expectancy for Black men

A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gap in life expectancies between Black and white men, with homicide rates contributing significantly to this disparity. The analysis revealed that homicides carried a disproportionate impact on life expectancy among young men, particularly Black men.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2024

Can flexibility help people live longer?

A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that reduced body flexibility is associated with poor survival in middle-aged men and women. After analyzing data from 3,139 participants, researchers discovered an inverse relationship between Flexindex scores and mortality risk.

SourceWiley·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateAug 21, 2024