Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers find benefits and drawbacks to two-step surgical approach for “leaky heart valves”

A NIH-funded study found that patients with a two-step surgical approach for 'leaky heart valves' had better short-term outcomes, but were more likely to need a pacemaker. The procedure involved repairing the tricuspid valve at the time of mitral valve surgery, and results showed reduced risk of death, reoperation, or severe regurgitat...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2021

Police enforcement of New York City COVID-19 mandates reveals racial inequities by zip code

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that NYC COVID-19 mandates enforcement mirrored the discretionary nature of the New York stop-and-frisk program, resulting in racialized criminalization and punishment. The use of police to enforce public health mandates increased the risk of COVID spread due to f...

Prior poor mental health is associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates

A nationwide US population-level study found that prior poor mental health at the county level had a positive and significant association with COVID-19 infection rates. Areas with greater vulnerability in poor mental health prior to the pandemic had a greater burden of COVID-19. The study used aggregated survey data from 2,839 US count...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2021

U-M Apple Watch Study provides an unprecedented look at the health status of a diverse patient population

The MIPACT study analyzed data from thousands of participants, revealing differences in heart rate, blood pressure, and activity levels by age, race, ethnicity, and clinical conditions. The study's findings have significant implications for clinicians, providing a more complete picture of daily life and resulting health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateOct 26, 2021

Italian sailors knew of America 150 years before Christopher Columbus, new analysis of ancient documents suggests

Ancient Italian writings suggest that Genoese sailors were aware of North America 150 years before Columbus' famous voyage. The discovery, made by Professor Paolo Chiesa, refers to an area known as 'Markland'/ 'Marckalada', mentioned in Icelandic sources and identified as part of the Atlantic coast of North America.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTerrae Incognitae·DateOct 8, 2021

Chronic stress may impact treatment completion and survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer

A study found that chronic stress, measured by allostatic load, was associated with a lower likelihood of completing chemotherapy and lower overall survival rate in patients with lymph node-positive or high-risk lymph node-negative HER2-negative breast cancer. Allostatic load may be a better predictor than genetic ancestry for chemothe...

EMS ketamine use on agitated patients on cocaine increases intubation 5.75-fold

A new study published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine found that prehospital ketamine administration for excited delirium with concomitant cocaine intoxication significantly increases the risk of subsequent emergency department intubation. The study's findings suggest that cocaine may deplete excitatory neurotransmitters, leading ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPrehospital and Disaster Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2021

Future prosperity in China is unlikely to be hindered by population aging

A new study published in PNAS suggests that China's declining birth rate and aging population may not negatively impact future prosperity. The researchers found that higher education levels among women can lead to increased labor force participation, potentially offsetting the negative effects of population aging.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Amazonian protected areas benefit both people and biodiversity

Research from the University of East Anglia found that communities living within Amazonian Sustainable-Use Protected Areas enjoy better access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and electricity. These areas also lead to improved livelihoods, with household wealth and life satisfaction increasing significantly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2021

Further evidence that vitamin D might protect against severe COVID-19 disease and death

Researchers found that ambient UVB radiation before COVID-19 infection was strongly associated with reduced hospitalization and death. The study suggests that vitamin D may protect against severe COVID-19 disease and death, particularly in individuals who do not produce enough vitamin D through sun exposure.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2021

Largest population-based study of "lazy eye" reveals public health’s blind spots

A recent study of 1.5 million Israeli teens found that approximately 1% have lazy eye, with a decline in incidence over the past two decades. Socioeconomic factors and ultra-orthodox upbringing are linked to increased risk, while immigrants from certain countries have a higher prevalence

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2021

Kids hospitalised with chronic illness up to three times more likely to fall behind at school

A large-scale study of over 300,000 children in Australia found that those hospitalised with chronic illnesses were at a significantly higher risk of poor academic performance. The study, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, highlights the need for additional support for these students.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021

Postponed retirement slows cognitive decline

A recent study by MPIDR researchers found that participating in the labor market until age 67 slows cognitive decline and protects against cognitive impairment. This effect holds regardless of gender or educational/occupational attainment, with a slowed rate of cognitive decline rather than improved function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalSSM - Population Health·DateAug 27, 2021

Combination of muscle strengthening and aerobic exercises can reduce cancer mortality

A systematic review of epidemiological studies found that muscle strengthening exercises associated with aerobic activities can significantly reduce cancer mortality. The analysis suggested that strength training twice a week can protect against cancer, with the benefit being even greater when combined with aerobic activities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

Rise in childhood short-sightedness may be linked to pandemic, suggests Hong Kong study

A Hong Kong study suggests a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in childhood short-sightedness, with children spending less time outdoors and more time on screens. The study found that around 1 in 5 children developed short-sightedness during the pandemic, compared to around 1 in 3 over three years.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2021

Study shows how US immigration policy can have domestic health effects

A new study by Brown University found that the Trump administration's 'Muslim ban' led to an increase in emergency department visits and missed primary care appointments among residents from targeted nations. The study suggests that elevated cumulative stress due to a hostile climate toward Muslims may have contributed to these changes.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2021