Articles tagged with Population Studies
A pan-Canadian randomized controlled trial is using digital communication to target common reasons for vaccine hesitancy, including age, language, and education level. Family physicians will receive tailored information to share with patients through email and text message, aiming to improve vaccine uptake.
A large-scale study of COVID-19 data in Indiana found that Black communities and rural residents were more likely to be hospitalized and die from the virus. The study highlighted disparities in public health efforts and calls for targeted interventions to address these gaps.
A combination therapy of aspirin, statins, and at least two blood pressure medications cuts the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease by over half. The treatment strategy, known as a polypill, is consistent in benefits across different blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels, and diabetes status.
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.
Researchers compared the accuracy of two types of fecal tests for detecting colorectal cancer, finding that both types are reliable when thresholds are adjusted. The study suggests that health providers should select the best type of test based on specific demands in screening settings.
A new study found that nearly one in five babies in Brazil were born 'small' and at increased risk of mortality. The researchers identified six 'small vulnerable newborn' phenotypes, which showed the highest mortality risk was 62 times greater than full-term babies.
Researchers identified and contacted patients with cancer who could benefit from targeted nonelectronic communication regarding COVID-19 immunization. The study used an analytics-based approach to reach marginalized populations, highlighting the importance of targeted outreach in increasing vaccine uptake.
Long-term simulations show that smart land management, such as organic farming and protected refuge areas, can help stabilize threatened bumblebee species. Climate change is expected to have the strongest total effect on bumblebees, threatening many species.
A large-scale population-based study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines far outweigh the risk of Bell's palsy. The study found a small increased risk of Bell's palsy associated with CoronaVac vaccination, but not with BNT162b2.
A recent study found SARS-CoV-2 infection among maternal-infant pairs to be extremely rare in early infancy. The findings suggest that while transmission is uncommon, continued monitoring and vaccination efforts are necessary to protect newborns from COVID-19 and its variants.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that crowding in prisons significantly increases the risk of COVID-19 infections among inmates. The study suggests that policy changes are necessary to protect this vulnerable population and notes that even a small increase in crowding can pose a significant threat.
Research published in the BMJ Open journal suggests that middle-age height loss is associated with a heightened risk of early death from heart disease or stroke in Northern European women. Regular physical activity may help prevent height loss and lower cardiovascular disease risk, according to the findings.
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.
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.
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.
A 48-year record of Australian collecting trips has been made publicly available, providing accurate details on specimen collection dates and locations. The data is now accessible via the Zenodo open-data repository in Darwin Core format.
The US physician-scientist workforce doing kidney research is shifting towards more women and international medical graduates. However, this trend is accompanied by an increasing age of the workforce, a decline in relative numbers, and a shift away from basic science research.
A study of 3,013 participants found that people with disabilities cite concerns about medical conditions, functional limitations, and workplace culture as major barriers to employment. The research highlights the importance of addressing negative perceptions to develop effective return-to-work or employment interventions.
The study shows that switching to high-quality vaping products reduces health risks and provides an alternative for smokers who would not otherwise quit. The review also emphasizes the importance of consistent product manufacturing regulations and robust stewardship standards.
A large Swedish study found that first-born children have a lower risk of cardiovascular events, while people with lots of siblings are more likely to experience these events. The study also suggests that family size may play a role in cardiovascular health.
A large population-level study analyzed stool samples from over 7,000 Finnish adults and found that certain bacterial strains in the gut microbiota were associated with increased mortality risk. The study's machine learning algorithm identified specific microbial species linked to a shorter lifespan.
The study estimates the SwissCOVID digital contact tracing app's performance using a simulation model, providing insights into the effectiveness of the system. The simulation reveals that the app can efficiently identify individuals at risk of infection and notify them accordingly.
A population-based study of Canadian children found no link between epidural pain relief during labor and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders. The study analyzed multiple databases and concluded that epidural use did not increase the likelihood of autism.
Research from the Rhineland Study in Bonn, Germany, suggests that neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 decline significantly within 4-5 months after infection. The study found that only about one-third of individuals testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies actually had specific antibodies against the virus.
The study estimates the cumulative number of child deaths experienced by mothers between 20 and 49 years old in 170 countries. Mothers in select African countries are significantly more likely to have lost a child, with some experiencing up to 30 times more child deaths than those in high-income countries.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has named 9 distinguished researchers as 2021 recipients of the Pew fellowship in marine conservation. The new fellows will undertake projects addressing ocean conservation and management needs globally, from improving shark conservation to studying coastal habitats.
Scientists have discovered a new breeding site for the world's rarest seal species, the Mediterranean monk seal, in northern Cyprus. At least three pups were born at one cave between 2016-19, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts.
A staggering number of over 34,000 street cattle roam the Indian city of Raipur, with one animal present for every 54 human residents. This high cattle population poses significant risks for road accidents and exacerbates human-cattle conflicts in urban areas.
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has published a report on the future of ageing and life course research in Germany, outlining recommendations for advancing research on ageing. The report highlights challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and compares Germany's performance to other countries.
Researchers analyzed Medicare data to characterize financial presentation of Alzheimer's and related dementias before diagnosis. They found a significant association between the two, suggesting financial errors may be an early indicator of dementia.
Research shows that maintaining good cardiovascular health can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in middle-aged individuals, regardless of their genetic susceptibility. The study found that individuals with ideal CVH had a lower lifetime risk of T2D compared to those with poor or intermediate CVH.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that people with substance use disorders are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its complications. Individuals with a recent SUD diagnosis were more likely to develop COVID-19 and experience worse outcomes than those without an SUD.
A large population-based study suggests that people with COVID-19 should be retested 4 or more weeks after symptoms first appear to minimize the risk of onward infection. The study found a relatively high rate of false negative test results in early convalescence, highlighting the need for accurate assessment and follow-up testing.
A new study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in US men and women increased over two decades. The analysis controlled for learning effects when repeating the same test, revealing a trend reversal compared to previous studies.
A modified BACTRAC protocol allows researchers to study local leukocyte populations during human stroke using flow cytometry. This approach provides a better understanding of acute inflammatory mechanisms and may identify immunotherapeutic targets for stroke treatment.
A new study published in JAMA estimates associations between statewide school closures and changes in daily COVID-19 incidence and mortality. The analysis suggests that timely school closures in March may have contributed to reduced cases and deaths in the following weeks, accounting for other public health interventions.
Researchers successfully trained AI models to recognize individual birds using labeled images and camera traps, achieving over 90% accuracy in wild populations. This breakthrough enables long-term monitoring of populations and protects species from climate change pressures.
Researchers found that expanding access to methadone, buprenorphine and extended-release naltrexone in prisons and jails can significantly reduce overdose deaths by 31.6% in certain circumstances. The study suggests that continuity of care is key to maximizing public health impact.
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between natural gas flaring and an increased risk of preterm birth. Exposure to high levels of flaring was linked to a 50% higher odds of preterm birth compared to no exposure, with women living near flaring sites facing the greatest risks.
Researchers have found that an individual's gut microbiota can predict and treat type 2 diabetes, with altered gut bacteria linked to reduced butyrate production. The study suggests potential for personalized dietary changes or probiotics to prevent or treat the disease.
A large randomized trial has found that endometrial scratch is not beneficial in women having their first cycle of IVF. The study involved over 1000 women under 37 years old and showed no significant difference in live birth rates between those who received endometrial scratch and those who did not.
Researchers analyzed de-identified medical claims covering 6.3 million North Carolinians, revealing significant overall spending of $50 billion per year. Key takeaways include geographic variation, cost variation by payer type, and spending variation by service category.
A new study analyzed data from over 825 trauma centers in the US to identify factors associated with withdrawing life-supporting treatment in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The findings suggest that demographic and clinical characteristics play a significant role in these decisions.
A recent study found that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are at a significantly higher risk of developing invasive breast cancer and dying from breast cancer, even up to 20 years after diagnosis. The risks were more than double those of the general population.
Serological assays detect SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in recovered individuals' blood, informing prevalence and immunity questions. Studies must better address the limitations of these tools to inform accurate decisions about deploying the workforce.
A newly identified metabolic signature can evaluate an individual's adherence and metabolic response to the Mediterranean diet, indicating future CVD risk. The signature consists of 67 metabolites that were highly reproducible across different study populations.
Women with postpartum psychiatric disorders are less likely to have more children, with 69% still choosing to have a second child. The study found that nearly half of women with psychiatric problems had a reduced live birth rate due to hospitalization or fear of relapse.
Patients with multiple chronic conditions who completed a patient-centered medical home program had more positive experiences and better health outcomes. Nurse care coordinators played a crucial role in the program's success, helping develop individualized care plans that met patients' unique needs.
A population-based study found that young immigrants and refugees in Ontario, Canada, are at higher risk of experiencing violent assault compared to nonimmigrant youth. The study used linked health and administrative databases to analyze the risk of violent assault among young immigrants and refugees aged 10-24.
A study by Scripps Research Institute found that resting heart rates vary widely between individuals, with norms differing by up to 70 beats per minute. Despite this variability, rest heart rate remains relatively consistent over time, holding potential for early detection of health changes.
The study found associations between parenting stress and lower household income with increased screen exposure among toddlers. Lower household income was also linked to more frequent feeding of children during screen time, contributing to excessive screen use.
A study from Michigan State University and the Max Planck Institute suggests that a partisan Congress is more productive than bipartisan groups. The research used mathematical programming models to analyze coalitions of lawmakers, finding that partisanship often helps bills pass into law.
A new study from University of Pennsylvania sociologist Wendy Roth found that DIY DNA tests do not lead to a greater belief in racial essentialism. However, those who understand more about genetics going in become more skeptical, while those with less understanding believe in essentialism more strongly.
A new study of Asian genes aims to improve disease treatment and care by shedding light on human migration history. The research will create detailed reference databases for Asian populations, helping medical researchers identify genetic differences that can cause diseases.
A Danish study found that low lymphocyte counts are associated with a 60% increase in death from any cause. Participants with lymphopenia were at high risk of dying from all-cause mortality, including age-related risks.
A retrospective study of 432,828 veterans patients found that frail individuals had higher mortality rates after low-stress and moderate-stress surgeries. The 30-day mortality rate among frail patients after a low-stress procedure was 1.55%, significantly higher than the 1% often used to define high-risk surgery.
A review of case-control fecal gut microbiome studies in Parkinson's disease found varying results, but replicated findings include an increase in Verrucomicrobiaceae and Akkermansia. The researchers recommend integrating existing data to address confounders and propose future studies focus on biomarkers for PD diagnosis.
Researchers found slower cell division rates in people between ages 80 and 89 compared to those between 20 and 29, potentially explaining age-related cancer decline. Mice did not exhibit similar age-dependent cell division slowdown.
A study published in Nutrition and Cancer found that consuming sofrito, which includes onions and garlic, was associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. Women who ate sofrito more than once per day had a 67% decrease in risk compared to those who never ate it.
The study found that men and women experience different comorbidities as having diabetes or prediabetes, including a higher rate of prediabetes among children. Prediabetic women showed a higher prevalence of osteoporosis and depression compared to men.