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Doctors' sense of mission, self-identity key in choice to work in underserved areas

A new study suggests that medical schools can tap into doctors' sense of mission and self-identity to increase the number of primary care physicians in medically underserved areas. Training students in underserved settings during medical school and residency can also improve their likelihood of continuing to serve those populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 27, 2010

Virginia Tech studies impact of Gulf oil spill on plovers

The Virginia Tech team is studying the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on piping plover populations, collecting data on survival and migration patterns in oiled and unoiled areas of the Gulf. The research aims to inform restoration efforts and provide valuable insights for litigators seeking settlements for damage lawsuits.

Critical/intensive care: Huge investments needed for increasing demand in rich and poor countries; UK has one of lowest numbers of intensive care beds per head in developed world

The UK faces a critical care crisis with one of the lowest numbers of intensive care unit beds, leading to concerns about its ability to cope with large-scale disasters. Increasing demand driven by ageing populations and lack of effective interventions will require huge investments for high-income and poor countries.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 8, 2010

Children, males and blacks are at increased risk for food allergies

A new study estimates that 2.5% of the US population has food allergies, with higher rates found in children, non-Hispanic blacks, and males. The research also identifies an association between food allergy and severe asthma, highlighting the need for increased awareness and monitoring of these conditions.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 4, 2010

Americans struggle with long-term weight loss

Only one in six Americans who have ever been overweight or obese successfully maintains their weight loss, according to a new study. The researchers found that women, adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic whites were more likely to achieve long-term weight management.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 3, 2010

Visits to emergency departments increases in recent years

Emergency department visit rates in the US significantly increased between 1997 and 2007, with a notable rise among adults with Medicaid. The number of emergency departments serving as safety-net facilities also expanded during this period. Increasing access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations remains a pressing concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 10, 2010

'Path of mental illness' follows path of war, 20 years after conflict ends

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a high prevalence of PTSD nearly two decades after the Liberian civil war, with certain villages experiencing a higher burden of trauma. The study suggests that populations exposed to severe conflict are likely to bear a long-lasting psychological toll.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 30, 2010

Obesity rise linked to disability increase among elderly in Latin America and the Caribbean

Obesity rates among seniors in Latin America and the Caribbean have surged, leading to a significant increase in disability among elderly populations. Current trends suggest that unchecked obesity will result in larger numbers of people vulnerable to chronic medical conditions, straining healthcare resources in poorer countries.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 26, 2010

Wireless vs. wireless

Researchers found that 3G networks benefit from increasing Wi-Fi coverage percentage, particularly in densely populated areas. Conversely, Wi-Fi has an advantage when market penetration rates are high but coverage areas are limited.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateJun 22, 2010

Depression care program eliminates suicide

A unique depression care program implemented by Henry Ford Health System has resulted in a 75% decrease in suicide rates among patients. The program, which includes various interventions such as cognitive behavior therapy and access to support services, has achieved zero suicides per 100,000 patients for over two years.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalJAMA·DateMay 18, 2010

Risk of death in general population independently predicted by both low kidney filtration rate and high albumin: creatinine ratio

A meta-analysis of over 1 million people found that both low kidney filtration rate (GFR) and high albumin: creatinine ratio independently predict mortality risk in the general population. Low GFRs were associated with increased risks, with those below 60 mL/min/1•73 m² experiencing a 57% increased risk of death.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 17, 2010

Genetic makeup of Hispanic/Latino Americans influenced by Native American, European and African-American ancestries

A new study found that Hispanic/Latino individuals have varying genetic makeups due to the influence of multiple ancestral populations. The research discovered a significant sex bias consistent with the disproportionate contribution of European male and Native American female ancestry.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2010

US health care reform: Victory, at last

The US health care reform bill aims to extend access to healthcare and narrow the gap between expenditure and health outcomes. The bill will provide coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans by 2014 and 95% of the population by 2019, while also promoting preventive care through measures such as calorie labelling.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 1, 2010

Keeping queso fresco fresh

Researchers found that queso fresco can retain its characteristic texture for two months when stored at 39 degrees Fahrenheit, but breaks down at 50 degrees F. The study suggests lowering the supermarket display case temperature to improve shelf life and quality of this popular Mexican cheese.

Noninvasive diagnostic imaging utilization rates for the Medicare population vary geographically

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found significant geographic variation in noninvasive diagnostic imaging utilization rates among Medicare beneficiaries. The study revealed that Atlanta had the highest utilization rate, while Seattle had the lowest, with a difference of over 50% between the two regions.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 22, 2010

Study: Kidney disease a big risk for younger, low-income minorities

A recent study highlights the disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on younger minority adults receiving medical care in healthcare safety net settings. The study found that poor, minority adults with moderate to severe CKD are two to four times more likely to progress to kidney failure than non-Hispanic whites.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 11, 2010

New study finds catch shares improve consistency, not health, of fisheries

A new study by the Pew Charitable Trusts finds that catch share programs increase predictability in fisheries but do not necessarily lead to better ecological conditions. The research analyzed 15 catch share programs in the US and Canada, concluding they work well to avoid erratic swings, but may not result in larger fish populations.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts, Ocean Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2009

About 25 percent of Arabs in Greater Detroit reported abuse post Sept. 11

A new study found that 25% of Arab Americans in Greater Detroit experienced abuse due to race or religion since 9/11, leading to increased psychological distress and poorer perceptions of health. The study highlights the need for partnerships with community organizations to encourage mental health services among this population.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 17, 2009

Emulating Western lifestyles: Consumption and carbon footprints in less industrialized countries

A new study examines the consumption attitudes of upper-middle-class women in Turkey, finding two distinct class fractions with different consumption strategies based on childhood socialization. The more educated group focuses on Western lifestyle emulation, while the less-educated group prioritizes Turkish status symbols.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 17, 2009