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Coffee linked to slower brain ageing in study of 130,000 people - PubMed
3 months ago
- Coffee consumption is associated with slower brain ageing.
- Study involved 130,000 participants.
- Research suggests potential benefits for brain health.
- Findings published in JAMA with DOI: 10.1001/jama.2025.27259.
- Related to ageing, Alzheimer's disease, nutrition, and public health.
European Code Against Cancer 5th edition: 14 ways you can help prevent cancer - PubMed
3 months ago
- The 5th edition of the European Code Against Cancer (ECAC5) provides 14 evidence-based recommendations for individuals to reduce cancer risk.
- ECAC5 includes population-level recommendations to influence systemic factors affecting individual choices and environmental conditions.
- The recommendations are presented with an equity lens, focusing on co-benefits for preventing other non-communicable diseases and tailored messaging.
- The update involved around 80 experts reviewing the latest scientific evidence and using modern communication strategies.
- ECAC5 aims to empower citizens, call policymakers to action, foster public support for effective policies, and improve cancer prevention.
Burden of MASLD and liver fibrosis: evidence from Phenome India cohort - PubMed
3 months ago
- MASLD (Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) is increasing globally, including in India, with limited community-based data available.
- A study involving 10,267 adults across 27 Indian cities assessed MASLD prevalence, distribution, and characteristics using Transient Elastography.
- Out of 7,764 included individuals, 47.8% met MASLD criteria, with an age-adjusted prevalence of 38.9%.
- Significant fibrosis (LSM ≥8.2 kPa) was more common in MASLD cases (6.3%) compared to non-MASLD cases (1.7%), with an overall age-adjusted prevalence of 2.4%.
- Higher fibrosis prevalence was observed in older adults (>60 years), those with diabetes, or obesity class II, indicating possible regional variations.
- The study highlights the need for large-scale longitudinal studies to understand region-specific risk factors and trends.
- Community awareness and targeted public health interventions are recommended to address the rising MASLD burden in India.
- The study was funded by CSIR, India grant HCP47.
A year of RFK jr has changed American science
3 months ago
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a year ago, with a 52-48 Senate vote.
- Kennedy pledged transparency and support for vaccines during his confirmation but has since reversed many positions, reducing childhood vaccine recommendations from 17 to 11 diseases.
- Thousands of public servants, including scientists, have been fired under Kennedy's tenure, and scientific standards at agencies like the CDC and FDA have been replaced with controversial 'gold-standard' dictates.
- Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) agenda aligns with Trump's MAGA movement, uniting distrust of science with skepticism of medicine and the food industry.
- Kennedy has a history of vaccine opposition, including leading lawsuits against vaccine makers and promoting debunked links between vaccines and autism.
- Under Kennedy, HHS removed COVID vaccines from recommended lists for pregnant adults and children, fired CDC safety experts, and cut funding for mRNA vaccine research.
- Kennedy's policies have led to resignations of top health officials, including FDA vaccine chief Peter Marks, who criticized Kennedy's lack of transparency.
- Kennedy promotes wellness industry ideas, including concerns over mitochondrial health and opposition to conventional medicine, despite lack of scientific evidence.
- Kennedy's MAHA report mixes legitimate health concerns with controversial claims, such as linking Tylenol to autism and promoting unproven wellness remedies.
- Kennedy's tenure has politicized HHS, with actions like restricting gender-affirming care for minors and cutting research grants, aligning with Trump's political agenda.
Air pollution may directly contribute to Alzheimers
3 months ago
- Air pollution linked to higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease in a large US study.
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from fossil fuels, wildfires, and industry penetrates lungs and bloodstream.
- Study used Medicare data and postcode pollution levels but had limitations like indoor pollution variability.
- Poverty and deprivation were considered, with Medicaid eligibility as a marker.
- Pollution levels in studied areas were twice WHO’s recommended limit (5 µg/m³ annual PM2.5).
- Increased Alzheimer’s risk persisted even after accounting for hypertension, stroke, and depression.
- PM2.5 may harm the brain via inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced blood flow.
- Meta-analysis of 20 studies showed higher PM2.5 levels correlate with greater dementia risk.
- Every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM2.5 raised dementia risk by 40%, Alzheimer’s by 47%, and vascular dementia by 100%.
- High PM2.5 levels in Africa, India, and China coincide with rising dementia rates.
- Indonesia and China face significant dementia-related costs despite past emission reductions.
- Urgent global action needed to lower pollution and curb dementia’s human and economic toll.
Genomic Epidemiology of West Nile Virus in Paris - PubMed
3 months ago
- West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 (WNV-L2) was detected for the first time in the Paris metropolitan area in July 2025.
- The study aimed to understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of WNV circulation in France from 2022 to 2025 and trace the origin of the virus in Paris.
- Genomic epidemiology combined human, veterinary, and entomological monitoring with viral genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.
- 52 WNV-positive samples (6 human, 21 veterinary, and 25 entomological) were analyzed, revealing WNV-L2 as the only lineage in France during the study period.
- The 2025 Paris outbreak strains originated from the South Atlantic area (2023-2024), showing local maintenance and long-distance dispersal of the virus.
- The study emphasizes the need for strengthened genomic surveillance to anticipate viral spread and protect at-risk populations.
Why Is the American Diet So Deadly?
2 months ago
- Guillaume Raineri, a French HVAC technician, participated in an NIH study on the effects of ultra-processed foods on weight gain and chronic diseases.
- The study found that participants consumed 500 more calories per day and gained weight on an ultra-processed diet compared to a minimally processed one.
- Ultra-processed foods are linked to health issues like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, anxiety, and dementia.
- The NOVA Food Classification System categorizes foods by processing level, with Group 4 being ultra-processed foods containing industrial ingredients and additives.
- Critics argue that not all ultra-processed foods are harmful and that processing has benefits like food preservation and accessibility.
- The study highlights the role of calorie density and hyper-palatability in overeating but suggests that not all ultra-processed diets necessarily lead to weight gain.
- Public health experts debate the practicality of reducing ultra-processed food consumption given economic and convenience factors.
- The food industry's role in shaping dietary habits through marketing and lobbying complicates efforts to promote healthier eating.
Misinformation is eroding the foundation of public health - PubMed
2 months ago
- Misinformation is undermining public health efforts, particularly around vaccines.
- Robert M. Califf, former FDA Commissioner, highlighted misinformation as a priority during his tenure.
- Incoming HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made false claims about vaccine safety and monitoring.
- Vaccines undergo rigorous testing in clinical trials under Investigational New Drug Applications.
- Many vaccines have been used safely for years without reported issues.
- Effective communication about vaccines is essential to combat misinformation.
- The FDA ensures vaccine information is accurate to prevent misinformation.
- Clear and transparent communication is key to reducing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation.
Thermal drone footage shows Musk's AI power plant flouting clean air regs
2 months ago
- Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, is using unpermitted gas turbines to power data centers in Mississippi, violating EPA regulations.
- Thermal drone footage shows over a dozen turbines emitting pollutants despite EPA rulings requiring permits under the Clean Air Act.
- Mississippi regulators claim the turbines, mounted on trailers, don't need permits, conflicting with federal EPA policy.
- The turbines power Grok, xAI's chatbot, emitting pollutants linked to asthma, lung cancer, and heart attacks.
- Local residents, including those near schools, express health and environmental concerns over the pollution and noise.
- xAI is expanding its operations, applying for permits for more turbines, potentially increasing emissions significantly.
- The EPA has not enforced regulations effectively, leaving state authorities to handle permitting, despite federal oversight responsibilities.
- Community opposition includes petitions and public hearings, with residents fearing long-term health impacts.
- AI's growing energy demand is increasingly met with fossil fuels, despite industry sustainability claims.
- xAI's expansion could make its data center complex one of the largest globally, with significant environmental and health impacts.
Health impacts of passive exposure to alternative tobacco products: a systematic review - PubMed
2 months ago
- Systematic review examines health impacts of passive exposure to alternative tobacco products (ENDS, waterpipe, HTPs, bidis).
- Most studies focused on ENDS, linking passive exposure to asthma, bronchitis, ENT symptoms, mental health issues, and inflammatory markers.
- Waterpipe exposure associated with toxicant biomarkers, increased COPD risk, and childhood cancer.
- Limited studies on bidis (lung cancer) and HTPs (volatile organic compounds), both of poor quality.
- Evidence suggests passive exposure to these products is hazardous, though heterogeneity prevents meta-analysis.
- Findings highlight need for further research and public health policy consideration.
Antimicrobial Resistance: The Answers - PubMed
2 months ago
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis, linked to 5 million deaths in 2019 and projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050.
- Regulatory and policy frameworks at local, national, and international levels are addressing AMR through surveillance, diagnostics, infection prevention, and antibiotic prescribing.
- Recent research focuses on novel therapeutic approaches, including new antibiotics, combination therapies, and repurposed drugs.
- Exploration of novel antimicrobial agents includes antimicrobial peptides, nanomaterials, and compounds from extreme and natural environments.
- Ethnopharmacology, such as antimicrobial effects of plants, spices, honey, and venoms, is being studied for potential AMR solutions.
- Innovative therapies under investigation include immunotherapy, bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), and microbiome manipulation like faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
- Technological advancements like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Organ-on-a-Chip devices are enhancing antimicrobial research and development.
- The World Health Organization highlights the role of vaccines in preventing AMR and reducing its burden.
Recent advances and ongoing challenges in diabetes prevention and control in China - PubMed
2 months ago
- Diabetes prevalence in China has increased from 2.5% in 1994 to 13.0% in 2021.
- The review covers type 1, type 2, youth-onset, and gestational diabetes, along with complications like macrovascular and microvascular issues, cancer, and dementia.
- Key risk factors include genetic susceptibility, obesity, diet, and physical activity, with differences noted between Chinese and Western populations.
- Advancements in diabetes management include national prevention efforts, innovative models, and new pharmacological therapies like GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors.
- Challenges include underrepresentation of Chinese populations in research, regional disparities, gaps in primary healthcare, and technology integration in clinical practice.
National analysis of cancer mortality and proximity to nuclear power plants in the United States - PubMed
2 months ago
- Study examines cancer mortality rates in relation to proximity to nuclear power plants in the U.S.
- Higher cancer mortality rates found in counties closer to operational nuclear power plants.
- Analysis covers nationwide mortality data from 2000-2018, accounting for various factors.
- Strongest associations observed among older adults, particularly males aged 65-74 and females aged 55-64.
- Findings cannot establish causality but highlight the need for further research into exposure pathways and cancer-specific risks.
Forecasting the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Women in the United States Through 2050: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association - PubMed
2 months ago
- Forecasts for cardiovascular disease and stroke prevalence in women through 2050 are essential for improving health outcomes.
- Hypertension among adult women is projected to rise from 48.6% in 2020 to 59.1% in 2050.
- Diabetes and obesity are expected to increase significantly (14.9% to 25.3% and 43.9% to 61.2%, respectively), while hypercholesterolemia will decline (42.1% to 22.3%).
- Suboptimal diet, inadequate physical activity, and smoking rates will decrease, but inadequate sleep will rise.
- Prevalence of coronary disease, heart failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and total cardiovascular disease and stroke will increase by 2050.
- Similar adverse trends are projected in girls aged 2-19, with obesity rising from 19.6% to 32.0%.
- American Indian/Alaska Native, multiracial, Black, and Hispanic women and girls are expected to face more pronounced adverse trends.
- Focused clinical and public health interventions are needed to address these projected increases in cardiovascular risk factors and diseases.
Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2023 - PubMed
2 months ago
- The Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2023 analyzed Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) data for National Immunisation Program (NIP) funded vaccines.
- Vaccination coverage in Australian children decreased in 2023 compared to 2022 at 12-month, 24-month, and 60-month milestones.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children also saw a slight decrease in vaccination coverage in 2023.
- Among adolescents, HPV vaccine coverage decreased in 2023, with greater declines in Indigenous adolescents.
- Meningococcal ACWY vaccine coverage in adolescents also decreased in 2023.
- Adult zoster vaccination coverage slightly decreased in 2023, but uptake increased with the new protein-based herpes zoster vaccine.
- 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (13vPCV) coverage increased in adults turning 71 years but remained low in Indigenous adults aged 50-69.
- Influenza vaccination coverage decreased across all adult age groups in 2023.
- The report highlights ongoing declines in vaccination coverage, particularly in Indigenous populations, due to complex factors including acceptance and access issues.
- Continued monitoring and efforts to address barriers are needed to improve vaccine uptake and equity.
Association of depression severity and transition patterns of cardiometabolic multimorbidity - PubMed
2 months ago
- Study assesses depression severity's link to cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.
- Data from 12,059 CHARLS participants analyzed; depression categorized as none, mild-moderate, or severe using CES-D-10 scores.
- CMM defined as coexistence of two or more conditions: type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.
- Mild-moderate and severe depression associated with increased risk of first cardiometabolic disease (FCMD).
- Severe depression linked to higher risk of CMM and transition from FCMD to CMM.
- Multi-state models show depression increases risk of transitioning from health to FCMD and death.
- Results robust in subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
- Targeted depression interventions may help delay CMM development.
Association between social activities and cardiovascular diseases: evidence from the CHARLS database - PubMed
2 months ago
- Study examines the association between social activities and cardiovascular diseases using data from the CHARLS database.
- Ethical approval was granted by Peking University, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.
- The study references global burden of disease data and other research on cardiovascular diseases, sedentary behavior, and social participation impacts on health.
The value of triglyceride-glucose-body shape index (TyG-ABSI) in evaluating stroke: a multi-centre cross-sectional study - PubMed
2 months ago
- The study investigates the relationship between triglyceride-glucose-body shape index (TyG-ABSI) and stroke.
- TyG-ABSI is calculated as the product of the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and a body shape index (ABSI).
- The research includes participants from NHANES (2007-2018) and CHARLS (2015-2016).
- Multivariable logistic regression, subgroup analyses, and machine learning models were used to assess the association.
- Results show a positive association between TyG-ABSI and stroke, with ORs of 1.186 (NHANES) and 1.189 (CHARLS).
- The Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) model performed best in evaluating TyG-ABSI's discriminative ability for stroke.
- The study concludes that TyG-ABSI is a valuable indicator for stroke and can aid in public health policy development.
Long-term efficacy and safety of the single-dose tetravalent Butantan dengue vaccine - PubMed
2 months ago
- The Butantan dengue vaccine (Butantan-DV) is a single-dose, live, attenuated, tetravalent vaccine designed to protect against all four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes.
- A phase 3 trial in Brazil involving 16,235 participants (ages 2-59) demonstrated the vaccine's efficacy and safety over a 5-year follow-up period.
- Overall vaccine efficacy (VE) was 65.0% (95% CI: 57.8-71.0%) against symptomatic dengue caused by any DENV serotype, regardless of prior dengue exposure.
- VE was higher in dengue-experienced participants (77.1%) compared to dengue-naive participants (58.9%).
- The vaccine showed efficacy against DENV-1 (73.0%) and DENV-2 (55.7%), with no observed cases of DENV-3 or DENV-4.
- VE against severe dengue or dengue with warning signs was 80.5%.
- Common solicited adverse events included headache (36.7% in vaccine recipients vs. 31.1% in placebo recipients), mostly mild (grade 1).
- No significant safety concerns were identified during the 5-year follow-up.
- The trial met its primary and secondary objectives, confirming the vaccine's efficacy and safety profile.
Vitamin D deficiency and disease conditions relevant to: Orthopaedic translation - PubMed
2 months ago
- Vitamin D is crucial for calcium-phosphate homeostasis and bone health, with additional roles in immunomodulation, neuroprotection, and anti-frailty.
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to musculoskeletal weakness, frailty, cognitive decline, autoimmune diseases, and respiratory infections.
- Nearly half of the global population is affected by vitamin D deficiency, making it a significant public health issue.
- Effective interventions include food fortification, targeted supplementation, and optimized sun exposure.
- Vitamin D supplementation may reduce fracture and fall risks, postoperative complications, and infections, especially in orthopaedic and geriatric populations.
- Vitamin D status is relevant in managing infectious diseases, including respiratory illnesses and COVID-19.
- Challenges in existing randomized trials highlight the need for consistent dosing, appropriate formulation, and targeted populations.

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#public health

Coffee linked to slower brain ageing in study of 130,000 people - PubMed

European Code Against Cancer 5th edition: 14 ways you can help prevent cancer - PubMed

Burden of MASLD and liver fibrosis: evidence from Phenome India cohort - PubMed

A year of RFK jr has changed American science

Air pollution may directly contribute to Alzheimers

Genomic Epidemiology of West Nile Virus in Paris - PubMed

Why Is the American Diet So Deadly?

Misinformation is eroding the foundation of public health - PubMed

Thermal drone footage shows Musk's AI power plant flouting clean air regs

Health impacts of passive exposure to alternative tobacco products: a systematic review - PubMed

Antimicrobial Resistance: The Answers - PubMed

Recent advances and ongoing challenges in diabetes prevention and control in China - PubMed

National analysis of cancer mortality and proximity to nuclear power plants in the United States - PubMed

Forecasting the Burden of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke in Women in the United States Through 2050: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association - PubMed

Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2023 - PubMed

Association of depression severity and transition patterns of cardiometabolic multimorbidity - PubMed

Association between social activities and cardiovascular diseases: evidence from the CHARLS database - PubMed

The value of triglyceride-glucose-body shape index (TyG-ABSI) in evaluating stroke: a multi-centre cross-sectional study - PubMed

Long-term efficacy and safety of the single-dose tetravalent Butantan dengue vaccine - PubMed

Vitamin D deficiency and disease conditions relevant to: Orthopaedic translation - PubMed