Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hamid Noghanibehambari
Summary: A growing body of research has explored the effects of prenatal insults caused by natural disasters on life-cycle outcomes. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to earthquakes on adult and old-age mortality. The results suggest that exposure during the first trimester is associated with a decrease in longevity, equivalent to 22 percent of the white-nonwhite gap in mortality rates. These findings highlight the importance of the in-utero period, especially the onset of pregnancy, for later-life health outcomes.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weiqiang Liu, Pingfen Zhu, Meng Li, Zihao Li, Yang Yu, Gaoming Liu, Juan Du, Xiao Wang, Jing Yang, Ran Tian, Inge Seim, Alaattin Kaya, Mingzhou Li, Ming Li, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Xuming Zhou
Summary: The variation in lifespan among mammals is significant, and the study aims to uncover the evolutionary forces and molecular features related to longevity. Comparative transcriptomics analysis of liver, kidney, and brain tissues of 103 mammalian species revealed that only a few genes have common expression patterns with longevity. However, pathways related to translation fidelity and methionine restriction showed correlation with lifespan. The study suggests that lifespan regulation through gene expression is driven by polygenic and indirect natural selection.
Article
Oncology
Tim A. Bruckner, Ralph Catalano, Abhery Das, Yunxia Lu
Summary: The study suggests that cohort selection in utero may reduce the occurrence of childhood cancers among male live births, potentially affecting the number of frail male gestations that would have survived to birth and received a cancer diagnosis during childhood. Further investigation of prenatal exposures inducing cohort selection in utero for certain cancer types is warranted.
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Olatunde Omotoso, Vadim N. Gladyshev, Xuming Zhou
Summary: Evidence suggests that long-lived animals achieve longevity through adaptive genetic changes that modify physiological functions. The longevity effects generated by adaptive or adaptation-linked mutations/substitutions are nonrandom and favored indirectly by natural selection. These findings highlight the importance of decoding genetic factors of lifespan control.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Surgery
My Blohm, Gabriel Sandblom, Lars Enochsson, Johanna Osterberg
Summary: Female surgeons have better outcomes and longer operating times than male surgeons in elective and acute care cholecystectomies, according to a population-based cohort study. These findings help to understand and reduce gender differences within the surgical specialty.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Steve Stewart-Williams, Xiu Ling Wong, Chern Yi Marybeth Chang, Andrew G. Thomas
Summary: This study replicated a previous study on how people react to research on sex differences, depending on whether the research benefits men or women. The results showed that both men and women reacted less positively to sex differences that favor men. Belief in male privilege and left-leaning political orientation predicted less positive reactions to male-favoring sex differences. Participants also made predictions about how the average man and woman would react, and they exaggerated the own-sex favoritism of women and predicted strong own-sex favoritism from men, when in reality men showed modest other-sex favoritism. Understanding people's tendency to exaggerate own-sex bias can help reduce conflict between the sexes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Martin Lindgren, Triantafyllia Toska, Christian Alex, Christina E. Lundberg, Ottmar Cronie, Annika Rosengren, Martin Adiels, Helen Sjoland
Summary: High BMI is associated with severe COVID-19, but findings on the need for intensive care and mortality are mixed. This study found no association between BMI and 30-day mortality risk, but BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² was associated with the need for intensive care, particularly in women.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Economics
Hamid Noghanibehambari, Jason Fletcher
Summary: Previous research has shown that in-utero insults and early-life circumstances have significant impacts on life cycle outcomes. This study explores the long-term mortality effects of in-utero and early-life exposure to alcohol accessibility by taking advantage of the prohibition movement during the early 20th century. The results suggest that prohibition has a positive effect on longevity, with an intent-to-treat effect of 0.17 years higher longevity and a minimum treatment-on-treated effect of 1.7 years impact.
ECONOMICS & HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Armando Abreu, Jose Maximo, Adelino Leite-Moreira
Summary: This study found that female sex does not increase the long-term all-cause mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Thus, sex should not be a determining factor in the decision-making process for adequate revascularization strategy.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ninh T. Nguyen, Justine Chinn, Morgan De Ferrante, Katharine A. Kirby, Samuel F. Hohmann, Alpesh Amin
Summary: This study analyzed the characteristics and outcomes of male compared to female adults with COVID-19 in US academic centers. Males with COVID-19 showed higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, heart failure, and liver disease, while females were more likely to be obese and have chronic pulmonary disease. Male COVID-19 patients had higher in-hospital mortality rates, higher rates of respiratory intubation, and longer hospital stays compared to females.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bjarni Halldorsson, Hannes P. Eggertsson, Kristjan H. S. Moore, Hannes Hauswedell, Ogmundur Eiriksson, Magnus O. Ulfarsson, Gunnar Palsson, Marteinn T. Hardarson, Asmundur Oddsson, Brynjar O. Jensson, Snaedis Kristmundsdottir, Brynja D. Sigurpalsdottir, Olafur A. Stefansson, Doruk Beyter, Guillaume Holley, Vinicius Tragante, Arnaldur Gylfason, Pall Olason, Florian Zink, Margret Asgeirsdottir, Sverrir T. Sverrisson, Brynjar Sigurdsson, Sigurjon A. Gudjonsson, Gunnar T. Sigurdsson, Gisli H. Halldorsson, Gardar Sveinbjornsson, Kristjan Norland, Unnur Styrkarsdottir, Droplaug N. Magnusdottir, Steinunn Snorradottir, Kari Kristinsson, Emilia Sobech, Helgi Jonsson, Arni J. Geirsson, Isleifur Olafsson, Palmi Jonsson, Ole Birger Pedersen, Christian Erikstrup, Soren Brunak, Sisse Rye Ostrowski, Gudmar Thorleifsson, Frosti Jonsson, Pall Melsted, Ingileif Jonsdottir, Thorunn Rafnar, Hilma Holm, Hreinn Stefansson, Jona Saemundsdottir, Daniel F. Gudbjartsson, Olafur T. Magnusson, Gisli Masson, Unnur Thorsteinsdottir, Agnar Helgason, Hakon Jonsson, Patrick Sulem, Kari Stefansson
Summary: A comprehensive understanding of how diversity in the human genome sequence affects phenotypic diversity relies on a reliable characterization of both sequences and phenotypic variation. In this study, whole-genome sequencing of 150,119 individuals from the UK Biobank was performed, leading to insights into the relationship between sequence variation and phenotypic traits. The analysis revealed rare variants with large effects, which were not previously identified through whole-exome sequencing and/or imputation studies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuchang Wu, Shiro Furuya, Zihang Wang, Jenna E. Nobles, Jason M. Fletcher, Qiongshi Lu
Summary: This study explores the impact of modern selective pressure by connecting common genetic variants among birth cohorts in the UK Biobank with infant mortality rates in the United Kingdom. The results reveal significant genetic loci associated with infant mortality rates, as well as genetic correlations with fertility, cognition, health behaviors, and health outcomes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Gerontology
Jinho Kim
Summary: The study found that compared to parents who have both daughters and sons, mothers with only daughters face higher mortality risk, especially if they do not receive regular financial support from their children. This suggests that the traditional caregiving roles of sons for older parents in Korea may impact mothers of daughters differently in terms of mortality risk.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED GERONTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jason Hill, Erik D. Enbody, Huijuan Bi, Sangeet Lamichhaney, Weipan Lei, Juexin Chen, Chentao Wei, Yang Liu, Doreen Schwochow, Shady Younis, Fredrik Widemo, Leif Andersson
Summary: A paradox in evolutionary biology is how supergenes can maintain high fitness despite reduced effective population size, the suppression of recombination, and the expected accumulation of mutational load. The ruff supergene involves 2 rare inversion haplotypes (satellite and faeder). These are recessive lethals but with dominant effects on male mating strategies, plumage, and body size. Sequence divergence to the wild-type (independent) haplotype indicates that the inversion could be as old as 4 million years. Here, we have constructed a highly contiguous genome assembly of the inversion region for both the independent and satellite haplotypes. Based on the new data, we estimate that the recombination event(s) creating the satellite haplotype occurred only about 70,000 yr ago. Contrary to expectations for supergenes, we find no substantial expansion of repeats and only a modest mutation load on the satellite and faeder haplotypes despite high sequence divergence to the non-inverted haplotype (1.46%). The essential centromere protein N (CENPN) gene is disrupted by the inversion and is as well conserved on the inversion haplotypes as on the noninversion haplotype. These results suggest that the inversion may be much younger than previously thought. The low mutation load, despite recessive lethality, may be explained by the introgression of the inversion from a now extinct lineage.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Lara Shipley, Gillian Hyliger, Don Sharkey
Summary: Between 2011 and 2016, the rate of intra-uterine transfer of extremely preterm infants within the UK decreased, with an associated increase in early postnatal transfer, including early postnatal transfer between level 3 NICUs.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD-FETAL AND NEONATAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samantha Horn, Yana Litovsky, George Loewenstein
Summary: This study suggests that curiosity can be a useful tool in increasing demand for and engagement with aversive health information. By manipulating curiosity through various methods, researchers found that participants were more likely to view and engage with information about their drinking habits, cancer risk, and the sugar content in drinks. Overall, curiosity prompts provide a simple and effective way to increase engagement with aversive health information.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sandra Gillner
Summary: Despite high expectations, the extensive and rapid adoption of AI in medical diagnostics has not been realized. This study investigates the perception and navigation of AI providers in complex healthcare systems, revealing their self-organization to increase adaptability and the practices utilized to mitigate tensions within the healthcare subsystems.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fabian Duartea, Alvaro Jimenez-Molina
Summary: This study found that violence related to social protest has a significant impact on depressive symptoms, leading to an increase in depression among the population in Chile. The effect varies by gender and age, with a stronger influence on men and young adults.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nick Graetz, Carl Gershenson, Sonya R. Porter, Danielle H. Sandler, Emily Lemmerman, Matthew Desmond
Summary: Investments in stable, affordable housing may be an important tool for improving population health. This study, using administrative data, found that high rent burden, increases in rent burden during midlife, and evictions were associated with increased mortality.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wan Wei
Summary: This study explores the phenomenon of other patient participation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), uncovering the various roles that third parties can assume during medical interactions. The findings contribute to existing research on patient resistance and triadic medical interactions, providing insights into the dynamics and implications of third-party involvement in medical consultations.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Harry Scarbrough, Katie Rose M. Sanfilippo, Alexandra Ziemann, Charitini Stavropoulou
Summary: This paper examines the contribution of pilot implementation studies to the wider spread and sustainability of innovation in healthcare systems. Through an empirical examination of an innovation intermediary organization in the English NHS, the study finds that their work in mobilizing pilot-based evidence involves configuring to context, transitioning evidence, and managing the transition. The findings contribute to theory by showing how intermediary roles can support the effective transitioning of pilot-based evidence, leading to more widespread adoption and sustainability of innovation.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marta Seiz, Leire Salazar, Tatiana Eremenko
Summary: This study examines the impact of maternal educational selection on birth outcomes during an economic recession, and finds that more educated mothers are more likely to give birth during high unemployment periods. Additionally, maternal education mitigates the adverse effects of unemployment on birth outcomes and is consistently associated with better perinatal health.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jingyuan Shi, Hye Kyung Kim, Charles T. Salmon, Edson C. Tandoc Jr, Zhang Hao Goh
Summary: This study examines the influence of individual and collective norms on COVID-19 vaccination intention across eight Asian countries. The findings reveal nuanced patterns of how individual and collective social norms influence health behavioral decisions, depending on the degree of cultural tightness-looseness.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elliot Friedman, Melissa Franks, Elizabeth Teas, Patricia A. Thomas
Summary: This study found that positive relations with others have a significant impact on functional limitations and longevity in aging adults, independent of social integration and social support.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zhuolin Pan, Yuqi Liu, Ye Liu, Ziwen Huo, Wenchao Han
Summary: This study examines the effects of age-friendly neighbourhood environment and functional abilities on life satisfaction among older adults in urban China. The findings highlight the importance of transportation, housing, and social and physical environment factors in influencing functional abilities and life satisfaction. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers in enhancing older adults' life satisfaction in the Chinese urban context.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)