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Purpose: The paper aims to disentangle the factors behind territorial disparities in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case fatality ratio, focusing on the pressure put by the pandemic on healthcare services and adopting a spatial perspective. Design/methodology/approach: Multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) models have been used for uncovering the spatial variability in the impact of healthcare services on COVID-19 case fatality ratio, allowing authors to better capture the real spatial patterns at local level. The authors proved that this approach yields better results, and the MGWR model outperforms traditional regression methods. The selected case studies are two of the biggest UE countries, among the first affected by a high incidence of COVID-19 cases, namely Italy and Germany. Findings: The authors found sizeable regional differences in COVID-19 mortality rates within each of the analysed countries, and the stress borne by local healthcare systems seems to be the most powerful factor in explaining them. In line with other studies, the authors found additional factors of influence, such as age distribution, gender ratio, population density and regional development. Originality/value: This research clearly indicated that COVID-19 related deaths are strongly associated with the degree of resilience of the local healthcare systems. The authors supply localized results on the factors of influence, useful for assisting the decision-makers in prioritizing limited healthcare resources. The authors provide a scientific argument in favour of the decentralization of the pandemic management towards local authorities not neglecting, however, the necessary regional or national coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores some of the implications for patients who develop "long COVID" also known as "long haul COVID" which refers to new health problems that develop several months after infection. Topics include considered that the information presented below has been put together from reading through several papers on long COVID-19 and is designed to highlight key points of relevance for dental professionals.

Africa's population is expected to increase significantly in the future, with five countries, including Nigeria, contributing to more than half of global population growth by 2050. Factors such as reduced child mortality rates, increased female education, and economic development are driving this growth. While progress has been made in healthcare and fertility rates, challenges remain in terms of urbanization and environmental impact. Rwanda and Botswana are expected to benefit from the demographic dividend first, while countries like Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo still face high birth rates. Education and structural reforms are crucial to fully realize the potential of the demographic dividend, and education, particularly for girls, is important in reducing fertility rates and promoting economic progress. Africa's growing population could lead to greater political and cultural influence globally, but tangible benefits may take time to materialize, and sustained economic growth is necessary. Education is also highlighted as important for promoting creativity and cultural richness in Africa. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers who have completed a new cohort study involving alcohol users have suggested that evaluating alcohol use disorder (AUD) based on the severity of the various diagnostic criteria might offer a clearer picture than an approach that simply counts the number of criteria an individual endorses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores rising early-onset cancer rates, highlighting efforts to understand why younger adults are increasingly developing cancers typically seen in older individuals. Topics include the role of accelerated biological aging in cancer susceptibility, advances in measuring biological age, and new treatments to slow aging effects on cells. It states that researchers are examining factors like diet, stress, and chemical exposure to identify causes and solutions.

The article discusses research which investigated the need to consider prematurity in measuring kindergarten readiness, conducted by pediatric specialist Ruth L. Milanaik and colleagues. Topics explored include the appropriate age for kindergarten entry in typically developing children, the acknowledgment of physiological and psychological consequences of preterm birth, and the perceived benefits of delaying kindergarten entry to some children.

The article emphasizes that advanced age is a significant risk factor for high blood pressure, affecting over half of older adults. Topics include strategies for blood pressure management, such as reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium-rich foods, limiting alcohol consumption, boosting fiber, reducing sugar intake, and monitoring calorie consumption for potential weight loss.

Keywords: Osaka; Japan; Asia; Antibodies; Autoantibodies; Blood Proteins; Health and Medicine; Immunoglobulins; Immunology; Immunoproteins; Muscular Diseases and Conditions; Musculoskeletal Diseases and Conditions; Myositis; Neuromuscular Diseases and Conditions; Proteins; Rheumatology; Serum Globulins EN Osaka Japan Asia Antibodies Autoantibodies Blood Proteins Health and Medicine Immunoglobulins Immunology Immunoproteins Muscular Diseases and Conditions Musculoskeletal Diseases and Conditions Myositis Neuromuscular Diseases and Conditions Proteins Rheumatology Serum Globulins 3884 3884 1 04/10/23 20230414 NES 230414 2023 APR 14 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Health & Medicine Week -- New research on Musculoskeletal Diseases and Conditions - Myositis is the subject of a report. Osaka, Japan, Asia, Antibodies, Autoantibodies, Blood Proteins, Health and Medicine, Immunoglobulins, Immunology, Immunoproteins, Muscular Diseases and Conditions, Musculoskeletal Diseases and Conditions, Myositis, Neuromuscular Diseases and Conditions, Proteins, Rheumatology, Serum Globulins Keywords for this news article include: Osaka, Japan, Asia, Antibodies, Autoantibodies, Blood Proteins, Health and Medicine, Immunoglobulins, Immunology, Immunoproteins, Muscular Diseases and Conditions, Musculoskeletal Diseases and Conditions, Myositis, Neuromuscular Diseases and Conditions, Proteins, Rheumatology, Serum Globulins, Osaka University. [Extracted from the article]