Older people are at a higher risk of pancreatitis. Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study show that incidence rates and deaths associated with pancreatitis are falling among the elderly, according to researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. These trends are not uniform and vary greatly by region and countries’ sociodemographic levels. Public health systems must prepare for more pancreatitis cases as the proportion of older people continues to increase.

The first study to test a digital tool designed to help people with Long COVID manage their energy levels has been developed by a team of researchers.

The paper published in Nature Communications is entitled “A Digital Platform with Activity Tracking for Energy Management Support in Long COVID: A Randomised Controlled Trial”.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a disruption of infection rates of many common respiratory diseases in children. However, the aftereffects of the pandemic, once restrictions were removed, remain unclear. To investigate, scientists analyzed infection data of more than 73,000 children in eastern China. They tracked how infection rates of common viruses and atypical pathogens interacted before and after the pandemic, revealing sharp rebounds and unexpected strong shifts in how pathogens interacted and co-existed.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants are widely used in cranioplasty, yet the clinical significance of implant surface design remains unclear. A recent study compared postoperative outcomes associated with smooth and perforated PEEK implants. While overall complication rates were similar, trends indicated higher wound complications and infections with smooth implants, including a rare case of malignant cerebral edema. The findings highlight the potential role of implant surface characteristics and the need for further prospective studies.

With one in four Singaporeans expected to be 65 and above by 2030, Duke-NUS inaugural ageing conference addressed themes such as technology, dementia care and social connectedness.

Duke-NUS’ Centre for Ageing Research & Education marks its 10^th anniversary, with the conference highlighting the need for innovative policies and practices to enhance the quality of life for Singapore's ageing population.