Policy

A review of what we know about ultra-processed foods and their impact on health outcomes including a link to a categorized list of food based upon the degree of processing. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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This Medical News article discusses a new American Heart Association science advisory on ultraprocessed foods, cardiometabolic health, and policy recommendations for improving dietary patterns.

Author/s:

Samantha Anderer

An Evidence-Based Approach to Covid-19 Vaccination

Alex Haga — Tue, 27 May 2025 13:16:39 +0000

Date Added:

May 27, 2025

Journal/Publication:

NEJM

Publication Date:

May 20, 2025

URL:

An Evidence-Based Approach to Covid-19 Vaccination

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1056/NEJMsb2506929

Keywords

COVID-19

vaccination

Policy

PMID (1):

40392534

MeSH

COVID-19

vaccination

Policy

An evidence-based review and recommendations regarding COVID vaccination. James W. Mold, MPH

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No abstract available.

Author/s:

Vinay Prasad, Martin A Makary

Masks and Face Coverings for the Lay Public : A Narrative Update

Devin Evans — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Date Added:

January 14, 2021

Journal/Publication:

Annals of Internal Medicine

Publication Date:

December 29, 2020

URL:

Masks and Face Coverings for the Lay Public : A Narrative Update

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines, Patient Education Materials

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.7326/M20-6625

Keywords

PMID (1):

33370173

MeSH

Policy

Respiratory Physiological Phenomena

A narrative summary of our current understandings regarding mask wearing and prevention of the spread of COVID-19. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Whether and when to mandate the wearing of facemasks in the community to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 remains controversial. Published literature across disciplines about the role of masks in mitigating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission is summarized. Growing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 is airborne indicates that infection control interventions must go beyond contact and droplet measures (such as handwashing and cleaning surfaces) and attend to masking and ventilation. Observational evidence suggests that masks work mainly by source control (preventing infected persons from transmitting the virus to others), but laboratory studies of mask filtration properties suggest that they could also provide some protection to wearers (protective effect). Even small reductions in individual transmission could lead to substantial reductions in population spread. To date, only 1 randomized controlled trial has examined a community mask recommendation. This trial did not identify a significant protective effect and was not designed to evaluate source control. Filtration properties and comfort vary widely across mask types. Masks may cause discomfort and communication difficulties. However, there is no evidence that masks result in significant physiologic decompensation or that risk compensation and fomite transmission are associated with mask wearing. The psychological effects of masks are culturally shaped; they may include threats to autonomy, social relatedness, and competence. Evidence suggests that the potential benefits of wearing masks likely outweigh the potential harms when SARS-CoV-2 is spreading in a community. However, mask mandates involve a tradeoff with personal freedom, so such policies should be pursued only if the threat is substantial and mitigation of spread cannot be achieved through other means.

Author/s:

Czypionka, Thomas, Greenhalgh, Trisha, Bassler, Dirk, Bryant, Manuel B.