Percent Increase In Deaths Research Articles

Beyond Militarisation: Reclaiming Gandhian Ideals for a Harmonious World

In a world grappling with conflict and violence, the principles of Mahatma Gandhi pertaining to non-violence and peace offer a beacon of hope to all the global leaders (Anita Bhatt, 2019). The paper provides insights into the relevance and applications of Gandhian principles in today's context, and emphasizes the need to reclaim these ideals in order to make this world more harmonious and a better place to work. As militarisation and global tensions escalate, as evident from the increasing trend of military expenditure, there is a pressing need to embrace Gandhian values of truth, non-violence, and compassion. Gandhi's philosophy, rooted in truth, non-violence, and compassion, resonates in today's context of increasing militarisation and global tensions. The article discusses how Gandhian principles can inform efforts in conflict resolution, sustainable development, and human rights promotion. The Global Peace Index (GPI) and Global Terrorism Index (GTI) reports highlight the urgency of reclaiming Gandhian ideals. The GPI shows a 0.42 percent decline in global peacefulness, with Russia's invasion of Ukraine driving the deterioration. The GTI reveals a 22 percent increase in deaths from terrorism in 2023. The article also presents case studies, such as the Salt March and the Civil Rights Movement, showcasing the power of Gandhian non-violence in inspiring social change around the globe. It also discusses challenges, including the military-industrial complex and historical conflicts, and opportunities, such as non-violent resistance movements and international cooperation, in moving beyond militarisation. Gandhian principles of nonviolence, truth, self-reliance, and respect for all beings can help us strive towards a more peaceful and harmonious world. The article calls for collective efforts and commitment to reclaiming these ideals for a safe and brighter future for all.

The Effects of Increased Pollution on COVID-19 Cases and Deaths

The SARS-COV-2 virus, also known as the coronavirus, has spread around the world. While a growing literature suggests that exposure to pollution can cause respiratory illness and increase deaths among the elderly, little is known about whether increases in pollution could cause additional or more severe infections from COVID-19, which typically manifests as a respiratory infection. Using variation in pollution induced by a rollback of enforcement of environmental regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a difference in differences design, we estimate the effects of increased pollution on county-level COVID-19 deaths and cases. We find that counties with more Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) sites saw a 13 percent increase in pollution on average following the EPA’s rollback of enforcement, compared to counties with fewer TRI sites. We also find that these policy-induced increases in pollution are associated with a 38.8 percent increase in cases and a 19.1 percent increase in deaths from COVID-19.

The effects of increased pollution on COVID-19 cases and deaths

The SARS-COV-2 virus, also known as the coronavirus, has spread around the world. A growing literature suggests that exposure to pollution can cause respiratory illness and increase deaths among the elderly. However, little is known about whether increases in pollution could cause additional or more severe infections from COVID-19, which typically manifests as a respiratory infection. During the pandemic, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rolled back enforcement of environmental regulation, causing an increase in pollution in counties with more TRI sites. We use the variation in pollution and a difference in differences design to estimate the effects of increased pollution on county-level COVID-19 deaths and cases. We find that counties with more Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) sites saw a 11.8 percent increase in pollution on average following the EPA’s rollback of enforcement, compared to counties with fewer TRI sites. We also find that these policy-induced increases in pollution are associated with a 53 percent increase in cases and a 10.6 percent increase in deaths from COVID-19.

Deaths of Despair and the Incidence of Excess Mortality in 2020

Weekly mortality through October 3 is partitioned into normal deaths, COVID, and nonCOVID excess deaths (NCEDs). Before March, the excess is negative for the elderly, likely due to the mild flu season. From March onward, excess deaths are approximately 250,000 of which about 17,000 appear to be a COVID undercount and 30,000 non-COVID. Deaths of despair (drug overdose, suicide, alcohol) in 2017 and 2018 are good predictors of the demographic groups with NCEDs in 2020. The NCEDs are disproportionately experienced by men aged 15-55, including men aged 15-25. Local data on opioid overdoses further support the hypothesis that the pandemic and recession were associated with a 10 to 60 percent increase in deaths of despair above already high pre-pandemic levels.

Opioid Dependency Significantly Increases Complications and Mortality in Sickle Cell Disease

Introduction:According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there was a twenty-one percent increase in deaths from drug overdose in the USA, with opioids contributing to about two-thirds of these deaths. Despite nationwide efforts to reduce opioid use, narcotic pain medications are still the most frequently used method of pain control in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). We sought to examine the burden and complications of opioid dependence in patients with SCD.Methods:The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 1999 to 2014 was queried to yield adult admissions with a primary diagnosis of sickle cell disease (ICD-9 codes: 2826, 28260, 28261, 28262, 28263, 28264, 28268, 28269) and the admissions were stratified based on the presence of opioid dependence (ICD-9 codes: 30400-30403, 30470-30473, 30550-30553). Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed using the Chi square test. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to control for multiple confounders in calculating the hazard ratios of occurrence of complications and mortality.ResultsA total of 216,438 (Weighted N=1,066,536) admissions were identified between 1999 and 2014, out of which 1.6% (N=3603) had opioid dependence. The median age of patients with opioid dependence was 26 years, compared to 31 years in patients without opioid dependence. Average cost and length of hospitalization for patients with and without opioid dependence was $29,883 & $20,638 and 6.4 days & 5.1 days, respectively. The rates of various complications and Hazard Ratio (HR) of event occurrence among patients with and without opioid dependence are depicted in Table 1. After adjusting for demographics, hospital characteristics (region, bed size, location), and baseline comorbidities, SCD patients with opioid dependence had a 50% increased risk of in-hospital mortality (H.R 1.5, 95% C.I. 1.2-1.6, p<0.001) compared to those without.Conclusions:There is a correlation between opioid dependence and SCD complications among patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of SCD. Perhaps, patients predisposed to vaso-occlusive events require more frequent use of narcotics and become opioid dependent. Alternatively, the dependence on opioids may increase the incidence of complications from sickle cell disease. Regardless, patients with opioid dependence have significantly higher in-hospital mortality. The main limitation of this study is the use of ICD codes for identifying opioid dependence. In our opinion, the abnormally low incidence of opioid dependence in our data is a poor representation of the actual population. Opioid abuse is a serious concern that has heavy financial, social and public health implications on the welfare of the community, particularly those with SCD. This study highlights the need for more effective disease modifying agents for the treatment of this chronic and debilitating disorder. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.