Deverick J. Anderson, a leading epidemiologist, receives the 2016 Distinguished Scientist Award from APIC for his significant and sustained contributions to infection prevention science. He is recognized for exemplifying scholarly excellence and infection prevention leadership within the scientific community.
A follow-up analysis of the ACCORD Trial found that people with type 2 diabetes who intensively controlled their blood sugar level had cut their risk of diabetic retinopathy in half. The study, supported by the National Eye Institute, suggests that well-controlled glycemia has a positive and lasting effect on eye health.
A global study found that patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to the hospital for congestive heart failure face a high risk of mortality, highlighting the need for increased attention to this critical condition. The study suggests that heart failure outcomes should receive equal scrutiny as other cardiovascular events in future rese...
A study presented at the APIC Annual Conference found that three-quarters of ED patients treated with antibiotics tested negative for gonorrhea or chlamydia. The research highlights the need to find a balance between treating patients and preventing unnecessary antibiotic use, which contributes to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered that adults born in the 1940s with diabetes are living longer and with less disability, performing day-to-day tasks, compared to those born a decade earlier. This trend is attributed to improvements in diabetes management and healthy lifestyle choices.
A new study shows that the innovative OnTouch Via patch enabled over 50% of diabetes patients to report improved insulin dose compliance. The wearable patch allows for discreet delivery of rapid-acting insulin at mealtimes, reducing stress and anxiety associated with dosing.
A Penn Medicine study found that individuals with acute insomnia who self-restrict their time in bed are less likely to develop chronic insomnia. This natural tendency can be an effective strategy for managing insomnia and even serves as part of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that a combination of text messages and individual counselling sessions motivated patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis to be more active, resulting in reduced daily sitting time and improved cholesterol levels. This behavioural intervention was effective in improving patient-reported clinical outcomes.
A new global atlas reveals that the Milky Way is only visible from 33% of the world's population, with 80% of Americans experiencing light-polluted nights. This widespread issue affects not only human connections to nature but also confuses wildlife and exposes them to fatal consequences.
The new atlas documents the world's level of artificial skyglow, affecting nocturnal organisms and ecosystems. The study found that Italy and South Korea have the most polluted skies, while Canada and Australia have the least, with residents in India and Germany being more likely to see the Milky Way.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that a high percentage of children and young adults with migraines have mild deficiencies in vitamins D, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10. These deficiencies may be involved in migraine development, but it is unclear whether supplementation would help prevent the condition.
A new study found that Facebook advertising is effective in identifying adults with Inflammatory Back Pain (IBP), a condition often delayed in diagnosis due to lack of awareness. The study recruited over three quarters of patients through Facebook, resulting in earlier referrals to specialist treatment and improved treatment outcomes.
The Nutrino app will connect with Medtronic continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and insulin pumps, providing personalized food suggestions and meal plans based on carbohydrate intake, glucose levels, and other measures. The app aims to enhance daily life and inform future diabetes management strategies.
Austrian researchers found that nematode species previously limited to Southern Europe have spread to the country, infecting dogs and potentially affecting people. Monitoring of mosquitoes and wild animals is crucial to slow the spread of parasites.
Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch found that adolescent and young adult cancer survivors are more likely to be current cigarette smokers. The study highlights the importance of addressing smoking during medical visits to encourage survivors to quit.
Researchers at UCLA have found laser heat ablation to be a safe and effective treatment option for men with intermediate risk prostate cancer, with no serious adverse effects reported. The technique uses MRI guidance to target and destroy cancerous tissue, offering a middle ground between radical surgery and active surveillance.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that body mass index, body fat percentage, and resting energy expenditure are not significant predictors of sleep stage duration. However, overweight adults spent more time in the rapid-eye movement (REM) stage of sleep than normal-weight adults.
The hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) device shows promise for treating moderate to severe OSA who can't tolerate CPAP, with a 84% reduction in AHI and 11% increase in oxygen levels. The study replicates the success of previous clinical trials, offering an alternative option for patients.
Research from University of Toronto and University of Aberdeen suggests ancient 'scars' in the Earth's crust may trigger earthquakes and mountain formation. The team proposes a new 'perennial plate tectonic map' to illustrate how past processes impact present-day geological activity.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University developed the mySleepButton app using a 'cognitive shuffle' technique called Serial Diverse Imagining (SDI). The method helps reduce pre-sleep arousal and improves sleep quality by keeping the mind off issues that disrupt sleep.
Researchers create new tool to define metabolic differences between individuals, paving the way for precision medicine. By combining genetic and protein data, scientists can better understand how patients respond to medication and tailor treatments accordingly.
African researchers have made a breakthrough in optical communication by demonstrating a significant increase in the amount of information that can be packed into light. The team used over 100 patterns of light, exploiting three degrees of freedom to achieve this result, which could potentially increase bandwidth by 100 times.
A new NIH-funded study shows that introducing peanut-containing foods during infancy is a safe and effective strategy for preventing peanut allergy. The research, based on the LEAP clinical trial, found no negative effects on infant and child growth and nutrition, including breastfeeding duration and body mass index.
A new treatment approach has shown promising results in improving symptoms of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in children, a rare chronic autoimmune disease. The study found significant reductions in muscle weakness and skin inflammation, as well as improved overall disease activity.
Scientists have discovered a special neural network in the primate brain that anticipates all possible situations, allowing for novel behavior adaptation. This 'reservoir computing' property enables the brain to create a universal representation of combinations, preparing primates for unlimited situations.
A recent Australian study found that no method is reliable for assessing suicide risk in mental health patients. The meta-analysis suggests that traditional approaches may be ineffective and that a more patient-focused approach is needed.
Researchers from Umeå University warn that parts of Southern Europe are at risk for Zika outbreaks between June and August. The study found that the presence of established Aedes-mosquito populations, warmer temperatures, and peak air traveler flows make Southern Europe a fertile ground for Zika transmission.
A comprehensive hand hygiene program using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and wipes resulted in a 24.3% lower incidence of hand hygiene preventable insurance claims compared to the control group. The study also found 13.4% fewer sick episodes or unscheduled PTO, with 8 in 10 employees positively impacted by the program.
A study of nearly three million motor vehicle accident victims found atrial fibrillation associated with a higher risk of death, longer hospital stays, and increased costs. Patients with atrial fibrillation were more likely to die in the hospital and required longer stays and greater resources.
A new consensus paper defines and classifies atrial cardiomyopathies, which can lead to atrial fibrillation, strokes, and other complications. The guidelines also discuss the triggers of atrial fibrillation and provide advice on prevention and treatment options.
Researchers found that half of people newly infected with HIV experience mild to moderate neurologic issues, which usually resolve after starting anti-retroviral therapy. These findings suggest that HIV affects the nervous system within days of infection.
A study by Cornell University researchers found genetic links between horse immune function and the papillomavirus that causes sarcoid skin tumors. The findings suggest a complex mix of virus, host genes, and tumor development, with relevance to related human conditions like cervical cancer.
Physicists visualize butterfly wings' internal nanostructure using x-rays and microscopy, discovering highly oriented photonic crystals. Tiny crystal irregularities enhance light-scattering properties, making wings appear brighter.
Two studies presented at EULAR 2016 found that patients with positive expectations and autonomy are more likely to adhere to their treatment. Non-adherence is associated with factors such as anxiety, depression, and negative feelings, highlighting the need for strategies to improve treatment adherence.
A Duke University study found coal ash ponds in five Southeastern US states consistently contaminate nearby surface waters and groundwater with toxic heavy metals. The study also suggests that removing the ponds may not be enough to address ongoing subsurface contamination.
A cross-sectional study of 139 nurses found moderate levels of job stress and intention to quit. Nurses with higher age, experience, and workplace autonomy reported higher job satisfaction.
Studies reveal distinct differences in key cellular processes and molecular signatures between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), as well as joint-specific variations in RA. These findings may enable precise targeting of treatment for each ailing joint, explaining why drugs vary in effect.
A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that increasing pollinator diversity can dramatically increase cotton production, with a potential boost of up to 18% in South Texas. This could lead to an increase in annual revenue for Texas cotton farmers of over $1.1 million.
A research team has identified the AF1q protein as an adverse prognostic factor for multiple myeloma, particularly in cases where extramedullary disease is present. The study found that high expression of AF1q is associated with a higher incidence of EMD.
Researchers have found that copper helps regulate fat burning by blocking an enzyme that prevents fat breakdown when it's not needed. Without enough copper, fat builds up in cells, leading to obesity and diabetes. The study suggests a new role for copper in metabolism and opens the door to new therapeutic approaches.
The now-or-never bottleneck theory explains how the brain processes linguistic input immediately, before it's lost. This process involves chunking linguistic material into increasingly abstract representational formats to learn and understand language.
A new study published in Science Advances reveals that the global economic network is twice as susceptible to workers' heat-stress as it was a decade ago. The analysis shows that small daily perturbations due to extreme temperatures can cause significant production losses, which can be spread easily across countries.
Robert Magnusson's research explores the use of nanostructured silicon films to generate light, potentially leading to faster and more compact integrated photonic-electric circuits. The new technology could also improve sensing instruments and make cameras and infrared technology less expensive.
A new study published at EULAR 2016 found that oestrogens significantly slow down fibrosis in experimental models representative of systemic sclerosis. This could lead to the development of potential hormone therapies for this difficult-to-treat condition.
Experts argue that integrated treatment could lead to a 40% reduction in implementation costs and be cost-effective in treating school-aged children and entire communities. The authors emphasize the need for increased drug subsidies, donations from pharmaceutical companies, and improved epidemiological surveillance.
Researchers identified a connection between amino acid acetylcarnitine and poor performance under sleep restriction. Higher levels of this molecule were associated with decreased attention, slower information processing, and increased sleepiness during chronic sleep deprivation.
Swiss researchers have created a gel containing microparticles that inhibits cellular over-proliferation and reduces the risk of obstruction reoccurrence after vascular bypass surgeries. This innovation enables controlled release of a drug, improving outcomes for patients by reducing failure rates from 50% to potentially near-zero.
A study found that over one-third of active rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer from sexual problems, including low libido and painful intercourse. Factors contributing to these issues include lack of attraction, anxiety, and relationship problems.
Researchers found that repairing mutated cilia genes restored cerebrospinal fluid flow and prevented spinal curves from developing in zebrafish. If translatable to humans, the study could lead to a non-surgical approach for treating idiopathic scoliosis.
A new study reveals that altering the amyloid beta protein by changing one amino acid creates an intermediate form with enhanced toxicity. This discovery provides a promising tool for investigating the neurotoxic effects of amyloid beta oligomers and could lead to new targets for drug development efforts.
A survey of nearly 1,000 US nursing homes found little consistency in UTI prevention policies, with only a few effective strategies identified. Nursing homes with portable bladder ultrasound scanners and infection preventionists on staff had lower UTI rates, but many facilities lacked these policies.
Researchers at Oregon State University found native Olympia oysters are more resilient to ocean acidification due to their slower shell-building phase. This trait allows them to survive high levels of acidity, contrary to the rapid development seen in Pacific oysters.
Researchers develop a new method to produce unique reflecting patterns that can be applied on valuable objects, rendering them uncloneable and ideal for authenticating products. The technique uses the peculiar optics of spheres of cholesteric liquid crystal to generate dynamic colorful patterns.
Computer scientists at Queen Mary University of London have developed systems to analyze human perceptual quirks and predict audience responses, enabling magicians to create new tricks. These computational models can be used in various areas of magic, including stage illusions, optical illusions, and close-up magic.
A new mathematical framework developed by Robert Saye accurately resolves intricate fluid dynamics near evolving interfaces, allowing for the study of complex phenomena like bubble aeration and propeller blade optimization. High-order methods outperform low-order methods in accuracy and computing power.
The research article discusses experimental and clinical data on the pharmacological inhibition of the Akt/mTOR pathways, which play a vital role in prostate cancer. The blockade of this pathway may be necessary to increase standard therapies and improve treatment outcomes.
A study presented at EULAR 2016 found that UK rheumatologists often deviate from NICE guidance on cost when treating RA patients, citing clinical autonomy and patient involvement as key factors. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the impact of these deviations on patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a new way to control oxygen vacancies, dramatically changing the conductivity of thin oxide films. The technique uses a small electric current to introduce oxygen voids, which can be reversed without affecting other material properties.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified a molecular system of protection that involves the androgen receptor protein in Kennedy's disease. The study suggests that targeting specific regions of the protein may lead to new therapeutic targets for the condition.
A new study found that the Hawthorne Effect influences hand hygiene observations, leading to a significant difference in compliance rates when healthcare workers are aware of being watched. The study suggests that using unknown observers can provide more accurate data on hand hygiene practices.