The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and CDC released new tools to track deadly healthcare-associated infections in nursing homes. Updated infection definitions provide uniform criteria for tracking HAIs, including norovirus gastroenteritis and Clostridium difficile infections.
Researchers found that fewer adolescents started smoking after exposure to prevention programs and more quit if they began. Funding cuts negatively impacted these numbers, but state spending on prevention has increased, suggesting a potential reversal of behavior trends.
Researchers investigated six models for community health center access to subspecialty care, finding that integrated systems offer the best comprehensive access. Community health centers can hire subspecialists or partner with hospitals to provide better care.
A new study links nasal irrigation with contaminated tap water to rare disease Naegleria fowleri infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports two fatal cases in Louisiana where the organism was found in home water systems, highlighting the importance of using safely treated water for sinus irrigation.
The University of Minnesota has been awarded two grants from the US Department of Energy to fund research on capturing greenhouse gases and improving solar energy conversion. The grants will support the development of new materials and software tools for these applications.
A study proposes a framework for complementary prevention by targeting specific subgroups with tailored interventions. The research finds that 'treatment as prevention' needs to consider the full range of HIV-risk behaviors.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that community health center physicians performed as well as their private practice colleagues in 13 of 18 measures. Community health center physicians followed recommendations a higher percent of the time for certain conditions, such as congestive heart failure...
The new 2012 Joint European Societies' Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice focus on lifestyle changes, public health initiatives, and individual preventive measures to address the growing burden of CVD. Experts stress the need for a co-ordinated society-wide effort to reduce mortality.
A hospital-based surveillance study found that infections with nontyphoidal Salmonella and Shigella increased the risk of death in children hospitalized with diarrhea in rural Kenya. The study highlights the importance of using zinc for diarrhea management, promoting oral rehydration solutions, water sanitation, and hygiene interventions.
The National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence aim to prepare new faculty in geriatric nursing and enhance existing expertise. The centers are supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation and GSA's Coordinating Center, with goals including improving health outcomes for older adults.
A study published in JAMA found that community health centers with higher patient-centered medical home ratings had higher operating costs. The study analyzed data from 1,009 federally funded health centers and found that a 10-point higher total PCMH score was associated with a $2.26 higher operating cost per patient per month.
Researchers found that normalizing blood glucose levels in pre-diabetes patients can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A study published in The Lancet revealed a 56% reduction in progression to diabetes among participants who achieved normal glucose regulation, regardless of its duration.
A new study found that early and aggressive glucose-lowering treatment can significantly reduce the risk of progression to diabetes in people with prediabetes. The research analyzed data from over 3,000 patients who experienced periods of normal glucose regulation, revealing a 56% reduction in diabetes risk.
Researchers combined data from 11 integrated health systems to form the SUPREME-DM DataLink, a unique resource for population-based diabetes research and clinical trials. The database contains over 1.1 million people with diabetes, mirroring the general population, allowing for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study suggests that shifting exchange networks were instrumental in prompting the 'Maya collapse', with evidence pointing to a decline in inland centers and rise of coastal trade networks. Researchers used social network analysis to map obsidian transportation routes, revealing changes in trade patterns over time.
A study published in Pediatrics shows that school-based health centers are effective in delivering vaccines to adolescents, particularly when students receive timely reminders. The research found that 77% of females and 66% of males received at least one vaccine after receiving reminders.
The new guidelines stress CVD prevention should be a lifelong effort starting in the womb, with greater emphasis on behavioral aspects. They highlight evidence from clinical trials and observational studies showing that 90% of heart attacks may be prevented through personal lifestyle choices.
A national survey found that hospitals increased focus on CAUTIs and CLABSIs after the 2008 Medicare policy change. While most findings were positive, some IPs expressed concern about resource shifts and emphasis on physician documentation over patient outcomes.
Prevention programmes in adolescents are vital to prevent problems in adolescence and into adulthood. Successful policies include providing minors with free contraception, raising taxes on alcohol, and graduated licensing policies.
A study of over 200,000 adults with serious injuries found that helicopter transport to trauma centers was associated with improved survival rates compared to ground emergency medical services. The study also showed that patients transported by helicopter were more likely to be discharged to rehabilitation or intermediate facilities.
The US CDC proposes to focus investments on six public health functions: strategic epidemiologic information, and strengthening key institutions and infrastructure. The agency aims to engage public health institutions domestically and abroad in health systems strengthening efforts.
A new study published in Malaria Journal found that malaria prevention measures saved 850,000 child deaths in Africa between 2001 and 2010. The Lives Saved Tool model used by researchers estimated the impact of interventions such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets and pregnant women's malaria prevention.
A study found a significant mismatch between the growth of cardiac catheterization laboratories and the need for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. PCI centers have grown 12.9% over eight years, but STEMI rates have declined, leaving many patients without access to care.
A new study estimates the total economic burden of fragility fractures in the European Union at €39 billion EUR, with hip fractures contributing to over half of all costs. The study highlights the need for preventive action to address the growing number of seniors and estimated doubling of fractures by 2050.
The USDA Forest Service's Eastern Forest and Western Wildland Environmental Threat Assessment Centers have unveiled a new satellite-based monitoring and assessment tool called ForWarn. This web-based tool recognizes and tracks potential forest disturbances caused by various natural or human-caused events, providing near-real-time views...
Researchers found that smoking restored depleted self-control resources in smokers, improving their mood and performance on frustrating tasks. This study suggests that nicotine can be a maladaptive way to cope with stress, and alternative strategies like relaxation or sugary drinks may be healthier options.
Infection prevention groups outline steps needed to preserve antibiotics by identifying and addressing resistance issues. The role of infection preventionists and healthcare epidemiologists is crucial in preventing the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms, a major threat to human health.
Scientists have found highly similar signaling centers in the acorn worm that direct the formation of its embryonic body plan. This discovery provides unexpected insight into the evolution of vertebrate development and genetics, revealing complex mechanisms for establishing body plans in distant relatives.
The Planet under Pressure conference brings together 2,500 specialists to present scientific knowledge on the planet's state and potential solutions. Public events at science centers and museums worldwide will take place concurrently, giving the public a snapshot of the planet's state and scientific concern.
Researchers found that lowering the HbA1c cutoff from 6.4% to 5.7% increases the health benefits of preventive interventions, while also being cost-effective with a higher threshold.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that lifestyle interventions can slow weight gain and improve blood pressure in high-risk, low-income patients. Despite modest six-month weight losses, participants who received lifestyle intervention maintenance over two years experienced significant improvements in blood pressure control.
A new study by ICAP at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that HIV infection rates among black women in US hot spots are 5 times higher than the national estimate. The study highlights the need for tailored prevention efforts in these communities.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that hospitals led by a board-certified director in infection prevention and control have significantly lower MRSA bloodstream infections. The study also suggests that multifacility performance improvement projects are effective in reducing healthcare-associated i...
A new study reveals that HIV incidence rate for US black women is five times higher than the overall estimated rate for black adolescent and adult women. The study found an HIV incidence of 0.24% among 2,099 women, comparable to rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
A benchmarking study found substantial progress in implementing previous guidelines, but many countries struggled with task. The new European Guidelines on CVD Prevention will be shorter and more accessible to engage health professionals.
A new UCLA study found that a widely used assessment tool for community health centers may not accurately measure the quality of diabetes care. The study examined 30 Los Angeles County health centers and found no correlation between the tool's scores and the actual quality of care.
New research from North Carolina State University shows that a fluctuating sense of control is associated with improved cognitive abilities in older adults. The study found that participants who normally reported low sense of control performed better on problem-solving tests when feeling more in control.
The US is facing a growing threat of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea, with treatment options rapidly dwindling due to increasing antibiotic resistance. The CDC has seen a 17-fold increase in drug susceptibility, leading scientists to call for collective action from healthcare providers and drug companies.
Prevention strategies that included ultrasound screening and chronic blood transfusions for children with sickle cell anemia led to a significant decrease in racial disparities in stroke-related deaths. This change occurred after the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) was implemented in 1998.
A Wayne State University researcher is working to promote HIV testing among African-Americans by expanding testing in county jails. Her team provides comprehensive HIV prevention services, including counseling and referrals for those who test positive.
A new study reveals that many strategies to increase physical activity in kids lack injury prevention measures, highlighting the need for integrated approaches. Behavioral, environmental, and policy approaches can make exercise activities safer for kids, as demonstrated by successful interventions such as traffic-calming measures and e...
A new approach to HIV prevention is being developed by Michigan State University's Institute of International Health, focusing on cultural competency to address the epidemic in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The plan involves training and mentoring local health care professionals to strengthen HIV prevention, particularly among youth.
Researchers propose using personalized medicine to identify individuals at highest risk for developing type 2 diabetes, allowing for targeted prevention efforts. Current methods are inefficient, but new biomarkers and approaches hold promise for preventing and controlling the disease.
A new study assesses the potential reasons for the continued lack of success in preventing and controlling Lyme disease in the US Northeast. The study identifies critical areas where additional knowledge is needed to improve prevention and control strategies, including host infestation rates, habitat diversity, and human behavior.
A meta-analysis of studies found that PCIs at centers with and without on-site surgery have similar rates of in-hospital mortality and emergency CABG surgery. However, additional outcome data are still needed to fully understand the risks associated with non-primary PCI at centers without on-site surgery.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that elective angioplasties performed without on-site cardiac surgery capabilities pose no increased risk for patient death or emergency bypass surgery. The study included thousands of patients and showed mortality rates were similar for centers with and without on-site surgery.
Four US clinical centers have begun providing access to Novocure's Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) device for treating recurrent GBM, a deadly brain tumor. The device has shown clinical efficacy comparable to active chemotherapies with better quality of life.
Mayo Clinic has been awarded a $1.25 million grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop online medical education in Ethiopia.
The NYU College of Nursing will conduct a four-year study on combination HIV prevention for Kenyan youth, addressing high-risk behaviors among young males and females in sub-Saharan Africa.
Andrew J. Dannenberg, M.D., is recognized for his seminal contributions to understanding the inflammation-cancer connection and developing strategies to prevent breast cancer. His work has provided key insights into the role of prostaglandin biology in cancer prevention.
A lack of national suicide prevention strategy in Canada puts lives at risk, but education and targeted interventions have shown promise. Physicians can play a crucial role in prevention through early detection, treatment, and follow-up.
A recent study found that public reporting of transplant centers' success rates has not improved care for patients, with wide gaps remaining between the best and worst clinics. The new method revealed that gaps persisted after public reporting was introduced in 2001, missing potential improvements in patient outcomes.
A five-year HIV prevention initiative in India, Avahan, has successfully averted an estimated 100,000 infections. The program's effectiveness varied across states, with southern regions showing more significant reductions in HIV prevalence.
The University of Oklahoma will host a regional climate science center, providing expertise and strength to address climate variability and change. The center will link weather and climate projections with operational decisions made by land managers, supporting natural resource management.
A new study found that nearly one in four Americans must travel farther to a nearest trauma center due to hospital closures, especially affecting African Americans, poor and uninsured residents. The study highlights the need for policy makers to subsidize trauma centers serving vulnerable communities.
The Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc. has invested over $4 million in funding to implement the CHAMPS partnership in five non-profit health centers. The program aims to demonstrate effective asthma management tools in real-world settings where many children and families need care.
The supplement highlights the importance of integrating public health and prevention principles into medical education. Experts emphasize the need for physicians with a better appreciation for these issues to address complex public health challenges, such as rising chronic disease burdens and persistent health disparities.
Researchers found that high-volume transplant centers used more high-risk donor livers, but achieved better graft and recipient survival rates. The study's findings suggest that increased organ utilization can improve outcomes for transplantation patients.
Researchers at Douglas Mental Health University Institute are launching the world's first prevention study on Alzheimer's disease. They will recruit 250 healthy adults aged 60 or over with a family history of the condition and observe their biomarkers for ten years to find preventative agents.
Researchers will evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of a unique combination of HIV prevention strategies in Botswana, aiming to reduce infections by at least 50%. The study will analyze viral gene signatures and examine the effectiveness of targeting individuals with high viral loads.