A large study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that being more active reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Men with a specific DNA variation associated with increased physical activity had a 51% reduced risk, suggesting overall physical activity may play a larger role than previously thought.
Device-associated infections show higher resistance rates for antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared to surgical site infections, highlighting the need for improved infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship in hospitals.
Research gaps exist in antibiotic stewardship programs aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, with a need for standardized processes and outcome metrics. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America calls for additional clinical evidence to inform optimal antibiotic prescribing practices.
A new UCL-led study found that the lowest-paid workers in the UK have three more years of retirement on average compared to their professional counterparts. However, they are also more likely to suffer from ill health after retiring.
Severe adverse reactions occurred within minutes of PICC insertion, especially among patients with cystic fibrosis. The study highlights the need for recognizing and evaluating adverse reactions following PICC insertion.
A study found that hospitals using high-risk antibiotics saw a 12% increase in C. difficile infections per 100 days of therapy. The most significant correlation was with cephalosporins, highlighting the need for ongoing antibiotic stewardship.
A population-based study in Alberta, Canada, found that hospital-acquired C. diff is associated with significant attributable cost and length of stay among adult inpatients. The analysis used micro-costing data and a propensity score-based design to determine the economic burden of HA-CDI.
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that using the number of central lines as a denominator decreased Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) rates by 25%. The presence of multiple concurrent central lines may indicate severity of illness, posing a risk for bloodstream infections.
A New Jersey outpatient facility experienced a severe outbreak of bacterial septic arthritis infections following tainted knee injections. The investigation identified multiple breaches of recommended infection prevention practices, including inadequate hand hygiene and unsafe injection techniques.
Researchers review epidemiology of emerging & re-emerging parasitic diseases in Malaysia, highlighting water treatment, mass drug administration and public health strategies as key prevention measures. The report emphasizes the need for effective surveillance and control measures to curb disease outbreaks.
Scott L. Tomar, a University of Florida professor, received the 2019 AADR Jack Hein Public Service Award for his efforts to understand and eliminate disparities in oral health and tobacco epidemiology. He has also made significant contributions to various reports on tobacco and public health, including those by the U.S. Surgeon General.
A study of Canadian healthcare workers found that 95% attend work while sick, mostly due to mild symptoms or lack of paid sick leave policies. The findings highlight the need for education and policy changes to reduce transmission risk.
A hospital electronic health record system with diagnostic stewardship strategy reduced inappropriate GI test use by 46% and saved up to $168,000. The hardwired alerts and 'hard stop' feature improved care without compromising quality.
A SHEA white paper outlines how IT can improve antimicrobial use, track outcomes, and reduce provider burden. The role of EHR and 'add-on' clinical decision support systems is explored to enhance stewardship programs.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that mothers delivering via cesarean section covered by Medicaid had a 1.4 fold increase in surgical site infection compared to those covered by private insurance. The risk of infection may be linked to factors such as patient health literacy, provider variability...
African American women with poor oral health may face a substantially increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that adult tooth loss and periodontal disease prevalence were associated with a higher risk, particularly among those who had lost at least five teeth.
A recent study found that 39% of healthcare workers made errors in removing personal protective equipment (PPE), leading to contamination with multi-drug resistant organisms. The study suggests reevaluation of PPE removal strategies and education on proper techniques.
Vasan Ramachandran, a renowned BU researcher, discussed the fundamental concepts of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and its sociological factors. He highlighted how structural, macrosocial, economic, cultural, and societal factors influence human behavior and lifestyle choices, leading to CVD risk factor development and progression o...
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that prior antibiotic exposure and use of proton pump inhibitors may increase the risk for hospitalized children to contract Clostridioides difficile infections. Clinicians should judiciously use antibiotics in hospitalized children to minimize this risk.
Researchers analyzed dataset of singleton births in Michigan from 1990-2012, finding a 3% increase in preterm birth odds with each one percentage point increase in state unemployment. This study suggests that broader socioeconomic factors, such as economic conditions, may contribute to pregnancy health disparities.
Researchers found that statins combined with a Mediterranean diet reduced cardiovascular mortality, particularly in those who had already experienced a heart attack or stroke. The study suggests that the Mediterranean diet may facilitate the beneficial effect of statins by reducing subclinical inflammation.
A DNA study found that stethoscopes are loaded with diverse bacteria, including those that cause healthcare-associated infections. Standardized cleaning methods were more effective in removing bacteria than practitioners' usual methods.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has issued a new expert guidance on how hospitals can reduce infections associated with anesthesiology procedures and equipment. The guidance recommends steps to improve infection prevention through increased hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, and continuous improvement plans.
Patients with drug-resistant urinary tract infections are more likely to experience worse clinical outcomes and relapses within a week. The study highlights the importance of close follow-up and proper antibiotic treatment to curb antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that high-temperature laundry methods failed to remove all traces of C. difficile spores from hospital bedsheets, suggesting linens as a potential source of infection. The study calls for further research to establish the true burden of hospital bedsheets in outbreaks.
Researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in sink traps of an Israeli hospital's intensive care unit. Implementing sink contamination prevention guidelines eliminated new infections and zeroed out infections altogether. The study highlights the importance of proper hygiene practices in preventing the spread of resistant bacteria.
A recent review of 144 studies found that multifaceted infection control strategies can reduce healthcare-associated infections by 35-55%. Despite advancements in medical innovations, improvements are still possible, especially in high-income countries and institutions with standard-of-care measures.
A pilot project found that telehealth videoconferencing increased awareness of antibiotic stewardship principles and helped facilities implement more than two-thirds of recommendations. This study demonstrates how technology can provide access to expert knowledge and practices for smaller facilities.
A new evidence-based white paper provides practical approaches to preventing Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections in neonatal intensive care units. The guidance recommends against routine testing for C. difficile in neonates and suggests evaluating first for more common causes of diarrhea.
Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, Director of Urban Planning, Environment and Health Initiative at ISGlobal, wins the 2018 John Goldsmith Award for his work on promoting healthier cities through reduced car use and increased public transportation. His research aims to reduce premature deaths in cities like Barcelona due to suboptimal urban planning.
New research reveals a dangerous midlife switch from daily activity to sedentary behavior, with black men and women at highest risk. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, calls for revised national physical activity guidelines to address this trend.
Recent studies suggest a potential relationship between air pollution and infertility, menstrual irregularity, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. Researchers emphasize the need for further exploration of these findings to support policy guidelines on air pollution and human health.
Researchers found that billing codes were rarely used by hospitals and did not significantly affect diagnosis-related group (DRG) assignment, leading to insignificant financial penalties. The study suggests that CMS policy may have inadvertently led to increased documentation of conditions at admission.
A survey of 211 inpatient providers found that most preferred receiving feedback via email and compared to other providers within their service. The study suggests that anticipating providers' preferences can optimize the impact of antibiotic stewardship programs, improving the use of antibiotics.
Dr. Alfonso Iorio has been appointed the inaugural holder of the Bayer Chair for Clinical Epidemiology Research and Bleeding Disorders at McMaster University. He will focus primarily on inherited blood disorders such as hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and von Willebrand disease to optimize treatment strategies.
A population epidemiology study found no association between high-lithium concentration groundwater and diagnoses of bipolar disorder or dementia. The study accounted for local healthcare resources and demographics, a factor known to influence mental health diagnosis rates.
Two studies published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that multi-strain probiotics reduced CDI incidence rates by about two-thirds. Probiotics were especially effective among participants taking two or more antibiotics, suggesting a potential prevention tool for hospital settings.
Professor Cyrus Cooper has been named the winner of the annual Olof Johnell Science Award, recognizing his internationally recognized contributions to the field of osteoporosis. He leads an internationally competitive programme of research into musculoskeletal disorders, most notably osteoporosis.
Professor Nicholas Harvey received the prestigious IOF Medal of Achievement for his outstanding work in understanding early determinants of fracture risk and developing novel interventions. He has made significant contributions to the field of osteoporosis through his research and educational initiatives.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) and antibiotic stewardship (AS) programs are intrinsically linked to achieve patient safety. Implementing both IPC and AS measures together is more effective than AS measures alone.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention | Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health Scientific Sessions 2018 found that middle-aged adults with two or more teeth lost have a 23% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that tooth loss in middle age is related to inflammation and...
A study published in Epidemiology found that assaults spiked in cities hosting Donald Trump's presidential campaign rallies during the 2016 US election. The researchers suggested two possible explanations for their findings: increased violence at rally venues and social contagion through news reports and digital media.
Current initiatives to improve antibiotic use in outpatient settings may be insufficient, researchers say. A study found that antibiotics are prescribed at alarming rates in these locations, with seasonal variation in prescribing rates observed.
A recent study published in Epidemiology found that high intake of sugary drinks is associated with lower fertility rates. The researchers analyzed data from 3,828 women and their male partners, finding that consuming at least one soda per day reduced female fecundability by 25% and male fecundability by 33%.
The Veterans Health Administration has outlined recommendations to combat the 'crisis' of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) in healthcare settings. The recommendations focus on four key areas: transmission dynamics, antimicrobial stewardship, microbiome research, and special populations.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that patient age, insurance, and race are associated with risk of receiving an unneeded antibiotic prescription. Advanced practice providers were 15% more likely to prescribe antibiotics than physician providers, highlighting the need for tailored education.
A new study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that marijuana use among couples does not lower their chances of getting pregnant. The researchers surveyed over 4,000 women and their male partners, finding that conception probabilities were similar between those who used marijuana and those who did not.
The new guidelines aim to improve hospital policies and reduce the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Hospitals are advised to weigh factors such as patient characteristics and time elapsed since last positive culture to determine contact precautions duration.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme called SNRK that regulates inflammation in white fat tissue and promotes brown fat metabolism. This finding suggests a potential new target for therapies aimed at curbing obesity and its complications.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America published a new guidance document for hospitals to respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The document emphasizes the role of healthcare epidemiologists in emergency preparedness and response, providing medical and technical expertise and leading infection prevention efforts.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine are developing an app to capture health data using mobile devices, with the goal of reducing cardiac risks. The project aims to test various approaches to getting people to use these technologies over long periods of time and compare mobile health data collected in the research center.
Julie Palmer, a BU researcher, was awarded for her work on breast cancer disparities. She aims to reduce mortality by identifying factors that influence hormone receptor negative breast cancer.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that antimicrobial fabrics on nurses' scrubs do not prevent bacterial contamination. The researchers identified Staphylococcus aureus as the most commonly transmitted pathogen, emphasizing the need for improved cleaning protocols and hand hygiene practices.
A study found that women who experience hypertension during pregnancy have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension after pregnancy. Long-term follow-up is necessary to manage risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
A recent Italian study confirmed that the Mediterranean diet reduces cardiovascular risk, but only in those with higher educational levels and/or greater household income. The study found no benefits for less advantaged groups, highlighting socioeconomic disparities in health.
The implementation of antibiotic stewardship guidelines in a NICU significantly reduced late-onset sepsis evaluations by 2.65 per year and per provider, with physicians following guidelines for 98.75% of treatments performed.
A study found a significant increase in prescription opioid involvement in fatal car crashes between 1995 and 2015. The prevalence of prescription opioids among fatally injured drivers rose from 1% to over 7%, with higher rates in female drivers.
A hospital nurse's opioid diversion led to a cluster outbreak of Serratia marcescens bacteria, infecting five patients. The tampered syringes were linked to the outbreak, and the nurse was terminated.
A new study reveals that Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have become endemic in Washington, D.C. healthcare facilities, with a prevalence rate of 5.2%. The study, which monitored 16 facilities, found that male patients and adults aged 20-39 had higher rates of CRE infection.
A new research design from Perelman School of Medicine scientists provides a more effective way to assess the safety of newly approved drugs and those with rapidly increasing or declining use. This trend-in-trend method can identify rare side effects and provide accurate results, even in the absence of comparable control groups.