A Danish nationwide population-based cohort study found mortality increases by 60-80% after 8-10 years post-heart bypass surgery. The study showed that the prognosis for patients who undergo successful surgery is similar to that of the general population until this point.
A new study using linked dental records shows that dentists are in good compliance with AHA guidelines on prophylactic antibiotic use. The study found no significant increase in cases of infective endocarditis following the introduction of updated guidelines.
A major survey research shows that warm weather is strongly associated with an increased risk of serious surgical site infections. Temperatures above 90°F were linked to a 28.9% higher odds of hospitalization with an SSI, compared to temperatures below 40°F.
A large study of African-American women found that those who drank seven or more drinks per week were 33% more likely to develop breast cancer than moderate drinkers. The study suggests that black women may benefit from limiting alcohol to reduce their risk, similar to white women.
The University of California, Irvine has received a $9.6 million grant to conduct malaria control research in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to assess the impact of environmental changes on malaria epidemiology and transmission.
Researchers used GIS and spatial epidemiology to identify areas with highest rates and counts of hepatitis C infections in Massachusetts. The study found hotspots around Boston, New Bedford, and Springfield, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment interventions.
Researchers found that reducing antibiotics by 10% and 25% can lead to a 11.2% and 28.3% reduction in MDRO spread, respectively. Antibiotic stewardship programs can help reduce unnecessary usage and transmission of deadly bacteria.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that women who consumed a diet high in sugar-sweetened drinks and processed meats during adolescence or young adulthood had a higher risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The researchers recommend consuming a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds...
A study published in Epidemiology found that people on a gluten-free diet had higher concentrations of arsenic and mercury in their urine and blood compared to those who did not eat gluten-free. The study's findings suggest that a gluten-free diet may pose health risks due to increased exposure to toxic metals.
A 24-patient outbreak was halted after identifying docusate as the underlying source of the bacteria, leading to a national recall. The investigation improved infection prevention practices for patients.
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented a multi-year initiative to improve antibiotic use, resulting in a 12% decrease in inpatient antibiotic use. The program's success was attributed to the involvement of multiple disciplines and leadership buy-in.
A widespread outbreak of RSV and HMPV in a long-term dementia care ward infected 73% of patients, emphasizing the need for improved protocols to protect vulnerable residents. The facility has since implemented active screening, efficient separation, and partnered with a private laboratory for rapid respiratory viral testing.
The new Special Issue addresses topics in epidemiology, basic science, and policy, providing reliable information on digestive cancers in Latin America. Key findings include the rising incidence of gastric cancer and the need for awareness, with five articles from experts in the region.
A special issue of Cancer Epidemiology shows that cancer registries in Kenya, Uganda, Colombia, India, and Barbados can provide valuable data for policy-making on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The low cost of registration per person and economies of scale make them a viable option for resource-constrained countries.
A special issue of Cancer Epidemiology highlights the importance of cancer registration in resource-constrained settings, demonstrating cost savings through economies of scale. The study reviews cancer registries in Kenya, Uganda, Colombia, India, and Barbados, offering lessons for other countries with similar constraints.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that alcohol intake is associated with a higher risk of invasive melanoma, especially among individuals who consume more than 20 grams of alcohol per day. White wine was the most clearly associated with increased risk.
Researchers significantly reduced CAUTI rates through a multifaceted intervention emphasizing best practices for insertion, maintenance, and removal of indwelling catheters. As a result, the rate decreased by one-third from 3.0 per 1,000 catheter days in 2013 to 1.9 in 2014.
Philip A. Wolf, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has been recognized for his excellence in research and clinical trials by the American Heart Association. He is renowned for his work on stroke epidemiology, dementia, and cognitive decline, with over 350 publications to his name.
Cardiac surgery patients worldwide have been infected with M. chimaera due to contaminated heater-cooler devices, according to a study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.
A study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that robotic surgical instruments are difficult to clean completely, with a protein residue remaining despite multiple cleanings. The researchers suggest establishing new standards for cleaning these instruments using repeated measurements of residual protein.
Research highlights diabetes as a significant factor in increased fracture risk, with a potential seven-fold higher risk than non-diabetic patients. Current risk factor calculators may not accurately predict fractures in people with diabetes, emphasizing the need for extra vigilance and targeted prevention strategies.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology shows that automated UV light device curbs CDI by 25 percent. The no-touch device also resulted in substantial healthcare savings, estimated between $350,000 and $1.5 million annually.
A new study found that household transmission of C. difficile can occur through contact with pets and children, highlighting the need for simple hygiene practices like hand washing in the home. The study revealed that 13.4% of household contacts were infected with the bacterium, with younger children being more susceptible.
Researchers found that educating patients on hygienic practices significantly reduced the time to clearance of MRSA, similar to antibiotic treatment. Non-compliance households took 27 days to clear the bacteria, while compliant ones did so in 23 days.
Researchers found that contact with infected patients, mechanical ventilation, and infections with multidrug-resistant organisms increase the risk of acquiring CP-CRE. Cephalosporin antibiotic use may also reduce the risk of transmission compared to other antibiotics.
A retrospective cohort analysis found that a central line infection prevention bundle reduced CLABSI rates, line insertion, and dwell time. The intervention also created a culture of safety in the NICU, with staff involvement and advocacy contributing to its success.
A University of Michigan-led study analyzing Google Trends data found a significant reduction in chickenpox searches following vaccination implementation in countries like Germany. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of immunization in reducing seasonal outbreaks and offers a novel way to track global childhood disease burdens.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that adolescent girls with high saturated-fat diets and low unsaturated-fat intake had higher breast densities, which may increase their risk for breast cancer later in life. The researchers analyzed data from 177 women and observed a significant association betwee...
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that consuming high amounts of saturated fat or low amounts of mono- and polyunsaturated fats during adolescence is associated with higher breast density in young adulthood. This increased risk of breast cancer was observed after adjusting for multiple variables.
The IOF-ESCEO 2016 Pierre Meunier Young Scientist Awards were presented to Professors Elaine Dennison and Olivier Bruyère for their exceptional research on musculoskeletal ageing, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. The awards recognize their potential to become key opinion leaders in the field.
The IOF President's Award was presented to eight leading regional osteoporosis experts and advocates for their contributions to global osteoporosis awareness and education. The recipients were recognized for their outstanding work in the field, including Dr Ambrish Mithal, Prof Patricia Clark, and Prof Jorge Cannata Andia.
A UK study found no link between calcium supplementation, with or without vitamin D, and hospital admissions or mortality due to cardiovascular events. The analysis of the UK Biobank dataset showed that calcium supplementation did not increase the risk of future cardiac events.
A new study compares two hand-washing techniques and finds that the WHO's six-step method is superior to the CDC's three-step method in reducing bacteria. The study suggests that this technique should be considered when making official recommendations on best practices in hand hygiene.
A new study found that bone fracture rates differ significantly across the UK, with Scotland and Northern Ireland having the highest rates. The risk is also influenced by age, sex, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
The VA has robustly implemented antibiotic stewardship practices across its facilities, with over 80% having an Infectious Disease specialist on staff. Formal policies and staffing patterns promoting appropriate antibiotic use were also widespread.
A new study found that scientific reports on salt intake are divided, with 54% supporting a link between reduced sodium and improved heart health outcomes. The researchers' analysis of academic papers revealed little consistency in the selection of primary studies, highlighting uncertainty and disagreement among scientists.
A study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that long-term use of antiseptic soap in bathing critically ill patients did not cause high levels of resistance in bacteria on their skin. The prevalence of MRSA-resistant strains decreased after starting chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing.
A new study has found that children from different ethnic backgrounds in the UK are at varying risk of breaking a bone. The research, published in the journal Bone, analyzed data from 1988 to 2012 and discovered that white children were more likely to fracture than South Asian or black children.
Researchers found that men and women who had a spine fracture and women who had a hip fracture were more than twice as likely to experience long-term widespread pain as those who had not had a fracture. Chronic widespread pain is common and leads to substantial health-related problems and disability.
The US has sufficient capacity to treat another Ebola outbreak, but challenges remain in providing necessary resources, staffing, and training. The study highlights issues with waste disposal, staffing, and pediatric care, emphasizing the need for further investigation and investment.
A new Penn Medicine study outlines how an individual's location and activities influence their risk of being assaulted, with areas of neighborhood connectedness showing lower rates of gun and non-gun related assaults. The research highlights the importance of changing urban environments to make them safer and reduce violence.
A recent study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that patients struggle to understand CMS hospital infection data, which is meant to help them make informed decisions. The authors recommend improving the way this data is presented to increase transparency and quality of care.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that diabetic patients are 50% more likely to develop surgical site infections compared to non-diabetic patients. The study analyzed data from 94 studies and estimated the annual financial impact of SSIs to be over $3 billion nationally.
A new collaborative research project, ISIBELa, is investigating the risk of secondary cancer in later life following successful childhood cancer therapy. Researchers will analyze cases, examine patient differences, and use advanced laboratory techniques to identify genetic and epigenetic causes.
A recent study found that ESBL-producing E. coli infections are on the rise in community hospitals, posing a significant risk to patient safety and quality of care. The incidence of these infections increased by 100%, with nearly three-quarters occurring after exposure to the healthcare system.
The USA 300 strain of MRSA has decreased in hospital-onset cases, but remains prevalent in the broader community. Current or former drug use was a strong predictor for acquiring this strain of bacteria.
A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology found that probiotics do not prevent or eliminate gastrointestinal colonization with drug-resistant organisms in critically ill patients. The research followed 70 patients and showed no significant difference in overall acquisition of any MRDOs between the two groups.
A multicenter observational cohort study found that no single genetic strain of C. difficile appears to be more harmful than others, contradicting previous research on Ribotype 027. The study's findings highlight the importance of clinical severity markers in predicting severe patient outcomes.
Women who participated in exercise as adolescents had a reduced risk of death from cancer and all causes in their middle and older ages. Exercise participation was also associated with lower mortality risks for cardiovascular disease. The study found that women who engaged in team sports or regular exercise during adolescence had a 14-...
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that breast cancer survivors gained an average of 3.81 pounds more than cancer-free women within five years of diagnosis and treatment. Chemotherapy treatment was also significantly associated with weight gain, particularly among those treated recently.
Researchers discovered a link between heart disease and lower bone mineral density, with women more affected. The study suggests that heart disease may weaken bones, increasing risk of fractures.
A new review published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology highlights best practices to prevent infections during healthcare laundry, including adherence to Standard Precautions and proper storage of laundered textiles. The study found that current industrial laundry processes are sufficient to interrupt patient-to-patient tra...
A new mathematical model investigates the impact of individual movement on infectious disease spread, finding that spatial dispersal can create up to nine stable equilibria. The study highlights the importance of considering both backward bifurcation and spatial mobility in epidemiology.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that lung cancer patients with comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, or congestive heart failure had a higher risk of death. These patients also experienced poorer survival rates at each stage of the disease.
Researchers used whole genome sequencing to investigate a bacterial outbreak in a neonatal unit, finding all but one baby were infected with the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The technology enabled rapid response infection control protocols, stopping the spread of infection and protecting vulnerable patients.
A study by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that one in four nursing home residents harbor MRSA, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene to prevent transmission. The research identified high-risk activities that increase the risk of glove or gown contamination, including dressing and transferring residents.
Researchers found that 95% of patients with incorrect diagnoses were given inappropriate antibiotics, while only 38% of those with correct diagnoses received incorrect treatment. Diagnostic accuracy is crucial for safe antibiotic use.
A new study found that individuals who visited the emergency department four or more times in the past year were 48 times more likely to die from a prescription drug overdose. The research, published in Annals of Epidemiology, highlights the importance of ER visits as a predictor of overdose risk.
A new study found that one in five nursing home residents with advanced dementia harbor strains of drug-resistant bacteria, with over 10% resistant to four or more antibiotic classes. Researchers detected genetically related bacteria in 82% of the 22 nursing homes studied.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new guidelines for contact precautions for hospital visitors, aiming to strike a balance between visitor and patient safety. The recommendations vary by pathogen type, with special considerations for immunocompromised visitors or those unable to practice good hand hygiene.