Two Virginia Tech professors, Amy Pruden and Marc Edwards, are leading studies on antibiotic resistance in recycled water and plumbing. Their research aims to identify effective disinfectants and designs for preventing the spread of resistant bacteria in water systems, a growing concern that affects public health.
A culturally tailored multilevel strategy increased HPV vaccination rates among low-income, mostly Chinese American adolescent girls and boys. The intervention, which engaged pediatricians, parents, and adolescents through various channels, showed a significant increase in vaccine uptake compared to control groups.
Research finds that states with poor access to a comprehensive trauma center have more deaths occurring before injured patients arrive at a hospital. Improving access to care and reducing prehospital deaths can lead to lower overall trauma-related mortality.
A national analysis found a significant increase in unhealthy days among sexual minorities in Indiana following the passage of a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This rise was not seen in neighboring states or heterosexual populations, suggesting the law's impact on public health.
A systematic review by CDC researchers found that HIV-related stigma varies by gender, race, provider category, and clinical setting. Inadvertent behaviors and beliefs, such as homophobia and negative views of people who inject drugs, can create barriers to HIV prevention and treatment.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that US public and private health insurance policies are inconsistent in covering non-drug treatments for lower back pain. Most plans lacked clear coverage terms for acupuncture, psychological counseling, and physical therapy, with only a few covering these alternatives.
A new study by George Mason University found an estimated 2,035 emergency department visits from e-cigarette explosion and burn injuries between 2015-2017, underscoring the need for improved surveillance and regulation. The devices contain harmful substances like nicotine and ultrafine particles, posing serious health risks.
Researchers found that 86% of patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma showed elevated T cell activity after receiving the DNA vaccine. The study also describes a patient who developed metastatic disease but achieved remission after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Researchers found that combining electronic health records with traditional surveillance data improves flu season forecasting accuracy. The most predictive data sets came from the CDC's ILINet and clinical lab data, which were combined with athenahealth's data for improved results.
A review of twelve studies found that probiotics reduced antibiotic prescriptions by 29-53% in infants and children. The study suggests that probiotics may be a way to combat antibiotic resistance, with potential mechanisms including immune regulation and pathogen inhibition.
A 10-year US study found the highest Salmonella enterica serotype Newport infection incidence in the South and among children under 5. Antimicrobial resistance rates were also highest, with 88% of isolates susceptible to all tested antimicrobials.
The new guidelines standardize a framework for recognizing, treating and managing a child's recovery from mild traumatic brain injury. Key recommendations include screening for risk factors, safe prescribing and education for children and families.
A new CDC treatment guideline for children with concussions provides guidance on diagnosis, management, and follow-up care. The guideline recommends validated symptom scales for diagnosis and assessing risk factors for prolonged recovery.
The CDC has published a comprehensive guideline for the diagnosis and management of pediatric mTBI, which covers diagnosis, prognosis, management and treatment for all causes of pediatric mTBI. The guideline includes 19 sets of recommendations for healthcare professionals to take to improve health outcomes.
The CDC guideline provides 19 recommendations for diagnosing, managing, and treating mild traumatic brain injury in children, including return to school and symptom management. The guideline aims to improve clinical decision-making and treatment outcomes for pediatric concussions.
Researchers analyzed over 400 anthrax strains and found that human and animal samples tend to have more virulent plasmids than environmental sources. The study suggests a correlation between plasmid copy number and virulence, offering new insights into the severity of specific anthrax strains.
The Phase 1 clinical trial will analyze the immune response and assess the safety of the experimental vaccine, which has shown promise in earlier tests in rhesus macaques. The trial is designed to enroll 28 healthy adults and will last up to one year.
A new study finds that lesbian, gay and bisexual adults have similar rates of health insurance as their straight peers but are more likely to avoid necessary medical treatment due to cost. They also report higher levels of poor health days and mental health issues compared to their straight counterparts.
The International Antiviral Society-USA has updated its recommendations for treating, preventing HIV infection, emphasizing advances in prevention and treatment. The new guidelines cover initiating therapy, monitoring individuals starting therapy, changing regimens, and preventing HIV infection for those at risk.
The National Academies have released a report on the intersection of opioid use disorder and infectious diseases, highlighting the urgent need for integrated treatment strategies. The report suggests five action steps to target both opioid use disorder and its resulting rise in infectious diseases, including screening for OUD, implemen...
A Vanderbilt University study reveals that legalizing same-sex marriage has improved healthcare access for gay men, with increased likelihood of having health insurance and a usual source of care. However, no significant improvements were seen in mental health or negative health behaviors.
A novel online HIV prevention program has reduced sexually transmitted infections in gay young men by 40 percent, reports a Northwestern Medicine study. The program, Keep It Up!, weaves HIV prevention information into the typical experiences of young gay men, targeting settings such as dating and starting new relationships.
A new study from the CDC estimates substantial numbers of people infected with HIV, but unaware of their infection, weren
A clinical trial testing an experimental RSV vaccine is underway at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. The study aims to examine the safety and immune response of the vaccine, with the goal of protecting vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and older adults from severe illness.
A UNC study found that administering the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy significantly reduces the occurrence of infant pertussis, with a 75% decrease in hospitalizations and a 46% decrease in all cases. The study suggests optimal timing of immunization between 27-36 weeks of pregnancy.
A study found that parents of adolescents believe the potential to prevent certain types of cancer is the most persuasive reason for their children to receive the HPV vaccine. The researchers evaluated 11 reasons healthcare providers typically give for HPV vaccination and ranked them according to their persuasiveness.
Researchers found that children in WIC households ate more fruits and vegetables, while a CDC study assessed local government incentives for healthy food options. Model estimates also show banning trans fats could reduce health disparities and save billions in healthcare costs.
The article highlights conflicting guidance on opioid prescribing, potentially jeopardizing pain management for patients with cancer. Key areas of concern include CDC guideline recommendations that don't align with NCCN guidelines, and the lack of evidence for non-pharmacologic treatments to manage moderate to severe pain.
A new CDC study reveals that permethrin-treated clothing is effective in repelling disease-carrying ticks, with the insects experiencing sluggish movement after contact. The study found strong toxic effects on three primary tick species, including blacklegged and lone star ticks.
A national analysis found treatment costs for drug-resistant MRSA infections are similar to those of susceptible MSSA infections. Researchers attribute the lower costs to factors such as price differences in drugs and possible misdiagnosis or coding errors.
The Massachusetts Public Health Department has received a $100,000 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to subsidize tick testing for residents. The program aims to track the incidence and spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses in the state.
A new study from Boston University has identified larger-than-expected families of genes related to the mammalian immune system in the Egyptian fruit bat. This finding may lead to a deeper understanding of virus transmission and better treatments for humans infected with deadly pathogens.
The US autism prevalence has increased by an average of 15 percent, reaching a national rate of 1.7 percent among childhood population, while New Jersey remains the state with the highest autism rate at 2.9 percent, according to a report by Rutgers researchers.
Scientists have identified immune-related genes in Egyptian fruit bats that suggest a different approach to viral infections. The study found expanded and diversified natural killer cell receptors, MHC class I genes, and type I interferons in bats, which may enable them to tolerate viruses without symptoms.
A groundbreaking study by Case Western Reserve University estimates that exposure to domestic violence carries significant long-term consequences for children and society. The research found that the average cost to the national economy over a child's lifetime is nearly $50,000, including increased medical costs, violent crimes, and pr...
Researchers found epigenetic changes in saliva linked to childhood trauma and autism spectrum disorder, suggesting saliva as a potential biomarker. The study aimed to identify early markers of abuse-related deaths and ASD diagnosis, providing insights into the impact of early life experiences on health outcomes.
Researchers found an association between certain risk-related terms on Google Trends and subsequent syphilis trends reported to the CDC. The Twitter-based model predicted state-level trends in syphilis with 90% accuracy, allowing for early warning systems to be developed.
A single foodborne outbreak could cost a restaurant millions of dollars in lost revenue, fines, lawsuits, legal fees, insurance premium increases, inspection costs and staff retraining. Foodborne illness outbreaks can have large, reverberating consequences regardless of the size of the restaurant.
Researchers analyzed the genome of a deadly, drug-resistant bacterial strain to identify molecular drivers of resistance. The study found four genes responsible for resistance to beta-lactams and other antibiotics.
Researchers have determined the molecular target and mechanism of action of fidaxomicin, a front-line antibiotic for treating Clostridium difficile infections. The study reveals that fidaxomicin inhibits bacterial RNA polymerase through a unique binding site and mechanism, allowing it to target resistant strains.
Researchers present a modified small-molecule drug that targets the RNA polymerase subunit of the influenza virus, reducing its ability to replicate and spread. The compound could potentially eliminate the virus or slow down its reproduction, offering a new treatment option for patients with flu.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered heteroresistance to colistin in already carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, making it harder to monitor and treat. The findings pose a significant threat to public health, highlighting the need for novel diagnostics to rapidly detect colistin resistance.
Researchers detected yellow fever virus in urine and semen samples from a patient who survived the disease almost a month after infection. The discovery suggests the virus may be contagious for a period longer than previously thought, potentially allowing asymptomatic individuals to transmit the disease.
A new analysis from Duke University Medical Center reveals that childhood obesity rates have increased by 4.7% since 2014, affecting 35.1% of US children aged 2-19. The study also shows significant disparities in obesity rates among different ethnic groups.
A new study found that adolescents with sexual orientation discordance are 70% more likely to experience suicidal ideas or attempts compared to those with concordant orientations. This association remains even after controlling for other factors, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to support youth.
A 26-year-old Oregon woman became the first known human to be infected with Thelazia gulosa, a type of cattle eyeworm, after possibly being bitten by an infected fly while fishing in Alaska. She underwent treatment at OHSU and removed all 14 worms from her eye over the course of a month.
A new study reveals that North Americans may be more susceptible to eye worm parasitic infections due to the presence of fruit flies carrying a third species of eye worms. The Oregon woman's case marks the first known human infection with Thelazia gulosa, previously seen only in cattle.
Researchers developed a universal vaccine to combat influenza A viruses, producing long-lasting immunity in mice and protecting them against seasonal flu vaccines. The nanoparticles target the stalk of the HA protein, offering universal protection against various influenza viruses.
A study suggests that age 25 would be the most beneficial age for a one-time screening HIV test of the general population, improving rates of HIV diagnosis and overall health outcomes. However, youth at high risk should be tested more frequently.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have discovered a genetic mutation in the FluMist intranasal flu vaccine that has the potential to be altered to enhance its protective effect. The mutation reduces virus production, but reversing it makes the virus more active and induces a stronger immune response.
A new meningococcal vaccine, MenB-4C (Bexsero), has been shown to cover up to 91% of bacterial strains causing invasive serogroup B meningococcal disease in children and young adults. The vaccine contains four antigens that induce an immune response against the bacteria.
The American College of Physicians and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend screening at-risk adults, increasing hepatitis B vaccination rates, and linking infected persons to care. This can help reduce transmission and complications associated with chronic hepatitis B infection.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise physicians to vaccinate all unvaccinated adults against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and screen high-risk persons. This can help reduce chronic HBV infections, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and premature death.
Researchers aim to understand why eating late disrupts natural circadian rhythms and affects weight, glucose, and hormone levels. They will conduct a randomized, long-term study on adults with obesity to compare weight and metabolic effects of daytime versus delayed eating schedules.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has been awarded a $9 million grant by the CDC to explore innovative solutions to the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. The grant will support a pilot investigation using human genomic technology to track person-to-person transmission of pathogens.
A new Yale study finds that Medicare plans place few restrictions on the coverage of prescription opioids, despite federal guidelines recommending such restrictions. The researchers highlighted an untapped opportunity for Medicare formularies to limit opioid prescribing, citing a modest increase in opiate coverage between 2006 and 2015.
PrEP prescriptions increased by 976% in NYC between 2014 and 2016, but men of color, women, and those outside city centers were less likely to receive the HIV prevention medication. Many medical students and healthcare providers remain unaware of PrEP's benefits, highlighting the need for education and outreach programs.
A longitudinal neuroimaging study found that fetal MRI can detect brain damage caused by Zika exposure in utero more effectively than standard ultrasound. The study revealed three pregnancies with abnormal fetal MRIs showing extensive areas of brain damage, which were not detected by ultrasound.
A new NIH-funded study aims to develop evidence-based treatments for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, a condition affecting newborns exposed to opioids during pregnancy. The Advancing Clinical Trials in Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (ACT NOW) project will evaluate treatment options and develop research protocols.
Emergency room patients prescribed opioids are less likely to become long-term users, with prescriptions exceeding 7 days decreasing by 84-91% in ER settings. This study suggests that adherence to CDC guidelines may contribute to reduced opioid misuse.