A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 studies reveals that hospitalized patients with PICCs are just as likely to develop bloodstream infections as those with other types of CVCs. The study highlights the need for adherence to proven prevention strategies in non-critical care settings.
A new study published in Epidemiology found no correlation between prenatal mercury exposure and autism spectrum-like behaviors among children in the Republic of Seychelles. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,700 participants, suggests that low-level exposure to mercury may not contribute to developmental problems.
Research at University of Southampton reveals that youthful extroversion and emotional stability significantly influence happiness and well-being in later adulthood. Neuroticism, on the other hand, is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
The article reviews the epidemiology, characteristics, and prevention of West Nile virus, which has produced the largest arboviral neuroinvasive disease outbreaks in the US. The authors highlight the importance of sustainable community-based surveillance and vector management programs.
A study of 601 women with breast cancer found that African-American women were more likely to experience delay in treatment due to type of treatment received or younger age. White women experienced delay if they underwent immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy.
A 2011 outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections at Beaumont Health System was attributed to contaminated ultrasound gel. The investigation highlighted the need for increased scrutiny of medical products and led to proposed guidelines for sterile ultrasound gel usage.
Researchers screened patients at a long-term acute care hospital in Virginia for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and found transmission occurring among patients and between facilities. The study highlights the risk of CRE spread through patient transitions, emphasizing the need for improved infection control measures.
Researchers are developing innovative systems to track infectious diseases, leveraging the internet and mobile phones. Digital epidemiology enhances transparency and understanding of outbreaks, predicting increased importance in future public health efforts.
A study of 7268 participants found that individuals who reported stress affecting their health were twice as likely to have or die from a heart attack. The researchers suggest that patients' perceptions of stress impact on their health can be an accurate predictor of coronary disease.
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology reveals that small community hospitals experience a higher rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia than larger hospitals. The study found that patients on ventilators had long hospital stays and high mortality rates, suggesting that these under-resourced settings may ...
A recent study has found that physicians are often poorly informed about the side effects of prescription drugs, with medical sales reps dominating discussions and rarely disclosing serious risks. The research highlights a concerning trend in the pharmaceutical industry's information practices.
Research estimates that CLABSI prevention strategies have prevented up to 200,000 central line-associated bloodstream infections among ICU patients in the US since 1990. New technologies and guidelines have improved central line insertion and maintenance practices, reducing healthcare-associated infections nationwide.
A study using genome sequencing technology revealed that pneumococcal bacteria population shifted from targeted vaccine strains to rare, pre-existing types, explaining the vaccine's effectiveness. This breakthrough enables real-time surveillance of bacterial populations, improving understanding of vaccination effectiveness and future d...
Researchers found obese men were more likely to have precancerous lesions detected in their benign prostate biopsies compared to non-obese men. Obesity was also associated with a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer after an initial benign biopsy, particularly in the first few years after.
Professor Diez-Perez has advanced understanding of osteoporosis through original scientific contributions, including epidemiology and clinical care. He is recognized for promoting medical innovation and improving patient outcomes.
The European Union faces a significant burden of osteoporosis, with 22 million women and 5.5 million men affected. The annual economic cost of new and prior fragility fractures is €37 billion, with costs expected to increase by 25% by 2025.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identify 14 genetic targets associated with heart rate, which could lead to new drugs for treating cardiovascular disease. The study's findings also shed light on the genetic regulation of heartbeats and cardiac conduction disorders.
Unused medical supplies can become contaminated with multidrug-resistant organisms, leading to increased healthcare costs. Hydrogen peroxide vapor disinfection has been shown to effectively sanitize the outside of packages, reducing contamination rates and associated costs.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that a dedicated daily cleaning crew can effectively reduce C. difficile contamination in hospital rooms. The intervention included a standardized disinfection process, which significantly improved disinfection rates compared to traditional cleaning practices.
A new study found that placing copper objects in ICU hospital rooms reduced the number of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) by over half. The study showed significant reductions in HAI rates among patients in rooms with copper surfaces compared to traditional rooms.
A study published in Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology found that states with high rates of gun ownership and political conservatism have higher suicide rates. However, a higher percentage of church-goers at the state level was associated with reduced individual suicide risk. The study analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 20...
The number of cancer survivors in the US is projected to increase from 13.7 million in 2012 to 18 million by 2022, with two-thirds of those over age 65. The report highlights disparities in survival rates across different cancer subtypes.
A new study by Michigan State University found that about four percent of HIV-positive individuals also have hepatitis, highlighting the need for stronger protections against co-infection. The study reveals that behaviors putting people at risk of HIV also increase their risk of getting hepatitis B or C.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 Scientific Sessions found that physically active healthcare providers were significantly more likely to counsel their patients on incorporating daily physical activity into their lives. The findings suggest...
A recent study reveals that antibiotic-resistant E. coli strain ST131 is increasingly found in hospitals and long-term care facilities, particularly among older adults and nursing home residents. The study found that LTCF residence was the strongest predictor of ST131 infection, with LTCF residents having 8 times the risk of contractin...
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology highlights the need to improve antibiotic use in outpatient dialysis facilities. Nearly one-third of antibiotic prescriptions were classified as inappropriate, with blood-stream infections being the most common misdiagnosed infection based on unmet criteria.
The authors implemented an electronic data collection tool in a large referral hospital in southern Malawi, using the Surveillance Programme of IN-patients and Epidemiology (SPINE) system. This tool allows for accurate assessment of disease burden and monitoring of changing patterns of disease at the hospital.
A new study confirms that children of mothers with obesity are four times more likely to experience frequent wheezing during the first 14 months of life. This finding suggests a potential intergenerational link between maternal obesity and asthma, highlighting the importance of weight management before pregnancy.
A large study found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from air pollution is associated with increased deaths among patients who have had a heart attack. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, suggests that higher levels of PM2.5 are linked to greater mortality rates.
A study published in Blood found that certain chemotherapies increase a patient's risk of developing therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (tAML), a rare but frequently fatal condition. The risk varies by type of cancer and year of diagnosis, with some patients facing higher risks more than 10 years after their initial diagnosis.
A study found community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strains are common in nursing homes, with 20 out of 22 facilities testing positive. CA-MRSA was more prevalent among residents under 65 and those from Hispanic backgrounds.
The Northwell Health system has received a federal grant to train Hampton University students on the racial disparities in prostate cancer treatments. The program aims to improve treatment outcomes for African American men, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
A new study from the University of Oxford found that vegetarians have a 32% lower risk of hospitalisation or death from heart disease compared to meat-eaters. The study analyzed data from almost 45,000 volunteers and found that vegetarian diets were associated with lower blood pressures and cholesterol levels.
A new study found a strong association between childhood abuse and an increased risk of uterine fibroids in adulthood among African-American women. Women who experienced physical or sexual abuse before age 11 had a higher incidence of fibroids, with the risk increasing with severity.
A study found that smoke-free legislation implemented in 2006 led to a 11% decrease in acute myocardial infarctions, mainly among non-smokers and older adults. The reduction is attributed to decreased passive exposure to tobacco smoke.
A new study found that the Safe Routes to School program significantly reduced pedestrian injury rates among school-age children in New York City. The program's interventions, including improved traffic signals and crosswalks, led to a 44% drop in injuries during peak walking times.
Researchers found that mothers with higher levels of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy had fatter children. Conversely, those with higher levels of n-3 PUFAs had less fat and more muscle in their offspring. This discovery could lead to a beneficial diet strategy for pregnant women.
A new study found that unnecessary antibiotics increase the risk of recurrence of deadly Clostridium difficile infections. Researchers reviewed patient cases and found that 77% of patients received at least one dose of unnecessary antibiotic, leading to a substantial increased risk of recurrence.
A new study emphasizes the importance of including infection prevention and control in hospital preparedness plans for flooding. Key findings include the need for cleaning and disinfection, remediation of mold, and post-flood surveillance to prevent outbreaks of flood-related infectious diseases.
Women deficient in vitamin D early in pregnancy are more likely to deliver babies with lower birth weights. Maternal vitamin D deficiency may impact fetal growth by reducing calcium absorption and glucose production, leading to a higher risk of small for gestational age births.
A new Mayo Clinic study suggests that many people, especially men, with fibromyalgia symptoms are going undiagnosed. Researchers estimate that 6.4% of adults in Olmsted County have fibromyalgia, yet only a small percentage receive an official diagnosis.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that children who ate family meals with their parents consumed more fruit and vegetables, reaching recommended daily targets. Those who always ate together had higher nutrient intake than those who sometimes or never did so.
A study found that contact precautions for patients with drug-resistant infections reduced visits by healthcare workers, but increased hand hygiene compliance upon exiting patients' rooms. However, this intervention had negative effects on patient care and mental wellbeing.
A Canadian hospital detected New Delhi Metallo-ß-lactamase-1-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (NDM1-Kp), a multidrug-resistant bacteria. The bacteria was found in seven patients, acquired through direct contact with an index patient.
The Rochester Epidemiology Project is a comprehensive medical records pool making Olmsted County, Minn., one of the few places to study virtually an entire geographic population. The project has supported over 2,000 studies, including findings on dementia, ADHD, and skin cancer.
A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who suffered abuse before age 11 had a greater likelihood of developing adult-onset asthma. The study followed 28,456 women and found an increased incidence of asthma among those who experienced physical abuse during childhood.
A new study tracked nearly 7,000 adults from age 11 to 45 and found that men and women with higher intelligence in childhood were less likely to develop chronic widespread pain. The study also showed that individuals with lower intelligence at age 11 had a higher risk of developing CWP.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered a novel molecular basis for depression, finding the FTO gene is associated with an eight per cent reduction in the risk of depression. The study found no link between obesity and depression, contradicting common perception that obese individuals are more likely to be depressed.
A 40-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that smokers who reduced their cigarette consumption saw a 15% reduced risk of mortality and a 23% reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. Formerly heavy smokers had the most to gain from smoking reduction.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America proposes guidelines to minimize the risk of infection from contaminated ultrasound gel. The guidelines suggest using sterile, single-dose ultrasound gel in invasive procedures involving non-intact skin or fresh surgical wounds.
A study found that most patients believe healthcare workers should wash their hands before and after patient care, but only a minority feel comfortable asking them to do so. The study suggests that patient empowerment is key to improving hand hygiene behaviors among healthcare workers.
A study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers found that regular green tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of digestive system cancers, particularly for stomach/esophagus and colorectal cancers. Women who drank green tea at least three times a week had a 17-21% lower risk compared to non-tea drinkers.
A recent study suggests that fecal microbiota therapy may help pediatric patients with recurrent C. diff. diarrhea, while another study highlights the increased risk of health complications in hospitalized children with CDI, including longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that low depressive symptoms and longer telomere length are associated with prolonged survival in bladder cancer patients. Patients with short telomeres and high levels of depression have a three-fold risk of mortality.
A study involving over 1,400 office visits found that quarterly monitoring and feedback nearly halved inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for pneumonia from 16% to 4%. The intervention used electronic health records to provide clinicians with updated prescribing guidelines and comparing their habits to others within their practice.
Researchers used UV-C to eliminate Acinetobacter and Clostridium difficile bacteria from patient room surfaces, reducing CFUs by 98.1% and 97.9%, respectively. The study suggests UV light could be a promising addition to hospital infection control strategies.
A study of nearly 75,000 ICU patients in 43 hospitals shows that daily antimicrobial soap and ointment use significantly decreases bloodstream infection rates. The approach, known as universal decolonization, resulted in a 44% reduction in MRSA-related infections.
A recent study found that annualized death rates were 4.6-fold higher for female alcohol-dependent individuals and 1.9-fold higher for males compared to the general population. The study also revealed that females with AD had significantly lower life expectancy, with a mean age at death of 60 years.
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a lower-than-expected incidence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) at a nationwide retail pharmacy chain. The study revealed that the annual NSI rate was between 0 to 3.62 per 100,000 vaccinations, with most incidents occurring after use and disposal of needles.
A genotyping study identified a hematology clinic outbreak of Mycobacterium mucogenicum, a gram-positive bacteria found in tap water. The bacteria was linked to contaminated faucet aerators and improved infection control practices were implemented.