A new VCU study suggests using antimicrobial impregnated scrubs combined with good hand hygiene can effectively reduce MRSA burden on healthcare workers' apparel. The study found that antimicrobial scrubs reduced the bioburden of MRSA on healthcare worker apparel, but did not impact hand hygiene practices.
A 2010 outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Wisconsin was linked to a hospital's decorative fountain, highlighting the risk of indoor water fountains in healthcare settings. The study recommends strict maintenance procedures and periodic bacteriologic monitoring to reduce the risk of Legionella transmission.
A new study led by Patricia Coogan found that cumulative levels of nitrogen oxides increase the risks of type 2 diabetes and hypertension in African-American women. Exposure to particulate matter also showed a significant association with increased risk, but evidence was weaker.
Coogan will investigate the effects of air pollution on hypertension and diabetes incidence in African American women, using data from the Black Women's Health Study. The study aims to inform public policy on air quality regulation and provide insight into a novel pathway whereby air pollution causes cardiovascular events.
A University of Maryland study found that restricting blood transfusions after hip surgery did not harm patients and may even be unnecessary for some. The research included over 2,000 patients with anemia after hip fracture and showed no significant difference in recovery rates between those who received moderate transfusions and those...
A California hospital raised its employee influenza vaccination rate above 90 percent by implementing a mandatory vaccination policy. The study, published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, found that voluntary programs alone were insufficient to achieve meaningful increases in flu vaccination rates.
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that patients moved into isolation during hospitalization are nearly twice as likely to develop delirium. The researchers suggest that underlying illness may be the cause of this association.
A study found that only 21% of surveyed medical students could identify correct hand hygiene indications, highlighting a significant gap in knowledge. Medical students believed their own compliance would be higher than nurses', despite data showing the opposite.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that 43 healthcare workers who never used masks during patient encounters became infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus, while 20 who wore masks at least once did not contract the disease. The findings highlight the importance of proper mask use among healthcare workers.
Researchers found that consuming canned soup daily led to a 1,221% increase in urinary BPA concentrations compared to fresh soup consumption. Elevated BPA levels may be temporary but highlight concerns for individuals who regularly consume foods from cans.
A decade-long study found that rehabilitating vacant lots reduces gun assaults across most of Philadelphia and vandalism in one section. Greening also associated with residents reporting less stress and more exercise in certain sections.
A study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found that moderate beer consumption can lower cardiovascular disease risk by up to 31% compared to non-drinkers. The research also revealed a dose-dependent effect for beer, with maximum protection observed at approximately one English pint per day.
A six-month telephone-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program improved symptoms of chronic widespread pain, with significant benefits reported three months after treatment ended. Exercise also showed substantial improvements in self-rated global health.
The study reveals that while the Hib vaccine has reduced Hib disease in young children, other strains of the bacteria continue to cause substantial disease in older adults and infants. The burden of disease is highest among the elderly and youngest age groups, with nearly a quarter of cases being fatal.
A study of over 7,000 patient contacts found that healthcare workers wearing latex gloves were less likely to clean their hands before and after patient contact. The researchers call this phenomenon the 'Dirty Hand in the Latex Glove,' highlighting an opportunity for improved hand hygiene practices when using gloves.
The STROBE-ME guidelines provide a checklist for accurately reporting molecular epidemiology studies, aiming to clarify mechanisms, identify disease susceptibility, and improve diagnoses. By using these guidelines, researchers can strengthen the reporting of their studies and ensure transparent findings.
A large study found that daughters of women given diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy face an increased risk of reproductive problems and certain cancers. The study also found a twofold higher risk of infertility and a fivefold increased risk of preterm delivery among DES-exposed women.
A study found that residential washing machines often can't kill dangerous hospital-acquired bacteria at lower water temperatures. Washing with hot water and ironing afterwards can eliminate MRSA and Acinetobacter from uniforms.
A recent study found that receiving care in a hallway bed was the strongest predictor of healthcare providers not washing their hands. The researchers observed providers wearing gloves instead of washing their hands, and workers who transport patients between departments were less likely to wash their hands due to inadequate training.
A team of researchers, led by Michael Levy, have traced the spread of Chagas disease in Peru using advanced mathematical methods and door-to-door surveys. They found that the parasite was introduced into the region around 20 years ago, with most infections occurring over the last decade.
Research reveals a strong association between stress and tumor aggressiveness in black and Hispanic breast cancer patients, compared to white patients. The study found that higher levels of psychosocial stress were linked to more aggressive tumors, suggesting potential impact on treatment outcomes.
A study found that flu vaccination rates among nursing home healthcare workers significantly reduced flu outbreaks, with a 87% decrease when 51-75% of staff were vaccinated. Higher resident vaccination rates surprisingly correlated with increased outbreak risk, highlighting the importance of vaccinating healthcare personnel.
A study on Alexander Litvinenko's care reveals that hospital staff involved in routine daily activities, such as handling patient blood and urine samples, were at higher risk of radiation contamination. The findings suggest that more attention should be given to infection control practices during these daily activities.
A study found that Afghan patients at a US military hospital in Afghanistan carry multidrug-resistant bacteria, posing a risk to both local and foreign patients. The high rate of MDR bacteria among Afghans is partly due to longer hospital stays.
A study by Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center found that high parity was associated with a 50% increase in the incidence of estrogen-receptor negative (ER-) breast cancer, but only among women who had not breastfed. Breastfeeding was also linked to a reduced risk of ER- breast cancer, particularly in African-American women.
Ruth Carrico, an associate professor at the University of Louisville, has been named one of 21 RWJF Executive Nurse Fellows. The program aims to enhance nurse leaders' effectiveness in improving the US healthcare system, with a focus on addressing health care-associated infections.
Research published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found a significant association between pre-pregnancy obesity and asthma-like respiratory symptoms in adolescents. Teenagers whose mothers were severely overweight before pregnancy were 20-30% more likely to wheeze or have asthma.
A recent investigation found that a common strain of C. difficile, known as BI/NAP1, is endemic in Chicago-area acute care hospitals, putting patients at risk for severe disease. The outbreak strain was spread through patient transfers between healthcare facilities.
Researchers identified five core themes for successful implementation of evidence-based practices in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) to reduce Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Engaging front-line staff, building multi-disciplinary teams, and acquiring top management support are critical commonalities.
A study found that there is limited guidance and no consensus on optimal survey research reporting, leading to under-reported key criteria. The authors advocate for a well-developed guideline to ensure complete reporting and clearer review of results.
A study found that only 59.8% of health care students had documentation of complete hepatitis B vaccination, while 83.8% were protected against infection when tested for antibodies. The rates are lower than the US government's Healthy People 2010 goal of 90% hepatitis B vaccination coverage among health care workers.
A bacterial outbreak of Burholderia cepacia complex was linked to contaminated nasal spray products, leading to a national recall. The investigation highlighted the need for improved testing protocols in the production and distribution of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
A 10-year longitudinal study found that adolescents who dieted in early adolescence were at increased risk of continuing these behaviors in young adulthood. The study's findings emphasize the importance of addressing disordered eating behaviors from an early age to prevent obesity and related health issues.
A new study found that people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes can expect to live up to 15 years longer than previously thought. The study, published in the American Diabetes Association's 71st Scientific Sessions, analyzed data from a 30-year prospective study and found a significant improvement in life expectancy among participants.
A Canadian study suggests doctors may be overprescribing antibiotics for home-care patients, with younger and sicker individuals being at a higher risk of misuse. The most common class of antibiotics prescribed was fluoroquinolones, which could weaken their efficacy against emerging infections.
A study found that applying glowing gel to children's hands in a waiting room improved their hand washing skills, even without additional education. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in cleanliness scores among all participants, regardless of whether they received verbal handwashing lessons.
Geisinger Health System achieved a high flu vaccination rate of over 92% among employees through a modified mandatory program. The system required staff to wear masks for non-vaccinated employees, resulting in improved team building and full vaccination rates.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have updated their 2003 joint guideline to ensure safe reprocessing of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes. The guidelines emphasize the importance of high-level disinfection and standardized cleaning procedures.
Researchers found that combined exposure to the three chemicals increases the risk of Parkinson's disease threefold. People who live and work near fields sprayed with these pesticides experience the greatest increase in risk.
A new study found that Southern European groups can attribute up to 3% of their genetic signature to African ancestry, with mixing dating back 1,600 years. Middle Eastern groups have inherited 4-15% African ancestry, and Jewish populations 3-5%.
Regular cultural activities like visiting museums and theatres improve mental health in adults, with receptive cultural activities showing greatest benefits for men. Engaging in creative or active cultural activities also has positive effects on perceived health and well-being.
A large-scale study found that men who drink coffee regularly have a lower risk of developing lethal prostate cancer. The study, led by Harvard School of Public Health researchers, also showed that decaf and regular coffee both reduced the risk, with even moderate consumption offering significant protection.
Researchers discovered a novel strain of Staphylococcus aureus, ST398, in an Iowa child care worker who reported no contact with livestock. The finding is an unexpected occurrence in a study examining the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in child day care facilities.
A study of over 6.6 million California births from 1990 to 2002 found that children conceived in winter had a significantly greater risk of autism. The risk increased progressively throughout the fall and winter months, with the highest risk seen in March.
The University Health System increased flu vaccinations rates from 59 percent to 77 percent through interventions including vaccine kits, educational conferences and a dashboard to track vaccination rates. The effort led to the hospital surpassing national average for healthcare worker vaccination rates.
A retrospective cohort study found that early antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces mortality among HIV-infected adults with tuberculosis. Additionally, the inclusion of five psychotropic medicines in emergency health kits addresses a fundamental inequity in mental healthcare during humanitarian emergencies.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital estimates that over 1 in 10 catheter-related bloodstream infections due to Staph aureus in hospitalized adults are caused by infected peripheral venous catheters. The study highlights the substantial medical burden of complications from these infections.
A recent study found that medication use among pregnant women is widespread and varies by socioeconomic status, maternal age, race/ethnicity, and state of residence. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of prescription medications during the first trimester, with antidepressants showing dramatic increases.
A recent study published by the American Association for Cancer Research found that consuming soy food did not increase the risk of cancer recurrence or death among breast cancer survivors. In fact, women who consumed more soy isoflavones had a reduced risk of mortality and cancer recurrence compared to those with lower intake levels.
Researchers have found alarming rates of antibiotic use and the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia. Electronic faucets are also more likely to become contaminated with bacteria compared to traditional faucets.
A multidisciplinary team identified digoxin as a possible therapy for prostate cancer through drug repositioning. Regular digoxin use reduced the risk of prostate cancer by 24% and 46% for long-term users, respectively.
The National Centre for HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research has launched its new identity as the Kirby Institute, with a focus on broader work beyond HIV. The institute has received a $10m donation from The Atlantic Philanthropies to support new facilities and research.
A recent study by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found a dramatic increase in the use of carbapenems, powerful last-resort antibiotics, over five years. This trend is alarming as carbapenem-resistant bacteria become more common, weakening their effectiveness against emerging infections.
Researchers discovered a single genetic variation associated with a 19% decrease in bladder cancer risk and longer telomeres, which guard against chromosomal damage. The finding provides new clues for understanding the causes of bladder cancer and developing therapies to reduce cancer risk.
The US CDC has released updated guidelines for preventing intravascular catheter-related infections, aiming to eliminate these deadly and costly healthcare-associated infections. The new guide outlines five key prevention strategies based on scientific evidence, which have been proven successful in reducing infections in hospitals.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine found that electronic faucets carry high levels of bacteria, including Legionella spp., compared to traditional manually operated faucets. The findings led to the decision to replace electronic faucets with manual ones in clinical areas.
The American Association for Cancer Research and the Landon Foundation will present three INNOVATOR Awards to recognize emerging mid-career researchers. The awards support innovation in cancer prevention, international collaboration, and personalized medicine research.
A team of international researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and University of Washington have made significant contributions to understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. They developed the HPV vaccine, which has the potential to prevent over half a million HPV-associated cancers worldwide.
Researchers found that including falls history with clinical risk factors and bone mineral density values significantly enhances the accuracy of fracture prediction models. The study showed a 6% improvement in accuracy for men, with positive predictive values of 21.5% and 29.8% for women.
Researchers detected high numbers of CRKP in long-term acute care hospitals, with 42% of cases occurring in these settings. The study highlights the need for heightened surveillance to monitor emerging pathogens like CRKP.