A considerable percentage of HIV-related deaths are due to cryptococcal infections, with C. neoformans being the most common cause. The study highlights the importance of regular CrAg screening and preemptive therapy for high-risk individuals.
A new study by ISGlobal found that adults who had close contact with natural spaces during childhood may have a better mental health than those with less exposure. The results show lower scores in mental health tests for participants with lower childhood exposure to nature.
A study by ISGlobal and colleagues found that the RTS,S vaccine's protective effect increases with the strength of antibodies, not just their quantity. Children tend to have better protection due to higher avidity responses.
A new European study found that families with a higher socioeconomic position are at a greater risk of exposure to environmental chemical contaminants. Pregnant women and their children from more affluent backgrounds had higher levels of pollutants such as PFAS, mercury, and pesticides in their bodies.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found a strong link between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and improved cognitive function in children. The research, conducted in Spain, analyzed data from over 2,200 mother-child pairs and discovered that those who consumed more nuts during the first trimester sco...
A study by ISGlobal found that particulate matter exposure takes away 125,000 years of healthy life from European children each year. Air pollution is the leading cause of disease burden, followed by passive tobacco smoke.
A study found cervical cancer tumors without human papillomavirus (HPV) are rare but have a worse prognosis, diagnosed at advanced stages with higher metastasis rates.
A study by ISGlobal identifies West African regions where treating livestock with ivermectin can significantly impact malaria transmission. The analysis highlights the potential of this strategy to reduce malaria prevalence among children under 10 years of age and improve community health.
The project aims to integrate diabetes and hypertension services with HIV-infection services to test their efficacy and applicability. Chronic conditions are expected to overtake infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa within the next decade.
A new study reveals that chronic kidney disease of undetermined causes (CKDu) is present in rural India, particularly in Southern areas, and shares similar risk factors as in Central America and Sri Lanka. The disease affects mainly working-age populations and has a faster clinical evolution compared to traditional CKD.
A study by ISGlobal found that a higher omega-6:omega-3 ratio in umbilical cord plasma is associated with an increased risk of ADHD symptoms in children. The research suggests that maternal diet during pregnancy plays a crucial role in shaping the child's brain development and may impact their future health.
A two-week treatment course showed similar efficacy and fewer side effects than the standard eight-week treatment in adult patients with chronic Chagas disease. The results bring new hope for people living with this silent disease and could change access to treatment in endemic countries.
A new vector control strategy is being developed by BOHEMIA, which uses ivermectin mass administration to kill malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The project will conduct two clinical trials in Tanzania and Mozambique to evaluate the efficacy, safety, social science, and environmental impact of this approach.
Researchers at ISGlobal and ITM discovered that P. falciparum populations can develop resistance to certain antimalarial compounds by epigenetic changes in the expression of clag3 genes. This finding is significant because resistance acquired through epigenetic mechanisms can arise quickly, even during a single infection.
A study published in Nature Communications found that the 2008 recession was associated with a greater decline in mortality rates in Europe. The researchers analyzed data from 15 European countries and found that periods of economic recession were linked to lower levels of pollution, fewer accidents, and sedentary lifestyles.
A comprehensive exposome approach by Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) reveals early life exposure to parabens, phthalates, and PFAS associated with reduced lung function in children. The study highlights the importance of preventing exposure to chemical substances through regulation and labelling of consumer products.
Exposure to air pollution at school is linked to a higher risk of childhood obesity and overweight. The study found that children exposed to medium or high levels of air pollution had a higher risk of obesity and overweight compared to those with lower exposure.
A new study found that children with genetic variants related to intelligence and educational attainment have larger total brain volume. Conversely, those at higher risk for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have smaller caudate nucleus volume.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health found no association between exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy and an increase in blood pressure. In fact, higher exposure to phthalates, BPA, and parabens was linked to a decrease in blood pressure, particularly in the second trimester.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that childhood body composition plays a crucial role in determining future lung health. Boys and girls with higher muscle mass in childhood have higher lung function, while those with more fat mass have lower lung function.
A study led by ISGlobal identifies a simple algorithm that can predict mortality risk in newborns and babies after hospital discharge, particularly for those under three months old. The implementation of this model could contribute to reducing child mortality in low-income countries.
A Mediterranean diet during pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of accelerated growth in early infancy. Pregnant women with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet had a 32% lower risk of having children with an accelerated growth pattern compared to those who did not follow such diet.
A new study reveals that Plasmodium falciparum parasites can directly convert from their asexual to sexual form without an additional replication cycle, increasing the parasite's survival and transmission capabilities. This finding provides important information on the malaria parasite's lifecycle and its transmission to mosquitoes.
A study found associations between environmental pollutants and metabolic processes in pregnant women, with potential implications for foetal development and child health. Exposure to low levels of contaminants left an imprint on their metabolism.
A new study has found a significant association between long-term exposure to road traffic noise and the risk of obesity. The research, published in Environment International, involved 3796 adults who took part in the Swiss SAPALDIA cohort study and had attended at least two follow-up visits between 2001 and 2011.
A balanced pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine signature is associated with lower clinical malaria risk between ages 3-4. Early parasite exposure does not affect the risk, but may impact long-term immunity.
A study by ISGlobal and partners found that prenatal exposure to malaria significantly alters a newborn's innate immune response, particularly if the placenta is infected. This type of exposure may affect a baby's risk of developing malaria during their first year of life.
A recent study led by ISGlobal identifies new antibody markers associated with the RTS,S malaria vaccine's protective effects. The research reveals that IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies provide crucial protection against disease, while IgG2 and IgG4 may increase disease risk.
A new study reveals that heat increases gastroenteritis hospital admissions by 21% and cold by 7%, while rainfall decreases risk by 26%. Temperature plays a significant role in the increase of hospital admissions due to gastroenteritis, with hot temperatures mostly affecting foodborne cases.
People who daily commute through natural environments show improved mental health, with active commuting showing stronger benefits. The study, PHENOTYPE, analyzed over 3,600 participants from Europe, finding a 2.74-point higher score for those commuting daily.
A new study finds that regular physical activity improves lung function in current smokers, regardless of air pollution levels. The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, analyzed data from over 4,500 people and found that physical activity benefits even in areas with high air pollution.
A new approach for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been proposed, increasing physical activity levels by over 900 steps per day. The Urban Training intervention, developed by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, combines tailored components to address individual social and cultural factors.
Treating community dogs with systemic insecticides can significantly reduce visceral leishmaniasis transmission in Brazil. A mathematical model estimated that 70% of community dogs need to be treated with an 80% effective insecticide for six months to halve the number of cases.
A new study identifies 360 proteins in human reticulocyte exosomes that may work as a vaccine against vivax malaria. The findings support further studies on using reticulocyte exosomes and HuRex as a potential vaccine delivery platform.
A new study found that children carrying the ε4 variant of the APOE gene may experience adverse effects from traffic-related air pollution, including higher behaviour problem scores and slower attention capacity. The findings suggest that this genetic variant could exacerbate air pollution's impact on neurodevelopment.
A new study found that early childhood weight gain velocity and body mass index are associated with lower lung function at age 10. Children who reached peak body mass index later had better lung function and a lower risk of asthma.
Researchers at ISGlobal and Oxford University found that heart failure is a pathogenic mechanism in severe malaria, leading to higher mortality rates. The study identified four clusters of patients with respiratory distress and severe anaemia, where liver size increase was associated with higher mortality.
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.
A new study from Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that women living closer to urban green spaces had a lower risk of breast cancer. The study, which analysed data from over 3,600 women in Spain, concluded that proximity to parks or gardens was associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
A study of 30,000 pregnant women across nine European cities found associations between socio-economic status and exposure to environmental hazards such as air pollution, noise, and lack of green spaces. The findings highlight the need for urban planners to address environmental inequalities to reduce health disparities in pregnancy.
A study by ISGlobal found that cycling yields the best results in every analysis, linked to better self-perceived general health, mental health, and vitality. Walking is also beneficial, associated with greater vitality and more contact with friends and family.
The INTEROCC study found no clear association between occupational exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields and risk of glioma or meningioma. However, the researchers suggest that radiofrequency magnetic fields may be associated with increased tumour promotion, warranting further investigation.
A new tool predicts dengue outbreaks in the Caribbean after droughts and intense rainfall, helping plan interventions to reduce disease risk. The model, developed by ISGlobal, considers combined impacts of drought and rainfall on mosquito-borne diseases.
A study by ISGlobal reveals a decline in heat-related mortality in Spain, contrary to expectations of increased deaths due to rising summer temperatures. The Spanish population has adapted to the change, reducing its vulnerability to high temperatures through various socioeconomic factors.
In Southern Mozambique, half of those diagnosed with HIV do not enroll in medical care. The study highlights the need to develop interventions to facilitate access to care and treatment among this population. Only 44% attend a medical visit three months after diagnosis, while 25% initiate antiretroviral treatment.
A new study has found that eating an early supper is associated with a lower risk of breast and prostate cancer. Participants who ate before 9pm had a 20% lower risk compared to those who ate late, suggesting the importance of meal timing in cancer prevention.
A study by ISGlobal reveals significant discrepancies in global tuberculosis death estimates between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), primarily due to differences in methodology and data sources. The researchers identify a dozen countries with notable variations, emphasizin...
A 10-year follow-up of 6,500 people found that those living in greener neighborhoods experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those living in less green areas. The study suggests that exposure to urban environmental hazards can have negative effects on mental capacity after aging.
A new study found that levels of α-Gal antibodies vary with age and are higher in low transmission zones. IgM response was associated with protection against clinical malaria, especially in infants, while total IgG were linked to malaria risk. The results suggest α-Gal could be a promising molecule for future malaria vaccines
A new quantitative suspension array assay (qSAT) has been developed to measure antibodies against multiple Plasmodium falciparum proteins, simplifying sero-epidemiological studies and vaccine development. The assay is highly sensitive and specific, allowing for detailed analysis of natural and vaccine-induced antibody responses.