Articles tagged with Epidemics
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A new study by University of Illinois professor Ruopeng An found that the prevalence of adult obesity has been slowing, but only slightly, with increases seen in those classified as morbidly obese. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze BMI trends between 2000 and 2012.
A systematic review of literature found narrow dietary interventions to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in overweight children are unlikely to achieve long-term change. Broad public health strategies targeting nutritional education, parental support, and physical activity are necessary to tackle childhood obesity.
Researchers found that internet-based surveillance can detect infectious diseases like Dengue Fever and Influenza up to two weeks earlier than traditional methods. This early detection enables timely public health responses, potentially reducing the spread of epidemics.
A new mathematical theory helps reconstruct outbreak origins with higher confidence and forecasts epidemic-spreading speed. The approach uses effective distances computed from air transportation network traffic intensities to visualize geographic spread of past diseases.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory team has developed a novel approach to estimating epidemic dynamics, capturing the full infection history and social network interactions. The model allows for realistic simulation of epidemics with known parameters of human interactions.
Researchers identify Chinese strain as origin of emerging US swine virus with high mortality rates, emphasizing the need for strict biosecurity and sanitation procedures on farms. The study found that the US strains share 99.5% of their genetic code with their Chinese counterpart, indicating a possible evolutionary origin from bats.
A mass vaccination campaign of over 300,000 people in Guinea demonstrated the feasibility of using an oral cholera vaccine during a cholera outbreak. The campaign achieved high coverage rates and was well accepted by the local community.
Researchers used viral sequence data to estimate HIV transmission rates, death rates, and susceptible population sizes within clusters, gaining insight into rapid spread and slowdowns. The model can predict future changes in infected and susceptible individuals, guiding public health strategies.
A new study finds no improvement in pain treatment with rising opioid prescriptions, despite efforts to increase awareness and alternative treatments. Non-opioid analgesics have plateaued or declined in many cases.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a group of viruses associated with the coral epidemic 'white plague,' which has killed 70-80% of some reefs. The study suggests that viral diversity is higher in diseased corals, highlighting the need for further research to prevent this disease.
A new meningitis vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and carriage prevalence of the epidemic strain by 98%, according to a recent study. The vaccine was found to be highly effective in vaccinated regions, with no cases of serogroup A meningitis identified.
The study found that between 2006 and 2010, HIV/AIDS deaths increased in 98 countries, with a growing share of the burden shifting from Eastern Africa to Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Meanwhile, countries where HIV/AIDS is not the leading cause of disease burden saw a larger share of the overall burden.
A significant outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis occurred in Panama in 2010, marking a change in the virus's behavior in Latin America. The outbreak confirmed 13 human cases and one dual infection case, with a low case-fatality rate compared to US standards.
A new study finds that obesity is responsible for 18% of deaths among Black and White Americans aged 40-85, nearly triple previous estimates. The condition's impact on mortality varies by age, birth cohort, sex, and race.
A new MIT study finds that even moderate mobility restrictions can decrease infection rates by up to 50% in highly interconnected areas. The researchers used data from the US census to simulate the flow of contagion and developed a quantitative measure called the price of anarchy.
A study analyzed West Nile virus epidemics in Dallas County, Texas, finding that they begin early after warm winters and are predicted by the mosquito vector index. The analysis also revealed higher incidence rates of neuroinvasive disease in recent years compared to previous decades.
A Pitt simulation found that universal access to paid sick days reduces flu cases in the workplace by nearly 6%, more effective for small workplaces. Giving employees one or two flu days resulted in a 25-40% decrease in influenza infections due to workplace transmission.
A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that most youth football player concussions occur during games, not practice sessions. Players aged 11-12 years were almost three times more likely to suffer a concussion than those aged 8-10 years.
Tobacco deaths can be reduced in the USA with new regulations and public health efforts. In Asia, controlling the tobacco epidemic is crucial to prevent devastating loss of life and illness. European countries face challenges in implementing effective tobacco control measures, highlighting opportunities for improvement.
The altered El Tor strain has acquired two additional signature mutations that may further increase virulence and is evolving to be more like an 1800s version of cholera. This unique pattern of infection accounting for the severity of disease noted during the Haiti cholera outbreak may be triggered by these genetic changes.
A systematic review confirms HIV self-testing is effective in removing fear and stigma associated with testing, leading to higher acceptability rates. Self-tests are non-invasive, convenient, and can provide results within 20 minutes, paving the way for early detection and treatment.
A recent NIH study found a strong association between cold-dry and humid-rainy climates and seasonal influenza epidemics worldwide. The research used a climate-based model to map influenza activity globally, accounting for diverse seasonal patterns in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions.
A University of Michigan researcher has developed a new early warning system that can predict malaria epidemics in northwest India up to four months in advance using sea surface temperature forecasts. The system improves public health by increasing lead time for disease prevention strategies.
Researchers discover that defective viruses, once thought useless, increase the spread of disease by 'hitchhiking' with functional viruses. The presence of a defective DENV-1 virus may have led to large increases in dengue fever cases in Myanmar in 2001 and 2002.
The Gulf region is expected to experience a massive wave of cardiovascular disease in the next 10-15 years, driven by high obesity rates and diabetes prevalence. Prevention services are lacking, but experts call for a public health strategy to promote physical activity and healthy diets.
The global response to NCDs can benefit from the successful integration strategies of HIV/AIDS and TB treatment. Building on these partnerships and investments will be crucial in addressing the rising NCD burden, which will overwhelm health systems due to multimorbidity.
A new study finds that extra-couple transmission accounts for 30% of new HIV infections in men and 10% in women within stable partnerships. Targeting all heterosexual routes of transmission with test-and-treat strategies could be key to fighting the epidemic.
Daniel Callahan proposes a controversial approach to fighting obesity by stigmatizing overweight individuals in a way that minimizes the risk of discrimination. He suggests that 'stigmatization lite' could be an effective strategy, as people who are overweight consider the threat of discrimination as a danger to be avoided.
Researchers have identified two strains of Clostridium difficile responsible for the global epidemic, highlighting the ease and rapidity of transmission across continents. The study shows that fluoroquinolone resistance played a key role in the spread of these strains.
Researchers used dynamic mapping to analyze hospitalization records for adults over 65 across the US during individual flu seasons. The analysis revealed variations in disease patterns, including shifts in geographic spread and timing of peaks.
A global assessment found that the rise of oesophageal adenocarcinoma began in the UK during the 1950s and has continued to increase rapidly across eight countries. The exact cause remains unknown, but risk factors such as obesity, smoking, and acid reflux have contributed to its growth.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can identify the source of information spreading on social media platforms like Facebook. By analyzing a limited number of connections, the method can trace the path of information back to its origin.
Yellow fever swept through Savannah, Georgia in 1854, killing almost half of the 650 people who died, with 293 being Irish immigrants. The disease primarily affected adults and those without prior exposure, highlighting a green bias in mortality rates.
A new study found that menu labeling in King County, Washington, resulted in improved nutritional profiles for some chain restaurant entrées, with decreases in energy, saturated fat, and sodium content. However, the majority of entrées continued to exceed recommended guidelines, highlighting the need for more moderate options.
A new study published in Population Health Management projects that 53.1 million Americans will have diabetes by 2025, a 64% increase from 2010. The Diabetes 2025 Model can estimate the impact of lifestyle changes and interventions on reducing diabetes burden.
Radiologists must understand normal anatomy and possible complications of bariatric surgeries like gastric banding and Roux-en-Y bypass to ensure patient success. By being familiar with these procedures, radiologists can better communicate with surgical colleagues and provide optimal care for obese patients.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) as a crucial protein in maintaining insulin sensitivity and regulating fat storage. The discovery offers new avenues for treating type 2 diabetes, potentially providing a more natural alternative to existing antidiabetic drugs.
A study revealed that ancient viruses, which infected ancestors as far back as the age of dinosaurs, became widespread in mammals' genomes due to a loss of cell infectivity. This led to a dramatic increase in viral genetic material, resembling the spread of 'superspreaders' during epidemic outbreaks.
Researchers found that the sasX gene is more prevalent in MRSA strains from China than previously thought, with its frequency increasing significantly over the past decade. The gene plays a pivotal role in establishing MRSA epidemics and may be involved in molecular processes that help bacteria spread and cause disease.
A new study reveals that the number of vertebrate predators and food availability influence epidemic size and host evolution. Daphnia populations evolve increased susceptibility to yeast infection in lakes with fewer resources and high predation.
A freshwater zooplankton species, Daphnia dentifera, evolves quickly to balance infection resistance and reproduction during epidemics. The number of vertebrate predators and food availability influence the size of epidemics and host evolution.
Researchers at the University of Guelph have cloned American elm trees that survived Dutch elm disease epidemics, offering a potential model for preserving endangered plant species. The breakthrough could help reintroduce disease-resistant trees and conserve thousands of other endangered species.
Research from UCSF and Harvard Medical School finds that trauma significantly contributes to the HIV epidemic among women. Women with HIV are exposed to trauma at higher rates than the general population, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered that cardiac natriuretic peptides can convert white fat cells into brown fat cells in mice and humans, increasing energy usage and potentially aiding in weight loss. The study suggests a new approach to combating the obesity epidemic.
A University of Michigan report found that young adults in Generation X were moderately concerned about the flu and followed the issue closely. Despite a low vaccination rate, they responded accordingly by being well-informed and taking actions to protect themselves and their families.
A new approach to HIV prevention is being developed by Michigan State University's Institute of International Health, focusing on cultural competency to address the epidemic in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The plan involves training and mentoring local health care professionals to strengthen HIV prevention, particularly among youth.
A new model for epidemic contagion has been developed, accounting for human mobility patterns and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. The study found that older diffusion-based models overestimated the speed of epidemics, highlighting the importance of considering home locations in modeling human mobility.
A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that internet-based news and Twitter feeds were faster at detecting the onset and progression of the cholera epidemic in post-earthquake Haiti. Researchers used HealthMap, an internet tool, to capture coverage and mentions of cholera from various sources.
A new form of occupational hazard is emerging among shift workers, as unhealthy eating patterns exacerbate the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The authors suggest that workplaces must lead the way in eliminating this hazard by promoting healthier habits and making it easier to eat well.
A Princeton University study found that nighttime-lights imagery can pinpoint disease hotspots in urban areas with migratory populations. The technique accurately indicates fluctuations in population density, which is linked to the risk of epidemic.
Flu strains migrate globally, evolving along the way, contradicting the theory that they come from tropical areas. Influenza viruses in tropical regions show relatively low levels of genetic diversity and no seasonal fluctuations.
A new Cornell University review article finds that powerful environmental cues are subconsciously bending willpower every day. Portion size emerged as one of the most powerful links to overeating, with package size playing a significant role.
Researchers found a link between large-scale wind patterns and Kawasaki disease outbreaks in Japan, Hawaii, and San Diego. Wind currents carrying potential infectious agents may be triggering the disease, with seasonal shifts in winds exposing regions to air masses from Central Asia.
The UK Flusurvey, launched by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, will track seasonal flu spread across Britain and compare data with European countries. The online survey aims to detect flu epidemics early and provide insights into vaccine effectiveness.
A mathematical model predicts that expanding HIV treatment to discordant couples in Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, and Rwanda can prevent 96% of transmission. The intervention's effectiveness varies by country, with potential for significant impact in certain nations.
The University of Missouri Extension has received a national grant to promote healthy diets and physical activity through two projects: Missouri Farm to Institution Project and Livable Streets. The programs aim to provide tools and support for schools, hospitals, and institutions to serve locally grown produce and educate citizens to a...
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.
The Lancet Obesity Series identifies effective policies to reduce obesity, including taxes on unhealthy food and restrictions on TV advertising. Governments are urged to prioritize prevention programs and monitoring to tackle this complex and intractable problem.
A comprehensive review and data synthesis highlights the emergence of HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men in the region, with high rates of risky sexual behavior and concentrated epidemics in countries like Egypt and Sudan. The authors stress the need for expanded HIV surveillance and access to prevention and treatment services.
Researchers found that a model with dynamic information about social interactions was as effective as a more complex model, challenging the assumption that increased complexity leads to better predictions. The study used data from over 30,000 social contacts recorded at a conference, revealing that simpler models can still produce accu...