Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
Dr. Maria Elena Bottazzi receives the award for her leadership in developing a patent-free open-source vaccine for COVID-19, which has been adopted globally and distributed over 100 million doses.
Researchers analyzed hospitalization and fatality rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection in England between May 2020 and March 2022. The study found that the mass vaccination campaign significantly reduced severe effects of the virus, with notable improvements after the emergence of Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants.
A breakthrough surveillance tool has been developed to detect elevated risks of Buruli ulcer outbreaks in Victoria, utilizing possum 'poo' analysis. The tool reveals significant spatial correlation between clusters of Mycobacterium ulcerans positive possum excreta and human Buruli ulcer cases.
Researchers developed predictive models to design RNA-binding inhibitors for disease treatment by regulating protein production. The study identified three key features for effective oligonucleotides: thermostability, serum resistance, and RNase H sensitivity.
Researchers found two E. coli strains resistant to colistin and third-generation cephalosporins in dogs and cats in Japan. The study highlights the need for 'One Health' approaches to understand companion animals' role in antimicrobial resistance transmission.
The study found that vaccine type significantly impacts the immune response to COVID-19, with Pfizer and Moderna offering a stronger antibody response than Johnson & Johnson. Age, sex, BMI, and smoking status also affect vaccine effectiveness, with smokers experiencing a 240% lower response.
Updated guidelines recommend discontinuing antibiotics immediately after a patient's incision is closed. Continuing antibiotics increases risk of C. difficile infection and antimicrobial resistance, but does not prevent surgical site infections.
A digital credential system would simplify welfare application processes for the homeless, handicapped, and mentally ill. This approach aims to reduce barriers to assistance, ensuring marginalized communities receive needed help.
Researchers have proposed a new evolutionary model for the origin of the Bamfordvirae kingdom of viruses, suggesting a billion-year evolutionary arms race between two groups and their hosts. The study reveals strong evidence against a sister relationship between adenoviruses and NCLDVs, instead supporting a common ancestor with Mavericks.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has started clinical development of DuoChol, a new oral cholera vaccine in capsule form. This innovation offers improved thermostability, reducing storage challenges, while making vaccines more accessible to those who need them most.
Researchers from Nemours Children's Health present findings on pediatric mental health, HPV vaccination strategies, primary hypertension in youth, and the effects of social media on pediatric care. The studies aim to improve child well-being and provide innovative approaches to addressing pressing topics.
A University of Houston team has discovered new biomarkers for early detection of bladder cancer, including D-dimer and IL-8, which may identify disease progression. The study's findings could lead to a simple urine test as the new standard for bladder cancer diagnosis.
A molecular autopsy revealed that a young child with mild COVID-19 symptoms died from cardiac arrest due to an atypical coronary artery anomaly and underlying Noonan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
A new study found that inhaling low concentrations of ethanol vapor can inactivate the influenza A virus in mice without harmful side effects. The researchers believe this method could also treat similar viruses like Covid-19 and potentially stop pandemics. However, further evaluation is needed to ensure its efficacy and safety on humans.
Two contagious cancers, devil facial tumour 1 (DFT1) and 2 (DFT2), affecting Tasmanian devils have been tracked to understand their origins and evolution. Researchers found DFT2 is a faster-growing cancer with rapid mutations, posing a significant threat to the species.
Focusing public health messages on protecting oneself versus others has a significant impact on vaccination rates. A study found that messages emphasizing protection of one's community led to higher odds of COVID-19 vaccination than those focused on personal protection.
A new study reveals that young children diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis are at an increased risk of subsequent wheezing, poor lung function, and reduced height and weight. The study found that children who developed PTB before six months old had more than double the risk of wheezing after 6 months.
Experts recommend managing SARS-CoV-2 like other endemic respiratory viruses using Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. They also suggest reconsidering pandemic-era strategies such as asymptomatic testing and contact tracing in the endemic era.
Researchers discovered how the Epstein-Barr virus exploits genomic weaknesses to cause cancer by cleaving human chromosome 11, triggering a cascade of genomic instability. The study highlights the potential risk factors for EBV-associated diseases and suggests that blocking EBNA1 binding can prevent their development.
A new study by the Peter Doherty Institute found that First Nations populations are significantly more likely to be hospitalized and die from influenza compared to non-Indigenous populations. Influenza-associated hospitalization and mortality rates were consistently higher in First Nations communities globally.
The CHEST journal April issue features cutting-edge research on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and sarcoidosis. Key findings include the potential of efzofitimod as a treatment for managing sarcoidosis. The journal also showcases innovative approaches to clinical practice and education in chest medicine.
A study published in JCI Insight found that pregnant women display robust immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, comparable to those of non-pregnant women. Key differences were observed in the dynamics of innate immune cells at the first line of defense towards viral infections.
A recent study led by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identifies two different regulatory T cell populations, one related to autoimmunity and the other to protective immunity. The findings could pave the way for new treatments that target the immune system selectively.
A new study found that SARS-CoV-2 presence on people's hands and frequently touched household surfaces significantly contributes to the spread of COVID-19. The research suggests that frequent handwashing, regular surface disinfection, and physical distancing can curb the virus's transmission.
A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that 41% of patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) had moderate to severe sleep disturbances. Black patients were three times more likely to develop these disturbances, highlighting the need for race-specific interventions to address disparities.
Scientists discovered that B cells play a crucial role in controlling tuberculosis (TB) infections by directing helper T cells, known as T follicular helper (Tfh)-like cells, to granuloma tissue in the lungs where they can activate macrophages. This finding holds promise for developing better treatments and vaccines for TB.
A new finger-prick test for Trichomonas vaginalis has been developed by Washington State University researcher John Alderete. The test detects an antibody specific to the organism and provides rapid, affordable results, making it a potential game-changer in the fight against this prevalent but neglected STI.
A new study published in Critical Care found that repeated high doses of steroids improve patient outcomes under specific circumstances. The researchers analyzed a large dataset to iron out the specifics of this treatment and identified optimal conditions for pulse methylprednisolone therapy.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that users of heated tobacco products had a higher rate of COVID-19 infections and severe cases requiring hospitalization or oxygen. Researchers analyzed data from 30,130 participants and discovered a significant association between heated tobacco product use and increased risk of SARS-CoV...
Researchers found that a large genetic region responsible for immune responses showed rapid evolution and more Mesolithic hunter-gatherer ancestry, suggesting that genetic variants already present in Europe were passed down preferentially. This suggests that diversity in immune genes may be just as important as adaptation to lifestyle.
A new study published in The BMJ found that a decision tool for health professionals reduced unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for frail older adults by 50%. The multifaceted training program, which included education and action planning, was effective in improving patient safety while reducing antibiotic use.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that COVID-19 subvariants like BA.4 and BA.5 evaded the body's natural defense, leading to rapid spread. Early treatment with Paxlovid may have left patients more susceptible to re-infection due to a weakened immune response.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) is pleased to announce the availability of Discover BMB 2023 press materials. The meeting features groundbreaking research on various topics, including a new form of omega-3 that may prevent visual decline with Alzheimer's disease and markers of PTSD in the blood. Addi...
A new study from Osaka University found that COVID-19 TV coverage significantly increased hand hygiene compliance from 5% to over 70% in a matter of months. The researchers tracked the correlation between TV coverage and hand hygiene, finding a strong statistical connection between added airtime and increased compliance.
A web-based program educating mothers about reliable health information and vaccine-preventable illnesses was effective in persuading vaccine-hesitant mothers to vaccinate themselves and their infants. The study found that 82% of hesitant pregnant women received flu and Tdap vaccines after participating in the online intervention.
A global study aims to better understand the burden of Human papillomavirus (HPV) among girls and women in low- and lower middle-income countries. The study will inform effective strategies to prevent infection and introduce HPV vaccine into national programs, protecting the health of girls and women and reducing rates of cervical cancer.
The BIAL Award in Biomedicine is a prestigious international award that recognises outstanding biomedical research. The €300,000 prize is given to researchers whose work has shown exceptional quality and scientific relevance, published within the last ten years.
A longitudinal study reveals Yersinia pestis, the bacteria that causes plague, was reintroduced into the Danish population from other parts of Europe again and again, with devastating effects. The analysis, reported today in Current Biology, identified plague for the first time from medieval Denmark.
Archaeologists have discovered the earliest example of angular notched trephination, a type of cranial surgery, in the Ancient Near East. The discovery, made at Megiddo, Israel, suggests that one brother may have had leprosy, making them potentially among the earliest documented examples of the disease.
Researchers found that doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis did not prevent chlamydia or gonorrhea among cisgender women in a clinical trial. The lack of efficacy was attributed to differences in anatomy and antibiotic resistance.
A new study published in Vaccines found that individuals with a university degree were more likely to believe in the effectiveness of COVID-19 preventive measures. The research also revealed that people with higher education levels had lower levels of trust in scientific misinformation, highlighting the importance of education in shapi...
Research suggests that black and Hispanic Americans experience more symptoms and health problems related to long COVID than white people, but are less likely to be diagnosed. Studies found variations in symptom manifestations and diagnostic experiences among different racial and ethnic groups.
A recent study found that nearly half of adults treated for COVID-19 experience lingering symptoms like coughing, rapid heartbeat, and breathlessness, as well as fatigue or physical limitations. The study's findings may inform programs designed to help adults recover from severe cases of COVID.
The new grant enables LJI to lead the Human Immunology Project Consortium Data Coordinating Center, providing access to human immunoprofiling data from over 11,000 participants. This will fuel scientific collaboration in understanding immune responses to viruses, autoimmune diseases, and more.
A study by Hiroshima University found that COVID-19 discrimination is connected to mental health issues and functional impairment in survivors. The research, published in Scientific Reports, reveals that long-term symptoms of COVID-19 can cause mental distress, leading to reduced work performance.
Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.
A team of researchers from UNC and CDC developed an injectable implant that can release HIV PrEP medications for up to six months, providing full protection. The technology has shown promise in non-human primates and could potentially be adapted for human use.
A single dose of azithromycin has been shown to decrease sepsis and death by half in women in labor, making it an important tool for keeping mothers safe before, during, and after delivery. The antibiotic was found to be beneficial for vaginal childbirth as well, reducing mortality rates and the risk of developing sepsis.
Researchers have developed a new synthetic skin, made of hydrogels, to study how mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases. The hydrogel system can mimic different blood vessel patterns, allowing for more consistent testing and analysis. This breakthrough may help identify ways to prevent the spread of disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Working Dog Center trained dogs to distinguish between healthy and diseased deer feces. The dogs showed great specificity in detecting CWD-positive samples, suggesting a potential asset in managing the highly contagious disease.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is hosting its annual meeting, #DiscoverBMB, featuring award lectures by high-profile speakers. The event will take place March 25-28 in Seattle, with topics including quorum sensing and developmental mechanisms in African Trypanosomes and precision oncology.
A new study reveals that all 50 US states now allow minors to consent independently to some STI/HIV services, but confidentiality protections are rare and vary significantly. The laws remain complex, with gaps in coverage for prevention services like the HPV vaccine and PrEP.
The study found that CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines remained effective against severe SARS-CoV-2 Omicron outcomes, but older individuals' protection waned after six months. A booster dose is recommended for older patients to restore immunity.
A large Dutch study found that the BCG vaccine does not protect elderly people with co-morbidities against COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed 6,112 participants and showed no difference in disease manifestations or hospitalizations between those who received the vaccine and those who received a placebo.
A study by Dartmouth College researchers found that bacteria can form protective clusters with rival species, making it harder to kill harmful bacteria. This discovery highlights the importance of studying multispecies biofilm structures and may impact the development of bacteriophages and predatory bacteria as antimicrobial alternatives.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people hospitalized for sepsis are at a higher risk of heart failure and rehospitalization within 12 years. The researchers analyzed data from over 2 million adults who survived non-surgical hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019.
Researchers have identified a new class of potent antimalarial compounds that target the parasite's sexual phase, preventing it from infecting mosquitoes and subsequently humans. The compounds inhibit the parasitic protein Pfs16, forming the strongest bond with the drug.
Researchers identified 7 key symptoms of long COVID, including heart issues and joint pain, in a study of 52,461 patients. The findings could help healthcare providers diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.
Among U.S. children and teenagers, COVID-19 was the 8th leading cause of death in a two-year period, highlighting its significant mortality burden. The study suggests that underreporting and incomplete accounting for COVID-19's role in deaths from other diseases may have underestimated its true impact.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified a new host-cell factor, PCIF1, which plays a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study suggests that targeting PCIF1 could lead to more effective and sustainable COVID-19 treatments.