Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
Karen Cheng, a third-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has created an automated device that kills mosquito larvae in rooftop water tanks, reducing the spread of Zika and other viruses. The invention was recognized with a $3,500 award from the Clinton Global Initiative University Conference Innovation Fund.
Researchers Ryosuke Omori and Jianhong Wu develop an inductive algorithm to study site-specific nucleotide frequencies using a multi-strain SIR model. The algorithm calculates Tajima's D, a statistical test that measures natural selection at a specific site.
Research in Psychological Science finds that thinking about potential infection activates the behavioral immune system, leading individuals to focus on their own physical appearance. Germ-averse participants reported more insecurity and interest in appearance-related behaviors and products after reading scenarios about potential pathog...
A new clinical trial shows that combining omalizumab with oral immunotherapy increases the ability of children with multiple food allergies to safely consume allergenic foods. The treatment resulted in over 80% of children being able to eat at least two grams of two or more foods without adverse reactions.
Researchers at Saint Louis University report promising results slowing DMD progression using SR8278, a nuclear receptor regulator drug that increases lean mass and muscle function while decreasing fibrosis and protein degradation.
Case Western Reserve University researchers found infectious prions in CJD patient skin, which are 1,000-100,000 times lower than in brain tissue. This discovery raises concerns about potential disease transmission through surgeries and may pave the way for less invasive diagnostic techniques.
The study reveals wide inequalities in life expectancy between states, with some experiencing significant improvements while others lag behind. Non-communicable diseases, including heart disease and stroke, claim a disproportionate number of lives across many states.
A new study finds that non-communicable diseases have become the leading cause of death in India, surpassing infectious diseases. The study reveals significant state-level variations in health outcomes, with some states experiencing much higher rates of deaths and illnesses due to conditions like diabetes and ischemic heart disease.
A new study reveals that severe Perkinsea infections (SPI) is the third most common infectious disease of frogs in North America. Mass mortalities caused by SPI resulted in up to 95% tadpole population deaths, further jeopardizing frog populations.
Bacterial ribosomes can take an inactive form called hibernating 100S ribosome, helping bacteria conserve energy under stressful conditions. A SLU researcher discovered the protein factor HflX that triggers the transition back to active 70S form, essential for protein synthesis.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that the attrition rate among general surgery residents was lower than previously thought, with only 8.8% leaving their training programs compared to 20%. The study also identified a significant difference in program directors' attitudes and support for struggling residents between high- a...
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are developing a vaccine to protect against Shigella and certain E. coli, leading causes of diarrheal diseases in young children and travelers. The $2.47 million grant will support translation from an animal-tested prototype to a human-ready vaccine for Phase 1 clinical trials.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the immune system's molecular mechanisms, providing new foundations for treating various diseases. The study reveals that 'toll-like receptors' play a key role in both protecting against infection and triggering pathological inflammatory responses.
A recent study from LA BioMed researchers found that the proper use of acupuncture can lead to elevated levels of nitric oxide in the skin at acupoints, increasing blood flow and analgesic release. The study suggests that this method may contribute to the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture.
Scientists have identified mutations in the CARD11 gene that lead to severe atopic dermatitis, an allergic skin disease. Supplementing with the amino acid glutamine may partially correct the underlying cell-signaling defects, according to a study published in Nature Genetics.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases study finds that diarrhoea is the fourth leading cause of death for children under 5, with 42% of deaths occurring in India and Nigeria. The researchers call for immediate and sustained actions to increase healthcare access and the use of oral rehydration solutions.
A study found that coroners are unable to agree on cause of death or whether an inquest is needed, even with same information. This inconsistency can lead to delayed prevention of future deaths.
In a recent editorial, Saint Louis University cardiologist Paul J. Hauptman emphasizes the need for patient-centric symptom relief as a primary goal in treating worsening heart failure. His review of the TRUE-AHF trial suggests that ularitide has limited short-term effects and may not improve longer-term survival.
A small study reveals a significant variation in coroner decision-making processes, which can affect the prevention of future deaths. The findings highlight the need for a national coroner consensus to achieve a shared inference from available evidence.
The National Institutes of Health has designated $42.7 million for the Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR) over seven years to continue evaluating new approaches to treat food allergy. CoFAR scientists are working on immunotherapy approaches to reduce immediate allergic symptoms and bring about long-term relief.
Denise Sloan, a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Toy Caldwell-Colbert Award. The award recognizes her excellence in mentoring clinical psychology graduate students and junior faculty.
Researchers found that targeting REV-ERB nuclear receptor can suppress cholesterol-related enzyme genes, leading to reduced LDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests that this approach may be an effective method for treating diseases associated with high cholesterol.
Boston University will launch the Women Veterans Network (WoVeN), a nationwide network of structured support groups for female veterans. The program aims to enhance wellness, quality of life and family relationships for women who have served in the military.
A new article recommends establishing an institute focused on developing vaccines of public health importance without commercial interest. The proposed institute will require collaboration among stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and private foundations.
Researchers have identified interleukin-1 beta (IL-1) as the trigger for inflammation during necroptosis, a recently described form of cell death. This discovery could lead to new treatments for inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease by targeting IL-1.
A study by LA BioMed and UCLA researchers found that over 50% of hospital ICU admissions could have been cared for in less expensive settings. Nearly 65% of ICU days were allocated to discretionary monitoring, which is not necessary for patients who are too well or too sick.
The Practical Approach to Care Kit (PACK) provides a generic framework for customizing healthcare solutions in individual countries or states. By empowering health workers, PACK aims to improve primary care and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in low-income countries.
A team of scientists has isolated a mutated prion protein that can multiply in the lab but not in living animals. The mutant scrapie prion lacks a crucial stretch of amino acids necessary for animal infection, providing new insights into the mechanisms behind prion infectiousness.
The latest Zika virus research highlights the need for better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods due to its link to severe birth defects. Scientists are working to understand the virus's behavior and develop effective strategies to combat its spread worldwide.
A new guide provides evidence-based advice for controlling the rapid spread of dog diseases in group settings. The guidelines recommend measures such as frequent hand washing, disinfection, vaccination, and careful crowd management to prevent disease transmission.
Scientists at the University of Alberta have identified the structure of the infectious prion protein, a misfolded protein causing BSE, Chronic Wasting Disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. The breakthrough study uses electron cryomicroscopy technology to reveal how infectious prions replicate and propagate.
A Saint Louis University researcher is studying the impact of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on cardiovascular and metabolic health. The study aims to determine if patients who have been successfully treated for PTSD are more likely to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The author of a SLU commentary proposes a comprehensive model for improving mental health among medical students, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that nurtures rather than punishes. The approach includes tweaking the curriculum, offering electives and learning communities, teaching resilience training, and coping...
A study led by UNC researcher Joseph D. Tucker recommends reforms to improve patient-physician trust in China, including medical humanities training and policy changes to address health systems and legal issues. The initiative aims to rebuild trust following violent attacks on healthcare professionals.
A recent study by the University of Liverpool has found that a potentially fatal tick-borne disease called canine babesiosis in the UK appears to be under control. The study analyzed data from 2015 and found a low background level of Babesia infection in the UK, with most cases linked to overseas travel.
A new study from Saint Louis University finds that higher carb intake is associated with lower adropin levels, while higher fat intake may be linked to higher adropin. People with low adropin have higher fat content in the blood and are at a higher risk of heart disease.
Researchers used genetic sequencing to track gonorrhea infections across borders, revealing that 3/4 of cases in Brighton could be linked to earlier local cases. The study also found evidence of gonorrhoea spreading to and from Brighton from the rest of the UK and the US.
Researchers at UTHealth will investigate the zoonotic potential of CWD and environmental prion contamination. The team aims to develop efficient detection methods for prion diseases, which are fatal brain disorders with long incubation periods.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are recruiting volunteers for a clinical trial aimed at decoding the human immunome. The study, part of the Human Vaccines Project, will generate data on the genetic underpinnings of the immune system to guide next-generation vaccine development.
The NIH has developed a crowdsourcing platform, OMics Compendia Commons (OMiCC), to make public gene expression data more accessible. Researchers can create groups of data and annotate them with standardized parameters, allowing for the reuse of existing data to address new research questions.
A new PLOS Medicine article highlights the need for strengthened national health systems, consolidated global emergency response activities, and enhanced research and development to prevent and respond to future infectious disease threats. The study's authors emphasize that system-wide accountability and continuous oversight are crucia...
A global early warning system for infectious diseases is proposed to use computer models to forecast disease risk and inform targeted responses. This system could shift the paradigm from reactive to pre-emptive management of risk, minimizing damages and improving global health security.
Researchers at Cardiff University discovered a signaling molecule that can alleviate asthma symptoms such as mucus production and airway constriction. The study found that blocking this molecule can help regulate the allergic immune response, potentially leading to improved treatment options for asthma sufferers worldwide.
A new NIH study has identified the protein calpain 14 as a possible cause of tissue damage in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. The researchers found that calpain 14 regulates another protein, desmoglein 1, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of esophageal tissue.
Chronic diseases like hypertension and heart disease are rising in Africa due to infectious disease spread, healthcare worker shortage, and lack of investment. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to address the growing epidemic and promote health equity.
Cells have evolved several tactics to cope with DNA lesions and replication stress, including fork repriming, fork reversal, and replisome dynamics. Improper repair of DNA lesions can lead to mutations and genetic abnormalities.
Enrico Di Cera's work on the Structural Biology Data Grid allows researchers to share and reproduce findings faster, advancing the field of structural biology. The grid supports archiving of raw experimental datasets, enabling rapid access for validation and improving existing models.
A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that an estimated 312.9 million surgeries took place globally in 2012, with only 30% of operations occurring in low-income countries representing 71% of the global population.
Two new studies by Cornell University researchers link warming ocean temperatures to increased disease outbreaks in marine organisms, including lobsters and sea stars. The findings highlight the need for advanced warning systems to prevent disease outbreaks and protect economically important species.
Pathogens and Immunity, an online, open-access journal, simplifies the submission and review process, reducing it from one day to five minutes. Senior editors at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine revise biomedical publications standards in immunology and infectious diseases.
A study found that up to 66.8% of households experience catastrophic health expenditure for tuberculosis care, with the poorest households bearing the brunt. Expanding universal healthcare and increasing reimbursement rates could lower these costs and have positive economic effects.
The study found that over 3.1 million elderly adults visited emergency departments in the US due to infectious diseases, accounting for 13.5% of all visits. The most common diagnoses were lower respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and septicemia.
A four-year study found that uninsured patients who self-administered long-term IV antibiotics had a 47% lower rate of 30-day readmission rates and similar mortality rates compared to those with insurance. The practice saves hospitals millions of dollars and allows patients to return to their normal lives.
Researchers at SLU are developing a biomarker to help diagnose sepsis early and improve treatment outcomes. Chlorinated lipids may hold the key to this discovery, as they appear under conditions of inflammation.
Researchers successfully tested gene therapy combined with low-dose chemotherapy in five patients aged 7-24 with worsening immune systems due to SCID-X1. The therapy showed substantial improvements in immunity and clinical status, particularly in the first two patients who received treatment.
Saint Louis University's Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit will study the safety and effectiveness of vaccines using omics technologies, including transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics. The research aims to understand the immune system's response to infectious diseases.
Health economists from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine argue that universal access to medicines is critical in controlling neglected diseases, major infections, and chronic diseases. The PURE study reveals that secondary prevention is unavailable and unaffordable in many communities worldwide, highlighting the need for polici...
The Global Health Vaccine Center of Innovation (GHVCI) aims to accelerate vaccine development and make vaccines more accessible globally. The GHVCI combines IDRI's vaccine design technologies with Sanofi Pasteur's expertise in vaccine development, formulation, and production.
The partnership aims to improve genomic research efficiency, increase output, and reduce costs. Gene technology will be utilized to create a better life for humanity, with the goal of advancing life sciences research.
Dr. Ronald Oudiz, a renowned researcher at LA BioMed, is being recognized for his pioneering work in the pulmonary hypertension field. His contributions have led to significant advancements in understanding and treating this potentially fatal disease.