Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
A new series on homelessness in high-income countries highlights the alarming health risks faced by homeless individuals, including higher rates of tuberculosis and depression. The series also notes that despite an expansion of services, the risk of death among homeless people has remained similar over the past 20 years.
The university is applying 'Star Trek technology' from the national laboratory to improve diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. The Microbial Detection Array can test any sample, including blood, dirt, tissue, or a nasal or saliva swab, and is valuable for public health, vaccine safety, food safety, biodefense, and animal health.
Researchers found that patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during normal working hours were more likely to receive minimally invasive procedures. The study also revealed no significant differences in complication rates or length of stay between day and night surgeries.
A meta-analysis of 70 studies found that fludeoxyglucose F18-PET combined with CT is less accurate for diagnosing lung cancer in areas with endemic infectious lung diseases. The pooled sensitivity was 89%, but specificity was lower (61%) compared to non-endemic regions (77%).
The NIH has launched a new online database, ClinRegs, to provide up-to-date information on country-specific clinical research regulatory requirements. This resource enables users to explore and compare regulations across different countries, streamlining the planning and implementation of international research projects.
Researchers have developed a new nasal test that can quickly and accurately diagnose Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, an incurable neurodegenerative disorder. The test was successfully tested in 97% of patients with the disease and showed 100% specificity for non-patients.
The study investigates progerin's potential causative factor for atherosclerosis in both modern and ancient populations. Progerin is found to be expressed in vascular cells, leading to vessel wall cell loss and replacement by fibrous tissue.
Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered that deleting disordered sections of a protein's structure reveals the molecular mechanism of blood clotting. By crystallizing prothrombin, they found that the deleted version is activated to thrombin faster and provides key information on the mechanism of prothrombin activation.
A Saint Louis University pediatrician is developing an educational video game to train military physicians on pediatric emergency room cases. The game-based tool aims to improve physicians' skills in treating life-threatening emergencies, with potential applications for humanitarian missions.
A team of researchers at Virginia Tech used infection-modeling techniques to analyze the mass incarceration problem, discovering that small but significant differences in prison sentences can lead to large disparities in incarceration rates. The model reproduces many facets of incarceration in the US, including racial disparities.
Anil Kulkarni, UTHealth professor, awarded Fulbright Fellowship to teach immunonutrition in India. He aims to establish a center promoting immunonutrition education globally.
A team of researchers led by David Hughes is studying the role of group size, complexity, and connectedness in driving infectious disease transmission. By analyzing ant colonies, they aim to develop strategies to reduce the spread of diseases, including those affecting humans in schools, hospitals, and farms.
Saint Louis University researcher Daniel Hawiger is awarded $608,376 to investigate immunological tolerance and its failures in multiple sclerosis (MS). He hopes to develop targeted therapies that selectively suppress immune-mediated damage without side effects.
Saint Louis University's medical school curriculum changes have reduced depression rates from 27% to 11% and anxiety from 55% to 31% among first-year students. The new curriculum focuses on stress reduction, resilience training, and mindfulness.
A new study provides reliable data on antibiotic use in non-EU southern and eastern European countries, highlighting the need for national action plans to enhance judicious use. High rates of self-medication with antibiotics and parenteral administration are reported, emphasizing the urgent need for restriction and education.
Dr. Richard Glassock, a member of LA BioMed's Board of Directors, has been awarded the 2014 Medal of Excellence for his exceptional contributions to patient care. He is recognized for his extensive research and clinical expertise in glomerular diseases and clinical nephrology.
A Saint Louis University pediatric researcher is conducting a study to determine the best time to discuss obtaining parental consent for clinical research involving treatment of newborns in the delivery room. The goal is to develop a method that satisfies ethical requirements while making it easier for parents to understand the researc...
Scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna have created a model to investigate the role of STAT1 in various disease conditions. The genetically modified mice can produce an exact dose of protein, enabling researchers to examine the origins and course of many diseases.
Researchers uncover that two devastating plagues were caused by distinct strains of the same pathogen, which may lead to a better understanding of modern infectious disease dynamics. The study also raises questions about why a highly deadly pathogen died out and could potentially inform responses to future pandemics.
The Arab world has made significant strides in reducing premature death and disability, but still struggles with substantial burdens of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Governance and health systems are also critical to addressing these challenges.
A new study by LA BioMed finds that daily antibiotic use is the most effective method for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections, reducing recurrence rates to 0.4 per year. Cranberry pills and estrogen therapy also showed benefits, with acupuncture treatments reducing recurrence rates to 0.7 per year.
A new study reveals the BCG vaccine is highly protective against pulmonary TB globally, including in tropical regions. The key to its effectiveness lies in early vaccination before prior infection, suggesting a crucial role for BCG in controlling TB's major burden and transmission.
Researchers identified a chromosomal deletion in the CFHR gene cluster, resulting in production of a hybrid CFHR2/CFRH5 that stabilized C3 convertase. Treatment with soluble C1 restored C3 convertase decay and may be a promising treatment option for patients with refractory dense deposit disease.
Researchers found that antioxidant extracts from spearmint and rosemary reduce deficits in mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests these herbal compounds might have beneficial effects on altering age-associated cognitive decline.
A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that long-term opioid use is linked to a higher risk of developing major depression. Patients who used opioids for 180 days or longer were at a 53% increased risk, while those using them for 90-180 days had a 25% increased risk.
A study by Nicola Weber and colleagues found that TB-infected badgers are less likely to spread the disease within their own groups but more likely to facilitate spread across a network. Vaccination may be a more effective strategy for controlling TB in badger populations, maintaining social structure intact.
A UW professor discovered a new possible tick species that infests the noses of Ugandan chimps, suggesting it may be an underappreciated disease carrier. The tick's behavior is thought to be linked to chimp grooming habits, raising concerns about exotic tick populations and global disease spread.
A study of French Tour de France cyclists found they lived 41% longer than the general population, with cancer and cardiovascular disease being less common causes of death compared to the general public.
Patricia Resick, PhD, ABPP, received the American Psychological Association's Division of Trauma Psychology Award for Lifetime Achievement in trauma psychology. She has made outstanding contributions to science, practice, advocacy, and education, developing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD treatment.
Researchers will study tuberculosis in India, examining co-morbidities such as smoking and malnutrition that increase risk of developing the disease. The joint program aims to identify new diagnostic biomarkers for early detection and targeted interventions.
A new study by the NIH-funded Immune Tolerance Network found that rituximab is as effective as standard therapy in inducing and maintaining disease remission in people with severe forms of vasculitis. The drug requires shorter treatment duration, reducing the risk of long-term side effects such as cancer, infertility, and infection.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that high-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) therapy can improve the life span of melanoma patients with brain metastases. The study, published in Chemotherapy Research and Practice, reviewed cases of eight patients who underwent this treatment.
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.
Scientists from the Zoological Society of London reveal that Galapagos sea lion exposure to humans and pets impairs their immunity, making them more prone to starvation. The research suggests a link between human activity and the emergence of diseases in the Galapagos sea lion population.
Researchers analyzed the social networks of wild chimpanzees to identify key individuals most likely to contract and spread pathogens. High-ranking mothers, juveniles with large families, and high-ranking males were found to be central to the network.
Researchers found that only 19% of dermatologists accept Medicaid-insured children, and those who do often require additional paperwork and identification. Eczema affects 20% of US children and can have severe physical and emotional consequences if left untreated.
A recent study by the Colorado School of Public Health found that health impact assessments can identify potential health risks associated with natural gas development. The assessment identified health effects such as headaches and respiratory issues in a western Colorado town, highlighting the importance of considering public health i...
Researchers found that certain protein particles can multiply and spread from one cell to the next, contributing to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new methods for treatment by preventing the spreading of disease-related protein particles.
Christina Wang, a leading LA BioMed researcher, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of andrology. Her research has focused on male reproductive health and disease, with a particular emphasis on androgen replacement therapy and hormonal male contraceptive development.
A Saint Louis University study found that cardiologists often focus on the device's technology rather than its psychosocial impact and long-term risks. As a result, patients may be left unaware of potential anxiety, depression, and changes in body image after ICD implantation.
A new progestogen-only treatment has been found to halt acute abnormal uterine bleeding in women, with 44 of 48 participants experiencing complete cessation of bleeding within five days. The therapy, which involves a low-dose injection and oral pills, shows promise as a temporary bridge to longer-term targeted therapies.
International experts emphasize the need for more research on non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes in low- and middle-income countries. Current research is limited, but collaboration between high-income and low-middle-income countries can provide valuable insights.
Researchers at LA BioMed identified a potential new target for medications to halt status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition causing brain damage. The study found that NMDA receptor activity increases during persistent seizures, leading to increased medication effectiveness with NMDA antagonists.
Research shows that crows can ingest and excrete infectious prions without being destroyed, posing a risk for the geographic spread of diseases. Crows may play a role in the transmission of prion-caused diseases through their feces.
Researchers aim to understand the natural history and progression of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a liver disease that can cause damage in children and adults. The multi-center study will provide information on treatment options for companies developing pharmaceuticals.
A new Case Report highlights the dangers of fake antimalarial medicines sold worldwide, particularly in Equatorial Guinea. The drugs were confirmed to be counterfeit despite convincing packaging, underscoring the need for traveller vigilance.
Scientists have discovered a way to screen people for Mad Cow disease using a simple blood test, which could help boost critical blood stocks. The breakthrough involves recognizing specific 'signature genes' in the blood stream.
Research found that Tasmanian devils with fewer bites are more likely to develop Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a fatal infectious cancer. The study suggests that boosting natural selection of less aggressive devils could help reduce the spread of the disease and save the species from extinction.
A multidisciplinary team from VCU suggests a three-times-a-week dose of azithromycin may benefit patients with COPD by eliminating one-third of severe exacerbations each year. However, the approach carries potential risks such as hearing loss and antibiotic resistance.
A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals that mutant p53 protein aggregates may lead to prion-like behavior, impairing its ability to suppress tumor growth. The findings suggest that this misfolding mechanism could serve as a potential target for cancer therapy.
A novel 'beads on a string' approach may help reduce cost and development time for agents that neutralize and clear pathogenic molecules. The strategy has been shown to be efficacious against several toxins and may also prove effective in targeting other types of pathogens.
Arizona State University has secured a four-year, $30.7 million defense contract to develop an immunosignaturing diagnostic technology for rapid detection of infectious diseases. The technology aims to detect exposure before symptoms occur, allowing for timely treatment and prevention of further spread.
Dr. Patrice Courvalin has made significant contributions to understanding antibiotic resistance, including the discovery of vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus and the elucidation of transposition mechanisms. His work has led to a revision of the dogma describing natural dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes.
Biologist Robert van Woesik is studying contagiousness of coral diseases, testing for clustering and transmissibility in two Caribbean locations. Understanding the etiology can inform human intervention to reduce disease prevalence.
Ellen Jo Baron has been recognized with the 2012 ASM Founders Distinguished Service Award for her decades-long commitment to promoting clinical microbiology and ensuring excellence in laboratory practice worldwide. Baron's extensive service includes volunteering with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Clinical Laboratory Imp...
A new risk prediction equation has been developed to predict death and end-stage renal disease in patients with impaired kidney function. The CKD-EPI equation provides more accurate classification of individuals at risk, leading to better prevention and management of kidney disease-related outcomes.
A recent study published in Sports Medicine found that skin problems are a common complaint among Summer Games athletes. Early correct diagnosis is crucial for athletes to participate and compete at their full potential.
Prevention programmes in adolescents are vital to prevent problems in adolescence and into adulthood. Successful policies include providing minors with free contraception, raising taxes on alcohol, and graduated licensing policies.
Dr. Fernando Antelo's workshop uses Frida Kahlo's artwork to stimulate interest in science and healthcare professions, highlighting her passion for science through her medical imagery. The ASBMB annual meeting in San Diego will feature Dr. Antelo's presentation on this innovative approach.
A new study uses a pathogen-based incidence approach to generate infectious disease burden estimates in Europe, attributing morbidity to specific pathogens. The methodology has limitations but shows the need for further research and integration of demographic changes and infection dynamics.