Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
A study by SLU cardiologist Melda Dolan found that ultrasound contrast agents are safe and beneficial for diagnosing life-threatening heart disease. The researchers examined nearly 24,000 patients who received contrast agents during echocardiograms and compared their results to those of approximately 6,000 patients without the agents.
A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California and University of Pennsylvania reveals that male infants in developed nations are more likely to die than female infants. The disparity has narrowed in recent decades due to medical advancements such as C-sections and intensive care units.
Research shows that men are more likely to eat meat and poultry products, including duck and veal, whereas women favor vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. Women also have a preference for dry foods and certain fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries.
The proportion of foodborne outbreaks linked to leafy green consumption has substantially increased over the past 35 years, despite a rise in leafy green consumption. Per capita availability of leafy greens was found to be a significant factor in this correlation.
Experts call for enhanced learning about health systems, focusing on financing, payment systems, and organizational structures. They propose global partnerships to allocate funding for operational research and knowledge discovery in health systems.
A new Saint Louis University study suggests that nursing home residents can form strong connections with both real dogs and robotic companions like Aibo. The research found that these interactions alleviate loneliness and attachment issues in residents.
A Saint Louis University study found that less than a quarter of physicians can accurately predict patients' six-month mortality from heart failure. The study highlights existing knowledge gaps and uncertainty among doctors about end-stage care options, including palliative measures and hospice referrals.
A study found genetically similar lice on 1,000-year-old Peruvian mummies, challenging the idea that all diseases were transmitted from the Old World to the New World at the time of Columbus. The discovery sheds new light on human migration patterns and may help understand the origins of epidemic typhus.
A University of Michigan study found that couples who express their anger and resolve conflicts tend to live longer than those who suppress their emotions. Researchers analyzed 192 couples over 17 years and found that those who both suppressed their anger had a higher mortality rate, with twice as many deaths compared to other groups.
Scientists have identified nine DNA variants that increase lupus risk in women, providing a potential diagnostic tool for early detection. The study, published in Nature Genetics, highlights the importance of genetic factors in lupus susceptibility and may lead to new treatments and a cure.
Research reveals hereditary hemochromatosis is more prevalent among men with the genetic marker C282Y, posing a significant risk for liver fibrosis and joint disease. The study emphasizes the need for careful clinical assessment to detect the condition in high-risk individuals.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that educational programs can significantly lower cardiac symptoms, help with weight loss and physical activity in female heart patients over 60. The research suggests that group programs are more effective for weight loss and self-directed programs are better for symptom management.
A RAND Corporation study found that nearly one-third of local health departments connected callers to a public health professional within 30 minutes, while nearly 40% had cases where no one reached a trained professional. The study highlights the importance of having live operators at all times to meet federal guidelines.
Researchers at SLU School of Medicine have found a way to prevent or reverse muscle weakness in myasthenia gravis by blocking the immune response that causes it. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for related autoimmune disorders like arthritis and lupus.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have made a breakthrough by observing synaptic vesicle recycling in real time, laying to rest the 'resealable spout' theory of vesicular recycling. The study uses cutting-edge methods to show that neurotransmitter packets must be rebuilt after each cycle.
Researchers found that abnormally folded prion protein in brain tissue does not reliably predict disease infectivity; some highly infectious samples had nearly undetectable levels of abnormal PrP. This suggests alternative mechanisms or specific conformation of abnormal PrP may be responsible for prion diseases.
A major five-year study will analyze 32 common allergen sources, identifying T cell responses and potential epitope-based therapies. The project may lead to revolutionary new approaches for treating allergies, potentially reducing the need for lengthy desensitization treatments.
Researchers discovered that peroxynitrite plays a critical role in developing morphine tolerance. Therapeutic manipulation of peroxynitrite can prevent its formation or decomposition to maintain the pain-relieving effect of morphine, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers in Norway analyzed TB cases between 1993 and 2005, finding little evidence of spread among native-born citizens. Instead, immigrants brought more strains, while native infections decreased, suggesting immigration does not significantly contribute to TB transmission.
Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine discovered a key brain chemical that causes Parkinson’s disease. They found that dopamine itself is converted into DOPAL, which triggers the death of dopamine-producing cells and leads to Parkinson’s.
A new study suggests that firing clay in unvented kilns could be a significant source of exposure to dioxins, particularly for individuals who use the kilns regularly. The study found elevated levels of dioxins in two women who frequently used kilns in their homes.
Researchers identified different areas of risk-taking based on ancestral challenges, finding that fertility risks are the least taken and social status-related risks are the most. Men were consistently more risk-takers than women across various domains.
As China's population reaches 336 million over 60 by 2030, the country faces a growing burden of care for senior citizens. The one-child policy may leave some older Chinese without a family member to care for them, forcing them to rely on limited caregivers or facilities.
A study by University of Alberta researchers suggests that all children adopted from outside North America should be screened for tuberculosis. The study found that 40% of foreign-born children under five years old with TB in Canada were international adoptees, highlighting the importance of systematic screening.
A Saint Louis University study finds that pediatricians' efforts to encourage lifestyle changes in obese patients and their families are often futile due to a lack of motivation. Doctors recognize the challenges of changing patterns of behavior in low-income households with limited access to healthy food and time for physical activity.
A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found that patients' emotional well-being is a crucial factor in determining the success of hip surgery. The clinical test used to evaluate hip function was shown to be less effective than previously thought, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to patient care.
Patients hospitalized with bacterial pneumonia face a higher risk of new or worsening heart problems, with nearly 20% experiencing a heart attack or major heart condition. The presence of heart disease significantly increased mortality from pneumonia.
Infection with hepatitis B causes between 500,000 and 1.2 million deaths worldwide each year, with around 22,000 cases in Europe. A universal childhood vaccination policy is recommended to protect children before they are at risk of infection.
Researchers are testing an oral insulin capsule taken by mouth once a day to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes in people at risk. The study's goal is to identify ways to rein in the autoimmune attack on beta cells, potentially preventing the disease.
Saint Louis University research found that a diet of 40% fat and high-fructose corn syrup leads to fatty liver disease and type II diabetes, even in sedentary mice
Researchers have discovered critical regions within prions that determine much of their behavior, providing a new framework for exploring prion biology. These regions, known as recognition elements, can be activated by environmental conditions and amino acid sequence alterations.
A new Saint Louis University study shows that young transplant patients who lose their federally provided insurance coverage are more likely to stop taking necessary anti-rejection drugs. This can increase the risk of losing the transplanted organ and even death.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered the role of PanK2 enzyme in detecting fatty acid buildup in mitochondria, a crucial step in cellular energy production. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in the PANK2 gene.
A stable social structure in badgers can help control the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB), ecologists have found. The study found that movement of individuals between groups is instrumental in driving disease dynamics at the population level.
A study validates the Infectious Disease Society of America's guidelines for classifying diabetic foot infections, confirming a simple system can predict hospitalization and amputation. The free online classification system will guide therapy and patient communication.
The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) will strengthen public health infrastructure globally, focusing on low-resource countries. The grant enables IANPHI to establish a peer-assistance model for developing national public health institutes.
Thai researchers discovered that patients failing first-line antiretroviral therapy are also resistant to similar drugs, leaving few options for replacement therapies. The lack of affordable virus-detection tests hinders early detection and treatment adjustments.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that medical teams can reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections by nearly 70 percent. Medical teams are critical for preventing these infections and promoting overall patient health and welfare.
A Saint Louis University study found no link between cash settlements for work-related back injuries and future impairment. Disability ratings didn't strongly correlate with day-to-day function levels, raising questions about the validity and fairness of current disability determination programs.
Restricting travel can significantly reduce the spread of infections like SARS, with a 50% decrease in infected individuals and over 80% reduction in affected municipalities. A ban on trips longer than 20 km would have an even greater impact, reducing the spread even if compliance is as low as 70%
A review of Clostridium sordellii infections suggests that the connection between mifepristone and misoprostol in medically induced abortions is unclear. Despite four reported deaths, nearly 2 million European women have used mifepristone without C. sordellii infections. Further research is needed to identify factors that predispose to...
A recent study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that never-married individuals are 58% more likely to die between 1989 and 1997 compared to their married peers. The 'never married penalty' is higher for those in excellent health, but not among the poor or elderly.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University and the University of New Mexico have forecast an increased risk of hantavirus outbreaks in the US southwest in 2006. The study used satellite imagery to analyze ecological conditions and predict disease spread, with moderate risk levels similar to those in previous years.
Researchers found infectious misfolded prion protein in heart muscle, decreasing the heart's ability to pump blood. High levels of scrapie infectivity were also identified in the blood of mice used in the study.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a potential test to estimate how many people are infected with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), which can take up to 40 years to manifest. The test could also help prevent transmission through blood transfusions and organ transplants by detecting prions in th...
The Lancet and Mexican Ministry of Health are hosting a meeting to report on Mexico's experience with health-system reform over the past 6 years. The conference aims to provide scientifically-based policy options for middle-to-low income governments facing similar challenges.
Researchers tested genetic resistance in sheep and found PrP absorption is not blocked by gut, but rather by villi. The study suggests alternative mechanisms may exist, leading scientists to reconsider the prion hypothesis for vCJD.
The Middle East and North Africa region is experiencing a rapid shift in health trends, with increasing rates of non-infectious diseases and obesity. Health systems must adapt to address these emerging challenges, prioritizing disease prevention and promotion.
The Lancet highlights efforts to eliminate infectious diseases and promote healthy change in the Middle East. Global interest in health can be used to forge partnerships and depoliticize the region, catalyzing a renaissance of medicine.
The program offers primary health care and enables MCG students to practice under faculty supervision. Common ailments among migrant workers include infectious diseases, gastritis, allergies, skin rashes, and musculoskeletal pain.
Researchers found that survivors of generations with rampant childhood infection were shorter and died sooner than those from less infected generations. Childhood diseases like respiratory infections and diarrhea reduced growth rates. Improved public health practices led to increased height and longevity.
Elderly people in developing countries face significant health challenges, including infectious and non-communicable diseases. Nutritional interventions such as supplementation, food fortification, or development of nutrient-rich crops may help reduce the disease burden.
A novel partnership between Indian institutions and the government aims to document the causes of death in rural and urban areas. The Verbal Autopsy method has already demonstrated reliable measurement of deaths in young and middle-aged individuals, and will be expanded to collect physical measurements and blood samples.
George Orwell's struggles with tuberculosis and possible infertility contributed to the dark tone of 1984, but also gave him a unique perspective on human suffering. His writing became more universal as he drew from his own experiences with illness.
A recent study found that HIV therapy success rates are similar between developed and non-developed countries, with a general success rate of 60% after 12-18 months on treatment. People in developing countries who received free ART drugs showed a 30% higher rate of success than those who had to pay for their medication.
A panel of experts judged the relevance of 15 quality indicators, which combined evidence and expert opinion to assess care aspects. The final list included recommendations such as timely initiation of antibiotic therapy and switching to focused antibiotics.
A new study found that diabetic patients are at higher risk for developing respiratory tract, skin and mucous membrane, and urinary tract infections. The odds were significantly higher for both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic controls.
The University of Manchester's Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine is conducting a three-month study on infectious diseases. The project will examine the evolving risk of diseases, changing detection requirements, and cutting-edge science to inform future research and management policies.
The invention uses protein-DNA chimeras to detect and count small numbers of molecules, offering exquisite sensitivity and dynamic range. Methods based on these molecules are designed to work with existing PCR machines, making them useful for human disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and pathogen detection.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene family involved in determining the potential for acquiring lupus, a debilitating autoimmune disease that affects more than one million Americans. The study found that genetic susceptibility to lupus results from an imbalance between genes that increase and suppress th...