Articles tagged with Infectious Diseases
A recent study found that diets rich in healthy foods, such as fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, may reduce mortality risk in older adults. The 'Healthy foods' cluster had a significantly lower risk of mortality compared to clusters with high consumption of unhealthy foods.
Researchers have discovered a compound that reverses some signs of aging, including oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. The study found that MZ-5-156 had positive effects on life span, telomerase activity, and tumor activity, while decreasing cancer incidence.
The Making It Happen programme, supported by UK's Department for International Development and UNICEF, trains healthcare providers in Africa and Asia to reduce maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity. The programme has already trained over 3000 health care providers, leading to improved clinical practices and reduced deaths.
The NIH-sponsored expert panel issued comprehensive guidelines to diagnose and manage food allergy, providing standardized recommendations for clinicians. The guidelines aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment of food allergy, which affects millions of Americans.
A new test method has been developed to detect and measure infectious agents called prions that cause devastating brain-damaging conditions. The real time quaking induced conversion assay (RT-QuIC) can detect miniscule amounts of infectious prions, potentially leading to early treatment and prevention.
A 2008 study found that raw milk was the cause of an E. coli outbreak in Connecticut, resulting in 14 cases and 7 confirmed infections. The outbreak led to proposed legislation aimed at controlling raw milk sales, but ultimately resulted in the discontinuation of raw milk sales in a major retail store.
A study of 88 Parkinson's outpatients found that 72% experienced fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness, with 60% of fatigued patients also experiencing EDS. Fatigue was more common in those without EDS, while EDS worsened with dopamine agonist treatment.
A recent study by LA BioMed researchers found that children with higher waist circumferences are more likely to have cardiac risk factors, including significantly higher pulse pressures. This suggests that pediatricians should add waist measurements to their routine screening of children to identify those at risk for heart disease.
The study identified eight categories of PTSD-related characteristics and factors, including exposure to traumatic stressors and mental health history. The work group's findings aim to improve the integration of knowledge regarding PTSD and TBI, ultimately benefiting trauma survivors.
Chronic disease death rates are increasing in developing countries, with 23 million deaths annually. A new framework proposes national surveillance strategies to monitor trends and improve actions on chronic diseases.
The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics is published on behalf of the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) and the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP). The journal publishes high-quality original papers on scientific advances in molecular diagnostics.
The Virginia Bioinformatics Institute is developing mathematical models to understand immune responses to gut pathogens, aiming to accelerate disease prevention and treatment. The Center for Modeling Immunity to Enteric Pathogens will generate new hypotheses through computer simulations and experimental research.
Scientists have identified microRNA miR-33 as a key to controlling HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels. Increasing miR-33 levels resulted in lower HDL cholesterol levels, while turning it off raised HDL levels.
A study by Saint Louis University scientist John E. Morley found that low testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older Chinese men. The study, which analyzed data from 153 participants, also revealed elevated ApoE 4 protein levels and high blood pressure as additional risk factors.
Dr. Casaburi will receive the award on Oct. 8 at the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's annual meeting in Milwaukee, recognizing his many contributions to the field of respiratory research and pulmonary rehabilitation. He is a leading researcher at LA BioMed, directing the Rehabilitation Clinical Tria...
A new study by Saint Louis University researcher Lisa Cannada found that women who give birth after suffering pelvic fractures receive C-sections at more than double normal rates. Women also experience lingering symptoms such as urinary complications and post-traumatic stress disorder after a pelvic fracture injury.
Researchers found that brain stimulation therapy improved motor function in 95% of patients with mild to moderate muscle weakness after an ischemic stroke. The treatment, using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), rebalances brain activity between the affected and unaffected hemispheres.
A study found that infected cows' retinas emit a characteristic glow when exposed to light, potentially leading to an inexpensive diagnostic test. This breakthrough could help prevent the spread of mad cow disease in the food supply.
A CCNY-led team found that nodes with fewer connections but locations near the core of a network are just as likely to spread information or infections. This knowledge could help public health officials target resources to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
The NIH has renewed a research program to develop medical countermeasures for radiation exposure after a radiological or nuclear attack. The program will support research at seven institutions nationwide and provide an estimated $105 million in funding.
Carol Iversen received the 2010 ICAAC Young Investigator Award for her research on Enterobacter sakazakii taxonomy. Her work led to the creation of a new genus Cronobacter, which has improved detection and isolation of the bacteria.
Leading respiratory specialists call for a new approach to TB screening for newly arrived immigrants from high-risk countries. They argue that the current system is fundamentally flawed and fails to address the growing number of TB cases in the UK. The authors propose screening new arrivals in community services, rather than relying on...
The ST131 strain of E. coli is a major cause of serious antimicrobial-resistant infections in the US, accounting for 67-69% of resistant isolates. Researchers urge discovering its sources to prevent further spread.
Research suggests that requiring a five-hour rest period for surgical residents after 16 hours of work may not improve outcomes in commonly performed operations. The study compared outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomies and appendectomies performed during the day versus at night, finding similar good outcomes.
Scientists discovered that abnormal prions, a type of infectious protein, can suddenly appear in healthy brain tissue when coated onto metal surfaces. This finding raises questions about the origin of these deadly proteins and their potential role in neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study estimates that waterborne diseases like Legionnaires', cryptosporidiosis, and giardiasis cost the healthcare system up to $539 million annually. The three diseases cause severe illness often requiring hospital stays of over a week, resulting in significant healthcare costs.
Research reveals nearly 1 in 25 restaurant-associated foodborne outbreaks can be traced back to contaminated salsa or guacamole. Proper storage and handling of these foods are key to preventing illness.
Researchers have developed a novel assay to test for multiple tumor markers in bladder cancer using custom-designed MLPA with multiple short synthetic probes. The study found paired tumor and urine samples showed identical marker patterns, suggesting this assay may be used for non-invasive diagnosis.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have successfully engineered a new version of the blood-regulator enzyme thrombin with optimized anti-blood clotting properties. This breakthrough opens the door to potential new medications that can treat diseases related to thrombosis without carrying a risk of hemorrhage.
A study of nearly 45,000 patients found that many with HIV in the US and Canada do not receive care early enough, resulting in lower CD4 cell counts. This delay increases the risk of clinical disease progression and ongoing transmission.
A Saint Louis University study shows that a residential summer weight-loss camp improves the health of obese children by reducing their weight, BMI, and blood pressure. The program also boosts their physical fitness and self-esteem, as they connect with peers who share similar struggles.
A study on the Darwin/Wedgwood dynasty found a statistical association between child mortality and inbreeding. Charles Darwin's children faced health problems, with three dying before adulthood, due to inbreeding depression.
African wild dog populations decline due to domestic dogs' presence, illustrating the impact of human behavior on disease transmission. Human behavior, such as range differences and animal husbandry practices, shapes disease risk and is a key driver of emerging infectious diseases.
The journal will support high-quality continuing professional development and enable travel medicine practitioners to share research and recent developments. The partnership aims to promote best levels of health and high standards of healthcare worldwide.
A new study by the University of Michigan Health System shows that 20% of Americans born between 1966-1985 were obese by age 20-29, a significant increase from previous generations. This trend is expected to worsen racial disparities in health, with black Americans already experiencing a higher burden of obesity-related diseases.
A Saint Louis University doctor found no evidence supporting the use of natural treatments like St. John's wort for anxiety, instead recommending selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a safe and effective first-line treatment option.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a rapid and accurate method to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect warfarin dose, enabling personalized treatment for patients. This new approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects associated with warfarin therapy.
Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston are using real-time intelligence systems to monitor potential infectious disease threats to mass gatherings like the Olympics. The collaboration is providing actionable intelligence to help organizers prepare for and respond to emerging infectious diseases.
A mandatory influenza vaccination policy improved the vaccination rate among 26,000 employees at a large health care system from 54% to 98%. The study found that medical and religious exemptions were granted to 411 employees, with eight terminated for non-compliance.
A recent study by Queen's University researchers reveals that sharing a hospital room significantly increases the risk of acquiring serious infectious diseases like C. difficile. The study concludes that private rooms are safer and should be considered for future hospital design.
A new Saint Louis University research suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease have a more favorable prognosis when properly managed with medical care. The BARI 2D trial found significant improvements in treatment outcomes for patients receiving intensive medical therapy or bypass surgery.
The Radiation Effects Research Foundation will study the impact of atomic bomb radiation on the aging immune system, analyzing biological samples from elderly Japanese survivors. Understanding how the immune system ages may help care for the growing population of older adults worldwide.
Classifying molar pregnancy is crucial for clinical treatment due to increased risk of persistent gestational trophoblastic disease. Researchers used STR genotyping and p57 immunohistochemistry to differentiate complete hydatidiform moles from partial moles and non-molar specimens.
Scientists have characterized the detailed structure of prions using unconventional X-ray diffraction methods. The results show significant structural differences between natural and synthetic prions, which may explain their infectious behavior.
Researchers have characterized the detailed structure of prions using unconventional X-ray diffraction methods. The study found surprisingly large structural differences between natural prions and synthetic analogs, shedding new light on their infectious behavior.
The UK International Health Links Centre (IHLC) aims to promote effective international health links between the UK and developing countries. The centre will provide a 'one-stop-shop' for information and guidance on strengthening existing links, as well as a library of resources for international users.
The new European Society of Cardiology guidelines update the treatment approach for infective endocarditis, emphasizing a multidisciplinary care team and earlier surgery. The guidelines also reduce antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk dental procedures and highlight the importance of echocardiography in diagnosis and management.
Researchers developed a novel methodology to extract microRNAs from cancer tissues, identifying 17 new and 53 known miRNAs. These miRNAs were well-preserved in long-preserved tissue samples, leading to improved predictions of disease prognosis and treatment response.
The number of people aged 60 or over in South Africa is projected to triple by 2025, leading to a doubling of cardiovascular deaths. The burden of non-communicable diseases is expected to increase as antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality from HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Lin's work reveals a modified sexual cycle of C. neoformans with only one mating type, suggesting increased genetic diversity and pathogenic characteristics
A new study on Tasmanian devil social networks may help prevent the spread of an extinction-threatening disease. The research found that all individuals in a population are connected within a single social network, making it easy for disease to spread.
A new international partnership aims to improve African institutions' capacity to detect infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. The Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance (SACIDS) will develop courses, research skills, and biosafety systems to tackle major livestock and wildlife diseases.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that two simple clinical measurements failed to identify TB patients who could benefit from a shorter treatment course. The study involved over 1,000 TB patients in Africa, Brazil, and Asia, but ultimately showed that these measures w...
Researchers have developed a specific and quantitative method to measure FMRP protein levels, which is mutated in fragile X syndrome. This test will help correlate protein levels with clinical severity of the disease.
A study of 5,434 patient records found that physicians failed to report clinically significant abnormal test results in nearly one in every 14 cases. Implementing simple processes such as routing all test results to the responsible physician and documenting patient notification can greatly lessen error rates.
The Northeast Biodefense Center, a regional collaboration of major centers, will conduct interdisciplinary research on diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines to address emerging infectious diseases. The center has made significant contributions to global health, including the development of diagnostics for SARS and pandemic influenza.
Global health is defined as an area of study that prioritizes improving health globally, particularly in achieving equity among all people worldwide. The definition emphasizes transnational health issues, determinants, and solutions, involving multiple disciplines and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have created a faster method to distinguish between different infectious prion strains, which can cause diseases in animals and humans. The new approach reduces the time lag for identification from six months to four months, allowing scientists to accelerate research and better understand disease risks.
A study finds that inner city rodents form distinct neighborhoods, with most spending majority of their lives within a city block. This understanding provides information on which populations may spread disease, highlighting the need to target entire families for eradication efforts.
Elsevier has launched a new journal called Epidemics, which will focus on infectious disease dynamics. The journal aims to bring together researchers from various disciplines and provide a platform for high-quality papers in this emerging field.