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Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a community health report that analyzes the human virome in wastewater, providing valuable insights into emerging diseases. By detecting changes in viral trends in wastewater, scientists can identify outbreaks and transmission patterns, ultimately improving population health.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2023

EU/EEA: HIV diagnoses rise for the first time in a decade

New HIV diagnoses rose by 31% in the EU/EEA in 2022, with migrants accounting for 49% of cases. Ukrainian refugees made up a significant proportion of new diagnoses, with women disproportionately affected. The increase highlights the need for tailored early testing and treatment approaches to address this growing public health threat.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

Chlorine disinfectant is no more effective than water at killing off hospital superbug

A new study by the University of Plymouth reveals that chlorine disinfectants used in hospitals are no more effective at killing off hospital superbugs than water. The research highlights the need for alternative strategies to tackle Clostridioides difficile, which causes diarrhoea, colitis and other bowel complications globally.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMicrobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Some increase in cancer after 1986 Chernobyl disaster

A long-term study published in Environmental Epidemiology shows a slightly increased incidence of cancer, particularly colon, pancreas, and stomach cancer in men, as well as lymphoma in women. The researchers used new calculation methods to analyze radiation doses from Chernobyl fallout.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2023

Success of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes in fighting dengue may be underestimated

Researchers analyzed a World Mosquito Program trial and found that excluding transmission dynamics likely underestimates the impact of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes. The study suggests that true efficacy may be higher than initially reported, with potential reductions in dengue fever cases ranging from 77% to 94-97%.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 6, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal study analyzes recent global and national trends of atherosclerosis

A recent study analyzing global and national trends of atherosclerosis found an increasing trend in incidence from 1990 to 2019, driven by adults aged 20–54. The burden of the disease is particularly concerning in low- and middle-income countries, where it is rising significantly due to lifestyle factors and aging populations.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2023

Umbilical venous catheterization and bloodstream infection among preterm infants

A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2023

How to slow the spread of deadly ‘superbugs’

A new Australian study suggests harnessing genomic surveillance technology can detect the rise of deadly 'superbugs', slowing their evolution and spread to improve global health outcomes. The study highlights the need for a multifaceted 'One Health' approach to surveillance, with practical recommendations for implementation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Reviews Genetics·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 23, 2023

Computer model predicts who needs lung cancer screening

A machine learning model developed by researchers can predict lung cancer risk with an 83.9% sensitivity, identifying those who need screening for the disease. The model uses just three predictors: age, smoking duration, and pack-years of smoking, making it a simplified approach to determine high-risk populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2023

Study finds significant chemical exposures in women with cancer

A large national study found that people with breast, ovarian, skin, and uterine cancers have higher levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like PFAS and phenols. The study suggests a link between these exposures and increased cancer risk in women. Researchers emphasize the need for EPA regulation to reduce PFAS exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 17, 2023

Calculating disease risk in individuals with previous disease

A new study found that having a previous disease increases an individual's risk of developing another disease, regardless of age and established risk factors. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank cohort and found roughly double the expected rate of new diseases in certain groups, such as high-BMI men who smoke.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 12, 2023

High levels of particulate air pollution associated with increased breast cancer incidence

Researchers found a significant association between high particulate matter exposure and an 8% increase in breast cancer incidence among US women. The study, which considered historical air quality data, suggests that fine particulate matter may affect breast cancer through endocrine disruption.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 11, 2023

Pulmonary embolism deaths, disparities high despite advancements in care

A Michigan Medicine study found that pulmonary embolism death rates remained unchanged over the past decade, with higher mortality rates among men, Black patients, and those from rural areas. The study analyzed over 100,000 deaths related to pulmonary embolism between 2006 and 2019.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Lower-middle class Americans near retirement are worse off than 20 years ago, new USC and Columbia study shows

A new study by USC and Columbia University reveals that lower-middle class Americans nearing retirement age face poorer health, worse economic outcomes, and lower homeownership rates. The 'forgotten middle' group lacks adequate resources to cover healthcare and housing costs.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2023

Catheter ablation in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

A new study found that catheter ablation significantly lowers the incidence of cardiovascular events and death in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The researchers compared 208 patients who underwent AF ablation with those who received medical therapy only, finding a lower risk of both cardiovascular events and de...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Dogs can detect COVID-19 infections faster and more accurately than conventional technology, demonstrating readiness for mainstream medical applications

A growing number of studies highlights the power of dogs in detecting COVID-19 and its variants, even when obscured by other viruses. Trained scent dogs are as effective and often more effective than antigen tests and RT-PCR tests, detecting the virus faster and without environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateAug 14, 2023

University of Minnesota-led study shows Hmong stroke patients are younger, other unique stroke patterns

A University of Minnesota-led study identified higher incidence of brain hemorrhage, hardening of the arteries, and small vessel disease in Hmong stroke patients. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes are prevalent among this community.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

Nuisance vegetation removal in Senegalese waterways reduces the overall prevalence of parasitic infections and increases local food production

Removing nuisance aquatic vegetation from waterways reduces parasitic infection prevalence by up to 124%, while generating feed and compost for local farmers. The study's findings suggest a potential solution for schistosomiasis endemic areas, with implications for global health.

Use of wastewater metrics to track COVID-19

A study using wastewater metrics found accurate assessments of county SARS-CoV-2 incidence and may be the best metric for monitoring virus circulation. Home testing increases and vaccination treatment decrease disease acuity, making wastewater surveillance a reliable option.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 2023

Malnutrition during pregnancy increases diabetes incidence

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found a significant link between malnutrition during pregnancy and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed data from over 3.5 million people in Austria and found that men born during severe famine periods had a 78% higher incidence rate of new diabetes cases.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalHeliyon·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 2023

Bringing COVID-19 data into focus

Researchers developed a deconvolution method for epidemiology using neural networks, inferring daily infection rates from mortality data. The approach can assess the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions like lockdowns and mask mandates in reducing infection transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2023

Maternal dengue fever – “compelling evidence” that even mild infections impact birth outcomes

Research from the University of Surrey and University of Birmingham finds detrimental effects of all severities of maternal dengue infections on birth outcomes, including increases in low, very low, and extremely low birth weights. Long-term consequences also include hospitalizations for children up to three years after birth.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalApplied Economics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 2023

Innovative gene therapy may help treat a severe and fatal developmental epilepsy syndrome that affects children

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an innovative gene therapy that shows promise in treating Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental epilepsy affecting children. The treatment was found to be effective in improving epilepsy, protecting against early death, and enhancing cognitive abilities.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine study uncovers trends in the global burden of tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer

The study found a decreasing trend in the global TBL cancer burden from 1990 to 2019, but regional variations persisted. The burden was highest in upper-middle-income countries and lowest in high-income countries.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine article decodes patterns of pneumoconiosis among miners

The study analyzed historical data on coal miners in China, revealing a strong correlation between raw coal production, mining technology, and CWP incidence. The researchers identified key turning points in disease incidence, linked to changes in diagnostic criteria and labor management, as well as coal industry policy reforms.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 20, 2023

Echovirus 11 in newly born twins: case in Italy shows close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates

A case of echovirus 11-induced hepatitis in Italian male twins has been reported, showing a close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates. The study highlights the importance of rapid recognition and timely treatment to ensure survival, and suggests potential host genetic predisposition in male and twin categories.