Articles tagged with Medical Facilities
Researchers at the University of Missouri identified 46 specific mutations in the Omicron variant that enable it to evade pre-existing antibodies. These mutations are particularly prevalent in the region where antibodies bind to the virus, making them a key target for future antiviral treatments.
The WV Clinical and Translational Science Institute is leading a national study on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) among adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, aims to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and develop effective treatments for this disabling complication.
A recent study of Dutch citizens between ages 14 and 26 reveals that lower educational attainment is associated with higher rates of alcohol use, rather than the other way around. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the relationship between education level and substance abuse.
Dr. Mark S. Parker, MD, FACR, has been recognized as the 2022 ARRS Distinguished Educator for his outstanding contributions to radiological education. He will be formally recognized at the ARRS Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA on May 1, 2022.
Researchers investigated COVID-19 vaccine administration disparities among low-income, diverse populations. The study found significant racial and ethnic inequities in vaccine uptake and access at federally qualified health centers.
A study found that the Patient Driven Payment Model is associated with increased use of rehabilitation therapy and improved health outcomes for patients in skilled nursing facilities. The model, implemented by Medicare in 2019, is designed to incentivize healthcare providers to prioritize patient needs over volume-driven reimbursement.
A prospective study found that ultrasound alone adequately completed the diagnostic evaluation of 71.2% of noncalcified lesions, diagnosed 92.1% of cancers, and yielded a sensitivity of 94.9%. Radiologists should consider performing ultrasound first for digital breast tomosynthesis-recalled noncalcified masses.
A study found that racial disparities in mammography screening worsened after COVID-19 closures, with non-white patients facing reduced access to facilities. Early interventions aimed at expanding access to these facilities helped to recover late recovery volumes for patients of races other than white.
A study found that adults with sensory impairment experienced a decline in emotional well-being during the pandemic due to lack of social interactions. Researchers hope to develop hybrid solutions for remote access and clear communication.
The study found that indoor bars, private parties, and nightclubs were high-risk places for transmitting the Delta variant, with men being more susceptible. Previous infection conferred a 95% protective effect, while two doses of mRNA vaccines provided 67% protection against symptomatic infection.
Researchers have discovered that ulvan extracted from marine algae can prevent the infection of cells with the Corona virus. The study suggests that this cheap and accessible natural material may help solve the global spread of the pandemic in developing countries without access to vaccines.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health has mapped the distance to HIV care services in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting that 7 million people live more than 10 minutes away and 3 million people live more than 30 minutes away. The research aims to develop cost-effective policies for HIV interventions in underserved areas.
Researchers assessed hospital policies to address sexual harassment of physicians by patients, highlighting inconsistencies and areas for improvement. The study aims to inform evidence-based practices to create a safer healthcare environment.
A study of nearly 2000 healthcare workers found that being vaccinated against COVID-19 decreased asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection detection compared to unvaccinated staff. Vaccination status was associated with reduced risk of infection.
Paxlovid demonstrates significant efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 virus, reducing hospitalization and death risks in adult patients by up to 89%. The treatment's development involved cutting-edge X-ray technology from the Advanced Photon Source.
US emergency department spending grew to $136.6 billion in 2016, with road injuries and falls accounting for the highest amount of ED spending. The study found that ED spending per visit increased at an annualized rate of 3.4% over the decade.
New research from the University of Georgia reveals that crisis pregnancy centers offering STI and HIV services are not meeting quality care standards. Many CPCs fail to offer comprehensive testing, treatment, or referrals, despite advertising as medical facilities.
A deep learning algorithm from VUNO improved radiologists' sensitivity for detecting reticular opacity on chest radiographs in patients with mild to severe interstitial lung disease. The algorithm accuracy reached 98.5% and improved interobserver agreement, suggesting its potential for screening suspected ILD patients.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that Yelp star ratings on health care facilities can indicate county-level death rate disparities. Counties with more 1-star reviews had higher death rates, and a one-point difference in average scores was associated with a reduction of approximately 60 preventable deaths.
The University of Missouri is developing an online certificate program for clinical engineers through a $2.6 million grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development. The program aims to increase the number of trained and qualified clinical engineers in the workforce, particularly in rural communities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, patient electronic health record inbox message volume increased significantly in an ambulatory practice network in New England. The study compared pre-pandemic and pandemic levels to understand the impact of the outbreak on healthcare communication.
Researchers found that mRNA COVID vaccines reduced symptomatic illness risk by 89% and 96% for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine recipients respectively. The vaccines' effectiveness was lower in immunocompromised individuals.
A team at HZB and PTB developed a method to measure the lateral expansion of the electron beam in laser plasma accelerators, achieving resolutions in the micrometre range. This technique uses coherent radiation of electron pulses via interference patterns to determine the beam cross-section.
A new $3.8 million NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2 grant will enable the expansion of Future Factories Lab at the UofSC McNair Aerospace Center, investigating interactions between humans and automation in manufacturing facilities. The project aims to create a manufacturing resilience ecosystem with significant workforce development opportunities.
A single-center retrospective study found that preoperative thoracic CT findings can complement preoperative clinical risk factors to improve risk assessment for the need of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Bronchial wall thickening, pericardial effusion, and anteroposterior chest diameter were identified as independent predictors...
Researchers found that UVB phototherapy increases levels of romantic passion and aggression in both men and women. Exposure to sunlight affects the endocrine system's regulation of sexual hormones.
This observational study of 869,000 births found increased mortality, intubation needs, and ICU admissions among COVID-19 patients. Women with COVID-19 were more likely to experience severe health consequences during childbirth.
A new regional policy in Chicago has led to an increase in patients receiving endovascular therapy, a critical treatment for large vessel occlusions. The study suggests that this policy change can improve stroke outcomes and has the potential to have a major public health impact.
Researchers at Duke University developed a robotic imaging tool that can automatically detect and scan patients' eyes for eye diseases, producing clear images in under 50 seconds. The system uses optical coherence tomography and is designed to be safe and accessible for optometrist offices, primary-care clinics, and emergency departments.
A review by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that QI studies in Ireland enhanced multiple elements of healthcare quality, including effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness, and safety. The studies primarily focused on improving patient care and hospital operations.
A new study from Oregon State University found that infants born within 3 kilometers of oil and natural gas drilling facilities in Texas had slightly lower birthweights than those born before drilling began. After accounting for other potential factors, the study found a significant association between living near an active drilling si...
New research from the University of Illinois explores how community characteristics impact the relocation of toxic-releasing facilities. The study found that facilities are more likely to move from communities with high population density, income, and education levels, while moving into those with lower socioeconomic status.
A recent study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development found that spending time outdoors positively affects brain structure and gray matter in the right dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex. This area is involved in planning, regulation of actions, and cognitive control. The results persist even when other factors are kept constant.
Two new studies aim to reduce vaccine hesitancy among long-term care workers, a key population group vulnerable to severe illness and death from COVID-19. The studies will test different approaches to increasing vaccine confidence, including virtual webinars, social media content, and peer-led interventions.
A study examining US ICE detention facility deaths from 2011 to 2018 found that inadequate healthcare, poor living conditions, and mental health issues were key factors contributing to these deaths. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in ICE facilities to prevent unnecessary deaths.
The study found that longer travel distances to the nearest abortion care facility are associated with higher abortion rates. Reduced travel distances may lead to increased access and subsequently lower abortion rates.
The Biological Engineering: Wastewater Innovation at Scale (BEWISe) facility, launched by Newcastle University and Northumbrian Water, will host researchers to explore new low-carbon alternatives for sewage treatment. This £1.2 million EPSRC-funded facility operates with a quadrillion microbes, enabling experimentation with different t...
A recent study examined the association between COVID-19-related childcare facility closures and employment status of women and men with children. The research found that childcare closures led to increased unemployment rates for both men and women, but women were more likely to experience a decline in employment opportunities.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that public toilets in Manhattan do not meet the needs of women experiencing homelessness, with limited access to resources and safety issues. The research highlights the need for improved menstrual hygiene management and accessibility in public facilities.
A study published in Immunity found that COVID-19 causes severe inflammation in the brain, involving microglial cells and T-cell interactions. The research reveals a unique inflammatory pattern compared to other brain diseases, suggesting a misdirected immune response contributing to symptoms.
A recent study found that higher screening uptake may be associated with a higher risk of colon cancer in black people. The study analyzed over 90,000 veterans and discovered that those who received routine screenings had a similar risk of colorectal cancer compared to white patients.
Researchers are using new analysis models to better understand mortality factors in dialysis patients. The study aims to identify the effects of co-morbidities such as depression and cardiovascular diseases on patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a fine-scale malaria risk map to help public health experts target interventions in Haiti. The map uses data from satellite images, health facilities, and hand-written medical logs to identify areas at high risk of infection.
Despite increased public use of parks and reserves, 26% of people reduced their visits during lockdowns, highlighting the need for inclusive urban planning policies. The study found that lockdown periods motivated new users to explore green spaces, which foster good mental health and serve as a nature-based coping mechanism.
Patients at for-profit dialysis facilities are less likely to be referred for kidney transplantation compared to those at non-profit facilities. Rates of starting medical evaluations and placing patients on a waitlist after evaluations were similar between the groups.
Researchers at Ural Federal University develop clay bricks with added heavy metals that effectively protect against ionizing radiation. The new material is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than existing alternatives, making it suitable for use in nuclear power plants, medical institutions, and other applications.
Researchers have developed color-changing threads that turn bright pink in the presence of Candida albicans, a common cause of yeast infections. These threads can be embedded in tampons or sanitary napkins to allow women to quickly and discreetly self-diagnose vulvovaginal yeast infections.
This study describes clinical characteristics and outcomes of adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection who developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Key findings include the prevalence of comorbidities and predictors of severe disease.
A study published in EClinicalMedicine found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements can significantly reduce the risk of early preterm births. Women with low DHA levels who received a higher dose of 1000 mg had half the rate of early preterm birth compared to those given a 200 mg supplement.
A study of charging patterns on a University of California San Diego campus found that DC fast chargers were less affected by the pandemic, with usage returning to near-normal levels. The researchers recommend deploying additional DCFCs on campus and beyond to support growing EV adoption.
A new study shows that a potassium ferrate hemostatic patch reduces the time to hemostasis after cardiac catherization, making it safer and faster to remove compression bands. This finding has the potential to change practice and enable same-day discharge protocols for patients.
Pharmacist-led programs have been shown to prevent medication-related harms such as cognitive impairment and falls in older adults. Medication reviews and education for healthcare professionals were the most common interventions.
The study assessed filtration efficiency of common masks when worn singly, doubled, or combined. It found that double masking can be an effective way to reduce airborne transmission of COVID-19.
Researchers analyzed genome sequences from seven asymptomatic LTCF patients, revealing specific SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study suggests that these variants may be associated with a reduced risk of severe illness in asymptomatic individuals.
Epidemiological studies confirm that transportation noise increases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, leading to ischaemic heart disease. The authors review the effects of noise on vascular dysfunction, inflammation, and hypertension, highlighting the need for noise-mitigation efforts and legislation.
A new study published in JCI Insights found that COVID-19 convalescent plasma treatment with high levels of antibodies is safe and significantly improves clinical outcomes. The treatment was effective in non-mechanically ventilated patients, with a survival rate of 88.9% at the 30-day mark.
The COVID-19 'Safer at Home' order led to a 40% decline in total radiology orders, with outpatient volumes decreasing by 67% and ED volumes declining by 21%. Subspecialty imaging saw significant declines, especially in dexa and breast imaging.
A large-scale genetic study has identified 50 new genes associated with human eye color, significantly expanding the current understanding of this complex trait. These findings will help improve diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases such as pigmentary glaucoma and ocular albinism.
The AFAR-Sagol Network GerOmic Awards support aging research using AI, Big Data, and Systems Research, focusing on heterochromatin domains in exceptional longevity. Researchers Simone Sidoli and Oscar Vivas are receiving awards to investigate chromatin regulations and the autonomic nervous system's function with age.
A study examined COVID-19 hospitalization outcomes and mortality rates among US adults, analyzing changes over the initial six months of the pandemic. The results revealed significant changes in mortality rates, with a notable decline in the later stages of the pandemic.