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Novel method to predict behavior of different COVID-19 waves in the vaccinated or previously infected

Researchers developed a faster, more affordable method to analyze serological data and predict COVID-19 wave behavior. The study showed that vaccination boosted immunity, with hybrid immunity producing higher protection levels. Antibody levels rose quickly after the first dose, especially in cities where case numbers were highest.

Researchers decipher the mechanism that enables skin cancer to metastasize to the brain - and inhibited its spread by 80%

Tel Aviv University researchers discovered that skin cancer cells interact with astrocytes in the brain, promoting metastasis. By inhibiting this interaction using existing treatments, they delayed the spread of melanoma to the brain by 60-80%. This breakthrough has implications for treating advanced-stage melanoma.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 20, 2022

Repeated infections associated with increased risk of some neurodegenerative diseases

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that people with hospital-treated infections in early- and mid-life had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The research analyzed data on over 291,000 cases and matched controls to identify the association between infections and neurodegenerativ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2022

Study finds higher complication rate after heart attack in people with autoimmune disease

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals with autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk of complications after a heart attack. The research emphasizes the importance of controlling cardiovascular disease risk factors and developing personalized treatment plans for this population.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 14, 2022

Lessons learned in COVID-19: SHEA offers guidance for antibiotic use in a pandemic

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America highlights the need to strengthen antibiotic stewardship programs to address overuse of antibiotics in early stages of viral epidemics. The guidance provides strategies for hospitals and healthcare personnel to improve antibiotic prescribing and diagnostic testing.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 14, 2022

Targeted travel restrictions fail to halt spread of COVID-19

A study in the Netherlands found that restricting flights from countries where COVID-19 variants of concern emerge is not enough to halt their spread. The researchers analyzed nearly 40,000 genome sequences and found that all four VOCs had already been introduced into the country by the time flight restrictions were implemented.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateSep 13, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal review sheds light on protein drug target for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A review article suggests that retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) may be a potential target for clinical intervention in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study highlights the importance of RBP4 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, including its role in inducing hepatic de novo lipogenesis and impairing fatty acid oxidation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 13, 2022

Exercise and education: Diabetes prevention work helps local Latino children, families

A study led by Arizona State University Professor Gabriel Shaibi found that a community-based program combining education and exercise significantly improves the health of Latino children at risk for diabetes. The program, which included 117 families from around the Valley, provided culturally focused lessons on healthy eating and phys...

SourceArizona State University·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 12, 2022

Climate data can help model the spread of COVID-19

A new study finds that climate data, particularly UV radiation levels, can help accurately model the spread of COVID-19. The research analyzed data from 196 countries and found that high UV radiation levels are strongly associated with reduced COVID-19 transmission rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2022

Study: Slogans protesting federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate displayed three themes

A recent study found three distinct themes in slogans protesting federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates: Support for individual freedom/rights, opposition to government control, and anti-science misinformation/disinformation. The majority of slogans opposing vaccines were about individual rights or resistance to government control.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 26, 2022

New study demonstrates clinical and financial impact of patient exposure to ill healthcare worker in long-term care facility

A Japanese study found that a single ill healthcare worker caused respiratory infections among 17 patients, resulting in $12,324 in medical costs. The findings highlight the importance of addressing presenteeism and its impact on patient safety.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Pandemic response in Mayotte: How approaches need to be adapted to local community needs

The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on Mayotte, with over 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases causing interruptions in work and healthcare services. The island's unique socioeconomic vulnerability and communication challenges affected the surveillance and monitoring of the outbreak.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022

Scientists create a DNA test that identifies Lyme disease in horses

A Rutgers scientist has developed a highly sensitive DNA test that can detect Lyme disease in horses, a condition that can cause long-term complications. The test, called genomic hybrid capture assay, was tested on a sick horse and successfully identified the pathogen, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

Oncotarget | Kinase activity in renal cell carcinoma, benign renal tissue and in response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Researchers identified differences in PTK activity between normal and cancer kidney tissue, with Src family kinases and PI3K pathways exhibiting high activity. Ex vivo treatment of clear cell RCC with TKIs revealed that tivozanib and cabozantinib were more potent inhibitors than sunitinib or pazopanib.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2022

Researchers map incidence of malaria in pregnancy in Brazil

A study published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that malaria in pregnancy is still a major public health problem in the North of Brazil, with younger women being most at risk. The researchers believe that expansion of healthcare services and inclusion of artemisinin in therapeutic schemes contributed to the decline in cases.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·DateAug 16, 2022

CNIC scientists uncover opposing roles of p38 proteins in cardiac hypertrophy

A study by CNIC scientists has identified a key role for the MKK3/6–p38γ/δ signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of p38α promotes an unexpected activation of the other branch of the pathway, consisting of the proteins MKK3, p38γ, and p38δ. This activation induces another key pathway in cardiac hypertrophy, the mTOR pathway.

New study demonstrates combination of betadine and silver colloidal gel effectively eliminates infection-causing bacteria

A new study published in AJIC suggests that a combination of betadine and silver colloidal gel is more effective than either material alone for inhibiting the growth of common infection-causing bacteria. The findings could help medical professionals better treat and prevent serious infections in large wounds, including burns.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

New flavored nicotine gums, lozenges, and gummies rank second among nicotine products used by U.S. teens

A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine found that flavored oral nicotine products, such as gum and gummies, are increasingly popular among US teens, with 3.4% having used them at least once and 1.7% in the past six months. The use of these products was more common among Hispanic teens, teen girls, and LGBTQ+ teens.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSurvey·DateAug 8, 2022

UCLA researchers use artificial intelligence tools to speed critical information on drug overdose deaths

Researchers used natural language processing and machine learning to analyze nearly 35,500 death records, identifying the most common substances involved in overdose deaths. The system reduced data processing time by months, allowing for more rapid public health responses and interventions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2022

Global spread of powdery mildew through migration and trade

A research team uncovered the secret of powdery mildew's success by comparing genetic compositions of 172 strains from 13 countries on five continents. The pathogen was introduced to new regions through human migration and trade, undergoing hybridization with local species to form better-adapted hybrids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 3, 2022

Microscopic blood vessel disease in the brain’s white matter associated with worse cognition in Alzheimer’s

Researchers found that microscopic blood vessel disease in the brain's white matter is associated with worse cognitive function and memory deficits in individuals with Alzheimer's. Lifestyle changes such as reducing hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and inactivity may help prevent or slow disease progression.

Regular consumption of quinoa can help to prevent type 2 diabetes

A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that regular quinoa consumption can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Researchers replaced carbohydrate-rich foods with quinoa and found a significant reduction in post-meal blood sugar spikes. By mitigating this spike, quinoa may play a crucial role in preventing the progression of type 2 dia...

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalNutrients·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Face shields don’t give high level COVID protection, study shows

A recent study from University of East Anglia compared 13 face shield styles in laboratory settings and surveyed over 600 people in Nigeria and Brazil about their views on face shields as PPE. The results showed that all face shields provided some protection, but none gave high levels against external droplets.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2022