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HIV: bestowing CD8+ T cells with properties observed in natural controllers

Researchers successfully reprogrammed non-controllers' CD8+ T cells to acquire properties of natural HIV controllers, enabling them to suppress viral load and survive without exhaustion. This breakthrough could lead to a cell therapy strategy for achieving HIV remission, with potential applications in cancer treatments.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022

Resistance induction, a potential strategy to control olive verticilosis

A team of scientists found that two beneficial microorganisms (Aureobasidium pullulans and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and a copper phosphite fertilizer can reduce Verticillium Wilt in olive trees by up to 70%. The study suggests that these compounds induce resistance in plants through different metabolic pathways, offering a non-speci...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Genetic links revealed between severe COVID-19 and other diseases

A large-scale study found genetic links between COVID-19 severity and various medical conditions, including venous embolism, type 2 diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. The analysis also revealed shared genetic architecture with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and reduced risk of autoimmune conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Study identifies barriers to successful bloodstream infection surveillance in home healthcare settings

Researchers found eight major steps in performing CLABSI surveillance, but identified inadequate IT support and lack of a standardized definition as major barriers. The study provides recommendations to improve surveillance, including providing staff with necessary resources and training, and engaging leadership and front-line staff.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeSurvey·DateApr 28, 2022

Data from new CDC study reveal key trends in US healthcare personnel COVID-19 exposures

A CDC study published in AJIC found that healthcare personnel (HCPs) diagnosed with COVID-19 were most likely to be exposed to SARS-CoV-2 in their workplaces as cases increased in their communities. The study suggests improved infection prevention and control measures are needed in occupational settings.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2022

A pre-Easter surprise: massive recall of chocolate products due to outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium in 10 European countries

A multistate outbreak in 10 European countries linked to chocolate products has been linked to monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium, primarily affecting young children. The outbreak strain demonstrated a multidrug-resistant profile, highlighting the importance of including uncommon AMR profiles in early international communications.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022

A ‘cautionary tale’ about location tracking

A recent study by the University of Rochester found that mobility patterns can be predicted with surprising accuracy based on data collected from acquaintances, even if individual users turn off their own location tracking. The researchers discovered that up to 95% of an individual's movement pattern can be inferred from people they ar...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2022

Study: Older adults with rheumatoid arthritis still undermedicated, despite aggressive guidelines

A recent study suggests that many older adults with rheumatoid arthritis are not prescribed disease-modifying medications, despite guidelines calling for early and aggressive treatment. Only 45% of patients over 65 were prescribed these medications, highlighting the need to improve prescribing practices among primary care physicians.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalACR Open Rheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022

New study suggests increased flu vaccination among U.S. home healthcare workers could reduce patient illness and hospitalization

A new study suggests increasing flu vaccination among US home healthcare workers could significantly reduce flu-related illnesses and hospitalizations among elderly patients. The research highlights the association between HHC staff flu-vaccination rates and patient illness at a national level.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Lack of sleep increases unhealthy abdominal fat

A randomized controlled study found that lack of sufficient sleep increased calorie intake and visceral fat area by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that inadequate sleep is a previously unrecognized trigger for visceral fat deposition, potentially contributing to obesity and metabolic diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 28, 2022

New study finds aerosolized hydrogen peroxide can significantly reduce C. difficile infections in hospital settings

New data published in AJIC suggests aerosolized hydrogen peroxide can significantly reduce Clostridioides difficile (CDI) infections among patients in large, acute-care facilities. A study found a 41% decrease in HA-CDI rates after implementing an aerosolized hydrogen peroxide system.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 17, 2022

Heartland virus identified in lone star ticks in Georgia

Scientists at Emory University have identified Heartland virus in lone star ticks in central Georgia, confirming its active transmission within the state. The study reveals that the virus is evolving rapidly and may be confined to isolated areas, highlighting the need for further research on this emerging infectious disease.

SourceEmory University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2022

Excess sugar consumption costs Canada’s health-care system $5 billion each year

A new study by University of Alberta researchers estimates that excessive sugar consumption in Canada results in $5 billion annual healthcare costs due to 16 chronic diseases. Limiting free sugar intake could reduce diabetes prevalence by 27% if Canadians follow the 10% recommendation, and 44.8% if they limit consumption to less than 5...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·DateMar 15, 2022

Mapping of exposed water tanks and swimming pools based on aerial images can help control dengue

Researchers in Brazil developed a computer program that locates swimming pools and rooftop water tanks in aerial photographs, using artificial intelligence to identify socio-economically deprived urban areas at risk for diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti. The innovation can be used as a public policy tool for dynamic socio-economic ...

An oral medication shows benefits treating Type 1 diabetes for at least two years after diagnosis

Researchers found that verapamil treatment delayed disease progression, lowered insulin requirements, and preserved some beta cell function in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The study used proteomics analysis and RNA sequencing to examine changes in circulating proteins in response to verapamil treatment.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

COVID-19 restrictions linked to nearly 750,000 fewer dengue cases in 2020

A new study found a strong association between school closures and declines in non-residential trips during COVID-19, leading to reduced risk of dengue transmission. Reduced time spent in public areas was closely associated with reduced dengue risk in countries where COVID-19 restriction measures began at the peak of dengue season.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 2022

Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City

A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.

Engaging individuals in disease prevention behaviours during a pandemic

A study conducted by Singapore Management University found that perceived effectiveness of government messages outweighs the effect of individuals' belief in a dangerous world. Effective communication with informative, personal, and objective message characteristics is key to driving disease prevention behaviors.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalInternational Journal of Strategic Communication·DateFeb 25, 2022

Live wire: new research on nanoelectronics

A study by Arizona State University shows that certain proteins can act as efficient electrical conductors, outperforming DNA-based nanowires in conductance. The protein nanowires display better performance over long distances, enabling potential applications for medical sensing and diagnostics.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

The body fights infection amidst 'waves' of regulatory CD4+ T cells

A new study from the La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that two groups of regulatory CD4+ T cells develop at different times to combat acute inflammation. The early Tregs reduce autoimmune damage, while the second wave shuts down the entire immune response to signal infection clearance.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Treatment for Parkinson’s could now get even better

A new study from the University of Copenhagen has made significant breakthroughs in treating Parkinson's disease by targeting specific neurons in the brainstem. By stimulating excitatory neurons in the caudal area of the pedunculopontine nucleus, researchers were able to restore normal walking function in mice with Parkinson's symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2022