Articles tagged with Disease Control
A recent report by the American Dental Association found that fewer than one percent of dentists in the US were COVID-19 positive, with 99% using enhanced infection control procedures. The study, which surveyed nearly 2,200 dentists, suggests that dentistry's risk of transmission is lower than initially thought.
A new study found Hurricane Irma resulted in 433 additional deaths among nursing home residents in Florida within 90 days, exceeding national averages by double
A new study suggests that high fructose intake exacerbates intestinal inflammation common to IBD, potentially worsening the condition for patients. Researchers found that a western diet, including fructose, is associated with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes, which may further increase IBD risk.
Researchers aim to pinpoint specific areas with the highest risk of tick-borne disease transmission using GPS data loggers and interviews with people with tick-borne diseases. The study's findings will inform targeted interventions to address a major public health threat in the US.
A study found that adherence to infection control processes, including proper wearing of PPE and cohorting strategies, was significantly associated with declines in weekly infection and mortality rates. The Massachusetts COVID-19 response in nursing homes helped stem the rate of infection among vulnerable residents through a state-wide...
The study proposes a mathematical model to understand the interactions between microorganisms within hosts and their transmission ability. The framework allows for the prediction of infection trajectories in single hosts and transmission in host populations, even considering complex interactions and stochasticity.
Research suggests that UK's COVID-19 preventive measures have prevented hundreds of deaths among homeless people in the country. The measures, including hotel room accommodation and infection control, were estimated to have avoided over 21,000 infections, 266 deaths, and 1164 hospital admissions.
A study investigated human dispersal's effect on disease control and total extent of an infection's spread. Researchers used the susceptible-infected-susceptible model to analyze the impact of human migration on infection sizes and disease prevalence in different regions.
People with type 1 diabetes are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 clinical outcomes, especially older individuals with longer disease duration and worse glucose control. However, young people with or without diabetes are coping better with the infection, likely due to differences in anatomy, epidemiology, and gene expressions.
A review of evidence suggests that school closures may have negative consequences on children's mental health and limited effectiveness in preventing transmission. Experts recommend balancing pros and cons of reopening strategies, taking into account psychological, educational, and social consequences.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends immunizations against vaccine-preventable diseases for healthcare personnel, educators, and students. Medical contraindications are the only exception to receiving recommended immunizations.
A new study identifies NEMF as a driver of motor neuron diseases, linking defective protein quality control to motor neuron death. The research suggests that dysfunction of ribosomal quality control causes neurodegeneration, providing strong evidence for the link between protein quality control and human disease.
A new white paper from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America provides targeted screening and decolonization strategies to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infections in critically ill infants. The guidance balances infection prevention with the need for skin-to-skin contact with parents and siblings.
Researchers predict a shift toward mosquitoes carrying dengue fever and other diseases, posing a significant threat to public health in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study highlights the need for targeted control measures, including diagnostics and community-based interventions, to combat this emerging threat.
Researchers analyzed over 700 COVID-19 patients admitted to Brigham and Women's Hospital, finding a significant incidence of nosocomial transmission. The study assesses the effectiveness of the hospital's infection control program and provides insights into COVID-19 management in hospitals.
A study by the Brigham Infection Control team analyzed all COVID-19 cases at the hospital during a surge in Massachusetts. The results show that only two patients likely acquired the disease within the hospital, despite strict infection control measures, including universal masking and visitor restrictions.
Researchers have developed a way to induce speciation events in fruit flies, allowing scientists to create engineered strains that can reproduce normally but are sterile when mated with unmodified flies. This technology, called Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI), has the potential to control populations of disease-carrying insect...
Scientists have developed a controlled human hookworm infection model to accelerate vaccine development, with the goal of preventing infections that affect 576-740 million people worldwide. The study will evaluate two lead vaccine antigens and assess their efficacy in a phase II trial.
An observational study investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission among bus riders in Eastern China, revealing potential for airborne spread. The study found that close contact and airborne transmission were common factors in the outbreak.
A new study maps natural killer cells in COVID-19 patients, finding specific characteristics of activation correlate with disease severity and adaptive NK cells with severe disease. The study suggests future research directions, including the role of NK cell responses in lung tissue and variability over time during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Scientists discovered human monoclonal antibodies specific to HBV surface antigens in natural controllers, which showed neutralizing ability and capabilities of blocking viral infection. The findings highlight a promising therapeutic tool for treating chronic HBV infection and may provide an alternative to existing treatments.
A wide range of respirators and face masks were tested for filtration efficiency, including expired N95s and surgical masks with ties and ear loops. The study found significant variations in filtration performance among different types of masks.
A new molecule called TPPU has been shown to suppress the inflammatory process, reducing inflammation and joint tissue wear and tear in mice with genetically induced arthritis. Arthritic mice treated with TPPU displayed less pain and swelling and had lower clinical scores.
South Korea's swift response to the pandemic, including rapid testing and contact tracing, helped limit deaths. The country's homogenous cultural structure enabled effective government policies.
Scientists created metabolic models of the bacterium associated with Huanglongbing, identifying 94 essential enzymes and metabolites required for its survival. These findings can lead to new antibacterial treatments and insights into long-lasting disease management strategies.
A study by the University of Southampton found that COVID-19 transmission rates are higher for passengers sitting near an infected person, with close contact increasing the risk. The research suggests a safe social distance of over 1 meter is required to prevent transmission after two hours of contact.
A recent CDC report examines COVID-19 mortality rates across different racial and ethnic groups. The study found significant disparities in mortality rates among various populations, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these inequities.
Researchers found no Candida auris acquisition in healthy US international travelers returning from international trips, suggesting low risk of transmission during travel. The study's results could lead to developing a detection system for high-risk populations.
Researchers from UMD and international partners highlight the urgent issue of African vulture poisoning, which threatens global disease and biodiversity. A coordinated approach leveraging community engagement and pre-existing resources is recommended to maximize conservation impacts.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified a new RNA-binding protein that regulates plant immune responses, enabling rapid on and off signals to fight pathogens. The discovery provides insights into the complex mechanisms of plant defense and paves the way for improved disease resistance and food security.
Using a weather-based decision support system can significantly improve Cercospora leaf spot control in table beet by reducing unnecessary fungicide applications. The approach also helps minimize the risk of resistance development due to single-site modes of action.
Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a novel method of communication among cells using 'mechano-chemical' signals. The findings show that the movement of one cell can trigger a cascading reaction resulting in collective cell migration.
Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a computational tool tracking COVID-19 growth rates across over 200 countries. The 'COVID-19 accelerometer' plots real-time growth curves to assess the effectiveness of public policies aimed at containing the pandemic.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have identified a key protein controlling T follicular helper cell (Tfh) differentiation. The protein Bcl6 acts as a master regulator in the immune system, blocking or promoting gene expression to control immune responses. This study opens the door to designing vaccines and therapies tha...
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of British Columbia finds that thousands of US deaths may be caused by heat each year. The researchers estimate that moderate heat killed 3,309 people per year in the counties included in the study, while extreme heat killed 2,299 people annually.
A new survey of US tick-management programs reveals a public health gap in surveillance and control efforts. The study found that less than half of programs engage in active tick surveillance and only 12% conduct or support tick-control efforts.
The study identifies inadequate funding, limited guidance, and institutional capacity issues as significant barriers to improved tick monitoring and control. Many existing programs rely on county or state funding, which can lead to program instability over time.
The University of Guam has received a $240,000 grant to introduce an insect disease caused by OrNV to control the coconut rhinoceros beetle population on Guam. Two strains of OrNV have been found to be effective in controlling the biotype CRB-G, causing significant damage on the island.
This study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to compare demographic and clinical characteristics between adolescents and adults with EVALI. Key findings include differences in age, sex, substance use behaviors, and hospitalization rates.
Research shows that fungicides Prothioconazole and pydiflumetofen provide effective control of Fusarium wilt in watermelon, regardless of application rate or method. These findings suggest that pydiflumetofen could be used as an additional mode of action for growers, reducing selection for fungicide resistance.
A rapid review of contemporary epidemic research found an increase in psychosis prevalence due to COVID-19 linked to viral exposure, pre-existing vulnerability, and psychosocial stress. People with psychosis may pose a significant challenge for clinical teams and potentially transmit the virus.
Researchers found that silent transmission can enable the pathogen to infect greater numbers of people, but also has drawbacks such as reduced infectious particles. The study's findings inform public health control measures like quarantines and testing.
Neuroscientists at York University developed five predictive models using non-motor clinical and biological variables to detect early-stage Parkinson's disease. The models achieved over 80% accuracy in distinguishing early-stage Parkinson's from healthy controls, offering a potential alternative to traditional diagnosis methods.
Researchers screened 25,000 children in the Denver metro area and found that early detection can reduce incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis by 20%, leading to improved disease control and reduced healthcare costs. The study highlights the potential for screening to improve overall quality of life and reduce long-term health risks.
A new report suggests that strict international travel bans have contained the spread of COVID-19 in the EU. The study uses computer modeling to predict the impact of lifting air travel restrictions and highlights the importance of mobility in the global spread of the disease.
A recent study evaluated Medicaid benefits coverage and reimbursement amounts for recommended adult vaccines across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The findings suggest that state policies vary widely, with some states providing more comprehensive vaccination services than others.
Cassava has increased yields dramatically in Asia over the last 50 years, with yields in Vietnam rising from 3 tons per hectare to 20 tons through improved varieties and fertilizer management. Researchers have also developed new varieties for industrial use, such as high-starch cassava ideal for higher latitudes.
Researchers at UC Davis cleared a major obstacle to using CRISPR-Cas9 gene drive technology to control mosquito-borne diseases. A study found that 90% of protein-coding genes in mosquito populations have suitable target sequences for the gene drive, making it effective against disease-causing viruses and parasites.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new web application to track COVID-19 cases and testing globally, offering user-friendly data visualization and interactive maps. The app uses publicly available data from reputable sources, including the COVID Tracking Project and Johns Hopkins University.
This review found that quarantine can significantly reduce infections and deaths from COVID-19 when combined with other public health measures such as physical distancing, school closures, and travel restrictions. The effectiveness of quarantine alone was less consistent, but still showed promise in controlling outbreaks.
A recent study led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that Fijians carrying a pneumonia-causing bacteria are more likely to be of iTaukei ethnicity, young, living in urban areas, or with low family income. The study also linked toddlers and children under six years old to a higher burden of pneumococcal bacteria.
A new study reveals that the risk of transmitting the virus PPRV does not significantly increase with age, unlike its sibling virus measles. Instead, animals from pastoral areas are more likely to become infected compared to agropastoral areas.
An international team of experts has released 54 recommendations for caring for ICU patients with COVID-19, including guidelines on infection control, ventilation support, and therapy. The guidelines were developed in just three weeks and provide critical guidance for frontline clinicians, allied health professionals, and policy makers.
The Surviving Sepsis Campaign COVID-19 panel has released comprehensive guidelines for intensive care unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19, including infection control, laboratory diagnosis, and ventilator support. The guidelines were developed in just three weeks by a team of 36 experts from around the world.
The University of Montana has received a five-year, $10.75 million grant to establish the Center for Population Health Research (CPHR). CPHR will support epidemiological and mathematical modeling approaches to understand risk and resilience factors for children's health outcomes.
Researchers analyzed China's control measures during the first 50 days of the COVID-19 epidemic and found that they may have prevented over 700,000 infections outside of Wuhan. The study suggests that these measures successfully broke the chain of transmission by preventing contact between infectious and susceptible people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released interim guidance on infection prevention and control in long-term care facilities to prevent COVID-19 spread. The guidance emphasizes early detection, personal protective equipment use, and cleaning measures.
The researchers have developed a computational model of a human cell that simulates its behavior for up to 15 minutes, revealing the effects of spatial organization on genetic processes. The study provides new insights into how genes are regulated and developed, and how diseases such as cancer are formed.
A recent study found that only half of all surfaces in an animal hospital were adequately cleaned during a 5.5-week period, with human-touch surfaces being the least likely to be disinfected. The researchers recommend creating checklists and educating staff on proper cleaning practices to protect animal and human health.
A new study found that taking higher daily step counts is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. The study tracked over 4,800 U.S. adults and found that those who took 8,000 steps per day had a 51% lower risk compared to those who took 4,000 steps.