Articles tagged with Disease Control
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new real-time strategy for controlling foot-and-mouth disease, finding that local targeted methods are the most effective in halting disease spread. The approach prioritizes surveillance and vaccination to quickly control outbreaks, even with minimal information.
Individuals with MDD have lower LAC levels than healthy controls, increasing with disease severity and age of onset. Patients with low LAC levels often do not respond to standard antidepressant medications, suggesting LAC may aid in diagnosing severe, trauma-associated depression.
Researchers found a new protein iTAP that regulates TNF release from immune cells, reducing its levels in circulation. This discovery offers potential for developing improved treatments for inflammatory diseases.
A new study developed equations to predict lifetime risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the Chinese population. The models incorporated various risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and geographic region, providing personalized estimates.
A new framework, developed from analyzing three large-scale NTD intervention studies, provides actionable socio-anthropological approaches for understanding effectiveness factors. The framework identifies five domains to consider, including community agency and governance of interventions, to help NTD interventions succeed.
A study by ISGlobal reveals significant discrepancies in global tuberculosis death estimates between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), primarily due to differences in methodology and data sources. The researchers identify a dozen countries with notable variations, emphasizin...
Researchers found that a simplified intervention can significantly improve rates of blood pressure control in safety-net clinics, with success seen across all racial and ethnic groups. The program adapted treatment algorithms and tracking systems to suit the needs of patients with high-risk profiles.
Researchers update IDCs list, highlighting their critical roles in NTD research and epidemic preparedness. Countries like Brazil, Turkey, and China demonstrate higher prioritization on NTDs research.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that healthy diets with high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals are characterised by better asthma outcomes. Men who ate healthier diets had a 30% lower chance of experiencing asthma symptoms.
Two biological control agents, myxoma and rabbit haemorrhagic disease viruses, have been found to work together to control feral rabbit populations in Australia. The study used data from the largest wild rabbit study in the world to show that both viruses are effective when acting together.
New research from Brown University found that Medicare Advantage plan rankings may not accurately reflect the quality of care provided to disadvantaged populations. After adjusting for social risk factors, plans serving these populations improved considerably in the rankings.
Isoxazoline drugs have been found to be effective against various disease vectors including multiple mosquito and sand fly genera. A single dose of less than 500 mg could yield insecticidal plasma concentrations for at least 2 months, suggesting potential use in controlling vector-borne diseases.
A simple sampling method using swabs from environmental surfaces has been shown to detect viral genetic material in foot and mouth disease outbreaks. This method can be easily performed by smallholder farmers without clinical expertise, providing an effective tool for early detection.
Two new studies highlight the critical need for evaluating and updating standards for infection preventionist (IP) staffing levels, citing severe gaps in staffing and outdated coverage benchmarks. The studies found that actual IP labor needs are 31-66% higher than current benchmarks, indicating a greater need for IP oversight.
A large-scale genomic study found that nearly 80% of cholera transmission in Dhaka occurred between people sharing a household. Preventing this spread could significantly reduce outbreaks and save lives. Local interventions such as sanitation and hygiene improvements can help break the chain of transmission.
A new study suggests that different vector control strategies are needed depending on when Chikungunya cases are notified, with optimal response strategies varying between late spring/summer and fall/colder seasons. The research provides useful indications for public health authorities to respond to emerging mosquito-borne epidemics.
Researchers have found that invasive Aedes mosquitoes in California are capable of transmitting the Zika virus, a significant global health threat. The study involved infecting various mosquito species with three different strains of ZIKV and found that up to 90% of infected Aedes mosquitoes transmitted the virus.
A new study reveals children's immune systems can control infections and prevent sepsis, a disease responsible for more UK deaths than cancer combined. The research identifies key responses in children's cells that help them ward off severe infections.
A new UM study reveals that ornamental bromeliad plants contribute to the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a key culprit behind vector-borne diseases like Zika. The study found that water retained in bromeliads' leaf axils becomes breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps have demonstrated the importance of integrated infection prevention response. Studies show that standard patient and visitor messaging, active surveillance, and timely initiation of precautions can effectively control outbreaks. Vaccination rates were also critical in stemming the outbreak, with a ...
A new study highlights the importance of educating nurses about antimicrobial stewardship and obtaining their buy-in to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The research found that nurse participation leads to closer team coordination, cross-discipline collaboration, and ultimately saves lives.
A new study identifies significant challenges in infection prevention and control practices at critical access hospitals (CAHs), with gaps found in all domains. The study recommends increased staffing, competency-based training programs, and audits to improve patient safety.
A study published in Radiology found that children with chronic kidney disease exhibit increased cerebral blood flow compared to healthy controls. This may indicate compensatory hyperactivity or disturbances in blood flow regulation, potentially leading to white matter injury and cognitive problems.
An observational study tracking over 100000 men and women found that job strain is associated with a higher risk of premature death in men with coronary heart disease, stroke, or diabetes. Despite achieving treatment targets, men experiencing job strain had a 68% greater risk of death compared to those with no job strain.
Immunocompromised patients with sepsis are more likely to die if treated in a hospital caring for a relatively small number of these patients. Hospitals that treat large numbers of immunosuppressed patients with sepsis may improve outcomes, study results suggest.
A new CDC study reveals that permethrin-treated clothing is effective in repelling disease-carrying ticks, with the insects experiencing sluggish movement after contact. The study found strong toxic effects on three primary tick species, including blacklegged and lone star ticks.
A new environmental monitoring project has found increased numbers of deer ticks carrying Lyme disease in Southern Indiana. The IU Environmental Resilience Institute and Prepared for Environmental Change Grand Challenge launched a project to analyze ticks and mosquitoes for diseases that are dangerous to people.
A new automated system has been developed to identify patients at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia, outperforming traditional manual surveillance methods. The system uses an algorithm to analyze electronic health records and was found to be 100% accurate in detecting ventilator-associated events.
A genomic approach has mapped antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea throughout Europe, enabling accurate determination of resistance and identification of incorrect laboratory test results. The study established an open genomic database, supporting real-time surveillance of gonorrhoea worldwide.
Researchers characterized mEAK-7, a human equivalent of EAK-7, which regulates cell growth and development. The study found that mEAK-7 activates an alternative pathway in cells, potentially controlling disease progression. Disrupting this process could lead to new therapies for cancer and other diseases.
Scientists have developed a statistical framework to predict chikungunya and Zika outbreaks based on dengue fever 'hot spots'. The analysis used eight years of data from Merida, Mexico, and showed that people living in these hot spots had twice the rate of infection as those outside.
Researchers at McGill University Health Centre discovered that having excessive T cells can cause harm and imbalance disease tolerance, leading to tissue damage. The study found that a protein called cyclophilin D acts as a key checkpoint for T cell activation, controlling the body's ability to tolerate Mtb infection.
Researchers report that expanding community-level control programs for soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) can reach more children than traditional school-based programs. In a pilot study, community-based deworming and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions showed a 58% reduction in STH infections among participating children.
A pioneering paper provides a practical guide for infection control in clinics, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene, injection safety, cleaning, sterilization, and high-level disinfection. The guide promotes a proactive approach to infection prevention and control, empowering patients to hold healthcare providers accountable.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München have identified 16 virus structures that can be attacked by killer T cells, which could lead to new therapies for immunocompromised individuals and patients with autoimmune diseases. The researchers discovered these targets using an algorithm and verified them in a large group of patients.
Researchers developed a new colour-coded visual tool, IRIS, to measure hospital compliance with guidelines and improve infection control. The tool improved hand hygiene compliance in five Dutch wards but had limited impact on antibiotic use.
A single foodborne outbreak could cost a restaurant millions of dollars in lost revenue, fines, lawsuits, legal fees, insurance premium increases, inspection costs and staff retraining. Foodborne illness outbreaks can have large, reverberating consequences regardless of the size of the restaurant.
Researchers have developed a web-based application to help on-the-ground decision making about integrating malaria and schistosomiasis control programs. The app models the impact of integrated treatment plans, providing insights into the most effective approaches.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have created a web-based tool to integrate control measures for co-endemic diseases like schistosomiasis and malaria. The tool allows users to assess the outcome of combining control measures based on local conditions and political constraints.
Anti-tumor necrosis factor medications like certolizumab pegol show a low rate of major congenital malformations and similar live birth rates to the general population. These findings support continued treatment with anti-TNFs for women with chronic inflammatory diseases during pregnancy
Researchers tracked Aedes mosquito invasions in Panama, finding evidence of multiple invasions via land and sea. The study revealed high genetic diversity in central Panama, suggesting transport networks facilitate the mixing of different molecular lineages.
A study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that adults with diabetes are consistently the least likely to obtain oral healthcare. Regular dental check-ups can help prevent complications from diabetes and maintain good oral health.
Infection prevention and control (IPC) and antibiotic stewardship (AS) programs are intrinsically linked to achieve patient safety. Implementing both IPC and AS measures together is more effective than AS measures alone.
Obesity and severe obesity have increased among US adults from 2007-2008 to 2015-2016, while rates among youth remained stable. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to track these trends.
Research examines subgingival virome in periodontal health and disease, finding lower virus levels in healthy controls compared to diseased subjects. The dominant viruses were members of the Herpes Simplex family, with gram-negative phages predominating in diseases.
Researchers use ordinary differential equation-based model to calculate effective method of introducing Wolbachia to wild mosquitoes, reducing spread of life-threatening diseases. The two-sex model accounts for aquatic life stage, heterosexual transmission, and multiple pregnant states, capturing entire transmission cycle.
The new guidelines provide updated clinical recommendations for treating strangles in horses, including a shift away from bacterial culture as the gold standard and new methods for determining disease-free status. The consensus statement also outlines best practices for quarantine, examination, and biosecurity protocols to prevent dise...
Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno have successfully developed the world's first transgenic ticks to combat tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. By disrupting insulin signaling in ticks, the scientists aim to better understand pathogen interactions and develop new vector control targets.
A new study found that adolescents with sexual orientation discordance are 70% more likely to experience suicidal ideas or attempts compared to those with concordant orientations. This association remains even after controlling for other factors, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to support youth.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that resistance to azithromycin and ceftriaxone in China is increasing, threatening the effectiveness of dual therapy for gonorrhea treatment. The prevalence of dual resistance rose from 1.9% in 2013 to 3.3% in 2016.
Researchers at NYU School of Medicine developed a community-based health program that achieved significant control of Type 2 diabetes in a high-risk population. After six months, over 55% of participants in the intervention group had blood sugar levels under seven percent.
Exposing the gut to chlamydia provides robust protection against subsequent genital tract and other tissue infections, according to a study published in Infection and Immunity. The discovery has significant vaccine implications for preventing genital chlamydia, particularly among young people.
Researchers found that mosquitoes associate odors with unpleasant mechanical shocks, leading them to avoid those scents. The insects' ability to process and learn from odor information relies on dopamine in the brain.
Researchers discovered a connection between genetic tRNA fragments in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and their ability to spread dengue fever and other diseases. This finding could lead to targeted approaches to controlling mosquito populations and preventing disease transmission.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham and other institutions have identified 902 genes related to blood feeding and 478 genes linked to non-blood feeding in the mosquito Wyeomyia smithii. The goal is to isolate universal non-biting genes that could be manipulated to control vector-borne diseases.
The new guidelines aim to improve hospital policies and reduce the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. Hospitals are advised to weigh factors such as patient characteristics and time elapsed since last positive culture to determine contact precautions duration.
Researchers have mapped podoconiosis in Cameroon, a neglected tropical disease causing leg swelling, with an overall prevalence of 0.5%. The study suggests a nationwide distribution, highlighting the need for prevention and control strategies to beat this disabling disease.
The PLOS Medicine collection addresses diverse topics in the field of STI prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Researchers investigate vaccine development, online testing services, healthcare provider perspectives, and antibiotic shortages.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind ALS by studying the depletion of protein TDP-43. The study found that TDP-43 binds to U6 snRNA, stabilizing it, which leads to its degradation and eventual cell death. This discovery may lead to ways to slow or stop neuronal cell death in ALS patients.
Researchers found that Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes exhibited reduced dengue virus transmission potential by up to 50% compared to uninfected mosquitoes. Laboratory conditions underestimated this effect, suggesting improved vaccines and disease management approaches are needed.