Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
Antidepressant use nearly doubles hip fracture risk among community-dwelling elderly with Alzheimer's, highest risk seen at the start of treatment. The association remains elevated even after adjusting for other fall and fracture risks.
The Cornell University-led Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases aims to educate a cadre of vector biologists and public health practitioners through new courses and a master's program. The center will conduct applied research to prevent, control, monitor, track and respond to vector-borne disease outbreaks.
A global analysis of 8.7 million participants found that elevated systolic blood pressure increased substantially between 1990 and 2015, leading to over 10 million deaths and 212 million disability-adjusted life-years. The study highlights the need for increased efforts to control high blood pressure globally.
A widespread outbreak of RSV and HMPV in a long-term dementia care ward infected 73% of patients, emphasizing the need for improved protocols to protect vulnerable residents. The facility has since implemented active screening, efficient separation, and partnered with a private laboratory for rapid respiratory viral testing.
The VA's MRSA Prevention Initiative has significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections, with a 87% decline in intensive care units and 80.1% drop in non-ICUs between 2007 and 2015. Active surveillance and infection prevention programs played a key role in this progress.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to calculate the impact of intervention strategies on tsetse flies and humans. They found that combining medical screening with vector control could speed up elimination of sleeping sickness in high-burden areas, potentially achieving zero transmission by 2030.
Researchers have developed a method to control proteins inside live cells using light, allowing for unprecedented insight into the causes of disease. The technique uses previously inaccessible proteins to create flexible logic networks that can be manipulated in real-time.
Michigan State University has secured a $1 million USAID grant to build a mosquito factory in Yucatan, Mexico, to combat the Zika virus. The project aims to use Wolbachia bacteria to reduce mosquito populations and prevent disease transmission.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a two-pronged approach combining active screening and vector control, which could eliminate Gambian sleeping sickness in key regions of DRC within four years. Without this combined strategy, elimination might not occur until the 22nd century.
Scientists from the Niels Bohr Institute have identified a new way to control the production of important proteins that regulate the immune system. The discovery could provide a new opportunity to fight diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes by controlling the cell's genetic response.
Researchers found that a genetic mutation in protein NOD1 increases susceptibility to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Studies with human cells and mice showed decreased CMV replication when NOD1 was activated, suggesting a key role in controlling the virus.
A centuries-old herbal medicine, artemisinin, has been found to stop TB-causing bacteria from becoming dormant, making them more sensitive to antibiotics. This could shorten treatment times and improve patient outcomes.
Existing mosquito control strategies are often ineffective and may even be counterproductive in fighting Zika virus, according to a review of previous studies. The quality of evidence supporting these methods is poor, making it difficult to determine the best approach to combat the disease.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a chemical tool that controls inflammation using UV light, allowing for targeted therapy with minimal side effects. The method has potential applications in treating inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers developed a blood test to assess human exposure to Aedes mosquitoes by measuring antibodies against one individual peptide from Aedes saliva. The test showed decreased human exposure to mosquito bites after a vector control program, with 88% of people having a positive antibody reaction before the intervention.
A study found that child care personnel properly clean their hands less than a quarter of the times they are supposed to. Handwashing is essential in early childhood centers, especially among young children with partially developed immune systems.
Researchers discovered that cholera follows distinct outbreak patterns in different climate subzones of Cameroon, with varying relationships between rainfall, temperature, and disease transmission. Locally targeted interventions are necessary to control the spread of the disease, according to the study's findings.
Researchers found that more than a quarter of chikungunya cases were spread within households and half occurred in homes less than 200 meters away. Women are 1.5 times more likely to develop the disease due to increased time spent at home, making them at higher risk of infection.
A study published in JAMA analyzed data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey to estimate the prevalence of self-reported immunosuppressed adults in the United States. The estimated US prevalence of immunosuppression is 2.7%, with higher rates among women, whites, and individuals aged 50-59 years.
Research at Oregon State University shows that Oregon's implementation of coordinated care organizations improved expectant moms starting prenatal care on time. The study also found a small narrowing of the gap in prenatal care quality between Medicaid beneficiaries and those with private insurance.
The European Union experiences a significant number of healthcare-associated infections each year, resulting in approximately 2.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The study found that these infections have a higher combined burden than other communicable diseases like influenza and HIV/AIDS.
A single home visit significantly increases patient adherence to office visits and inhaler use, reducing severe exacerbations and emergency department visits. After the intervention, patients exhibited a 40% decrease in ED visits and improved maintenance inhaler use.
A new guide provides evidence-based advice for controlling the rapid spread of dog diseases in group settings. The guidelines recommend measures such as frequent hand washing, disinfection, vaccination, and careful crowd management to prevent disease transmission.
Researchers discovered that intestinal cells' immune response acts like detectives to identify damaged machinery within neurons and discard defective parts, protecting vital neurons. This innate mechanism, originating in the intestine, may hold the key to preventing Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found Zika virus does not multiply in Culex mosquitoes, disappearing instead, enabling targeted control strategies. The study's findings are crucial for controlling Zika in Florida and preventing its spread.
A big data analysis of over a million cattle and 50,000 badgers found that cattle are primarily infected through other cattle, not badgers. This challenges the long-held assumption that badgers play a key role in spreading TB to cattle.
Researchers tracked white-tailed deer east of Casper for eight years, finding that CWD drastically reduced annual survival rates, especially in females. The population declined 10% annually over the study period, which could lead to localized extinctions in less than 50 years.
Researchers at Salk Institute created a comprehensive map of the striatum, a lesser-known brain structure that controls movement. The study reveals how patch and matrix neurons coordinate diverse functions, shedding light on long-standing questions about neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers have mapped estimated internal migration in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, providing vital data for combating infectious diseases like malaria. The maps show webs of connectivity within countries, aiding effective disease control planning and resource targeting.
Scientists have discovered that melanocortin agonism may effectively control the inflammation in gum tissue, leading to reduced alveolar bone resorption and improved quality of life. This innovative approach has opened new possibilities for treating gum disease.
A lower blood pressure target than the currently guideline-recommended goal of 140/90 mm Hg was found to be safe and associated with protection against premature death. This strategy also protected against kidney failure in patients with higher levels of proteinuria.
A recent study by Cynthia Levine suggests that people who fit better with their culture have healthier eating habits. In the US, independent behavior predicts a healthy diet, while in Japan, interdependence is linked to healthier eating.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health won Zika challenge grants for groundbreaking ideas on mosquito control and behavior change strategies. The grants aim to develop custom fragrances to bait mosquito traps and improve disease prevention.
A gene signature in healthy brains predicts the spread of Alzheimer's disease and identifies vulnerable brain regions. The discovery may lead to preventative treatments for at-risk individuals.
Researchers found that increasing mobility through a popular place can reduce outbreak severity, unlike reducing flow which would increase susceptibility to infection. The team proposes strategies to control the flow of people to minimize risk while maintaining high occupancy.
Researchers found that the direct and indirect pathways in the basal ganglia play a crucial role in controlling actions, with the direct pathway sustaining action and the indirect pathway allowing switching between actions. This new model could have therapeutic implications for treating diseases like OCD and ADHD.
A study published in PLOS NTDs found that 19 programs using widespread snail control reduced schistosomiasis prevalence by over 90%, while 29 with little or no snail control achieved less than 40% reduction. Ecological, economic, and political factors also contributed to successful elimination.
A new Stanford-led analysis reveals that introducing snail-eating prawns to local water sources is the most effective way to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence, outperforming drug-only treatment by over 90%. This approach has consistently proven effective in controlling the disease globally.
Researchers found direct evidence that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit Zika virus, helping control efforts. The study identified Zika virus in several samples of A. aegypti but not in other mosquito species.
Researchers reviewed various methods for preventing bites from blacklegged ticks, which transmit Lyme disease. Effective measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and controlling tick hosts such as deer and small mammals.
Researchers in Iquitos, Peru, found that fever reduces human mobility by 30% and increases time spent closer to home. Asymptomatic individuals play a significant role in disease transmission, highlighting the need for revised surveillance and control strategies.
Researchers developed an antibody that prevents the immune system from attacking the myelin sheath, reducing demyelination and axon degeneration. In experimental mouse models, treatment with the antibody blocked progression of motor disorders and reduced lymphocyte infiltration into the nervous tissue.
Researchers at University of Cambridge identify mechanism behind rapid protein build-up in Alzheimer's disease, finding healthy proteins on fibrils drive self-replication. This discovery may lead to new ways to control plaque formation and slow disease progression.
Researchers reviewing Zika's history highlight the need for better understanding of global spread and sustainable control strategies. Most people infected with Zika show no symptoms or minor ones like rashes, but prevention methods like mosquito spraying are crucial.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding how mosquitoes' cells develop and behave using machine learning. They identified regulatory elements within the mosquito genome that could be used to control disease transmission.
A team of scientists developed a system that forecasts dengue fever outbreaks by analyzing citizens' calling behavior on public-health hotlines. The system achieved high accuracy in predicting disease cases and locations two to three weeks ahead.
A new study found that deutetrabenazine significantly improved chorea control in adults with Huntington disease. The treatment also showed improvements in impression of change and physical functioning, but not on balance tests.
A new study published in Preventing Chronic Disease suggests that incorporating walking meetings into the workday can significantly increase physical activity levels among white-collar workers. By converting one seated meeting per week to a walking meeting, participants reported a 10-minute increase in work-related physical activity.
Researchers isolated Yob, a gene that determines male sex in African malaria mosquito species, and found it has detrimental effects on females. The discovery may lead to genetic control methods for malaria control, offering an alternative to insecticides.
Researchers found that female deer typically travel twice as far and take more convoluted paths than males, making it harder to contain chronic wasting disease. Dispersal rates are density-dependent, meaning higher deer densities lead to greater dispersal.
A study by Nagoya University researchers reveals high levels of genetic heterogeneity and DNA instability in schizophrenia patients, suggesting a possible link between copy number variations (CNVs) on chromosomes 1, 15, 16, and 22 and disease mechanisms.
Researchers led by Salil Lachke are investigating cellular processes controlling protein production in eye lenses to prevent cataracts. The team aims to build a biological gene regulatory circuit and understand the role of RNA-binding proteins in lens development.
Deverick J. Anderson, a leading epidemiologist, receives the 2016 Distinguished Scientist Award from APIC for his significant and sustained contributions to infection prevention science. He is recognized for exemplifying scholarly excellence and infection prevention leadership within the scientific community.
A follow-up analysis of the ACCORD Trial found that people with type 2 diabetes who intensively controlled their blood sugar level had cut their risk of diabetic retinopathy in half. The study, supported by the National Eye Institute, suggests that well-controlled glycemia has a positive and lasting effect on eye health.
Experts argue that integrated treatment could lead to a 40% reduction in implementation costs and be cost-effective in treating school-aged children and entire communities. The authors emphasize the need for increased drug subsidies, donations from pharmaceutical companies, and improved epidemiological surveillance.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that showing magnified images of bacteria on common objects like mouse pads and hands improved hand hygiene compliance. Compliance rates increased significantly across four patient care units, with some units seeing as much as a 142% increase.
A new study maps the geographical ranges of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, across 183 counties in 26 states and 1,241 counties in 40 states.
A new study presents a visual trigger approach that leverages the 'ick factor' to motivate hospital staff to comply with hand hygiene guidelines. The program, tested on units with low compliance rates, showed significant increases in adherence, with compliance rates rising by 11-46 percentage points.
A recent study has found that copper is essential for breaking down fat cells, and its deficiency may be linked to obesity. The nutrient can be found in foods like oysters, leafy greens, mushrooms, seeds, nuts, and beans, with an estimated daily requirement of 700 micrograms.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that frailty prevalence among young bone marrow transplant survivors is similar to that of the elderly population. Frailty was associated with a more than twice increased risk of subsequent death in these patients.