Articles tagged with Disease Control
A new study compares two hand-washing techniques and finds that the WHO's six-step method is superior to the CDC's three-step method in reducing bacteria. The study suggests that this technique should be considered when making official recommendations on best practices in hand hygiene.
Chlamydia infection rates have increased across Europe, with young people particularly affected. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control recommends developing national strategies for prevention and effective treatment of those infected and their partners to control the disease.
Researchers have discovered a long-hypothesized male-determining gene in the mosquito species that carries malaria. The isolated gene, YG2, is exclusive to the Y chromosome and holds promise for developing novel vector control strategies to combat diseases like malaria and Zika virus.
A recent gene study suggests that a genetic drive contributes to people's appetite for salty food, leading to high blood pressure. Researchers plan to explore whether an affordable drug can help control salt intake in heart failure patients.
Researchers from Umea University presented findings on mosquito control and Dengue prevention at the EU-funded DengueTools conference in Sri Lanka. Controlling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes is key to preventing dengue fever, yellow fever, and other diseases.
Researchers found a strong association between asthma symptoms and stress levels in teens, with waking up in the middle of the night and shortness of breath being key indicators. The study's lead author suggests that managing asthma is crucial for reducing stress and anxiety in young patients.
A three-week observational study at Greenville Memorial Hospital found that placing alcohol-based hand sanitizers in the middle of a hospital lobby floor increased visitor usage by 528 percent. The study also identified demographic factors influencing hand sanitizer use, such as age and group dynamics.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have created a vaccine that offers high-level protection against melioidosis, a bacterial infection that causes pneumonia and sepsis. The new vaccine, which has been tested on mice, holds promise for preventing a disease that affects thousands in tropical regions and is often misdiagnosed.
A University of Illinois study found that graphic warning labels on cigarette packs can backfire, causing smokers to feel threatened and less likely to quit. The study suggests that these labels can produce a 'boomerang effect', leading smokers to smoke more despite the warnings.
Researchers review gene drive systems, analyzing pros and cons, applications, and regulatory issues. They highlight the potential benefits of controlling insect-borne diseases, removing invasive species, and reversing pesticide resistance. Gene drives combine CRISPR technology to enable environmentally friendly solutions.
The CRISPR-Cas9 system could be used to bias mosquito populations from deadly females toward harmless males, reducing the spread of diseases. Genetic strategies are currently underway but face challenges such as cost and scalability.
A new vaccination scheme is projected to reduce the frequency of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in China. The study suggests that serotype replacement will not significantly impact the benefits of a HFMD vaccination campaign, with cross-protection lasting an average of 6.77 weeks.
Researchers found two distinct subgroups of Yersinia pestis bacteria causing human plague in Uganda's West Nile region, with one subgroup found at lower elevations and the other at higher elevations.
TB cases decreased in recent US entrants from Mexico, Philippines, India, Vietnam, and China due to decreases in population and TB case rates. Non-recent entrants also experienced an unexpected decline, highlighting the need for strategies impacting both groups to further reduce TB morbidity.
BMJ is offering free online resources to help healthcare professionals keep up with the latest developments and guidance on diagnosing, advising, and treating patients affected by the Zika virus. The resources include information from leading health organizations such as WHO, Public Health England, and CDC.
Researchers have found an epigenetic mechanism implicated in the regulation of blood sugar, with the TXNIP gene associated with diabetes mellitus type 2 and poor glucose control. The study's results could help identify patients at risk of developing diabetes and develop new therapies.
Two Georgetown University professors urge the World Health Organization to convene an Emergency Committee to advise on the emerging Zika pandemic and galvanize global action. They highlight the need for decisive action, mosquito control, health information campaigns, country-issued travel advisories, accelerated research, and vaccine d...
A major population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with genetic evidence of overwintering has been discovered in a Capitol Hill neighborhood. This finding poses a real threat to public health, particularly pregnant women and vulnerable populations, due to the mosquito's ability to adapt to northern climates.
Researchers have identified two proteins controlling heart growth and adaptation to hypertension. The study reveals p38 gamma and p38 delta regulate left ventricle growth, enabling normal hearts to respond to external stimuli.
A recent study found that only 17.4% of ambulatory care nurses reported compliance with all nine standard precautions for infection prevention. The highest rates of compliance were reported for wearing gloves and face masks, but knowledge of hepatitis C virus was variable among participants.
The project aims to shift social norms and increase quitting rates among Chinese smokers by targeting five major cities. China produces more tobacco and has more smokers than any country, making this effort crucial in curbing the tobacco epidemic.
A study develops new methods to detect the onset of critical transitions in infectious disease epidemics, such as malaria. The method identifies the critical slowing-down period in human cases, suggesting that eradicating the disease could be anticipated even without a full understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
A prospective cohort study found that receiving an average of at least six potentially effective drugs per day was associated with a 36% greater likelihood of responding to treatment. The inclusion of more drugs, particularly pyrazinamide, was also linked to improved sputum culture conversion rates.
A study published in JAMA found that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation does not provide significant improvement for adults with difficult-to-treat Crohn's disease. The treatment was associated with increased toxicity, but no difference in sustained remission rates compared to conventional therapy.
Scientists have discovered a blood test that can predict rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in some individuals even 16 years before the condition takes effect. The test detects antibodies targeting citrullinated tenascin-C, which were found in high levels in joints of people with RA.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has granted $478,000 to researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to develop a vaccine against trypanosomiasis, a fatal disease of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. The vaccine aims to enhance the immune response of infected hosts to control the disease.
Clemson University has received a $150,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support research on Armillaria root rot, a devastating fungus that causes significant annual losses in the peach industry. The funding will allow researchers to apply advanced genetic and computational techniques to build a foundation for solving this critical problem.
Kansas State University researchers are exploring the role of long-distance dispersal in spreading vector-borne infectious diseases. They will evaluate control methods such as limiting animal movements and reducing vector populations to develop rules of thumb for controlling outbreaks.
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that Medicaid insurance is associated with better awareness and treatment of chronic diseases among low-income Americans. People with Medicaid are five times more likely to see a doctor than those with no health insurance.
The invasive mosquito has been found in Western Canada and is native to Asia. Researchers are studying its DNA to understand its origin and potential health hazards.
Scientists at the University of Adelaide have identified a key protein, CCR2, involved in a 'super-inflammatory' immune response driving multiple sclerosis (MS) and autoimmune diseases. Blocking this receptor may help control MS progression.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR system that can precisely turn on and off specific genomic regions, potentially revolutionizing the study of human diseases. This technique has shown exceptional specificity, enabling precise control over gene expression.
Young adults with a genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease showed reduced grid cell functioning and abnormal spatial navigation when navigating a virtual maze. This could be an early biomarker for the disease, suggesting that early intervention may be effective.
A new study by the NTD Modelling Consortium suggests that targeted research and high-quality data analysis can help prevent transmission of these diseases. The researchers aim to identify high-risk populations and develop effective interventions to meet the 2025 target.
A study by the CDC found that excessive drinking cost the US $249 billion in 2010, with binge drinking responsible for most of these costs. The economic burden of excessive alcohol use includes reduced workplace productivity, crime, and healthcare expenses related to health problems caused by excessive drinking.
Research in West African countries finds that co-infection with two species of schistosome does not affect treatment efficacy, but patterns of re-infection vary. Overall, the study suggests that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of schistosome interactions.
A new study found that drug-resistant E. coli infections are rising in community health settings, with cases doubling from 5.28 to 10.5 incidents per 100,000 patients between 2009 and 2014.
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) has been awarded a $20 million CDC grant to expand its efforts in preventing another Ebola outbreak in Liberia. The two-year grant will support training of healthcare workers, improvement of public health laboratory systems and hospital diagnostic services.
The University of Illinois at Chicago has been chosen as one of six research centers in the US to combat emerging infectious diseases. Researchers will study how healthcare workers can care for patients without putting themselves at risk, addressing concerns about Ebola and other diseases.
The study found that the overall incidence of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was relatively low in 2012-2013, with an annual rate of 2.93 cases per 100,000 population. Most CRE cases were associated with prior hospitalizations and discharge to long-term care settings.
Researchers have discovered a new molecular marker for killer cells, allowing for the prediction of infection course. The marker, CX3CR1 receptor, is associated with chronic infections, where immune system effectiveness is compromised.
A UK university team has received funding to develop a training program for Sierra Leonean health workers to combat viral hemorrhagic fever. The program will use immersive technology to educate community health workers and healthcare professionals on infection prevention control.
A new scorecard reveals that many countries have made little progress in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD). The majority of low- and middle-income countries struggle with risk factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, and physical inactivity. Countries also fare poorly in researching local responses to NCDs.
Research reveals alginate gel biofilms are highly dynamic and exchangeable, challenging previous assumptions about their structure. The findings may lead to new ways of modifying or disrupting these materials to combat bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers mapped antigenic differences in dengue virus strains, finding overlap among previously thought distinct groups. The findings suggest a continuum rather than separate groups, making vaccine development harder.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that electronic reminders via medication monitors and text messages improved tuberculosis treatment adherence, with non-adherent rates decreasing from 29.9% to 17.0%. The study suggests innovative approaches to improve TB treatment outcomes in remote areas.
A simplified 'Test and Treat' intervention was associated with increased engagement in HIV/AIDS care and a 62% reduction in mortality among participants. The program improved diagnosis, linkage to care, and treatment outcomes, with a significant increase in pre-ART CD4 testing and ART initiation.
A simplified handwashing routine with five steps instead of seven reduces sickness-related absenteeism for students with mild intellectual disability, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The intervention improved hand hygiene and reduced absenteeism by 40% compared to the control group.
A new study at WashU Medicine found that probiotics did not prevent the colonization of drug-resistant microbes in the intestinal tract of critically ill patients. Researchers followed 70 patients and administered them either probiotics or routine care, but no significant difference was seen in colonization rates.
Researchers at EMBL and Stanford University mapped three-dimensional interactions between enhancers and promoters, revealing new insights into gene regulation. The study sheds light on how genetic variants control gene expression and disease predispositions.
A study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers found that few US hospitals comply with CDC recommendations for preventing infections associated with arterial catheters. The survey of 1,265 critical care clinicians revealed a significant deviation from clinical guidelines regarding the insertion of these catheters.
A review of 90 published studies on contact precautions found no high-quality data to support or reject the practice. Local needs and resources, not mandates, are recommended to drive infection prevention practices. Alternative methods, such as horizontal infection control, may be effective in reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Inflammation is a normal component of host defense, but elevated unresolved chronic inflammation is linked to various chronic diseases. Diet composition and micronutrient status can modulate inflammation.
A new study suggests that domestic violence coalitions can be effective in reducing intimate partner violence, with the potential to improve mental and physical health outcomes for those affected. The research highlights the importance of addressing prevention from a community perspective, rather than just supporting survivors.
A recent study found that endoscopes can harbor residual contamination and viable microbes even after thorough cleaning and disinfecting. The study tested 60 encounters with 15 colonoscopes and gastroscopes, detecting contamination on 92% of devices after bedside cleaning.
A randomized clinical trial found that screening women for partner violence and providing a resource list did not reduce hospitalizations or emergency department visits. The study also did not find improvements in quality of life or the recurrence of partner violence after one year.
A Phase III trial shows the engineered clotting protein rvWF is safe and effective in controlling bleeding episodes in patients with severe vW disease. The protein increases naturally produced FVIII levels, reducing the need for additional infusions.
Annual tobacco tax increases in New Zealand are projected to lead to significant health gains and cost savings, particularly among indigenous populations. The study found that Māori populations would experience a 3.7 fold increase in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared to non-Māori populations.
Freshwater prawns can help control schistosomiasis by preying on parasite-infected snails, providing a source of protein-rich food and reducing the disease burden. The study suggests that stocking prawns in rivers could be an effective natural solution for controlling the disease.
A new study found that nearly all people in Chennai, India have been exposed to dengue and 44% to chikungunya, but only a small percentage report symptoms. The research highlights the need for better awareness and control measures to combat these mosquito-borne diseases.