Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
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.
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.
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 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 study found that fewer than one in six healthcare workers (4/30) follow CDC guidelines for removing personal protective equipment (PPE). The researchers observed HCWs entering and exiting patient rooms without proper technique, leading to potential pathogen transmission.
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.
A new method developed by Filippo Radicchi could improve the resilience of critical systems like air traffic control networks and power grids. The framework analyzes 'percolation' in a system, measuring disruption caused by small breakdowns.
A real-life trial in urban Bangladesh shows that oral cholera vaccine is safe and effective in reducing severe cholera cases by nearly 40% among vaccinated individuals. The vaccine's success lends support to its use in routine mass vaccination programs, particularly in endemic countries where clean water and sanitation are scarce.
Biologists from Penn University analyzed genetic data to track blacklegged tick migrations. The study reveals that ticks moved into new areas through short-distance local moves, shedding light on patterns of disease spread and controlling strategies.
A new report by Global Health Strategies highlights the dramatic health and economic benefits from investing in combating neglected tropical diseases. Countries are increasingly taking ownership of NTD programs, achieving substantial progress with innovative approaches. To reach WHO's 2020 targets, further scale-up is necessary.
A University of Kentucky researcher is developing an artificial blood technology for mosquitoes, which can help sustain colonies in resource-limited areas and combat diseases like malaria. The approach involves sterilizing mosquitoes using a bacterium and has already shown promising results in controlling Asian tiger mosquito populations.
Researchers found that groups of neurons work together to signal muscles about when and where to move, firing in complex rhythms. The study aims to create prosthetic devices that better understand and respond to a person's thoughts.
Global health experts Lawrence O. Gostin and Daniel Lucey outline strategies for managing the MERS-CoV outbreak, focusing on transparency, trust, and infection control in healthcare settings. Key findings include training health workers and conducting diagnostic testing of travelers to limit quarantines.
The NIH panel recommends increased research funding and education for healthcare providers to address the diagnostic challenges and limited knowledge surrounding ME/CFS. Recent insights into possible causes, such as brain changes and immune imbalance, offer hope for eventual understanding and effective treatments.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have established conclusively that an activating protein called Rhes plays a pivotal role in focusing toxicity of Huntington's in the striatum. Deleting Rhes significantly reduces behavioral problems in animal models of the disease.
A decade of research at Johns Hopkins has yielded a computer formula that accurately predicts which genetic control region mutations affect gene activity levels. This breakthrough offers new targets for diagnosing and treating complex diseases.
Researchers used whole genome sequencing to investigate a bacterial outbreak in a neonatal unit, finding all but one baby were infected with the same strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The technology enabled rapid response infection control protocols, stopping the spread of infection and protecting vulnerable patients.
Researchers have found that administering antibiotics for only four days is as effective as treatments spanning eight days for complicated abdominal infections. This breakthrough suggests that doctors can provide treatment that is both effective and conservative in its antibiotic use, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
The MERS-CoV virus has been linked to dromedary camels, with little human-to-human transmission reported. The disease can cause severe respiratory symptoms and multiorgan failure, highlighting the need for effective infection prevention and control measures.
Dr. Steven Schiff aims to reduce infant mortality from neonatal sepsis by identifying infection causes and developing predictive models for optimal antimicrobial treatment. His research seeks to apply engineering control principles to prevent infections, with potential applications worldwide.
Researchers analyzed over 42,000 Ebola-related tweets to show how Twitter was used to share breaking health news in West Africa. The study found that Twitter played a crucial role in disseminating information about the outbreak, particularly in the days leading up to official announcements.
A study by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that one in four nursing home residents harbor MRSA, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene to prevent transmission. The research identified high-risk activities that increase the risk of glove or gown contamination, including dressing and transferring residents.
Researchers found that oral thrush activates a mechanism in T-reg cells to transform inflammation-fighting cells into cells that allow the disease to flourish. The study may lead to new ways to fight diseases by identifying chronic inflammation and blocking inflammatory proteins.
Researchers at UGA developed a way to predict which rodent species are most likely to be sources of new disease outbreaks in humans. By analyzing over 2,000 rodent species and their associated pathogens, they identified potential future hot spots for infectious diseases.
The University of Georgia's Michael Doyle emphasizes the importance of clinicians educating patients on food safety practices to prevent illnesses. The US is facing challenges such as an aging population and imported foods from other countries that may not adhere to sanitary standards, making prevention crucial.
Researchers have identified a faulty 'brake' within immune cells that drives excessive inflammation in multiple sclerosis. This discovery produces vital research tools and could lead to new therapies for the disease.
The APOC collection documents the success of the Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) and its transition to African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC). The partnership has reached over 100 million people across Africa, controlling river blindness, a debilitating disease that causes disfiguring skin disease and eventual blindness.
A new test developed by a UCL-led team can identify drug-resistant tuberculosis strains in days, reducing the time needed for genetic sequencing from weeks to days. This could lead to better treatment outcomes and control of transmission.
A closer look at the DNA surrounding the Huntington's disease (HD) gene reveals critical regions controlling its expression. Changes in these regions can delay or accelerate the disease, with some individuals receiving protection from the mutant gene.
Rates of C. difficile infection were highest in the Northeast region and during the spring season over the last decade, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study found that adults and older adults followed overall trends, with pediatric CDI being highest in winter.
Increasing the dose of radiotherapy for children with intracranial ependymoma can significantly improve their survival rates. Studies show that higher doses above 54 Gy can lead to better overall survival and progression-free survival rates compared to lower doses.
A recent study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found a strong genetic component to how attractive individuals are to mosquitoes, linked to body odour. The research used identical and non-identical twin pairs to demonstrate this connection.
A new study suggests that cloth masks used by healthcare workers in Vietnam increased their risk of contracting respiratory illnesses. The trial found that cloth masks allowed almost 97% of particles to pass through, compared to medical masks with 44%. Experts warn against the use of cloth masks in healthcare settings.
A bundled intervention at Johns Hopkins Medicine significantly reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in seven Abu Dhabi hospitals. The program, which included evidence-based infection prevention practices and teamwork improvements, achieved a 30-40% reduction in CLABSI rates across all ICUs.
A team from the University of Birmingham identified a novel pathway regulating immune cell movement during inflammation. The study shows that beneficial effects are lost in diseases such as diabetes and arthritis, and during normal aging. This discovery may lead to new therapies targeting this pathway.
A global study on canine rabies found that 160 people die daily from the disease, with annual economic losses totaling $8.6 billion. Collaboration between human and animal health sectors is essential to eliminate rabies, with vaccination of dogs being the most cost-effective way to prevent the disease.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has released new guidelines for contact precautions for hospital visitors, aiming to strike a balance between visitor and patient safety. The recommendations vary by pathogen type, with special considerations for immunocompromised visitors or those unable to practice good hand hygiene.
Researchers have identified a new pathway guiding the development of the enteric nervous system, which is separate from the central nervous system. This pathway interacts with specific genes and proteins to cause Hirschsprung's disease, a rare condition that can be fatal if left untreated.
Two studies published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology detail the challenges of caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in hospitals. Key findings include staffing shortages, delays in patient care, and anxiety among staff and patients due to high-profile cases.
Researchers have identified a new class of dopamine receptor antagonists that selectively target mosquito cells, offering a safer alternative to current insecticides. These chemicals are structurally distinct and target different biochemical paths in mosquitoes, reducing the risk of human exposure.
A Washington state hospital outbreak of a novel, drug-resistant E. coli strain was linked to contaminated endoscopes. The study highlights the importance of rigorous cleaning procedures and calls for more stringent evaluation and maintenance schedules for these devices.
A new study mapped the spread of rabies in the Middle East, showing regular movement between countries and emphasizing the need for global collaboration to control the disease. International cooperation is crucial to increase awareness and implement effective control policies among key decision makers.
Researchers discovered a control switch for the unfolded protein response (UPR), a cellular stress relief mechanism involved in various diseases. The UPR pathway can trigger cell death if stress is not resolved, but the discovery of this control switch may open new drug development avenues to prevent excessive cell death.
A new genetic method called MCR enables biologists to rapidly generate mutations in both copies of a gene, accelerating genetic research on diverse species. This method has the potential to control insect-borne diseases such as malaria and animal/plant pests by disseminating genetic elements with high efficiency.
Researchers are developing a biologically plausible model of the whole system to predict outcomes of future experiments and provide more information about the brain's ability to learn new motor movements. The goal is to understand how people execute, control and learn movements to lead to new treatments for Huntington's disease.
A two-year study found malaria incidence on the rise in rural Uganda, defying global trend of decline, due to inadequate current interventions. The study suggests a need for scaling up bednet distribution and considering new prevention measures.
A French team found a significant correlation between loyalty and infection risk by analyzing past contact data from livestock trade movements and time-stamped sexual encounters. This study can help guide the prioritization of interventional resources to control disease spread, applicable to various epidemic scenarios.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have identified a crucial molecule in the survival of type 2 innate lymphoid cells, which trigger primary asthma symptoms. Targeting these molecules could lead to a cure for asthma or exacerbations caused by these cells.