Articles tagged with Disease Control
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The research provides a unified model that explains how layer properties and bonding determine surface textures, applicable to various biological processes and material applications. The findings could lead to the creation of materials with tailored surface properties for specific uses, such as disease treatment or water-shedding.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new approach to diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) using oral swab samples, greatly improving on standard diagnostics. The method was tested in 20 healthy individuals and 20 TB patients, detecting TB in 18 out of 20 confirmed cases.
The Nebraska Biocontainment Unit implements a rigorous process to handle Ebola patients, including two blood samples confirmed undetectable for the virus before discharge. Environmental decontamination involves 48-hour isolation followed by manual disinfection, UVGI, and multiple air exchanges.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America outlines guidelines for animal-assisted activities, service animals, and personal pet visitation in healthcare facilities. The recommendations aim to protect patients and healthcare providers from animal-to-human transmission and promote evidence-based practices.
A global survey has found that most countries where rabies is common lack effective reporting systems, making it difficult to control the disease. Accurate data is crucial for implementing vaccination programs and preventing further outbreaks.
The Johns Hopkins Medicine has developed four web-based training modules on Ebola preparedness for emergency department personnel. These modules provide tools and resources to identify, triage, and manage patients at risk of Ebola, as well as planning processes and communication techniques.
Researchers at Durham University have found a genetic mechanism that could stop the spread of Septoria leaf blotch (STB) disease, caused by a fungus threatening wheat yields. By manipulating TaR1 protein levels in wheat, they demonstrated earlier activation of plant defenses, potentially allowing for more effective control of the disease.
A new study found that nearly half of patients with respiratory tract infections were inappropriately prescribed antibiotics in an outpatient setting. The study suggests implementing comprehensive education about antimicrobials and stewardship into medical school curricula to prevent establishment of poor prescribing practices.
A recent study by scientists at the University of Granada and the High Resolution Hospital in Loja reveals a moderate relation between asthma control and xerostomia severity. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICs) used to treat asthma can lead to dry mouth syndrome, which affects quality of life and mouth health.
The Asian citrus psyllid can travel at least two kilometers in a twelve-day period, infesting neighboring groves and exacerbating citrus greening disease. Area-wide management practices are recommended to control the insect and prevent further losses.
A study found that most teens and young adults with type 1 diabetes are interested in a peer mentoring program to improve diabetes control, despite social barriers. The researchers also found that those with supportive friends and family members were more likely to be interested.
Researchers at UC Riverside have identified microRNA-8 as a crucial regulator of mosquito reproduction, which plays an essential role in the female mosquito's 'fat body'. Depletion of miR-8 results in severe defects in egg development and deposition, highlighting its potential as a novel control strategy for mosquito populations.
Research funded by the National Institutes of Health found that people with type 1 diabetes who intensively control their blood glucose levels can live longer than those who do not. The study, which followed participants for an average of 27 years, found a 33% reduction in deaths among those who received intensive treatment.
In a Hong Kong hospital, proactive infection control measures implemented since March 2013 successfully controlled the spread of Avian flu (A H7N9), with only two patient cases and no staff infections reported. The integrated approach utilized active surveillance, rapid molecular diagnostic testing, and hand hygiene protocols.
A study of 411 patients found that economic insecurity is associated with poor diabetes control and increased healthcare use. Material need insecurities, such as food insecurity and cost-related medication underuse, were significant predictors of poor diabetes control.
New studies suggest that MERS-CoV is unlikely to reach epidemic status due to effective infection control measures. The virus exhibits a high mortality rate, but hospital-acquired infections dominate the epidemiology. Prolonged infection control measures are crucial in severely ill patients with MERS-CoV.
A new study by Georgia State University and CDC finds that US taxpayers spend $45 billion on Medicare, $39.9 billion on Medicaid, and $23.8 billion on other government-sponsored insurance programs each year due to smoking-related diseases. Smoking accounts for 8.7% of annual healthcare spending in the US.
A Kansas State University research project developed a simulation model to assess the impact of vaccination strategies and livestock herd types on foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. The study found that effective control methods can be implemented while minimizing harm to the livestock industry.
People diagnosed with diabetes in midlife experience significant memory and cognitive problems over the next 20 years, aging their minds five years faster. Controlling blood sugar levels at age 50 can help prevent this decline and delay dementia.
A review of 252 papers identified 11 cases of MERS-CoV transmission among healthcare workers, highlighting lapses in infection control. The virus can survive on hospital surfaces for up to 48 hours and is transmissible through vomit and diarrhea.
Medical experts call for radical improvements in UK liver disease treatment and detection, citing a 'postcode lottery' for patients. The commission recommends increasing specialist centers and improving primary care services to address excessive alcohol use and obesity.
A randomized, controlled trial showed that providing detainees with wash cloths treated with chlorhexidine gluconate significantly decreased S. aureus colonization. The use of plain water wash cloths also effectively reduced S. aureus hand and/or nose carriage.
A recent study found a significant decrease in vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) infections in southeastern Michigan. The prevalence of VRSA precursor organisms decreased by 2009, coinciding with the last reported case in Michigan.
Researchers analyzed vaccine failures and found that leaky vaccines lead to higher infection rates in the long run. The study also showed that all-or-nothing and waning vaccines have distinct dynamics following mass vaccination, providing an alternative explanation for disease resurgence.