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.
UTMB professors Scott Weaver and Slobodan Paessler received national awards from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. They are making significant contributions to understanding and controlling tropical diseases, including Ebola, mosquito-borne illnesses, and influenza.
The study found that more than half of US adults with high blood pressure now have readings below 140/90 mmHg. Despite progress, nearly half of those with hypertension remain uncontrolled, highlighting the need for increased efforts to prioritize blood pressure management at every medical visit.
Researchers found high genetic diversity in thousand cankers disease fungus, making it harder to control. The fungus is native to the US and has mutated readily, leading to an explosion in its impact on host trees.
QUT researchers have developed a system that can predict dengue fever outbreaks in China by combining internet search metrics with environmental factors. The system achieved a 99.8% success rate in detecting outbreaks within three days, highlighting the potential for early warning systems to reduce the impact of infectious diseases.
A new study found that child-mortality rates declined the fastest among the poorest families in developing countries, resulting in a narrowing gap between wealth groups. The study also identified four factors contributing to this convergence: government effectiveness, rule of law, corruption control, and regulatory quality.
A new study recommends five steps for businesses and Americans to benefit from workplace disease prevention programs. The program could positively influence the health of 155 million working-age Americans while financially benefiting their employers by reducing healthcare costs.
Only one in two young adults with hypertension receive lifestyle education to lower their blood pressure. A study found that exercise and quitting smoking were the most common topics addressed.
A simple computer model of disease spread reveals that low-long distance jump events slow the spread, while high events lead to rapid spread like with SARS. The study's findings will help epidemiologists understand complex models and also apply to other phenomena such as cancer metastases and rumors.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has received a $783,000 grant to support national efforts to reduce chronic diseases and promote healthier lifestyles. The program will focus on improving access to healthy foods and safe locations for physical activity in Hidalgo County.
A five-year national initiative has shown promising results in reducing diabetes health disparities among African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans. The Alliance model improves chronic disease management by strengthening care coordination, patient self-management, and community engagement.
Researchers are investigating the effects of aspirin and statins on preventing cardiovascular disease in people with long-term HIV infections. The study aims to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health in participants.
A Michigan State University study of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic offers insights into infection control measures for the flu and other epidemic diseases. The research found that locations close to an entry point will have extremely short windows of time to deal with a virulent pathogen, emphasizing emergency management.
Researchers developed an automated system to track vaccine status of staff, sending reminders and allowing supervisors to access updates through the intranet. This system increased compliance by over 98% and reduced overtime hours for occupational health personnel by 56%.
A study found associations between dopamine receptor agonist drugs and serious impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling and hypersexuality. The medications were prescribed for Parkinson disease and restless leg syndrome, but the reports showed mostly male patients, median age of 55, primarily in the US.
Researchers found that Lactobacillus species in the guts of mouse models correlated with reduced lupus symptoms, while Clostridia increased. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus may help alleviate lupus flares, suggesting a potential new treatment approach.
Researchers analyzed Ebola data to estimate case fatality rates and impact of control measures on epidemic size. They found that swift interventions can halt transmission and prevent outbreaks, with Nigeria's response being a successful example.
A study found that hospital patients washed their hands only 30% of the time following a bathroom visit, highlighting the need for patient-centric hand hygiene protocols. Hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections in hospitals.
A new review article published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics found that internet-based diabetes self-management education can lead to better glycemic control and enhanced diabetes knowledge. The study compared the effectiveness of various methods of delivering diabetes education via the internet and concluded that this method i...
A large-scale roll-out of the combination treatment for kala-azar in Eastern Africa has shown a high efficacy and safety profile, with a 95% cure rate among treated patients. The treatment aims to replace traditional therapies due to toxicity levels and cost concerns.
Australia's lack of preparedness for Ebola is highlighted by experts who call for a national disease control centre to coordinate risk assessments and response plans. The current outbreak in multiple regions of five countries underscores the need for such a centre.
Rates of intestinal superbug C. difficile infections rose from 4.5 to 8.2 discharges per 1,000 hospitalizations between 2001 and 2010, despite no improvement in patient mortality rates. Antibiotic exposure remains the leading risk factor for CDI incidence.
Researchers have developed a surface micropattern called Sharklet that mimics shark skin's natural texture, reducing bacterial contamination by up to 94% compared to smooth surfaces. This technology could potentially curb the spread of MRSA and MSSA in hospital settings.
A web-based training program, RealConsent, was found to reduce sexually violent behavior and increase the likelihood of male students intervening to prevent sexual assault. The study involved over 700 male undergraduate students, who showed improved behavior after completing the training.
Researchers analyzed case counts to find consistent high transmission rates, with Liberia and Sierra Leone reporting one to two new cases for every existing case. The study suggests that controlling the epidemic could be achieved by preventing more than half of secondary transmissions.
A collaborative registry and community support approach could improve diabetes care in China, where 12% of adults have diabetes and half are at risk of prediabetes. The disease is linked to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer unless effective national intervention prevents it.
A study found that healthcare workers' adherence to hand hygiene is improved when other workers are present, with a 7% higher rate of hand hygiene compliance. The results suggest the importance of social environment in healthcare settings and have implications for understanding disease spread within hospitals.
A new inherited neuromuscular disorder has been identified, resulting from a genetic mutation disrupting nerve-muscle communication. The condition affects multiple generations and is associated with mutations in the synaptotagmin 2 protein.
A new series published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology finds that the growing global diabetes epidemic is hampering progress in controlling and eliminating tuberculosis. With over 1 million cases annually, diabetes-associated TB cases are expected to offset the present downward trend in global TB cases by 8% or more by 2035.
A literature review found inadequate adherence to infection prevention protocols in emergency departments, with varying rates of compliance. The study highlights the need for more standardized practices and improved surveillance to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
A global snapshot of infectious canine cancer shows that strong dog control policies and sterilization programs can help curb its spread. Researchers found that countries with strict dog quarantine policies had lower rates of the disease, which is spread by living cancer cells between dogs during sex.
Respiratory infection control measures for Ebola patients are unnecessary and may contribute to public panic, according to a new letter published in The Lancet. Excessive precautions could reinforce the view that some lives are more valuable than others, exacerbating the spread of infection.
A study of 2342 patients with eating disorders found an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, with 8.9% diagnosed compared to 5.4% in the general population. The findings suggest a link between immune-mediated mechanisms and development of eating disorders.
The Penn Medicine team found that targeted automated alerts in electronic health records significantly reduced urinary tract infections in hospital patients with urinary catheters. Simplifying the alert design increased the rate of catheter removals, leading to a dramatic decrease in infections.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered a new mechanism for controlling bladder contractions and regulating the body's clock genes. This finding has implications for understanding the pathology and development of new treatments for overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome.
Leading infectious disease experts argue that screening and isolating infected patients may not be effective in preventing MRSA spread. Instead, they recommend a broader approach focusing on reducing all hospital-acquired infections.
A new study identifies a novel gene, Inpp4b, that controls nerve conduction velocity and is linked to multiple sclerosis. The researchers found that polymorphisms in this gene affect nerve conduction speed in both mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and humans with MS.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that fist-bumping transmits significantly fewer bacteria than handshaking or high-fiving. The research suggests that adopting the fist bump as a greeting could substantially reduce the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals.
A new study found that genetic variations, particularly imprinted genes, play a significant role in determining the age of puberty in girls. The research analyzed DNA data from over 180,000 women and identified six imprinted gene variants associated with earlier or later menstrual cycles.
Researchers have successfully used computer models to locate and eliminate high numbers of tsetse flies in Senegal, resulting in a 99.6% reduction. The eradication effort aims to control the devastating disease that affects humans, livestock, and wildlife.
A cross-disciplinary team proposes using gene drives to manage ecosystems, potentially combating malaria and other diseases. Gene drives can spread specified genetic alterations through targeted wild populations over many generations.
A new study reports a significant increase in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) cases in community hospitals across the Southeastern US. The rise is attributed to factors such as increased antibiotic use, transmission between facilities, and inadequate laboratory detection protocols.
The new document highlights basic prevention strategies for adult patients, including avoiding intubation and minimizing sedation. For pediatric and neonatal patients, the guidance emphasizes regular oral care and elevating the head of the bed to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Researchers found more than twice as much coral disease at dredging sites compared to control sites, highlighting a direct link between dredging and coral disease. Dredging impacts corals by reducing light for photosynthesis and interfering with feeding, leading to chronic stress and increased disease prevalence.
The US CDC is building scientific capacity to detect and respond to novel health threats, with a focus on resilience and preparedness. The organization supports global health programs, including those aimed at combating infectious diseases, strengthening health systems, and improving disaster response.
The OpT2mise trial found that insulin pumps result in better blood sugar control than multiple daily injections in people with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that patients using the pumps achieved a significantly greater reduction in average blood sugar levels and spent less time in hyperglycaemia.
Researchers found that patients treated with proton therapy had significantly higher disease-free survival rates (72% vs. 50%) compared to those receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Tumor control also improved at the longest follow-up for proton therapy-treated patients (81% vs. 64%).
Half of US adults suffer from at least one chronic condition, with a quarter having two or more. The report highlights the need for coordinated action to reduce the chronic disease burden, including promoting health and healthy behaviors, effective prevention services, and stronger links between healthcare and community services.
Researchers adapt mathematical tool for geographic profiling to target infectious disease breeding sites, reducing search areas from 300km to just 10.7km. The new model has the potential to identify sources of TB, cholera, and Legionnaires' disease, offering a promising solution for public health control.
A susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes has been found to regulate self-destruction of the cell's energy factory. Researchers discovered that this pathway could be targeted for prevention and control of type-1 diabetes and may extend to treatment of other metabolic-associated diseases.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers significant benefits for diabetes patients, including non-exclusion of pre-existing conditions and access to preventive services. The law also authorizes the creation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, delivering evidence-based lifestyle change programs to prevent type 2 diabetes.
The new guidelines provide a roadmap for prioritizing and implementing strategies to prevent healthcare-associated MRSA transmission and infection. Key highlights include conducting an MRSA risk assessment, implementing an MRSA monitoring program, and ensuring compliance with hand hygiene and contact precautions.
A nationwide effort in Israel reduced CRE cases by improving infection control standards and using a coordinated intervention focused on long-term care facilities. The study found a direct correlation between hospitals with high infection control scores and lower CRE carriage risk, resulting in a 25% decrease in carrier prevalence.
Researchers at MGH and Ragon Institute identified how p21, a tumor suppressor protein, blocks HIV reverse transcription in CD4 T cells. This mechanism contributes to the natural control of HIV infection in elite controllers without drug treatment.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a method to distort the sex ratio of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, eradicating female populations that transmit malaria. The genetically modified mosquitoes produced 95% male offspring, eliminating entire wild-type populations in six generations.
Researchers found three diseases have failed to receive official recognition and funding, impacting human and animal health in developing nations. A multidisciplinary One Health approach could improve human and animal health and control these diseases.
A long-term observational study found that people with type 1 diabetes who have developed kidney complications can slow the progression of their complications by improving control of their glycemic levels over the long term. Those who lowered their HbA1C levels demonstrated a significantly lower risk of end-stage renal disease after a ...
A two-year study found that using alcohol-impregnated caps reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) by 68%, with 80% of infections related to inadequate hub cleaning. This simple intervention saved over $1 million in hospital costs, making it an easy addition to infection prevention strategies.
A new tool called pVAAST combines linkage analysis with case control association to identify disease-causing mutations in families, increasing the power to find gene variations that cause disease. By sequencing family genomes, researchers can pinpoint the gene responsible for a particular illness.
Researchers found that ultraviolet environmental disinfection (UVD) significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile. The study analyzed 52 months of hospital-acquired MDROs plus C. difficile before and during UVD use, resulting in a 20 percent decrease in superbugs.
A recent survey found that 60% of adults support health warnings similar to those on cigarette packets, while 70% favor banning sugary drinks in schools or limiting sugar content.