Articles tagged with Disease Control
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.
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.
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 new study published by The Endocrine Society found that couples with high cholesterol levels took longer to conceive a child. The study examined the rate of pregnancies among 501 heterosexual couples trying to conceive and found that those with high cholesterol levels had significantly lower fecundity rates.
Researchers studied CA-MRSA transmission and survival on commonly touched items, revealing the bacteria's ability to survive on porous objects like towels. The findings suggest these surfaces are important in spreading the virulent bacteria.
Leading scientists from ASH, AHA, and CDC convene a joint panel to discuss a global project improving treatment and control of hypertension worldwide. The project aims to standardize hypertension treatment globally, making it possible for other audiences to improve blood pressure control in their communities.
Researchers used anonymized mobile records to identify geographical 'hotspots' of malaria and design targeted plans for its elimination. The study combined population movement data with information about diagnosed cases, climate, and topography.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a new gene expression mechanism in the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. The discovery provides a potential avenue for developing new antiviral strategies.
Researchers developed a single-cell genomics technique to study malaria parasites, allowing for comprehensive understanding of multiple genotype infections (MGI's) and their impact on disease progression. The findings could inform disease control interventions and reduce rates of infection and mortality.
A GW researcher advocates for a sustainable approach to controlling soil-transmitted helminths (STH), proposing the use of biogas technology to provide sanitation, parasite control, and energy supply. This grassroots solution offers cost-effectiveness and community-driven development in underdeveloped areas.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for prioritizing and implementing strategies to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs), which are the most common and costly HAI in the US. Implementing these strategies can help prevent up to 60% of SSIs, reducing healthcare expenditures by at least $3.5 billion annually.
Excessive phosphate consumption stimulates the production of FGF23, leading to negative effects on the cardiovascular system, including high blood pressure and vascular calcification. The study provides new insights into the connection between renal disease, FGF23 levels, and cardiovascular disease.
A study found that sending comprehensive weekly reports to hospital leadership significantly reduced carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii transmission rates. The rate decreased from 5.13 per 10,000 patient days to 1.93 in just two years.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have successfully sequenced the genetic code of the tsetse fly, a major breakthrough in disease control. The genetic information will enable researchers to develop alternative strategies to control sleeping sickness, a fatal disease that kills over 250,000 people each year.
A team of international researchers, including LSTM scientists, has sequenced the genome of the tsetse fly, a key vector for African trypanosomiasis. The study provides valuable insights into tsetse biology and may lead to more effective control strategies, ultimately reducing the human cost and economic losses due to the disease.
A recent measles outbreak in the US highlights the need for physicians to be familiar with the deadly disease, particularly in return travelers with fever and rash. The author emphasizes the importance of measles vaccination and vigilance in healthcare facilities to prevent further spread.
Researchers have gained new understanding of how brain cells are formed and controlled by a key molecule miR-9, which is linked to brain development and function. This study could help explain what happens when cell production goes out of control in diseases like cancer.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America publishes expert guidelines to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in acute care hospitals. The strategies include protocols for proper catheter insertion and management, education among healthcare professionals, and surveillance programs to record progress.
A team of scientists at UCL and King's College London has developed a technique to restore function to paralyzed muscles using light-activated neurons created from stem cells. The method involves transplanting these motor neurons into injured nerve branches, which can be controlled by adjusting blue light pulses.
A neuroscientist at Virginia Tech is researching how the brain develops collateral blood vessels to restore oxygen and nutrients after a stroke. Her study aims to understand the brain's natural network of collateral vessels and develop new treatments to improve blood flow and limit tissue damage.
A University at Buffalo study found that IBS patients' health perceptions are more closely tied to non-biomedical factors such as social relationships and fatigue than the severity of their gastrointestinal symptoms. The study, which included 234 IBS patients, suggests that addressing these underlying issues could lead to improved clin...
University of Notre Dame biologists Nicole Achee and Neil Lobo are leading a five-year project to develop spatial repellent products for mosquito control, aiming to prevent malaria and dengue fever. The grant will generate data on the effectiveness of this new paradigm in mosquito control.
Researchers have found that warmer temperatures push malaria to higher elevations in highland regions of Ethiopia and Colombia, with significant consequences for densely populated areas. Climate change is expected to result in a substantial increase in malaria cases globally unless disease monitoring and control efforts are strengthened.
Research from Columbia University School of Nursing and WHO found that one in five US hospitals don't make hand sanitizer available everywhere needed, missing a critical opportunity to prevent health care-associated infections. Only half of facilities have set aside funds for hand hygiene training.
A new study suggests that a high-calorie diet rich in carbohydrates and fat may help slow the progression of motor neuron disease (ALS). Patients who were mildly obese lived longer than those who lost weight as ALS progressed. The diets improved survival rates, with fewer adverse events and deaths from respiratory failure.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that over half of the population in countries endemic for malaria continues to live in areas of moderate to intense transmission, with infection rates over 10%. Despite progress made between 2000-2010, the number of people living in high-risk areas fell only by 16%.
Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered a new strategy for controlling brown rot disease, a major problem for the UK's stone fruit producers. Biological control agents derived from UK cherries and plums show promise in preventing the disease in controlled conditions.
A West Virginia outpatient oncology clinic experienced a rare outbreak of Tsukamurella bloodstream infections in 2011-2012, attributed to improper handling of intravenous saline. The outbreak led to changes in infection control practices, including the use of pre-packaged manufactured saline flushes.
A study found that well-child visits are associated with a higher risk of flu-like illnesses in children and family members within two weeks of the visit. The research estimated that this increased risk translates to over 700,000 potentially avoidable illnesses each year.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit, focusing on infection control and procedure protocols. The guidelines aim to standardize safety efforts within GI endoscopy units, following changes in Ambulatory Surgical Center Conditions for Coverage.
A new study found that adults with low education levels live longer if they feel in control of their lives. Conversely, those who feel little control are three times as likely to die. Researchers believe innate and external factors contribute to perceived control.
A study at UT Southwestern Medical Center found elevated levels of DDT metabolite DDE in patients with Alzheimer's, suggesting a link between DDT exposure and the disease. The study suggests that early biomarkers could help predict Alzheimer's development due to DDT exposure.
A nationwide survey of 1,534 hospital ICUs found uneven compliance with infection prevention policies, with only 27-68% reporting policies for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). The use of checklists and ventilator bundles was reported by most hospitals, but clinician adherence rates were low, ranging from 6-71%.
A study by Loyola Medicine neuropsychologist Christopher Randolph challenges the widely-held theory that retired NFL players suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Despite high rates of Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the study found little conclusive evidence to support CTE as a distinct disease.
New guidance from SHEA recommends practices to prevent transmission of pathogens, including adopting a 'bare below the elbows' approach and laundering apparel after daily use. The guidance aims to close knowledge gaps in infection prevention related to HCP attire.
Research found significantly higher levels of infectious pathogens in water from faucet taps with aerators compared to deeper in the plumbing system. Contaminated water threatens immunocompromised patients with increased infection risk.
Researchers at IRCM, in collaboration with McGill University, reveal the importance of DNA architecture in controlling gene activity, especially during embryonic development. This discovery could significantly impact genetic disease diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have designed compounds called quinine dimers that work against sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite causing severe malaria. These compounds bind to and block resistance-conferring proteins, resensitizing parasites to chloroquine and killing them.
A new study of 93,000 postmenopausal American women found that those with the highest amounts of sedentary time had a 12% increase in all-cause premature mortality compared to their most active peers. Regular exercise and daily movement can help counteract these declines.
Researchers found that patients with a GCK mutation had a low prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications, despite decades of isolated hyperglycemia. The study included 99 carriers of the mutation, 91 control relatives, and 83 individuals with young-onset type 2 diabetes.
The study highlights the ecological benefits of large carnivores, including controlling herbivores, mitigating global warming, and enhancing biodiversity. Without these species, ecosystems may collapse, leading to reduced plant diversity, biomass, and productivity, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study by University of Warwick scientists recommends targeting 'superspreader' dogs responsible for the majority of leishmaniasis transmission to humans. By testing parasite loads in infected dogs, this approach could be more cost-effective and result in fewer unnecessary dog killings.
The global prevalence of daily tobacco smoking declined by 25% for men and 42% for women between 1980 and 2012. Despite this progress, the number of smokers has increased due to population growth, with 967 million male smokers and 7% female smokers in 2012.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found a significant decrease in MRSA infections in Veterans Affairs long-term care facilities over a 42-month period. The MRSA Prevention Initiative, which included screening, hand hygiene, and institutional culture change, led to a 36% overall decline in MRSA infections.
A new study found that nearly one in four healthcare workers' hands were contaminated with C. difficile spores after routine care of patients infected with the bacteria. Effective hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of this highly contagious bacteria.
A new study found that preoperative antibiotic therapy administered within two hours of cardiac surgery decreased the risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs) significantly. SSIs were less common among patients who received prophylaxis during the optimized period than those who received it at a different time.
Sheep producers may benefit from genetic selection as an alternative strategy to control helminth infections, which can reduce economic losses and minimize the use of chemicals. This approach aims to breed sheep with natural resistance traits, improving overall health and reducing production costs.
ORNL researchers used supercomputers to simulate a molecular switch in a receptor that controls cell behavior, revealing its role in signaling processes. The discovery has significant implications for understanding cellular functions and developing new treatments for diseases.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered a way to block disease pathways that could defeat devastating human infections. A new candidate drug inhibiting Epac has been shown to protect normal mice from fatal rickettsial infection and may also be effective against some viral infections.
The UK has released updated evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare-associated infections in NHS hospitals. The epic3 guidelines provide the best available scientific evidence for preventing healthcare infections, focusing on standard principles for infection prevention and control.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a second code hidden within DNA that instructs cells on how genes are controlled. This finding has significant implications for interpreting genome data and diagnosing diseases.
Researchers found that certain mosquito nerve cells detect human odors and CO2, attracting mosquitoes to humans. They identified two compounds, ethyl pyruvate and cyclopentanone, that can neutralize or activate these detectors, potentially developing new control approaches for mosquito-borne diseases.
Scientists at Sanford-Burnham have identified the B and T Lymphocyte Attenuator (BTLA) inhibitory receptor as a key factor in limiting inflammatory responses, particularly in the skin. The study provides clarity on how T cells get fired up to protect against pathogens, and then cool down to restore immune homeostasis.
Scientists at UC Riverside identified a key target for disrupting mosquito host-seeking behavior, which could aid in controlling disease transmission. They discovered compounds that can block the mosquito's CO2 and skin-odorant receptors, reducing attractiveness and creating an affordable alternative to traditional CO2-based mosquito t...
Researchers developed a drug regimen that eradicated CRE colonization in 44% of patients, significantly reducing mortality rates. The treatment was found to be safe and effective for eliminating the carrier state, which can reduce patient-to-patient transmission.
Researchers found significant differences in DNA chemical modifications on genes related to kidney fibrosis, suggesting an early role in development. The study provides new insights into the molecular roots of chronic kidney disease and potential targets for new drugs.