Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
The MERS coronavirus has the potential to spread faster and wider during two annual events in Saudi Arabia, putting millions of travelers at risk. The virus could be introduced into countries through returning pilgrims or domestic pilgrims who come into contact with infected individuals.
Researchers have developed a novel protocol for detecting basil downy mildew, enabling early identification and facilitating timely disease control. The method uses Visikol, a proprietary solution that replaces chloral hydrate, allowing for quick detection using a hand magnifying glass.
The article reviews the epidemiology, characteristics, and prevention of West Nile virus, which has produced the largest arboviral neuroinvasive disease outbreaks in the US. The authors highlight the importance of sustainable community-based surveillance and vector management programs.
The overuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry poses a significant risk to human health, according to experts. A growing body of evidence suggests that routine antibiotic use in animal feed can worsen the epidemic of antibiotic resistance, with many public health authorities agreeing that it is a major concern.
Researchers found that simultaneously controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. The study suggests that prescribing medications and regular doctor visits can greatly benefit certain populations, including older adults and Hispanic-Americans.
Researchers from Scripps Florida Institute have identified small molecules that can control a genetic defect responsible for myotonic dystrophy, a progressive muscle-wasting disease. By activating these compounds, scientists can study the long-term impact of the disease and potentially develop new therapies.
Researchers analyzed emergency department records to assess aerial mosquito spraying's impact on human health. No increase was found in diagnoses associated with pesticide exposure, including respiratory and neurological conditions.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a computational framework to control large complex networks by identifying small perturbations that can rescue or reprogram them. The approach has been successfully applied to mitigate cascading failures in power-grid networks and identify potential drug targets in human cancer.
A study from the University of York found that antimicrobial copper touch surfaces in intensive care units reduce bioburden by >90% and associated with a 58% reduction in healthcare-associated infections. The cost-effectiveness analysis predicts rapid return on investment, saving hospitals millions over five years.
The Sabin Vaccine Institute has launched the International Association of Immunization Managers (IAIM) to help drive national, regional, and international immunization goals. IAIM aims to equip immunization managers with tools and a professional network to advance their programs.
Researchers found that over 200 English ICUs reduced serious bloodstream infections by more than 60% through implementing five key practices, including strict hand hygiene and full barrier protection. This achievement mirrors those made in the US state of Michigan, where a similar programme was conducted.
A 13-year Kaiser Permanente study found no association between vaccination and increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Researchers controlled for seasonality and analyzed 415 cases, finding only 25 patients had received a vaccine in the six weeks prior to illness onset.
Research suggests H7N9 has a lower fatality risk than H5N1 but higher risk than pandemic H1N1. Between 0.16% and 2.8% of symptomatic patients are at risk of dying, highlighting the need for continued vigilance against the virus.
A new study from MIT reveals that a gene called SIRT1, previously shown to protect against diseases of aging, plays a key role in controlling circadian rhythms. The researchers found that boosting SIRT1 levels in the brain could prevent age-related decline in circadian function and potentially lead to health benefits.
Rhode Island Hospital implemented a five-step plan to reduce hospital-associated C. difficile infections, resulting in a 70% decrease and a 64% reduction in associated mortality. The study's success highlights the importance of a collaborative effort between hospital departments to improve patient safety.
A new study found that patients with early arthritis consume significantly less alcohol than healthy controls, with an inverse association between drinking and the presence of all forms of arthritis. The study also suggests that men may be more susceptible to the influence of alcohol on RA pathophysiology.
A study by UTHealth researchers found that consuming high amounts of glucose can cause stress on the heart, leading to poor pump function and increased risk of heart failure. The study discovered a single molecule, G6P, which can accumulate from excessive sugar intake and induce damage to the heart muscle.
Researchers found that protein aggregation has beneficial functions allowing cells to organize themselves in time and space. Protein aggregation helps create spatial patterns in transcripts, influencing protein localization and function.
Penn State researchers found that cocoa powder supplement reduced inflammation and fatty liver disease in mice fed high-fat diet. The study suggests cocoa's polyphenolic compounds may improve gut barrier function and reduce insulin levels.
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology reveals that small community hospitals experience a higher rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia than larger hospitals. The study found that patients on ventilators had long hospital stays and high mortality rates, suggesting that these under-resourced settings may ...
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a noninvasive brain-computer interface that allows people to control a flying robot using only their thoughts. The technology has the potential to help people with disabilities, such as paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases, regain mobility and independence.
The ProMPT project distributed over 12 million mosquito nets, improving malaria prevention and treatment in Ghana. The initiative also strengthened health facilities' capacity to manage malaria, particularly during pregnancy.
A study found that 33% of vaccination-related tweets carried a positive tone, while 54% were neutral. The majority (14%) contained medical information substantiated by scientific research. Reputable health organizations and news outlets dominated the most shared sources.
Researchers compared electronic health records of 115,737 patients across 18 outpatient practices, finding significant variations in controlling hypertension, diabetes, and smoking cessation. The study aims to improve outpatient care and provide a baseline for quality improvement efforts.
Research estimates that CLABSI prevention strategies have prevented up to 200,000 central line-associated bloodstream infections among ICU patients in the US since 1990. New technologies and guidelines have improved central line insertion and maintenance practices, reducing healthcare-associated infections nationwide.
Researchers have successfully infected mosquitoes with the Wolbachia bacterium, rendering them immune to malaria parasites. The scientists maintained a stable infection in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes for 34 generations, and all infected female mosquitoes became infected within eight generations when mated with uninfected males.
ADAM10, a protein that prevents β-amyloid formation, is removed from synapses through association with AP2. This study identifies pathological mechanisms controlling protein localization at the synapse in Alzheimer's disease.
Harvard researchers have discovered a novel hormone that regulates glucose production in the liver, offering new avenues for treating type 2 diabetes. The study found that switching off this hormone improves glucose metabolism, providing a potential therapeutic target.
A cross-sectional study of 1,870 individuals found that long-lived families have a reduced risk of cognitive impairment consistent with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a delayed onset of disease in these families, protecting their members but not later in life.
Researchers found that testing patients with three risk factors upon hospital admission can identify nearly three-fourths of asymptomatic C. difficile carriers, who are the primary source of transmission in hospitals. The study suggests a targeted screening approach to control C. difficile infection.
A new study by the University of Texas Health Science Center suggests that inflammation plays a significant role in the development of Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that exposure to an experimental inflammatory agent caused changes in brain tissue similar to those associated with PD, highlighting the potential for therapeu...
Researchers found that partial sleep deprivation led to less healthy vascular function and impaired breathing control. After a short period of normal sleep, vascular function returned to baseline, suggesting an adaptive response. The study suggests a mechanism behind the connection between sleep loss and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have invented a new way to zip and unzip DNA strands using electrochemistry, enabling fast control at constant temperatures without dramatic changes in solution conditions. This method uses DNA intercalators that bind differently to DNA depending on their electrical state, allowing for rapid and precise control.
As malaria incidence declines, it becomes increasingly concentrated in specific locations and groups, making targeted approaches crucial. Effective identification and treatment of infected individuals, particularly migrant workers and mobile populations, are essential for successful malaria elimination.
Researchers found that temporarily blocking a critical protein helps the immune system fight off chronic infection, reversing many immune problems. The discovery suggests new approaches to treating persistent viral infections like HIV and hepatitis C.
Researchers found a few hundred super-enhancers control key genes in healthy cells, but cancer cells create their own to overproduce harmful oncogenes leading to aggressive tumors.
Researchers are developing implantable electrical devices to target specific cells in the body and control diseases like inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Initial results show that it is possible to manipulate neural signals specific to different inflammatory mediators.
Unused medical supplies can become contaminated with multidrug-resistant organisms, leading to increased healthcare costs. Hydrogen peroxide vapor disinfection has been shown to effectively sanitize the outside of packages, reducing contamination rates and associated costs.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that a dedicated daily cleaning crew can effectively reduce C. difficile contamination in hospital rooms. The intervention included a standardized disinfection process, which significantly improved disinfection rates compared to traditional cleaning practices.
The World Heart Federation has published a new position statement outlining five strategic targets to achieve its goal of reducing premature deaths from rheumatic heart disease (RHD) among individuals aged <25 years by 2025. The targets include comprehensive register-based control programmes, global access to benzathine penicillin G, a...
A multinational study reveals that dengue is more prevalent globally than previously estimated, with 390 million infections annually, and Asia accounting for 70% of the burden.
Researchers at Yale University have found that AgRP neurons, which regulate appetite, also impact immune cell function. Suppressing these neurons can lead to increased inflammation and vulnerability to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2013 Scientific Sessions found that physically active healthcare providers were significantly more likely to counsel their patients on incorporating daily physical activity into their lives. The findings suggest...
According to the study, nearly 75% of commercial pre-packaged meals and savory snacks for toddlers are high in sodium. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium consumption to less than 1500mg per day. Parents can choose healthier options by reading nutrition labels on baby and toddler foods.
Researchers successfully used TALENS to edit the mosquito genome, changing eye color and enabling a new approach to controlling disease transmission. This breakthrough technology holds promise for developing pathogen-resistant mosquitoes and blocking virus transmission by the mosquito.
A recent study reveals that antibiotic-resistant E. coli strain ST131 is increasingly found in hospitals and long-term care facilities, particularly among older adults and nursing home residents. The study found that LTCF residence was the strongest predictor of ST131 infection, with LTCF residents having 8 times the risk of contractin...
The study found that green leafy vegetables interact with a cell surface receptor to switch on the T-bet gene, producing innate lymphoid cells crucial for immune surveillance and gut health. These immune cells may aid in treating bacterial infections, promoting good bacteria, and preventing bowel cancers.
A new study found that CRE-positive patients took an average of 387 days to be clear of the organism after hospital discharge. Risk factors for extended carriage included multiple hospitalizations and active infections.
Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, receives the highest honor from SOPHE for his work in disease prevention, health promotion, and eliminating health disparities. His efforts catalyze action across public and private partners to strengthen the nation's public health systems.
A recent study suggests that eliminating malaria transmission completely can lead to reduced economic costs and improved public health outcomes in affected countries. Malaria elimination is found to be stable over time, with most eliminated countries experiencing low malaria transmission rates.
A new device encircles the esophagus valve to control chronic acid reflux, easing symptoms in 92% of patients and allowing 87% to stop using acid-suppressing drugs. Installation is minimally invasive, taking one to two hours, and patients experience significant improvement with 94% satisfaction.
Primary care clinicians may be missing three-fourths of the alcohol problems in their patients due to relying on hunches rather than screening questions. Regular screening with brief alcohol questions can identify individuals at risk and reduce risky drinking, according to a new study.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a method to determine how to focus disease-control strategies based on individuals most likely to spread the infection. By analyzing classroom schedules and human-networking theory, they created a low-cost but effective way to predict disease outbreaks in closed groups.
A systematic review assesses the reliability of global mapping of infectious diseases, finding that only a small percentage have been mapped reliably. The study suggests using novel solutions like crowdsourcing to gather data, such as analyzing Twitter messages about disease.
A study found that hospital infection preventionists generally agree on the effectiveness of certain practices in preventing healthcare-associated infections. These practices include alcohol-based hand rub, aseptic urinary catheter insertion, and maximum sterile barriers during central venous catheter insertion. However, non-certified ...
The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control has had a major health impact, reducing blindness and itching cases by millions, while costing only $250 million. The program saved an estimated 8 million healthy years of life, at a cost of just $30 per year.
A large-scale study reveals that parasites and inadequate prenatal care contribute significantly to epilepsy prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. The research found that adults with parasitic infections were 1.5-3 times more likely to have epilepsy than those without exposure.
The study highlights links between NTDs and socio-economic prosperity, finding that integrated treatment efforts are cost-effective public health interventions. The report recommends prioritizing NTD programs worldwide to improve health and prosperity for over 1 billion people.
Researchers suggest that vaccinating around 46% of Haitians could arrest the spread of cholera. Using mathematical models to target immunization campaigns can help control recurrent outbreaks and slow transmission rates.
Researchers found no correlation between Parkinson's disease itself and impulse control symptoms, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that dopamine-related medications may be the primary cause of these disorders.