Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
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.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that using alcohol-impregnated disinfection caps on central line hubs reduced CLABSI cases by 52%. The intervention also led to significant reductions in infection rates and estimated annual preventable cases, suggesting a promising approach to improving catheter care.
A new textbook provides clinical guidelines for treating tobacco addiction, shifting attitudes among health professionals towards viewing smoking as an addiction. The book aims to increase the success rate of quitting smoking among Canadians.
A Canadian hospital detected New Delhi Metallo-ß-lactamase-1-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (NDM1-Kp), a multidrug-resistant bacteria. The bacteria was found in seven patients, acquired through direct contact with an index patient.
A study found that young black males with high hormone aldosterone are at risk for cardiovascular disease due to retaining too much salt, leading to enlarged heart muscles and high blood pressure. Researchers suggest early use of aldosterone inhibitors to control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that hospital cleaning protocols are often inadequate to remove multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from patient rooms, with over half of rooms still contaminated after terminal cleaning. Persistent room contamination poses a risk for future patients, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.
A Turkish biologist's review of existing scientific literature suggests that releasing non-native guineafowl in Turkey to eat ticks may actually spread the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The birds carry ticks on their feathers, which could facilitate the spread of the disease despite initial intentions.
Researchers suggest that physicians use tools from behavioral economics and social psychology to motivate patients to control their chronic diseases. Techniques include helping patients form specific plans, breaking big goals into smaller tasks, and using cash payments as a motivator.
Two new research projects have been awarded £12.2 million in funding to tackle Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus and emerging poultry viruses. The projects will focus on developing novel solutions for disease control, including the use of weakened viruses to prompt an immune response.
A new pneumococcal vaccine has been shown to prevent 93% of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in healthy infants who received at least one dose. The vaccine's effectiveness against IPD was confirmed by the Finnish Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine Trial, which tracked over 46,000 children under 19 months.
Researchers at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences discover a new regulator of the blood coagulation cascade, p21-activated Kinase-1 (PAK1) signaling. The study finds that PAK1 regulates both positive and negative regulators of coagulation, promoting a hypercoagulant state.
A study by the University of Edinburgh warns that funding cuts to global tobacco control will disproportionately affect developing countries. Millions in these countries risk increased smoking deaths due to reduced travel support for delegates from poorer nations.
A gene variant known as R47H in TREM2 nearly triples the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to a global team including Mayo Clinic researchers. The study identified rare variants in TREM2 associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's, with the R47H variant showing strong association with the disease.
Researchers used DNA sequencing to map an MRSA outbreak in a special care baby unit, tracking its spread into the community. The technique allowed for quicker identification and isolation of outbreaks, containing the infection and preventing substantial illness.
A new study reveals that metalloacid-coated surfaces exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, including those resistant to multiple antibiotics. The coating's ability to produce acidic pH through oxonium ions significantly limits the survival of microbes on coated surfaces.
A new study calls for a global system to monitor infectious diseases in companion dogs and cats, which can transmit zoonotic diseases to humans. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends a coordinated global disease monitoring system for veterinarians working with small companion animals.
A study found that most patients believe healthcare workers should wash their hands before and after patient care, but only a minority feel comfortable asking them to do so. The study suggests that patient empowerment is key to improving hand hygiene behaviors among healthcare workers.
Kent Campbell, PATH's Malaria Control Program director, received the LePrince Medal for his work on controlling malaria in Africa. Through his leadership, more than one million child deaths have been prevented, and Zambia became the first country to achieve high coverage with malaria control tools.
A new study considers how to manage epidemics in information blackouts, particularly in the US where privacy laws restrict data accessibility. The researchers used land cover maps to approximate farm locations and developed a mathematical model that can provide accurate predictions about disease spread.
A recent study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that T-cells responsible for controlling herpes viruses are reduced significantly during new infections, allowing latent viruses to reactivate. This understanding could lead to prevention strategies and improved treatment options for people with herpes.
Researchers at Temple University have identified a mitochondrial 'gatekeeper' protein called MICU1 that regulates calcium influx into the cell's power source. This finding may lead to new therapeutic options for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
A new focus section discusses a new, improved shingles vaccine and alternative therapies to control symptoms. Experts emphasize the need for continued attention from public health, physicians, and researchers to address this debilitating condition.
A new study found that large hospital ICUs have higher rates of CAUTIs but are less likely to implement prevention policies. Researchers suggest recent federal regulations may refocus attention on CAUTI prevention in US hospitals.
Researchers found that levels of IL-6 and IL-12 were higher among patients with sarcoidosis compared to controls. Mold/fungi levels in the home also showed a significant relation to β-glucan levels. The study supports the hypothesis that exposure to fungi increases the risk of sarcoidosis.
A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that up to 21% of herds in Great Britain may be hiding bovine Tuberculosis despite restrictions. The study used mathematical models to estimate the efficiency of cattle-based controls for the disease, which had previously been eliminated in the UK.
A BUSM study has pinpointed the two main areas of the brain most severely impacted by Huntington's disease, the striatum and outer cortical regions. The research also found significant variation in the extent of cell death across individuals, with some experiencing severe damage while others appear virtually normal.
A new study reveals significant variation in the screening and surveillance of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in intensive care units (ICUs), with some hospitals neglecting commonsense medical precautions. The researchers found that only a small percentage of hospitals routinely screen for certain deadly MDROs, such as MRSA and ...
A genotyping study identified a hematology clinic outbreak of Mycobacterium mucogenicum, a gram-positive bacteria found in tap water. The bacteria was linked to contaminated faucet aerators and improved infection control practices were implemented.
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a lower-than-expected incidence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) at a nationwide retail pharmacy chain. The study revealed that the annual NSI rate was between 0 to 3.62 per 100,000 vaccinations, with most incidents occurring after use and disposal of needles.
A Scottish study found people with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death compared to the general population. The researchers also discovered that women are more at risk than men, with higher rates of cardiovascular events and deaths from any cause.
A molecule called p110delta regulates immune cells to control inflammation, preventing excessive reactions that can damage the organism. Temporarily interfering with p110delta activity could lead to new therapeutic avenues for treating diseases such as cancer, asthma, and multiple sclerosis.
The study found significant variation in adoption of screening and infection control interventions aimed at MDROs and C. difficile, with some hospitals screening for all admissions and others infrequently.
Leading hypertension specialists recommend the inclusion of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in national health surveys to accurately detect hypertension. This advanced diagnostic method can identify mitigating factors affecting diagnosis, such as white coat hypertension and nocturnal hypertension.
A multi-site study of 293 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and 146 matched controls found no evidence of XMRV or pMLV infections. The researchers tested for the presence of these viruses using molecular, culture, and serological methods, but none were detected in CFS samples.
A lack of AgRP-neurons leads to obesity if fed a regular carbohydrate diet, but high-fat diets counteract this effect. The study reveals the importance of brain-cell interactions in nutrient metabolism and storage.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and CDC released new tools to track deadly healthcare-associated infections in nursing homes. Updated infection definitions provide uniform criteria for tracking HAIs, including norovirus gastroenteritis and Clostridium difficile infections.
Daily disinfection of high-touch surfaces in isolation rooms significantly reduces pathogens on healthcare personnel's hands, finding a simple yet effective infection control strategy. The study highlights the importance of environmental cleaning in preventing transmission and patient exposure to harmful pathogens.
A provocative essay in NEJM calls for redoubling efforts to combat TB, highlighting global health inequity and inadequate treatment. The authors advocate for adopting a zero-TB death goal, rapid diagnosis, and infection control measures to stem the pandemic.
A study published in Science reveals that genetic changes associated with diseases impact the genome's regulatory circuitry, affecting gene expression rather than genes themselves. The research exposed previously hidden connections between different diseases and offers a new approach for pinpointing specific cell types involved in dise...
Researchers catalogued thousands of non-coding genome switches that subtly turn up or down gene activity and influence cell-type specific utilization. These maps revealed regions active in immune cells for autoimmune diseases and liver cells for metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) regulate glucose levels by coordinating phosphatases in cells. Mice lacking AKAP150 produced less insulin but coped better with limited hormone due to increased sensitivity in target tissues.
Researchers used whole-genome sequencing to track TB outbreak, identifying origin and movement of pathogens, key persons and behaviors that contributed to spread. The study found location-based transmission is crucial for outbreak management and informs public health policy and practice.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that less than half of US schools address pandemic preparedness and only 40% have updated their plan since 2009. Many schools lack personal protective equipment, staff training, and medication stockpiles, highlighting the need for improved emergency planning.
A new study reveals alarmingly high levels of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis worldwide, with nearly 44% of patients showing resistance to at least one second-line drug. The highest prevalence was seen in South Korea and Russia, with the risk of XDR disease quadrupled in previously treated patients.
Researchers propose a novel vaccine strategy using lipidated-promiscuous-peptide vaccines to overcome limitations of existing BCG vaccine, which fails to prevent disease in adults, especially in endemic regions. This new approach has shown promise in animal models and is being tested in human clinical trials.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered an enzymatic ignition key that can be turned on and off, allowing enzymes to work three times harder. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding and potentially curing diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and acne.
A study found that a computer-based screening program and resource list for partner violence did not significantly improve quality of life, general health, or reduce recurrence of partner violence among women. The results suggest that routine screening may not be beneficial in primary care settings.
Researchers identified a key gene mutation causing Cornelia deLange syndrome, a childhood genetic disease. Mutations in the HDAC8 gene disrupt cellular recycling of cohesin, leading to impaired gene transcription and embryonic development.
A study found that nurse burnout is associated with higher healthcare-associated infection rates and increased costs for hospitals. Analyzing data from over 7,000 registered nurses, researchers discovered that each additional patient assigned to a nurse corresponds to roughly one additional infection per 1,000 patients.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that MRSA cases in academic medical centers in the US more than doubled between 2003 and 2008. The researchers estimated hospitalizations increased from 21 out of every 1,000 patients to 42 out of every 1,000, or nearly 1 in 20 inpatients.
A study by Johns Hopkins and University of Pennsylvania found that HIV suppression rates are lower than previously thought, with younger adults, blacks, injection drug users, and uninsured individuals more likely to have uncontrolled disease. The study reviewed over 100,000 individual blood test results from 32,483 infected adults.
A hospital-based surveillance study found that infections with nontyphoidal Salmonella and Shigella increased the risk of death in children hospitalized with diarrhea in rural Kenya. The study highlights the importance of using zinc for diarrhea management, promoting oral rehydration solutions, water sanitation, and hygiene interventions.
Researchers discovered a new gene in the influenza virus that helps control the body's response to infection, reducing the impact of the disease. The PA-X gene was found to be active in mice infected with flu, leading to recovery, while its malfunction led to an overactive immune system and worsened infections.
A recent study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry suggests that exercise is more beneficial than diet control in reducing β-amyloid formation and restoring memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease. The research found that exercise alone can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
A survey of 3,800 home healthcare providers found that many agencies lack written policies on handling infection control for antibiotic-resistant infections. The study highlights the need for simple and quick actions like hand washing, vaccinations, and patient isolation to decrease infections in home care settings.
The GAVI Alliance has pledged an additional $162 million to control and prevent measles outbreaks in six high-risk countries. The funding will strengthen routine immunisation systems and follows a decision last November to provide over $600 million to tackle rubella through a combined measles-rubella vaccine.
A cluster of unusual illnesses at a Colorado children's hospital led to the discovery of contaminated alcohol prep pads with Bacillus cereus bacteria. The investigation resulted in an international recall of the products and highlighted the importance of clear labeling on non-sterile healthcare supplies.
Researchers found that individuals with HIV who can control viral replication have killer T cells with effective T cell receptors, which recognize and kill infected cells. The study suggests that the particular sequence of the protein affects the ability to control infection.
Levine pioneered molecular approaches to develop live oral vaccines, including attenuated Salmonella Typhi and Shigella. He has made significant contributions to vaccine research, including epidemiologic field studies and large-scale controlled trials.
Researchers at Yale University found that intensively controlling glucose levels did not definitively reduce the risk of impaired kidney function, dialysis, or death from kidney disease. The study suggests that patients may not be better off with this approach and questions the benefits of aggressive glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes