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.
Researchers have identified microRNA-155 as a molecule that controls the severity of acute graft-versus-host disease in leukemia patients who receive bone-marrow transplants. Reducing or blocking miR-155 expression decreases GVHD severity and increases survival, suggesting a new strategy for treating the condition.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that hospitals led by a board-certified director in infection prevention and control have significantly lower MRSA bloodstream infections. The study also suggests that multifacility performance improvement projects are effective in reducing healthcare-associated i...
Researchers found that removing Bim allowed autoreactive T-cells to survive but remain inactive. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new therapies for autoimmune diseases like diabetes.
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has been granted two US patents on novel Shigella protein antigens and methods, paving the way for an effective and low-cost vaccine against bacillary dysentery. The vaccine has the potential to provide cross-protection across species and serotypes of Shigella.
Scientists studied children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes to understand its initial stages. They found variability in T-regulatory cell activity and increased immune-boosting cells, which may help develop new treatments.
A case report in The Lancet details the death of an 82-year-old woman due to Legionnaires' disease caused by contaminated dental surgery equipment. Laboratory experiments demonstrated genomic matching between the bacteria found in the patient's respiratory secretion and the dental unit waterline.
The US is facing a growing threat of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea, with treatment options rapidly dwindling due to increasing antibiotic resistance. The CDC has seen a 17-fold increase in drug susceptibility, leading scientists to call for collective action from healthcare providers and drug companies.
Researchers found a proactive test-and-treat strategy significantly reduced malaria prevalence, with a sixfold decrease in 2008-2009. The strategy also provided indirect protection to household members and could be targeted to hot spots for further reductions.
A new collection of articles in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examines the use of genetically modified (GM) insects for controlling infectious diseases. The articles discuss technological advances, regulatory frameworks, and societal dialogue necessary for widespread application.
A new study found that norovirus was responsible for 18.2% of all infection outbreaks and 65% of ward closures in US hospitals during a two-year period. The study also revealed that medical/surgical units were the most common location of outbreak investigations, with an average duration of 58.4 days.
Key findings: DNDi highlights the need for enhanced research and development for new treatment and diagnostic tools for NTDs. The organization stresses that filling R&D gaps is crucial to achieving disease control or elimination by 2020.
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência receive €2.2 million funding to investigate mechanisms behind 'tolerance to infection'. They aim to identify protective genetic programs controlling tissue damage in various diseases, paving the way for new therapeutic interventions.
The CDC completed a comprehensive study of Morgellons, finding no infectious agent and no environmental link. The researchers enrolled 109 persons with symptoms, ruling out infection through extensive testing, and determined the fibers were fragments of cloth or debris.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that IBD travelers are not at a higher risk of contracting intestinal infections when visiting developing or tropical countries. Traveling during clinical remission can significantly reduce the risk of illness, according to lead author Shomron Ben-Horin.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that individuals with access to sanitation facilities are half as likely to contract roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections. Regular latrine use further reduces the risk of infection by an additional 5%.
The new malaria maps provide unprecedented detail on the current global pattern of the disease, allowing researchers to track changes over time. The maps reveal complex variations in malaria risk across the globe, highlighting the need for targeted resources and tailored approaches to controlling the disease.
The paper outlines research priorities to develop effective policies and planning for mass gatherings, highlighting the need for evidence-based mitigation measures. The authors propose five key public health research directions to control public health emergencies and reduce adverse health consequences.
A new study published by Kaiser Permanente found that older women who lose more than two inches in height face a higher risk of fractures and death. The research suggests that clinicians should consider bone density testing, counseling, and treatment to help prevent fractures. Women who lost more than two inches in height were 50% more...
Researchers propose using personalized medicine to identify individuals at highest risk for developing type 2 diabetes, allowing for targeted prevention efforts. Current methods are inefficient, but new biomarkers and approaches hold promise for preventing and controlling the disease.
A 2010 outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Wisconsin was linked to a hospital's decorative fountain, highlighting the risk of indoor water fountains in healthcare settings. The study recommends strict maintenance procedures and periodic bacteriologic monitoring to reduce the risk of Legionella transmission.
A new study assesses the potential reasons for the continued lack of success in preventing and controlling Lyme disease in the US Northeast. The study identifies critical areas where additional knowledge is needed to improve prevention and control strategies, including host infestation rates, habitat diversity, and human behavior.
Researchers release Tamarixia radiata, a parasitic wasp that kills Asian citrus psyllid nymphs, potentially reducing pest densities and protecting citrus trees in California. The natural enemy is part of a larger integrated management program for the invasive pest.
Researchers discovered that mosquitoes can control their body temperature by releasing cooling fluid during feeding, a strategy that protects them from heat stress and potential hosts' defenses. This finding has implications for controlling mosquito populations and diseases they spread.
Researchers at Brandeis University discover that fruit flies use two forms of TRPA1 to sense warmth and chemicals, providing potential solutions for chronic pain and disease control. The study's findings have implications for developing bug sprays and traps to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
New research reveals that bed bugs can withstand high levels of inbreeding, allowing them to colonize and expand populations. This is a major contributing factor to the recent surge in infestations across the US and globally.
A study published by Dartmouth researchers found that pregnant women who consumed rice had higher levels of arsenic in their urine, highlighting the need to monitor arsenic in food sources. The findings also underscore concerns about private well water being a potential source of arsenic exposure.
Researchers have discovered that toltrazuril can effectively control coccidiosis in piglets, whereas sulfonamides fail to provide sufficient protection. Toltrazuril treatment has been shown to significantly improve health outcomes and reduce diarrhoea in pigs.
A study found that only 21% of surveyed medical students could identify correct hand hygiene indications, highlighting a significant gap in knowledge. Medical students believed their own compliance would be higher than nurses', despite data showing the opposite.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that 43 healthcare workers who never used masks during patient encounters became infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus, while 20 who wore masks at least once did not contract the disease. The findings highlight the importance of proper mask use among healthcare workers.
A new study suggests that states could save substantial amounts of money by fully funding tobacco control programs, which have a sustained impact on cigarette demand. The programs would reduce Medicaid payments, medical costs, and lost productivity, resulting in long-term savings for the states.
A new study led by Brown University found that vitamin D does not confer benefits against mortality in postmenopausal women, contrary to previous beliefs. The study controlled for key health factors like abdominal obesity and found no association between high or low levels of vitamin D and reduced risk of death.
A study found that environmental growth of Acinetobacter baumannii was detected in 48% of patient rooms, with surfaces like supply cart handles and floors being most commonly contaminated. Patients with recent or remote MDR-AB colonization or infection showed similar levels of environmental contamination.
A 2010 outbreak involving 13 NBA teams highlights the risk of norovirus among athletes and staff. Strict hygiene measures, including hand washing and disinfecting, can limit transmission and prevent illnesses.
Researchers have identified five high-priority drug targets for the parasitic disease ascariasis, caused by the giant intestinal roundworm Ascaris suum. The discovery provides new insights into treating the condition, which affects millions of people in developing countries and causes chronic effects in young children.
The region of South Asia experiences a disproportionate burden of neglected tropical diseases, including visceral leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and soil-transmitted helminth infections. Better management of these diseases is crucial to lessen the region's NTD burden.
Dr. Clyde Yancy predicts that people who follow seven simple lifestyle factors can live an additional 40-50 years after age 50, with a 90% chance of living to 90 or 100 without chronic illnesses. Governments are urged to invest in prevention strategies.
Researchers at Boston University have discovered how Wolbachia bacteria alter insect reproduction, leading to increased egg production and reduced death rates. The study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms behind this relationship, which could inform novel approaches to disease control.
A new study found that heart-related treatments may improve wellbeing in some COPD patients, who often experience poor physical and mental quality of life. The research discovered a significant correlation between patients' quality of life scores and their heart rate variability.
A new method for quickly identifying individual viruses can help control winter vomiting disease and other virus-based illnesses. The method could save lives in developing countries and reduce stress on healthcare systems in the west.
Researchers at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp have developed a molecular identification technology that accurately identifies biting midges responsible for spreading bluetongue disease. This breakthrough can help determine where the disease will spread and inform effective pest control strategies.
A study by UTHealth suggests that Alzheimer's disease may arise from an infectious process similar to other neurological diseases. Researchers injected brain tissue from a confirmed Alzheimer's patient into mice, which developed plaques and brain alterations typical of the disease.
A new study suggests that culling Tasmanian devils cannot control the spread of facial tumour disease and may even increase its transmission. Alternative strategies such as setting up insurance populations, finding genetic resistance, and developing a vaccine are being explored to save the iconic marsupial
A recent study found that receiving care in a hallway bed was the strongest predictor of healthcare providers not washing their hands. The researchers observed providers wearing gloves instead of washing their hands, and workers who transport patients between departments were less likely to wash their hands due to inadequate training.
A team of researchers, led by Michael Levy, have traced the spread of Chagas disease in Peru using advanced mathematical methods and door-to-door surveys. They found that the parasite was introduced into the region around 20 years ago, with most infections occurring over the last decade.
The Austen BioInnovation Institute's Accountable Care Community (ACC) initiative aims to improve the health status and healthcare delivery in Akron, focusing on chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The project will gather a group of health providers from nearly every community outpost to develop a blueprint guiding Akron's de...
The region's high rates of parasitic infection are nearly 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, particularly among economically disadvantaged groups. Soil-transmitted helminth infections have been linked to developmental delays and decreased economic productivity in countries like Uzbekistan.
A new combination therapy for kala azar has been developed, reducing treatment time from 30 days to 17 days and decreasing costs. However, without international funding, too few patients will benefit from this new treatment.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University identified the genetic defect responsible for adermatoglyphia, a rare condition where individuals lack fingerprints. The study found that a skin-specific gene mutation affects fingerprint development, leading to reduced sweat gland function and abnormal fingerprints.
A study of over 400 children with ADHD found a link between regular outdoor play in green settings and milder symptoms. Children who regularly played outdoors had better impulse control and concentration than those who played indoors or in built-outdoor environments.
Researchers aim to combat diseases like zoonoses, transmitted from animals to humans, using models to predict and control outbreaks. Projects funded by $17M in US-UK collaboration will draw on biological and social sciences expertise.
A study found that flu vaccination rates among nursing home healthcare workers significantly reduced flu outbreaks, with a 87% decrease when 51-75% of staff were vaccinated. Higher resident vaccination rates surprisingly correlated with increased outbreak risk, highlighting the importance of vaccinating healthcare personnel.
A study on Alexander Litvinenko's care reveals that hospital staff involved in routine daily activities, such as handling patient blood and urine samples, were at higher risk of radiation contamination. The findings suggest that more attention should be given to infection control practices during these daily activities.
A new study by University of North Carolina researchers found that adopting simple infection control measures can dramatically reduce targeted infections, mortality, and costs. The interventions included strict hand hygiene practices and measures to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Researchers will examine the effectiveness of state and local anti-smoking programs across the US. The study aims to inform government policy decisions and allocate resources efficiently. Tobacco control in California has already saved over $86 billion in health costs.
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control and the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine have developed a special issue to examine violence prevention. The issue highlights the complexities of violence and its deep impact on society, with significant monetary effects estimated at over $70 billion annually.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that over 60% of hospital nurses' and doctors' uniforms tested positive for potentially dangerous bacteria. The study, led by Yonit Wiener-Well, MD, revealed a prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains in close proximity to hospitalized patients.
Rapid declines in infectious disease and stroke mortality enabled by salt reduction campaigns, improved healthcare technologies, and universal health insurance coverage have contributed to Japan's exceptional longevity. The country faces new challenges due to an aging population and rising healthcare costs.
The Lancet editorial emphasizes the need for a Framework Convention on Obesity Control to address the growing epidemic. It highlights the importance of accurate monitoring and evaluation, system-wide approaches, and government leadership in combating obesity.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a link between inactivity and increased risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. In a study, participants who reduced their physical activity by half experienced doubled spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.
Ruth Carrico, an associate professor at the University of Louisville, has been named one of 21 RWJF Executive Nurse Fellows. The program aims to enhance nurse leaders' effectiveness in improving the US healthcare system, with a focus on addressing health care-associated infections.