Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers identified five core themes for successful implementation of evidence-based practices in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) to reduce Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Engaging front-line staff, building multi-disciplinary teams, and acquiring top management support are critical commonalities.
A recent investigation found that a common strain of C. difficile, known as BI/NAP1, is endemic in Chicago-area acute care hospitals, putting patients at risk for severe disease. The outbreak strain was spread through patient transfers between healthcare facilities.
A large international study has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with multiple sclerosis, providing key insights into the biology of the disease. The research highlights the pivotal role of the immune system in causing damage and helps explain the nature of the immune attack on the brain and spinal cord.
Increased hand hygiene knowledge among healthcare workers and elementary school children significantly reduces the risk of transmitting infections. A targeted intervention program showed a 66% decrease in pupil absences after teaching hand disinfection theory and practice.
North Carolina State University is leading a $25 million project to study human noroviruses across the food supply chain. The goal is to design effective control measures and reduce virus-caused food-borne illnesses, which affect over 5 million people in the US annually.
A recent study suggests that mitigating chytridiomycosis through different infection control methods could largely prevent local extinctions and outbreaks of the disease. Researchers have identified successful pilot studies in Spain, including a heat therapy treatment using itraconazole, which has increased amphibian survival rates.
The article highlights the connection between neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and HIV/AIDS, proposing ways to integrate NTD treatment programs with HIV/AIDS initiatives. Studies show that areas with high NTD infection rates also have high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and co-infections can exacerbate HIV/AIDS.
A bacterial outbreak of Burholderia cepacia complex was linked to contaminated nasal spray products, leading to a national recall. The investigation highlighted the need for improved testing protocols in the production and distribution of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals.
A study involving over 5,000 people with ankylosing spondylitis has identified three regions of the genome strongly associated with the condition. The findings suggest that a particular process in cells and genetic variants of ERAP1 interact to affect disease susceptibility.
A nursing initiative at a large academic medical center reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections to zero, saving $200,000 and 2-3 lives. The effort was led by dedicated infection control nurses who implemented best practices, including daily educational meetings and incentive programs.
A new study found that diabetes prevalence has increased globally over the past three decades, with 350 million adults affected. The study also showed that high-income countries such as the USA and Western Europe have higher rates of diabetes than other regions.
The World Health Organization's latest Dengue Bulletin documents the substantial growth of dengue cases in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The report reveals alarming increases in dengue deaths, with Brazil experiencing a 6.2% rise per year from 1999-2009.
A study from Australia found a significant decrease in high-grade cervical abnormalities in girls aged 17 and younger following the introduction of an HPV vaccination programme. The incidence of high-grade abnormalities fell by 0.38% as compared to before the programme, with no decline seen for low-grade abnormalities or older age groups.
African-Americans have a genetic predisposition to convert dietary PUFAs to inflammatory messengers, increasing risk for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The research highlights the importance of personalized nutrition, emphasizing that nutrients may be healthy or harmful depending on individual ancestry.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) have updated their 2003 joint guideline to ensure safe reprocessing of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes. The guidelines emphasize the importance of high-level disinfection and standardized cleaning procedures.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that fire stations are contaminated with MRSA, with the most common areas being medic trucks and kitchens. The research suggests that transmission between personnel and environmental surfaces may be occurring, highlighting the need for further studies.
Researchers at UCR identified three classes of volatile odor molecules that can impair or completely disrupt mosquitoes' carbon dioxide detection machinery. The findings offer powerful advantages as potential tools for reducing mosquito-human contact and could lead to the development of new generations of insect repellents and lures.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that patient cell phones were more likely to contain potentially dangerous bacteria than those of healthcare workers. The researchers also discovered seven patient phones with multidrug-resistant pathogens, highlighting a potential risk for nosocomial infections.
A study of 1032 patients with early RA found that initial treatment with adalimumab plus methotrexate provided high levels of disease control, with 44% achieving sustained low disease activity. Patients who continued treatment maintained good clinical and radiographic responses, even after withdrawing treatment.
Researchers at UTHealth found diabetics are three to five times more likely to contract TB than non-diabetics, with 25% of cases attributed to diabetes. Improved diabetes prevention and management, including screening for TB, can benefit both diseases.
An analysis of ancient Nubian-era mummies found that human alteration of the environment contributed to the spread of schistosomiasis, a water-borne parasitic disease infecting an estimated 200 million people today. The study suggests that ancient individuals were capable of altering their environment in ways that impacted their health.
Studies by MDC researchers have comprehensively quantified gene expression for the first time, revealing that protein production is mainly controlled in the cytoplasm. This discovery highlights where gene expression can get out of control and may provide key insights into diseases such as cancer.
A recent study found that face masks worn by TB patients reduced transmission rates to non-infected patients by 50%. This simple intervention may be particularly effective in areas with limited resources and widespread TB. The results suggest that face masks could be a valuable addition to comprehensive TB infection control programs.
Researchers found improved hypertension control in Canada, with increased awareness and treatment rates among community-dwelling adults. Despite this progress, one-third of Canadians with hypertension still have uncontrolled blood pressure.
A study published in The Lancet highlights Brazil's success in reducing the burden of infectious diseases, but notes that some programs have failed to control diseases like dengue fever. Despite this, experts argue that investing in human and social capital has led to sustainable economic growth and improved health outcomes.
Control of infectious diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, Chagas disease, and those preventable by vaccination have been successful in Brazil. However, failures exist, including the ongoing public health problem of dengue fever and visceral leishmaniasis.
A new study found that cattle infected with foot-and-mouth disease are only contagious for 1.7 days, sparking hope for reduced culling and improved testing methods. Researchers recommend developing pre-clinical diagnostic tools to detect infected animals before symptoms appear, allowing for more targeted interventions.
Researchers urge the EPA to partner with academic institutions to test and evaluate the risks of high-priority chemicals, prioritizing those that pose a risk to children's health. The authors also propose reforms to the Toxic Substances Control Act to improve chemical policy and reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that 15% of US nursing homes receive deficiency citations for infection control. The research team discovered a strong correlation between low staffing levels and the receipt of an infection control deficiency citation.
Researchers found that people with diabetes who sleep poorly have higher insulin resistance and worse control of their blood glucose levels. Poor sleep quality was associated with a 23% increase in morning blood glucose levels and a 48% increase in blood insulin levels.
A call for action proposes applying the International Health Regulations to antimicrobial resistance due to its global health threat. However, another expert disagrees that the IHR were intended to tackle all disease threats and that implementation would be impossible.
A recent study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found no clinically significant difference in the risk of gallbladder disease among women using different formulations of oral contraceptives. The study, which followed over 2.7 million women, suggested that reporting bias may contribute to perceived increased risk associ...
A new intensive diabetes education program has been shown to improve long-term blood sugar control in low-income, poorly educated diabetics. Participants who received the nine-session problem-solving course saw significant improvements in their hemoglobin A1C levels and reductions in high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Children with inborn errors of metabolism received vaccines on the same schedule as healthy infants without significant increases in ER visits or hospitalizations. However, smaller subsets of children may be at increased risk for adverse events during the immediate post-vaccination period.
A new joint research centre between Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Innovative Vector Control Consortium and Saudi Ministry of Health will focus on cutting-edge research for vector-borne disease control. The centre aims to develop innovative ways to monitor and evaluate insect-borne diseases.
Researchers have found alarming rates of antibiotic use and the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia. Electronic faucets are also more likely to become contaminated with bacteria compared to traditional faucets.