Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified nonanal as the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts Culex mosquitoes, a key step towards controlling mosquito-borne diseases. The study also found that combining nonanal with carbon dioxide increases trap captures by over 50%.
Deborah Friberg, COO and Executive Vice President at WakeMed Health and Hospitals, has been recognized by APIC with the first annual Healthcare Administrator Award. She supports infection prevention and control through various initiatives, including MRSA reduction and hand hygiene compliance.
The study emphasizes the role of population mobility in spreading drug-resistant diseases worldwide. Researchers propose a new approach that considers the 'human factor' in health policy and processes to combat this growing threat.
A national study found that retirees who continue to work in a bridge job experience fewer major diseases and functional limitations than those who fully retire. People whose post-retirement jobs are related to their previous careers report better mental health.
Researchers found that high Treg levels protect against severe West Nile virus disease in humans and mice. Tregs suppress the function of other immune cells, preventing lethal infection.
The University of Adelaide's Professor Konrad Jamrozik has spent 30 years campaigning against smoking and helping smokers quit. He has contributed significantly to tobacco control through his research, clinical trials, and advocacy.
A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that home healthcare nurses are at risk of needlestick-type injuries, with nearly 10,000 reported annually. The study also revealed a correlation between stressful household conditions and increased risk of needlesticks.
Buruli ulcer is caused by mycobacterium ulcerans and primarily affects poor rural communities in tropical countries. The new study aims to identify the natural reservoir for the disease, its activation, and transmission to humans.
A new study from UAB researchers found that childbearing is associated with a higher incidence of the metabolic syndrome in women. Women who had gestational diabetes were nearly twice as likely to develop the syndrome as those without it. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and healthy eating, may help prevent disease later in life.
This article provides practical guidance for diagnosing adult asthma, including occupational asthma, using patient history, physical examination, and definitive diagnostic testing like spirometry. The goal is to accurately diagnose or exclude the possibility of asthma and treat patients accordingly.
Daily commuting patterns in mega-cities may contribute to the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. Researchers suggest looking beyond traditional transmission clusters and considering novel ways to control community transmission.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discover Lysyl-tRNA synthetase's regulatory role in gene expression, potentially leading to new therapies for diseases like AIDS and breast cancer. The molecule is also involved in viral replication and high levels have been observed in certain cancers.
The study found that regular CGM use is the primary factor in achieving better diabetes control, regardless of age. People using CGM devices six days per week or more showed similar levels of improvement in diabetes control across all age groups, from children to adults.
Researchers found that house screening reduced mosquito numbers by 49-59% and malaria-related anaemia in children by half. The authors suggest integrating house screening into vector management programs to combat malaria.
A study found that children in Ethiopia who received azithromycin for trachoma had a 49% lower odds of death compared to those who didn't receive the antibiotic. The treatment may have reduced mortality from pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, major causes of death in children in trachoma-endemic areas.
Researchers identified miR-143 and miR-145 as key regulators of VSMC contractility and blood pressure. The study found that mice lacking these microRNAs had reduced contractile VSMCs and increased tissue matrix-producing cells, leading to signs of blood vessel disease.
A study found that miR-143 and miR-145 regulate the contractile nature of vascular smooth muscle cells, with their absence leading to increased tissue matrix production and signs of blood vessel disease. The findings suggest these microRNAs could serve as therapeutic targets for enhancing blood vessel repair.
Researchers have discovered a new treatment that significantly improves disease symptoms in a genetic disorder, highlighting skeletal muscle as a viable target tissue. The therapy targets the muscle and reduces accumulation of toxic protein, improving motor performance and survival in mice with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.
A Kansas State University biochemist is studying the lens in diabetes patients with a focus on protein kinase C gamma (PKC gamma) and gap junctions. Researchers hope to design drugs that can prevent diabetics from losing PKC gamma, which leads to lens cell damage.
Researchers describe a mathematical model that helps fine-tune artificial biomolecular switches, shedding light on their evolution and potential applications in detecting chemicals and disease markers.
The US public spends billions annually on CAM therapies, including herbal supplements, meditation, and acupuncture. Approximately 11.2% of healthcare expenditures are attributed to CAM, totaling $33.9 billion out-of-pocket expenses.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, and Emory University found that human movement is a crucial factor in understanding disease transmission for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. The study used satellite-based GPS and culturally-sensitive interviews to track individual human movement, revealing how fin...
Researchers present findings on stimulating metabotropic glutamate receptors to stop glutamate release in brain cells, potentially reversing Parkinson's disease symptoms. Current treatments only alleviate symptoms, but new approach aims to protect and repair dying cells.
The HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine shows high efficacy against precancerous cervical lesions, with cross-protective efficacy against other oncogenic HPV types. The vaccine also demonstrates efficacy in universal mass vaccination and catch-up programmes, potentially reducing cervical cancer incidence.
The authors emphasize the need for an effective international response to address alcohol-related harm, citing inadequate policies and industry influence as major obstacles. Cost-effective interventions exist but require scaling up; governments, NGOs, and academia must work together to develop and implement policies.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is funding a network of research and training centers in developing countries to prevent and control chronic diseases. The centers will conduct research tailored to local needs and foster the training of emerging scientists and health professionals. With UnitedHealth Group's Chronic...
Researchers found that a combination of insulin and vitamin C stopped blood vessel damage caused by Type 1 diabetes in patients with poor glucose control. The therapy's effectiveness was proven in humans for the first time, offering hope for diabetic patients to avoid complications.
Scientists have identified a new arenavirus, Lujo virus, linked to a fatal hemorrhagic fever outbreak in Zambia and South Africa. Genetic analysis confirms the utility of high-throughput sequencing for pathogen discovery, enabling rapid detection and response to emerging viral diseases.
A meta-analysis of five trials found that more intensive glucose control in type 2 diabetes significantly reduces coronary events, including non-fatal heart attacks and coronary heart disease events. However, it has no significant effect on stroke rates or all-cause mortality.
Research published in The Lancet found that diabetics who maintain intensive, low blood sugar levels are significantly less likely to suffer heart attacks and coronary heart disease. This is due to a 17% reduction in heart attacks and a 15% reduction in coronary heart disease.
The International Diabetes Federation, World Heart Federation, and UICC are urging the international community to address the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), responsible for 35 million deaths each year. NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, pose a significant t...
New estimates suggest latent TB infection screening should focus on high-risk populations, rather than the entire general population. Targeted screening efforts can effectively control tuberculosis, according to a study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers.
Infection control methods could reduce hospital-acquired neonatal infections, which account for one-third of global child deaths. Multidrug-resistant GNRs were found in over 1,900 colonizing and infecting neonates, with high-risk factors including mechanical ventilation and prematurity.
Dr. Michael Holick, a leading vitamin D expert, has been awarded the $50,000 Linus Pauling Institute Prize for his pioneering work in disease prevention and public health. His research has shown a significant link between vitamin D deficiency and various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease.
A new study finds that hypnotherapy can significantly improve the quality of life for ulcerative colitis patients, with 80% reporting increased control over their disease and a 76% increase in overall well-being. The treatment also reduces flare-ups, with only two of 12 subjects experiencing relapses after one year.
Out-patient clinics and offices can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA, C.difficile, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Implementing infection control strategies such as hygiene, education, and careful prescribing of antibiotics can minimize transmission.
Researchers found that entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is virulent against Triatoma infestans, the primary vector of Chagas disease. The fungus successfully killed over 50% of infected bugs in field assays, reducing bug populations and estimated parasite transmission risk.
The International Diabetes Federation is urging governments to focus on preventing and treating non-communicable diseases, including diabetes. Professor Silink emphasizes the need for action to address the growing economic burden of NCDs on healthcare systems and society.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that dialysis patients taking an average of 19 pills a day experience worsening quality of life. The high pill burden, largely due to phosphate binders, can lead to poorer physical and mental health outcomes.
A UCSF study found that personalized self-management programs for asthma patients significantly improved medication adherence and disease control. The program, which included a 30-minute session with a healthcare professional, resulted in better health outcomes and reduced emergency department visits.
Researchers found that clusters of schistosomiasis infections occurred in the same areas ten years after a control program ended. Long-term stability in spatial distribution suggests reviewing historic data can aid planning targeted control programs.
A study of ICU patients found that 45% were deficient in vitamin D, with lower levels associated with greater disease severity. Researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to disease complications and suggest that raising vitamin D levels may be beneficial for critically ill patients.
A literature review suggests that global health initiatives and agencies claim to support health system strengthening but often fail to deliver. The study examines the claims made by major global health actors, such as WHO and UNAIDS, and finds a gap between their language and actual activities.
A research team led by Dr Keith Shearwin and Dr Ian Dodd from the University of Adelaide has been awarded a US$900,000 grant to investigate DNA looping. The study aims to understand how correct DNA loops are formed to control gene expression in cells.
A Harvard Medical School study found that universal coverage can narrow health disparities among racial and economic groups. Among individuals age 65 and older with Medicare coverage, socio-demographic gaps in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels decreased substantially.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found a new way to combat malaria by trapping parasites inside host cells. They identified an enzyme called calpain-1, which parasites use to break out of infected cells, and developed a method to block it, leaving parasites trapped.
A new process controlling cell fat storage has been discovered, which could lead to novel drugs for metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease. The study found that autophagy regulates lipid metabolism, and disrupting this process can contribute to diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A recent review of published articles suggests bed bug bites are unlikely to transmit disease, but may cause skin reactions. Effective treatments for symptomatic bed bug bites have not been established, and eradication is complicated by insecticide resistance.
A study published in Physical Therapy found that directing attention to external effects of movement improves postural stability in patients with Parkinson's disease. This strategy may help reduce falls and improve mobility for those affected.
University of Adelaide researchers developed a model predicting mosquito population peaks, aiding in disease outbreak prevention by allowing for targeted mosquito control. The study analyzed 15 years of data on Aedes vigilax populations, linking environmental factors to peak timing and magnitude.
A detailed malaria risk map published by the Wellcome Trust shows that three-quarters of the world's high-risk areas have low transmission rates, making malaria control more feasible. The map, developed using state-of-the-art technology, pinpoints malaria risk to an unprecedented resolution of 25km2.
The University of Pittsburgh will focus on developing new strategies to prevent and control antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, such as C. difficile, A. baumannii, and MRSA. The four-year grant aims to improve infection surveillance and reduce healthcare costs associated with these resistant infections.
Effective measures to prevent and control hospital infections from antibiotic-resistant organisms include proper hand hygiene, a clean environment, and early patient identification. Hospital-acquired infections are more common in patients with certain risk factors such as older age, severe disease, or prolonged antibiotic use.
Researchers have discovered a new phenomenon in which super-connectivity is significantly delayed due to the introduction of randomness. The transition becomes instantaneous once it occurs, like crystallizing ice.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health identified common hazardous conditions in home healthcare settings, including environmental and physical hazards. The research highlights the need for simple interventions to mitigate these risks and promote patient safety.
A new study found that young men aged 24 or less who leave the UK Armed Forces have a two to three times higher risk of suicide compared to their peers. The risk is highest in those with short lengths of service and lower ranks, suggesting pre-military vulnerabilities may play a role.
A new study by Queen's University reveals that Canadian long-term care facilities are not meeting recommended standards for infection prevention and control. The findings highlight a lack of essential activities, including surveillance and control measures, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality, and financial expense.
Researchers found alternative fumigants to be effective in controlling weeds in California strawberry nurseries. The study tested various treatments, including MB-alternatives, and found that hand-weeding times were reduced in all fields that had been fumigated, with varying material costs.
A recent CDC study reveals a steady decline in intensive care unit catheter-associated MRSA bloodstream infections since 2001. SHEA President Mark Rupp emphasizes the need to focus on preventing infections caused by multiple organisms rather than just one, such as MRSA.
A study by the University of Minnesota and CDC found that 43% of active-duty military personnel engage in frequent binge drinking, leading to approximately 30 million episodes annually. This behavior is strongly associated with health and social problems, including job performance issues and alcohol-impaired driving.