Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
The ASGE has updated its infection control guidelines to emphasize the importance of rigorous endoscope reprocessing and adherence to general infection control principles. These guidelines aim to reduce the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of microorganisms during GI endoscopy procedures.
A new study reveals that diet and lifestyle are not the only factors influencing blood protein levels, with genetics playing a significant role. The study identified variations in genes associated with key proteins like HDL cholesterol and interleukins, which play roles in inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found that a portable anteroom HEPA filtration unit can effectively remove airborne microorganisms, including M. tuberculosis, from operating rooms. The study suggests that this unit can help prevent secondary transmission of airborne pathogens and improve patient and healthcare personnel safety.
Childhood pneumonia is a leading killer of children worldwide with over two million deaths annually. Proven preventive measures include vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding, zinc supplementation, and controlling indoor air pollution.
Despite widespread awareness of high blood pressure's dangers, a Stanford study found major shortfalls in screening, treatment, and control of the disease even with doctor care. Only 39% of treated patients achieved recommended blood pressure levels, highlighting the need for increased routine screenings and personalized treatment plans.
Researchers in the Netherlands used Luminol to detect traces of blood on surfaces in their haemodialysis unit, highlighting infection risks. The results suggest that Luminol can be used as part of a hospital infection control regimen to monitor cleaning and disinfection procedures.
A two-part series explores chronic cough, defined as a cough lasting longer than eight weeks, affecting 9-33% of the population. The causes are diverse, including airway diseases and cardiovascular conditions, and often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as idiopathic.
A review of 33318 screened healthcare workers found that 4.6% carried MRSA, with 5.1% having clinical infections. Aggressive screening is recommended to control transmission and protect patients, especially in high-risk units.
A £30 million follow-up study will analyze 120,000 DNA samples from people with 25 common diseases, including multiple sclerosis and asthma. The research aims to identify the genes underlying these conditions and develop new treatments.
A recent study published in BJU International found that kidney cancer deaths in Europe have declined by 13% for men and 17% for women between 1992 and 2002, with the largest reductions seen in Austria and Germany. However, the study also reveals significant variations in mortality rates across different countries.
The symposium examined the incidence of inflicted traumatic brain injury in young children and explored issues of definitions, surveillance methods, and prevention strategies. Key findings indicate that SBS is a form of intentional injury with a high mortality rate and long-term disability for survivors.
A new pan-European collaboration aims to design an advanced diagnostic tool for coeliac disease, the most under-diagnosed common chronic condition in the UK. The project will unite technologies for point of care diagnostics and embedded communication, enabling easy follow-up and management of patients.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found an association between high egg consumption and all-cause mortality. However, the researchers did not control for various factors, such as saturated fat intake, which may confound the interpretation of the findings.
Researchers found that T cells in chronically infected patients are triggered to commit suicide due to the presence of a protein called 'Bim'. This discovery provides a new target for developing therapies and vaccines to boost the body's ability to manage Hepatitis B infection.
Rachel L. Stricof, a leading expert in infection prevention, has been recognized with the prestigious Carole DeMille Achievement Award for her dedication to improving health and patient safety. With over 30 years of experience, she has established innovative reporting systems and collaborated with policymakers to reduce HAI rates.
New data on 3M's Tegaderm CHG shows it significantly suppresses skin flora regrowth, with superior prevention of flora regrowth on prepped skin compared to transparent dressings and BIOPATCH.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that approximately 84 percent of AI drivers were binge drinkers, and 88 percent of episodes involved binge drinkers. The research highlights the need for effective interventions to change policy focus and reduce excessive drinking behavior.
A new microarray chip can detect up to 300 different viruses infecting farm animals, birds, and insects. The chip has already been successfully used to identify a coronavirus and foot-and-mouth disease virus.
Experts urge G8 leaders to establish a new fund to support neglected tropical diseases control and elimination. The proposed Global Fund could help scale up donated drug administration, leading to sustainable poverty reduction.
A Michigan State University researcher is leading a study on insecticide-treated bed nets to disrupt mosquito populations and reduce malaria transmission. The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of bed nets over time and monitor changes in parasite populations and virulence factors.
The APIC Research Foundation's first national C. difficile prevalence study aims to gain a better understanding of the spread of this virulent pathogen, which causes diarrhea and serious intestinal conditions. The study will provide the first national estimate of C. difficile infection in U.S. healthcare facilities.
Researchers found a higher incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA. The study revealed a lower case-fatality rate than previously estimated, at around 13%.
Despite national guidelines for asthma treatment issued in 1997, many patients still do not receive prescription inhalers for the safest and most effective long-term control of the disease. Researchers found that elderly and minority patients were less likely to be prescribed long-acting controller medications.
A new study suggests that Schistosoma mekongi is more widely distributed in the Mekong River basin than previously believed, posing a potential threat to disease control efforts. The parasite's range may be broader than thought, with possible spread into Laos from Vietnam.
According to a study of 3,047 trauma patients, most experience moderately severe pain one year after injury. Pain severity is highest in joints and extremities, and varies by age and sex, with younger adults more likely to experience pain than older adults.
The resurgence of syphilis in high-income countries has left many doctors unfamiliar with the disease's manifestations. The authors conclude that renewed training is necessary for health-care professionals, particularly in addressing increases among men who have sex with men and some high-risk heterosexual couples.
The proportion of foodborne outbreaks linked to leafy green consumption has substantially increased over the past 35 years, despite a rise in leafy green consumption. Per capita availability of leafy greens was found to be a significant factor in this correlation.
A study found no significant benefit in reducing nosocomial MRSA infections in surgical patients with universal screening on hospital admission. Targeted screening for high-risk procedures may be more effective in preventing MRSA infections.
Researchers at Brown University have found that schistosomiasis japonica is significantly more debilitating than previously thought, with a 0.098-0.186 disability impact score. The study's findings suggest that current measures of the disease's burden may underestimate its true impact.
A new study reveals schistosomiasis japonica has a substantially higher disability impact, estimated to be 0.098-0.186 DALY, compared to the current low estimate of 0.005. This finding suggests the disease burden may need to be revised, with policymakers needing to prioritize control measures.
Tropical disease experts believe African sleeping sickness could be eliminated with maintained control efforts, but risk of losing disease control capacity remains. The greatest challenge will be to increase and sustain existing control efforts using available tools.
Researchers found that a new 'top-down' therapy approach significantly improved disease remission rates and reduced steroid use in Crohn's patients. The two-year study showed 60% of top-down subjects were symptom-free by week 26, compared to 36% on traditional step-up treatment.
New research finds that hemoglobin A1c test underestimates true glucose control in hemodialysis patients, potentially leading to inadequate treatment and poor outcomes. The study suggests the use of a newer test, glycated albumin, as a more accurate measure of blood sugar control for diabetic dialysis patients.
A new British hospital reduced its infection rate from 1% to 0.16% and length of stay by an average of five days, thanks to collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery.
A recent study found that a small proportion of individuals with hypertension eat diets aligned with government guidelines, while many others consume unhealthy patterns. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial showed that a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can significantly lower blood pressure.
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that social marginalization is a stronger predictor of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) incidence than deforestation. The research showed that socially marginalized human populations are more vulnerable to infection, even in highly deforested counties.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology highlights individuals at risk of falling due to conditions like stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and vision loss. Regular screening and preventive measures can help prevent fall-related injuries and deaths.
A study at Rush University Medical Center suggests that bubbles may regulate ion channel opening and closing, providing a vital piece of the molecular puzzle. This discovery has significant implications for treating diseases linked to malfunctioning ion channels, such as heart disease and cystic fibrosis.
The Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University has received a $200,000 Rockefeller Foundation grant to assess veterinary health services in Indonesia and enhance the country's capacity to prevent and control infectious diseases shared by animals and people. The grant will support the expansion of a nationwide community-...
Researchers developed a mathematical model to explain infection patterns of Schistosoma japonicum. They found that transmission from snails to mammals was the primary factor in explaining differences among villages. Interventions targeting snail populations may be more effective than others, according to the study.
Using modified-release prednisone significantly reduces morning stiffness duration in RA patients by adapting to circadian rhythms. The new formulation has a higher mean relative change of -22.7% and reduced morning stiffness time by 44 minutes compared to standard prednisone.
The National Arthritis Data Workgroup estimates over 46 million US adults have diagnosed arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to nearly 67 million, posing a significant burden on healthcare and public health systems.
A new screening strategy has been developed to detect Chagas disease in children, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment in low-resource settings. The strategy uses data from insecticide spraying campaigns to target diagnostic testing, identifying over 83% of infected children.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has launched the 'Targeting Zero' initiative to eliminate healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which include C. difficile, UTIs, central line catheter-associated blood stream infections, and mediastinitis.
A study found that nearly three-fourths of American adults with conditions increasing cardiovascular disease risk also have hypertension. Despite treatment, only one-third to one-half of these individuals reach their blood pressure goals.
Achieving a 2% annual reduction in mortality rates due to chronic diseases could prevent 36 million deaths by 2015. The authors urge key players, including governments, industries, and NGOs, to prioritize policies and programs to tackle chronic diseases, such as tobacco control, diet modification, and physical activity promotion.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that health education regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dengue fever is inadequate in Cambodia. The study suggests that these educational programs are accorded low priority, leading to poor resource allocation and lack of effective messaging.
The Lancet report highlights the need for donors to invest in chronic disease prevention and treatment. The authors argue that evidence is not dichotomous, but rather a continuum that should trigger action under certain conditions. Policymakers must evaluate the level of evidence required before intervening.
Reducing salt intake by 15% and implementing WHO's tobacco control framework could avert 8.5 million deaths between 2006-2015. Tobacco control measures alone would reduce smoking prevalence by 20.8%, thereby averting 5.5 million deaths.
A new study in The Lancet Chronic Diseases Series concludes that various interventions, including tobacco control, salt reduction, and multidrug regimens, are cost-effective and should be scaled up globally. These measures have been shown to lead to substantial reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic found that relatives of patients with Parkinson's disease are at increased risk for developing depression and anxiety disorders. The risk is particularly elevated in families where the patient develops Parkinson's before age 75.
A study by Chengyan Yue found that consumers prefer conventionally grown apples with minimal blemishes due to their better appearance. Organic apple producers must weigh the trade-off between cosmetic damage and production costs in their decisions.
A new test vaccine against Japanese encephalitis virus has shown promising results, with a high seroconversion rate and good safety profile. The vaccine is considered at least as effective as the existing licensed vaccine, making it a potential candidate for use in travelers and children in endemic areas.
A University of Pennsylvania study reveals chipmunks and shrews are major carriers of Lyme disease, not just mice. The research challenges the widely-held belief that mice are the primary animal reservoir for Lyme disease.
Researchers have created a three-dimensional map of the yeast genome, enabling them to locate nucleosomes and predict their behavior. This breakthrough could lead to early detection of diseases like cancer by identifying genes that are actively being converted into proteins.
Researchers suggest that internationally licensed, killed whole-cell cholera vaccines may be highly effective in controlling endemic cholera when given via mass immunization. Vaccinating just 30% of the population every two years could achieve a 76% overall reduction rate.
A study of 60 people with lymphatic filariasis in southern Sri Lanka found that the disease causes significant loss of income, social isolation, and emotional distress due to stigma. The authors call for expanded control programs beyond transmission reduction to provide support for affected households.
A study suggests that urban children with asthma, even mild cases, require more frequent check-ups than current guidelines recommend. This is due to unpredictable symptoms that can worsen over time, especially in inner-city kids.
A major international study found mass drug treatment for lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) to be relatively inexpensive, costing $0.06 to $2.23 per person treated. The disease affects over 1.3 billion people worldwide and can be eradicated through once-yearly mass drug administration of two drugs.
Researchers have discovered that treating two or more neglected tropical diseases simultaneously with existing oral drug treatments can be effective and efficient. The treatment approach has the potential to save millions of lives annually, particularly in Africa where nearly 500 million people are at risk for these diseases.