Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
The research project aims to identify tick genes that spread serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease. By analyzing the genome data, scientists hope to develop vaccines to block transmission of microbes that cause tick-borne illnesses.
Studies found strong evidence supporting treatment of systolic hypertension in older persons with SBP of at least 160 mm Hg. Treatment guidelines recommend thiazide diuretics and long-acting calcium channel blockers as first-line therapy for SH. Despite effectiveness, poor control of SH among patients is increasing.
A survey in 2000 showed a decrease in tuberculosis prevalence of around a third compared to the original survey in 1990. China aims to reach the UN Millennium Development Goal of halving TB prevalence between 2000 and 2015 with its expansion plans.
A study of 166,000 Americans found that those reporting more depressive symptoms were at increased risk for illnesses, with exercise and higher education reducing symptoms. Young adults aged 18-24 reported the highest number of days with depressive symptoms.
The Lancet editorial highlights concerns about the practicality of implementing government plans for cleaner hospitals and lower rates of infection. Key issues include a lack of resources and clear timetable for implementation, as well as insufficient sanctions for hospitals that fail to maintain acceptable levels of cleanliness.
The UK national cervical screening programme has saved approximately 5,000 lives annually by reversing the rising trend in cervical cancer deaths among women under 35. The programme's success has also led to a significant reduction in costs, with a cost per life saved of less than £40,000.
A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds light on the intricate process of morphogenesis, a crucial step in embryonic development. By studying convergent extension in frog embryos, they found that a single mechanism controls both cell differentiation and tissue elongation.
The Global Fund's performance-based payment system is challenging for recipients and sub-recipients to meet, hindering disease control intervention scaling-up. Experts call for clearer guidelines, improved coordination among donors, and simpler funding systems to achieve the Fund's goals.
Researchers recreated mammalian cell self-organization patterns in a test tube using mathematical formulas dictating cell interactions. This may help improve tissue regeneration methods and understand mechanisms behind birth defects and heart disease.
Chronic diseases are the largest cause of death worldwide, with a projected increase in global prevalence over the next two decades. Key risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthful diets, and lack of physical activity, with most cases occurring in developing countries.
A new government survey reveals that 36 percent of US adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with prayer being the most commonly used therapy. The survey found that CAM use was more prevalent among women, those with higher education, and people who had been hospitalized in the past year.
Research finds that people trust health professionals and are cautious about online health information, yet appreciate recommendations from healthcare providers. E-health resources enhance control and reassurance for parents and children managing chronic diseases.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers for ALS in cerebrospinal fluid, which could enable rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment. These biomarkers have high sensitivity and specificity, and may be used to monitor drug effectiveness in clinical trials.
Female ticks require six to 10 days to engorge fully, a process stimulated by an engorgement factor protein in male seminal fluid. Researchers have identified this protein and developed a vaccine candidate to protect cattle against tick-borne diseases.
The article discusses the ongoing threat of rabies in Africa and Asia, where dog rabies epidemics hinder control efforts. Mary Warrell highlights the importance of addressing this issue through improved surveillance and vaccination methods.
US state and territorial health departments have limited online resources for reporting infectious diseases, a study found. Updating these sites to provide complete, accessible disease reporting information could strengthen partnerships between clinicians and public health officials and improve disease surveillance.
A recent survey found that most Americans remain confident in the safety of their beef supply following a confirmed case of mad cow disease in Washington State. The study suggests that consumer confidence has been boosted by government actions and trust in food regulators, but some have expressed concerns about the risk of transmission.
A study examining trends in adults with diagnosed diabetes found that only a small percentage met recommended targets for HbA1c, blood pressure, and total cholesterol. The authors highlight the need for ongoing monitoring, empowering clinicians and patients to improve care quality and reduce vascular disease risk.
A recent study found that only 37% of adults with diagnosed diabetes are achieving the American Diabetes Association's goal for blood glucose control, while nearly half have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The lack of lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss, is a major contributor to this issue.
A total of 2,521 probable cases were reported in Beijing during the SARS outbreak. The city's swift response, including improved infection control practices and quarantine measures, likely contributed to the rapid decline in new cases.
A biochemical chain of events governs cell size in multiple diseases. Researchers discovered that AMPK regulates TSC2 activity, which limits mTOR activity, thereby controlling cell growth. This chain of events may be targeted by the drug Rapamycin to treat genetic syndromes.
The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative will support Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Zambia and Tanzania in treating 15 million people with praziquantel and albendazole over four years. The initiative aims to deliver treatment to 3 million children and reduce the parasite's impact on African communities.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have identified protein biomarkers that accurately diagnose ALS with near 100% specificity and sensitivity. The findings may lead to a new test for early-stage ALS, enabling faster diagnosis and monitoring of treatment efficacy.
Researchers found that isolated patients were twice as likely to experience adverse events during hospitalization and did not receive adequate supportive care. Isolation is a highly effective measure for infection control, but hospitals need to address its drawbacks, including delayed responses to patient calls.
Researchers found that while black and white Americans have the same amount of early kidney disease, black patients are five times more likely to progress to end-stage renal disease. This disparity may be due to differences in blood pressure control, quality of care, and access to healthcare.
The NIH has launched a $200 million grant initiative to tackle 14 grand challenges in global health, including creating effective vaccines, controlling insect-borne diseases, and improving nutrition. The program aims to engage creative minds globally to develop practical solutions to pressing health issues.
The study found that up to half of hospital-acquired infections are preventable and that many hospitals lack adequate resources to prevent these infections. The research highlights the need for improved infection control measures to protect patients and staff.
A study by James Lloyd-Smith and colleagues found that hospital-wide infection controls are crucial in preventing disease transmission. The research highlights the importance of general infection control measures over specific precautions for known cases, particularly in developing countries where resources may be limited.
Researchers found that reducing salt concentrations shrinks DNA toroids by shrinking both diameter and thickness. This discovery could improve gene delivery efficiency in gene therapy and DNA-based vaccines.
A recent study found that infection control practitioners' perceptions of the bioterrorism threat can leave them unprepared in case of an attack. The survey, conducted by Saint Louis University, revealed that those in rural areas and the Midwest felt less at risk than urban residents.
Plant pathologists and experts will discuss Soybean Rust's potential impact on US agriculture, citing significant yield losses and costly fungicide control measures. The symposium will focus on disease management tools, resistant breeding programs, detection methods, and a new USDA Action Plan.
Researchers predict nicotine inhalers will be safer than cigarettes, reducing premature death from coronary artery disease, respiratory-tract cancers, and other causes. Studies suggest widespread use of inhalers could significantly reduce smoking-related illnesses and meet the Healthy People 2010 goal
A Pinellas County, Florida study found that switching from chlorine to monochloramine significantly reduced legionellae bacteria in drinking water supplies, preventing outbreaks of the disease. Monochloramine may be a first community-based intervention strategy for controlling Legionnaires' disease.
Improving patient-physician communication is crucial to overcoming the barriers of low health literacy, according to Dr. Darren A. DeWalt. Studies have shown that patients recall only half of what healthcare providers tell them, and factors like anxiety and severe illness can further impede this process.
Researchers found that poorly controlled diabetes in adults aged 60 and older is associated with lower cognitive function scores. The study suggests that improving blood sugar control may help reverse dementia related to diabetes.
The study found that the GlucoWatch Biographer improved diabetes control in children by detecting hypoglycemia more frequently and reducing average HbA1c levels. The device was well-tolerated, with only one subject experiencing a mild skin reaction.
A new study has found that cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers may be effective in detecting early stages of Alzheimer's disease, with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 89%. The researchers suggest that these biomarkers could be used to identify people at risk of developing the disease.
The report, endorsed by national not-for-profit research organizations, urges a 10% increase in the NIH budget to address Alzheimer's, diabetes, and arthritis. This investment could lead to major medical advances and alleviate suffering from aging-related diseases.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal reports on the hospital's experience managing the outbreak and reorganizing care. Dr. David Patrick of the BCCDC discusses why BC's case numbers are low, despite being a hotspot for travel from Asia.
Researchers discovered that the removal of MTase1, a viral protein, did not impact virus replication rates in tissue culture. This finding suggests that proteins essential to virus function may be more complex than previously thought, with implications for understanding virus behavior and potential applications in pest control.
The study found that despite an increase in the number of trauma centers, many communities still lack access to adequate trauma care, particularly in rural areas. The inventory revealed a significant disparity in the distribution of trauma centers across the country, with level I and II centers concentrated in metropolitan areas.
Researchers found naturally occurring fungi effective in controlling plant mites and powdery mildew diseases without chemical pesticides. This breakthrough reduces costs and environmental damage associated with traditional pest control methods.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded Virginia Tech's Conservation Management Institute a contract to develop a national database for chronic wasting disease (CWD) research. The database will enable scientists to share information on the disease, improving their ability to address it nationwide.
A significant body of evidence suggests that folic acid supplements have no association with an increased likelihood of having a multiple birth. In this large-scale Chinese study, around 240,000 women who used daily folic acid supplements did not show a higher rate of multiple births compared to those who did not use supplements.
Researchers found Kindler syndrome patients develop periodontitis at a younger age and experience rapid progression of the disease. The study also revealed significant differences in periodontal destruction between Kindler and control groups.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that medical devices used in procedures like bronchoalveolar lavage can pose a risk of contamination, leading to infections and even fatalities. The study suggests implementing federal standards for recall notices sent to physicians who use the devices.
A study of Parkinson's patients found that those with advanced disease are at greater risk for motor vehicle collisions due to motor and cognitive dysfunction. The study also revealed no correlation between self-reported moving violations and total collisions on the simulator.
A new set of guidelines, known as Clinical Glidepaths, aims to improve treatment decisions for older adults by considering individual probabilities of life expectancy and function. The 24 paths cover various common problems faced by elderly patients, allowing clinicians to tailor care to each patient's unique needs.
A study found that children of centenarians had a lower prevalence of high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes compared to controls. They also tended to weigh less and have higher education levels and daily function-activity levels.
Researchers found that asthma patients frequently move between severity categories, with no single parameter reliably predicting overall severity. This variability may lead to underestimation or overestimation of asthma severity, emphasizing the importance of proper management and daily maintenance treatments.
The University of Louisville has been designated as a CDC biodefense center, equipped with resources and expertise to research and prepare for bioterrorism attacks. The center will conduct epidemiological and communications research to ensure quick responses to potential epidemics.
A team of researchers, led by Josef Penninger, found that the PTEN and PI3K alpha and gamma proteins work together to regulate heart size. They also discovered that when these proteins are shut down, large hearts can pump more efficiently than normal-sized hearts.
A recent study found that individuals who were always slim or participated in varsity athletics had a higher risk of developing ALS and other motor neuron diseases. The researchers suggest that vigorous physical activity may contribute to the development of these conditions, but further studies are needed to confirm this association.
The Disease Control Priorities Project (DCPP) will analyze cost-effectiveness of health interventions, providing data for policymakers to make informed decisions. The project aims to develop highly effective, affordable health solutions that can be emulated globally.
A study by Pennsylvania State University researchers found that having control over a situation can reduce an individual's cardiovascular disease risk. Participants in a video game experiment were either told they could control the noise level or not, and those who felt in control experienced lower blood pressure and reduced stress on ...
The £20 million grant will support the development of local and international partnerships to improve training and treatment delivery, with a focus on emulating the program's success in other countries. The initiative aims to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in Africa by providing effective control measures.
The African HIV-1/AIDS epidemic is reaching catastrophic levels, with significant implications for the region's healthcare infrastructure. Co-existing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), malaria, and tuberculosis further complicate the situation, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions to mitigate these consequences.
A recent study published by the NIH found that approximately 6-7% of women experience regret after tubal sterilization, with a higher risk for those who have experienced conflict with their husbands. The study also discovered that only 2% of women request reversal of either procedure.
The WHO's annual report on global TB control reveals a persistent gap in detection rates, with expanded DOTs and cash injections needed to reach targets. Sex disparities also emerge as a significant issue, with women being infected at a higher rate than men, highlighting the need for tailored research and policies.
Researchers found a link between non-traditional jobs and social roles with increased coronary heart disease and death. Men who identified as househusbands had an 82% higher 10-year death rate compared to working men.