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Tackling the consequences of Long Covid

A new study using a citizen science board of people affected by Long Covid identifies key research areas, including treatment, diagnosis, and disease management. The findings highlight the need for clear diagnoses and access to care that meets their multidimensional needs.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Patient Patient-Centered Outcomes Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Six steps for improving disease surveillance in underserved remote rural communities

A six-step framework for improving disease surveillance in remote areas of low- and middle-income countries aims to address pandemics early, saving human lives. The framework incorporates mobile-phone applications, increased clinical and diagnostic capacity, national and global integration to transform data into actionable interventions.

SourceInternational Livestock Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 28, 2022

AI may detect earliest signs of pancreatic cancer

A new study indicates that artificial intelligence can accurately predict who will develop pancreatic cancer based on pre-diagnostic CT scan images. The AI tool was trained to analyze textural differences in the pancreas and achieved an accuracy rate of 86% in identifying those who would eventually develop the disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCancer Biomarkers·DateApr 26, 2022

Feeling worse after single session with health coach

A University of Gothenburg study found that a single visit to a health coach can deteriorate perceived health in 50-year-olds. After one hour-long session, participants reported worse changes in overall wellbeing, physical and mental health compared to those who received no treatment.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2022

A pre-Easter surprise: massive recall of chocolate products due to outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium in 10 European countries

A multistate outbreak in 10 European countries linked to chocolate products has been linked to monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium, primarily affecting young children. The outbreak strain demonstrated a multidrug-resistant profile, highlighting the importance of including uncommon AMR profiles in early international communications.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateApr 14, 2022

Alzheimer’s brain barrier damage theory could pave way for new treatments

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports suggests that damage to the blood-brain barrier is the determining cause of Alzheimer's disease. The Lipid Invasion Model proposes that lipids entering the brain due to barrier damage lead to brain shrinkage, amyloid plaques, and tau tangles, characteristic of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 8, 2022

New computational model proposed for Alzheimer's disease

Mayo Clinic researchers propose a novel computational model that links Alzheimer's disease symptoms to brain anatomy, revealing a complex relationship between mental processing and brain function. The model uses machine learning to analyze patient brain imaging data and compresses complex brain anatomy into a conceptual framework.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 28, 2022

Promising nose spray could prevent, treat COVID-19

A newly discovered small molecule, N-0385, has been found to inhibit entry of the virus into cells, protecting mice from infection prior to exposure and providing effective treatment up to 12 hours after. The treatment holds promise for preventing disease and reducing severity with a few single daily doses.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2022

New tests and treatments developed in mice for pulmonary fibrosis

Scientists at University of Illinois and Mie University develop monoclonal antibodies to prevent lung cell death in mouse models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory disease syndrome. Non-invasive diagnostic tools also presented could aid in predicting disease progression and identifying patients at risk.

Study shows that intranasal Rx halts memory decay in experimental Alzheimer’s model

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans and Karolinska Institutet found that intranasal application of pro-resolving lipid mediators arrested memory loss and brain degeneration in an experimental Alzheimer's model. This discovery opens up new possibilities for therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

Excess sugar consumption costs Canada’s health-care system $5 billion each year

A new study by University of Alberta researchers estimates that excessive sugar consumption in Canada results in $5 billion annual healthcare costs due to 16 chronic diseases. Limiting free sugar intake could reduce diabetes prevalence by 27% if Canadians follow the 10% recommendation, and 44.8% if they limit consumption to less than 5...

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·DateMar 15, 2022

Healers provide bridge to biomedical healthcare while reshaping sexual health in contemporary Uganda

In a study published in Social Science & Medicine, researchers found that young people in Uganda are turning to healers for their holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health. Healers provide a destigmatized, holistic SRH experience by embracing young people's sexual citizenship.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 8, 2022

Keep taking the tablets - ‘big data’ provides clues on how to help prevent repeat heart attacks

Research found that individuals who have previously taken cholesterol- or blood pressure-lowering medications before a heart attack were less likely to adhere to these medications afterwards. Despite the proven benefits, fewer than one-third of patients continued taking their prescribed tablets for over a year after hospitalization.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2022