Articles tagged with Disease Prevention
A new study found that nursing shortages result in longer hospital stays and worse patient outcomes, including higher mortality rates. Understaffing by registered nurses and nurse assistants is associated with increased risks of adverse events, such as readmissions, deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers.
Researchers have identified nearly 200 potential breast carcinogens in food contact materials, including plastics and paper, highlighting widespread exposure despite existing regulation. The findings emphasize the need for stronger preventative measures to reduce these chemicals in everyday products.
A new study has identified the genetic factors driving cholera's severity and spread. The research, led by Professor Tania Dottorini, found that unique genes and mutations in Vibrio cholerae are linked to prolonged diarrhoea, intense abdominal pain, and dehydration.
A new poll from Michigan Medicine shows that nearly half of people age 50 and older plan to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. However, some older adults with high risk of severe illness appear unlikely to seek the vaccine, highlighting the need for increased encouragement from clinicians and other sources.
Researchers at Mizzou have developed Cryo2Struct, a computer program that uses AI to build the three-dimensional atomic structure of large protein complexes from cryo-electron microscopy images. This breakthrough enables scientists to better understand protein interactions, critical for developing effective treatments for diseases like...
A new study found that up to 10 million people in the US could qualify for Medicare-covered semaglutide injections, depending on their level of cardiovascular risk. Those with higher risk scores would be eligible for full or partial coverage, potentially expanding access to this life-saving medication.
A new study led by Uppsala University researchers found that a single treatment session playing the video game Tetris can reduce PTSD symptoms. After five weeks and six months, participants showed significant improvements in reducing intrusive memories and alleviating other symptoms.
A Virginia Tech research team has identified a molecular mechanism by which Shigella flexneri bacteria manipulate host molecules to ensure their survival. The study provides a new understanding of the infection pathway and its potential implications for preventing similar infections in other bacteria.
A Nagoya University study suggests adopting testing-based protocols to minimize both premature and prolonged isolation for mpox patients. The approach characterizes viral shedding dynamics to optimize isolation strategies, potentially reducing patient isolation times by more than a week on average.
A pioneering study identified critical biomarkers that can predict disability worsening in MS. Elevated serum neurofilament light chain and serum glial fibrillary acidic protein levels correlate with progression independent of relapse activity, guiding personalized treatment approaches.
Regenstrief researcher Andrew Gonzalez proposes developing an AI chatbot to identify PAD in asymptomatic individuals, providing clinicians with critical information to make informed decisions. The project aims to improve diagnosis and reduce diagnostic errors, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals that two specific genes in the RNA interference pathway play a crucial role in preventing virus transmission from parent to progeny in plants. This discovery could lead to healthier crops and potentially reduce the transmission of diseases like Zika from mothers to human children.
A study finds that cardiometabolic indicators like metabolic syndrome and diabetes impair coronary microvascular function, increasing cardiovascular risk. The presence of subclinical atherosclerosis also contributes to altered microvessel function.
The global stroke burden has increased significantly over the past three decades, driven by rising levels of air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors. The study found that the number of people experiencing new strokes rose to 11.9 million in 2021, with an additional 93.8 million survivors and 7.3 million deaths.
A study by Amber Salter found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have comorbidities experience worsened disease activity. The research highlights the importance of addressing comorbidities in MS treatment.
A nationwide multi-cohort study found that residence in low-income-low-food-access neighborhoods during pregnancy or early childhood significantly raises the risk of obesity and severe obesity from childhood to adolescence. The study underscores the importance of early-life neighborhood environments in shaping child health outcomes.
A new study estimates that more than 1 million people died each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections between 1990 and 2021. The study predicts that this number could increase to nearly 2 million by 2050, with a significant age-related shift in the impact of AMR on children under five years old.
A new scientific statement emphasizes the role of social determinants, such as immigration status, socioeconomic position, and access to healthcare, in shaping cardiovascular health among Asian American adults. The statement identifies future research directions to advance health equity and reduce disparities in these communities.
The new European Society of Cardiology Guidelines recommend regular screenings for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) to prevent complications. The guidelines also emphasize personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle changes, medication, and efficient blockage treatments.
A $7M grant is supporting a four-year project to breed wide hybrids of muscadines and Vitis vinifera, combining desirable traits like disease resistance and crisp texture. The goal is to introduce new grape hybrids with enhanced quality leading to a more resilient US grape industry.
Researchers found an association between consuming foods with lower nutritional quality and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction and stroke. The study used the latest version of the Nutri-Score algorithm and included over 345,000 participants from seven European countries.
Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Maryland Baltimore developed a promising new vaccine candidate that protects against Lassa fever. The study demonstrated the vaccine effectively prevents severe cases of the disease and death in preclinical animal models, paving the way for research in people.
A new study estimates nearly 10.5 million U.S. adults have A-Fib, a three-fold increase from previous estimates. Early detection and treatment can reduce its adverse outcomes.
A recent study published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found that quitting smoking can significantly lower the risk of atrial fibrillation, with former smokers having around 13% lower risk and current quitters having an 18% lower risk. The benefits of quitting are seen shortly after stopping smoking.
Researchers have discovered a new class of natural antimicrobials called microcins that can target specific strains of bacteria causing cholera, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Microcins are highly selective and can potentially remove unwanted bacteria without disrupting the human gut microbiome.
The Centre for Research and Innovation for Black Survivors of Homicide Victims argues that the prevalence of homicide grief in Black communities is a pandemic. The researchers recommend strategies such as promoting research, enhancing early detection, and improving culturally responsive support services to address this issue.
A study by Virginia Tech undergraduate Megan O'Hara found that surface properties significantly influence bacterial twitching motility, allowing for rapid colonization and infection. By manipulating surface properties with detergents like bile salts, researchers can alter the functionality of type IV pili, a critical virulence factor.
A new study published in Microorganisms highlights the importance of small molecule drugs that target the unchanging parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research suggests that these stable targets could provide a consistent and reliable treatment option for COVID-19, even as vaccines are updated to address changing viral strains.
A new study found that RSV vaccination programs targeting older adults with underlying health conditions are more likely to be cost-effective than general age-based strategies. Vaccinating people aged 70 years and older with chronic medical conditions is likely to be cost-effective based on commonly used cost-effectiveness thresholds.
A four-year grant will help researchers find new clues to the interplay between Down syndrome and myeloid leukemia, focusing on enhancing antileukemic activity of chemotherapy drug cytarabine. The goal is to identify a novel treatment strategy to improve patient outcomes and prevent relapses in ML-DS patients.
Two studies highlight elevated blood pressure prevalence among 8-19 year-olds in the US, with social determinants impacting health outcomes. Addressing these factors through targeted public health strategies is essential to improve outcomes and prevent long-term heart disease.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are a major global health issue, characterized by their chronic nature and long-term impact on quality of life. In China, understanding the extent and distribution of NCDs is essential for developing effective public health strategies.
A new mpox mRNA vaccine has shown improved responses in nonhuman primate models, reducing symptoms and disease duration compared to a currently licensed modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine. The investigational vaccine resulted in fewer lesions, shorter disease duration, and lower viral shedding.
A major review by the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group identifies three effective ways to stop smoking: counseling, bupropion, and nicotine replacement therapy. The study found that combining these strategies with behavioral support yields the best results for quitting smoking.
A new study by ISGlobal reveals that nearly half of children with severe illnesses in low- and middle-income countries exhibit neurological symptoms before death. The most common causes of death were lack of oxygen, meningitis, and cerebral malaria. However, lumbar punctures are seldom performed, making diagnosis challenging.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that individuals with pre-existing disabilities are more than twice as likely to develop long COVID. The research found that chronic illnesses and mental illness/psychiatric disabilities were the most common types of disabilities among those experiencing long COVID.
A large observational study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes may prevent dementia, with a 35% reduced risk of developing the condition compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Longer treatment duration was also associated with greater benefits.
A new Swedish registry study found that girls with mental illness or neurodevelopmental conditions have lower HPV vaccination coverage compared to their peers. The study involved over 115,000 girls and found significant differences in vaccination rates among those with psychiatric diagnoses or receiving psychotropic medications.
Researchers highlight the importance of screening for urinary symptoms in men, linking them to cardiometabolic disorders. The study recommends addressing these conditions to identify and treat underlying heart problems early, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality among men.
The center aims to harness new technologies to detect, investigate, and prevent pandemics at their source. It combines expertise from four UC Davis powerhouses: veterinary medicine, engineering, agriculture, and medicine.
A large-scale study investigated the relationship between childhood obesity and immune-mediated skin diseases (IMSDs), such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. The study found that obese children were more likely to develop these conditions, with changes in body weight affecting their risk of developing these diseases.
A nationwide cohort study of 254,670 Chinese adults aged 40-80 years reveals significant interactions between age, gender, and sleep duration on lipid levels. The study highlights the importance of considering age in studies of gender differences in metabolic diseases and advocates for personalized prevention and management strategies.
A new study found that digital health tools can improve health and wellbeing by keeping people active, boosting steps, and improving diet and sleep. The research synthesised data from 206,873 people across 47 studies, indicating that electronic and mobile health interventions can help people achieve positive outcomes.
Researchers found that children's immune systems attacked their own tissues after latching onto a coronavirus protein resembling one found in multiple organs. Early intervention was crucial to prevent death in these cases, and the study has implications for understanding other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria living inside ticks are essential for their survival and reproduction. These bacteria produce vital nutrients, making them a potential vulnerability in tick populations that could be exploited to control tick numbers and reduce the incidence of tick-borne diseases.
Recent studies highlight the vital role of fruits, vegetables, and co-products in preventing chronic diseases. A diet rich in these foods can lower blood pressure, reduce heart disease risk, and improve overall health.
A preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that the iron-chelating drug deferiprone can selectively target and kill ovarian cancer cells. By starving cancer cells of iron, deferiprone triggers a cellular stress response, prompting the immune system to attack them.
A new study in Frontiers in Medicine found that individuals who perceive conflict among experts about health recommendations have significantly lower trust in health information provided by government health agencies. Doctors were the most trusted source of information, with high trust reported by 95% of respondents.
A team of researchers from Penn State College of Medicine identified KDR, a tyrosine kinase, as a potential drug target for treating diseases caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). By blocking KDR, the viral protein Tax is degraded, leading to cell death and disruption of cancer-causing signaling pathways.
The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.
Researchers discuss the critical role of the retinal pigmented epithelium in human vision and its susceptibility to aging. The study highlights the importance of understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms driving age-related pathological changes in vision decline.
Researchers analyzed genomic data and human travel patterns to understand the spread and evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The study found that a pneumococcal vaccine reduced antibiotic resistance but allowed non-targeted strains to gain a competitive advantage, suggesting short-lived protection.
Researchers describe a new concept for an immune response against cancer and aging using senescent cell-derived vaccines. The vaccines aim to stimulate the immune system against cancer cells and slow down or reverse aging-related diseases.
A CHARMed collaboration has created a set of molecular tools called CHARMs that can turn off disease-causing genes, including those coding for the prion protein. The tools have shown promise in silencing the prion protein gene and improving or eliminating disease symptoms in animals.
Researchers found associations between childhood cognition, adolescent crystalized intelligence, and midlife fluid intelligence with DNA methylation age acceleration. A 1-unit increase in adolescent PPVT was associated with a 0.048-year decrease in aging.
Researchers found that lithium's efficacy in enhancing longevity and altering body composition is influenced by the sucrose content of the diet. The study reveals a significant overlap between the transcriptional responses to increasing dietary sucrose and adding lithium, suggesting a joint mechanism at play.
A new study reveals that micro- and nanoplastics may boost the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The tiny particles are absorbed into the human body through food, air, and other sources, potentially leading to increased inflammation and severity of these conditions.
Researchers have developed a model to enrich sub-populations of cancer cells with high basal levels of mitophagy, promoting CSC features such as self-renewal, proliferation, and drug-resistance. This study highlights the importance of BNIP3/BNIP3L in maintaining cancer stem cell properties.
A new review paper explores the mechanistic links between peripheral vascular dysfunction, cerebral vascular dysfunction, and reduced brain health with aging. The study suggests that targeting fundamental aging mechanisms may be a promising strategy to reduce dementia risk.
The project aims to enhance workforce and social services provided by community health workers, launching consultations and screenings, providing education and resources, and offering referrals. The goal is to improve living conditions and prevent chronic diseases in Southeast Michigan, particularly in Detroit.