Feature Channels: Public Health

Filters close
Released: 22-May-2017 11:20 AM EDT
Johns Hopkins Study Shows One of the Deadliest Hospital-Acquired Infections Is Preventable
Johns Hopkins Medicine

In a recent paper published online in the journal Critical Care Medicine, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Armstrong Institute of Patient Safety and Quality led a study that demonstrated that health care providers can take steps to curb ventilator-associated events.

15-May-2017 9:00 AM EDT
Antibiotic Therapy for Nearly One in Four Adults with Pneumonia Does Not Work
American Thoracic Society (ATS)

Approximately one in four (22.1 percent) adults prescribed an antibiotic in an outpatient setting (such as a doctor’s office) for community-acquired pneumonia does not respond to treatment, according to a new study presented at the 2017 American Thoracic Society International Conference.

19-May-2017 10:05 PM EDT
Penn Study Pinpoints Accuracy of ICU Doctors’ and Nurses’ Predictions of Patient Outcomes
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Physicians in intensive care units routinely consider their patients’ chances of survival and recovery when guiding patients and family members in making important decisions about care plans. A new study is shedding light on the accuracy of those judgments — and for the first time also reveals the accuracy of ICU nurses’ predictions of patient outcomes. For example, the study shows that ICU physicians are better at predicting whether patients will be alive in six months than they are at predicting patients’ cognitive function in six months, and the more confident doctors are when making predictions, the more accurate those predictions tend to be.

15-May-2017 2:05 PM EDT
Directly Observed Therapy for Multidrug-Resistant TB Decreases Mortality
American Thoracic Society (ATS)

Directly observed therapy (DOT) for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB) was associated with a 77 percent decrease in mortality in the United States, compared to self-administered therapy from 1993 to 2013, according to new research presented at the ATS 2017 International Conference.

Released: 19-May-2017 5:05 PM EDT
Academy Applauds Senate Finance’s Extension, Expansion of Independence at Home Demonstration & Support for Nationwide Expansion
American Academy of Home Care Medicine

The American Academy of Home Care Medicine (AAHCM) applauds the Senate Finance Committee for passage of legislation, this week, that includes extension and expansion of the Independence at Home (IAH) demonstration through the CHRONIC Care Act of 2017. The IAH provisions of the bill extend the program for an additional two years past its September 2017 expiration, increase the cap on the total number of participating beneficiaries from 10,000 to 15,000, and improve the ability of IAH programs to best serve their patients.

Released: 19-May-2017 4:05 PM EDT
Researchers Use Social Media to Identify Biggest Concerns Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Have with Treatments
Cedars-Sinai

Cedars-Sinai researchers analyzed thousands of social media posts to determine the biggest concerns patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have about their prescribed treatments. The No. 1 patient concern: Risks of side effects from biologic medications even when risks are remote.

Released: 19-May-2017 12:30 PM EDT
SAEM 2017: Best Practices in EMS Oversight Needed to Improve Pre-Hospital Care
Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan

A 2015 Institute of Medicine report that highlighted fragmentation among EMS systems in the United States compelled Michigan Medicine researchers to evaluate the quality of EMS oversight in Michigan and explore how EMS systems could work together to improve patient care.

15-May-2017 5:05 PM EDT
EMBARGOED AJPH Research: Firearm Laws and Fatal Police Shootings, Walking in Airports, Foodborne Outbreaks in Correctional Facilities
American Public Health Association (APHA)

In this month’s release, find new embargoed research about: state-level firearm laws and fatal police shootings; increasing walking among airport travelers; and rates of outbreak-associated foodborne illness among incarcerated persons.

Released: 18-May-2017 12:05 PM EDT
Old Cells That Refuse to Die May Lead to Treatments for Age-Related Diseases
Weizmann Institute of Science

The Weizmann Institute of Science’s Dr. Valery Krizhanovsky finds that old cells might be useful after all. Understanding why some “retired” cells do not undergo apoptosis could lead to treatments for old-age-related diseases.

12-May-2017 4:15 PM EDT
Researchers Discover First Human Antibodies That Work Against All Ebolaviruses
Albert Einstein College of Medicine

After analyzing the blood of a survivor of the 2013-16 Ebola outbreak, a team of scientists from academia, industry and the government has discovered the first natural human antibodies that can neutralize and protect animals against all three major disease-causing ebolaviruses. The findings, published online today in the journal Cell, could lead to the first broadly effective ebolavirus therapies and vaccines.

Released: 18-May-2017 11:05 AM EDT
Department of Energy Secretary Recognizes Argonne Scientists’ Work to Fight Ebola, Cancer
Argonne National Laboratory

Two groups of researchers at Argonne earned special awards from the office of the U.S. Secretary of Energy for addressing the global health challenges of Ebola and cancer.

   
Released: 18-May-2017 10:05 AM EDT
A New Resource That Could Change Community and Public Health: Rochester Epidemiology Project’s Data Exploration Portal
Mayo Clinic

After celebrating its 50th anniversary in May 2016, the Rochester Epidemiology Project team is not stopping to rest. Instead, they are marking the beginning of the next 50 years with the launch of a tool that could change community and public health in the region.

17-May-2017 5:00 PM EDT
Eating Right and Exercising Could Reduce the Risk of Colon Cancer Recurrence
UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center

Colon cancer patients who have a healthy body weight, exercise regularly and eat a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables have a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence or death, according to a research team led by UC San Francisco investigators. This finding represents an analysis of data collected on patients participating in a national study for people with stage III colon cancer.

Released: 17-May-2017 12:05 PM EDT
Researchers Apply New Immune Technologies in Search of Mono Vaccine
University of Kansas

With a recent $1.8 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health, Brandon DeKosky’s lab is using high-throughput techniques to analyze the behavior of B cells in the body.

Released: 17-May-2017 11:05 AM EDT
Are D.C. Residents at Risk for Zika Virus?
MedStar Washington Hospital Center

As the days get warmer and we once again begin shooing away mosquitoes, how concerned should D.C. residents be about Zika? While a local outbreak is not likely anytime soon, that doesn’t mean our community should ignore this serious infection. Let’s look at what we know, what we don’t, and how you can protect yourself, your partner and, potentially, your unborn child.

3-May-2017 8:55 AM EDT
New Blood Test Technology Reduces False Readings, Saves Costs, and Improves Care - Live Virtual Press Briefing with Researcher May 16
Newswise

Research findings to be published about new blood test technology that will greatly reduce errors in labwork and improve care in public health and infectious disease. Press briefing scheduled for May 16, reserve press access to live virtual event now.

Released: 17-May-2017 9:00 AM EDT
Study Shows Novel Device Significantly Reduces Blood Draw Contamination, Reduces Risks to Patients
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)

A study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) found that a novel device can significantly reduce contamination of blood cultures, potentially reducing risky overtreatment and unnecessary use of antibiotics for many patients. This approach could also substantially reduce healthcare costs, according to the study. Thousands of U.S. patients get their blood drawn every day for blood cultures in order to diagnose serious infections such as sepsis, which can be a deadly condition. A small but significant percentage of the blood cultures are contaminated, due in part to skin fragments containing bacteria that are dislodged during a blood draw. This leads to false results that can mislead clinicians into thinking a patient has a potentially serious bloodstream infection. The consequences are costly and put patients at risk.

Released: 16-May-2017 6:05 PM EDT
The 21st Century Cures Act: Considering the Implications
ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research

ISPOR held several sessions at its 22nd Annual International Meeting in Boston, MA, USA this afternoon that discussed regulatory and health policy implications of the 21st Century Cures Act.

Released: 16-May-2017 6:05 PM EDT
Short- and Long-Term Impact of Medicare Negotiating Drug Prices: A Critical Look at the Policy Proposals
ISPOR—The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research

ISPOR hosted a session that explored the economic impact of Medicare directly negotiating drug prices for enrollees. The session was held this afternoon at ISPOR’s 22nd Annual International Meeting in Boston, MA, USA.

Released: 16-May-2017 3:20 PM EDT
Investing in Drug Safety Monitoring Could Avoid Complications—and Save Medical Costs
Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott

Increased investment in "pharmacovigilance surveillance"—systems to proactively monitor safety problems with new medications—has the potential to avoid harmful drug effects while lowering healthcare costs, according to a study in the June issue of Medical Care. The journal is published by Wolters Kluwer.

Released: 16-May-2017 12:40 PM EDT
New Zika Virus Inhibitor Identified
Sanford Burnham Prebys

Compound could serve as basis for drugs to prevent neurological complications of Zika

Released: 16-May-2017 12:05 PM EDT
Research Highlights Ideal Temperature for Spread of Mosquito-Borne Diseases
SUNY Upstate Medical University

Finding will aid global public health officials as they develop early warning systems for dengue, Zika and chikungunya and find ways to reduce the risk of exposure to disease-carrying mosquitoes.

16-May-2017 9:00 AM EDT
Research Highlights Common Sunscreen Mistakes
American Academy of Dermatology

Sunscreen can be a valuable tool for skin cancer prevention — but only if it’s used correctly. When applying sunscreen, many people make mistakes that could compromise their protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which may increase their risk of skin cancer.

15-May-2017 5:00 PM EDT
10th Annual American Fitness Index Reveals Minneapolis-St. Paul as the Newest “Fit City”
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

The twin cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul edged Washington, D.C. in the 10th annual American Fitness Index (AFI) released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Anthem Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc.

15-May-2017 6:00 AM EDT
Year-Round Flu Vaccinations Promote Healthier Infants in Subtropics
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Vaccinating pregnant mothers year-round against flu in the resource-challenged region of subtropical Nepal reduced infant flu virus infection rates by an average of 30 percent, increased birth weights by 15 percent and resulted in babies having less influenza, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. An international research team says expanding year-round flu vaccinations during pregnancy would also benefit children in other tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

12-May-2017 8:00 AM EDT
Ebola: Lives to Be Saved with New Management Approach
University of Warwick

Ebola outbreaks are set to be managed quickly and efficiently – saving lives – with a new approach developed by an international team of researchers, including the University of Warwick, which helps to streamline outbreak decision-making.

   
Released: 15-May-2017 11:05 AM EDT
Journal of Infectious Diseases Features UNC HIV Researchers in Special Edition
University of North Carolina Health Care System

A special issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases focuses solely on HIV eradication and is edited by the director of the UNC HIV Cure Center in Chapel Hill.

Released: 15-May-2017 11:05 AM EDT
Study: Trying New Marijuana Products and Edibles Is Associated with Unexpected Highs
RTI International

A new study by RTI International suggests that unexpected highs are a consequence of using new marijuana products and edibles—products that have flooded the marijuana market since legalization of recreational marijuana use.

12-May-2017 11:05 AM EDT
Strategy Significantly Boosts Colorectal Screening for Groups with Low Rates
University of North Carolina Health Care System

Researchers report in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine that providing one-on-one support and customized tools for decision-making increased screening rates for patients at two community health centers in North Carolina and New Mexico.

Released: 15-May-2017 10:05 AM EDT
Research Finds Urine Test Could Detect Zika Virus Quickly, Protect Unborn Babies
Corewell Health

Dr. Lamb and her colleagues developed a quick, simple test for Zika virus so easy to administer, you don’t even need a doctor. It’s a urine test that produces results in under 30 minutes

Released: 15-May-2017 9:05 AM EDT
Making Drug Use a Crime Makes HIV Prevention, Treatment More Difficult
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

The criminalization of drug use has a negative effect on efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and to treat people with the infection, suggests a review of published research conducted by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of British Columbia.

Released: 15-May-2017 9:05 AM EDT
Path to End HIV Could Be Within Reach for United States in Next Decade
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

The United States could be on track within the next decade to see significant steps towards ending the HIV epidemic in this country, suggests new research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Released: 15-May-2017 9:00 AM EDT
Endocrine Society Applauds New Push to Regulate Chemicals in Personal Care Products
Endocrine Society

The Endocrine Society praised the reintroduction of a Senate bill to ensure consumers are protected from hazards associated with exposure to chemicals in personal care products such as cosmetics and lotions.

Released: 15-May-2017 8:00 AM EDT
$2.7M NIH Award Allows ASU Professor to Extend Potential Benefits of Rapid TB Test to Children
Arizona State University (ASU)

Hu, a researcher at the Virginia Piper Center for Personal Diagnostics at ASU’s Biodesign Institute and faculty at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, was Tony Hu was recently awarded a five-year, $2.7 million grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to adapt his breakthrough technology and develop a new rapid tuberculosis diagnostic test for children.

Released: 12-May-2017 1:05 PM EDT
UIC to Expand Rapid Water Testing at Chicago Beaches
University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health will expand its rapid testing program at Chicago beaches this summer to detect dangerous levels of bacteria.

   
11-May-2017 1:05 PM EDT
New CDC-Funded Portal Enables Health Providers to Schedule Free Colorectal Cancer Screenings for Uninsured Patients
University of Chicago Medical Center

Illinois Colon CARES, a UChicago Medicine-led initiative, seeks to become model for other states to increase access for vulnerable populations

11-May-2017 12:30 PM EDT
Researchers Learn How the Immune System Fights Parasitic Worms
Penn State College of Medicine

An international team of researchers reveals how immune cells called macrophages activate to kill parasitic worms. The findings could lead to better drugs to fight common infections.

Released: 11-May-2017 1:05 PM EDT
Milken Institute School of Public Health Names 2017 Geiger Gibson Program Distinguished Visitor
George Washington University

The Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) at the George Washington University has named Anita Monoian as the 2017 Geiger Gibson Program Distinguished Visitor. Monoian is the president and chief executive officer of the Yakima Neighborhood Health Services, a health center based in Washington State. The Geiger Gibson Distinguished Visitor Program honors individuals whose lifetime careers in community health, and achievement on behalf of health centers and medically underserved communities serve as an inspiration in public health policy and practice.

10-May-2017 9:05 AM EDT
Hepatitis C Increasing Among Pregnant Women
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Hepatitis C infections among pregnant women nearly doubled from 2009-2014, likely a consequence of the country’s increasing opioid epidemic that is disproportionately affecting rural areas of states including Tennessee and West Virginia.

Released: 11-May-2017 12:05 PM EDT
Study Finds Bacteria Living in Marine Sponge Produce Toxic Flame Retardant-Like Compounds
University of California San Diego

A Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego-led research team discovered for the first time that a common marine sponge hosts bacteria that specialize in the production of toxic compounds nearly identical to man-made fire retardants.

Released: 11-May-2017 12:05 PM EDT
Why One Eye-Targeting Virus Could Make for a Useful Gene-Delivery Tool
Scripps Research Institute

In their quest to replicate themselves, viruses have gotten awfully good at tricking human cells into pumping out viral proteins. That’s why scientists have been working to use viruses as forces for good: to deliver useful genes to human cells and help patients who lack important proteins or enzymes. A team of researchers led by Associate Professor Vijay Reddy at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) has now uncovered the structural details that make one virus a better tool for future therapies than its closely related “cousin.”

   
Released: 11-May-2017 11:05 AM EDT
Dramatic Cooperation Between Two Infectious Bacteria Revealed by BIDMC Researchers
Beth Israel Lahey Health

New methodology allowed researchers at BIDMC to more easily investigate mechanisms of infection and provide new insight into how pathogens can work together to cause disease. Using the new tool, researchers confirmed a safer model for study of Brucella species, which cause a potentially debilitating infectious disease in humans and cattle.

Released: 11-May-2017 8:05 AM EDT
New Lyme Disease Forecast Map Targets Rising Tide of Ticks
University of Georgia

New research offers veterinarians a forecasting map that tells them which parts of the country are most at risk of Lyme disease infections in dogs, which could also help track and predict Lyme disease in people.

Released: 10-May-2017 12:05 PM EDT
Dread of Roses: Neurobehavioral Effects Found in Children Exposed to Flower Pesticides
UC San Diego Health

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, with colleagues in Ecuador and Minnesota, have found altered short-term neurological behaviors in children associated with a peak pesticide spraying season linked to the Mother’s Day flower harvest. This study examined children who did not work in agriculture but who lived in agricultural communities in Ecuador.

4-May-2017 12:05 PM EDT
Controlling Bacteria’s Necessary Evil
University of Utah

Until now, scientists have only had a murky understanding of how these relationships arise. Now Colin Dale and his colleagues at the University of Utah have an answer. It’s good news and bad news, germophobes: The bad news? Mutualistic bacteria start out by invading animal cells just like malevolent disease-causing bacteria do. The good news? Once they’re in, they calm down and play nice.

Released: 10-May-2017 9:05 AM EDT
Experts Available to Discuss Screening Guidelines for Thyroid Cancer in Adults
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance experts are available to discuss new U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines related to thyroid cancer screening for adults, risk factors and treatment options.

Released: 9-May-2017 2:05 PM EDT
When Malaria Infects the Placenta During Pregnancy, Baby’s Future Immunity Can Be Affected
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Mothers infected with malaria during pregnancy can pass more of their own cells to their baby and change the infant’s risk of later infection, a new study shows.



close
3.94805