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Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Infectious Disease for July 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.<\/p>\n
Learning to Change Important for Improving Practice<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Although physicians typically struggle with change, relying on habits created in their practice, learning to change is important in order to improve practices and better deal with the changes sweeping through medicine, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Flu Vaccine Cuts Mortality in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly elderly patients, who receive the influenza vaccine have significantly lower morbidity and mortality, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Weak Recommendation to Screen for Bacteriuria in Pregnancy <\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Very low-quality evidence supports screening for elevated bacteria levels in urine during the first trimester for non-symptomatic pregnant women, according to a clinical guideline published in the July 9 issue of CMAJ<\/i>, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Front Desk Staff Can Set Up a Practice for Successful Billing<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Allowing front desk staff adequate time and an uninterrupted environment to focus on billing can prevent problems later on, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Few Published Programs Address Medical Trainee Mistreatment<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are very few published descriptions of programs that address the mistreatment of medical trainees, according to a review published online July 27 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Boards May Contribute to Mental Health Stigma for Doctors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Existing policy has been amended to encourage licensing boards to require disclosure of physical or mental health conditions only when these would negatively impact a physicians’ ability to practice medicine, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Four Strategies Help Doctors Make Personal, Professional Gains<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>, four strategies are presented to help physicians make personal and professional gains.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Infective Endocarditis More Common with Valve Issues<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis (IE) than the general population, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Levels of Human Herpesvirus ID’d in Alzheimer’s<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Subjects with Alzheimer’s disease have increased levels of two strains of human herpesvirus, according to a study published online July 11 in Neuron<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n No Higher Risk of Autoimmune Disorders After HPV4 Vaccination<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Following quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccination, girls age 12 to 17 years do not have increased risk of autoimmune disorders, according to a study published recently in CMAJ<\/i>, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n NFID Initiative Working to Up Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new initiative to increase hepatitis B virus vaccination rates among at-risk adults has been developed, according to a report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) published in support of World Hepatitis Day.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n FDA: Whey Powder Behind Recent Salmonella<\/i>-Linked Recalls<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ritz and Goldfish crackers, Swiss Rolls — they’ve all been tied to possible Salmonella<\/i> contamination through a common ingredient, dry whey powder, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n July 28 Is World Hepatitis Day<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — July 28 is World Hepatitis Day, according to an announcement published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n Assessing, Improving Patient Satisfaction Cuts Malpractice Risk<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Assessing and improving patient satisfaction can help physicians avoid being sued for malpractice, according to an article published in Physicians Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Canada Updates Guidelines for Hepatitis C Virus Infection<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A guideline published in the June 4 issue of CMAJ<\/i>, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, provides updated evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n CDC: Salmonella<\/i>-Tainted Melon Outbreak Appears to Be Over<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella<\/i> outbreak linked to melons and fruit salad mixes appears to be over, say officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n FDA Outbreak Update<\/a><\/p>\n CDC Final Update<\/a><\/p>\n Guidance Provided for Reporting Foodborne Illness<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers guidance for health care professionals on reporting foodborne illnesses.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Insurers May Be Underpaying Doctors<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurance companies sometimes underpay doctors the contracted amount for a service or procedure, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n WHO Targets for Chronic Hepatitis B Will Be Cost-Effective<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Meeting World Health Organization (WHO) targets for chronic hepatitis B by 2030 will be cost-effective, according to a report published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n WHO: Congo Ebola Outbreak Over<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is over, according to the World Health Organization.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n One-Third of Hep C Rx Receive Absolute Denial From Insurers<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurers are increasingly denying prescriptions of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for hepatitis C virus treatment, according to a study published online June 7 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n Guidelines for ART Updated for Those With or at Risk for HIV<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations for antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been updated for individuals at risk of or living with HIV; the 2018 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel are published in the July 24\/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Salmonella<\/i> Spurs Recall of Swiss Rolls, Bread<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Possible Salmonella<\/i> contamination has led to the recall of rolls and bread made by Flowers Foods, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n HPV Vaccine Eliminates Advanced Skin Cancer in 97-Year-Old<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could be a therapeutic option for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma when surgical management is not an option, according to a case report published online July 3 in JAMA Dermatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Infection Prevention Staffing Needs May Be Underestimated<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A comprehensive assessment of health care organization composition and structure is necessary before determining infection preventionist (IP) staffing needs, according to a study published recently in the American Journal of Infection Control<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Salmonella<\/i> Spurs Recall of Ritz Crackers<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A number of Ritz Crackers products are being recalled due to possible Salmonella<\/i> risk, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Few HIV Tests Given to Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in South<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few HIV tests in the southern United States are provided for black men who have sex with men (MSM) even though they account for a substantial percentage of new diagnoses, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Embezzlement Not Uncommon in Medical Practices<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Embezzlement occurs frequently in medical practices and steps should be taken to prevent it, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Lyme-Bearing Ticks More Widespread in U.S. Than Thought<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses have been identified in dozens of places across the United States where the pests had never previously been recorded, according to a study published online July 12 in PLOS ONE<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Availability of Generic Antivirals for Hepatitis B Increasing<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Availability of generic antivirals for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is increasing, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Salmonella<\/i> Outbreak in 26 States Linked to Raw Turkey Products<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella<\/i> outbreak that has sickened 90 people in 26 states has been linked to a variety of raw turkey products, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Same-Day Appointment System Implemented in Health Network<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A same-day appointment system can feasibly be introduced, according to the experiences of one health network presented in an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Ten Questions Screen Helps ID Disability in HIV+ Children<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Ten Questions (TQ) screen is an effective way to screen HIV-positive children for neurodevelopmental problems in resource-poor areas, according to a study published online July 3 in PLOS ONE<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Variations in Practice Patterns Seen in Patients Treated for COPD<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are significant variations in practice patterns and resource utilization in patients treated by teaching staff for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), compared to non-teaching staff, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Patients Care About the Clothes Doctors Wear<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients do in fact care what doctors wear, according to a study recently published in BMJ Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Seven Strategies Can Help Practices Manage Staff Time Off<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several strategies can be implemented to help address management of staff time off, allowing mutual respect for the employee and employer requests, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Salmonella<\/i> Outbreak Linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A Salmonella<\/i> outbreak that’s sickened 21 people in five states has been linked to Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad. Five people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.<\/p>\n FDA Recall Notice<\/a><\/p>\n CDC Food Safety Alert<\/a><\/p>\n Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Shared Decision-Making Approach to Zika Best for Travelers<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An approach to shared decision-making that stratifies risk might be most appropriate for preventing Zika infection, according to an Ideas and Opinion piece published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n E. Coli<\/i> Found in Water at Tennessee Ziplining Facility<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health officials say they found Escherichia coli<\/i> in water at a ziplining facility in Tennessee that has been linked to an outbreak affecting at least 500 people.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA: Illnesses Tied to Fresh Crab Meat Imported From Venezuela<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been 12 reported cases of people in the United States becoming sick after eating fresh crab meat from Venezuela, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Smallpox<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — TPOXX (tecovirimat) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Inappropriate Prescribing of Abx High in Urgent Care Centers<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variability in the proportion of visits at which antibiotics are prescribed among traditional medical and retail clinic settings, according to a research letter published online July 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor\/Pharmacist Relationship<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Physician Burnout Tied to Higher Risk of Medical Errors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physician burnout, fatigue, and work-unit safety grades are independently associated with medical errors, according to a study published online July 9 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine Not Tied to Spontaneous Abortion<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (4vHPV) is not associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion when inadvertently given before or during pregnancy, according to a study published in the July issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n 100 Now Sickened by Salmonella-Tainted Honey Smacks Cereal<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — One hundred people across 33 states have now fallen ill with Salmonella<\/i> after eating Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n FDA Recall Notice<\/a><\/p>\n