Research Roundup: Covid; New Ways To Treat Wounds; Weight Loss; More
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
Science Daily:
A Comprehensive Map Of The SARS-CoV-2 Genome
Researchers have generated what they describe as the most complete gene annotation of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. In their study, they confirmed several protein-coding genes and found that a few others that had been suggested as genes do not code for any proteins. (5/11)
Science Daily:
How To Predict Severe Influenza In Hospitalized Patients
Researchers have identified predictors of both severe disease and recovery in hospitalized influenza patients, finding that the immune system works in concert to fight influenza. (5/11)
Science Daily:
New Material To Treat Wounds Can Protect Against Resistant Bacteria
Researchers have developed a new material that prevents infections in wounds - a specially designed hydrogel, that works against all types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones. The new material offers great hope for combating a growing global problem. (5/11)
CIDRAP:
CARB-X to fund development of rapid test for chlamydia, gonorrhea
CARB-X announced today that it is awarding Australian diagnostics company SpeeDx up to $1.8 million to develop a rapid molecular diagnostic test for chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. The money will aid development of SpeeDx's InSignia technology, which is able to detect whether an active infection is associated with Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae within 60 minutes. The technology will also be able to perform antibiotic susceptibility testing to identify the most appropriate antibiotic for gonorrhea infections. (5/11)
Science Daily:
Bacteria Do Not Colonize The Gut Before Birth: It Happens During And After Birth
Researchers examined prenatal stool (meconium) samples collected from 20 babies during breech Cesarean delivery. By including only breech caesarean deliveries in healthy pregnant women they were able to avoid the transmission of bacteria that occurs naturally during a vaginal birth. (5/10)
New England Journal of Medicine:
Healthy Weight Loss Maintenance With Exercise, Liraglutide, Or Both Combined
In a randomized, head-to-head, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled adults with obesity (body-mass index [the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters], 32 to 43) who did not have diabetes. After an 8-week low-calorie diet, participants were randomly assigned for 1 year to one of four strategies: a moderate-to-vigorous–intensity exercise program plus placebo (exercise group); treatment with liraglutide (3.0 mg per day) plus usual activity (liraglutide group); exercise program plus liraglutide therapy (combination group); or placebo plus usual activity (placebo group). End points with prespecified hypotheses were the change in body weight (primary end point) and the change in body-fat percentage (secondary end point) from randomization to the end of the treatment period in the intention-to-treat population. Prespecified metabolic health-related end points and safety were also assessed. (Lundgren, et al, 5/6)
Science Daily:
Boosting Body Heat Production: A New Approach For Treating Obesity
Targeting a heat production 'brake' on fat tissues may be a safer way to treat obesity than current medication. (5/11)
