Here are 13 articles on medical research study findings from the week of Jan. 25.
1. In a recent study, researchers assessed how labor and delivery patient safety bundles influenced delivery-associated outcomes. Read more.
2. New research from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland shows biomarkers of inflammation may help identify which patients will respond to the hepatitis B vaccine. Read more.
3. Lactoferrin, a protein in breast milk that protects infants against harmful bacteria, is being studied as a potential new tool to curb the spread of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Read more.
4. A University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center study found shorter lengths of stay in the hospital were linked with lower mortality rates in hip fracture patients. Read more.
5. A new study suggests the decolonization of patients with methicillin-resistant Staphyolococcus aureus can help curb infection rates, thought it is a difficult process that doesn't always work. Read more.
6. New research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals the preoperative antibiotics providers choose can impact the risk of surgical site infections in women who have a hysterectomy. Read more.
7. Researchers recently tested the applicability of the World Health Organization International Classification for Patient Safety system to a surgical population. Read more.
8. An American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine study shows the most commonly used test for tuberculosis — tuberculin skin test — fails to accurately diagnose TB in half of pregnant, HIV-positive women. Read more.
9. A recent study out of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor found roughly one in seven patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer is younger than 50, the age at which screenings for the condition typically begin. Read more.
10. University of British Columbia researchers found potent antibacterial activity in rare, naturally occurring mineral clay used by the Heiltsuk First Nation tribes for its healing properties. Read more.
11. News outlets are frequently criticized for jumping on news of disease outbreaks and contributing to panic, but a new study suggests mass media coverage that focuses on influencing the public's behavior may help slow the spread of disease. Read more.
12. Researchers examined the relationship between surgeons' fellowship participation and early postoperative outcomes in a new study. Read more.
13. A multidisciplinary team at a children's hospital recently developed and tested the efficacy of a pre-, peri- and postoperative bundle to combat spinal fusion surgical site infections. Read more.