ASCLS eNewsBytes

• Impact of ultraviolet disinfection on nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases November 30, 2021
  Nosocomial or healthcare-acquired infections are infections that originate within a healthcare setting. These infections can cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients. HAIs are also known to hold a significant financial burden for healthcare systems. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased this burden in healthcare facilities throughout the world.
• Low rates of thrombosis found for sickle cell patients with infusion ports November 30, 2021
  While infusion ports are effective for patients with sickle cell disease, there is some concerns for an increased risk of adverse events. It is difficult to provide peripheral venous access in patients with sickle cell disease over time because of frequent access and scarring. And while infusion ports do provide reliable central venous access, they […]
• New insights into what might drive Parkinson's disease November 30, 2021
  A defect in the blood-brain barrier may play a role in Parkinson's disease, a groundbreaking research study suggests. The blood-brain barrier acts as a filter to keep out toxins while still allowing the passage of nutrients to nourish the brain. This study found that in some people with Parkinson's, the blood-brain barrier doesn't work right.
• Junk DNA may not be 'junk' after all, but perform significant functions in ensuring fertility, and preventing cancer and other diseases November 30, 2021
  There’s been another interesting development in the study of genetic “dark matter” which may give rise to new biomarkers for clinical laboratory diagnostics and testing. This is worth noting, because biological dark matter has long been considered non-critical and immaterial to the human organism or human evolution. Researchers often refer to it as junk DNA.
• Deleting dysfunctional cells alleviates diabetes November 30, 2021
  Eliminating old, dysfunctional cells in human fat also alleviates signs of diabetes, researchers report. The discovery could lead to new treatments for Type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.