Category: Research

Research Digest: UNMC ID Publishes STI Research

Research Digest is a periodic installment that recognizes the world-class clinical research performed right here at UNMC ID. This post is also the last in a series of posts recognizing STI awareness week/month with quick summaries of recent articles on monkeypox and HIV published by UNMC ID faculty. As always, check out the full articles linked in each digest.

May 4, 2023

Blood Culture Contamination? Can We Do Better? UNMC Investigates

What are blood cultures? Blood cultures are a key diagnostic test for persons with sepsis and bacteremia where organisms are grown in the laboratory from patient blood samples to identify the causative agent of infection. Unfortunately, approximately 2-3% of cultures are contaminated, usually with common commensal skin microorganisms. Contaminated blood cultures can “trick” caregivers and […]

Apr 6, 2023

Research Digest: Brains, Bones, and HIV

In this month’s research digest, we will cover recent work by UNMC ID faculty uncovering the link between HIV and various comorbidities associated with infection. HIV research is far from a new topic for this installment (see our previous HIV-focused research digests here and here), which speaks to the commitment of UNMC ID faculty to furthering HIV knowledge and research. Read on for a quick summary of two articles focused on HIV comorbidities dealing with brains and bones, namely HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder and bone fractures.

Dec 16, 2022

Publication Alert: Preparing the Intensive Care Unit for Future Pandemics

rom SARS to H1N1 to Ebola and now COVID-19, it is clear that pandemic infectious diseases are likely to be a constant challenge to the healthcare system and humanity for the foreseeable future. Luckily, past pandemics can help us learn to better combat these diseases in the future. This is the case made by a new article authored by Drs. Cawcutt, Kalil, and Hewlett. Their thesis: best summed up by the Winston Churchhill quote “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

Nov 17, 2022

Research Digest: Improving Care for People Living with HIV

UNMC ID has a long history of not only providing extraordinary medical care for people living with HIV (PLWH), but also contributing strongly to the research that informs the future of medicine. We have even featured many such articles on this blog. Today, we summarize a few recent publications focused at improving care for for this patient population through bettering medication adherence and important health screening measures.

Nov 10, 2022

UNMC Clinical Trial Investigates HSV Treatment

The following content was largely provided by Dr. Abbas to spread awareness about the new clinical trial starting soon at UNMC. To aid in participant recruitment, please share this with those who may be interested in the work. What is a clinical trial? While much of medicine is practiced within guidelines and evidence-based practices, getting […]

Oct 11, 2022

Research Digest: UNMC Investigates COVID-19 Treatments

In a previous post, we explored recent work conducted by UNMC ID faculty on untangling the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Medically speaking, that is only half of the story. In the effort to translate these observations about how SARS-CoV-2 makes us sick into treatments or vaccines, UNMC ID has been no less dedicated. Underscoring this point, read on for a research digest of three recent publications authored by UNMC ID faculty exploring COVID-19 treatment strategies.

Sep 15, 2022

Research Digest: UNMC Investigates Blood Stream Infections

Blood stream infections are one of the most feared type of infections in the infectious disease world. And for good reason- if left untreated they can quickly develop into serious complications such as septic shock. Luckily, researchers are constantly exploring the risk factors and treatments for this infection, including many UNMC ID faculty. Read on for a digest of 3 recent articles authored by UNMC faculty exploring the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.

Aug 31, 2022

Research Digest: Healthcare Workers, COVID-19, and Burnout

While most research we highlight focuses on medicine and clinical care of patients, there is just as much value to be gained in researching the workforce and healthcare community at large. Understanding the trends and problems within our own field can lead to profound improvements in the daily lives of healthcare workers everywhere. In this alternative arena of research, UNMC ID has made major strides. Read on for digests of recent articles published by UNMC ID faculty that pertain to matters of personnel.

Aug 16, 2022

Research Digest: CMV, Tuberculosis, and Transplant ID

Dr. Diana Florescu, UNMC ID Physician and co-author of two recent publications exploring transplant ID. One of the most profound medical developments of the past century, organ transplantation, can prove to be one of the most dangerous. Infectious pathogens can hide in transplanted organs which, in combination with the immune-suppressive drugs crucial to transplantation success, […]

Jul 12, 2022