The BCG World Atlas is a first-of-its-kind resource providing detailed information on current and past TB vaccination policies and practices across 180+ countries. Clinicians can use this atlas to inform diagnosis and treatment decisions, particularly for foreign-born adults with unclear vaccination histories.
Trauma patients who arrive at hospitals on weekends are more likely to survive, according to new research. The study found that the unique organization and staffing of trauma systems provide a built-in protection for these critically injured patients.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who live in more densely populated urban areas tend to gain less weight over a six-year period. The study, which analyzed data from the Black Women's Health Study, suggests that policies promoting denser and urban residential development may help ad...
The Genetic RIsk Prediction Studies (GRIPS) Statement provides a checklist to enhance the transparency of study reporting in genetic risk prediction studies. This will improve the synthesis and application of information from multiple studies, increasing consistency and accuracy in clinical practice.
A UNC study found a significant increase in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma among young white females, with incidence rates rising by 111% between 1975 and 2007. The researchers suggest that the epidemiology of this cancer may be unique and not associated with human papillomavirus or tobacco/alcohol use.
The Aetna Foundation has funded a two-year study at Boston University School of Medicine to examine the root causes of obesity among African-American women. The study aims to identify small changes individuals can make and policy-level changes that can impact weight gain and obesity.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that health behaviors play a weaker role in socio-economic disparities in mortality among European cohorts compared to British Whitehall II. The findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural differences in the social patterning of unhealthy behaviors.
A study by Dr. Harri Hemila and Professor Jaakko Kaprio found that vitamin E supplementation had varying effects on pneumonia risk depending on smoking habits and exercise levels. Among nonsmokers who exercised regularly, vitamin E decreased pneumonia risk by 69%. However, in smokers and non-exercisers, it increased risk by 79%.
A study published in Annals of Epidemiology analyzed breast cancer mortality data from 1975 to 2005 in Spanish provinces. The research found that geographical differences in death rates began to level out due to the uniform distribution of early prevention programs, reproductive therapy, and lifestyle factors.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found a 64 percent decrease in the risk of acquiring an infection from MRSA or VRE when using two percent chlorhexidine gluconate cloths for daily bathing. The study suggests that CHG bathing may be a beneficial infection control intervention for patients outside of ICU settings.
Researchers predict nearly 1.3 million cancer deaths in Europe in 2011, with a 7% drop in men's death rates and a 6% decrease in women's mortality. The number of lung cancer deaths is increasing steadily, particularly among Polish and UK women, while breast cancer mortality falls.
A team of internationally recognized molecular biologists, epidemiologists, and clinicians have been honored for their groundbreaking work on human papillomavirus (HPV) research. Their collaborative efforts have led to significant advances in understanding HPV's role in cancer development and the development of the HPV vaccine.
The University of California, San Diego's Trauma Epidemiology and Injury Prevention Research Center is expanding its older driver screening program to other counties, focusing on interventions for at-risk drivers. The program aims to identify and address medical conditions that may interfere with safe driving.
Research at UCLA reveals that coffee's protective effect against type 2 diabetes may be linked to increased SHBG levels. Women who drink four cups of coffee daily are less than half as likely to develop diabetes compared to non-coffee drinkers.
Researchers estimate lifetime risk of rheumatoid arthritis for both sexes using data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project. The study finds that 8.4% of women and 5.1% of men will develop an inflammatory autoimmune disease in their lifetime.
Researchers are working on four different projects: studying MTB infection, analyzing latent infection in humans, improving chemotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme, and exploring gene modification for stem cell selection. The funding will support a multidisciplinary team of experts in proteomics, genetic epidemiology, and cytokine bio...
A study published in The Lancet found that low-dose aspirin reduces mortality from various cancers, including oesophagus, lung, stomach, pancreas, and possibly brain cancer, by 20-30% regardless of dose or smoking status. Benefit is seen with increasing age and may require at least five years of use for significant impact.
A study of 10 nursing homes in California found that 31% of residents carried MRSA, with rates varying widely between facilities. The findings suggest that some nursing homes are effective in containing the bacteria, but more research is needed to understand their strategies.
Research from Michigan State University finds that late-preterm babies are between two and three times more likely to have lower IQs and higher levels of attention problems at age 6. The study controlled for maternal IQ and demographics, suggesting that factors other than genetics may contribute to the increased risk.
An international study identified 30 genes controlling puberty age and found they also play a role in fat metabolism, linking early maturity to increased obesity risk. The study of over 100,000 women from Europe, US, and Australia highlights the complex biological processes controlling puberty timing.
Researchers analyzed 135 studies to support new AOM practice guidelines, identifying otoscopic findings as key to accurate diagnosis. They also found that heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine use is associated with changes in AOM microbial epidemiology.
Researchers at UC Berkeley will study the impact of pesticides, flame retardants, and DDT on children's health. The grants aim to address environmental health risks in vulnerable populations and inform new policies and practices.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals a large burden of syphilis infection and high-risk behaviors among male clients of female sex workers in Sichuan province. The study found that 30% of these males practiced consistent condom use, highlighting the need for effective interventions to prevent HIV transmission.
A large prospective cohort study found that smoking significantly increased the risk of breast cancer progression and overall death among multiethnic women. Current or past smokers had a 39% higher rate of dying from breast cancer.
A child's chances of developing allergies or wheezing are related to their growth in the womb, according to new research. Fetuses that grow quickly early on but falter later may be more likely to develop allergies and asthma as children.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that individuals who consume several servings of whole grains per day and limit their intake of refined grains appear to have less visceral adipose tissue, a key factor in cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The study observed a 10% lower VAT volume in...
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that using web-based questionnaires can significantly reduce costs compared to traditional paper surveys. The study, which analyzed data from the Black Women's Health Study, showed that the cost of developing and processing a returned web questionnaire was approxima...
African American women with higher vegetable intake have a lower risk of developing estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer. High cruciferous and carrot consumption may play a role in reducing breast cancer risk through their effects on estrogen metabolism and antioxidant properties.
Global research has identified new genes associated with body fat distribution and obesity, shedding light on biological processes involved. The studies found 13 new gene regions linked to waist-hip ratio and 18 genetic variations associated with increased susceptibility to obesity.
A new US study links larger waist sizes to significantly higher diabetes rates among American adults compared to their English peers. The research suggests that waist circumference, rather than traditional risk factors like obesity, poses a substantial health risk for Americans, particularly women.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found no increased risk of socioemotional difficulties or cognitive deficits at 5 years of age for children born to mothers who light drank during pregnancy. Children born to light drinkers were 30% less likely to have behavioral problems than those whose mums had a...
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that doctors often prescribe antibiotics to patients with viral respiratory tract infections, despite the lack of clinical benefit. This overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of resistant bacterial strains.
A new study has found that alcohol consumption after a breast cancer diagnosis may increase the risk of cancer recurrence. The study followed 1,897 women with early-stage breast cancer and found that those who consumed 3 to 4 drinks per week had a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence and death compared to non-drinkers.
Dr. Binh An Diep, a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, has made significant contributions to understanding methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) epidemiology and pathogenesis.
Researchers discovered 95 gene loci associated with lipid metabolism, including factors like cholesterol and triglycerides. The findings may lead to new treatments for coronary artery disease, as genetic variants offer molecular targets for cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Researchers found that African American women who use oral contraceptives are more likely to develop estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. The study, based on data from the Black Women's Health Study, also revealed a significant increase in risk for women who have used oral contraceptives for 10 or more years.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that maternal affection at 8 months predicts emotional distress in adulthood. The study tracked 482 participants from childhood to adult life, revealing a strong correlation between mother's warmth and child's emotional well-being.
Obesity rates among seniors in Latin America and the Caribbean have surged, leading to a significant increase in disability among elderly populations. Current trends suggest that unchecked obesity will result in larger numbers of people vulnerable to chronic medical conditions, straining healthcare resources in poorer countries.
A study found a rise in drinkers across all three ethnic groups, with specific challenges faced by Blacks and Hispanics. Despite increased numbers of drinkers, alcohol consumption did not rise among Blacks and Hispanics.
A new study found that Major League pitchers are 34% more likely to be injured than fielders, with most injuries occurring before the All-Star break. The study analyzed data from 2002-2008 and found that pitchers suffered from a higher proportion of upper extremity injuries.
A comprehensive Argentinean epidemiological study found that one out of three women aged 50 or over suffers from osteoporosis, with a prevalence of vertebral fractures in 16% of women aged 50 or older. The study estimated annual costs of hip fractures and vertebral fractures to exceed $250 million USD per year.
The International AIDS Society and National Institute on Drug Abuse have awarded fellowships to seven young researchers from around the world to study the intersection of drug use and HIV. The recipients will receive US$75,000 each to pursue groundbreaking research in biology, epidemiology, public health, behavioral sciences, and more.
A new virus has been identified as a potential cause of Heart and Skeletal Muscle Inflammation (HSMI) in farmed Atlantic salmon, threatening both farmed and wild populations. The study found the virus, related to reoviruses, in 24.2% of wild salmon samples and 96.5% of infected farmed fish.
A study found that high HDL levels in women with type 1 diabetes increased the risk of heart disease, while low levels actually decreased risk. The researchers suggest that too much good cholesterol may not always be protective and could even be harmful.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids does not lower heart disease risk in women with type 1 diabetes. Men with the same condition had a lower rate of heart disease at higher omega-3 intake levels.
A new study found that pregnant women with higher blood levels of a common flame retardant had altered thyroid hormone levels, which could impact fetal growth and brain development. The study linked exposure to these chemicals to decreased TSH levels and an increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism.
A new registry reveals key differences in Chinese SLE patients compared to those studied in the US, Europe, and Malaysia. Chinese patients are more likely to present with haematological disorders and kidney disease, but less likely to experience neurological manifestations.
A nearly 2,300-person study by the University of Minnesota definitively links indoor tanning to increased risk of melanoma, with frequent users facing a 74% higher likelihood. The study found that risk is associated more with how much a person tans and not the age or device type.
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a common practice amongst adolescents, with medical providers uniquely positioned to detect its presence. Janis Whitlock's article discusses the epidemiology and care of adolescents undertaking NSSI, highlighting the need for standard assessment practices and effective treatment regimes.
A new study found that improved treatment of severe epilepsy could significantly reduce the overall cost of the condition. The study analyzed data from 9,163 epilepsy patients and found that non-AED related costs increased disproportionately with disease severity, while AED-related costs remained stable.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that consuming processed meat, such as bacon or sausages, increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes by 42% and 19%, respectively. In contrast, unprocessed red meat is not associated with these health risks.
The study analyzed over 11,000 elderly men in Sweden, US, and Hong Kong, finding that age significantly impacts the risk of falling, while ethnicity and environment play a role. The proportion of frequent fallers varied across countries, with highest rates in the US, followed by Sweden, and lowest in Hong Kong.
The article reviews HealthMap's H1N1 surveillance efforts, demonstrating the value of informal data in producing a comprehensive real-time global health picture. The analysis identified disparities in international public health systems, with countries having high GDP reporting confirmed cases faster than those with low GDP.
A recent study found that young assault victims are often involved in subsequent violent encounters after being treated in an emergency department. The study revealed that nearly half of the adolescents reported considering retaliation or carrying a weapon within weeks of discharge.
A new study published in the American Journal of Infection Control suggests that hand-washing, mask-wearing, and cough etiquette can limit the transmission of pandemic flu. The study found that while these measures show promise, further research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and address gaps in knowledge.
Research suggests extending HPV testing intervals to five years for women over 30 could significantly reduce cervical cancer cases. The study found HPV tests detect early signs of cervical cancer more accurately than current cytology screening.
Long-term elder care residents, HIV-infected and hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of carrying MRSA in their noses. The study found varying quantities of MRSA, with some individuals having as few as 3 colonies and others up to 15 million.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with hepatitis C infection were nearly twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as those without the disease. The study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, suggests a higher risk for younger HCV-positive patients.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and Infectious Diseases Society of America have released new clinical practice guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults. The guidelines update recommendations on diagnosis, treatment, and infection control measures to address changes in epidemiology and disease severity.
A study found that Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) surpassed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates in southeast community hospitals. CDI was also comparable to other healthcare-associated infections, such as bloodstream and device-related infections.