A four-year study by Yale researchers found that vaccinating white-footed mice reduced the number of deer ticks carrying Lyme disease. The study demonstrated a significant reduction in risk for humans getting Lyme disease from tick bites, but not as great as expected. Further development of oral vaccines is proposed to reduce human risk.
The NIH awarded Indiana University a $7 million grant to establish the Midwest Sexually Transmitted Infections and Topical Microbicides Cooperative Research Center. The center will focus on researching epidemiology, acquisition, prevention, and pathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections in young women.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention journal found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older women. The study followed over 37,000 Iowa women for 14 years and found that those who were overweight or obese had a 90% increased risk of developing AML compar...
A prospective, longitudinal study found that hospitalization and restricted activity significantly increase the risk of developing disability among older adults. The study, conducted at Yale University, involved monthly phone interviews with over 700 residents aged 70+, revealing that 55% developed disability, with hospitalization and ...
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that intra-abdominal fat is a significant predictor of heart attack risk. Researchers discovered that as people age, fat tends to accumulate in the abdomen more than other areas, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Allopurinol, commonly used for gout, was found to significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in patients taking the medication for at least five years. The study analyzed data from 1,781 patients and showed a notable reduction in risk.
Researchers found a three-fold increased risk of liver cancer among diabetic patients, which rose to almost four-fold when medication was used. Diabetes did not increase risks for other types of cancer, such as melanoma or colon cancer.
A new study by UNC researchers reveals that Hispanics in the South suffer more fatal occupational injuries than blacks or other groups. The findings highlight the need for greater injury prevention efforts focused on Hispanic workers in the region.
The Penn project, led by Stephen E Kimmel, aims to develop novel ways of working synergistically to address the scientific, logistical, and intellectual barriers to interdisciplinary research. Recent advances have paved the way for significant gains in understanding how genetic variability can alter drug response.
The St. Petersburg/New Haven Partnership aims to develop a community-wide HIV/AIDS care program in Russia, with training and exchanges between American and Russian health professionals. Led by Yale's Krystn Wagner and Robert Heimer, the partnership seeks to improve HIV/AIDS care and treatment in Russia.
Damage to the parasympathetic nervous system may account for nearly half of symptoms such as gallbladder disease and depression in Gulf War syndrome veterans. The parasympathetic system regulates automatic bodily functions like digestion and sleep, which was found to be impaired in veterans.
Researchers at the Center for Internet Epidemiology and Defenses will measure and analyze live Internet epidemics to develop robust defense mechanisms. They plan to construct large-scale monitoring instruments to provide early warning of incipient outbreaks and craft practical solutions to counteract new outbreaks.
The NSF's Cyber Trust program awards funding for two new centers: the Center for Internet Epidemiology and Defenses and the STIM Center. The former focuses on understanding internet vulnerabilities to prevent malware outbreaks, while the latter explores network interactions to create effective defenses against cyberattacks.
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth calls for national collaboration on medical education research to establish evidence-based standards. Researchers propose borrowing models from patient care studies, using epidemiology and observational strategies to improve teaching methods.
Researchers analyzed data from over 400,000 breast cancer patients to calculate probabilities of death from breast cancer vs. all other causes combined. They found that patients with ER-negative tumors and larger tumors were more likely to die from their cancer than those with ER-positive tumors and smaller tumors.
A study by the Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium (GELCC) found strong evidence for a lung cancer susceptibility gene co-inherited with a genetic marker on chromosome 6. The researchers identified a region of interest on chromosome 6q23-25, which contains multiple genes that may contribute to lung cancer risk.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is honoring outstanding scientists and physicians who have made significant contributions to cancer research. The AACR recognizes researchers in various fields, including basic cancer research, clinical cancer research, and medical chemistry.
A study analyzing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database found that it is reasonably reliable for collecting cancer incidence and mortality data. Researchers compared histologic tumor types from patients reported to the SEER database with those obtained through an independent review, finding no difference in di...
A new study suggests that aspirin reduces breast cancer risk by 20% among women with ER-positive tumors, a type of postmenopausal breast cancer. The protection is strongest among daily aspirin users and those taking seven or more tablets per week.
The study found a significant increase in male breast cancer incidence over 25 years, with men being diagnosed at an older age than women. Larger tumor size and axillary lymph node disease were associated with shortened survival, while hormone receptor status and tumor grade did not have independent prognostic effects.
Research from Newcastle University and Australia finds young adults worried about their teeth due to celebrity beauty standards. The study, published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, reveals younger generations are more likely to complain about dental problems than older adults.
A recent study has found a dramatic increase in lung cancer incidence in women, with many cases occurring in non-smokers who stopped smoking years ago. The study also reveals that women's response to targeted therapies is more favorable than men, raising questions about the differences between male and female lung cancer.
A new study found that only 2% of patients who experienced an allergic-like event after the first penicillin prescription had another reaction, despite previous estimates suggesting a 60% rate. The researchers suggest that some patients labeled as penicillin-allergic can safely receive the antibiotic in emergency situations.
A five-year study found that high dietary intake of alpha-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, significantly reduced the risk of developing bladder cancer. The researchers also found that gamma-tocopherol offered no protection against bladder cancer.
Researchers have found that higher serum levels of vitamin E are associated with lower risks of prostate and bladder cancers. In contrast, a diet rich in antioxidants is linked to a reduced risk of breast cancer among women with specific genetic profiles.
Dr. Steven Levy has received the 2004 Dean Award for his distinguished contributions to epidemiology and public health research. The award recognizes his meritorious work in these fields, as judged by the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research.
A study by Yale University found that diets rich in fat and animal protein may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, also discovered a reduced risk associated with high consumption of fruits and vegetables.
A recent study, PROSE, found that double mastectomies significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations by 95%. The study followed 483 at-risk women for over six years, showing that prophylactic mastectomies can be an effective preventive measure.
A European study has identified major risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), including prone sleeping positions and household smoking. These avoidable risk factors suggest a basis for further reductions in SIDS incidence rates through changes in infant sleep arrangements and environmental habits.
A study found that antiretroviral treatment significantly reduced the risk of HIV transmission from HIV-infected individuals to their partners. However, an increase in unprotected anal intercourse offset this benefit, highlighting the need for prevention interventions alongside treatment.
Researchers found that black patients undergoing surgery had a median survival time 1.8 years less than white patients, with disparities smaller among radiation therapy and non-aggressive therapy groups. The study suggests genetic and environmental factors may contribute to these racial disparities in prostate cancer treatment outcomes.
A Danish study of over 56,000 births found that women trying to conceive for over a year were at increased risk of preterm delivery, term babies with low birthweight, and Caesarean section. The study also found significant associations between infertility and adverse birth outcomes in both treated and untreated infertile women.
A study published in JAMA compared screening mammography performance in the US and UK among similar aged women, analyzing 5.5 million mammograms. Despite lower recall rates in the UK, both countries showed similar cancer detection rates, but US women experience more anxiety and false-positive scares.
Researchers at Penn aim to understand factors influencing poor prostate cancer outcomes among African-American men, including biological, environmental, and behavioral aspects. The study's findings may help develop better tools for prevention and treatment, ultimately improving clinical outcomes for this underserved population.
The report analyzed data from 22 countries and 42 types of cancer, showing average five-year survival rates ranging from 94% for lip cancer to less than 4% for pancreatic cancer. Regional variations were found, with some Eastern European countries having lower survival rates and western Europe performing better.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that mandatory prescription drug utilization reviews have no detectable effect on prescribing errors or patient outcomes. The program's reliance on computer alerts and guidelines was deemed ineffective in changing physician behavior.
A recent study found that older women who live in neighborhoods with good walkability are up to 100% more physically active. Women who live near parks, trails, or shops have higher levels of activity than those whose homes are not within walking distance.
The UNC study found that residents with access to trails, sidewalks, and well-lit streets were more likely to meet the recommended physical activity levels. Notably, blacks, American Indians, and those with lower education and income levels reported less favorable neighborhood environments and reduced access to exercise spaces.
Research at UCSF found that patients taking 80% or more of their antiretroviral medications developed twice as many resistance mutations as those taking less than 40%. Despite this, excellent adherence remains the best way to prevent HIV/AIDS and prolong life with resistant virus.
The Mayo Clinic Proceedings has released an early review of West Nile virus to aid clinicians and the public. The review, written by Priya Sampathkumar, M.D., provides the most current information on the disease's epidemiology, virology, transmission, management, and prevention in humans and animals.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is accepting nominations for several prestigious awards and lectureships, recognizing outstanding contributions in epidemiology, clinical cancer research, and preclinical research. The deadline for submissions is September 12, 2003.
A study by Frits Rosendaal and colleagues found that haemophilia carriers have a significantly lower risk of ischaemic heart disease, with a 36% decrease in overall mortality. This reduction in blood clotting may offer protection against heart attacks and has implications for future prevention strategies.
The Lombardi Cancer Center will investigate how drinking affects breast cancer risk, focusing on estrogens, free radicals, and gene mutations. The center aims to improve public health recommendations and inform individual lifestyle choices.
Pre-diabetic adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are nearly twice as likely to die from any cancer and four times more likely to die from colon cancer compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. Researchers suggest that high insulin levels may promote the development of cancer cells, but prevention methods are unclear.
A recent study found that nearly 20% of North Carolina children experience un-diagnosed asthma symptoms, leading to missed school days and limited activities. The condition affects not only physical health but also sleep patterns, cognitive function, and learning ability.
Researchers discovered that 29% of individuals were completely resistant to the Norwalk virus, with those lacking the FUT2 gene showing no signs of infection. The study suggests that vaccination may be effective in reducing disease burden and offers new hope for developing vaccines.
A new study suggests that type 1 diabetics can develop insulin resistance, increasing their risk of heart disease. Insulin resistance occurs when the body fails to use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels and a greater risk of cardiovascular events.
A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found a link between lower dietary folate intake and increased risk of bladder cancer, particularly in individuals with genetic instability. The researchers suggest limiting exposure to DNA-damaging agents and consuming foods rich in folates to reduce the risk.
The Prostate Cancer Series assesses the epidemiology of prostate cancer, highlighting the impact of genetic and environmental risk factors. Despite progress in understanding diet-related risks, familial clustering, and ethnic variation remain poorly understood, presenting opportunities for further research.
The symposium explored microbial forensics, a discipline combining public health epidemiology and law enforcement to investigate biocrimes. Key findings include recommendations for future action to address biocrimes posing threats to public health and stability.
A recent study found that combination hormone therapy increased the risk of stroke in postmenopausal women, including those with and without high blood pressure. The therapy was found to be ineffective for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.
Dr. Warlow will receive the prestigious Thomas Willis Award for his extensive work on clinical trials, meta-analysis, and epidemiology in stroke research. The award recognizes a senior investigator who has made significant contributions to understanding stroke over a sustained period.
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that pacemaker therapy reduced death from progressive heart failure by 51% and hospitalizations by 29%. The device range in cost $20,000 to $50,000 and improves quality of life for heart failure patients.
A recent study found that annual whole-body CT scanning for lung cancer screening may not be effective in saving lives, as the costs outweigh the benefits. The researchers estimated that only smokers who started quitting at age 55-65 saw significant cost-effectiveness in screening.
Researchers found that mercury in fish counteracts the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, increasing the risk of heart attack. Consuming low-mercury fish like salmon can help reduce cardiovascular risk.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has awarded $2 million to fund research on inhalant abuse, focusing on epidemiology, risk factors, and health consequences. The new studies aim to address the severe lack of research-based information on this widespread problem affecting young children.
A study found that White Americans' fruit and vegetable consumption rose by 11 percent when a supermarket was nearby, whereas black Americans showed a smaller increase. The research highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits.
The program aims to seed China with genetic expertise, focusing on medical genetics and responsible use of genetic research. Trainees will receive instruction in genetic epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as opportunities for postdoctoral positions or graduate studies.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that 20% of mammogram-detected breast cancers are in situ lesions with unknown aggressiveness. The research highlights the need for further understanding of DCIS to identify which cases may progress to invasive cancer.
Research suggests that diet is a second leading cause of cancer, accounting for approximately 30% of cancers in developed countries. A healthy weight, restricted alcohol consumption, and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and cereals can help reduce cancer risk.