People with Down's syndrome experienced almost double the life expectancy from 1982 to 1997, averaging 49 years. The majority of deaths were attributed to characteristic Down's syndrome disorders, such as congenital heart defects and leukaemia.
Researchers have developed a potent antiviral drug, HDP-CDV, that can block the replication of variola and orthopox viruses, including smallpox. The oral drug is 100 times more active than existing cidofovir and may be used to treat and prevent smallpox infections.
A low-tech handheld refractometer can detect counterfeit malaria drugs and has the potential to be used to test mass batches of drugs imported from overseas. The device is relatively inexpensive and simple to use, making it a viable option for people in developing countries with limited resources.
A study in Orel, Russia, has found a significant increase in tuberculosis cases linked to growing HIV infections. The authors call for better surveillance and public health measures to prevent further spread.
A study finds that alcohol consumption is associated with unsafe sex among injection drug users, leading to increased HIV transmission risk. The research suggests that addressing alcohol use and disorders in this population is crucial for preventing the spread of HIV.
A comprehensive study found that women who underwent tubal sterilization have no greater risk of menstrual abnormalities than those who did not. However, the study also reported a secondary finding of reduced menstrual pain and bleeding among sterilized women, which may be due to chance or unknown factors.
Short-term travelers to high-risk areas are at risk of getting typhoid fever, particularly those visiting India and Pakistan. The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers who have prolonged exposure to contaminated food and drink.
The US is facing a shortage of antiparasitic drugs due to low market demand, making treatment options scarce for diseases like schistosomiasis and liver fluke infections. The CDC has stepped in to distribute remaining stocks, but more support is needed to ensure availability.
A study found that at least 25% of Eco-Challenge participants developed leptospirosis after returning home. The CDC reports that swimming in the river was the only independently significant risk factor for infection. Travelers should investigate location risks to minimize infectious disease exposure.
The UCSF Vietnamese Community Health Promotion Project has received a $3.6 million CDC grant to improve breast and cervical cancer screening among Vietnamese women in Santa Clara County. The project aims to address the high rate of cervical cancer in this population, which is five times that of Caucasian women.
Uninsured adults are more likely to report poor health status, delay seeking medical care, and forgo necessary care due to cost. Long-term uninsured adults also experience increased risk of death, particularly when hospitalized or diagnosed with serious symptoms.
The Biomedical Security Institute will provide a nationwide preparedness, detection and response capability network for rapid response to acts of bioterrorism. It will also monitor naturally occurring biological catastrophes and develop laboratory and information technologies to address bioterrorism issues.
Dartmouth Medical School's Interactive Media Laboratory has been designated a national Center for Public Health Preparedness, focusing on applied communications technology and E-learning. The center aims to enhance public health readiness by developing cutting-edge interactive education and training programs.
A study found that controlling for education, occupation, and other factors did not substantially alter the death rate associated with tobacco smoking. The researchers' analysis used data from a large prospective cohort study and estimated 396,741 deaths attributable to smoking annually in the US.
The UK Chandler Medical Center will conduct research on cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers in central Appalachia through prevention and early detection efforts. The center aims to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
A study by the CDC found that increasing smoking cessation therapy availability boosts assisted quit attempts and doubles success rates. The majority of smokers attempt to quit without treatment, resulting in low abstinence rates, but pharmacologic methods like nicotine patches and gum can significantly increase chances for success.
A two-decade study found that people with high levels of depression are at a 73% increased risk of developing stroke, while those with moderate levels have a 25% increased risk. The association varied by race and gender, with higher risks observed in African Americans.
A substantial reduction in stroke risk is associated with increasing physical activity levels, including walking, according to a study of female nurses. Walking was found to be inversely associated with total stroke risk, even at a brisk or striding pace, and its benefits were comparable to those of vigorous physical activity.
A Saint Louis University School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development study will focus on the effectiveness of diluted doses of Dryvax, a smallpox vaccine. The goal is to increase the available stock by up to 100 fold, which could improve the nation's ability to protect citizens in the event of a bioterrorism attack.
A new study published in Critical Care Medicine found that immune-enhancing therapy significantly reduces infection rates and shortens hospitalization length by nearly three days. The therapy was most beneficial for surgical patients, with no adverse effects observed.
A large-scale study found that chewing tobacco users are more likely to develop dental caries, especially on the root surfaces of their teeth. The researchers suggest that high sugar content in chewing tobacco and its use pattern may contribute to tooth decay.
A five-year plan aims for 95% vaccination coverage across countries, with $8 million allocated to strengthen surveillance, improve communications, and evaluate activities. Countries at risk have been targeted for special efforts to prevent outbreaks.
African American and Mexican American adults have lower serum and red cell folates compared to white adults. This disparity underscores the importance of improving dietary habits and folate supplements among these populations. Lower folate levels are a risk factor for neural tube defects in offspring and potentially other diseases.
A study of 3000 children aged 5-17 found a clear relationship between abdominal fat and abnormal serum lipids and insulin levels. This suggests that childhood obesity may predict later development of diabetes and heart disease.
A new report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) reveals significant gaps in food safety surveillance. CSPI calls on CDC to publish a comprehensive list of foodborne-illness outbreaks, citing concerns that public health officials are not being informed about outbreak trends in a timely manner. The report finds that ...
A CDC pilot study developed an integer programming model to optimize vaccine selection and procurement, potentially saving millions of dollars in health care costs. The study examined the economic value of combining vaccines and identified opportunities for reducing medical staff time and storage costs.
A DNA vaccine against rabies has shown complete protection in eight vaccinated monkeys, offering new hope for global eradication of the deadly disease. The vaccine also elicited neutralizing antibodies that could potentially protect humans and animals.
Wendy Raymond has received a three-year NIH grant to study cell division regulation in yeast using genetic and molecular approaches. Her research focuses on the role of CDC-14 in exit from mitosis, building on serendipitous findings from her 1997 winter study class.
Dr. Richard Facklam, CDC Lab Chief, receives award for his contributions to clinical microbiology research, focusing on streptococci identification and pneumococcal vaccine development. He has also worked on antimicrobial resistance studies in developing countries.
Using advanced molecular methods, researchers at Harvard Medical School are identifying mysterious bacterial species that may be the cause of dental root caries and periodontitis. The team is also working on an integrated system for bacterial identification that can be used in various applications.
Chlamydial infection is a leading sexually transmitted disease in the US, causing infertility and severe complications. Age-based screening has been shown to be cost-effective in identifying infected women without symptoms, preventing sequelae and saving lives.
A two-month course of therapy is an effective alternative to the year-long regimen for preventing active tuberculosis in HIV-infected individuals. The study found that fewer deaths occurred among patients in the two-drug arm, with improved treatment compliance compared to the one-drug arm.
Researchers have identified a new tick-borne disease in North Carolina and the Southeast that is distinct from Lyme disease. The disease, caused by an unknown organism, produces symptoms similar to ehrlichiosis but without a telltale rash. Investigation led by Dr. Kathryn Kirkland suggests the infection can be cured with antibiotics.
Researchers argue that CDC's revised guidelines, which favor local decision-making, may not adequately address the environmental threat of lead poisoning in children. They contend that modestly elevated blood lead levels can have irreversible effects on neurocognitive development.
A new influenza virus found in Hong Kong has spread directly from poultry to a boy, bypassing typical human adaptation. The virus, H5 subtype HK97, has not been shown to cause infections in humans before.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a hepatitis infection converts the liver into a 'cancer time bomb' by converting it into billions of cancer-prone cells. The virus makes even apparently healthy cells lose one of two copies of a protective tumor suppressor gene, making them vulnerable to further genetic damage.
According to CDC estimates, millions of US-born girls and women may be at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM/FC) due to their immigrant heritage. The practice is concentrated in certain states and metropolitan areas with large populations of immigrants from FGM/FC-practicing countries.
The North Carolina Statewide Infection Control Program has prepared guidelines to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections, specifically MRSA and VRE. The guidelines offer practices designed to reduce transmission between patients in various healthcare settings.
Researchers from Emory University and CDC report high rates of microbial resistance to antibiotics in intensive care unit (ICU) hospital settings. The study found that pathogens isolated from ICUs were most resistant to treatment, while those from outpatients were least resistant.
The American Heart Association President states that the age-adjusted death rate from CHD has slowed, with an average annual decline of 2.6 percent, compared to 3 percent in the 1980s. The organization attributes this slowdown to increased prevalence of CHD and risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.