A six-year study found that elderly women who lose weight are nearly four times more likely to die than those who maintain their weight. Maintaining average BMI over the study period had the lowest death rate among participants.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that traumatic brain injuries increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease, with a median observed time from injury to onset of 10 years. The study suggests that traumatic brain injury interacts with other factors to hasten the onset of Alzheimer's in susceptible individuals.
A large study by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found no association between vasectomy and increased prostate cancer risk. Additionally, dietary supplementation with vitamins C and E was linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Men who took zinc supplements also saw a significant reduction in risk.
A major study aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease in diabetes will involve 10,000 patients and last for at least nine years. The study aims to determine whether aggressive control of glycemia, high blood pressure, and cholesterol levels can reduce cardiovascular complications in Type 2 diabetes.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveals that low to moderate lead levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of spontaneous abortion. The research, conducted in Mexico City from 1994 to 1996, found that the risk nearly doubles for every five micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that brisk walking can reduce the risk of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks in women by 30-40%. The study analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study, estimating one-third of coronary events among middle-aged women result from physical inactivity.
Researchers found exposure to certain environmental factors that affect the immune system can decrease a person's risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Factors associated with increased risk include a history of splenectomy, gonorrhea, and polio, while decreased risks were linked to allergies, bee stings, and certain medications.
A new study of over 300,000 people found that obesity significantly increases the risk of premature death by 5.9 and 6.4 years for men and women aged 40-50, respectively. Optimal weight remains the same across different age groups, with excess weight artificially adding years to real age.
Vanderbilt's Program in Human Genetics will play a key role in identifying genes involved in common diseases, with initial focus on depression and sepsis. The program will utilize cutting-edge technology to analyze DNA samples and develop targeted treatments.
The Rush University Medical Center has launched a new NIH-funded program to train individuals in the fundamentals of clinical research. The program, which includes courses on biostatistics, epidemiology, and research ethics, aims to prepare individuals for careers in clinical research.
A new study by UCSF researchers found a significant decline in TB rates in San Francisco from 1992 to 1997, attributing it to intensified control measures. The study used molecular epidemiology to track the disease and determine the effect of interventions on transmission rates.
Researchers found that fertilized eggs attach themselves to the womb six to 12 days after ovulation, with implantation occurring on day eight being the most successful. The later the attachment takes place, the more likely a pregnancy will end on its own. Day eight appears to be the optimal time for successful implantation.
A study conducted in India found that pneumococcal serotypes 1, 6, 19, and others were commonly prevalent, with type-1 found in 25% of cases. The researchers also discovered high rates of antibiotic resistance among S. pneumoniae, particularly in urban areas.
Researchers found a significant link between HIV infections and abnormal vaginal bacteria in pregnant women. Four times as many subjects with bacterial vaginosis were HIV-infected compared to those with a normal balance.
A 10-year study found that parenthood led to reduced leisure time physical activities in women, with a greater decrease observed among white women. The study suggests that mothers may need more time to exercise or design programs allowing them to exercise with their children present.
Researchers found that measuring LDLc levels before menopause is a more reliable indicator of heart disease risk than tracking changes after menopause. Effective therapies include diet, exercise, and medication can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes among women.
A University of Pittsburgh team used electron beam computed tomography and carotid ultrasounds to assess heart disease in living people. They found that pre-menopausal risk factors such as smoking and low-density cholesterol strongly predict the development of coronary artery disease after menopause.
Researchers found that a one-nanometer decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size is associated with a significant increase in heart disease risk, ranging from 30 to 230 percent, depending on the population studied. The study analyzed data from three different groups and controlled for various factors.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HbA1 levels predict mortality from coronary artery disease in women with Type 1 diabetes. However, this association was not seen in men with the same condition. The study analyzed data from over 600 subjects and suggests a gender-specific link between hyperglycemia and CAD risk.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) can identify older adults with heart disease who appear healthy through standard non-invasive tests. EBCT measures coronary and aortic calcification, which are known risk factors for coronary events.
A study found that patients who experience strokes during the night wait four to seven hours longer for emergency treatment than those whose strokes occur during the day. This delay is caused by the difficulty in determining the exact time of stroke onset when symptoms are only apparent after waking up.
A new study reveals that a specific gene variant can make African Americans more sensitive to salt, increasing their risk of developing high blood pressure. The researchers found that even small amounts of salt can raise blood pressure in individuals with the gene variant.
A recent study suggests that heart attack severity is decreasing in the US, with possible reasons including increased preventive measures and better treatment for heart attacks. The analysis of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study found a decline in both in-hospital and out-of-hospital coronary heart disease mortality.
A landmark study found that cocaine and tobacco use significantly increased the risk of miscarriage in inner-city pregnant women. The study reported that 24% of the risk for miscarriage could be related to cocaine and tobacco use.
A recent study by Dr. Robert Haley at UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that Gulf War veterans experience significant post-war excesses in hospitalizations and deaths, contrary to earlier government studies. The research is based on the team's findings of neurological damage caused by chemical exposure during the war.
A new international study analyzed fat samples from 642 European women, finding no protective effect of oleic acid on breast cancer risk. Higher weight and family history were strong associations with breast cancer among participants.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that daily physical activities like climbing stairs and walking increased the risk of preterm birth among low-income women. In contrast, moderate exercise was shown to lower the risk of premature delivery by up to 50%.
The American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from March 19-21, 1998, explored innovative approaches to preventing heart disease. The conference highlighted new therapeutic targets, such as lipoprotein (a) and small dense LDL cholesterol, as well as the role of genetics in blood clotti...
Researchers identified 20 modifiable risk factors contributing to mortality in older adults, including smoking, exercise, and chronic disease severity. Improved disease and health factors could lead to longer lifespan for those over 65.
Morbidly obese pregnant women can reduce their risk of developing gestational diabetes by engaging in moderate physical activity, a new study has shown. The study found that the presence or absence of exercise, not its frequency or duration, was the key factor in reducing diabetes risk.
The UB Department of Social and Preventive Medicine has produced significant innovative research in various epidemiological fields. The university's recognition of its contributions to the field highlights the important contribution that their training programs have made to the field of epidemiology and prevention.
A UT Southwestern researcher has re-examined reports of stress in Gulf War veterans, finding minimal support for the theory that symptoms are stress-related. The data suggests a very low prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Gulf War veterans.
A 12-year study found that attending religious services was associated with healthier behaviors, stronger social ties, and improved emotional well-being in elderly individuals. The study revealed that religious attendance acted as a linchpin for overall health practices, friendships, and leisure activities.
Researchers at Emory University's Center for Clinical Evaluation Sciences are developing a model to help health professionals appreciate population-based research and its value in answering questions about patient care. The center is designing an intensive one-week workshop for clinicians, set to launch in Spring 1998.
A major European study found that an antioxidant compound called lycopene in tomato sauce appears to have a protective effect against heart attacks. The study showed men with high lycopene consumption had about half the risk of heart attack compared to those with low lycopene consumption.
A new international study has found a significant association between high levels of trans fatty acids and breast cancer in European women. The research suggests that reducing trans fatty acid consumption through dietary changes may help protect against breast cancer development.
A collaborative study between the US and Russia aims to uncover the causes of Hepatitis C, a prevalent liver disease. The project will collect blood samples and questionnaires from over 4,000 individuals across New Mexico and Chelyabinsk-70, with results expected to shed new light on the virus.
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.
A study led by Dr. Steven Wing found that lung cancer and leukemia rates were significantly higher downwind of the Three Mile Island reactor than upwind, consistent with high radiation exposures. The researchers conclude that radiation from the accident increased cancer in areas affected by radioactive plumes.
A cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that over-the-counter antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI) would not be cost-effective in the long run. The study found that the benefits of reduced symptom days would be offset by an increase in treatment costs and potentially lead to increased antibiotic resistance.