The incidence of invasive cervical cancer has declined dramatically over the past several decades, thanks to increased use of Pap smears and prevention programs. However, disparities persist, particularly among underserved racial and ethnic minorities, rural areas, and low-income women.
A study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found a strong association between sudden cardiac death and a thin placenta at birth, suggesting impaired fetal development of the autonomic nervous system as a contributing factor. The study also found an independent association with poor educational attainment.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and CDC released new tools to track deadly healthcare-associated infections in nursing homes. Updated infection definitions provide uniform criteria for tracking HAIs, including norovirus gastroenteritis and Clostridium difficile infections.
Daily disinfection of high-touch surfaces in isolation rooms significantly reduces pathogens on healthcare personnel's hands, finding a simple yet effective infection control strategy. The study highlights the importance of environmental cleaning in preventing transmission and patient exposure to harmful pathogens.
A recent study found that frequent use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in women. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggests that these pain-relieving medicines may reduce blood flow to the cochlea or deplete factors that protect it from damage.
The university has received nearly $24.5 million in grants, including almost $14 million for the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and its Complications study. The funding will help researchers investigate the long-term effects of glycemia on diabetes complications and improve healthcare quality in targeted communities.
The London 2012 Olympics anti-doping center will be converted into a national phenome center, measuring the chemistry of individuals to better understand disease causes and develop new treatment methods. This project aims to create publicly and privately funded labs combining analytical science, epidemiology, and clinical expertise.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention establishes the association of IL-16 with prostate cancer in men of both African and European descent. Researchers found new polymorphisms in the gene unique to African Americans that confer risk, providing a potential biomarker for prostate cancer.
A new study links nasal irrigation with contaminated tap water to rare disease Naegleria fowleri infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports two fatal cases in Louisiana where the organism was found in home water systems, highlighting the importance of using safely treated water for sinus irrigation.
Mario Santiago has been awarded the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his work on HIV research, particularly in understanding retroviral resistance genes and their mechanisms of action. His research has contributed significantly to the development of new approaches to HIV vaccine development.
William Hanage, a renowned expert in infectious disease epidemiology, has received the 2012 ICAAC Young Investigator Award from the American Society for Microbiology. His research focuses on understanding the factors behind the response of bacterial populations to antimicrobials and vaccines.
Research suggests that a mother's placental blood flow during pregnancy affects her baby's body fatness, with higher liver blood flow associated with greater body fatness. This adaptation may have evolved to prioritize brain growth but instead leads to a predisposition for obesity and diabetes in contemporary societies.
Thomas M. Gill, MD, recipient of the 2012 GSA Joseph T. Freeman Award, is a leading authority on epidemiology and prevention of disability among older persons.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that men who engage in weight training regularly may reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 34%, compared to those who do not. The study also showed that combining weight training with aerobic exercise can further lower the risk, even as high as 59%.
A study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that MRSA cases in academic medical centers in the US more than doubled between 2003 and 2008. The researchers estimated hospitalizations increased from 21 out of every 1,000 patients to 42 out of every 1,000, or nearly 1 in 20 inpatients.
A large international study found that women who give birth at age 30 or older have a reduced risk of endometrial cancer. The risk decreases by approximately 13 percentage points for each five-year delay in last births, with the greatest reduction seen among women who give birth between ages 35 and 39.
A recent study at Moffitt Cancer Center has validated a rare genetic variant associated with an increased risk of glioma, the most common and lethal type of brain tumor. The study found that individuals carrying this variant had a 3.5 times higher risk of developing glioma, but also experienced a 50% reduction in death rates
A study by Mount Sinai researchers found that the timing of ADHD medication impact on children's performance on standardized tests. The findings showed that starting medication within 12 months after fourth-grade test led to a decline of 0.3 percent in math compared to 9.4 percent for those who started treatment later.
A recent Queen's University study found that the cheaper drug for treating wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) has a higher risk of causing eye inflammation and vision loss. The research indicates that patients receiving the cheaper drug had a 12 times higher risk of serious eye issues, emphasizing the need for caution in its use.
University of Minnesota public health researchers found two high-signal genetic markers correlated with coronary artery disease, which may help define genetic fingerprints for increased risk. The study analyzed data from over 75,000 patients and offers biological and clinical data supporting future research into the genetic markers.
A new study found that African American women from low-income backgrounds experience greater weight gain and increased obesity risk due to socioeconomic factors. Women with higher education levels are less likely to become obese, suggesting education as a protective factor against weight gain.
A study found that hospitalization rates for community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) in NYC tripled between 1997 and 2006. The highest rates were seen among men, children, and homeless populations.
A cluster of unusual illnesses at a Colorado children's hospital led to the discovery of contaminated alcohol prep pads with Bacillus cereus bacteria. The investigation resulted in an international recall of the products and highlighted the importance of clear labeling on non-sterile healthcare supplies.
Levine pioneered molecular approaches to develop live oral vaccines, including attenuated Salmonella Typhi and Shigella. He has made significant contributions to vaccine research, including epidemiologic field studies and large-scale controlled trials.
A study analyzing health insurance claims found that patients with surgical site infections after knee or hip replacement had significantly higher rates of rehospitalization and increased healthcare costs. The analysis suggests that preventing further complications could save the US healthcare system up to $65 million annually.
Researchers found that including genetic variants and environmental factors in disease models only increases risk prediction sensitivity by 1-3% for three common diseases. The study suggests that understanding the complexity of genetic and environmental factors will be crucial to improve risk prediction.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Washington University found that folic acid fortification of grain products does not increase childhood cancer rates but may be protective against certain cancers. A notable decrease in Wilms tumor and primitive neuroectodermal tumor was observed following the start of fortification.
A new study published in JAMA found that elderly women with atrial fibrillation are at a higher risk of stroke than men. The study suggests that these women may need more effective stroke prevention therapy, which could be targeted towards female sex as a key risk factor.
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a strong link between healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and patient readmission after an initial hospital stay. Patients with positive clinical cultures for MRSA, VRE or C. difficile were 40% more likely to be readmitted within a year.
Researchers have identified a functional genetic variant responsible for the highest prevalence of blonde hair outside of Europe in the Melanesian population. This finding explains over 45% of the variance in hair color in the Solomon Islands.
New research published in PLOS Medicine reveals a strong link between body mass index (BMI) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) risk. A significant increase in BMI was found to elevate the risk of developing IHD by 50% on average, highlighting the importance of addressing obesity levels in reducing cardiovascular risk.
A Swedish study found that consuming low-fat dairy products reduces the risk of stroke in adults. Low-fat dairy foods are rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, which may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.
A Columbia University study finds pregnant women exposed to high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are more likely to have obese children. Children of mothers with high PAH exposure were nearly twice as likely to be obese at age 5 and 7, with an average weight gain of 2.4 lbs.
An international team of scientists developed a game to train epidemiologists on mathematical models for studying outbreaks. The game, Muizenberg Mathematical Fever, simulates real-life epidemics and demonstrates the importance of collaboration between bio-mathematicians and classical epidemiologists.
A study discovered Bacillus cereus bacteria in a pharmacy robot's washing station, contaminating intravenous drugs. The contamination highlights the need for strengthened cleaning and maintenance procedures to prevent life-threatening infections.
A large multicenter study found that patients with community-onset Clostridium difficile infection have a four times higher risk of colectomy compared to those who developed symptoms in the hospital. Older adults and individuals with severe cases are also at higher risk for CDI-related colectomies.
Researchers created a new game to teach epidemiology concepts and promote collaboration between scientists. The game simulates an epidemic, demonstrating the importance of data collection and collaboration in tracking diseases.
Research from Michigan State University found that autistic children born preterm or post-term have significantly higher screening scores for autism spectrum disorder than those born on time. The study also reveals a link between the length of pregnancy and the severity of autism symptoms.
The incidence of melanoma has escalated, with a dramatic rise in women in their 20s and 30s. Researchers attribute this to increased use of indoor tanning beds and childhood sunburns, leading to higher lifetime risk of melanoma.
Incidence of HPV-associated head and neck cancer increased among middle-aged white men, while Non-Hispanic Blacks experienced a decline. The study suggests incorporating HPV tumor status into treatment decisions to improve prognosis and survival for head and neck cancer patients.
Professor Cyrus Cooper was awarded the IOF Medal of Achievement for advancing knowledge of osteoporosis through original and outstanding scientific contributions. He has led research programs on epidemiology, bone mineral accrual, and preventive strategies against hip fracture.
Soil arsenic levels and cancer rates have been linked by researchers, highlighting the need for recorded monitoring of environmental sources. Ongoing exposure to arsenic in soil is thought to contribute to childhood cancers in the Goldfields region of Victoria.
A new study has found a significant variation in hip fracture risk across the globe, with countries experiencing a 10-fold difference in incidence rates. The study's findings indicate that higher risk countries for both men and women are located in North Western and Central Europe.
The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute will focus on research strategies that address the impact of autism throughout an individual's lifespan, including prevention, intervention, and community approaches. The institute aims to develop effective solutions to reduce morbidity and disability associated with autism.
Infection prevention groups outline steps needed to preserve antibiotics by identifying and addressing resistance issues. The role of infection preventionists and healthcare epidemiologists is crucial in preventing the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms, a major threat to human health.
New research in epigenetics explores the impact of environmental factors on gene expression, shedding light on the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and disease. The study suggests that environmentally induced epigenetic changes may not persist across generations, challenging the idea of an 'epigenetic designer baby'.
Researchers found that overweight and obese adults who used electronic devices with daily feedback messages on diet and exercise had better treatment adherence. After six months, the group with daily feedback messages lost over a 5% more weight compared to those using a paper diary.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between economic conditions and suicide rates in NYC. The monthly suicide rate was 29% higher at the economic low point in 1992 than at the peak in 2000, with white men under 45 being the most affected.
A seven-year antimicrobial stewardship program at a hospital eliminated $3 million from its annual budget for antimicrobials within three years. The program reduced antibiotic spending per-patient day nearly in half without compromising quality of patient care.
Leading infectious diseases experts call for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to preserve antibiotic effectiveness and combat emerging infections. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, IDSA, and PIDS position paper outlines measures to improve antibiotic use and monitor resistance.
A case-control study found that injectable and oral contraceptives are associated with a transiently increased risk of breast and cervical cancer. Extended use, however, is linked to a reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer in black South African women.
A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention suggests that stopping hormone therapy can lead to tumor regression and decline new breast cancer rates. Researchers analyzed data from over 741,000 woman-years, finding no correlation between screening mammography use and former hormone users
Yale University researchers found that the circadian clock regulates a key immune system gene response to bacteria and viruses, suggesting that sleep patterns disruptions contribute to illnesses. The study also suggests that timing of vaccinations may be improved based on jet lag influence on immune system.
Researchers say anti-clotting effect of heparin is well established but its impact on cancer patients remains unclear. The SAVE-ONCO study found semuloparin reduced thromboembolism incidence but had no significant effect on major bleeding and death.
A new study published in CANCER found that many older lung cancer patients receive radiation therapy without extending their lifespan. Researchers analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare registry to determine if additional radiation therapy after surgery improves survival rates.
A recent study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found a joint association between maternal and paternal age and autism risk. Mothers with autistic children were on average 6.5 years older than non-autistic women, while fathers had an average age difference of 5.9 years.
Researchers found high triglyceride levels strongly predict ischemic stroke in postmenopausal women, exceeding the risk associated with cholesterol levels. The study analyzed data from over 900 women who experienced strokes, revealing a nearly two-fold increased risk for those in the highest triglyceride quartile.
A recent study conducted by Mayo Clinic researchers has found that young children who are exposed to anesthesia multiple times before the age of three have a higher risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study, which utilized data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project, found that children with two or ...
A University of Michigan study found that pairing masks and hand washing can reduce flu-like symptoms by up to 75 percent. The research suggests that these measures should be used together for maximum effectiveness in preventing the spread of illness.
Researchers identified a genetic variation in the RBMS3 gene that increases the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients taking bisphosphonates. A genetic screening test could help determine safe treatment options, reducing the need for medication discontinuation or invasive dental procedures.