Researchers found that mercury levels were not consistently associated with adverse performance on a broad range of tests, except for improved performance on motor speed and eye-hand coordination tests. The study suggests that the aging population may be more sensitive to toxic chemicals.
Pneumonia, diarrhea, and undernutrition are major contributors to child deaths worldwide. The new estimates also show that nearly half of all child deaths occur within the first 28 days of life, primarily due to preterm delivery, sepsis, or pneumonia.
A study of 611 low-income women found that abuse and recent HIV diagnosis significantly increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, depression, and anxiety. Healthcare providers should routinely screen for mental health issues in these vulnerable populations.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that larger waist sizes and higher body fat are strongly associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adult men. The researchers recommend measuring waist circumference instead of waist-to-hip ratio to assess health risk.
Conventional poultry producers like Tyson and Perdue have higher rates of fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter contamination than completely antibiotic-free brands like Eberly and Bell & Evans. The study's findings suggest a long-term threat to public health from using antibiotics in poultry production.
A study by Johns Hopkins found that higher specialist-to-population ratios do not decrease mortality rates and can lead to more unnecessary tests and procedures. The researchers suggest finding better ways for primary-care and specialist physicians to work together to improve health services.
A study examining Thailand's 'war on drugs' found that rural communities had a greater impact than urban centers, with 78% of rural users quitting injecting drugs. Despite the strictness of the policy, 85% of participants believed it was 'good', possibly due to its deterrent effect on others.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Norovirus causes 65% of traveler's diarrhea in US visitors to Mexico and Guatemala. The researchers also discovered a higher rate of dual infections with E. coli, suggesting that these co-infections may be more common than previously thought.
A study of 294 injection drug users found that those who had injected for over two years were two and a half times more likely to access syringes from safe sources. Safe injection and disposal practices were not associated with HIV, hepatitis C, or syringe sharing.
Researchers found that current drinking increased the risk of fatal injuries by 2-3 times compared to non-drinkers, with a notable increase in drowning deaths. The study also highlights gender differences in alcohol-related risks, with female drinkers facing higher mortality rates for suicide and homicide.
State policies on cigarette taxes, tobacco vending machine restrictions and family planning clinics significantly reduced teen smoking and drinking rates. The study found that higher taxes and stricter vending laws lowered teen smoking by 1.9% and underage drinking by 1.9%. Family planning clinics also led to a 1.3% reduction in unsafe...
A study found that living in socially deprived areas increases psychological distress, leading to higher rates of depression and injection drug use. Needle exchange programs and employment assistance can improve neighborhood quality and reduce stressors.
A nationwide assessment of triclocarban contamination reveals the compound is present in 60% of US water resources, making it the fifth most frequent contaminant. Triclocarban concentrations are found to be much higher than previously thought, with some samples containing up to 6.75 micrograms per liter.
A new study analyzed surveys from 2,515 asthmatic patients to identify reliable quality indicators for physician profiling. The researchers found that having a sufficient number of patients and using clear-cut indicators like asthma self-management knowledge and use of inhaled steroids can help determine the best doctor for patients.
A 10-year study of 1,298,385 Koreans found that high sugar levels were associated with higher death rates from all cancers combined. The strongest associations were for pancreatic cancer in men and liver and cervix cancers in women.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found a significant association between passive smoking and an increased risk of developing cervical neoplasia. Women who lived with smokers had a 40% or greater risk of developing cervical neoplasia, highlighting the importance of reducing secondhand smoke exposure to prevent cervical cancer.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that doctors talk more to white patients than black patients during medical visits, leading to less engagement and participation. This difference in communication style contributes to health disparities among African-American patients.
Dr. Alfred Sommer receives the prestigious Pollin Prize for his groundbreaking research on vitamin A supplementation, saving millions of children's lives worldwide. Dr. Parul Christian is awarded a $100,000 fellowship stipend to continue her work on maternal nutrition and infant mortality in developing countries.
A study found that only 9% of adults with moderately decreased kidney function reported being told they had weakened or failing kidneys, highlighting a need for increased awareness and diagnosis. The researchers suggest that control of diabetes and hypertension are critical in reducing the rate of progression and complications of chron...
A study found that offering free nicotine replacement patches increases short-term quit rates among smokers, attracting more participants to cessation programs. The researchers saw a 37% increase in program involvement and a 27% increase in short-term quit rates after providing the patches.
Researchers developed a probability model to predict how many cases of anthrax could be prevented under varying conditions. The study found that antibiotics distributed within 6 days after exposure and taken for 60 days can prevent up to 70% of anthrax cases.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Enterococcus and staphylococci, were found airborne in concentrated swine operations. The study highlights the importance of environmental pathways in transmitting antibiotic-resistant bacteria from animals to humans.
A study found that air pollution from Canadian forest fires increased eight-fold in Baltimore, with indoor levels reaching as high as 366 ug/m3. The researchers suggest reviewing health advisories to protect vulnerable individuals from transcontinental transport of pollutants.
Researchers found that dermal exposure accounts for a substantial portion of total exposure among pesticide workers, with some workers absorbing more pesticide through the skin than inhaled. The study's results underscore the need for improved methods to assess worker exposure and protect health.
A study of 95 US cities found that ground-level ozone is associated with a 0.52% daily increase in deaths, with an average daily ozone level of 26ppb. A 10ppb reduction in daily ozone could save nearly 4,000 lives.
Researchers discovered a key gene that protects lungs from damage caused by environmental pollutants and chronic exposure. The study found 50 genes regulated by Nrf2, which work together to defend against cigarette smoke-induced emphysema.
A cluster sample survey estimated that 100,000 more Iraqis died than expected after the March 2003 invasion. The majority of deaths were caused by Coalition forces' actions, with 95% attributed to air strikes and artillery.
Mortality rates from injuries increased from 14.3 per 100,000 in 1960 to 42.3 per 100,000 in 1995, with males accounting for 88% of all injury deaths. Intentional injuries, such as stab wounds and homicides, contributed significantly to the rising death toll.
A recent study found that US child health lags behind other industrialized nations in infant mortality rates, immunization rates, and overall well-being. The country's high level of income inequality is cited as a primary factor contributing to these poor rankings.
A new study found that undernutrition significantly contributes to the global malaria burden, particularly in children less than 5 years old. Well-nourished children are better equipped to fight and survive malaria infection.
Researchers have detected high levels of triclocarban in Maryland streams, with concentrations up to 5.6 micrograms per liter. Further studies are needed to understand the impact on aquatic life and potential human exposure.
Researchers found genetic changes in mice fed a low-calorie diet that suppressed diseases and protected against chemical exposure. Compounds mimicking these changes target key receptors, including PPARalpha, with potential for developing life-extending drugs.
State CAP laws associated with an 8.3% reduction in youth suicide rates for 14- to 17-year-olds, particularly those using firearms. The study estimates that over 300 youth suicides were prevented, saving 35 lives in 2001.
Researchers found that countries like Canada, France, and UK offer lower drug prices as a benchmark for the US. Lowering US prices could eliminate the coverage gap, with total spending decreasing by $28 billion, according to models simulated in 2006.
Research by Dr. Riley found that children aged 6-11 can complete age-appropriate health questionnaires and provide reliable information about their health. The Child Health and Illness Profiles assessment tools, including the CHIP-CE, have been shown to predict future healthcare use.
Despite decades-long demands for a prescription drug benefit, lawmakers prioritized hospital services due to ideological conflicts and divided government. The new program faces similar economic and political challenges, with beneficiaries still facing significant out-of-pocket costs.
A study found that 71% of Ugandans were aware of vaccines' preventive function, and 77% were willing to participate in HIV-preventive vaccine trials. However, education on the severity of HIV/AIDS and the importance of vaccines for men is still needed.
A new study reveals that improved nutrition can prevent over half of the world's child deaths every year. Researchers found that even mild undernutrition increases a child's risk of dying from diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, and measles by two-fold. Investing in child nutrition interventions could save millions of young lives.
A study found nicotine in most public places, including schools and government buildings, posing a health risk to nonsmokers. The researchers suggest instituting smoke-free environments and enforcing smoking bans in hospitals to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.
Researchers found that high levels of lead and cadmium in adults were associated with a 2.8 times greater risk of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Smoking was also found to increase the risk of PAD, possibly due to cadmium's damage to blood vessel linings.
Researchers have discovered a new way in which mutated Ras proteins contribute to cancer progression. They found that Ras interacts with an enzyme essential for the synthesis of GPI-anchored proteins, regulating their production on cell surfaces.
A double-blinded trial with 270 children aged 2 months to 23 months found that zinc therapy reduced severe pneumonia symptoms and signs, and overall hospital stay. Zinc also showed promise in reducing antibiotic-resistant infections.
The Mectizan Donation Program has demonstrated significant success in combating river blindness through a public-private partnership between Merck and the World Health Organization. The program has resulted in nearly 50 million treatments approved since its inception, with minimal costs to participating organizations.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the US spends more on healthcare than other developed countries, but its health outcomes are not better. The US excels in breast cancer survival rates and cervical cancer screening, but struggles with asthma mortality rates and smoking.
A study of over 1,900 mothers and their infants found that frequent spanking was a risk factor for behavior problems in white, non-Hispanic children. The researchers suggest that the broader family context surrounding spanking may influence its effects on children.
A recent study found that HIV infection progresses to AIDS at a rate of 7.4 years in developing countries, compared to 11 years in Western developed nations. The study also revealed a higher mortality rate among men living in developing countries.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has been awarded $3.9 million to assess the Afghan health system and develop a new financing system. The evaluation system will measure progress in providing basic health services, particularly for vulnerable populations like women and children.
Researchers found simian foamy virus (SFV) in 1% of Cameroonian villagers, linked to hunting and butchering primates. The study suggests retroviral zoonosis is widespread, highlighting the need for economic alternatives to reduce human-primate contact.
A Baltimore study finds that EPA's ambient model estimates grossly underestimate cancer health risks from indoor air toxins. The researchers used passive air sampling badges to measure personal, outdoor, and indoor concentrations of VOCs, finding a factor of three underestimation of actual risk.
A study found that both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis improved general functioning and well-being, but with different outcomes. Peritoneal dialysis patients showed improvements in finances, while hemodialysis patients had better sleep.