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Oil mist reduces airborne hazards in concentrated swine feeding operation

A new study finds that oil mist technology can reduce airborne hazards in concentrated swine feeding operations, improving indoor air quality and controlling emissions. The innovation provides a tool for animal producers to comply with regulations and mitigate public health risks associated with confined animal farming.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 28, 2005

Tulane Primate Center thrives and grows

The Tulane Primate Center is expanding its facilities with a new grant, providing state-of-the-art housing and nursery facilities for monkeys. The center will also establish a national nonhuman primate breeding colony resource to meet increasing demand for these animals.

Black women with early stage breast cancer less likely to receive full course of chemotherapy

A Columbia University study reveals that black women with early-stage breast cancer are two times more likely to die within five years after diagnosis compared to white women. The study found that only 68% of black patients completed all prescribed chemotherapy cycles, compared to 76% of white patients.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 12, 2005

Fetal brain imaging

The new imaging technique enables rapid acquisition of three planes, reducing examination time to 12 minutes compared to the standard method. Fetal MRI is being increasingly performed due to its excellent view of brain tissue and lack of radiation, usually done when ultrasound is inconclusive.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 3, 2005

Day care settings are a significant source of indoor allergens

A recent study found that day care centers are a major source of indoor allergens, with detectable levels of various allergens present in every facility. The study also discovered significant differences between carpeted and non-carpeted surfaces, with lower concentrations of allergens on non-carpeted surfaces.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 1, 2005

Diabetes and pizza: Slow and steady insulin delivery wins the race

A new study found that spacing out insulin given by an insulin pump in two doses, one over eight hours, can keep glucose levels more favorable than a single dose or double dose taken over shorter periods. This method showed improved blood glucose control after a pizza meal without causing hypoglycemic events.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 3, 2005

Access to mammography may worsen

A 2001-2002 survey of 45 mammography facilities in three states found that 44% did not have enough radiologists on staff, and 46% reported difficulty maintaining qualified technologists. Scheduling delays for diagnostic and screening mammograms were common, with some facilities reporting waits of up to four weeks.

How safety feels good

Studies found that mice conditioned to associate beeps with safety showed reduced 'freeze' responses and increased exploration, suggesting a neural overlap between safety and danger processing. The researchers suggest that targeting these mechanisms could lead to new treatments for psychiatric disorders involving anxiety and addiction.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateApr 20, 2005

Allocating antiretrovirals

Researchers propose an equitable antiretroviral allocation strategy to ensure fair access to the life-saving drugs. The strategy considers the population's geographic distribution, healthcare facilities, and treatment goals, aiming to maximize epidemic reduction while minimizing disparities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2005

Return of the Staphylococcus aureus 'superbug'

Researchers analyzed 829 S. aureus strains from Rotterdam and found three major and two minor genetic clusters, mirroring UK study results. However, the new study identified hypervirulent clones associated with serious infections in healthy carriers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2004

Pet scans detect brain differences in people at risk for Alzheimer's

Researchers detected distinct brain activation patterns in individuals carrying the APOE-å4 risk factor and found potential evidence of early Alzheimer's changes. The study suggests that these individuals may be compensating for damage by switching to alternate brain networks, providing insights into disease predisposition.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateNov 19, 2004

Old dogs, new tricks?

A new study finds that adult dyslexics can improve their reading skills with a phonological intervention program, revealing potential for late-life literacy gains. The brain scans also showed activity changes in specific regions, including the right hemisphere, as a way to compensate for deficiencies.

Certain components of the brain's 'executive functions' are compromised early in abstinence

Heavy alcohol consumption can compromise multiple domains of executive functioning early in abstinence. This study found significant differences between male veterans with and without a history of heavy drinking on cognitive tests such as abstract reasoning and memory discrimination. Researchers suggest that developing therapies to cap...

Race, regular exams influence elderly vaccination rates

Older black and Hispanic Americans are less likely to receive flu vaccinations due to reduced access to healthcare and poorer general health. Regular exams play a significant role in determining vaccination rates among the elderly population, with white individuals more likely to get vaccinated after receiving medical check-ups.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateJun 30, 2004