Articles tagged with Disease Control
The Mayo Clinic report concludes that the available data are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the use of soy isoflavones as an alternative to estrogen for hormone replacement in postmenopausal women. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to address the potential benefits and risks of isoflavone use.
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.
A new study finds that black men are 33% more likely to develop hip osteoarthritis than white men, while black women are twice as likely to develop the condition. Weight disparities account for comparable differences in women.
The American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene has warned of an emerging dengue fever crisis in South Texas. The region's high population density and abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are fueling increased disease transmission, with risks including epidemic dengue hemorrhagic fever and death.
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.
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Duke University football players transmitted a Norwalk-like virus to their Florida State University opponents after eating contaminated food. The transmission was attributed to people touching each other's hands, uniforms, and possibly the football itself.
A study of over 220,000 adults found that nearly two-thirds of long-term uninsured adults go without medical care due to cost, particularly those in poor or fair health. This poses a significant public health risk, as these individuals are more likely to experience complications and early death if they do not receive necessary medical ...
The Emory-led research group aims to use naturally occurring sphingolipids to develop more effective compounds for cancer prevention and treatment. Sphingolipids have shown promise in controlling certain types of cancer, and the grant will focus on developing these compounds into new anti-cancer treatments.
A new program, 'Health Works After the Flood,' aims to address post-flood stress and potential domestic violence among blue-collar working women. The initiative builds on a previous project and will provide training and support to local communities to minimize domestic violence at home and in the workplace.
A University of Michigan professor suggests that flu vaccines should be administered when available to prevent lost work days and reduce physician visits, even if not cost-effective for working adults. The vaccine may have a greater impact on the elderly, who are more prone to complications.
A study of 3,500 STD clinic visitors found that counseling helped replace misconceptions with effective strategies for STD protection. Over 15 million new cases of STDs occur annually, and common misconceptions include douching, urinating after sex, and washing genitals after sex.
The year 2000 marks a significant turning point in cancer research, driven by advances in genetic knowledge and increased international cooperation. This collaboration enables large-scale trials to be conducted more quickly, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment.
A controlled trial found that anti-smoking TV advertising can help smokers quit, with over 50% of participants reducing their smoking habits. The campaign led to a fall in smoking prevalence of more than 1% in targeted regions.
Researchers present innovative solutions for weight management, metal protection, and pharmaceutical advancements. A dietary supplement may help control weight, fat, and diabetes, while a new coating extends the life of metals tenfold. Additionally, a gentler form of aspirin is developed using polymers.
A research team at Johns Hopkins University has designed four different versions of vitamin D and tested them on mice, showing that one candidate can reduce tumor incidence by 28% and number of tumors by 63%. The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of a chemically modified version of vitamin D in preventing cancer.
The new book, edited by Howard Libman and Harvey J. Makadon, offers high-quality primary medical care to HIV-infected patients. With contributions from 23 AIDS experts, the book covers pathogenesis, antiretroviral therapy, and infection control.
A study analyzing perinatal records found that 33.1% of pregnant women in Nova Scotia smoked before their pregnancy, with 69.9% continuing to smoke throughout. An accompanying commentary provides guidance for physicians to increase smoking cessation rates among pregnant women.
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 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly 90% of high-risk patients received antibiotic instructions, while only 60% of moderate-risk patients did. The study also revealed that 25% of low-risk patients incorrectly received antibiotics and 13% chose not to take them.
A study found that inner-city physicians provide fewer cancer screenings and preventive services compared to higher-income communities. The researchers identified four main barriers: lack of training, time constraints, office support, and insurance reimbursement issues.
A recent study involving nearly 3,700 Gulf War-era veterans from Iowa found evidence of multiple symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and headaches, but no definitive 'Gulf War syndrome'. The researchers suggest that these health problems may be due to common medical conditions rather than a unique disorder.
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.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine implemented an STD study program that set up booths in community gathering places to offer urine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The program identified 24 people with the diseases, most of whom were unaware they were infected, and successfully treated 90% of them.
A landmark survey reveals that 57% of Canadians with asthma do not have their illness adequately controlled. Many patients and physicians underestimate the severity of asthma, leading to poor control of symptoms.
A study found that 64% of alcohol-related child passenger deaths involve a child riding with the drinking driver, emphasizing the need for deterrents such as lower legal blood alcohol limits and child endangerment laws.
Researchers found that a 200 milligram-per-day dose of the narcolepsy drug modafinil successfully controlled fatigue in patients with MS, a disease that attacks the nervous system. The study involved 72 patients with severe fatigue and MS, who reported significantly less fatigue when taking the 200 mg dose compared to the placebo.
New York State-based study finds that removing financial barriers through vaccine-financing reforms reduces scattered care and underimmunization among disadvantaged children. The reforms appear effective in keeping children in their primary care medical homes.
A major study on colon cancer prevention found no link between dietary changes and reduced polyp recurrence. Despite initial hopes, researchers now recommend regular screening and colonoscopies for those with existing polyps.
Emory University researchers suggest that glutathione could be used as a flu preventive by exposing it directly to the tissues lining the mouth and upper airway. Studies have shown that glutathione reduces cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen, but its effectiveness in preventing disease has been unclear.
A study by Penn State researcher Dr. S. E. Specter found that young men who ate mashed potatoes prepared with heart-healthy mono unsaturated oil stayed satiated longer than those who ate the same lunch with rice or polyunsaturated oil.
Researchers developed an intensive treatment combining radiation and chemotherapy to control locally advanced head and neck cancer, achieving complete local control for 92% of patients. The therapy increased long-term survival to 55%, with most side effects resolving after treatment.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that patients with CMV disease used significantly more resources and had higher charges than those without infection. Preventive treatment of CMV in high-risk patients can significantly reduce these costs.
A new meta-analysis of 24 studies found that allergy shots can effectively treat allergic asthma in both adults and children, reducing symptoms and improving lung function. The research suggests that up to half of all adult asthmatics and an even greater proportion of children may benefit from immunotherapy.
A new study suggests that human aging and its associated diseases can be traced to gradual increases in cell division errors in tissues throughout the body. Altered gene expression results in cells with diminished function, leading to aging.
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 recent NICHD study found that antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis was ineffective in preventing premature birth. The study, which treated over 1,900 pregnant women, showed no significant reduction in preterm births among those receiving metronidazole treatment.
Researchers have identified three key brain areas - superior frontal, inferior parietal and superior temporal cortex - that show activity during attentional tasks. This mapping represents a crucial step towards understanding the detailed topography and function of these regions.
The Tuberculosis Research Unit at CWRU will work with seven basic science sites and three clinical sites to evaluate new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests. The unit aims to alleviate the burden of TB, which affects 1.7 billion people worldwide.
A global alliance for cancer research has been formed to accelerate progress against the disease, with six priorities including creation of national registries, increased funding for research, and international clinical trials. The Alliance aims to unite scientists, governments, and corporations in a coordinated effort to combat cancer.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reported a groundbreaking case of tuberculosis transmission from a cadaver to an embalmer, revealing the first documented instance of such a transmission. The study emphasizes the need for updated guidelines and precautions to prevent similar incidents in funeral homes.
A new report highlights the significant threat of emerging infectious diseases in wildlife to both human health and global biodiversity. The study reveals that many diseases have spread from domestic animals to wildlife populations through various means, including globalization, animal trade, and environmental changes.
A new method for crafting medical implants from an antibacterial polymer could prevent thousands of patients from dying of hospital-acquired infections. The technology slowly releases an antibiotic to keep bacteria from establishing a foothold, making it ideal for catheters and permanent implants.
Researchers found that the heart's fluctuations in beats are strongly correlated with sleep, showing a fractal pattern on both short and long timescales. This suggests a hitherto unsuspected role for sleep in regulating the heartbeat.
A recent study found that poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients are more likely to develop severe periodontal disease, with elevated serum triglycerides contributing to the issue. Reducing cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels through diet and exercise may help improve quality of life and oral health in diabetics.
Researchers found that lower total cholesterol levels require only dietary changes, while higher levels necessitate medication. The combined strategies are effective in reducing cholesterol across all surveyed individuals, regardless of their initial cholesterol levels.
Researchers will study the psychological impact of diagnosis on self-esteem and relationships. The study aims to understand how people cope with the news and develop prevention strategies.
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 clinical trial found that premenopausal women taking fenretinide had a lower risk of developing another breast cancer, while postmenopausal women showed no significant benefit. The study also detected a reduced risk of ovarian cancer in younger women treated with fenretinide.
A recent study reveals that long-term nerve damage in diabetic rats can be reversed by treatment with an insulin-like protein. The protein may prevent or alleviate certain nerve complications associated with diabetes, such as irregular blood pressure control and digestive issues. Researchers are hopeful about the potential therapeutic ...
A recent study found that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) can reverse nerve damage in diabetic rats, with 80% fewer swollen nerve endings observed. The protein may compensate for the loss of a healthy factor or be a nourishing agent itself.
The report highlights the rapid spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) to Western Europe and North America, reaching unprecedented levels in over 100 countries. Immediate implementation of the World Health Organization's DOTS program and new resources are urgently needed to combat the growing epidemic.
The Yale Cancer Center will conduct a clinical trial of a new compound, indole 3 carbinol, to suppress HPV infections and prevent cervical cancer. A $1.3 million grant from the NCI will fund the study in 200 participants with chronic HPV infections.
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.
Researchers will compare surgical and nonsurgical treatments for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis in a 5-year study. The study aims to determine the relative effectiveness of these treatment approaches in improving health-related quality of life and reducing resource use.
A recent study found that only 11% of young adults use condoms solely for AIDS prevention, while 41% use them exclusively for pregnancy prevention. The majority (48%) use condoms for both purposes, indicating a pragmatic approach to risk reduction.
A study of 232 rheumatology patients found nearly half used alternative treatments and discussed them with physicians, highlighting the need for physician inquiry. Additionally, a single dose of azithromycin prevents syphilis in exposed individuals, while flu vaccinations benefit HIV-infected patients.
Sulindac has been shown to cause the regression of benign colon polyps, helping prevent colon cancer development. The drug inhibits cancer cell growth by promoting programmed cell death and preventing NF-kB activation.
Researchers have developed seven nonlinear control laws for multi-axis control of high-performance aircraft, which could potentially save battle-damaged planes from combat. These approaches have shown spectacular results on simplified models but display pathological responses on higher fidelity simulation models.
Researchers at Denver's Eleanor Roosevelt Institute have identified a gene linked to obesity in mice, which also plays a role in humans. The study suggests that targeting this gene could lead to effective weight control and potentially even help with diseases like Down syndrome and epilepsy.