Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
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 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.
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 ...
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 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.
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.
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.
A new study found that treating entire communities with oral antibiotic azithromycin effectively controls an infection causing widespread eye disease. The treatment reduces the number of infections by up to 90% compared to topical therapy, offering a promising solution for controlling trachoma in endemic areas.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are exploring the role of aspirin and similar drugs in preventing colon cancer. They will study the mechanism of COX2 inhibition and its potential as a therapeutic target for colon cancer prevention.
Phobic disorder significantly affects individuals with chronic diseases, hindering ongoing medical care. A study reveals that nearly half of those without regular medical care have active psychiatric disorders.
The American Heart Association honored three volunteers, Coletta Barrett, Philip Greenland, and Rose Marie Robertson, with national awards for their significant contributions to advancing the association's objectives. Barrett was recognized for her passion and enthusiasm for American Heart Association programs, while Greenland was prai...
The World Health Organization reports that six infectious diseases - AIDS, malaria, TB, measles, diarrhoeal diseases, and acute respiratory infections - are responsible for over 11 million deaths in 1998. The WHO is calling on governments to take action against these diseases before it's too late.
Scientists have developed a non-invasive method to study the smallest components of living organisms using a nuclear magnetic resonance microscope. This technique enables real-time monitoring of cellular changes in response to environmental exposure, which will help researchers understand disease mechanisms and predict treatment outcomes.
The convention will explore the role of psychologists in preventing teenage aggression and violence, as well as the consequences of internet usage. Experts will also discuss cancer treatment and prevention, including promoting well-being in cancer patients.
Researchers found depressed smokers had lower natural killer cell activity than non-smokers, while moderate smoking contributed to increased white blood cell counts and reduced NK activity. The study suggests that even moderate cigarette smoking can impact the immune system adversely.
A new study published in Health Education & Behavior found that children benefit most from sun safety interventions due to high lifetime exposure during childhood. Parents' sun safety habits strongly influence their children's behaviors, while recreation programs' policies are not significantly associated with parents' practices.
The NHLBI Director notes a decline in hypertension levels from the 1950s to the 1980s, but reports that recent data show a slowdown in blood pressure control rates and a slight increase in stroke rates. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent and treat hypertension.
The Pan American Health Organization will launch a collaborative effort to eradicate measles from the Americas, building on progress made since 1994. The region has seen significant reductions in measles cases, but efforts must be redoubled to prevent importations and improve surveillance.
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.
Research from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found a significant association between periodontal disease and insulin resistance in non-diabetics. The study also showed that individuals with severe gum detachment had a higher risk of developing chronic lung diseases.
Healthcare professionals who received the flu vaccine lost significantly fewer days of work due to illness compared to those who did not receive the vaccine. The vaccine also reduced the rate of influenza type A and B infections among vaccinated individuals.
Researchers found that dominant men and women exhibit high cardiovascular reactivity when interacting with others, responding to gender norms. In mixed-gender situations, dominant women deactive their traits, while dominant men respond to male gender role norms.
A study of 203 children with medulloblastoma found that a tried-and-true chemotherapy protocol provides better results than a newer method, while the quality of neurosurgery also affects long-term survival rates. The ability to remove nearly all of the tumor is critical for improved outcomes.
A large clinical trial in Uganda found that despite reductions in STDs, HIV incidence was not reduced by mass treatment. The study suggests that STDs increase the risk of HIV infections at an individual level.
A study by Emory University infectious disease specialists found that most inner-city HIV patients hospitalized for HIV or AIDS had not received outpatient care or HAART therapy in six months prior. Despite the effectiveness of combination drug therapy, patients often fail to take advantage of available resources.
Dr. Gerardo Vasta will discuss diseases in the ocean, including parasitic diseases affecting shellfish and fish species, which can harm human health and the environment. He will also highlight the importance of developing accurate probes for detection and monitoring of pathogens.
A new report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) reveals significant gaps in food safety surveillance. CSPI calls on CDC to publish a comprehensive list of foodborne-illness outbreaks, citing concerns that public health officials are not being informed about outbreak trends in a timely manner. The report finds that ...
People with diabetes are at increased risk of getting periodontal disease, which can lead to problems with blood sugar control and complications like vision problems and cardiovascular disease. Clinical studies show that people with severe periodontal disease are six times more likely to have poor glycemic control.
Researchers have developed a device that allows paralyzed patients to write sentences on a computer screen using their brain waves. The system uses slow cortical potentials, which are recorded more reliably than other components, and enables patients to control a cursor and select characters from a panel.
A tracking and outreach program in Rochester increased child immunization rates by 20% for children living in the poorest inner-city neighborhoods. The program successfully brought these children into the healthcare system, addressing barriers such as lack of transportation, education, and financial struggles.
A UCSF study found that 11.7% of medical students sustained possible exposure to blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis through accidental needlesticks, highlighting the need for greater supervision and training programs.
A new study from Northwestern University found that Evista (raloxifene) significantly reduces the risk of invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women, with a 63% decrease in newly diagnosed cases. The medication has also been shown to lower cholesterol and protect against bone loss and osteoporosis-related fractures.
The new report reveals that drug overdoses and poisonings cause one-third of injury deaths in San Francisco. The city's injury rates are lower than Oakland but higher than Los Angeles and San Jose, while the leading causes of injury death include firearms, falls, and motor vehicle accidents.
Researchers are testing a new painkiller to see if it can delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease. The study, involving 1,300 patients, targets the cycloxygenase-2 enzyme, which is believed to contribute to the development of the disease.
The Women's Health Initiative has reached its recruitment goal for a 15-year study examining the causes of death, disability and frailty in post-menopausal women. The clinical trial involves 68,000 women studying estrogen and progestin effects on heart disease and breast cancer.
The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women provides women with a personal action plan to reduce major risk factors and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Key statistics reveal that many women are at risk due to smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity, highlighting the importance of making lifestyle changes.
A new consortium of experts plans to increase the number of physician nutrition specialists on medical school faculties, establish educational standards for post-graduate training, and promote accreditation and monitoring. The goal is to help create a supply of nutrition professionals who can inform medical curricula and patient care.
A Cornell University study found that 40% of world deaths can be attributed to environmental factors. The study highlights the impact of organic and chemical pollutants, climate change, and emerging diseases on human health.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new anti-microbial agent called BCTP that effectively kills the influenza A virus in cell cultures and laboratory mice. The study found that BCTP is non-toxic to skin and mucous membranes, making it a promising alternative to traditional vaccines.
The Seattle Gastrointestinal Program Project will investigate the role of oxidative damage in pancreatitis and chronic ulcerative colitis. Researchers aim to develop screening tests for pancreatic cancer and more sensitive early detection methods for colon cancer.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have found that cyclosporin can prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in rats and mice. This is an inherited form of heart disease affecting one in 500 individuals, characterized by cardiac hypertrophy.
A study of heat stroke patients during the 1995 Chicago heat wave found that nearly half died within a year and many suffered permanent loss of independent function. Most patients developed multi-system organ dysfunction, including neurologic impairment, which persisted long after discharge.
Researchers have found that acyclovir significantly reduces the number of recurrences of ocular herpes disease, a condition affecting 400,000 Americans each year. The study identified patients who would benefit most from long-term acyclovir treatment and showed the drug has few side effects.
A clinical trial in Uganda found that controlling sexually transmitted diseases did not lower HIV infection rates, contradicting earlier studies. Despite significant reductions in STDs, particularly among pregnant women, the study showed no effect on HIV incidence.
Scientists have discovered that the corkscrew-shaped bacterium causing relapsing fever changes its surface proteins when moving from a tick to a mammal or vice versa. This finding could lead to an improved blood test for diagnosing the illness, distinguishing it from Lyme disease in endemic regions.
A new Alzheimer's disease treatment, metrifonate, has been shown to improve behavioral disturbances and mental performance in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia. The study found that metrifonate slowed the mental decline associated with Alzheimer's disease over a six-month period.
Dr. Richard Facklam, CDC Lab Chief, receives award for his contributions to clinical microbiology research, focusing on streptococci identification and pneumococcal vaccine development. He has also worked on antimicrobial resistance studies in developing countries.
Researchers have gained insight into the mechanisms of cell migration by altering a calcium-regulated traffic signal that dictates how cells stick to their environment. This discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer invasion and metastasis, as well as inflammatory problems like arthritis.
A new study from Cornell University and the National Center for Health Statistics found that 4% of Americans experience food insufficiency, including 6% of children and 14% of low-income populations. Many individuals without health insurance are forced to choose between paying for healthcare and feeding their families.
Chlamydial infection is a leading sexually transmitted disease in the US, causing infertility and severe complications. Age-based screening has been shown to be cost-effective in identifying infected women without symptoms, preventing sequelae and saving lives.