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A biomarker to predict osteoarthritis

Researchers found a significant link between elevated hyaluronic acid levels and severity of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and hips. The study, involving 753 participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds, suggests that hyaluronic acid measurements may be useful for assessing overall OA load.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 7, 2005

Socio-economic factors sway African-Americans

African-Americans report lower annual quit rates compared to Whites, with cultural norms and parental prohibitions playing a significant role in curbing smoking tendencies. Community-based initiatives can be more effective than cessation programs in reducing smoking rates among African-Americans.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 1, 2004

Military hazards are greater for Native Americans, according to sociological research

A new study by researchers finds that Native American lands are disproportionately located near extremely dangerous military sites contaminated with unexploded ordnance. The research, published in the American Sociological Review, examines the role of militarism in environmental inequalities affecting Native Americans.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 27, 2004

Racial differences, poverty linked to mammography use

A new study found that racial differences and poverty significantly impact mammography use among poor, rural women over 40. Native American and African American women had lower knowledge of breast cancer screening procedures compared to white women. The study sheds light on the need for targeted interventions to improve cancer screenin...

SourceOhio State University·JournalCancer·DateOct 25, 2004

Whites more likely to misidentify tools as guns when linked to black faces

Researchers at Ohio State University conducted experiments showing that white Americans are more likely to misidentify tools as guns when shown a picture of an African American before seeing the tool or gun. In contrast, they were less likely to make this mistake when shown a picture of a white person. The study suggests that unconscio...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateOct 18, 2004

Racial segregation in daily flux in Los Angeles

A Dartmouth College study found that groups are less segregated at work than at home in greater Los Angeles, with interracial contact increasing during the workday. Notably, African Americans remain highly segregated both at work and home, while immigrants from Mexico and whites disperse more during the day.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnnals of the Association of American Geographers·DateSep 14, 2004

Eliminating disparities in children's health care will require broad quality improvement effort

Eliminating disparities in children's healthcare will require a broad quality improvement effort involving federal oversight, increasing public insurance coverage, data collection, and workforce diversity. Key areas of focus include improving care for children in public programs, community health centers, and private physicians' practi...

SourceCommonwealth Fund·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 14, 2004

Racial variations in nursing home resident vision loss

A study examining racial variations in nursing home resident vision loss found cataract was the leading cause of low vision for both African American and white residents, with higher prevalence among African Americans. The study highlights the need for intervention programs aimed at providing surgical services to this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJul 12, 2004

Stroke and sensory rehabilitation research

Researchers investigate auditory brainstem responses for early detection of ototoxic hearing loss, as well as sensory rehabilitation methods such as obstacle avoidance training, blind rehabilitation, and constraint-induced therapy. These studies aim to minimize or prevent debilitating hearing loss and improve mobility function in indiv...

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJul 8, 2004

ESA awarded new SEEDS grant

The Ecological Society of America has awarded a new SEEDS grant to increase diversity in ecology. The program will expand existing activities, including undergraduate research fellowships and field trips, to reach more students from African American, Latino, and Native American communities.

Parental supervision may reduce the risk for certain sexually transmitted diseases in adolescents

A recent study found that high levels of perceived parental supervision were linked with reduced gonorrhea and chlamydia infections in African American female adolescents. The study, which recruited 158 adolescent females aged 14-19 years, discovered a correlation between high parental supervision and lower incidence rates of these STDs.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 5, 2004

Some adolescents do not get enough vitamin D

A study of 307 healthy adolescents found that 24.1% were vitamin D deficient, with African Americans and winter seasons having the highest prevalence. Season, ethnicity, diet, BMI, and physical activity were also significant predictors of vitamin D insufficiency.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 7, 2004

Prevalence of HIV among childbearing women has declined in New York

Between 1988 and 2000, New York State's HIV prevalence among childbearing women decreased steadily, with a 49% decrease in NYC and a 24% decline statewide. This decline was largely attributed to the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy and targeted efforts aimed at minority populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004