Framingham Heart Study chief honored at convention Nov 18, 2009
"Over the past 25 years, epidemiological studies directed by Dr. Levy have provided solid scientific evidence of the value of incorporating modern diagnostic, imaging, and biological technologies into population-based research,'' Yancy said in the press release. ``These studies have cut across critical aspects of cardiovascular disease epidemiology and prevention.'' Levy joined the 61-year-old study of Framingham residents after medical training at Boston University and its affiliated hospitals.... (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Mastectomy Not Being Overused For Breast Cancer Treatment, Study Suggests Nov 18, 2009
The study consisted of a survey of women age 20 to 79 years with intraductal or stage I and II breast cancer diagnosed between June 2005 and February 2007 and reported to the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries for the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and Detroit. The final survey sample included 1,984 female patients (502 Latinas, 529 blacks, and 953 non-Hispanic white or other). (Science Daily)
How Ticks Transmit Lyme Disease to Humans: Imaging Technique Leads to Better Understanding Nov 18, 2009
24, 2004) Direct field evidence shows that Lyme disease in humans can be prevented by vaccinating wildlife, researchers in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale School of Medicine report in. (June 8, 2009) Lyme disease is emerging in Canada, and is expected to increase with climate change, but effective, enhanced surveillance and clinician awareness will be key to minimizing the impact of the disease. (Science Daily)
Vaccine supply line opens up Nov 18, 2009
From the epidemiology side of things, we are seeing the ones with underlying health conditions are the ones getting sick and going to the hospital, Dockter said. While the vaccine supply line has opened up, Dockter said the number of people who seek H1N1 immunizations has declined slightly. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Putting Madness in Its Place: Can the Environment Explain Schizophrenia's Hereditary Patterns? Nov 18, 2009
In particular, devotees of might want to cede a little ground to their colleagues in epidemiology, who over the past decade have amassed a provocative, interlocking set of studies implicating urban birthplace and migrant status as persistent risk factors. Researchers believe the potential for schizophrenia starts to emerge during early brain development, beginning in the womb. (Scientific American)
'Blogging Call Girl' Really High Class Scientist Nov 17, 2009
I couldn't even go to my own launch party," she told the paper. According to her interview with the Sunday Times, Magnanti decided to give up her anonymity so she would not have to keep the "" any longer. The interviewer also mentioned "an ex-boyfriend with a big mouth lurking in the background" who might have inspired her to beat others to the punch. But now that she is as famous as Belle du Jour, Magnanti is asking people to keep their distance from her new workplace, the Bristol Initiative... (ABC News)
Medical Workers Balk at Mandatory Flu Vaccines Nov 17, 2009
"They just don't work," said Dr. Neil Fishman, president-elect of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. "The bottom line is vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza.". (MEDLINEplus)
Officials say schools are passing swine flu test Nov 17, 2009
Colleges are hot spots for the spread of the swine flu virus because people under age 25 are particularly susceptible to it, according to testimony Monday from Dr. Allan Ball, director of the public health emergency epidemiology program for the state Department of Health. He spoke at a state Senate hearing on the preparedness of the state's colleges and universities to address the swine flu threat. (Albany Times Union)
Renewed Hope for an AIDS Vaccine Nov 17, 2009
"The science is really moving," says , a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health and who is also president of IAVI. All those confronting the epidemic hope that the momentum leads to a payoff sooner rather than later. . (Scientific American)
Asian infant death rate 'higher' Nov 17, 2009
The report was completed by a US expert and seven others from across the UK, including Dr Parslow, a senior lecturer in the Department of Paediatric Epidemiology at the University of Leeds. He said: "We don't know why this is. "It is possible that there are underlying conditions in the Asian population that are more prevalent. (BBC News -- South Asia)
Phthalate Exposure Linked to Less-Masculine Play by Boys Nov 17, 2009
D., professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, director of the URMC Center for Reproductive Epidemiology, and an expert in phthalates. "Our results need to be confirmed, but are intriguing on several fronts," Swan said. (Science Daily)
WHITTAKER: Church tradition yields to H1N1 Nov 16, 2009
Some parishioners, I am sure, thought that my graduate school studies in the history of medicine, and particularly epidemiology, had led me to over-react to the flu threat. It is hard to gauge exactly the right response when the course of an epidemic cannot be predicted and I would rather err on the side of caution. (Holliston Tab, MA)
Prevention Experts Urge Modification to 2009 H1N1 Guidance for Health Care Workers Nov 16, 2009
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) urged the administration to modify the guidance and issue an immediate moratorium on Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) enforcement of the current requirements. Federal PPE guidance and requirements issued recently by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and OSHA include... (Science Daily)
Pilot study relates phthalate exposure to less-masculine play by boys Nov 16, 2009
D., professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, director of the URMC Center for Reproductive Epidemiology, and an expert in phthalates ... D., professor, Department of Environmental Medicine, and Fan Liu, M.S., database manager for the Center for Reproductive Epidemiology. (EurekAlert!)
Climate variability and dengue incidence Nov 16, 2009
CONTACT: John Lavis McMaster University Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics 1200 Main St. West HSC-2D3 Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5 Canada +1 905 525 9140 x22907 +1 905 529 5742 (fax). The unintended consequences of clinical trials regulations Alex McMahon (of the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom) and colleagues critique the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidance on good clinical practice (GCP), arguing that it is having a disastrous effect on non-commercial randomized... (EurekAlert!)
Researchers Mobilizing Global Resources to Test New Treatments for Severe H1N1 Infection Nov 15, 2009
The registry, which has been created out of five existing databases around the world, will enable real-time study of the epidemiology, clinical course, and treatment of severe H1N1 disease. In parallel, the group hopes to develop a "biobank" -- a repository of samples of blood and other material taken from people infected with H1N1 -- which will allow for studies of genetic susceptibility and clinical biology. (Science Daily)
Why SMSing can be a pain Nov 15, 2009
Judith Gold, an assistant professor of Epidemiology at the College of Health Professions and Social Work examined the effect of too much texting on college students. The expert in her preliminary research suggested the more college students texted, the more pain they suffered in their neck and shoulders. (India Times, India)
Texting Can Be a Pain in the Neck Nov 14, 2009
Judith Gold, ScD, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Temple Universitys College of Health Professions and Social Work, presented evidence at this years meeting of the American Public Health Association suggesting that the more college students texted, the more pain they reported in their necks and shoulders. She says in a news release that most people aged 18 to 21 prefer texting rather than email or phone calls, possibly putting the younger generation at increased risk for overuse... (CBS News)
* Global warming aids outbreaks of dengue hemorrhagic fever Nov 14, 2009
The Graduate Institute of Epidemiology at National Taiwan Universitys College of Public Health was commissioned by the National Science Council to carry out the study because of the growing prevalence of dengue fever outbreaks around the world. King Chwan-chuan (K), a professor in the institute, said global warming has allowed tropical diseases, particularly those that are mosquito and water-borne, to spread to temperate zones. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
New national study finds more than half of cheerleading injuries in US due to stunts Nov 14, 2009
With innovative research as its core, CIRP works to continually improve the scientific understanding of the epidemiology, biomechanics, prevention, acute treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. CIRP serves as a pioneer by translating cutting edge injury research into education, policy and advances in clinical care. (EurekAlert!)
Baby Boomers May Prove More Disabled Than Their Elders Nov 14, 2009
The growing levels of disability among people in their 60s "are disturbing," study principal investigator Teresa Seeman, a professor of medicine and epidemiology, said in a news release. "Increases in disability in that group are concerning because it's a big group," she said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Low Birth Weight And Diabetes Have A Common Genetic Background Nov 14, 2009
"Indications of genetic associations are usually only found in very large populations. As we see here, it is important to substantiate these in smaller, but very well-phenotyped study populations. We can thus gain information about the possible mechanism of the original results," emphasized PD Dr. Thomas Illig, head of the Epidemiology -- Biological Samples -- Genomics research unit at Helmholtz Zentrum M. nchen. (Science Daily)
Squashing Malaria: Advances in Research and Prevention [Slide Show] Nov 14, 2009
"There are political situations in the world today where one can't go in and set up a hospital," said Gregory Glass, a professor of epidemiology and of molecular microbiology and immunology at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "Until we can resolve that, we're not going to be facing eradication.". (Scientific American)
Outbreak linked to cases in South Nov 14, 2009
Joel Hersh, the state health department's director of epidemiology, said the confirmed hepatitis A cases do not include any secondary infections, meaning all those infected either ate or worked at Chi-Chi's. Hersh acknowledged, however, that officials had believed there were some secondary cases but have since linked them directly to Chi-Chi's. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Less HRT, Fewer Cases of Possible Breast Cancer Precursor Nov 14, 2009
This is the first time a link has been found between atypical ductal hyperplasia -- abnormal cells in the breast's milk ducts -- and hormone therapy, said Diana Miglioretti, senior author of a paper published in the November issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers ntion ... James Liu, M.D., chairman, department of obstetrics and gynecology, MacDonald Women's Hospital, Case Medical Center, University Hospitals, Cleveland; November 2009, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers ntion. (MEDLINEplus)
Acrylamide Not Tied to Thyroid, Head-Neck Cancers Nov 14, 2009
1 micrograms, respectively, they report in the American Journal of Epidemiology ... SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, October 1, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
People Entering Their 60s May Have More Disabilities Today Than In Prior Generations Nov 14, 2009
If this is true, it's something we need to address," said Teresa Seeman, UCLA professor of medicine and epidemiology and the study's principal investigator. "If this trend continues unchecked, it will put increasing pressure on our society to take care of these disabled individuals. This would just put more of a burden on the health care system to address the higher levels of these problems. (Science Daily)
Nine Alaskans have died from swine flu so far Nov 13, 2009
The men were missed because the state initially only checked on people who had been admitted to a hospital, died there, and clearly had swine flu, said Dr. Louisa Castrodale from the state epidemiology office. Now the state has expanded its reporting net. (Anchorage Daily News)
Trial Data on Anti-Seizure Drug Might Have Been Manipulated Nov 13, 2009
Dickersin, a professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, gained access to internal company documents when she was asked to testify for the plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging that Pfizer and Parke-Davis (now a division of Pfizer as a result of its Warner-Lambert acquisition) illegally tried to market the drug for off-label uses ... D., professor, epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, director, Center for Clinical... (MEDLINEplus)
Study: More disabilities in old age than before Nov 13, 2009
The study is the first to foretell the end of a two-decade trend in which people appeared to be functioning better in old age than those who came before them, said lead author Teresa E. Seeman, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California-Los Angeles ... Obesity affects health in a number of ways, said Ellen L. Idler, a professor of sociology and epidemiology at Emory University and a gerontology expert. (AZCentral -- News)
Harvard nutrition expert offers family physician group no-cost alternative to funding from Coca-Cola Nov 13, 2009
Programs and projects range from the molecular biology of AIDS vaccines to the epidemiology of cancer; from risk analysis to violence prevention; from maternal and children's health to quality of care measurement; from health care management to international health and human rights. For more information on the school visit. (EurekAlert!)
Investigation lets Chi-Chi's staff off hook Nov 13, 2009
The 12 food handlers at Chi-Chi's with confirmed cases of hepatitis A all got sick about the same time as patrons, meaning that they could not have transmitted the virus, said Joel Hersh, director of epidemiology for the state Department of Health. "The food handlers are not implicated at this point," he said. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Unhealthy Habits Alter Thinking, Memory Skills Nov 13, 2009
Over a 17-year period, adult men and women who accumulated the most versus the least number of unhealthy behaviors were nearly three times more likely to show poor thinking skills, and about two times more likely to have declining memory, Sabia and colleagues report in the American Journal of Epidemiology ... SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, August 15, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Pessimists prone poor oral health Nov 13, 2009
The study is published in the journal Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Topics. (India Times, India)
Chemical BPA Linked to Male Sexual Trouble Nov 12, 2009
It is unclear exactly how BPA would cause sexual dysfunction, according to Dr. Michele Marcus, a professor and interim chair in the department of epidemiology and environmental health at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. One possible explanation, she said, is that BPA, a known endocrine disruptor, can mimic estrogen and block some effects of testosterone. (ABC News)
Low cholesterol may prevent some prostate cancers Nov 12, 2009
Both studies were published Tuesday in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. The two studies are not definitive and have some weaknesses. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Outcome Reporting in Industry-Sponsored Trials of Gabapentin for Off-Label Use Nov 12, 2009
From the Center for Clinical Trials, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore (S.S.V., R.W.S., K.D.); and the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco (L.B.). Address reprint requests to Dr. Vedula at 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21205, or at svedula{at}jhsph. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Uneducated more prone to H1N1 Nov 12, 2009
"We looked at CMV because it is an infection that is not cleared from the body but rather persists in a latent state with periodic reactivations in generally healthy individuals," said co-author Allison Aiello, assistant professor of epidemiology at University of Michigan SPH. ... The study appears in an upcoming issue of the journal Epidemiology. (India Times, India)
Dark clouds on a clear day Nov 12, 2009
"I don't think we've really come to terms with the extent to which these global threats become part of young people's personal experience or personal environment and the impact they have," says Richard Eckersley, of the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University. What is clear is a body of research showing that the experience of climate change itself is causing serious mental disorders in children. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
People With Less Education Could Be More Susceptible To The Flu Nov 12, 2009
"We're showing that the ability to keep CMV under control varies by income and education even at much younger ages, and this could have implications for the ability to fight new infections like H1N1 for all ages, not just the elderly," said Dowd, now an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Hunter College. Allison Aiello, assistant professor of epidemiology at University of Michigan SPH, is co-author ... The study, "Socioeconomic Differentials in Immune Response," will appear... (Science Daily)
Drugs To Treat Anemia In Cancer Patients Linked To Thromboembolism Nov 12, 2009
"This research answers important questions about outcomes of ESAs when used in long-term clinical practice with oncology patients," said Dr. Hershman, the Florence Irving Assistant Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Columbia University Medical Center, whose research is dedicated to examining cancer survivorship ... Patients were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database, which at the time contained records of patients diagnosed with cancer in regions... (Science Daily)
New Key To Puzzle Of Hormone Therapy And Breast Cancer Nov 12, 2009
Details of these findings are published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, which is a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research ... "The rate of atypical hyperplasia declined, which we didn't expect to see with the increased use of mammography to identify abnormal lesions," said researcher Karla Kerlikowske, M.D., professor of medicine and epidemiology and biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco. (Science Daily)
Anxious people have poor oral health Nov 11, 2009
These findings were published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Topics. (India Times, India)
Kissing Wayne Newton, Ellen Slezak, Agni Nov 11, 2009
This sister has a graduate degree in epidemiology; she s irreverent, pretty too; she lives with gusto. She has a tremendous appetite, yet she s slender. (Harper's Magazine)
Medical school starts child abuse program in pediatrics dept. Nov 11, 2009
The program will include classes in biostatistics, epidemiology and biomechanics. Fellows will also design a research project and learn about how to interview children. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Pain In The Neck: Too Much Texting Could Lead To Overuse Injuries Nov 11, 2009
Judith Gold, an assistant professor of Epidemiology at the College of Health Professions and Social Work, thinks this might be the case. At this year's annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, she presented preliminary research which suggested that among college students, the more they texted, the more pain they had in their neck and shoulders. (Science Daily)
State wants schools to remain open Nov 11, 2009
Both the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health want to try and keep schools open, said Dr. Larry Madoff; director of the Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at the state health department. He cited the potential disruption to the learning process for the large percentage of kids who are still healthy and to the community as a whole as dual-income families are forced to find child care alternatives. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Retirement Brings Most a Big Health Boost Nov 11, 2009
But of course, added Westerlund, who is head of epidemiology at the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University in Sweden, "not all older workers suffer from poor perceived health. Many are indeed eminently healthy and fit for work. But sooner or later, everyone has to slow down because of old age catching up." ... D., head, epidemiology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Sweden; Gary Kennedy, M.D., director, geriatric psychiatry, Montefiore Medical Center, New York City;... (MEDLINEplus)
Expectant moms, babies subjects of new Singapore study to prevent obesity and diabetes in adults Nov 10, 2009
"Important findings from our study will guide national public policy and improve the health of the population." Associate Professor Saw is also Vice-Dean (Research, Pre-Clinical), NUHS Research Office and Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. EXPLORING ASIAN PHENOTYPE. (EurekAlert!)
The latest on cholesterol-cancer link Nov 10, 2009
In fact, low total cholesterol is associated with about 60 percent less risk of the most aggressive form of prostate cancer, and higher levels of good cholesterol (HDL) may protect against lung, liver, and other cancers, according to two studies published this week in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. That's quite a reversal of fortune for low cholesterol, which has, in the past, been associated with a higher cancer risk. (CNN)
Population movement can be critical factor in dengue's spread Nov 10, 2009
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases () is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal devoted to the pathology, epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and control of the neglected tropical diseases, as well as public policy relevant to this group of diseases. All works published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases are open access, which means that everything is immediately and freely available subject only to the condition that the original authorship and source are properly attributed. (EurekAlert!)
UB School of Public Health accredited Nov 10, 2009
To be accredited, public health schools must offer Master of Public Health degree programs in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences and health services administration and three doctoral programs. UB's three doctoral programs are in biostatistics, epidemiology and community health and health behavior. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Prostate Biopsy Not Always Necessary Nov 10, 2009
"PSA picks up any prostate activity, not just cancer," said Dr. Gary G. Schwartz, an associate professor of cancer biology and epidemiology and prevention at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine who was the lead investigator ... The finding is especially significant for black men, said Dr. Halcyon G. Skinner of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, co-author of the report in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers ntion. (Newsmax)
Pregnant Women Risk Early Delivery From Using Psychiatric Medication Nov 10, 2009
The study's other researchers include Claudia Holzman, professor of epidemiology at Michigan State, and Yan Tian, a data analyst at Michigan State. The findings appear in the September/October issue of Women's Health Issues. (Science Daily)
Weight Training Boosts Breast Cancer Survivors' Body Image And Intimate Relationship Satisfaction Nov 10, 2009
"It looks like weight training is not only safe and may make lymphedema flare ups less frequent, but it also seems help women feel better about their bodies," says senior author Kathryn Schmitz, PhD, MPH, an associate professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a member of Penn's Abramson Cancer Center. "The results suggest that the act of spending time with your body was the thing that was important -- not the physical results of strength.". (Science Daily)
Scientists uncover new key to the puzzle of hormone therapy and breast cancer Nov 9, 2009
Karla Kerlikowske, M.D., is a professor of medicine and epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco ... Details of these findings are published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers ntion, which is a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research ... "The rate of atypical hyperplasia declined, which we didn't expect to see with the increased use of mammography to identify abnormal lesions," said researcher Karla Kerlikowske, M.D., professor of medicine and... (EurekAlert!)
Jeremy Morris, 99; proved exercise is heart-healthy Nov 9, 2009
You can go back to ancient physicians and philosophers like Hippocrates and Siddhartha who said exercise is good for you, but they didn t have any data, Steven N. Blair, a professor of exercise science and epidemiology at the University of South Carolina, said in an interview Thursday. Jerry was the guy who did the systematic research that invented the whole field of physical activity epidemiology. (Boston Globe)
Young tennis players who play only 1 sport are more prone to injuries Nov 9, 2009
Co-authors of the study Jayanthi presented at the World Congress are Amy Luke and Ramon Durazo-Arvizu of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology and medical student Amanda Dechert. . (EurekAlert!)
Holocaust survivors' new risk Nov 8, 2009
"You read this, and you clutch realizing what these people have gone through," said Dr. Michele Forman, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, who reviewed the study. You read this, and you clutch realizing what these people have gone through. (CNN)
Low Cholesterol May Shrink Risk For High-grade Prostate Cancer Nov 7, 2009
Results of the current study are expected to be published online Nov. 3 in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Also in the journal is an accompanying paper from the National Cancer Institute showing that lower cholesterol in men conferred a 15 percent decrease in overall cancer cases. (Science Daily)
A/H1N1 influenza death toll rises over 6,000, says WHO Nov 7, 2009
Unless the epidemiology of the pandemic changes, these will continue to pose no special risks to human health, said the WHO.. Special Report. (Xinhuanet, China)
New finding suggests prostate biopsy is not always necessary Nov 7, 2009
D., M.P.H., an associate professor of cancer biology and epidemiology and prevention at the School of Medicine ... D., M.P.H., of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, appears in the current issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers ntion. (EurekAlert!)
Red, Processed Meats Linked to Prostate Cancer Nov 7, 2009
The findings, reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology, add to a conflicting body of research on meat intake and prostate cancer risk ... SOURCE: American Journal of Epidemiology, November 1, 2009. (MEDLINEplus)
Poll: Many parents, high-priority adults who tried to get H1N1 vaccine unable to get it Nov 7, 2009
Programs and projects range from the molecular biology of AIDS vaccines to the epidemiology of cancer; from risk analysis to violence prevention; from maternal and children's health to quality of care measurement; from health care management to international health and human rights. For more information on the school visit: u. (EurekAlert!)
Respirator or face mask? Best shield still debated Nov 7, 2009
D., a professor of infectious diseases epidemiology and the head of the University of New South Wales School of Public Health and Community Medicine, in Sydney, Australia, says the research team didn't exactly retract the findings ... "The take-home message for me is that, in clinical settings, wearing a mask or an N95 appears to be essentially equivalent," says Mark E. Rupp, M.D., a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and president of the... (CNN -- Health)
