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Issue 25, January 23, 2012

Vol. 4, Issue: 25, 6/25/12

The report consists of four components:

  • Top Ten Articles of the Week
  • CDC-authored publications
  • Key scientific articles in featured topic areas (this week featuring Chronic Diseases and Conditions - Obesity)
  • Public health articles noted in the media

The discovery of a new bacterial species headlines this week's featured articles. I Ezeoke and colleagues describe Nocardia amikacinitolerans sp. nov., a human pathogen resistant to the antibiotic amikacin. Progress on measures to combat emerging infections is showcased in the report by V Barban and collaborators, who report in Virology on the successful elicitation of neutralizing antibodies against a broad range of circulating dengue viruses using a tetravalent dengue vaccine.

Screening and treatment remain core strategies for addressing both established and emerging infectious diseases. A group led by JM Eugene analyzed results of ambulatory medical care surveys and found that testing rates for chlamydia, though higher in community health centers compared to other settings, are not meeting established standards. Using data from a South African HIV treatment center, DA Lewis and others found high prevalence of urethritis/cervicitis pathogens and concluded that screening using affordable diagnostics is needed in this high-risk population. Writing in Hepatology, lead author MM Denniston uses data from NHANES to show that less than half of those infected with hepatitis C virus may be aware of their infection.

A separate NHANES study led by MD Huffman projects current cardiovascular health risk factors forward to 2020 and finds that, although population level "heart health" may increase by 6 percent, American Heart Association targets will not be met if trends continue. Also attempting to look ahead, in an article first authored by D Shenson strategies for reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the provision of recommended preventive screenings and vaccinations are explored.

Implementation of public health prevention strategies often relies on supportive policy and funding. In the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, EK Adams and colleagues document that a $1 increase in cigarette taxes and prices increases prenatal smoking cessation rates by up to 5%, as do comprehensive worksite smoking bans. An examination of the annual CDC HIV testing and prevention budget is the subject of an article by A Lasry published in PLoS One; she and her co-authors conclude that funds should preferentially be allocated to targeted testing, counseling of HIV-positive persons, and interventions for those at high risk.

In a study co-authored by the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, HL Falgreen Eriksen et al find no serious effects on IQ in five-year-old children whose mothers drank low to moderate amounts of alcohol in pregnancy. Two related articles with similar findings are listed in Clips this week. Because no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy has been established and alcohol is known to cause birth defects and developmental disabilities, the authors continue to advise that women should refrain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

John Iskander

Editor, Science Clips

 

  1. Top Ten Articles of the Week


    Selected weekly by a senior CDC scientist from the standard sections listed below.

  2. CDC Authored Publications


    The names of CDC authors are indicated in bold text.
    Articles published in the past 6-8 weeks authored by CDC or ATSDR staff.

  3. Key Scientific Articles in Featured Topic Areas


    Subject matter experts decide what topic to feature, and articles are selected from the last 3 to 6 months of published literature. Key topic coincides monthly with other CDC products (e.g. Vital Signs).

  4. Public Health Articles Noted in the Media


    Articles about important public health topics that have been mentioned in the press.

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CDC Science Clips Production Staff:

  • John Iskander, MD MPH, Editor
  • Rebecca Satterthwaite, MS, Librarian
  • Gail Bang, MLIS, Librarian
  • Deidre Thomas, MLS, Librarian
  • Kathleen Connick, MSLS, Librarian
  • Joseph Dunlap, Web Developer

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DISCLAIMER: Articles listed in the CDC Science Clips are selected by the Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library to provide current awareness of the public health literature. An article's inclusion does not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor does it imply endorsement of the article's methods or findings. CDC and DHHS assume no responsibility for the factual accuracy of the items presented. The selection, omission, or content of items does not imply any endorsement or other position taken by CDC or DHHS. Opinion, findings and conclusions expressed by the original authors of items included in the Clips, or persons quoted therein, are strictly their own and are in no way meant to represent the opinion or views of CDC or DHHS. References to publications, news sources, and non-CDC Websites are provided solely for informational purposes and do not imply endorsement by CDC or DHHS.

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