CCBAR
Newsletter
– November,
2012
Editors:
Natalia
Gavrilova
and
Stacy
Tessler
Lindau
CCBAR
News
Natalia Gavrilova participated in the 2012 annual meeting of the
Gerontological Society of America in San Diego, CA. She gave two oral
presentations: “Familial Factors in Longevity: Exploring Complex
Environmental and Genetic Effects” at the "Frailty: From the Cell to
Society" symposium and “Biodemography of Old-Age Mortality in Humans
and Rodents” at the "Biodemography of Aging and Longevity"
symposium. Dr. Eileen Crimmins was awarded a prestigious
Kleemeier Award for her significant contribution to the field of
biodemography. There were several sessions on biological measures in
population-based aging research. Several sessions pointed to lung
function as a powerful predictor of mortality for old adults and
highlighted the value of this measure for population-based biosocial
research on aging.
News
from
the NEJM, Nature Journals, Science, BMJ, PNAS, Lancet and JAMA
An early and enduring advanced technology originating 71,000 years ago in Sou...
by Kyle S. Brown Curtis W. Marean Zenobia Jacobs Benjamin J.
Schoville Simen Oestmo Erich C. Fisher Jocelyn Bernatchez Panagiotis
Karkanas Thalassa Matthews
There is consensus that the modern human lineage appeared in Africa
before 100,000 years ago. But there is debate as to when cultural and
cognitive characteristics typical of modern humans first appeared, and
the role that these had in the expansion of modern humans out of
Africa. Scientists rely on...
A sirtuin link between metabolism and heart disease
by Keith A Webster
The sirtuins (SIRTs) have gained preeminence for their roles in the response to
caloric restriction and the regulation of aging and lifespan. A new study now identifies
gene promoters that bind the transcription factor AP1 as targets for silencing by SIRT6,
providing possible...
Developmental pathways to amygdala-prefrontal function and internalizing symp...
by Cory A Burghy Diane E Stodola Paula L Ruttle Erin K Molloy Jeffrey M
Armstrong Jonathan A Oler Michelle E Fox Andrea S Hayes Ned H Kalin Marilyn
J Essex Richard J Davidson Rasmus M Birn
The authors assessed the contributions of early life stress (ELS) and
childhood cortisol levels to adolescent resting-state functional
connectivity. In females, ELS predicted increased cortisol levels in
childhood, which predicted decreased amygdala-ventromedial prefrontal
cortex (vmPFC) functional ...
Future directions in cancer prevention
by Asad Umar Barbara K. Dunn Peter Greenwald
Prevention of cancer remains the most promising strategy for reducing
both its incidence and the mortality due to this disease. For more than
four decades, findings from epidemiology, basic research and clinical
trials have informed the development of lifestyle and medical
approaches to cancer preve...
Complex disease: Family history versus SNPs for disease predictions
by Hannah Stower
Chuong et al. used a theoretical model to compare the ability of family
history and SNP-based methods to predict the risk of complex disease.
Family-history-based methods were often more effective at predicting
risk for more common heritable diseases, such as coronary artery
disease, whereas
Sex differences in pain and pain inhibition: multiple explanations of a contr...
by Jeffrey S. Mogil
A clear majority of patients with chronic pain are women; however, it
has been surprisingly difficult to determine whether this sex bias
corresponds to actual sex differences in pain sensitivity. A survey of
the currently available epidemiological and laboratory data indicates
that the evidence for
Biomarkers: Predictors of CVD risk in the elderly
by Gregory B. Lim
Increasing numbers of individuals are living into old age (>80 years).
According to Professor Athanase Benetos from the University Hospital of
Nancy, France, in robust old people, high blood pressure (BP) is a
very good predictor of increased [cardiovascular] risk... However, this
approach may not
Risk factors: Long-term effects of air pollution
by Bryony M. Mearns
The epidemiological Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and Air
Pollution (MESA Air) has provided new insight into how air pollution
increases mortality and morbidity. As Dr Ranjini Krishnan and
colleagues point out in the report of their study assessing both
short-term and long-term effects of ai...
Breast cancer: Risk of death not increased for patients with dense breasts
by Lisa Hutchinson
Elevated mammographic density is well established as one of the
strongest risk factors for non-familial breast cancer. High breast
density increases the risk of breast cancer by fourfold to fivefold,
and is associated with adverse prognostic features. What is unclear is
whether women with breast
Breast cancer: Radiation risk in BRCA carriers
by Lisa Hutchinson
BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) genes are involved in the repair of DNA
breaks, which can be caused by ionizing radiation. Thus, women carrying
a mutation in BRCA1/2 likely have increased radiation sensitivity, as
well as having an increased intrinsic risk
Obesity: Sugar-sweetened beverages 'fueling the epidemic of childhood obesity'
by Carol Wilson
Two randomized controlled studies have put consumption of
sugar-sweetened drinks by children on trial. Together, they show that
reducing children's consumption of such beverages could reduce their
weight gain and fat accumulation. In the present study, we focused
specifically on a single behaviour t...
Epidemiology: Lipid level trends improving in USA
by Joana Osório
Serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol
and triglycerides have decreased in the US adult population in the past
22 years, which was accompanied by increases in serum levels of HDL
cholesterol, reveals an analysis of data from three National Health and
Nutrition
Reproductive endocrinology: Menstrual cycle lengths - what can they tell us?
by Shahla Nader
Short and long menstrual cycles have been associated with an increased
risk of chronic diseases. Menstrual cycle length seems to be determined
by the underlying hormonal profile - but could cycle length be a reliable
indicator of hormone perturbations and disease risk in healthy
regularly menstruating...
Epidemiology: Air pollution and mortality from diabetes mellitus
by Annette Peters
Urban traffic is a major source of ambient air pollution and induces
oxidative stress, systemic inflammation and cardiovascular disease. A
recent study shows that the risk of death from diabetes mellitus is
increased in individuals exposed to high levels of traffic-related air
pollution.
Clinical and Biomarker Changes in Alzheimer's Disease
New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 367, Issue 21, Page 2050-2052, November 2012.
Nonpharmacologic Management of Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia Nonpharmacolog...
by Gitlin LN, Kales HC, Lyketsos CG.
Behavioral symptoms such as repetitive
speech, wandering, and sleep disturbances are a core clinical feature
of Alzheimer disease and related dementias. If untreated, these
behaviors can accelerate disease progression, worsen functional decline
and quality of life, cause significant caregiver distre...
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction Factors
by Williams K, Monroe HM.
To the Editor: The recent ERFC
meta-analysis indicated that the standard hazard ratio (HR) for
cardiovascular disease using baseline levels of non-HDL-C was 1.27 (95%
CI, 1.22 to 1.33) vs 1.24 (1.19 to 1.29) using apolipoprotein B. In a
head-to-head comparison, the HR for apolipoprotein B relative t...
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction Factors - Reply
by Di Angelantonio E, Gao P, Danesh J, et al.
In Reply: The ERFC reported a
meta-analysis of individual participant data involving 165 544 people
in 37 prospective studies, showing that the addition of information on
various lipid-related markers can slightly improve the prediction of
first cardiovascular disease outcomes. We can confirm that t...
Chelation-therapy
heart trial draws fire
by Ewen Callaway
Critics not persuaded that metal-snaring treatment works.
Metabolic
phenotyping in clinical and surgical environments
by Jeremy K.
Nicholson Elaine Holmes James M. Kinross Ara W. Darzi Zoltan Takats John C.
Lindon
Metabolic phenotyping involves
the comprehensive analysis of biological fluids or tissue samples. This analysis
allows biochemical classification of a person's physiological or pathological
states that relate to disease diagnosis or prognosis at the individual level and
to disease risk factors at th...
Cancer:
Complexion matters
by Mizuho Fukunaga-Kalabis Meenhard
Herlyn
Sun exposure indisputably
increases the risk of skin cancer. Mouse studies suggest that, in red-haired
individuals, genetic factors also contribute through a mechanism that acts
independently of exposure to sunlight. See Letter p.449
Relatives
of people who die from sudden cardiac death are at increased risk
o...
by Anekwe, L.
First degree
relatives of young people who die suddenly from cardiovascular disease are at
increased risk of heart problems, a study has found. Relatives under 35 years
are at the greatest risk and...
Fasting
makes little difference to results of lipid tests
by Anekwe,
L.
Fasting before routine lipid level
tests might be unnecessary, suggests a study that found that fasting time had
little association with lipid subclass levels in a large population.The
researchers,...
Long-term
Care, Globalization, and Justice
by Fox P.
In Long-term Care, Globalization, and
Justice, Lisa Eckenwiler examines the increasing demand for long-term care
resulting from population aging and the organization of labor to meet this
demand. She examines this complex issue using an ecological perspective to
highlight the interdependence of econ...
The Biology of
Alzheimer Disease
by Landau SM, Doraiswamy P.
The study of Alzheimer disease has
undergone rapid change in recent years. Research has revealed exciting advances
in the understanding of the biology of the disease and its clinical course. The
recent revision of Alzheimer diagnostic criteria represents an important
milestone resulting from the int...
Biomarkers
and
Aging
in
the
News
Media
• Unemployment hard on the heart
In a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers
report that repeated job losses may be as damaging to the heart health
as smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
• What exactly does fiber do?
Nutritionists and diet books often stress that eating fiber is an
important part of any healthy lifestyle. Dr. Melina Jampolis explains
why.
• Traffic can be slow or fast killer
The stress of waiting in gridlock can get intense if you're in a hurry,
leaving you feeling frustrated and anxious about the traffic. That
stress can translate into deeper health hazards.
• Air Pollution May Raise Autism Risk
Being exposed to high levels of air pollution from traffic may raise the risk of autism for babies, researchers say.
• Some Teens Risk Health to Build Muscle
The quest for six-pack abs and a ripped physique may be leading some
teens -- especially boys -- in an unhealthy direction, a new study
suggests.
• Does Air Pollution Hurt Memory of Older Adults?
Older adults who live in areas of high pollution did not do as well on
tests of memory and other thinking skills, according to a new study.
• Brief exercise immediately enhances memory: Results apply to older adults bot...
A short burst of moderate exercise enhances the consolidation of
memories in both healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive
impairment, scientists have discovered.
• Tracking down smallest biomarkers
Scientists have developed a vacuum-compatible X-ray detector that allows the size of low-contrast nano-objects to be determined.
• Lack of nutrients and metabolic syndrome linked to different subtypes of depr...
A low intake of folate and vitamin B12 increases the risk of
melancholic depressive symptoms, according to a study among nearly
3,000 middle-aged and elderly Finnish subjects.
• Fertility: Putrescine water may be fountain of youth for human eggs
A scientist has discovered a critical reason why women experience
fertility problems as they get older. The breakthrough also points to a
simple solution that could increase the viability of egg cells for
women in their late 30s and older -- putrescine water.
• Does being fat make you more jolly?
A gene associated with obesity also decreases your risk of depression. Here's what the discovery really means for your health
• Smoking Damages Brain, Researchers Say
Smoking and high blood pressure lead to the brain rotting faster.
Researchers say that people who smoke need to make lifestyle changes to
decrease risk of cognitive decline.
• U.S. panel advises HIV tests for everyone ages 15 to 64
The Preventive Services Task Force opens public comment on a recommendation of HIV tests for everyone 15 to 64.
Nearly
everyone ages 15 to 64 should be screened for HIV even if they're not
at great risk for contracting the virus, according to new guidelines
proposed by an influential panel of medical experts. If the panel
ultimately adopts those recommendations, Medicare and most private
health insurers will be required to pay for the tests.
• Early
puberty may raise heart risks
Predicting heart disease risk is not an
exact science, but doctors are building the case for another tool to guide their
evaluations when it comes to women.
• Boomers
find youth in testosterone
You'd think testosterone was magic from its
advertised results, but anti-aging experts say it can be dangerous if not
administered properly.
• Consequences
of a long commute
The stress of waiting in gridlock can get intense if
you're in a hurry, leaving you feeling frustrated and anxious about the traffic.
That stress can translate into deeper health hazards.
• How
Having a Younger Brother or Sister Can Raise Your Risk for Heart
Disease
Researchers found that having a younger brother can raise a
person's blood pressure by 3 percent to 5.9 percent, and having a younger sister
can raise a person's blood pressure by 3.8 percent.
NIH
Press
Releases
COPD awareness returns to 2008 levels, according to new NIH survey
Awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been
rising gradually in recent years, but the results of a national survey
show current awareness levels have returned to those of 2008. The
survey was released today by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.
Research breakthrough selectively represses the immune system
In a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), researchers funded by the
National Institutes of Health have developed innovative technology to
selectively inhibit the part of the immune system responsible for
attacking myelin - the insulating material that encases nerve fibers and
facilitates electrical communication between brain cells.
This is your brain on freestyle rap
Researchers in the voice, speech, and language branch of the National
Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) at the
National Institutes of Health have used functional magnetic resonance
imaging to study the brain activity of rappers when they are
"freestyling" -- spontaneously improvising lyrics in real time.
PCBs, other pollutants may play role in pregnancy delay
Couples with high levels of PCBs and similar environmental pollutants
take longer to achieve pregnancy in comparison to other couples with
lower levels of the pollutants, according to a preliminary study by
researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other institutions.
Migraine-associated
brain changes not related to impaired cognition
Women with migraines did not appear to experience a decline in
cognitive ability over time compared to those who didn't have them, according to
a nine-year follow up study funded by the National Institutes of Health.
HPV vaccine may
benefit HIV-infected women
Women with HIV
may benefit from a vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), despite having
already been exposed to HPV, a study finds. Although many may have been exposed
to less serious forms of HPV, more than 45 percent of sexually active young
women who have acquired HIV appear never to have been exposed to the most common
high-risk forms of HPV, according to the study from a National Institutes of
Health research network.
NIH
Announcements
Secondary
Analyses and Archiving of Social and Behavioral Datasets in Aging
(R03)
Funding Number: RFA-AG-13-009
Expiration Date: February 15, 2013
Basic
social and behavioral research on culture, health, and wellbeing
(R24)
Funding Number: RFA-LM-12-002
Expiration Date: December 18, 2012
Time-Sensitive
Obesity Policy and Program Evaluation (R01)
Expiration Date: September 11, 2015
PAR-12-186 DBSR
Macroeconomic Aspects of Population Aging (R01)
Expiration
date:
10/04/2014
Secondary
Analyses
in Obesity, Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R21)
Funding Number: PA-12-125
Expiration Date: May 8, 2015
Biodemography
of
Aging
(R21),
Funding
Number:
PAR-12-079
Expiration Date: March 4, 2014
Biodemography
of
Aging
(R03),
Funding
Number:
PAR-12-080
Expiration Date: March 4, 2014
Biodemography
of
Aging
(R01),
Funding
Number:
PAR-12-078
Expiration Date: March 4, 2014
Events:
Announcements:
NIH
Videocasts:
Trends in 21st Century
Epidemiology: From Scientific Discoveries to Population Health Impact
(Days 1-2)
Air date (Day
1): Wednesday, December 12, 2012, 1:00:00 PM
Air date (Day
2): Thursday, December 13, 2012, 8:00:00 AM
Time displayed is Eastern Time, Washington DC Local
Description: In this workshop, researchers and thought
leaders will present their perspectives on major facets of the
epidemiologic enterprise.
Conferences:
Population Association of America Annual
meeting, New Orleans, LA.
The 2013 Annual Meeting will be held April 11-13 at the Sheraton New
Orleans Hotel
Abstract deadline:
September 21, 2012
The 25th REVES
meeting on health expectancy
The University of Texas at Austin (TX), May 27-29, 2013
Abstract submission deadline: February 15, 2013
The 20th
IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics, June
23-27, 2013, Seoul, Korea
Abstract deadline: October 31, 2012
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This
Newsletter is supported by a grant from the National
Institute on
Aging, National Institutes of Health (Grant No. 5 P30 AG012857)
If you would like to unsubscribe please notify us at ngavrilova@babies.bsd.uchicago.edu