CDC nears close of first half-century
Article Abstract:
From humble beginnings in 1946 as a mosquito-eradication center, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has become the world's most respected epidemiologic agency. Its overall goal, disease prevention through training, investigation, and technology control, has not changed throughout the years. Originally part of the Office of Malaria Control in War Areas in Atlanta, Georgia at the end of World War II, the Center was built on 15 acres of land donated by Emory University in 1947. The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), established in 1951 as a part of the CDC, fights disease outbreaks with a rapid response. A high point of the CDC's fight against disease was its eradication of smallpox throughout the world as part of the World Health Organization's Smallpox Eradication Program. Other successful efforts include the 1973 identification of a nationwide Reye's syndrome outbreak and the 1976 identification of legionnaire's disease. The current name of the agency dates from 1980. A low point in CDC's history was the swine flu vaccination program in 1976; more than 1,000 vaccinated people developed Guillain-Barre syndrome and the anticipated influenza epidemic never arrived. Resulting liability claims amounted to more than $84 million and the CDC's director was replaced during the Carter Administration. The Reagan Administration further introduced politics into CDC's operations by refusing to let the chief of abortion surveillance testify before the Senate on the safety of abortion versus full-term pregnancy. It was an EIS official who first identified the disease pattern now known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS experiments in CDC's own laboratories, however, were somehow tampered with, and the result of that incident was the creation of a new CDC office. The agency's current scope is broad, with adolescent health, chronic diseases, and the epidemiology of violence on its future agenda. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Studying selective blockage of sensation
Article Abstract:
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot peppers, can specifically block pain sensations in nerves, without interfering with the sense of touch, pressure, or vibration. When applied topically, it causes an initial burning sensation due to its release of substance P from the pain-transmitting (C-type) fibers. Many people do not continue with treatment beyond this point, but continued use of the drug also prevents more substance P from accumulating, leading to further pain reduction. This effect may be due to capsaicin's action on sodium and calcium channels (proteins); by inactivating them, preventing transmission of some pain messages. Experiments in animals have indicated capsaicin can inhibit gastric acid secretion and prevent ulcers. However, under different dosage regimens, the drug exacerbates acid secretion and ulcers. Other results from animal experiments are reported. Researchers have found that capsaicin can eliminate some aspects of the allergic response that are mediated by histamine. The ability of the drug to induce calcium to enter cells makes it a potentially important research tool. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1990
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Cause of Cuban outbreak neuropathologic puzzle
Article Abstract:
Scientists are investigating the cause of an outbreak of peripheral and optic neuropathy in Cuba. Almost 47,000 Cubans developed peripheral and optic neuropathy between 1991 and Jun 1993. The underlying cause does not appear to be a virus. Scientists have not been able to grow a virus from patient samples, and the disorders have not been spread through patient contact. A more likely cause is a deficiency of B-group vitamins from a lack of animal protein in the diet. B-group vitamin deficiency can increase the risk of damage from cyanide poisoning. Cyanide is found in tobacco and some foods in the Cuban diet. Other dietary factors also may have played an important role in the outbreak. The US trade embargo against Cuba may have contributed to possible nutritional deficiencies. The incidence of peripheral and optic neuropathy declined after the distribution of vitamins to all of Cuban's citizens.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1993
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