Annals of epidemiology
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Annals of epidemiology · May 2016
Review Comparative StudyBrain-gut-microbiota axis: challenges for translation in psychiatry.
The accruing data linking the gut microbiome to the development and function of the central nervous system has been proposed as a paradigm shift in neuroscience. The gut microbiota can communicate with the brain via neuroimmune, neuroendocrine, and neural pathways comprising the brain-gut-microbiota axis. Dysfunctional neuroimmune pathways are implicated in stress-related psychiatric disorders. ⋯ Evidence of altered gut microbiota composition and function in psychiatric patients is limited and cannot be regarded as proven. Moreover the efficacy of targeting the gut microbiota has not yet been established, and needs further investigation.
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Annals of epidemiology · May 2015
ReviewMental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide: bringing epidemiologic research to policy.
This article describes epidemiologic evidence concerning risk of gun violence and suicide linked to psychiatric disorders, in contrast to media-fueled public perceptions of the dangerousness of mentally ill individuals, and evaluates effectiveness of policies and laws designed to prevent firearms injury and mortality associated with serious mental illnesses and substance use disorders. ⋯ Policymaking at the interface of gun violence prevention and mental illness should be based on epidemiologic data concerning risk to improve the effectiveness, feasibility, and fairness of policy initiatives.
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A review of cohort and case-control studies that attempt to quantify the proportion of cancer cases diagnosed in the United States and throughout the world that may be attributed to biologic or infectious agents. ⋯ Epidemiologic and pathologic studies that use molecular diagnostic probes and immunologic and biochemical assays have described the substantial impact of infectious agents on global cancer incidence. These compelling observations have stimulated the development of effective hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus vaccines and the rationale for eradication of Helicobacter pylori.
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Annals of epidemiology · Mar 2009
Review Historical ArticleU.S. burden of disease--past, present and future.
To review the history and challenges of "burden of disease" studies, how these are dependent on robust epidemiologic data as well as complex conceptual constructions, and to identify the public health policy issues these studies can most usefully inform. ⋯ Controversies surrounding the interpretation of "burden of disease" studies are not new. Particularly in developed countries, these studies appear more useful for setting research priorities rather than allocating resources to support prevention efforts. Such investigations are not possible without ongoing support for systematic collection and analysis of descriptive epidemiologic data.