News & Publications

2011 News Archive

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Department of Epidemiology June 2011 Alumni Newsletter (pdf)

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Study: Vitamin D, Calcium Supplements Can Increase Kidney Stone Risk
(eMax Health, 6/27/2011)
New research led by ROBERT WALLACE, professor of epidemiology, finds
that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements (1,000 mg and 400 IU,
respectively) for seven years can increase the risk of kidney stones
by 17 percent in postmenopausal women.
Read more...

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Lynch Comments on Atrazine/Cancer Study
(Eastern Iowa Health, 6/28/2011)
A report showing no relationship between atrazine and cancer is not
the final word on the weed killer's safety, says University of Iowa
professor of epidemiology CHARLES LYNCH. The report was issued as part
of the Agricultural Health Study, a long-term research project that
has been tracking the health of certified pesticide applicators and
their spouses in Iowa and North Carolina since 1994. "I can't say (a
link) is never going to show up," said Lynch, who directs the Iowa
portion of the study. "The vast majority of cancers have yet to
develop in this cohort."
Read more...

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New Federal Radon Action Plan Cites Research by UI Professor
A Radon Action Plan released June 20 by nine agencies across the
federal government marks a historic interagency collaboration aimed at
addressing exposure to radon, a serious public health risk. Radon
causes an estimated 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the U.S. every year,
according to R. William Field, PhD, national radon expert and
University of Iowa professor of occupational and environmental health
and epidemiology.
Read more...

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New York Times Columnist Cites CPH Research
(The New York Times, 6/11/2011)
Writing about recent food-related illnesses and deaths, op-ed
columnist Nicholas Kristof cites several studies conducted by College
of Public Health researcher TARA SMITH and colleagues.
Read more...

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UI Study Looks at Transfer of Bacteria in Raw Meat
(Radio Iowa, 6/15/2011)
University of Iowa researchers have won a $1.2 million USDA grant for
a study on the spread of a common bacteria. TARA SMITH, the interim
director of the UI Center for Emerging and Infectious Disease, says
they will study Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria carried by about one
third of people in their noses. It also occurs in the environment and
in raw meat products, especially pork.
Read more...

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CPH Researchers Collaborate on Adaptive Trial Designs Project
(University of Florida, 6/16/2011)
A $281,785 grant will fund a collaborative project involving
biostatisticians and clinical scientists at the University of Florida
and the University of Iowa to assess, develop, and disseminate
guidelines for the use of adaptive trial designs in comparative
effectiveness research. This project will help address a national need
to understand the most efficient and cost-effective ways for gathering
evidence in studies designed to identify the most effective ways to
treat patients. CHRISTOPHER COFFEY, CPH professor of biostatistics,
will lead the UI team.
Read more...

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UI Investigators Awarded $1.2 Million Grant to Study Bacteria in Raw Meat
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded investigators in the
University of Iowa College of Public Health a $1.2 million grant to
study Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in raw meat. Tara Smith, PhD,
interim director of the UI Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and
assistant professor of epidemiology, will lead an investigation of
whether Staphylococcus aureus is present on meat and may colonize
individuals who handle raw meat.
Read more...

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Smith Comments on Antibiotic-resistant Disease Threat
(The Atlantic, 6/20/2011)
An article on the dangers of using antibiotics in livestock production
states: "The livestock industry thinks we cannot prove that a risk
exists unless we trace specific bacteria from their animal origins
through the food supply chain to people who get sick. That would be
like requiring an eyewitness to prosecute every crime. TARA SMITH, a
microbiologist at the University of Iowa, says, 'We have DNA from the
crime scene that matches that of the suspect. At some point you have
to accept that he is responsible. The bulk of the evidence is overwhelming.'"
Read more...

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Field Calls for New Homes to Be Radon-Resistant
(Business Record, 6/1/2011)
In Iowa, 7 out of 10 homes tested have radon levels that exceed
federal guidelines for exposure, which is 4 picocuries per liter. "We
can build houses radon-resistant, but most builders choose not to do
so," says R. WILLIAM FIELD, professor of occupational and
environmental health. "We do not use lead paint in homes any longer;
why are we still building homes that are not radon-resistant?"
Read more...

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Smith Quoted in Article on Antibiotic Use in Farm Animals
(Grist, 6/2/2011)
An article about antibiotic use in livestock includes comments from
TARA SMITH, assistant professor of epidemiology. The article mentions
research Smith and colleagues have conducted on Staphylococcus aureus,
including a study that found a strain of S. aureus associated with
hogs and farm workers in a day-care worker. "Whether the pig bacterium
was passed on via another human or via contaminated food products, we
can't tell right now," Smith said.
Read more...

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Genetic Tests Miss New Strain of MRSA
(Scientific American, 6/4/2011)
A new form of drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been
found in dairy cows and humans in the U.K. and Denmark, providing more
evidence that animals could be passing this superbug on to humans.
Scientists are concerned that this new strain would be missed by the
newest types of MRSA testing because it contains a new variant of the
known resistance gene. "Those DNA tests, they all missed this," says
TARA SMITH, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University
of Iowa. "The gene they were looking for wasn't there."
Read more...

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McCue: Nuclear Power Too Costly, Risky
(Des Moines Register, 6/9/2011)
In an opinion piece, MAUREEN MCCUE, adjunct clinical professor in the
UI College of Public Health, writes that nuclear power in Iowa is too
costly and risky to compete. "Iowa is already a leader in wind power,
and can lead in energy efficiency, energy conservation, solar,
biomass, and co-generation, too -- all at a lower cost and less risk
than a nuclear power plant," she writes.
Read more...

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Pentella Comments on E. Coli Outbreak
(The Daily Iowan, 6/10/2011)
Consumers should be aware of an outbreak of E. coli bacteria in Germany to prevent further contamination, said MICHAEL PENTELLA, clinical associate professor of epidemiology. "We live in a very global world, so a lot of food supplies are easily transported through the world," he said. "And because we don't know what causes this, we need to be on our guard."
Read more...

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Robinson Co-Author of New Guidelines for Genetic Cholesterol Disorder
(heartwire, 5/21/2011)
The National Lipid Association has released a new consensus statement
on the screening, diagnosis, and management of patients with familial
hypercholesterolemia (FH), a group of genetic defects responsible for
elevations in cholesterol levels. "When you treat individuals with FH,
you really do reduce their risk to that of the general population,"
said JENNIFER ROBINSON, CPH professor of epidemiology and an author of
the new recommendations. "We want to treat them early and maintain it
lifelong, to remove that excess risk of their genetic defect."
Read more...

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Peek-Asa Named National Women's Leadership Program Fellow
Corinne Peek-Asa, PhD, professor of occupational and environmental
health in the University of Iowa College of Public Health, has been
selected for the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic
Medicine Program for Women at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Read more...

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News Round-Up: Livestock-Related Staph Strain in Child Care Worker
(Multiple Sources, 5/8/2011)
A new strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria associated with
exposure to livestock was recently discovered in one Iowa child care
worker who reported no contact with livestock, according to University
of Iowa researchers. The discovery, which has been covered by multiple
news outlets, was an unexpected finding in a study conducted by ERIN
MORITZ, a doctoral student in epidemiology in the UI College of Public
Health.
Read more...

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UI Is a Family Academic Affair for CPH Student Kiran Patel
Kiran Patel, an MPH student in epidemiology, has strong family ties to
the UI -- including four relatives who will be graduating this May.
The graduates include Patel's sister, brother, sister-in-law, and
mother. And then there are all the relatives who are alumni...
Read more...

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UI Study Finds Livestock-Related Staph Strain in Child Care Worker
A new strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria associated with
exposure to livestock was recently discovered in one Iowa child care
worker who reported no contact with livestock, according to University
of Iowa researchers. The discovery was an unexpected finding in a
study of Staphylococcus aureus in child day care facilities conducted
by Erin Moritz, a doctoral student in epidemiology in the UI College
of Public Health.
Read more...

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Snetselaar Elected VP of UI Faculty Senate
(Iowa City Press-Citizen, 5/3/2011)
The University of Iowa Faculty Senate recently elected new officers to
the senate for the 2011-2012 school year. LINDA SNETSELAAR, professor
of epidemiology in the College of Public Health, will serve as the
vice president.
Read more...

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The Scoop: Daniela Moga
While she enjoys reading and listening to music in her spare time,
Daniela Moga, a PhD student in epidemiology, has also started learning
how to play the piano. Get the scoop about her dreams of becoming a
pharmacoepidemiologist and more!
Read more...

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CPHSA Announces Newly Elected Officers
Congratulations to the newly elected College of Public Health Student
Association executive officers for academic year 2011/2012! President
- Thuy Nguyen; Vice President - Mehwish Qasim; Co-Social Chairs -
Justin Dedecker and Lauren Erickson; Student Mentor-Mentee Program
Coordinator - Katie Jones; Treasurer - Andy Koons; Administrative
Affairs and Communications Chair - Eric Ammann; Director of Student
Concerns - Andrew Lowe.

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Eleven UI Faculty Members Selected for Creative Campus Institute
Eleven University of Iowa faculty members, including Linda Snetselaar,
professor of epidemiology, have been selected to participate in a
Creative Campus Institute co-sponsored by Hancher and the UI Center
for Teaching. The three-day institute will be held May 16-18 with an
emphasis on enhancing connections between Hancher student learning and
community-based performing arts projects.
Read more...

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UI Cancer Researcher Teams to Receive Oberley Seed Grants
Six teams of researchers at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the
University of Iowa, including faculty from three UI colleges, have
received 2011 Oberley Seed Grant Program awards. The two-year,
$50,000 grants provide support for new interdisciplinary and
collaborative projects that are likely to lead to externally supported
cancer research funding.
Read more...

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Smith Interviewed About Multi-Drug Resistant Staph in Meat
(Superbug - a Wired Science blog, 4/16/2011)
A team of investigators in Arizona recently found that about one in
four packages of meat and poultry from across the United States
contained multidrug resistant staph. "I think this extends [our work]
and opens up some new lines of investigation," said TARA SMITH,
assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Iowa and head
of the team that identified MRSA ST398 in US pigs. "The research
showed the 'pig' strain, ST398, in poultry products, and an especially
high percentage of the turkey products."
Read more...

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Chorazy Helps Shape UI Postdoctoral Association
(fyi, 4/21/2011)
Postdoctoral researchers stand at their career crossroads - completing
their mentored postgraduate training and preparing to step into roles
as independent investigators. "We don't really know how to define
ourselves, and we don't fit neatly into the University's categories of
faculty, staff, or student," says CPH graduate MAGGIE CHORAZY,
currently a postdoctoral research fellow in internal medicine at the
Carver College of Medicine and a secondary faculty member in
epidemiology. As a result, University of Iowa postdoctoral scholars
and fellows are creating a campus-wide inclusive postdoctoral
association.
Read more...

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Wallis to Give Talk on Global Maternal Health
Anne Wallis, assistant professor of epidemiology, will speak on "A Long
& Dangerous Journey: Women, Pregnancy, and Death," at the Iowa City
Foreign Relations Council luncheon on Tuesday, April 26. The event
begins at noon at the Congregational Church, 30 North Clinton St.,
Iowa City. Preregistration is required.
Read more...

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Field to Receive Distinguished Alumni Award from Millersville University
Bill Field, professor of occupational and environmental health and
epidemiology, has been selected by Millersville University's Alumni
Association to receive its 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award. Field
will accept the award in Millersville, Penn., at an honors and awards
convocation April 30.
Read more...

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UI Researchers Find Dengue Fever Is a Growing Threat in U.S.
(news@JAMA, 4/14/2011)
The number of patients hospitalized in the United States with cases of
dengue fever tripled between 2000 and 2007, adding to increasing
concerns about the potential for an epidemic in the United States,
according to an article published Thursday in the journal Emerging
Infectious Diseases. MING YANG, a PhD student in biostatistics; JOE
CAVANAUGH, professor of biostatistics; and PHILIP POLGREEN, assistant
professor of medicine with a secondary appointment in epidemiology,
were co-authors of the study led by Judy Streit, assistant professor
of medicine.
Read more...

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Smith Comments on Study Finding Staph in Meat
(The Arizona Republic, 4/15/2011)
A study by Arizona researchers found that meat and poultry products
purchased at grocery stores in five cities were frequently
contaminated with strains of drug-resistant staph bacteria. Other
scientists not involved in the study said more research is needed
before scientists can gauge the sources of drug-resistant bacteria and
the impact on human health. "There are still a lot of unanswered
questions," said TARA SMITH, UI assistant professor of epidemiology.
"Is staph on meat more of an issue than staph on your doorknob or
staph at your gym? For consumers, unfortunately, we don't have a lot
of answers at this point."
Read more...

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Gifts Advance UI College of Public Health Campaign
Four recent gifts to the University of Iowa College of Public Health's
"Building Today for a Healthy Tomorrow" campaign will help the college
bring its educational, research, and administrative initiatives under
one roof for the first time in its 11-year history.
Read more...

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Nutrition Center Staff Go the Distance for Doc Dash
The College of Public Health Nutrition Center recently hosted a table
at the Doc Dash, an annul 5K run on the health sciences campus. Center
staff promoted the importance of proper hydration, distributed milk
and reusable shopping bags -- and found out how a CPH T-shirt can help
you cross the finish line.
Read more...

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IPRC Hosts National Injury Prevention Conference
The UI Injury Prevention Research Center is hosting a national meeting
for injury- and violence-prevention experts called "Progress Through
Partnerships." The event, to be held at the Coralville Marriott Hotel
and Conference Center from April 6-8, is the inaugural joint annual
meeting of the Safe States Alliance, the Society for Advancement of
Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR), and Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention state injury grantees.
Read more...

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The Scoop: Bill Barker
Even though the Steelers did not prevail in the 2011 Superbowl, Bill
Barker and his daughter Izzy are still avid fans of the NFL team. Bill
works for the Preventive Intervention Center as a marketing and
recruiting coordinator. Find out more about Bill in this edition of
The Scoop!
Read more...

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State Health Registry Issues Cancer Report, Highlights Colorectal Cancer
This year, an estimated 6,300 Iowans will die from cancer and 16,500
new cancers will be diagnosed, according to a report released by
the State Health Registry of Iowa, based in the Department of
Epidemiology at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. The
report includes county-by-county statistics and a special section on
colorectal cancer.
Read more...

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"Cancer in Iowa" News Round-Up
(Multiple Sources, 3/14/2011)
The State Health Registry of Iowa, based in the University of Iowa
College of Public Health, released the "Cancer in Iowa: 2011" report
at a March 14 news briefing. A number of media outlets covered the
event and the report's findings.
Read more...

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Laura Beane Freeman, UI Alumni
Laura Beane Freeman, PhD, a University of Iowa Alumni, is studying exposure assessment and cancer risk. The complete story can be viewed at:
http://dceg.cancer.gov/newsletter/mar11/0311_freeman.shtml

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Opinion Piece on Pork Industry Cites MRSA Research
(The Daily Iowan, 3/7/2011)
An opinion piece commenting on Iowa's status as the nation's largest
producer of hogs cites research by TARA SMITH, assistant professor of
epidemiology. The research shows overuse of antibiotics on swine farms
has led to a greater presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) bacteria among workers and animals than at farms where
no antibiotics were used.
Read more...

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Cancer in Iowa News Briefing Offered Via Webcast
The annual "Cancer in Iowa" News Briefing will be available via live
webcast this year. The news briefing features the findings of "Cancer
in Iowa: 2011," the annual report from the State Health Registry of
Iowa. The webcast will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 14.
Webcast information...

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Eating the Mediterranean Way Has Healthy Benefits
(Iowa City Press-Citizen, 3/2/2011)
A Mediterranean eating pattern has a protective effect against chronic
diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, Parkinson's
disease, and Alzheimer's disease, writes DONNA HOLLINGER, a registered
dietitian in the College of Public Health's Nutrition Center.
Hollinger provides tips for eating the Mediterranean way.
Read more...

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Robinson Comments on Vitamin D Study
(Reuters, 2/22/2011)
Low levels of vitamin D don't put older women at greater risk for type
2 diabetes, a large study of U.S. women suggests. The study, led by
JENNIFER ROBINSON, professor of epidemiology and medicine at the
University of Iowa, involved women participating in the Women's Health
Initiative, a large government project that looked at the health
effects of hormone therapy, diet changes, and vitamin D and calcium
supplements on women age 50 and older.
Read more...

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CPH Researchers Report on Farm Worker Infections with MRSA
(Superbug - a Wired Science blog, 2/5/2011)
A recent paper by CPH researchers KERRY LEEDOM LARSON, TARA SMITH, and
KELLEY DONHAM reports that 3.7 percent of farm workers have been
diagnosed by a doctor with any kind of MRSA (drug-resistant staph)
infection. "We can't draw any good conclusions, because we had a low
response rate and this is all self-reported," Smith said. "We can't
say if these are ST398 or not, or acquired on the farm or not. But
given all those caveats, it seems high to me."
Read more...

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Robinson Offers Tips on Managing Cholesterol
(Iowa City Press-Citizen, 2/9/2011)
February is American Heart Month, but it's important to keep your
heart healthy all year round, writes JENNIFER ROBINSON, professor of
epidemiology, in a recent health column. By monitoring your
cholesterol, you can give your heart a little extra love and decrease
the risk of heart disease.
Read more...

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UI Study Seeks Participants with High Cholesterol
A University of Iowa research study is evaluating the safety and
effectiveness of an investigational medication to lower cholesterol.
Adults ages 18 to 80 who have elevated cholesterol levels may be
eligible to participate.
Read more...

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Field Discusses EPA's Action Level for Radon
(NPR, 1/14/2011)
Radon studies conducted by CPH Professor BILL FIELD and other
scientists suggest that the Environmental Protection Agency's "action
level"--four or more picocuries of air--is too high. Field says the
target should be perhaps half that level. "By everyone in the United
States going down to 4 picocuries per liter, we're only eliminating
about one-third of the radon-induced lung cancers," he says.
Read more...

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Department of Epidemiology December 2010 Alumni Newsletter (pdf)

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2011 Archived News Items

2010 Archived News Items

2009 Archived News Items

2008 Archived News Items ........................................................................................................................

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