Highlights of This Issue

Abstract

Several studies have found inverse associations between glioma susceptibility and a history of allergies or other atopic conditions. Using data from the Glioma International Case-Control Study (GICC), Amirian and colleagues examined the effects of respiratory allergies and other atopic conditions on glioma risk. The authors report that a history of respiratory allergies was associated with an approximately 30% lower glioma risk. This GICC study further strengthens the existing evidence that the relationship between atopy and glioma is unlikely to be coincidental.Wilson and colleagues evaluated cancer incidence and trends in Appalachia and non-Appalachian regions of the US. Age-adjusted cancer incidence rates were calculated using the most recent data from the United States Cancer Statistics for 2004 to 2011. Generally, Appalachia carries a higher cancer burden compared to non-Appalachia, particularly for tobacco-related cancers. It is important to continue to evaluate this population to better understand behavioral risk factors related to cancer incidence.In this study, Moss and colleagues evaluated the seasonal uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and other adolescent vaccines in the United States. Data came from health care provider–verified vaccination records and seasonal patterns in uptake of HPV and other recommended adolescent vaccines [tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster and meningococcal vaccine]. HPV vaccine initiation (receipt of the first of the three-dose series) data were for female adolescents. HPV vaccine initiation was highest in June, July, and August. These summer peaks are an important opportunity for interventions focused on concomitant vaccination.Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are thought to be involved in colorectal cancer development, and both processes are contributed to by leakage of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and flagellin, across the gut barrier. In this study, Kong and colleagues examined associations between circulating LPS and flagellin serum antibody levels and colorectal cancer risk. In this prospective study on European populations, the authors found that bacterial exposure levels were positively associated to colorectal cancer risk among men while in women, a possible inverse association may exist.