ScienceDaily Health Headlines
for Thursday, March 18, 2010
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Newer cornea transplant surgery shows short- and long-term promise (March 18, 2010) -- One year post-surgery, patients who underwent Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) experienced greater cell loss overall compared to those who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), according to a new analysis of data. However, the study showed that cell loss in DSAEK patients plateaued more quickly than in those who underwent PKP. ... > full story
Cells of aggressive leukemia hijack normal protein to grow (March 18, 2010) -- Researchers have found that one particularly aggressive type of blood cancer, mixed lineage leukemia, has an unusual way to keep the molecular motors running. The cancer cells rely on the normal version of an associated protein to stay alive. ... > full story
If you take simvastatin to control cholesterol, watch out for infection, says new report (March 18, 2010) -- Simvastatin might help us control our cholesterol, but when it comes to infection, it's an entirely different story says a new research study. Scientists have shown that simvastatin delivers a one-two punch to the immune system. First it impairs the ability of specialized immune cells, called macrophages, to kill pathogens. Then, it enhances production of molecules, called cytokines, which trigger and sustain inflammation. ... > full story
Some clinical trials explicitly exclude gay and lesbian patients (March 18, 2010) -- All clinical trials have guidelines that clearly state who can and cannot participate, but according to the National Institutes of Health these guidelines are typically based on age, gender, previous treatment history, the type and stage of a disease, and other medically relevant factors. However, researchers have now gathered evidence indicating that some trials explicitly exclude individuals based on their sexual orientation. ... > full story
Another serious eye disease, uveitis, linked to smoking (March 18, 2010) -- Smoking is already a known risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, cataract and thyroid eye disease. Now, the first study to specifically examine the impact of smoking on uveitis-inflammation of the eye's middle layer of tissue-indicates that tobacco smoke likely plays a role in this serious eye disease, as well. In the United States about 10 percent of blindness is caused by uveitis. ... > full story
'Smart Hip' monitors real-time performance of bone implants, stimulates bone growth (March 18, 2010) -- To monitor the real-time performance of bone implants is the challenge of "Smart Hip," an innovative medical device that aims to reduce the number of surgical interventions in the hip area and regenerate bone tissue by using non-evasive methods. The device -- developed by an engineering doctoral student in Portugal -- has already been successfully tested on animals. ... > full story
Ghrelin mitigates liver fibrosis in animal models; regulates human fibrosis (March 18, 2010) -- Spanish researchers determined that rats treated with recombinant ghrelin displayed a reduction in liver fibrosis. Ghrelin, a stomach hormone, reduced the amount of fibrogenic cells by 25 percent in the treated rodents. Research further showed ghrelin prevented acute liver damage and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in the animal models. ... > full story
When mom has an eating problem (March 18, 2010) -- Norwegian research reveal the nature of emotional problems experienced by mothers with eating difficulties. Guilt and shame are key factors. Health workers need better training in order to be able to spot and alleviate such problems. ... > full story
Disabling Skp2 gene helps shut down cancer growth (March 17, 2010) -- Increased understanding of the Skp2 gene and its relation to cellular senescence may lead to the development of novel agents that can suppress tumor development in common types of cancer, researchers report. ... > full story
Modified home video game shows promise for improving hand function in teens with cerebral palsy (March 17, 2010) -- Engineers have modified a popular home video game system to help teenagers with cerebral palsy improve their hand functions. In a pilot trial, the system improved the teens' abilities to perform a range of daily personal and household activities. The modified system with custom-developed software and games provided exercise routines aimed at improving hand speed and range of finger motion. ... > full story
Drug metabolism: How enzymes interact is important to toxicity and effectiveness (March 17, 2010) -- Researchers have found that drug metabolism depends not only upon which enzymes are present in an individual, but also how they interact, and that can be the difference in whether a drug is safely eliminated from the body or is converted into a toxic or carcinogenic byproduct. ... > full story
Difficulty trusting and reaching out to others may shorten diabetes patients' lives (March 17, 2010) -- Being overly cautious or dismissive in relating to others, including health-care providers, may shorten the lives of people with diabetes. In a five-year study, diabetes patients who had a lower propensity to reach out to others had a higher mortality rate than those who felt comfortable seeking support. There are approaches that health-care professionals might try to improve collaboration with patients who have an independent relationship style. ... > full story
Could regulating intestinal inflammation prevent colon cancer? (March 17, 2010) -- Every day, our gut comes in contact with bacteria, inducing an inflammatory response that is tolerated and controlled. Sometimes the control of inflammation is lost and this can lead to inflammatory bowel disease that may predispose to colon cancer. Caspase-1, an important protein involved in the mechanism of inflammation, has long been believed to be one of the culprits behind excessive inflammation in the colon. Researchers suggest the opposite in a new study. ... > full story
Urban pollution affects cardiac function: Initial results in the healthy rat (March 17, 2010) -- In the healthy rat, prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) under conditions that mimic urban pollution leads to changes to cardiac morphology and function. Compensatory mechanisms develop in these animals to sustain normal cardiac activity, but they become more vulnerable to heart disease. The results provide cellular proof in the rat of a direct effect of urban pollution on cardiac function. Studies are ongoing to verify these findings in humans. ... > full story
Some 40 percent of surface disinfectants ineffective in eliminating viruses that cause gastroenteritis (March 17, 2010) -- Some 40 percent of commercial disinfectants used to clean surfaces are believed to be ineffective in eliminating noroviruses, a group of viruses responsible for more than half of all food-borne gastroenteritis outbreaks. According to a recent study, only bleach-based disinfectants drastically reduce the concentration of these viruses. ... > full story
HPV vaccine protects patients from cancer recurrence, study finds (March 17, 2010) -- A new study shows that the Gardasil vaccine reduces the likelihood of human papillomavirus-related disease recurring after teen and adult women already have had surgery to remove cancer or certain pre-cancerous changes. ... > full story
An apple a day? Study shows soluble fiber boosts immune system (March 17, 2010) -- A new study touts the benefits of soluble fiber -- found in oats, apples, and nuts, for starters -- saying that it reduces the inflammation associated with obesity-related diseases and strengthens the immune system. ... > full story
Kidney injury linked to greater risk of death among pneumonia patients (March 17, 2010) -- Patients hospitalized with even mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) are more likely to die after discharge than pneumonia patients whose kidneys remain healthy, according to a new study. The study also found a strong relationship between AKI and levels of inflammatory biomarkers. ... > full story
Parkinson's disease makes it harder to figure out how other people feel (March 17, 2010) -- Scientists are beginning to find out why people with Parkinson's disease often feel socially awkward. Parkinson's patients find it harder to recognize expressions of emotion in other people's faces and voices, report two new studies. ... > full story
Blocking cancer in its path: New cellular defect discovered (March 17, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered that a key cellular defect that disturbs the production of proteins in human cells can lead to cancer susceptibility. The scientists also found that a new generation of inhibitory drugs offers promise in correcting this defect. ... > full story
Severe acid reflux: Stomach wraps effective in short to medium term (March 17, 2010) -- Stomach wrap operations may be more effective than acid suppression tablets in the treatment of severe acid reflux, according to a new review. The study shows a more pronounced improvement in symptoms shortly after surgery than with drug treatment. ... > full story
Depression: Antidepressants beneficial in physically ill patients (March 17, 2010) -- Antidepressants are effective against depression in patients suffering from physical illnesses, according to a new systematic review in the UK. The researchers found the drugs were more effective than placebos at treating depression in these patients. ... > full story
Potential new drug for type 2 diabetes (March 17, 2010) -- An experimental oral drug has lowered blood sugar levels and inflammation in mice with Type 2 diabetes, suggesting that the medication could someday be added to the arsenal of drugs used by millions of Americans with this disease, according to new research. ... > full story
Brain abnormalities identified that result from prenatal methamphetamine exposure (March 17, 2010) -- Children whose mothers abused methamphetamine (meth) during pregnancy show brain abnormalities that may be more severe than that of children exposed to alcohol prenatally, according to a new study. While researchers have long known that drug abuse during pregnancy can alter fetal brain development, this finding shows the potential impact of meth. Identifying vulnerable brain structures may help predict particular learning and behavioral problems in meth-exposed children. ... > full story
New study finds 70 percent of able-bodied hockey players have abnormal hip and pelvis MRIs (March 17, 2010) -- Seventy percent of healthy professional and collegiate hockey players had abnormal hip and pelvis MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), even though they had no symptoms of injury, according to a new study. The study's surprising findings could serve as a warning for surgeons to not depend excessively on imaging when diagnosing patients. ... > full story
Was the recent US stock market drop accompanied by more heart attacks? (March 17, 2010) -- A novel report explores the possible relationship between fluctuations in the stock market and the incidence of local heart attacks. ... > full story
Level of gene alters risk of Alzheimer's disease, researchers find (March 17, 2010) -- Using sophisticated techniques that scan the genomes of patients, researchers have found that a gene appears to either help protect against development of Alzheimer's disease, or promote the disorder depending on the level of gene in the brain. ... > full story
Brain plaques may explain higher risk of Alzheimer's based on mom's history (March 17, 2010) -- A family history of Alzheimer's is one of the biggest risk factors for developing the memory-robbing disease, which affects more than 5 million Americans and is the most common form of senile dementia. Researchers have found the likely basis for this heightened familial risk -- especially from the maternal side. ... > full story
Antiseptic cloths associated with reduced rate of treatment-resistant bacteria in the trauma center (March 17, 2010) -- Bathing trauma patients daily using cloths containing the antiseptic chlorhexidine may be associated with a decreased rate of colonization and infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other difficult-to-treat bacteria, according to a new report. ... > full story
African-Americans have highest cancer rates of all racial ethnicities, yet feel less at risk, study finds (March 17, 2010) -- Mammograms, pap smears and early detection tests for prostate cancer, colorectal cancer and other malignancies are critical for catching cancer before it becomes deadly. However, a new study shows that persons of different ethnic groups have different ideas and opinions about whether they are at risk for developing cancer -- perceptions that can influence whether they undergo screening. ... > full story
Scientists establish leech as model for study of reproductive behavior (March 17, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered that injecting a simple hormone into leeches creates a novel way to study how hormones and the nervous system work together to produce species-specific reproductive behavior. ... > full story
Treating vitamin D deficiency significantly reduces heart disease risk, studies find (March 17, 2010) -- Researchers in Utah last fall demonstrated the link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk for coronary artery disease. These new studies show that treating vitamin D deficiency with supplements may help to prevent or reduce a person's risk for cardiovascular disease and a host of other chronic conditions. Researchers also establish what level of vitamin D further enhances that risk reduction. ... > full story
The mode of action of certain toxins that accumulate in seafood (March 17, 2010) -- Toxins released by certain microalgae can contaminate fish and shellfish which then become toxic to humans. Researchers have, for the first time, identified the mechanisms of action of two of these toxins. They have shown how and why they cause neurological symptoms. These findings could provide a basis for the development of new tests to screen for these toxins. ... > full story
Some older ER patients are getting the wrong medicines (March 17, 2010) -- It is common for patients 65 and older to receive potentially inappropriate medications when treated in an emergency room. Nearly 19.5 million older patients, or 16.8 percent of eligible emergency visits from 2000-2006, received one or more of these medications. ... > full story
Parents may not understand or recall risks associated with children's surgery (March 17, 2010) -- Parents of children undergoing ear, nose and throat surgery do not appear to remember all of the risks of the procedures explained to them by clinicians, even when detailed surgical risk counseling and data sheets are used, according to a new report. ... > full story
Obesity and alcohol act together to increase the risk of liver disease (March 17, 2010) -- Two studies show that obesity and alcohol act together to increase the risk of liver disease in both men and women. ... > full story
Study assesses complications associated with nasal ventilation in newborns (March 17, 2010) -- More than 10 percent of newborns who receive oxygenation and ventilation using nasal continuous airway pressure in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may experience complications inside or outside the nose, according to a new report. ... > full story
Underpriveleged patients not as likely to be referred to specialty hospitals for brain tumors (March 17, 2010) -- African-American, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged patients with brain tumors are significantly less likely to be referred to high-volume hospitals that specialize in neurosurgery than other patients of similar age, the same gender, and with similar comorbidities, according to new research. ... > full story
Amniotic fluid cells more efficiently reprogrammed to pluripotency than adult cells (March 16, 2010) -- In a breakthrough that may help fill a critical need in stem cell research and patient care, researchers have demonstrated that skin cells found in human amniotic fluid can be efficiently "reprogrammed" to pluripotency, where they have characteristics similar to human embryonic stem cells that can develop into almost any type of cell in the human body. ... > full story
Cardiac rehabilitation helps survival time in heart patients receiving stent therapy (March 16, 2010) -- Researchers have found that cardiac rehabilitation is associated with significantly reduced mortality rates for patients who have had stents placed to treat blockages in their coronary arteries. ... > full story
People will forgo luxury for green products when status is on mind, researcher finds (March 16, 2010) -- A new study finds that people will forgo luxury and comfort for a green item. ... > full story
As girth grows, risk of sudden cardiac death shrinks (March 16, 2010) -- Being skinny confers no advantage when it comes to the risk of dying suddenly from cardiac causes, new research suggests. Scientists found that non-obese heart failure patients -- including overweight, normal and underweight patients -- had a 76 percent increase in risk of sudden cardiac death compared to obese heart failure patients. Normal and underweight patients showed a startling 99 percent increase in risk for sudden cardiac death compared to obese patients. ... > full story
Therapeutics for trauma patients may not be effective if infection is present (March 16, 2010) -- A new study is analyzing how the immune system is involved in damage to the intestines following hemorrhagic shock. While studying the effects of a complement inhibitor given following hemorrhage, it found that Helicobacter infection changes the body's mechanistic response and would therefore affect the therapeutics given to trauma patients. ... > full story
Heart abnormalities diagnosed in World Trade Center workers (March 16, 2010) -- The World Trade Center collapse has caused potentially dangerous heart problems in responders on-site, according to new research. ... > full story
New hormone treatment shows potential to reverse infertility (March 16, 2010) -- Twice weekly injections of the hormone kisspeptin may provide a new treatment to restore fertility in some women. The findings show that twice-weekly injections of kisspeptin can lead to increases in the levels of sex hormones, which control the menstrual cycle. This is the first study to show this effect can be maintained over the long term and it may lead to new therapies for women whose infertility is due to low sex hormone levels. ... > full story
Robot teaches stroke survivors (March 16, 2010) -- Shaking hands with a robotic arm could be a new way to help stroke patients learn to use their arms again. Researchers report a pilot trial of the "Braccio di Ferro" (iron arm) robot in 10 patients. ... > full story
Keeping up with the neighbors speeds vaccine use (March 16, 2010) -- Researchers have conducted an analysis of worldwide use of Haemophilus influenza Type b vaccine (Hib) to determine what factors influenced a nation's adoption of the vaccine. The study found that a nation's eligibility for support from the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization and whether a country's neighbors used the vaccine were major influencing factors in addition to price of the vaccine. ... > full story
Family mealtimes help children with asthma breathe easier, study says (March 16, 2010) -- Children who have asthma are at high risk for separation anxiety, but a new study has found a home remedy that parents can use -- regular family mealtimes. ... > full story
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