ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Female genital mutilation significantly reduces sexual quality of life, study finds
• Men's views of abortion depend more on social class and circumstances than on fixed beliefs, interviews reveal
• Screening method aids RNA drug development research
• Most pregnancy-related infections are caused by four treatable conditions, study finds
• Hospitals that cooperate on infection control fare better than hospitals acting alone
• Medicare beneficiaries overspend by hundreds, experts say
• Heart attack patients in states with public reporting less likely to receive angioplasty
• Hormone level linked with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, death
• Vigorous physical activity may increase risk of bleeding for children with hemophilia
• Synthetic liver enzyme could result in more effective drugs with fewer side effects
• Vitamin C prevents bone loss in animal models
• For most patients, surgery is best treatment for spinal stenosis, study finds
• New link between high-fat 'Western' diet and atherosclerosis identified
• Animal models can revolutionize the study of cancer
• How cancer cells break free from tumors: Study identifies adhesion molecules key to cancer’s spread through the body
• Child-free women feel intense pressure to have kids, but rarely stress over it
• Caffeine may block inflammation linked to mild cognitive impairment
• Chronic kidney disease alters intestinal microbial flora
• RMND1 mutation: Scientists discover gene behind rare disorders
• Glowing DNA invention points towards high speed disease detection
• IspH -- a protein free to choose its partners
• Secondary osteoporosis: More than what meets the eye!
• Chaperone protein subverts removal of glaucoma-causing protein
• Antioxidant may prevent, even cure, cataracts and other degenerative eye disorders
• Doubling up on advanced prostate cancer with PARP inhibitors
• MRSA researchers identify new class of drug effective against superbug
• Fast walking and jogging halve development of heart disease and stroke risk factors, research indicates
• Cannabis extract eases muscle stiffness typical of multiple sclerosis, study suggests
• Curb kids' screen time to stave off major health and developmental problems
• Putting a block on neuropathic pain before it starts: Tiny spheres filled with anesthetic from a shellfish toxin
• Building a better drug to treat type 2 diabetes
• Biochemists open path to molecular 'chaperone' therapy for metabolic disease
• Wearing a knee brace following anterior cruciate ligament surgery has no effect on recovery
• Moving forward with controversial H5N1 research
• New evaluation method for assessing toothpastes
• Gamblers in a spin over frustrating losses: Study explores the physiological and behavioral responses to gambling
• Non-genetic factors play role in non-diabetic kidney disease among African-Americans
• With a little exercise, your fat cells may coax liver to produce 'good' cholesterol
• Electronic health records shown to improve the quality of patient care
• Fruits and vegetables: Seven-a-day for happiness and mental health
• Combining chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy cancer vaccines results in an enhanced anti-tumor effect: Study
• Sperm's swimming skills: Discovery shed light on male infertility, yields clues to development of male contraceptive pill
• Bariatric surgery not silver bullet for sleep apnoea, study finds
• 'Barcode' blood test for aggressive prostate cancer developed
• With problem drinking, where you live may matter
• Research on enhanced transmissibility in H5N1 influenza: Should the moratorium end?
• New MRI technique used to identify early-stage coronary disease
• Learning from past flu epidemics to model outbreaks as they happen
• 'Like this page' to prevent sexually transmitted infections: Outreach through social media can encourage condom use in young adults
• Intrauterine surgery can improve the prognosis for the fetus
• Inflammation-fighting mechanism may point to new treatments of rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases
• Coffee speeds up return of bowel function after colon surgery, study finds
• Aspirin may decrease risk of aggressive form of ovarian cancer, study suggests
• Swiss assisted suicide laws do not necessarily promote desire for death, study finds
• Graphic anti-smoking ads increase attempts to quit
• Despite access to care, male veterans in poorer health than civilian men, study finds
• How to check your skin for skin cancer
• Researchers stop neuromyelitis optica attacks with new therapy
• DNA findings hold potential for cancer treatment

Female genital mutilation significantly reduces sexual quality of life, study finds Posted: 09 Oct 2012 04:26 PM PDT Women who have undergone female genital mutilation have a significantly lower sexual quality of life, a new study finds.

Men's views of abortion depend more on social class and circumstances than on fixed beliefs, interviews reveal Posted: 09 Oct 2012 03:23 PM PDT Interviews of unmarried men living with female partners revealed that their opinions on whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy were more dependent on financial and personal circumstances than on moral views about abortion.

Screening method aids RNA drug development research Posted: 09 Oct 2012 02:14 PM PDT Scientists have developed a new method of screening more than three million combinations of interactions between RNA and small molecules to identify the best targets on RNA as well as the most promising potential drug compounds. This novel technology may lead to more efficient drug development.

Most pregnancy-related infections are caused by four treatable conditions, study finds Posted: 09 Oct 2012 02:14 PM PDT In low-and-middle income countries, pregnancy-related infections are a major cause of maternal death, can also be fatal to unborn and newborn babies, and are mostly caused by four types of conditions that are treatable and preventable, according to a review by U.S. researchers.

Hospitals that cooperate on infection control fare better than hospitals acting alone Posted: 09 Oct 2012 01:10 PM PDT An individual hospital's infection control efforts have a ripple effect on the prevalence of a deadly and highly infectious bacterium in hospitals throughout its surrounding region, a multi-center research group demonstrated in a computer simulation-based study.

Medicare beneficiaries overspend by hundreds, experts say Posted: 09 Oct 2012 01:10 PM PDT Medicare beneficiaries are overpaying by hundreds of dollars annually because of difficulties selecting the ideal prescription drug plan for their medical needs, an investigation reveals.

Heart attack patients in states with public reporting less likely to receive angioplasty Posted: 09 Oct 2012 01:10 PM PDT Patients entering hospitals with heart attacks in states with mandatory public reporting are less likely to receive angioplasties to fix heart blockages than patients in states without public reporting, according to a new study.

Hormone level linked with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, death Posted: 09 Oct 2012 01:07 PM PDT Plasma levels of proneurotensin are associated with the development of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular and total mortality, and breast cancer in women during long-term follow-up.

Vigorous physical activity may increase risk of bleeding for children with hemophilia Posted: 09 Oct 2012 01:07 PM PDT In children and adolescents with hemophilia, vigorous physical activity was associated with an elevated risk of bleeding, although it appears the absolute increase in risk may be small.

Synthetic liver enzyme could result in more effective drugs with fewer side effects Posted: 09 Oct 2012 12:21 PM PDT Medicines could be made to have fewer side effects and work in smaller doses with the help of a synthetic enzyme developed at Princeton University that makes drug molecules more resistant to breakdown by the human liver.

Vitamin C prevents bone loss in animal models Posted: 09 Oct 2012 12:12 PM PDT Researchers have shown for the first time in an animal model that vitamin C actively protects against osteoporosis, a disease affecting large numbers of elderly women and men in which bones become brittle and can fracture.

For most patients, surgery is best treatment for spinal stenosis, study finds Posted: 09 Oct 2012 11:17 AM PDT Nearly all groups of patients with spinal stenosis -- but not smokers -- do better with surgery than with nonsurgical treatment, reports a new study.

New link between high-fat 'Western' diet and atherosclerosis identified Posted: 09 Oct 2012 10:15 AM PDT Researchers have found that a diet high in saturated fat raises levels of endothelial lipase, an enzyme associated with the development of atherosclerosis, and, conversely, that a diet high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fat lowers levels of this enzyme. The findings establish a "new" link between diet and athersoclerosis and suggest a novel way to prevent cardiovascular heart disease. In addition, the research may help to explain why the type 2 diabetes drug rosiglitazone has been linked to heart problems.

Animal models can revolutionize the study of cancer Posted: 09 Oct 2012 10:15 AM PDT Animal models have served to validate the effectiveness of a new drug against ovarian cancer resistant to cisplatin.

How cancer cells break free from tumors: Study identifies adhesion molecules key to cancer’s spread through the body Posted: 09 Oct 2012 10:15 AM PDT Although tumor metastasis causes about 90 percent of cancer deaths, the exact mechanism that allows cancer cells to spread from one part of the body to another is not well understood. One key question is how tumor cells detach from the structural elements that normally hold tissues in place, then reattach themselves in a new site. A new study reveals some of the cellular adhesion molecules that are critical to this process.

Child-free women feel intense pressure to have kids, but rarely stress over it Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT A national survey of nearly 1,200 American women of reproductive age with no children sought to determine if the reason a woman had no children contributed to different types and levels of stress.

Caffeine may block inflammation linked to mild cognitive impairment Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:18 AM PDT A new study has discovered a novel signal that activates the brain-based inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and caffeine appears to block its activity. This discovery may eventually lead to drugs that could reverse or inhibit mild cognitive impairment.

Chronic kidney disease alters intestinal microbial flora Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:17 AM PDT Chronic kidney disease changes the composition of intestinal bacterial microbes that normally play a crucial role in staving off disease-causing pathogens and maintaining micronutrient balance, according to new research.

RMND1 mutation: Scientists discover gene behind rare disorders Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:17 AM PDT Scientists have uncovered the genetic defect underlying a group of rare genetic disorders. Using a new technique that has revolutionized genetic studies, the teams determined that mutations in the RMND1 gene were responsible for severe neurodegenerative disorders, in two infants, ultimately leading to their early death. Although the teams' investigations dealt with an infant, their discovery also has implications for understanding the causes of later-onset neurological diseases.

Glowing DNA invention points towards high speed disease detection Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:17 AM PDT Many diseases, including cancers, leave genetic clues in the body just as criminals leave DNA at a crime scene. But tools to detect the DNA-like sickness clues known as miRNAs, tend to be slow and expensive. Now researchers have invented a DNA sensor, coupling genetic material to a luminous molecule which goes dark only in the presence of a specific target.

IspH -- a protein free to choose its partners Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:16 AM PDT The iron-sulfur protein IspH plays a central role in the terpene metabolism of several pathogens. The mechanism of the reaction provides an approach for developing new antibiotics, particularly against malaria and tuberculosis. While researching this enzyme, biochemists discovered a previously unknown reaction: IspH accepts two completely different classes of molecules as partners. This surprising insight opens up new perspectives in combating infectious diseases.

Secondary osteoporosis: More than what meets the eye! Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:16 AM PDT A new study has revealed that considering all osteoporotic patients as having simple osteoporosis and treating all of them alike by putting them on potent long term medication without finding out the cause of their osteoporosis may be ineffective and in most cases downright harmful.

Chaperone protein subverts removal of glaucoma-causing protein Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:16 AM PDT The chaperone protein Grp94 can interfere with the clearance of another protein known to cause the glaucoma when mutated, a new study has found. The researchers also demonstrated that a new specific inhibitor of Grp94 facilitates clearance of the genetically-defective protein, called myocilin, from cells.

Antioxidant may prevent, even cure, cataracts and other degenerative eye disorders Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:12 AM PDT A research group is working with an antioxidant that could prevent or cure cataracts, macular degeneration and other degenerative eye disorders. The researchers are studying eye drops prepared with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) as a treatment for these eye conditions.

Doubling up on advanced prostate cancer with PARP inhibitors Posted: 09 Oct 2012 09:12 AM PDT A newly discovered function of PARP-1 could be the key to more effective therapeutics to treat advanced prostate cancer patients, a recent preclinical study suggests.

MRSA researchers identify new class of drug effective against superbug Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:24 AM PDT In two separate published studies, researchers have discovered a new class of treatment against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as well as evidence of a growing need to quickly genotype individual strains of the organism most commonly referred to as the "superbug."

Fast walking and jogging halve development of heart disease and stroke risk factors, research indicates Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:24 AM PDT Daily activities, such as fast walking and jogging, can curb the development of risk factors for heart disease and stroke by as much as 50 percent, whereas an hour's daily walk makes little difference, indicates new research.

Cannabis extract eases muscle stiffness typical of multiple sclerosis, study suggests Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:24 AM PDT Cannabis seems to ease the painful muscle stiffness typical of multiple sclerosis, indicate phase III trial results.

Curb kids' screen time to stave off major health and developmental problems Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:21 AM PDT Curbs on children's daily screen time and delaying the age at which they start "the world's favorite pastime" are urgently needed to stave off the risk of serious health and developmental problems, argues a leading psychologist and child health expert.

Putting a block on neuropathic pain before it starts: Tiny spheres filled with anesthetic from a shellfish toxin Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:21 AM PDT Using tiny spheres filled with anesthetic from a shellfish toxin, researchers have developed a way to delay the rise of neuropathic pain, chronic pain from flawed signals transmitted by damaged nerves. The method may allow doctors to stop the cascade of events by which tissue or nerve injuries evolve into neuropathic pain, which affects 3.75 million children and adults in the US alone.

Building a better drug to treat type 2 diabetes Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:21 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a new biological pathway in blood vessel cells, which may contribute to the blood pressure-lowering effects of TZD drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes. This finding may help to develop new therapies that retain the beneficial effect of TZDs but eliminate the adverse side effects.

Biochemists open path to molecular 'chaperone' therapy for metabolic disease Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:19 AM PDT Experts in revealing molecular structure by X-ray crystallography have identified two new small "chaperone" molecules that may be useful in treating the inherited metabolic disorder known as Schindler/Kanzaki disease. This offers hope for developing the first ever drug treatment for this very rare disease.

Wearing a knee brace following anterior cruciate ligament surgery has no effect on recovery Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:19 AM PDT Wearing a knee brace following anterior cruciate ligament surgery has no effect on a person's recovery.

Moving forward with controversial H5N1 research Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:19 AM PDT With biosafety concerns raised over the possible release of new strains of H5N1 influenza that could easily pass between mammals viruses, researchers agreed on a six-month moratorium on H5N1 research -- classified as "dual-use research of concern." To advance the discussion, global experts in virology and public health assess the probability of an accidental release and discuss concerns over laboratory biocontainment and the pros and cons of DURC.

New evaluation method for assessing toothpastes Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:12 AM PDT There are various types of toothpaste available on the market. They come as pastes and gels, there are some that guard against tooth decay or protect teeth from acid attack, others that are designed for sensitive teeth. But which toothpastes clean well? Which preserve the tooth enamel? A new evaluation method sheds light on the subject.

Gamblers in a spin over frustrating losses: Study explores the physiological and behavioral responses to gambling Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:12 AM PDT A new study provides evidence that gamblers interpret near-misses as frustrating losses rather than near-wins. This frustration stimulates the reward systems in the brain to promote continued gambling, according to researchers. This, in turn, may contribute to addictive gambling behavior.

Non-genetic factors play role in non-diabetic kidney disease among African-Americans Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:12 AM PDT The high rate of non-diabetic kidney disease in African-Americans is strongly associated with variations in a particular gene. Yet, not everyone who inherits these variations develops the disease.

With a little exercise, your fat cells may coax liver to produce 'good' cholesterol Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:12 AM PDT With a little exercise and dieting, overweight people with type 2 diabetes can still train their fat cells to produce a hormone believed to spur HDL cholesterol production, report medical researchers.

Electronic health records shown to improve the quality of patient care Posted: 09 Oct 2012 08:12 AM PDT A new study provides compelling evidence that commercially available electronic health records are associated with better physician performance.

Fruits and vegetables: Seven-a-day for happiness and mental health Posted: 09 Oct 2012 07:20 AM PDT Happiness and mental health are highest among people who eat seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day, according to a new report.

Combining chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy cancer vaccines results in an enhanced anti-tumor effect: Study Posted: 09 Oct 2012 07:13 AM PDT Researchers have discovered that combining chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy cancer vaccines results in an enhanced anti-tumor effect. The results, achieved by testing cancer cells in a laboratory, are surprising because chemotherapy generally reduces immunity and could cancel out the benefits of immunotherapy when given together.

Sperm's swimming skills: Discovery shed light on male infertility, yields clues to development of male contraceptive pill Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:32 AM PDT New insights into the swimming skills of sperm shed light on male infertility, which affects one in 20 men, and could provide a new avenue to the development of a male contraceptive pill.

Bariatric surgery not silver bullet for sleep apnoea, study finds Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:32 AM PDT Although bariatric surgery results in greater weight loss than conventional measures, new research shows this does not translate into significantly greater improvement in obstructive sleep apnoea.

'Barcode' blood test for aggressive prostate cancer developed Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:32 AM PDT Scientists have designed a blood test that reads genetic changes like a barcode -- and can pick out aggressive prostate cancers by their particular pattern of gene activity. A research team found reading the pattern of genes switched on and off in blood cells could accurately detect which advanced prostate cancers had the worst survival.

With problem drinking, where you live may matter Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:30 AM PDT Some people living in disadvantaged neighborhoods may be at increased risk of problem drinking -- though much may depend on race and gender, according to a new study.

Research on enhanced transmissibility in H5N1 influenza: Should the moratorium end? Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:30 AM PDT In a series of commentaries, prominent microbiologists and physicians argue the cases both for and against lifting a voluntary moratorium on experiments to enhance the ability of the H5N1 virus to move from mammal to mammal, so-called "gain-of-function" research, and discuss the level of biosecurity that would be appropriate for moving that research forward.

New MRI technique used to identify early-stage coronary disease Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:30 AM PDT With the results of an MRI study from the National Institutes of Health, researchers say they are closer to finding an imaging technique that can identify thickening of the coronary artery wall, an early stage of coronary heart disease.

Learning from past flu epidemics to model outbreaks as they happen Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:28 AM PDT A new model of influenza transmission, using more detailed information about patterns and severity of infection than previous models, finds that cases and transmission rates of H1N1 during the 2009-2010 flu pandemic have been underestimated. This model can provide a more robust and accurate real-time estimate of infection during a pandemic, which will help health services prepare and respond to future outbreaks.

'Like this page' to prevent sexually transmitted infections: Outreach through social media can encourage condom use in young adults Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:28 AM PDT Sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention messages delivered by Facebook can be effective in promoting condom use among young adults in the short term, a new study has found. Few students and young adults receive comprehensive sexuality education or guidance on HIV and other STI risks. Social media may provide a viable alternative to promote safe sex using online networks of friends, the study reports.

Intrauterine surgery can improve the prognosis for the fetus Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:27 AM PDT Fetuses with congenital malformations can be helped by surgical intervention while still in the womb. The potential of intrauterine surgery to improve their chances of survival is described in a new article.

Inflammation-fighting mechanism may point to new treatments of rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:25 AM PDT Scientists in Belgium have discovered a mechanism used by the protein A20 to combat inflammation. This could be a very important point of focus in the search for a treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which the patient suffers from chronic, uncontrolled inflammation.

Coffee speeds up return of bowel function after colon surgery, study finds Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:25 AM PDT Patients who drank coffee, rather than water, after bowel surgery to remove a part of their colon experienced a quicker return to bowel movements and tolerance of solid food, according to a new study.

Aspirin may decrease risk of aggressive form of ovarian cancer, study suggests Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:25 AM PDT New research shows that women who regularly use pain relief medications, particularly aspirin, have a decreased risk of serous ovarian cancer—an aggressive carcinoma affecting the surface of the ovary. The study reports that non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), or other analgesics did not decrease ovarian cancer risk.

Swiss assisted suicide laws do not necessarily promote desire for death, study finds Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:25 AM PDT A new study shows that while current Swiss law does not necessarily increase the desire for assisted suicide, patients wish to discuss the option with their physician.

Graphic anti-smoking ads increase attempts to quit Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:24 AM PDT Graphic and/or emotional television anti-smoking ads get more smokers to try to quit than less intense ads, according to a new study.

Despite access to care, male veterans in poorer health than civilian men, study finds Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:24 AM PDT Even with access to health care, male military veterans are in poorer health than men in active military duty, men in the National Guard and Reserves, and civilian men, finds a new study.

How to check your skin for skin cancer Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:24 AM PDT Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and finding spots that could be cancerous is as simple as looking at your skin. Now a new video, "Skin Self-Exam: How to Do," from the American Academy of Dermatology demonstrates how to check your skin and what to look for.

Researchers stop neuromyelitis optica attacks with new therapy Posted: 09 Oct 2012 06:24 AM PDT Researchers have identified a new therapy for patients with neuromyelitis optica that appears to stop inflammation of the eye nerves and spinal cord. NMO is a debilitating central nervous system disorder that is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS). In the study, patients with severe symptoms of the disease, also known as NMO, were given eculizumab, a drug typically used to treat blood disorders.

DNA findings hold potential for cancer treatment Posted: 08 Oct 2012 02:33 PM PDT Six years ago, Boise State University biology professor Greg Hampikian and computer science colleague Tim Andersen announced that they had identified tiny DNA and protein sequences that were absent in nature. The researchers proposed that these sequences could have properties that were incompatible with life, and might serve as drugs to kill pathogens and even cancer. New research findings suggest this may be true.

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