ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Deadly effects of certain kinds of household air pollution lead to call for biomarker studies
• Clinical trial finds improvement in cognitive function but no difference between group's after physical, mental activity in older adults
• Tests to predict heart problems and stroke may be more useful predictor of memory loss than dementia tests
• Rewarding groups for losing weight more effective than rewarding individuals
• Cash for weight loss? Works better when employees compete for pots of money
• All water pills not equally effective against heart failure
• Post-ER care for chest pain reduces risk of heart attack, death
• New diagnostic technology may lead to individualized treatments for prostate cancer
• Researchers first to use common virus to 'fortify' adult stem cells
• Crucial step in human DNA replication observed for the first time
• New drug target companion prognostic test for hormone therapy resistance
• Esophageal cancer risk may be reduced through a variety of lifestyle factors -- from taking aspirin to losing belly fat
• Newly approved blood thinner may increase susceptibility to some viral infections
• Research deciphers HIV attack plan: How AIDS virus grooms its assault team
• Mechanism of mutant histone protein in childhood brain cancer revealed
• Electroencephalography (EEG) underused investigative tool in hospitals, study finds
• New multiple myeloma treatment guidelines personalize therapy for patients
• Organic labels bias consumers perceptions through the 'health halo effect'
• Personalized brain mapping technique preserves function following brain tumor surgery
• African Americans experience longer delay between prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Prostate cancer risk rises in men with inherited genetic condition
• Sorting out Parkinson's protein structure: Computer modeling may offer hints for new drug-design strategies
• Early COPD diagnosis possible with nuclear medicine
• Link between blood clotting, immune response uncovered
• Nothing fishy about it: Fish oil can boost the immune system
• Shedding light on early Parkinson's disease pathology
• Over-diagnosis of reflux in infants leads to needless medication, research finds
• New type of deadly lymphoma identified; Discovery enables more effective treatment for patients
• How cells distinguish friend from foe
• Our internal clocks can become ticking time bombs for diabetes and obesity
• Drug for erectile disorder show promise in the treatment of obesity
• 'Novel, effective' brain cancer treatment using genetic material from bone marrow cells
• Growing shorter: Adult health habits influence how much we shrink with age
• Mosquito genetic complexity may take a bite out of efforts to control malaria
• Many emergency department providers don't ask suicidal patients about gun access
• 'Miracle foods': Can they decrease the risk of cancer?
• New initiative provides free developmental assessments for children most at risk for autism
• 'OK' contact lenses: New technique shows promise in restoring near vision without glasses
• Varicella vaccine has long-term effectiveness against chicken pox
• Adolescents' poor health behaviors raise risk of heart disease as adults
• Prematurity, low birth weight significantly impact mortality rates
• Is guided self-help effective in treating childhood obesity?
• Surgical removal of lung metastases in breast cancer patients may improve overall survival

Deadly effects of certain kinds of household air pollution lead to call for biomarker studies Posted: 01 Apr 2013 03:13 PM PDT Almost 4 million people die annually from household air pollution (HAP) caused by exposure to the combustion of biomass fuels, kerosene, or coal. A new article explains the need for studies into biomarkers of HAP exposure and predictors of respiratory disease.

Clinical trial finds improvement in cognitive function but no difference between group's after physical, mental activity in older adults Posted: 01 Apr 2013 03:13 PM PDT A randomized controlled trial finds that 12 weeks of physical plus mental activity in inactive older adults with cognitive complaints was associated with significant improvement in cognitive function but there was no difference between intervention and control groups.

Tests to predict heart problems and stroke may be more useful predictor of memory loss than dementia tests Posted: 01 Apr 2013 03:13 PM PDT Risk prediction tools that estimate future risk of heart disease and stroke may be more useful predictors of future decline in cognitive abilities, or memory and thinking, than a dementia risk scores, according to a new study.

Rewarding groups for losing weight more effective than rewarding individuals Posted: 01 Apr 2013 03:13 PM PDT A multi-institution study has found that tying financial incentives to group weight loss led to significantly greater weight loss than cash awards based on an individual's success in losing weight on his or her own.

Cash for weight loss? Works better when employees compete for pots of money Posted: 01 Apr 2013 03:13 PM PDT Do cash rewards for healthier habits work? Maybe, says a new study, if you add on one more condition -- peer pressure. A growing number of companies are offering employees an opportunity to boost earning power at work via cash incentives to stay healthy. Under the Affordable Care Act, employers will soon be able to offer even larger financial incentives to prod healthy lifestyle behaviors among their workforce, such as quitting smoking and losing weight. But people who are offered money for weight loss may be much more successful when awards are based on a group's performance -- rather than just their own -- according to the new research.

All water pills not equally effective against heart failure Posted: 01 Apr 2013 01:14 PM PDT Loop diuretics, more commonly known as water pills, are the most widely prescribed heart failure medications, but few studies had extensively compared their effectiveness until researchers examined three approved loop diuretics and found that even though one of them might offer more benefit, it is rarely prescribed.

Post-ER care for chest pain reduces risk of heart attack, death Posted: 01 Apr 2013 01:12 PM PDT Follow-up care after an emergency room visit for chest pain significantly reduced the risk of heart attack or death among high risk patients.  Chest pain is the most common reason patients go to the ER. However, one in four chest pain patients didn't seek follow-up care within a month, as recommended.

New diagnostic technology may lead to individualized treatments for prostate cancer Posted: 01 Apr 2013 01:10 PM PDT A research team has enhanced a device they developed to identify and "grab" circulating tumor cells, or CTCs, that break away from cancers and enter the blood, often leading to the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. If more studies confirm the technology's effectiveness, the NanoVelcro Chip device could enable doctors to access and identify cancerous cells in the bloodstream, which would provide the diagnostic information needed to create individually tailored treatments for patients with prostate cancer.

Researchers first to use common virus to 'fortify' adult stem cells Posted: 01 Apr 2013 01:10 PM PDT Using the same strategy that a common virus employs to evade the human immune system, researchers have modified adult stem cells to increase their survival -- with the goal of giving the cells time to exert their natural healing abilities.

Crucial step in human DNA replication observed for the first time Posted: 01 Apr 2013 12:10 PM PDT An elusive step in the process of human DNA replication has been observed, for the first time, by scientists. The step, which is crucial for DNA replication in humans and other forms of life, had previously remained mysterious and had not been well studied in human DNA.

New drug target companion prognostic test for hormone therapy resistance Posted: 01 Apr 2013 12:10 PM PDT A team of international cancer researchers has identified the signalling pathway that is over-activated in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells that are resistant to hormone therapies such as tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors or fulvestrant.

Esophageal cancer risk may be reduced through a variety of lifestyle factors -- from taking aspirin to losing belly fat Posted: 01 Apr 2013 11:31 AM PDT Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is home to the Seattle Barrett's Esophagus Program, a multidisciplinary effort conducted in collaboration with researchers at Brigham & Women's College and the University of California at San Francisco. This research team has shown that a systematic approach to early cancer detection can boost five-year survival rates from about 15 percent to more than 80 percent.

Newly approved blood thinner may increase susceptibility to some viral infections Posted: 01 Apr 2013 10:20 AM PDT A new study indicates that a newly approved blood thinner that blocks a key component of the human blood clotting system may increase the risk and severity of certain viral infections, including flu and myocarditis, a viral infection of the heart and a significant cause of sudden death in children and young adults.

Research deciphers HIV attack plan: How AIDS virus grooms its assault team Posted: 01 Apr 2013 10:20 AM PDT A new study defines previously unknown properties of transmitted HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS. The viruses that successfully pass from a chronically infected person to a new individual are both remarkably resistant to a powerful initial human immune-response mechanism, and they are blanketed in a greater amount of envelope protein that helps them access and enter host cells.

Mechanism of mutant histone protein in childhood brain cancer revealed Posted: 01 Apr 2013 10:20 AM PDT Researchers have shown how a mutated histone protein inhibits an enzyme, which normally keeps cell growth in check, and causes a rare form of pediatric brain cancer called DIPG. Their findings reveal a mechanism for inhibiting enzymes and could lead to the development of pharmaceuticals that mimic the action of these mutant proteins.

Electroencephalography (EEG) underused investigative tool in hospitals, study finds Posted: 01 Apr 2013 10:18 AM PDT A retrospective study of patients who had in-hospital electroencephalography (EEG) has established that EEG is a valuable tool that could be deployed more widely to identify treatable causes of impaired consciousness in the hospital setting.

New multiple myeloma treatment guidelines personalize therapy for patients Posted: 01 Apr 2013 10:16 AM PDT Researchers have developed new guidelines to treat recently diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who are not participating in clinical trials. The guidelines give physicians practical, easy to follow recommendations for providing initial therapy, stem cell transplant and maintenance therapy.

Organic labels bias consumers perceptions through the 'health halo effect' Posted: 01 Apr 2013 09:15 AM PDT In a new study, researchers show that an organic label can influence much more than health views: perceptions of taste, calories and value can be significantly altered when a food is labeled "organic". Certain people also appear to be more susceptible to this 'health halo' effect than others.

Personalized brain mapping technique preserves function following brain tumor surgery Posted: 01 Apr 2013 09:09 AM PDT In a new paper, researchers review research showing that this ability to visualize relevant white matter tracts during glioma resection surgeries can improve accuracy.

African Americans experience longer delay between prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment Posted: 01 Apr 2013 09:09 AM PDT African American men on average wait a week longer than their Caucasian counterparts between the initial diagnosis of prostate cancer and treatment, according to researchers.

Prostate cancer risk rises in men with inherited genetic condition Posted: 01 Apr 2013 09:09 AM PDT Men with an inherited genetic condition called Lynch syndrome face a higher lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer and appear to develop the disease at an earlier age, according to a new study.

Sorting out Parkinson's protein structure: Computer modeling may offer hints for new drug-design strategies Posted: 01 Apr 2013 08:16 AM PDT Clumps of proteins that accumulate in brain cells are a hallmark of neurological diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Over the past several years, there has been much controversy over the structure of one of those proteins, known as alpha synuclein. Computational scientists have now modeled the structure of that protein, most commonly associated with Parkinson's, and found that it can take on either of two proposed states -- floppy or rigid.

Early COPD diagnosis possible with nuclear medicine Posted: 01 Apr 2013 08:15 AM PDT In vivo ventilation/perfusion imaging can detect early changes to the lung caused by cigarette smoke exposure and provides a noninvasive method for studying lung dysfunction in preclinical models, according to new research. These measures have the potential to be applied clinically to study and diagnose the early stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Link between blood clotting, immune response uncovered Posted: 01 Apr 2013 08:15 AM PDT Researchers have uncovered a surprise link between a protein that triggers the formation of blood clots and other proteins that are essential for the body's immune response. The research could lead to new treatments for patients who suffer from abnormal blood clots and inflammation.

Nothing fishy about it: Fish oil can boost the immune system Posted: 01 Apr 2013 08:15 AM PDT Fish oil rich in DHA and EPA is widely believed to help prevent disease by reducing inflammation, but until now, scientists were not entirely sure about its immune enhancing effects. A new report helps provide clarity on this by showing that DHA-rich fish oil enhances B cell activity, a white blood cell, challenging the notion that fish oil is only immunosuppressive.

Shedding light on early Parkinson's disease pathology Posted: 01 Apr 2013 08:12 AM PDT In a mouse model of early Parkinson's disease (PD), animals displayed movement deficits, loss of tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH)-positive fibers in the striatum, and astro-gliosis and micro-gliosis in the substantia nigra (SN), without the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons. The findings may cast light on the molecular processes involved in the initial stages of PD.

Over-diagnosis of reflux in infants leads to needless medication, research finds Posted: 01 Apr 2013 07:44 AM PDT Calling gastroesophageal reflux a disease increases parents' wish for medication, symptoms are frequently over-treated in infants, according to new research.

New type of deadly lymphoma identified; Discovery enables more effective treatment for patients Posted: 01 Apr 2013 07:10 AM PDT An international research team has identified a new type of deadly intestinal lymphoma that is particularly common in Asia. The team also developed a new diagnostic test to accurately identify these patients.

How cells distinguish friend from foe Posted: 01 Apr 2013 07:10 AM PDT Researchers ave shown how the innate immune system distinguishes between dangerous pathogens and friendly microbes. Like burglars entering a house, hostile bacteria give themselves away by breaking into cells. However, sensing proteins instantly detect the invasion, triggering an alarm that mobilizes the innate immune response. This new understanding of immunity could ultimately help researchers find new targets to treat inflammatory disorders.

Our internal clocks can become ticking time bombs for diabetes and obesity Posted: 01 Apr 2013 07:10 AM PDT If you're pulling and all-nighter to finish a term paper, a new parent up all night with a fussy baby, or simply can't sleep like you once could, then you may be snoozing on good health.

Drug for erectile disorder show promise in the treatment of obesity Posted: 01 Apr 2013 07:10 AM PDT Although sildenafil is best known for promoting erections, it may also serve as a weight loss aid by coaxing our bodies to store more healthy "brown fat" relative to unhealthy "white fat" than it would otherwise do on its own.

'Novel, effective' brain cancer treatment using genetic material from bone marrow cells Posted: 01 Apr 2013 07:10 AM PDT In a first-of-its-kind experiment using microvesicles generated from mesenchymal bone marrow cells (MSCs) to treat cancer, neurological researchers have discovered a novel approach for treatment of tumor. Specifically, the research team found that introducing genetic material produced by MSCs, significantly reduced a particularly resistant form of malignant brain tumor in living lab rats.

Growing shorter: Adult health habits influence how much we shrink with age Posted: 01 Apr 2013 07:10 AM PDT Even if you didn't eat your veggies or drink your milk as a child, your height is still in your hands. Using unique data from 17,708 adults, researchers show for the first time that lifestyle choices we make in adulthood -- and not just the hand we're dealt as children -- influence how tall we stand as we age. The research also reveals an especially strong relationship between height loss and cognitive health.

Mosquito genetic complexity may take a bite out of efforts to control malaria Posted: 01 Apr 2013 07:07 AM PDT New research documents how the genetic structure of African malaria mosquitoes is evolving, which could lead to implications for controlling malaria.

Many emergency department providers don't ask suicidal patients about gun access Posted: 01 Apr 2013 06:07 AM PDT Although guns are used in over half of all American suicides, a new study shows many emergency room doctors do not routinely ask suicidal patients about their access to firearms.

'Miracle foods': Can they decrease the risk of cancer? Posted: 01 Apr 2013 06:06 AM PDT Cancer is a disease that invokes fear, so it is not surprising that the public is eager to identify ways to decrease the risk. The media often features information on "Miracle Foods" and publicizes whether these foods can actually decrease the risk of cancer. A new commentary calls on both researchers as well as media sources to consider the validity of multiple studies as opposed to singular studies before assuming that media information is factual.

New initiative provides free developmental assessments for children most at risk for autism Posted: 01 Apr 2013 06:05 AM PDT Kennedy Krieger Institute has announced a new, pilot initiative to help identify the red flags of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in infant siblings of children with ASD as early as possible. Research studies have found that for families who have one child with ASD, the chance of a subsequent sibling developing the disorder is one in five. The goal of this new initiative is to put a national spotlight on children most at risk -- infant siblings -- and to bring support and awareness to those families already affected by the disorder.

'OK' contact lenses: New technique shows promise in restoring near vision without glasses Posted: 01 Apr 2013 04:52 AM PDT By middle age, most people have age-related declines in near vision requiring bifocals or reading glasses. An emerging technique called hyperopic orthokeratology may provide a new alternative for restoring near vision without the need for glasses, according to a new study.

Varicella vaccine has long-term effectiveness against chicken pox Posted: 01 Apr 2013 04:52 AM PDT Chicken pox, the childhood affliction of earlier generations, has been largely neutralized by the varicella vaccine, according to a new study.

Adolescents' poor health behaviors raise risk of heart disease as adults Posted: 01 Apr 2013 04:52 AM PDT U.S. adolescents' lack of heart-healthy behaviors may increase their chances of heart disease as adults, according to a new study. More than 80 percent of them had a poor diet and many were not physically active. Improving risk factors or preventing risk factors from developing during adolescence is the key to preventing cardiovascular disease as adults.

Prematurity, low birth weight significantly impact mortality rates Posted: 01 Apr 2013 04:49 AM PDT A new study shows that increasing numbers of premature and other low birth weight infants are the leading cause for the leveling off of infant mortality and neonatal mortality rates in the United States.

Is guided self-help effective in treating childhood obesity? Posted: 01 Apr 2013 04:49 AM PDT Initial research indicates that a self-help treatment program for overweight children and their parents, guided by clinical experts, may be an effective solution.

Surgical removal of lung metastases in breast cancer patients may improve overall survival Posted: 01 Apr 2013 04:49 AM PDT Patients with primary breast cancer that has spread to the lungs may live longer if the lung metastases are surgically removed, according to a new study.

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