ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Bacteria responsible for gum disease facilitates rheumatoid arthritis
• Americans living longer, more healthy lives
• Genes linked to being right- or left-handed identified
• Simple steps may identify patients that hold onto excess sodium
• Contribution of local animal populations to human Salmonella infections overstated
• Younger women with type 2 diabetes face higher risk of heart disease
• Radical new view of health: Stem cells are wired for cooperation, down to the DNA
• Molecule that triggers septic shock identified
• Molecular structure reveals how HIV infects cells
• Antioxidant treatment may help NF1-linked behavioral issues
• A microb's trick for staying young
• Helper cells trigger potent responses to HIV
• Autism gene stunts neurons, but growth can be restored
• Alzheimer's patients show striking individual differences in molecular basis of disease
• Surprising role of critical brain protein
• Treat the fungus among us with nontoxic medicinal compound
• Protein essential for maintaining beta cell function
• Women have higher rate of spontaneous clearance of Hepatitis C virus
• More than just type 1 or type 2: Study points to different forms of diabetes
• Researchers hit virtual heads to make safer games
• Cilantro, that favorite salsa ingredient, purifies drinking water
• Brain atrophy linked with cognitive decline in diabetes
• 'Incidental findings' rare but significant events in pediatric CT scans
• Novel vaccine reduces shedding of genital herpes virus
• Forcing cancer to digest itself
• New heart catheter on a U. S. patient for first time
• Codeine could increase users' sensitivity to pain
• New mutation identified, associated with better survival in lung cancer patients
• Guppy fish proven to be cheap, effective tool in fight against Dengue fever
• Meningitis A mass vaccination campaign shows dramatic impact of new vaccine
• How standardized cigarette packets reduce smoking
• Dreaming still possible even when the mind is blank
• Exercise provides some benefits for depression
• Biomarker predicts long-term risk of breast cancer recurrence
• First randomized trial of targeted cancer medicine in all tumor types
• Gap between experts and public on need to cut Medicare spending
• Testosterone deficiency not the only cause of changes with age in men
• Fat marker predicts cognitive decline in people with HIV
• Obesity may be associated with even occasional migraines
• Diagnosing the source of voice problems can be challenging
• Pain research yielding encouraging discoveries, but funding cuts threaten future advances
• Variation in bitter receptor mRNA expression affects taste perception
• Discovery of cell division 'master controller' may improve understanding and treatment of cancer
• Chest pain duration can signal heart attack

Bacteria responsible for gum disease facilitates rheumatoid arthritis Posted: 12 Sep 2013 05:33 PM PDT A research team has uncovered how the bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, worsens rheumatoid arthritis by leading to earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of the disease, including increased bone and cartilage destruction.

Americans living longer, more healthy lives Posted: 12 Sep 2013 05:33 PM PDT In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have found that the average 25-year-old American today can look forward to 2.4 more years of a healthy life than 20 years ago while a 65-year-old today has gained 1.7 years.

Genes linked to being right- or left-handed identified Posted: 12 Sep 2013 05:32 PM PDT A genetic study has identified a biological process that influences whether we are right-handed or left-handed. Scientists found correlations between handedness and a network of genes involved in establishing left-right asymmetry in developing embryos.

Simple steps may identify patients that hold onto excess sodium Posted: 12 Sep 2013 11:39 AM PDT Getting a second urine sample and blood pressure measure as patients head out of the doctor's office appears an efficient way to identify those whose health may be in jeopardy because their bodies hold onto too much sodium, researchers report.

Contribution of local animal populations to human Salmonella infections overstated Posted: 12 Sep 2013 11:34 AM PDT A new study has shown that, contrary to popular belief, local domestic animals are unlikely to be the major source of antibiotic resistant Salmonella in humans.

Younger women with type 2 diabetes face higher risk of heart disease Posted: 12 Sep 2013 11:34 AM PDT Type 2 diabetes independently increases the risk of heart disease in premenopausal women, according to new research.

Radical new view of health: Stem cells are wired for cooperation, down to the DNA Posted: 12 Sep 2013 11:32 AM PDT We often think of human cells as tiny computers that perform assigned tasks, where disease is a result of a malfunction. But researchers now offer a radical view of health — seeing it more as a cooperative state among cells, while they see disease as result of cells at war that fight with each other for domination.

Molecule that triggers septic shock identified Posted: 12 Sep 2013 11:32 AM PDT Researchers have identified a sensor pathway inside cells. These internal sensors are like motion detectors inside a house; they trigger an alarm that signals for help — a response from the immune system.

Molecular structure reveals how HIV infects cells Posted: 12 Sep 2013 11:32 AM PDT A team scientists has determined the high-resolution atomic structure of a cell-surface receptor that most strains of HIV use to get into human immune cells. The researchers also showed where maraviroc, an HIV drug, attaches to cells and blocks HIV's entry.

Antioxidant treatment may help NF1-linked behavioral issues Posted: 12 Sep 2013 10:21 AM PDT New research in mouse models suggests that treatment with antioxidants may help reduce behavioral issues linked to the genetic nervous system disorder Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and an associated condition called Costello syndrome.

A microb's trick for staying young Posted: 12 Sep 2013 10:20 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a microbe that stays forever young by rejuvenating every time it reproduces.

Helper cells trigger potent responses to HIV Posted: 12 Sep 2013 10:20 AM PDT A major new finding that will significantly advance efforts to create the world's first antibody-based AIDS vaccine shows that certain helper T cells are important for triggering a strong antibody response against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Autism gene stunts neurons, but growth can be restored Posted: 12 Sep 2013 10:19 AM PDT A new study reports that mutation of a gene associated with some autism forms in humans can hinder the proper growth and connectivity of brain cells in mice. It also shows how that understanding allowed these cells to restore proper growth in the lab.

Alzheimer's patients show striking individual differences in molecular basis of disease Posted: 12 Sep 2013 10:19 AM PDT Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, but little is known about the molecular structures of these beta-amyloid fibrils. A new study has revealed that distinct molecular structures may predominate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients with different clinical histories and degrees of brain damage. The findings pave the way for new patient-specific strategies to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Surprising role of critical brain protein Posted: 12 Sep 2013 10:18 AM PDT Researchers performed what they assumed would be a routine experiment in neurodevelopment. The results, however, revealed surprising roles of an important protein and its receptors. The finding could prove useful for the development of therapies and diagnostics to combat brain disease.

Treat the fungus among us with nontoxic medicinal compound Posted: 12 Sep 2013 10:18 AM PDT A research team has found a breakthrough herbal medicine treatment for a common human fungal pathogen that lives in almost 80 percent of people. The team discovered a medicinal herb called Gymnema slyvestre is both nontoxic and blocks the virulence properties of a common fungus called Candida albicans.

Protein essential for maintaining beta cell function Posted: 12 Sep 2013 10:18 AM PDT Researchers at the Pediatric Diabetes Research Center (PDRC) at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have shown that the pancreatic protein Nkx6.1 – a beta-cell enriched transcription factor – is essential to maintaining the functional state of beta cells.

Women have higher rate of spontaneous clearance of Hepatitis C virus Posted: 12 Sep 2013 08:28 AM PDT A study of patients infected with acute Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection found that women had higher rates of spontaneous viral clearance — undetectable levels of the virus without initiating drug therapy.

More than just type 1 or type 2: Study points to different forms of diabetes Posted: 12 Sep 2013 08:18 AM PDT A new study examines the different phenotypes of diabetes mellitus in relation to their immunological, metabolic and genetic profiles and suggests that there may be more than two forms of diabetes. These findings may lead science towards developing a full understanding and a clear classification of diabetes.

Researchers hit virtual heads to make safer games Posted: 12 Sep 2013 08:18 AM PDT Two nearly identical softballs, both approved for league play, can have dramatically different effects when smacked into a player's head.

Cilantro, that favorite salsa ingredient, purifies drinking water Posted: 12 Sep 2013 07:48 AM PDT New research hints that a favorite ingredient in Mexican, Southeast Asian and other spicy cuisine may be an inexpensive new way of purifying drinking water.

Brain atrophy linked with cognitive decline in diabetes Posted: 12 Sep 2013 06:38 AM PDT New research has shown that cognitive decline in people with type 2 diabetes is likely due to brain atrophy, or shrinkage, that resembles patterns seen in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

'Incidental findings' rare but significant events in pediatric CT scans Posted: 12 Sep 2013 06:37 AM PDT The largest study of computed tomographic scans taken in emergency departments across the country for children with head injuries describes the prevalence of "incidental findings" -- results that were not expected from the injury -- and categorizes them by urgency.

Novel vaccine reduces shedding of genital herpes virus Posted: 12 Sep 2013 06:37 AM PDT Sexually transmitted infection researchers have potentially reached a milestone in vaccine treatment for genital herpes, according to a report.

Forcing cancer to digest itself Posted: 12 Sep 2013 06:25 AM PDT When tumour cells no longer degrade themselves, cancer may develop. Using black skin cancer as an example, researchers have now shown that a protein plays an important role in the process of degradation of tumour cells. By reactivating this degradation therapeutically, tumours can be virtually forced to digest themselves.

New heart catheter on a U. S. patient for first time Posted: 12 Sep 2013 06:22 AM PDT Cardiovascular physicians have used the new IntellaTip MiFi™ XP catheter in a U.S. patient for the first time.

Codeine could increase users' sensitivity to pain Posted: 12 Sep 2013 06:22 AM PDT Using large and frequent doses of the pain-killer codeine may actually produce heightened sensitivity to pain, without the same level of relief offered by morphine, according to new research.

New mutation identified, associated with better survival in lung cancer patients Posted: 12 Sep 2013 06:16 AM PDT Researchers have identified a mutation associated with a higher incidence of lung cancer in Japanese women who do not smoke, but who appear to have a better survival rate than others with lung cancer.

Guppy fish proven to be cheap, effective tool in fight against Dengue fever Posted: 12 Sep 2013 06:16 AM PDT Larvae-eating guppy fish can help combat the spread of dengue, a mosquito-borne illness giving rise to hundreds of thousands of severe cases including 20,000 deaths worldwide every year.

Meningitis A mass vaccination campaign shows dramatic impact of new vaccine Posted: 11 Sep 2013 06:19 PM PDT Research looking at the effectiveness of a new meningitis vaccine for the main epidemic strain in Africa shows dramatically reduced incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94 percent and carriage prevalence of the epidemic strain by 98 percent, while an epidemic persisted in unvaccinated parts of Chad.

How standardized cigarette packets reduce smoking Posted: 11 Sep 2013 06:19 PM PDT Standardized cigarette packaging may reduce acute cravings and are associated with less favourable perceptions of appeal, taste, popularity and motivation to buy than branded packs.

Dreaming still possible even when the mind is blank Posted: 11 Sep 2013 06:19 PM PDT Researchers have outlined case studies of patients with Auto-Activation Deficit who reported dreams when awakened from REM sleep – even when they demonstrated a mental blank during the daytime. This paper proves that even patients with Auto-Activation Disorder have the ability to dream and that it is the "bottom-up" process that causes the dream state.

Exercise provides some benefits for depression Posted: 11 Sep 2013 06:19 PM PDT Exercise may benefit people suffering from depression, according to a recent review. Evidence has been found to suggest that exercise reduces symptoms of depression, although they say more high quality trials are needed.

Biomarker predicts long-term risk of breast cancer recurrence Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:48 PM PDT A comparison of three methods of predicting the risk of recurrence in women treated for estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer finds that only the breast cancer index -- a biomarker based on the expression levels of seven tumor-specific genes -- accurately identifies patients who continue to be at risk after five years of treatment with either tamoxifen or the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole.

First randomized trial of targeted cancer medicine in all tumor types Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:48 PM PDT A further step along the road to the personalization of cancer medicine, where treatment is based on the individual molecular characteristics of tumors rather than their primary site, will be presented at the 2013 European Cancer Congress.

Gap between experts and public on need to cut Medicare spending Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:47 PM PDT As debate over the national debt and the federal budget deficit heats up, an analysis of recent national polls shows that, compared with government reports, the public has different views about the need to reduce future Medicare spending. Many experts see Medicare as a major contributor to the federal budget deficit today, but only about one-third of the public agrees.

Testosterone deficiency not the only cause of changes with age in men Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:47 PM PDT Just as the symptoms of menopause in women are attributed to a sharp drop in estrogen production, symptoms often seen in middle-aged men -- changes in body composition, energy, strength and sexual function -- are usually attributed to the less drastic decrease in testosterone production that typically occurs in the middle years. However, a new study finds that insufficient estrogen could be at least partially responsible for some of these symptoms.

Fat marker predicts cognitive decline in people with HIV Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:44 PM PDT Scientists have found that levels of certain fats found in cerebral spinal fluid can predict which patients with HIV are more likely to become intellectually impaired.

Obesity may be associated with even occasional migraines Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:44 PM PDT People who get occasional migraines are more likely to be obese than people who do not have migraines, indicates new research.

Diagnosing the source of voice problems can be challenging Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:44 PM PDT People who use their voices professionally – such as teachers, lawyers and especially performers – can face a number of medical and psychological problems that can interfere with its proper function, causing frustration and worry.

Pain research yielding encouraging discoveries, but funding cuts threaten future advances Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:44 PM PDT Multi-faceted pain research discoveries within the last decade are bringing new hope for the estimated 100 million Americans with chronic pain. Unfortunately, translation of these scientific advances into clinical practice could be stalled without sufficient funding for both basic science and clinical pain research.

Variation in bitter receptor mRNA expression affects taste perception Posted: 11 Sep 2013 03:44 PM PDT New findings reveal that a person's sensitivity to bitter taste is shaped not only by which taste genes that person has, but also by how much messenger RNA -- the gene's instruction guide that tells a taste cell to build a specific receptor – their cells make.

Discovery of cell division 'master controller' may improve understanding and treatment of cancer Posted: 11 Sep 2013 01:10 PM PDT Researchers have found that the protein cyclin A plays an important but previously unknown role in the cell division process, acting as a master controller to ensure the faithful segregation of chromosomes during cell division.

Chest pain duration can signal heart attack Posted: 11 Sep 2013 01:10 PM PDT Patients with longer-lasting chest pain are more likely having a heart attack than those with pain of a shorter duration.

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