ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Having children lowers mortality in people with type 1 diabetes, women more than men
• Fat and obesity gene also affects hip fracture
• Acupuncture or counselling plus usual care may improve depression symptoms
• Neurological basis for lack of empathy in psychopaths
• Vaccine against pneumococcal infections has led to widespread reduction in serious disease
• MicroRNA-31 might predict lung-cancer spread
• Dangers and potential of nanomaterials examined
• Living better with heart failure by changing what you eat
• Past weight loss an overlooked factor in disordered eating
• Vitamin D alone does little to protect bone health in postmenopausal women
• Some childhood cancer survivors may face subsequent renal problems
• Professional French horn players in danger of developing noise-induced hearing loss
• Disease-specific human embryonic stem cell lines placed on NIH registry
• Environmental enrichment for traumatic brain injury patients may reduce shrinkage in brain
• Single mild blast exposure can cause brain injuries similar to Alzheimer’s disease
• Possible way to turn fungus from foe to friend
• Fat grafting helps patients with scarring problems
• Automated CHICA system makes ADHD diagnosis more accurate
• New research shows how heart cells communicate to regulate heart activity
• Rare mutations increase risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease
• Adjusting bacteria in intestines may lead to obesity treatments
• Targeted radiation therapy safe, effective treatment for elderly with pancreatic cancer
• Develop after-sex contraceptive pill for routine use, urge researchers: Political opposition biggest hurdle
• Researchers successfully test model for implant device reactions
• Greek crisis has biological health effects
• Reliable method detects suicidal propensity
• Do anaesthetics trigger stress?
• Underage youth get cigarettes and alcohol from friends and family
• No age-related differences in post-concussion symptoms
• iPhones for the eyes: Smart phone photography to help diagnose eye disease
• HPV linked to growing number of young adults with oropharyngeal cancer
• Majority of patients who qualify for lifesaving heart treatment do not receive it
• Warning of potential side effects of a product can increase its sales
• Recommendations guide physicians in treatment of systemic juvenile arthritis
• Two tests in combination can provide better asthma diagnosis
• Caffeine consumption slows down brain development, rat study shows
• Acupuncture or counselling plus usual care may improve depression symptoms
• Early imaging, diagnosis of alzheimer’s leads to changes in patient care, better outcomes
• New laser provides cutting-edge treatment for diabetes, retinal diseases
• Sports medicine specialists make pitch to prevent overuse injuries in young athletes
• External beam radiation therapy for breast cancer does not increase mortality risks
• Hospital trusts fall short of recommended standards on post mortem consent
• Drug found to eradicate HIV permanently from infected cells
• New password in a heartbeat
• Risk-factors for addictive video-game use among adults
• Managed care reduces hospitalizations in nursing home residents with advanced dementia
• Marriage associated with better cancer outcomes
• Implanted device helps patients with central sleep apnea
• Some heart birth defects may increase children's heart infection risk
• Medicare expenses for patients with heart attacks increase between 1998 and 2008
• Bedsharing associated with longer breastfeeding; study warns of bedsharing risk
• Results of a parental survey may help predict childhood immunization status
• Types of insurance of nursing home residents and likelihood of being hospitalized compared
• Genetic and physiological basis for metabolic diseases

Having children lowers mortality in people with type 1 diabetes, women more than men Posted: 24 Sep 2013 04:36 PM PDT New research shows that having children lowers mortality in people with type 1 diabetes, but for women more than men.

Fat and obesity gene also affects hip fracture Posted: 24 Sep 2013 02:44 PM PDT Researchers have demonstrated a strong association between the FTO (fat and obesity) gene and hip fracture in women. While the gene is already well known to affect diabetes and obesity, this is the first study to show that its high-risk variant can increase the risk of hip fracture by as much as 82 percent.

Acupuncture or counselling plus usual care may improve depression symptoms Posted: 24 Sep 2013 02:43 PM PDT Acupuncture or counselling plus usual care 'may improve' depression symptoms.

Neurological basis for lack of empathy in psychopaths Posted: 24 Sep 2013 02:43 PM PDT When individuals with psychopathy imagine others in pain, brain areas necessary for feeling empathy and concern for others fail to become active and be connected to other important regions involved in affective processing and decision-making, reports a new study.

Vaccine against pneumococcal infections has led to widespread reduction in serious disease Posted: 24 Sep 2013 02:43 PM PDT Vaccination with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine-7 [PCV7 -- a vaccine that covers 7 strains (serotypes) of Streptococcus pneumoniae is linked to overall decreases in the rate of serious infections caused by this bacterium, such as pneumonia and meningitis, referred to as invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), but small increases in IPD caused by serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae not covered by the vaccine, according to a new study.

MicroRNA-31 might predict lung-cancer spread Posted: 24 Sep 2013 01:08 PM PDT A new study suggests that measuring levels of miR-31 in tumor tissue might accurately determine whether the most common form of lung cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The findings could lead to improvements in the ability of doctors to stage and treat certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Dangers and potential of nanomaterials examined Posted: 24 Sep 2013 12:36 PM PDT After a decade of rapidly growing industrial use, unimaginably tiny particles surround us everywhere, every day, in everything we do. Used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, clothing, paints, food, drug delivery systems and many other familiar products we all use daily, little is known about the effects these materials have on health. Scientists are now finding inhalation of engineered nanomaterials negatively impacts gestational development in animal models.

Living better with heart failure by changing what you eat Posted: 24 Sep 2013 12:36 PM PDT Just 21 days of following a low-sodium DASH diet lowered blood pressure and improved heart function for older adults living with a common type of heart failure.

Past weight loss an overlooked factor in disordered eating Posted: 24 Sep 2013 11:10 AM PDT The focus of eating disorder research has largely been on the state of patients' thoughts, beliefs and emotions, with historically little focus on how current and past body weights contribute. A flurry of studies suggest that past body weight and relative weight loss should be taken into account.

Vitamin D alone does little to protect bone health in postmenopausal women Posted: 24 Sep 2013 10:51 AM PDT While calcium supplements noticeably improved bone health in postmenopausal women, vitamin D supplements did not reduce bone turnover, according to a recent study.

Some childhood cancer survivors may face subsequent renal problems Posted: 24 Sep 2013 10:51 AM PDT Adult survivors of childhood cancers who underwent certain chemotherapy treatments or kidney surgery had worse kidney function that did not recover over time. Because of this, they may be at higher risk for premature renal failure.

Professional French horn players in danger of developing noise-induced hearing loss Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:28 AM PDT A new study has found further evidence that French horn players are one of the most at-risk groups of developing noise-induced hearing loss among professional orchestral musicians.

Disease-specific human embryonic stem cell lines placed on NIH registry Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:28 AM PDT Scientists have announced that 16 human embryonic stem cell lines have been approved by the National Institutes of Health, making them freely available for federally-funded research in the USA. The stem cell lines, which carry genes for a variety of hereditary disorders, are considered to be ideal research tools for designing models to understand disease progression, and ultimately in helping scientists develop new treatments for patients.

Environmental enrichment for traumatic brain injury patients may reduce shrinkage in brain Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:28 AM PDT For the first time, scientists have found that in people with chronic moderate-severe traumatic brain injury, atrophy (shrinkage) in the brain may be countered by participating in environmental enrichment -- increased physical, social and cognitive stimulation.

Single mild blast exposure can cause brain injuries similar to Alzheimer’s disease Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:26 AM PDT A new study reports that even a single mild explosion can cause changes in the brain that have similarities to those found in diseases like Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

Possible way to turn fungus from foe to friend Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:24 AM PDT Candida albicans is a double agent: In most of us, it lives peacefully, but for people whose immune systems are compromised by HIV or other severe illnesses, it is frequently deadly. Now a new study shows how targeting a specific fungal component might turn the fungus from a lion back into a kitten.

Fat grafting helps patients with scarring problems Posted: 24 Sep 2013 09:24 AM PDT Millions of people with scars suffer from pain, discomfort, and inability to perform regular activities. Some may have to revert to addicting pain medicine to get rid of their ailments. Now, a new technique is being used including the injection of the patient's own fat cells is an effective treatment for hard, contracted scars resulting from burns or other causes.

Automated CHICA system makes ADHD diagnosis more accurate Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:35 AM PDT New study finds that using CHICA -- Child Health Improvement through Computer Automation -- to pre-screen for ADHD increased the likelihood that pediatricians screened for and documented appropriate, evidence-based criteria to diagnose ADHD, and made them more likely to seek more information from parents and school. It also made physicians more likely to screen child for anxiety and depression.

New research shows how heart cells communicate to regulate heart activity Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:34 AM PDT New research is leading to a better understanding of what happens during heart failure, knowledge that could lead to better therapeutics or a more accurate predictor of risk. The research found the heart is regulated not only by nervous systems but also by heart cells sending messages to each other through the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Rare mutations increase risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:34 AM PDT Researchers have identified and validated two rare gene mutations that appear to cause the common form of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that strikes after the age of 60. The two mutations occur in a gene called ADAM10, which now becomes the second pathologically-confirmed gene for late-onset AD and the fifth AD gene overall.

Adjusting bacteria in intestines may lead to obesity treatments Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:34 AM PDT A drug that appears to target specific intestinal bacteria in the guts of mice may create a chain reaction that could eventually lead to new treatments for obesity and diabetes in humans, according to a team of researchers.

Targeted radiation therapy safe, effective treatment for elderly with pancreatic cancer Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:31 AM PDT A highly targeted cancer radiation therapy may offer a safe and effective treatment option for elderly pancreatic cancer patients unable to undergo surgery or combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Develop after-sex contraceptive pill for routine use, urge researchers: Political opposition biggest hurdle Posted: 24 Sep 2013 08:00 AM PDT A contraceptive pill that could be routinely used after, rather than before, sex and fertilization is probably scientifically feasible and would probably be welcomed by many women, say researchers.

Researchers successfully test model for implant device reactions Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:35 AM PDT A team of researchers has used mathematical modeling to develop a computer simulation they hope will one day improve the treatment of dangerous reactions to medical implants such as stents, catheters and artificial joints. Results from their computational model of foreign-body reactions to implants were consistent with biological models in lab tests.

Greek crisis has biological health effects Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:35 AM PDT Young adults in Greece suffer more from stress and mental health problems and are less optimistic about the future than Swedes of the same age. The grave financial problems in Greece have brought on a social crisis that has probably affected people's health.

Reliable method detects suicidal propensity Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:32 AM PDT A simple measurement of the sweat gland activity of a depressed person can determine if he or she is suicidal -- with 97 percent accuracy. Now another large clinical study confirms the correlation.

Do anaesthetics trigger stress? Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:32 AM PDT New research could improve the welfare standards of millions of fish used by scientists around the world. The study is one of the first to formally assess the welfare implications of anaesthetics on fish. Researchers use fish to study the developmental origins of health and disease.

Underage youth get cigarettes and alcohol from friends and family Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:32 AM PDT A survey shows that a majority of those underage students in Ontario, Canada who smoke or drink are getting cigarettes and alcohol from a friend or family member.

No age-related differences in post-concussion symptoms Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:32 AM PDT Do young athletes fare worse after sustaining a sports-related concussion than older athletes? To find out, researchers compared symptoms associated with concussion in middle/high school-age athletes with those in college-age athletes to determine whether age-related differences exist. These researchers found no significant differences between the two age groups in the number or severity of sports-related concussion symptoms or in the amount of time it took for athletes' concussion symptoms to return to baseline values.

iPhones for the eyes: Smart phone photography to help diagnose eye disease Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:30 AM PDT Researchers describe the relatively simple technique of fundus photography in eyes using a smartphone, an inexpensive app for the smartphone, and instruments that are readily available in an ophthalmic practice.

HPV linked to growing number of young adults with oropharyngeal cancer Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:30 AM PDT The human papillomavirus (HPV) may be to blame for the alarming increase of young adults with oropharyngeal cancer, according to researchers.

Majority of patients who qualify for lifesaving heart treatment do not receive it Posted: 24 Sep 2013 07:30 AM PDT A new study of patients who died of sudden cardiac arrest, a usually fatal condition that causes the heart to stop beating, shows the majority who qualified to receive potentially lifesaving treatment did not receive it.

Warning of potential side effects of a product can increase its sales Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:18 AM PDT Drug ads often warn of serious side effects, from nausea and bleeding to blindness, even death. New research suggests that, rather than scaring consumers away, these warnings can improve consumers' opinions and increase product sales when there is a delay between seeing the ad and deciding to buy or consume the product.

Recommendations guide physicians in treatment of systemic juvenile arthritis Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:18 AM PDT In the US, there are nearly 300,000 children with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic illnesses. For pediatric patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), effective treatment for this disabling disease is imperative. New treatment recommendations that guide physicians caring for children with systemic JIA are now published.

Two tests in combination can provide better asthma diagnosis Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:15 AM PDT It was previously thought that two main test methods signalled the same type of asthma. But a new study shows that the methods actually signal two different inflammatory processes. With the tests used in combination, the chances are probably greater for the patient to receive just the right treatment.

Caffeine consumption slows down brain development, rat study shows Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:13 AM PDT Humans and other mammals show particularly intensive sleeping patterns during puberty. The brain also matures fastest in this period. But when pubescent rats are administered caffeine, the maturing processes in their brains are delayed, a new study shows.

Acupuncture or counselling plus usual care may improve depression symptoms Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:13 AM PDT Acupuncture or counselling, provided alongside usual care, could benefit patients with depression. The study found that in a primary care setting, combining acupuncture or counselling with usual care had some benefits after three months for patients with recurring depression.

Early imaging, diagnosis of alzheimer’s leads to changes in patient care, better outcomes Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:05 AM PDT Patients suffering from early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease who were diagnosed sooner than usual using a brain imaging test received Alzheimer-specific medications earlier than those who did not have the brain imaging results available to their doctors or themselves. These patients also had significantly better clinical outcomes during the subsequent years they were clinically monitored.

New laser provides cutting-edge treatment for diabetes, retinal diseases Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:05 AM PDT A new laser in Nebraska - one of only two in the world -- can help prevent blindness in patients with diabetes and retinal eye diseases.

Sports medicine specialists make pitch to prevent overuse injuries in young athletes Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:05 AM PDT Numerous studies indicate that approximately half of the sports-related injuries among children and adolescents in this country are caused by overuse. And overuse injuries are preventable.

External beam radiation therapy for breast cancer does not increase mortality risks Posted: 24 Sep 2013 06:05 AM PDT Early-stage breast cancer patients who receive external beam therapy are not at higher risk for serious long-term side effects in the chest area, including increase in deaths from cardiac disease and secondary malignancies, according to research.

Hospital trusts fall short of recommended standards on post mortem consent Posted: 23 Sep 2013 05:03 PM PDT Many hospital trusts in England and Wales are falling short of the recommended standards on obtaining consent for a post mortem, indicates a snapshot survey of practice.

Drug found to eradicate HIV permanently from infected cells Posted: 23 Sep 2013 05:01 PM PDT The anti-fungal drug Ciclopirox causes HIV-infected cells to commit suicide by jamming up the cells' powerhouse, the mitochondria, according to a new study. And unlike current anti-HIV drugs, Ciclopirox completely eradicates infectious HIV from cell cultures, with no rebound of virus when the drug is stopped.

New password in a heartbeat Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:59 PM PDT Researchers propose a system to prevent cyberattacks on pacemakers, defibrillators and other devices that use wireless communications.

Risk-factors for addictive video-game use among adults Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:57 PM PDT New research indicates that escapism, social interaction and rewards fuel problematic video-game use among "very casual" to "hardcore" adult gamers. Understanding individual motives that contribute to unhealthy game play could help counselors identify and treat individuals addicted to video games.

Managed care reduces hospitalizations in nursing home residents with advanced dementia Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:57 PM PDT Nursing home residents with advanced dementia commonly experience burdensome, costly interventions that do not improve their quality of life or extend their survival. Now a new study suggests that providing intensive primary care services may result in less burdensome and less costly care for these terminally ill residents.

Marriage associated with better cancer outcomes Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:57 PM PDT People who are married when diagnosed with cancer live longer than those who are not, report researchers. Married patients also tended to have cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage -- when it is often more successfully treated -- and to receive more appropriate treatment. The findings suggest that the availability of social support when facing a serious illness may improve outcomes.

Implanted device helps patients with central sleep apnea Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:57 PM PDT A small implant being studied for the treatment of central sleep apnea is showing significant promise in patients.

Some heart birth defects may increase children's heart infection risk Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:57 PM PDT Children with specific types of heart birth defects who are under 3 or who've had cardiac surgery within the last six months may face an elevated risk of heart infection. Parents of children with heart birth defects should discuss with their physicians how to prevent these potentially serious infections.

Medicare expenses for patients with heart attacks increase between 1998 and 2008 Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:56 PM PDT Medicare expenses for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI, heart attack) increased substantially between 1998 and 2008, with much of the increase coming in expenses 31 days or more after the patient was hospitalized, according to a new study.

Bedsharing associated with longer breastfeeding; study warns of bedsharing risk Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:56 PM PDT Frequent bedsharing between a mother and infant was associated with longer duration of breastfeeding, but researchers warned of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) associated with bedsharing.

Results of a parental survey may help predict childhood immunization status Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:56 PM PDT Scores on a survey to measure parental hesitancy about vaccinating their children were associated with immunization status, according to a new study.

Types of insurance of nursing home residents and likelihood of being hospitalized compared Posted: 23 Sep 2013 02:56 PM PDT Elderly nursing home residents with advanced dementia who were enrolled in a Medicare managed care insurance plan were more likely to have do-not-hospitalize orders and were less likely to be hospitalized for acute illness than those residents enrolled in traditional Medicare.

Genetic and physiological basis for metabolic diseases Posted: 23 Sep 2013 12:55 PM PDT The results of a new study provide a significant step in understanding the molecular, genetic and physiological basis for a spectrum of metabolic diseases related to circadian function.

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