ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Closer to vaccine against C. difficile
• New strep throat risk score brings data together to improve care
• Reduce unnecessary lab tests, decrease costs by modifying software
• Foreign-educated health workers play vital role in US health system
• Eating disorders more common in males than realized
• Researchers offer solutions to looming healthcare provider shortage
• Physician shortage could be cut by new primary care models
• Solving pediatric obesity problem in rural communities
• 20 percent of nation's medical education funds go to NY, 29 states get less than one percent
• Hot-air balloon rides - researchers advise 'proceed with caution'
• 'Smarter' blood pressure guidelines could prevent heart attacks, strokes
• Electronic, internet health tools may decrease in-person physician visits
• Women, African-Americans at higher risk of heart attack from atrial fibrillation
• A better way to track your every move: Algorithm accurately tracks physical activity no matter where you carry your phone
• Wives matter more when it comes to calming down marital conflicts
• New insights into brain neuronal networks
• Imaging studies may predict tumor response to anti-angiogenic drugs
• Clinical practice guideline: Bell's palsy
• Gabapentin is safe, effective for treating alcohol dependence, study shows
• New test may predict severe high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Brain aging is conclusively linked to genes
• Computer-aided image analysis for breast tumor diagnosis
• Increased anxiety disorders among active component service members
• Magnesium levels vital to brain health as population ages
• Community health centers integrate mental, medical services to address care gap
• Designer piercings: New membrane pores with DNA nanotechnology
• Is it safe to drive with my arm in a cast?
• Learning and memory: How neurons activate PP1
• Gene responsible for hereditary cancer found to disrupt growth-regulating cellular pathway
• Little difference found between self-reported, measured weights following bariatric surgery
• Substantial weight loss for severely obese individuals after bariatric surgery
• No major complications in most teens undergoing weight-loss bariatric surgery, study suggests
• Antidepressant drug induces a juvenile-like state in neurons of the prefrontal cortex
• Subtypes of malignant melanoma - invisible yet fatal
• Job strain helps explain adverse effects of workaholism
• Sexual function dramatically improves in women following bariatric surgery
• Is clinicians' decision making affected by 'precious baby' phenomenon?
• Ibuprofen no good in treating colds or sore throats
• New method quickly determines if chest pain is acute coronary syndrome
• Combining imaging techniques for quicker, gentler biopsies for breast cancer
• Mutations linked to breast cancer treatment resistance
• New computing model could lead to quicker advancements in medical research
• Stem cells linked to cognitive gain after brain injury
• Researchers discover new path to address genetic muscular diseases
• California receives 'A' grade on preterm birth report card
• Wide support for school-based health centers
• Measuring quality of life for rare blood condition
• Computational models to decipher biological problems and boost biotech productivity
• Researchers warn of the 'myths' of global medical tourism
• Promoting health literacy in schools
• Scientists map structure of key complex in the immune system
• Transmitting stress response patterns across generations
• Why tumor cells go on dangerous tours
• Natural solution to rid plumbing of pathogens
• Brain tumor removal through hole smaller than dime
• Kids who sleep more, may eat less
• Teens in child welfare system show higher drug abuse rate
• Earlier onset of puberty in girls linked to obesity
• Digital technologies improve remote rehabilitation, medical monitoring for patients
• Exposure to secondhand smoke at work on the decline, but gaps remain

Closer to vaccine against C. difficile Posted: 04 Nov 2013 04:22 PM PST A group of leading scientists from across Europe have launched a three-year project aimed at developing an oral vaccine against Clostridium difficile, an infection that kills 4,000 people a year (almost four-times more than MRSA) and for which there is currently no effective treatments.

New strep throat risk score brings data together to improve care Posted: 04 Nov 2013 02:13 PM PST A new risk measure called a "home score" could save a patient with symptoms of strep throat a trip to the doctor, according to a new paper. The score combines patients' symptoms and demographic information with data on local strep throat activity to estimate their strep risk, empowering them to seek care appropriately.

Reduce unnecessary lab tests, decrease costs by modifying software Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:27 PM PST When patients undergo diagnostic lab tests as part of the inpatient admission process, they may wonder why or how physicians choose particular tests. Increasingly, medical professionals are using electronic medical systems that provide lists of lab tests from to choose. Now, researchers have studied how to modify these lists to ensure health professionals order relevant tests and omit unnecessary lab tests, which could result in better care and reduced costs.

Foreign-educated health workers play vital role in US health system Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:27 PM PST Foreign-educated and foreign-born health professionals play a vital role in the US health care workforce, particularly in addressing needs in primary care and other areas with worker shortages, according to a new study. However, there is no cohesive national strategy on the issue, which may contribute to a less-stable US health care workforce.

Eating disorders more common in males than realized Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST Parents and doctors assume eating disorders very rarely affect males. However, a study of 5,527 teenage males from across the US challenges this belief. Researchers found 17.9 percent of adolescent boys were extremely concerned about their weight and physique. These boys were more likely to start engaging in risky behaviors, including drug use and frequent binge drinking.

Researchers offer solutions to looming healthcare provider shortage Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST Thanks to a wave of aging baby boomers, epidemics of diabetes and obesity, and the Affordable Care Act, which aims to bring health care coverage to millions more Americans, the United States faces a severe shortage of primary health care providers. In a series of papers published in the November 2013 issue of Health Affairs, researchers at UC San Francisco advocated a number of potential solutions to the problem.

Physician shortage could be cut by new primary care models Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST The US expects a substantial shortages of primary care physicians in the future. A new study finds that much of that gap could be eliminated if the nation increases use of new models of care that expand the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Under plausible expansion scenarios, patient-centered medical homes and nurse-managed health centers could eliminate 50 percent or more of the primary care physician shortage by 2025.

Solving pediatric obesity problem in rural communities Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST Using telemedicine to unite clinicians and provide health education for them -- and by extension, their patients -- is an effective way to manage childhood obesity in remote areas. For these communities, which often have limited access to pediatric subspecialists, having a HEALTH-COP can make all the difference.

20 percent of nation's medical education funds go to NY, 29 states get less than one percent Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST New York state received 20 percent of all Medicare's graduate medical education (GME) funding while 29 states, including places struggling with a severe shortage of physicians, got less than 1 percent, according to a report published today.

Hot-air balloon rides - researchers advise 'proceed with caution' Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST Investigation of hot-air balloon-related injuries and deaths in the U.S. reports that targeted interventions may improve crash outcomes and decrease the number and severity of balloon crash injuries.

'Smarter' blood pressure guidelines could prevent heart attacks, strokes Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST Current medical guidelines use a one-size-fits-all treatment approach that leads to some heart and stroke patients being on too many medications and others being on too little.

Electronic, internet health tools may decrease in-person physician visits Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST An analysis of recent trends in digital health care and a review of the scientific literature suggests patients' future use of physician services will change dramatically as electronic health records and consumer e-health "apps" proliferate.

Women, African-Americans at higher risk of heart attack from atrial fibrillation Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST Doctors have known for years that atrial fibrillation (AF), or irregular heartbeat, increases the risk for stroke, but now researchers have shown that it also increases the risk for heart attack. In fact, for women and African Americans, it more than doubles the risk.

A better way to track your every move: Algorithm accurately tracks physical activity no matter where you carry your phone Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST Physical activity tracking apps on smartphones are a potentially important tool for doctors who want to collect data and create treatment or intervention plans to improve the health of patients who struggle with activity and movement -- such as those with Parkinson's disease.

Wives matter more when it comes to calming down marital conflicts Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST Marriage can be a battlefield. But a new study has found that, when it comes to keeping the peace, it's more important for wives -- than for husbands -- to calm down after a heated argument.

New insights into brain neuronal networks Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST A paper published proposes a novel understanding of brain architecture using a network representation of connections within the primate cortex.

Imaging studies may predict tumor response to anti-angiogenic drugs Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST Advanced imaging techniques may distinguish which patients' tumors will respond to treatment with anti-angiogenic drugs and which will not. In patients newly diagnosed with the dangerous brain tumor glioblastoma, those for whom treatment with the anti-angiogenic drug cediranib rapidly 'normalized' abnormal blood vessels around their tumors and increased blood flow within tumors survived significantly longer than did patients in whom cediranib did not increase blood flow.

Clinical practice guideline: Bell's palsy Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST A multidisciplinary clinical practice guideline to improve the accurate and efficient diagnosis and treatment of Bell's palsy has been published. The guideline is intended for clinicians in any setting who are likely to diagnose and manage patients with Bell's palsy, the most common single nerve disorder, usually associated with facial paralysis.

Gabapentin is safe, effective for treating alcohol dependence, study shows Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST The generic drug gabapentin, which is already widely prescribed for epilepsy and some kinds of pain, appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The finding comes from a 150-patient randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial.

New test may predict severe high blood pressure during pregnancy Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST A new test that checks the level of a placental protein could help doctors determine if a woman will develop a severe form of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Brain aging is conclusively linked to genes Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST For the first time in a large study sample, the decline in brain function in normal aging is conclusively shown to be influenced by genes, say American researchers.

Computer-aided image analysis for breast tumor diagnosis Posted: 04 Nov 2013 11:24 AM PST Researchers hope radiologists will be able to routinely incorporate computer-aided image analysis and diagnosis in identifying tumor characteristics and forming patient-specific breast cancer treatment plans. Their approach uses data to identify how tumor characteristics apply to disease states, which could lead to the comparison of a tumor's characteristics with thousands of similar cases.

Increased anxiety disorders among active component service members Posted: 04 Nov 2013 11:23 AM PST During a 13-year surveillance period, there were 217,409 incident diagnoses of anxiety disorders among active component service members. The unadjusted incidence rate was 117.2 per 10,000 person-years, representing a steady increase.

Magnesium levels vital to brain health as population ages Posted: 04 Nov 2013 11:23 AM PST A clinical study shows that a magnesium formula prevents synapse loss and reverses memory decline in mice with Alzheimer's Disease.

Community health centers integrate mental, medical services to address care gap Posted: 04 Nov 2013 10:31 AM PST A new analysis examines factors affecting the integration of mental health and substance abuse treatment services with medical care at community health centers.

Designer piercings: New membrane pores with DNA nanotechnology Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:37 AM PST A new way to build membrane-crossing pores, using Lego-like DNA building blocks, has been developed by scientists.

Is it safe to drive with my arm in a cast? Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:37 AM PST Orthopaedic surgeons co-author a new literature review outlining the potential limitations and necessary precautions for driving after orthopaedic surgery and procedures.

Learning and memory: How neurons activate PP1 Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:37 AM PST A study describes how neurons activate the protein PP1, providing key insights into the biology of learning and memory.

Gene responsible for hereditary cancer found to disrupt growth-regulating cellular pathway Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:27 AM PST Scientists report that the gene mutated in the rare hereditary disorder known as Birt-Hogg-Dubé cancer syndrome prevents activation of mTORC1, a critical nutrient-sensing and growth-regulating cellular pathway.

Little difference found between self-reported, measured weights following bariatric surgery Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:26 AM PST In an analysis that included nearly 1,000 patients, self-reported weights following bariatric surgery were close to measured weights, suggesting that self-reported weights used in studies are accurate enough to be used when measured weights are not available.

Substantial weight loss for severely obese individuals after bariatric surgery Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:26 AM PST In three-year follow-up after bariatric surgery, substantial weight loss was observed among individuals who were severely obese, with most of the change occurring during the first year; however, there was variability in the amount of weight loss, as well as in diabetes, blood pressure, and lipid outcomes.

No major complications in most teens undergoing weight-loss bariatric surgery, study suggests Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:26 AM PST Most severely obese teenagers who underwent bariatric weight-loss surgery experienced no major complications, according to a new study.

Antidepressant drug induces a juvenile-like state in neurons of the prefrontal cortex Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:26 AM PST Fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed anti-depressive drug, induces a juvenile-like state in the mouse prefrontal cortex. Brain development and maturation has been thought to be a one-way process until now, in which plasticity diminishes with age. The possibility that the adult brain can revert to a younger state and regain plasticity has not generally been considered until now.

Subtypes of malignant melanoma - invisible yet fatal Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:24 AM PST Scientists have discovered a diagnostic algorithm to distinguish two subtypes of malignant melanoma. Desmoplastic and spindle cell melanoma may look alike – they often resemble little scars or retractions of the skin – but differ in prognosis and therapeutic options. Sometimes even routine histology is not decisive because of partly overlapping features. The new algorithm, a combination of the biomarkers Melan A and trichrome, allows a diagnostic distinction of the subtypes.

Job strain helps explain adverse effects of workaholism Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST Workaholics work hard, but still have poor job performance — mainly because of high mental and physical strain, according to a study.

Sexual function dramatically improves in women following bariatric surgery Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST The first study to look extensively at sexual function in women who underwent bariatric surgery found that significant improvements in overall sexual function, most reproductive hormones and in psychological status were maintained over two years following surgery. Women reporting the poorest quality of sexual function prior to surgery saw the most dramatic improvements one year after surgery, on par with women who reported the highest quality of sexual function prior to surgery.

Is clinicians' decision making affected by 'precious baby' phenomenon? Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:12 AM PST Parents who conceive through assisted reproductive technologies are likely to receive different medical advice in relation to prenatal testing than those who conceive naturally, academics have suggested.

Ibuprofen no good in treating colds or sore throats Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:11 AM PST Questions have been raised about the advice given to patients with a cold and sore throat. A study carried out showed that compared with paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both ibuprofen and paracetamol provide no advantage for patients overall with respiratory tract infections (otherwise known as colds or sore throats).

New method quickly determines if chest pain is acute coronary syndrome Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:11 AM PST Researchers have tested a new method for quickly ruling out acute myocardial infarction or other serious acute coronary disease in Emergency Department patients complaining of chest pains. The method seems able to reduce the percentage of cardiac patients who need to be kept in the hospital under observation by 10 to 20 percent. A number of hospitals in the the cities of Stockholm and Uppsala will start applying the method this winter.

Combining imaging techniques for quicker, gentler biopsies for breast cancer Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:11 AM PST Taking tissue samples can often be a traumatic experience for breast cancer patients. There are also significant costs associated with the procedure when magnetic resonance imaging is used. Scientists are developing a more cost-effective biopsy method that is easier on patients.

Mutations linked to breast cancer treatment resistance Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:10 AM PST Researchers have identified a type of mutation that develops after breast cancer patients take anti-estrogen therapies. The mutations explain one reason why patients often become resistant to this therapy.

New computing model could lead to quicker advancements in medical research Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:10 AM PST A research team has now created a new generation of efficient data management and analysis software for large-scale, data-intensive scientific applications in the cloud. The goal was to keep up with the data deluge in the DNA sequencing space. The result has been a faster, more "intelligent" analysis of data.

Stem cells linked to cognitive gain after brain injury Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:10 AM PST A stem cell therapy previously shown to reduce inflammation in the critical time window after traumatic brain injury also promotes lasting cognitive improvement, according to preclinical research.

Researchers discover new path to address genetic muscular diseases Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:55 AM PST For decades, scientists have searched for treatments for myopathies -- genetic muscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease. Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers has discovered a new avenue to search for treatment possibilities.

California receives 'A' grade on preterm birth report card Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:55 AM PST March of Dimes releases its 2013 Preterm Birth Report Card in conjunction with Prematurity Awareness Month. For the first time, California receives an 'A' grade and is seen as the vanguard for the nation.

Wide support for school-based health centers Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:55 AM PST Two new studies show that parents and students have highly positive views of school-based health centers and suggest that they can serve as the 'medical home' for an often low-income, at-risk population.

Measuring quality of life for rare blood condition Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:55 AM PST Quality of life is moving from a research tool, where studies are done to show that one drug is better than another drug, and evolving into something that practitioners will use to optimize individual patient care.

Computational models to decipher biological problems and boost biotech productivity Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST Researchers have designed mathematical models that will allow us to understand basic concepts of metabolic and genetic regulatory systems as well as to optimize the production of drugs and other biotechnological products.

Researchers warn of the 'myths' of global medical tourism Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST A team of British researchers is warning governments and healthcare decision makers across the globe to be wary of the myths and hype surrounding medical tourism.

Promoting health literacy in schools Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST The recognition of childhood obesity as a global health epidemic has placed schools in a position of responsibility as the state shifts from 'nannying' to 'nudging' individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Health Literacy is a concept based on the premise that health education can improve people's abilities to make choices about their health. Now findings of a study of the level of health literacy across pupils in UK schools is prioritizing health and well-being issues through the curriculum.

Scientists map structure of key complex in the immune system Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST Scientists have mapped the "bouquet-like" structure of a key part of the body's immune system responsible for neutralizing bacteria and viruses.

Transmitting stress response patterns across generations Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST Children of survivors of extremely stressful life events face adjustment challenges of their own, as has been most carefully studied among the children of Nazi Death Camp survivors. This "intergenerational" transmission of stress response has been studied predominately from the psychological perspective. However, recent research points to biological contributions as well.

Why tumor cells go on dangerous tours Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST Tumors become highly malignant when they acquire the ability to colonize other tissues and form metastases. Researchers have identified a factor that promotes metastasis of colon tumors – and presents a possible target for therapy.

Natural solution to rid plumbing of pathogens Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:17 AM PST Microbes in tap water are mostly harmless, with a few exceptions. A research team is investigating four harmful pathogens that have been documented in tap water and suggest a natural, probiotic way to deal with dangerous germs.

Brain tumor removal through hole smaller than dime Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:17 AM PST More than two decades ago, Ryan Vincent had open brain surgery to remove a malignant brain tumor, resulting in a lengthy hospital stay and weeks of recovery at home. Recently, neurosurgeons removed a different lesion from Vincent's brain through a tube inserted into a hole smaller than a dime and he went home the next day.

Kids who sleep more, may eat less Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:54 AM PST Fighting childhood obesity may be as simple as turning out the lights, according to the results of a new American study.

Teens in child welfare system show higher drug abuse rate Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:54 AM PST Teenagers in the child welfare system are at higher-than-average risk of abusing marijuana, inhalants and other drugs. However, the study also shows that parental involvement matters.

Earlier onset of puberty in girls linked to obesity Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:54 AM PST New research shows obesity is the largest predictor of earlier onset puberty in girls, which is affecting white girls much sooner than previously reported. The multi-institutional study strengthens a growing body of research documenting the earlier onset of puberty in girls of all races.

Digital technologies improve remote rehabilitation, medical monitoring for patients Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:52 AM PST Three projects have developed digital platforms aimed at the health care and hospital market that help to improve the medical monitoring of different segments of the population, such as the elderly or patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Exposure to secondhand smoke at work on the decline, but gaps remain Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:52 AM PST New policy changes have led to decreased exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at work, yet workers in some occupations still experience a high prevalence of secondhand smoke.

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