الجمعة، 11 ديسمبر 2015

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Do you really need that MRI?

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 03:16 PM PST

Too many tests at the doctor's office could cost you more than just dollars. In addition to the huge hit to your wallet, there's also the potential harm of false positives, and just because a test has traditionally been done for a condition doesn't mean it's the best way to treat it. One expert is helping lead a national push to determine what neurologic tests or services are performed more than they should be.

Why does tamoxifen work better in some women?

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 03:16 PM PST

The anti-hormone therapy tamoxifen can reduce breast cancer recurrence by about half in women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. But it works better in some women than others. Researchers are not sure why. New studies add to questions about predicting whether tamoxifen will be effective in an individual breast cancer patient.

Shaking the nanomaterials out: New method to purify contaminated water

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:05 AM PST

Nano implies small -- and that's great for use in medical devices, beauty products and smartphones -- but it's also a problem. All these tiny particles get into our water and are difficult to remove. Now, researchers have a novel and very simple way to take the nanomaterials out.

Combined imaging modalities may change cancer management

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:05 AM PST

PET/CT and whole-body MRI detect extraskeletal disease that may change the management of high-risk breast and prostate cancer patients, according to a recent study. In addition, the combined administration of F-18 sodium fluoride (NaF) and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in a single PET/CT scan showed significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy than alternative methods for the detection of skeletal lesions.

Children with specific birth defects at increased risk for abuse

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:05 AM PST

Children born with cleft lip or palate and spina bifida are at an increased risk for abuse before the age of two, according to researchers. The researchers found that compared to children without birth defects the risk of maltreatment in children with cleft lip and/or palate was increased by 40 percent and for children with spina bifida, the risk was increased by 58 percent.

3D map of human genome reveals relationship between mutations and disease development

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 10:07 AM PST

A map has been created of the DNA loops that comprise the three dimensional (3D) structure of the human genome and contribute to gene regulation in human embryonic stem cells. The location of genes and regulatory elements within this chromosomal framework will help scientists better navigate their genomic research, establishing relationships between mutations and disease development.

Cancer drug shows promise in reducing toxic genetic material in myotonic dystrophy

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST

A drug used to treat cancer can neutralize the toxic RNA that causes the prolonged muscle contractions and other symptoms of myotonic dystrophy type 1, the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy, a group of researchers has shown for the first time in cells and in a mouse model.

Nurse staffing, work environments affect survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST

Patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest have low survival rates -- but why do some hospitals achieve higher survival than others? Higher nurse staffing levels and better working conditions may be part of the answer, reports a new study.

Researchers report possibility of using unused human pancreata to build new organs

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST

Researchers have been working for years to develop an artificial pancreas in the lab to help the millions of people with type 1 diabetes. But what if the answer is to 'recycle' the more than 300 human pancreata from organ donors that aren't currently being used?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be threatening fertility in industrialized countries

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST

The birth rate is declining in all industrialized countries, and socioeconomic factors and women's age are not solely to blame. Male reproductive health and environmental factors are also significant, as concluded in a new scientific review article.

Scientists identify effective and novel mechanisms to block chikungunya virus

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:52 AM PST

Scientists looking at the antiviral mechanisms of two previously identified human monoclonal antibodies have found they potently inhibit chikungunya virus (CHIKV) at multiple stages of infection. These antibodies prevent CHIKV from both entering and exiting cells, an important finding that could lead to new approaches in therapeutics and vaccines to fight infectious diseases.

How one gene contributes to two diseases

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:52 AM PST

Although it is known that psychiatric disorders have a strong genetic component, untangling the web of genes contributing to each disease is a daunting task. Scientists have found hundreds of genes that are mutated in patients with disorders such as autism, but each patient usually has only a handful of these variations. Now neuroscientists have unraveled Shank3 gene's role in autism and schizophrenia.

Surprising diversity of TB strains found in Ethiopia

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:45 AM PST

Ethiopia is a hotspot for tuberculosis (TB) infection, ranking third among African countries and eighth in the world for TB burden according to the World Health Organization. But, say researchers who have analyzed the genomes of 66 TB strains, that's most likely not because TB was absent in the country before Europeans made contact. Rather, Europeans may have introduced a new wave of disease spread by more virulent TB strains.

The subtle dance of atoms influences enzyme activity

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 08:09 AM PST

Infinitesimal fluctuations occurring on the milli- and even nano-second time scales within the three-dimensional structure of enzymes may be one of the keys to explaining protein function. Researchers have demonstrated that even when certain amino acids are far from the active site of an enzyme, a change in their flexibility and atomic fluctuations can significantly impact enzyme activity.

Safer, faster heart scans in view

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 07:18 AM PST

T1 mapping technique provides clearer imagery and could be used with a wider range of patients than current techniques as it does not require the rare earth heavy metal Gadolinium.

Prime-boost H7N9 influenza vaccine concept promising in clinical trial

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:53 AM PST

With hopes of making one dose of an inactivated H7N9 vaccine fully protective, scientists successfully tested a prime-boost concept in a small clinical trial. The 'primer' vaccine introduces the immune system to H7N9 influenza virus, and subsequent vaccination with the 'booster' inactivated virus vaccine promotes a better immune response.

New blood test could predict arthritis risk early

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:51 AM PST

Testing for antibodies that target citrullinated tenascin-C (cTNC) could diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in around 50 percent of cases, including some cases not identified by current best tests. It also has a very low rate of false positives -- 98 percent accurate at ruling out rheumatoid arthritis.

Parents have more influence than they might realize to prevent substance use

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:33 AM PST

Adolescence is a time when many children may consider experimenting with alcohol or drugs. New research shows parents can reduce that risk by maintaining a healthy and open relationship with their children.

New concussion treatment could change how head injuries are treated

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:33 AM PST

The standard of care for acute concussion may undergo a dramatic change, depending on the results of a new exercise treatment that physicians have developed and begun testing. It is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial of this exercise treatment for concussion.

Mastectomy plus reconstruction has highest rate of complication, complication-related costs of guideline-concordant therapies for early breast cancer

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:33 AM PST

Mastectomy and reconstruction have the highest rate of complications and complication-related costs, regardless of age, suggests a review of guideline-concordant treatment modalities for women with early stage breast cancer. It was also the most expensive treatment option in a younger patient population, according to the study.

Neurotransmitter GABA predicts learning

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:30 AM PST

Neuroscientists at the Ruhr-University Bochum have determined a link between brain levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, the main source of inhibition in the brain, and tactile learning. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, they were able to show that success in learning can be predicted by baseline GABA levels.

Heart disease: Jamming the signal

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:28 AM PST

A short peptide has been developed that inhibits the activation of a signal pathway in monocytes that enables monocytes to adhere stick to endothelial cells and penetrate sites of acute inflammation.

Signal transduction in cells: Researchers describe new model for regulation

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:28 AM PST

The cellular activity of the enzyme ROCK is controlled by a 'molecular ruler,' new research shows. ROCK is a protein kinase. These enzymes transmit signals and regulate complex processes in cells. These findings represent a completely new model in kinase regulation, say experts.

Brain circuit mechanisms underlying arousal regulation revealed

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:18 AM PST

Adjusting a specific deep-brain circuit's firing frequency immediately and dramatically alters rats' forebrain activity and alertness levels, investigators have shown.

Groundbreaking microscopy unlocks secrets of plant virus assembly

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:18 AM PST

New research into how a plant virus assembles could lay the groundwork for future use to carry drugs into the human body. The study describes the structure of an empty version of Cowpea Mosaic Virus (CPMV) and the molecular 'glue' that allows the virus to build itself and encapsulate its genome.

Cancer patients' access to minimally invasive hysterectomies remains persistently limited

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:18 AM PST

Wide racial and economic disparities have been found in access to minimally invasive hysterectomies for early uterine cancer in the United States.

Nanotech drug delivery shows promise for improved melanoma treatment

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:18 AM PST

A new three-drug delivery system for cancer treatment, especially metastatic melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has been developed by researchers. The work has demonstrated that the system may have particular value with cancers like this that often spread through the lymphatic system. It may offer a novel therapeutic option for more effective cancer treatment.

Imaging test detects aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:12 AM PST

A new imaging test has been developed that could enable doctors to identify more dangerous tumors before they spread around the body -- and tailor treatment accordingly. Researchers describe detailed development of magnetic resonance imaging technology to map areas of oxygen deprivation within tumors.

Campus programs increase California college students receiving mental health services

Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:11 AM PST

With the increase in students seeking mental health treatment, researchers predict an additional 329 students will receive a college degree for each year the investment is made. Graduating from college has a direct result on lifetime earnings for an individual and a greater benefit to society.

Pesticide found in milk decades ago may be associated with signs of Parkinson’s

Posted: 09 Dec 2015 03:37 PM PST

A pesticide used prior to the early 1980s and found in milk at that time may be associated with signs of Parkinson's disease in the brain, according to a new study.

Using 'big data' to fight flu

Posted: 09 Dec 2015 11:31 AM PST

Thanks to 'big data', researchers have identified new molecules that are instrumental in the replication of the flu virus. If these host proteins are blocked, influenza viruses are unable to multiply as effectively. The international study therefore makes a significant contribution towards the development of new treatments and flu drugs.

Bullying exposure associated with adult psychiatric disorders requiring treatment

Posted: 09 Dec 2015 11:27 AM PST

Exposure to bullying as a child was associated with psychiatric disorders in adulthood that required treatment in a study of Finnish children, according to an article published online by JAMA Psychiatry.

Key biological markers for psychotic disorders identified

Posted: 08 Dec 2015 01:50 PM PST

A number of biological markers that make it possible to classify mental disorders with greater precision have been identified by new research. These findings may one day lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for those suffering from mental illness.

Study links body fat, weight loss, and chromosome length in breast cancer patients

Posted: 08 Dec 2015 01:50 PM PST

It is well documented that a healthy diet and exercise are key in cancer prevention and management, but the exact mechanism hasn't been clear. Now, researchers have found an explanation in the tiny protective ends of chromosomes called telomeres.

New device could detect driver drowsiness, make roads safer

Posted: 08 Dec 2015 12:11 PM PST

Drowsy driving injures and kills thousands of people in the United States each year. A new device under development could alert drowsy drivers and avoid potential accidents.
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