ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• New medication effectively treats underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in some patients, study shows
• Depression linked to breast cancer outcomes
• Evolution offers clues to leading cause of death during childbirth
• Chantix unsuitable for first-line smoking cessation use, study finds
• Family-based intervention: Study shows promise for teen suicide prevention
• Nicotine as a gateway drug: Biological mechanism in mice identified
• Scientists outline steps toward Epstein-Barr virus vaccine
• Unsaturated fat breakdown leads to complications of acute pancreatitis in obese patients
• Continuous use of nitroglycerin increases severity of heart attacks, study shows
• Tactic to delay age-related disorders
• Legalizing medical marijuana does not increase use among youth, study suggests
• Autistic people superior in multiple areas: Scientists must stop emphasizing autistics' shortcomings, expert urges
• Why measles spreads so quickly
• Genome-scale network of rice genes to speed the development of biofuel crops
• Analysis reveals malaria, other diseases as ancient, adaptive and persistent foes
• Study reveals details of alternative splicing circuitry that promotes cancer's Warburg effect
• Neuroscientist says protein could prevent secondary damage after stroke
• Cardiovascular magnetic resonance now an important first-line test
• Dirt prevents allergy, Danish research suggests
• Manufacturing microscale medical devices for faster tissue engineering
• Exenatide (Byetta) has rapid, powerful anti-inflammatory effect, study shows
• Newborn period may be crucial time to prevent later diabetes, animal study suggests
• Women's chin, abdomen are good indicators of excessive hair growth
• Viral vector designed to treat a genetic form of blindness
• Benefits of nut consumption for people with abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure
• New material for air cleaner filters that captures flu viruses
• Maternal separation stresses the baby, research finds
• Mediterranean diet and exercise can reduce sleep apnea symptoms
• Precise early diagnosis of psychotic disorders possible
• Launch of innovative research into malaria control without insecticide
• Research supports broader screening for sudden cardiac death, Swedish study finds
• More years to life and life to years through increased motivation for an active life
• Architecture and design help the brain recover
• Obesity hormone adiponectin increases the risk of osteoporosis in the elderly, study finds
• Shorter hospital stay with person-centered healthcare

New medication effectively treats underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in some patients, study shows Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:04 PM PDT A new study has confirmed that the drug, ivacaftor (VX-770), significantly improves lung function in some people with cystic fibrosis. The oral medicine targets the defective protein produced by the gene mutation called G551D that causes CF. Researchers found that patients carrying G551D -- approximately four per cent of all CF patients -- who were treated with VX-770 showed a 17 per cent relative improvement in lung function that was sustained over the course of 48 weeks.

Depression linked to breast cancer outcomes Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:03 PM PDT This year, more than 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and nearly 40,000 women will not survive their battle with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. New research shows that certain factors, including marital status, having children in the home, income level and age, affect the likelihood of depression in breast cancer survivors. Further, depressed patients are less likely to adhere to medication regimens, potentially complicating the progress of their treatment.

Evolution offers clues to leading cause of death during childbirth Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:03 PM PDT Unusual features of the human placenta may be the underlying cause of postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal deaths during childbirth, according to evolutionary research.

Chantix unsuitable for first-line smoking cessation use, study finds Posted: 02 Nov 2011 04:00 PM PDT The poor safety profile of the smoking-cessation drug varenicline (Chantix) makes it unsuitable for first-line use, according to a new study. Varenicline, which already carries a "black box warning" from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, showed a substantially increased risk of reported depression or suicidal behavior compared to other smoking-cessation treatments, according to researchers.

Family-based intervention: Study shows promise for teen suicide prevention Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:13 PM PDT A new study shows that a family-based intervention done while a suicidal youth is still being treated in the emergency room as successful in linking troubled youths to outpatient treatment, with the goal of ending further life-threatening attempts.

Nicotine as a gateway drug: Biological mechanism in mice identified Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:12 PM PDT A landmark study in mice identifies a biological mechanism that could help explain how tobacco products could act as gateway drugs, increasing a person's future likelihood of abusing cocaine and perhaps other drugs as well, according to researchers. The study is the first to show that nicotine might prime the brain to enhance the behavioral effects of cocaine.

Scientists outline steps toward Epstein-Barr virus vaccine Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:12 PM PDT Epstein-Barr virus infects nine out of ten people worldwide at some point during their lifetimes. Infections in early childhood often cause no disease symptoms, but people infected during adolescence or young adulthood may develop infectious mononucleosis, a disease characterized by swollen lymph nodes, fever and severe fatigue.

Unsaturated fat breakdown leads to complications of acute pancreatitis in obese patients Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:11 PM PDT The toxic breakdown products of unsaturated fats contribute to the higher likelihood of severe inflammation, cell death and multi-system organ failure among acute pancreatitis patients who are obese, say researchers Their findings provide new insight into how fat can induce complications after sudden inflammatory, non-infectious illnesses.

Continuous use of nitroglycerin increases severity of heart attacks, study shows Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:11 PM PDT When given for hours as a continuous dose, the heart medication nitroglycerin backfires -- increasing the severity of subsequent heart attacks, according to a study of the compound in rats.

Tactic to delay age-related disorders Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:10 PM PDT Researchers have shown that eliminating cells that accumulate with age could prevent or delay the onset of age-related disorders and disabilities. The study, performed in mouse models, provides the first evidence that these "deadbeat" cells could contribute to aging and suggests a way to help people stay healthier as they age.

Legalizing medical marijuana does not increase use among youth, study suggests Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:10 PM PDT Researchers studied whether legalizing medical marijuana in Rhode Island would be likely to increase its use among youths. Based on their analysis of 32,570 students, they found that while marijuana use was common throughout the study period, there were no statistically significant differences in marijuana use between states where medical marijuana was legal and where it was illegal in any year.

Autistic people superior in multiple areas: Scientists must stop emphasizing autistics' shortcomings, expert urges Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:10 PM PDT We must stop considering the different brain structure of autistic individuals to be a deficiency, as research reveals that many autistics -- not just "savants" -- have qualities and abilities that may exceed those of people who do not have the condition, according to a provocative new article.

Why measles spreads so quickly Posted: 02 Nov 2011 01:10 PM PDT Researchers have discovered why measles, perhaps the most contagious viral disease in the world, spreads so quickly.

Genome-scale network of rice genes to speed the development of biofuel crops Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:56 AM PDT Researchers have developed the first genome-scale model for predicting the functions of genes and gene networks in a grass species. Called RiceNet, this systems-level model of rice gene interactions should help speed the development of new crops for the production of advanced biofuels, as well as help boost the production and improve the quality of one of the world's most important food staples.

Analysis reveals malaria, other diseases as ancient, adaptive and persistent foes Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:56 AM PDT One of the most comprehensive analyses yet done of the ancient history of insect-borne disease concludes for the first time that malaria is not only native to the New World, but it has been present long before humans existed and has evolved through birds and monkeys.

Study reveals details of alternative splicing circuitry that promotes cancer's Warburg effect Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:56 AM PDT Cancer cells maintain their life-style of extremely rapid growth and proliferation thanks to an enzyme called PK-M2 (pyruvate kinase M2) that alters the cells' ability to metabolize glucose -- a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Scientists, who seek to reverse this effect and force cancer cells to regain the metabolism of normal cells, have discovered details of molecular events that cause cancer cells to produce PK-M2 instead of its harmless counterpart PK-M1.

Neuroscientist says protein could prevent secondary damage after stroke Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:56 AM PDT A neuroscientist says a protein that regulates nerve cells and assists in overall brain function may be key to preventing the long-term damage of stroke and hopes her work leads to the development of an effective therapeutic intervention.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance now an important first-line test Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:56 AM PDT Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has undergone substantial development and offers important advantages compared with other well-established imaging modalities, experts say.

Dirt prevents allergy, Danish research suggests Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:56 AM PDT If infants encounter a wide range of bacteria they are less at risk of developing allergic disease later in life, new research from Denmark suggests.

Manufacturing microscale medical devices for faster tissue engineering Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:55 AM PDT Researchers have modified a manufacturing technique called two-photon polymerization to create finely detailed micro-structures, such as scaffolds for tissue engineering, more quickly and efficiently than was previously possible. The new technique could help pave the way to more widespread clinical use of microscale medical devices.

Exenatide (Byetta) has rapid, powerful anti-inflammatory effect, study shows Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:55 AM PDT Exenatide, a drug commonly prescribed to help patients with Type 2 diabetes improve blood sugar control, also has a powerful and rapid anti-inflammatory effect, a new study has shown.

Newborn period may be crucial time to prevent later diabetes, animal study suggests Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:55 AM PDT Pediatric researchers who tested newborn animals with an existing human drug used in adults with diabetes report that this drug, when given very early in life, prevents diabetes from developing in adult animals. If this finding can be repeated in humans, it may become a way to prevent at-risk infants from developing Type 2 diabetes.

Women's chin, abdomen are good indicators of excessive hair growth Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:55 AM PDT Examining the chin and upper and lower abdomen is a reliable, minimally invasive way to screen for excessive hair growth in women, a key indicator of too much male hormone, researchers report.

Viral vector designed to treat a genetic form of blindness Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:53 AM PDT Researchers have developed a viral vector designed to deliver a gene into the eyes of people born with an inherited, progressive form of blindness that affects mainly males. The vector is being tested in a clinical trial investigating the use of gene therapy to cure choroideremia, a disease that affects an estimated 100,000 people worldwide.

Benefits of nut consumption for people with abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:53 AM PDT For the first time, scientists report a link between eating nuts and higher levels of serotonin in the bodies of patients with metabolic syndrome. Serotonin helps transmit nerve signals and decreases feelings of hunger, makes people feel happier and improves heart health. It took only one ounce of mixed nuts (raw unpeeled walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts) a day to produce the good effects.

New material for air cleaner filters that captures flu viruses Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:53 AM PDT With flu season just around the corner, scientists are reporting development of a new material for the fiber in face masks, air conditioning filters and air cleaning filters that captures influenza viruses before they can get into people's eyes, noses and mouths and cause infection.

Maternal separation stresses the baby, research finds Posted: 02 Nov 2011 09:49 AM PDT A woman goes into labor, and gives birth. The newborn is swaddled and placed to sleep in a nearby bassinet, or taken to the hospital nursery so that the mother can rest. Despite common practice, new research provides new evidence that separating infants from their mothers is stressful to the baby.

Mediterranean diet and exercise can reduce sleep apnea symptoms Posted: 02 Nov 2011 06:30 AM PDT Eating a Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity can help to improve some of the symptoms of sleep apnea, according to new research.

Precise early diagnosis of psychotic disorders possible Posted: 02 Nov 2011 06:30 AM PDT Functional psychosis can be diagnosed from the first indications of the patient, thanks to affective symptomatology. Depressive moods, hyperactivity and lack of concentration are affective symptoms that can present themselves during the first psychotic episodes, and the presence or absence of any of them may contribute to differentiating, at an early stage, between the different variations of the mental disease, according to new research.

Launch of innovative research into malaria control without insecticide Posted: 02 Nov 2011 05:27 AM PDT With a new, poison-free approach to malaria control, researchers in the Solarmal project have expressed not only the hope to eliminate malaria in Africa at local level, but also to provide the local population with a source of sustainable energy.

Research supports broader screening for sudden cardiac death, Swedish study finds Posted: 02 Nov 2011 05:26 AM PDT Around one in 500 Swedes carry a genetic mutation which can cause sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis can lead to major lifestyle changes, but quality of life can be maintained with the right advice and support, a new study reveals.

More years to life and life to years through increased motivation for an active life Posted: 01 Nov 2011 02:10 PM PDT Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of suffering depression in old age. This is shown by one of the largest studies on elderly Europeans to have been carried out. Research also shows that self-determined motivation and perceived competence are important factors in persuading elderly people to exercise more.

Architecture and design help the brain recover Posted: 01 Nov 2011 02:10 PM PDT How does the hospital environment affect our rehabilitation? New research from Sweden into how the space around us affects the brain reveals that well-planned architecture, design and sensory stimulation increase patients' ability to recover both physically and mentally. Digital textiles and multisensory spaces can make rehabilitation more effective and reduce the amount of time spent in care.

Obesity hormone adiponectin increases the risk of osteoporosis in the elderly, study finds Posted: 01 Nov 2011 02:10 PM PDT While obesity is a well-known cause of cardiovascular disease, research from Sweden has now revealed that one of the body's obesity-related hormones -- adiponectin -- is also linked to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.

Shorter hospital stay with person-centered healthcare Posted: 01 Nov 2011 02:10 PM PDT Healthcare that implements a person-centered approach not only make care more efficient, but also yields more satisfied patients. A study carried out in Sweden shows that if there is an active partnership between the patient and healthcare professionals, the patient's hospital stay can be reduced by one-third.

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