ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Patients with heart block see strong benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy
• DNA sequencing of infants and children with anatomical defects of unknown causes
• Humans, chimpanzees and monkeys share DNA but not gene regulatory mechanisms
• New method helps link genomic variation to protein production
• Head-to-head trial of two diabetes drugs yields mixed results
• Breast cancer drug could halt other tumors
• Discovery may help nerve regeneration in spinal injury
• Leisure-time physical activity extends life expectancy as much as 4.5 years
• Small change in defibrillator therapy leads to huge benefits for heart patients
• Anti-tobacco policies responsible for Brazil's big success in reducing smoking rates
• New monoclonal antibody inhibits tumour growth in advanced solid tumours in a phase I clinical trial
• Scientists test 5,000 combinations of 100 existing cancer drugs to find more effective treatments
• Mothers’ age at menopause may predict daughters’ ovarian reserve
• 'Smoke-free' laws lead to fewer hospitalizations and deaths
• Virtual reality could help people lose weight, fight prejudice
• New drug significantly lowers bad cholesterol
• Two years out, patients receiving stem cell therapy show sustained heart function improvement, study suggests
• Cancer data in the 'cloud' could lead to more effective treatment
• New way to inhibit blood clotting and inflammation
• Heart failure patients treated by a cardiologist, rather than hospitalist, have fewer readmissions
• Early treatment sparks striking brain changes in autism
• New bacteria to fight against intestinal inflammation
• 75 percent of patients taking popular blood-thinners on wrong dose: Millions at risk for uncontrolled bleeding or blood clots
• Computer science grad student develops 'musical heart'
• Combating a crisis: Global burden of preterm birth can be reduced if critical actions are taken
• Losing weight, especially in the belly, improves sleep quality
• Bacteria talk to each other and our cells in the same way, via molecules
• Rebuilding a whole heart for children born with only half of one
• Losing protein helps heart recover, say scientists
• Targeted cancer drug may stunt heart's ability to repair itself
• Drug trio improved effectiveness of cancer treatment, protected heart
• Heart-related deaths increase in winter regardless of climate
• High blood pressure in young adults likely to go undiagnosed
• Telltale visible signs of aging may predict heart disease
• Long shifts lead to nurse burnout and dissatisfied patients
• New development in relief of spasms related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• New immune pathway discovered
• Studies show power of epidemiology research; Underscore need to address health disparities
• Pressure switch inside the head
• Exome Sequencing Project has some surprising results
• New strategy for fingerprint visualization developed
• 'Social medicines' do benefit health and wellbeing
• Is your memory playing tricks on you? Common medications may be to blame
• Less-experienced physicians more costly than more-experienced physicians
• How brain activity changes when anesthesia induces unconsciousness
• Bypass surgery improves survival for patients with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary artery disease

Patients with heart block see strong benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:11 PM PST Heart failure patients with a condition called "heart block" derive significant benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy, according to the results of the Block HF clinical trial.

DNA sequencing of infants and children with anatomical defects of unknown causes Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:11 PM PST A one-year-old research initiative has brought together researchers, clinicians and policy experts to tackle the challenges of incorporating new genomic technologies into the clinical care of newborns, infants and children with anatomical defects whose causes are unknown.

Humans, chimpanzees and monkeys share DNA but not gene regulatory mechanisms Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:11 PM PST Up to 40 percent of the differences in the expression or activity patterns of genes between humans, chimpanzees and rhesus monkeys can be explained by regulatory mechanisms that determine whether and how a gene's recipe for a protein is transcribed to the RNA molecule that carries the recipe instructions to the sites in cells where proteins are manufactured.

New method helps link genomic variation to protein production Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:11 PM PST By adopting a novel approach for determining the effect of genetic variation on efficiency of the biological process that translates a gene's DNA sequence into a protein, researchers found that translational differences between mRNAs that differ only slightly from one another can be detected at a transcriptome-wide scale. The transcriptome refers to the multiple types of RNAs that function in a cell.

Head-to-head trial of two diabetes drugs yields mixed results Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:10 PM PST Daily injections of liraglutide were slightly more effective than weekly injections of exenatide in lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss. However, patients had fewer negative side effects on exenatide once weekly.

Breast cancer drug could halt other tumors Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:19 PM PST A drug commonly used in treating breast cancer could have far wider benefits, offering a new way of preventing cancers spreading through the body, according to a new study.

Discovery may help nerve regeneration in spinal injury Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:19 PM PST Scientists have uncovered a possible new method of enhancing nerve repair in the treatment of spinal cord injuries.

Leisure-time physical activity extends life expectancy as much as 4.5 years Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:19 PM PST Leisure-time physical activity is associated with longer life expectancy, even at relatively low levels of activity and regardless of body weight, according to a new study. The study found that people who engaged in leisure-time physical activity had life expectancy gains of as much as 4.5 years.

Small change in defibrillator therapy leads to huge benefits for heart patients Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:19 PM PST A new study shows that defibrillators -- devices designed to detect and correct dangerous heart rhythms -- can help heart disease patients live longer, and with a much better quality of life, than they do now. A simple change in the way doctors set the device led to an 80 to 90 percent reduction in inappropriate shocks, which are painful and can lead to anxiety/depression. It also helped patients live longer, reducing the risk of death by 55 percent.

Anti-tobacco policies responsible for Brazil's big success in reducing smoking rates Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:19 PM PST Smoking rates in Brazil have dropped by half over the past two decades thanks to strict tobacco control policies, according to a study by US and Brazilian researchers.

New monoclonal antibody inhibits tumour growth in advanced solid tumours in a phase I clinical trial Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:17 PM PST A newly developed antibody targeting a signalling pathway that is frequently active in solid tumors has shown encouraging signs of efficacy in its first trial in humans, researchers report.

Scientists test 5,000 combinations of 100 existing cancer drugs to find more effective treatments Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:17 PM PST Scientists in the United States have tested all possible pairings of the 100 cancer drugs approved for use in patients in order to discover whether there are any combinations not tried previously that are effective in certain cancers.

Mothers’ age at menopause may predict daughters’ ovarian reserve Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:17 PM PST A mother's age at menopause may predict her daughter's fertility in terms of the numbers of eggs remaining in her ovaries, according to the new research.

'Smoke-free' laws lead to fewer hospitalizations and deaths Posted: 06 Nov 2012 04:17 PM PST Laws that end smoking at work and other public places result in significantly fewer hospitalizations for heart attacks, strokes, asthma and other respiratory conditions, a new analysis has found.

Virtual reality could help people lose weight, fight prejudice Posted: 06 Nov 2012 01:21 PM PST When an individual strongly identifies with the virtual reality representation of themselves, known as an avatar, the electronic doppelganger can influence that person's health and appearance, according to a new study. Harnessing the power of the virtual world could lead to new forms of obesity treatment and help break down racial and sexual prejudices.

New drug significantly lowers bad cholesterol Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:35 AM PST New research finds that AMG 145 added to statin therapy can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 66 percent.

Two years out, patients receiving stem cell therapy show sustained heart function improvement, study suggests Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:35 AM PST Medical researchers have reported that after two years, all patients receiving autologous stem cell therapy show improvement in heart function, with an overall 12.9 absolute unit increase in left ventricular ejection fraction.

Cancer data in the 'cloud' could lead to more effective treatment Posted: 06 Nov 2012 11:35 AM PST Researchers are using cloud technology to collect information from thousands of cancer cell samples. The goal is to help doctors better predict how a patient's illness will progress and what type of treatment will be most effective.

New way to inhibit blood clotting and inflammation Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:56 AM PST Scientists have identified a group of small molecules that target a compound that initiates multiple steps in blood clotting, including those that lead to the obstruction of veins or arteries, a condition called thrombosis. Blocking the activity of this compound, polyphosphate, could treat thrombosis with fewer bleeding side effects than the drugs that are currently on the market.

Heart failure patients treated by a cardiologist, rather than hospitalist, have fewer readmissions Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:56 AM PST When a cardiologist attends to heart failure patients, even when the severity of illness is higher, patients have reduced rates of hospital readmissions, compared with those patients who are treated by a hospitalist, according to a new trial.

Early treatment sparks striking brain changes in autism Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:56 AM PST When given early treatment, children with autism spectrum disorders made significant improvements in behavior, communication, and most strikingly, brain function, researchers report.

New bacteria to fight against intestinal inflammation Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:56 AM PST Medical researchers have produced "beneficial bacteria" capable of protecting the body against intestinal inflammation.

75 percent of patients taking popular blood-thinners on wrong dose: Millions at risk for uncontrolled bleeding or blood clots Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:55 AM PST Cardiology researchers have found that approximately 75 percent of patients taking two common blood-thinning drugs may be receiving the wrong dosage levels, according to a new study. This could put them at risk for serious problems like uncontrolled bleeding or developing blood clots.

Computer science grad student develops 'musical heart' Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:54 AM PST A computer science graduate student has developed a "Musical Heart" biofeedback-based system that unites wellness and entertainment.

Combating a crisis: Global burden of preterm birth can be reduced if critical actions are taken Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:54 AM PST New surveys of researchers and funders reveal a lack of consensus regarding researching and developing interventions to prevent prematurity and stillbirth.

Losing weight, especially in the belly, improves sleep quality Posted: 06 Nov 2012 09:54 AM PST Weight loss, whether it's from dietary changes alone or from diet combined with exercise, can help improve the quality of sleep among people who are overweight or obese, according to a new study

Bacteria talk to each other and our cells in the same way, via molecules Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:42 AM PST Bacteria can talk to each other via molecules they themselves produce. The phenomenon is called quorum sensing, and is important when an infection propagates. Now, researchers are showing how bacteria control processes in human cells the same way.

Rebuilding a whole heart for children born with only half of one Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:42 AM PST Using a combination of surgical procedures developed over the last 11 years, surgeons have established a new approach for rebuilding the heart in children born with a severe heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This "staged left ventricle recruitment" strategy uses the existing standard single-ventricle treatment for HLHS and additional procedures to spur the body's capacity for healing and growth and encourage the small left ventricle in these children to grow and function.

Losing protein helps heart recover, say scientists Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:42 AM PST Scientists have identified a key target they hope will help stave off the potentially harmful effects of remodeling that often occurs as that heart attempts to regain some of its former function after a heart attack. They have shown that by turning off the activity of a protein, GSK-3±, in the heart cells of mice that have had heart attacks, they can prevent remodeling, preserve function and improve survival.

Targeted cancer drug may stunt heart's ability to repair itself Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:42 AM PST Scientists have shown how a "targeted" cancer drug may affect the heart. Studying mice with the equivalent of a heart attack, researchers found that the cancer drug sorafenib – which inhibits tyrosine kinase receptors – can interfere with heart stem cell activity, affecting the heart's ability to repair itself. The findings suggest that sorafenib and similar drugs may raise the risk for heart attack for some cancer patients with heart disease.

Drug trio improved effectiveness of cancer treatment, protected heart Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:42 AM PST Combining either sildenafil or rapamycin with cancer medication doxorubicin protected the heart from damage and improved doxorubicin's ability to kill cancer cells. Combining all three -- sildenafil, rapamycin and doxorubicin increased these protective benefits. Researchers believe the combination therapy could potentially improve the life expectancy of cancer patients.

Heart-related deaths increase in winter regardless of climate Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:42 AM PST No matter what climate you live in, you're more likely to die of heart-related issues in the winter. Seasonal patterns of total and cardiac deaths were very similar in seven different locations with seven different climates, according to new research. Maintaining healthy behaviors, such as eating well and exercising, is important in winter, researchers said.

High blood pressure in young adults likely to go undiagnosed Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:42 AM PST Most young adults with high blood pressure remain undiagnosed after four years of regular doctor's care. Young adults who actively smoked were less likely to receive a diagnosis. Family practice doctors were less likely to diagnose high blood pressure in young adults than internal medicine providers. Female doctors were more likely to diagnose high blood pressure in this group than other doctors.

Telltale visible signs of aging may predict heart disease Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:42 AM PST Visible signs of aging may predict your risk of heart disease. A receding hairline, baldness, earlobe crease and yellow fatty deposits on the eyelids were among signs of aging associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

Long shifts lead to nurse burnout and dissatisfied patients Posted: 06 Nov 2012 08:40 AM PST Extended work shifts of twelve hours or longer are common and popular among hospital staff nurses, but a new study reports that nurses working longer shifts were more likely to experience burnout, job dissatisfaction, and patients were more dissatisfied with their care.

New development in relief of spasms related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Posted: 06 Nov 2012 07:20 AM PST Scientists have recently discovered the origin of spasms - a disabling symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The degeneration of serotonin-releasing neurons is responsible for these sensations. In the longer term, researchers imagine that molecules acting on serotonin receptors present in the brain could eliminate spasticity in patients.

New immune pathway discovered Posted: 06 Nov 2012 07:20 AM PST Researchers have now discovered an important mechanism behind one of our most fundamental lines of immune function.

Studies show power of epidemiology research; Underscore need to address health disparities Posted: 06 Nov 2012 06:27 AM PST Heart disease risk factors are widespread among Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States, with 80 percent of men and 71 percent of women having at least one risk factor for heart disease, according to a new study.

Pressure switch inside the head Posted: 06 Nov 2012 06:27 AM PST An increase in cerebral pressure may cause dementia and could destroy the brain. Researchers have been seeking to find monitoring sensors that can be implanted into the brain, and read from outside the body. A tiny sensor may work.

Exome Sequencing Project has some surprising results Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:52 AM PST Scientists participating in Exome Sequencing Project expected that individual rare variants would have a greater effect on over 80 heart, lung and blood related traits and diseases. However, they found that many (1.1 million) of the 1.2 million coding variants identified in exome data of 4,420 European-Americans and 2,312 African-Americans occurred very infrequently in the population and often were only observed in a single individual.

New strategy for fingerprint visualization developed Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:49 AM PST Identifying fingerprints on paper is a commonly used method in police forensic work, but unfortunately it is not easy to make those fingerprints visible. Now, scientists have developed a new approach for making such fingerprints more readily readable.

'Social medicines' do benefit health and wellbeing Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:48 AM PST 'Social medicines' are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of individuals and the population. By combining social and biological information researchers have identified that the more 'social medicines' you have, the better your physical and mental health. These include a stable family life, stress-free childhood, alcohol-free culture for young people, secure and rewarding employment, positive relationships with friends and neighbors, and a socially active old age.

Is your memory playing tricks on you? Common medications may be to blame Posted: 06 Nov 2012 05:48 AM PST Common medication to treat insomnia, anxiety, itching or allergies can have a negative impact on memory or concentration in the elderly, according to new research. Up to ninety percent of people over the age of 65 take at least one prescription medication. Eighteen percent of people in this age group complain of memory problems and are found to have mild cognitive deficits. Research suggests there may be a link between the two.

Less-experienced physicians more costly than more-experienced physicians Posted: 05 Nov 2012 01:13 PM PST Physicians with the least experience spend significantly more money treating patients than physicians who have the most experience. The findings could have significant implications for less-experienced physicians, who might be excluded from contracting networks or face lower payments as both private insurers and government programs look to reward health care providers who deliver quality care at a lower cost.

How brain activity changes when anesthesia induces unconsciousness Posted: 05 Nov 2012 12:13 PM PST Investigators have identified for the first time a pattern of brain activity that appears to signal exactly when patients lose consciousness under general anesthesia.

Bypass surgery improves survival for patients with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary artery disease Posted: 05 Nov 2012 12:13 PM PST An international, clinical research trial has shown that patients with diabetes whose multi-vessel coronary artery disease is treated with bypass surgery live longer and are less likely to suffer severe complications like heart attacks than those who undergo angioplasty.

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