ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Lung cancer set to overtake breast cancer as the main cause of cancer deaths among European women
• Risk of cardiovascular death doubled in women with high calcium intake: High risk only in those taking supplements as well
• Gaps in mental health infrastructure for youth identified in many US communities
• Lower autism risk with folic acid supplements in pregnancy
• Protein discovered that prevents light-induced retinal degeneration
• More evidence needed for scale up of mobile device technology in health
• Diclofenac used and recommended globally, despite cardiovascular risks
• Whole genome sequencing better at tracing TB outbreaks than standard test
• Stopping cold: Scientists turn off the ability to feel cold
• Newer, shorter-course antibiotic shows similar effectiveness for treating skin infection
• Eradicating bacteria linked to gastric cancer
• Platelet-rich plasma (prp) treatment shows potential for knee osteoarthritis
• In some dystonia cases, deep brain therapy benefits may linger after device turned off
• Some autism behaviors linked to altered gene
• No link found between genetic risk factors and two top wet AMD treatments
• Molecular master switch for pancreatic cancer identified, potential predictor of treatment outcome
• Problem-solving training helps mothers cope with child's cancer diagnosis
• Discovering cell surface proteins' behavior
• Youths with autism spectrum disorder need help transitioning to adult health care
• Identification of abnormal protein may help diagnose, treat ALS and frontotemporal dementia
• Opioid prescription is on the increase
• Long-term success rates for eradication of Barrett's esophagus after endoluminal therapies
• Fallout from nuclear testing shows that the Achilles tendon can't heal itself
• Scopolamine: An old drug with new psychiatric applications
• Helicopter parenting can violate students' basic needs
• Nanotech'ed RNA drug reduces ovarian cancer tumors by 83 percent
• Clinical trial of medication to treat NF2 tumors starting soon
• Synthetic circuit allows dialing gene expression up or down in human cells
• Low-arsenic rice discovered in Bangladesh could have major health benefits
• Ziziphora effective in the battle against gastric cancer, study suggests
• Help for patients with tuberous sclerosis
• Parents of teen girls more accepting of birth control pills than other contraceptive methods, study finds
• Alcohol abusers' depression often related to drinking
• Consumers have few negative reactions to the results of genetic testing for cancer mutations, study shows
• Long memories in brain activity explain streaks in individual behavior
• Flexible approaches needed to reduce children's pre-operative anxiety
• African-American, Caucasian women should take identical vitamin d doses, study says
• Birth order linked to increased risk of diabetes, metabolic disorders
• Cardiovascular risk may remain for treated Cushing's disease patients
• Anti-Müllerian hormone predicts IVF success

Lung cancer set to overtake breast cancer as the main cause of cancer deaths among European women Posted: 12 Feb 2013 06:00 PM PST Lung cancer is likely to overtake breast cancer as the main cause of cancer death among European women by the middle of this decade, according to new research. In the UK and Poland it has already overtaken breast cancer as the main cause of cancer deaths in women.

Risk of cardiovascular death doubled in women with high calcium intake: High risk only in those taking supplements as well Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:20 PM PST High intakes of calcium (corresponding to diet and supplements) in women are associated with a higher risk of death from all causes, but cardiovascular disease in particular, compared with women with lower calcium intake, a new study suggests.

Gaps in mental health infrastructure for youth identified in many US communities Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:22 PM PST Mental health facilities that provide outpatient specialty services for youth are a critical element of the mental health care infrastructure, especially for youth who are uninsured or publically insured.

Lower autism risk with folic acid supplements in pregnancy Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:22 PM PST Women who took folic acid supplements in early pregnancy almost halved the risk of having a child with autism. Beginning to take folic acid supplements later in pregnancy did not reduce the risk.

Protein discovered that prevents light-induced retinal degeneration Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:22 PM PST Scientists have found a protein that protects retinal photoreceptor cells from degeneration caused by light damage. This protein may provide a new therapeutic target for both an inherited retinal degenerative disease and age-related macular degeneration.

More evidence needed for scale up of mobile device technology in health Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:21 PM PST Despite the hundreds of pilot studies using mobile health -- also known as 'mHealth'', which describe medical and public health practice supported by mobile devices -- there is insufficient evidence to inform the widespread implementation and scale-up of this technology, according to researchers.

Diclofenac used and recommended globally, despite cardiovascular risks Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:21 PM PST A new study finds that the painkiller diclofenac (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the same class as aspirin) is the most commonly used NSAID in the 15 countries studied and is included in the essential medicines lists of 74 low-, middle- and high-income countries, despite its known tendency to cause heart attacks and strokes in vulnerable patients.

Whole genome sequencing better at tracing TB outbreaks than standard test Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:21 PM PST A new form of genetic testing of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis can provide better information on TB transmission and also trace TB outbreaks more accurately than the current standard test, according to a new study.

Stopping cold: Scientists turn off the ability to feel cold Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:21 PM PST Neuroscientists have isolated chills at a cellular level, identifying the sensory network of neurons in the skin that relays the sensation of cold.

Newer, shorter-course antibiotic shows similar effectiveness for treating skin infection Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:20 PM PST Treatment with a newer antibiotic, tedizolid phosphate, once daily for 6 days was statistically noninferior (no worse than) in efficacy to the antibiotic linezolid twice daily for 10 days for both early (at day 2 to 3) and sustained (at day 11) clinical responses in patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, according to a new study.

Eradicating bacteria linked to gastric cancer Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:20 PM PST In an analysis of the results of interventions to eradicate the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (a risk factor for gastric cancer) in seven diverse community populations in Latin America, researchers found that geographic site, demographic factors, adherence to initial therapy and infection recurrence may be as important as the choice of antibiotic regimen in H pylori eradication interventions, according to a new study.

Platelet-rich plasma (prp) treatment shows potential for knee osteoarthritis Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:19 PM PST A new study has shown that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) holds great promise for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis. The treatment improved pain and function, and in up to 73% of patients, appeared to delay the progression of osteoarthritis.

In some dystonia cases, deep brain therapy benefits may linger after device turned off Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:19 PM PST Two patients freed from severe to disabling effects of dystonia through deep brain stimulation therapy continued to have symptom relief for months after their devices accidentally were fully or partly turned off, according to a new report.

Some autism behaviors linked to altered gene Posted: 12 Feb 2013 02:19 PM PST Scientists have identified a genetic mutation that may underlie common behaviors seen in some people with autism, such as difficulty communicating and resistance to change.

No link found between genetic risk factors and two top wet AMD treatments Posted: 12 Feb 2013 12:46 PM PST New findings from a landmark clinical trial show that although certain gene variants may predict whether a person will develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), these genes do not predict patients' responses to Lucentis™ and Avastin™, two medications widely used to treat "wet" AMD.

Molecular master switch for pancreatic cancer identified, potential predictor of treatment outcome Posted: 12 Feb 2013 11:10 AM PST A recently described master regulator protein may explain the development of aberrant cell growth in the pancreas spurred by inflammation. The team profiled gene expression of mouse pancreatic ductal and duct-like cells from different states -- embryonic development, acute pancreatitis and K-ras mutation-driven carcinogenesis -- to find the molecular regulation of these processes.

Problem-solving training helps mothers cope with child's cancer diagnosis Posted: 12 Feb 2013 11:10 AM PST A multi-site clinical trial of BRIGHT Ideas problem-solving training shows durable benefits in mothers of children diagnosed with cancer.

Discovering cell surface proteins' behavior Posted: 12 Feb 2013 10:20 AM PST Chemists are advancing scientific understanding of the structure and function of glycoproteins, in particular the number and positioning of sugars on them. Glycoproteins are membrane proteins and are often involved in human diseases. They facilitate communication between cells.

Youths with autism spectrum disorder need help transitioning to adult health care Posted: 12 Feb 2013 10:19 AM PST Health care transition (HCT) services help young people with special health care needs such as asthma or diabetes move from pediatric to adult health care. However, youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have less access to these services, which are designed to prevent gaps in care and insurance coverage. A researcher recommends that the medical community develop HCT services for individuals with ASD as a way to ensure consistent and coordinated care and increase their independence and quality of life.

Identification of abnormal protein may help diagnose, treat ALS and frontotemporal dementia Posted: 12 Feb 2013 09:18 AM PST Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are devastating neurodegenerative diseases with no effective treatment. Researchers are beginning to recognize ALS and FTD as part of a spectrum disorder with overlapping symptoms. Now investigators have discovered an abnormal protein that first forms as a result of genetic abnormalities and later builds up in the brains of many patients with either disease.

Opioid prescription is on the increase Posted: 12 Feb 2013 09:17 AM PST More and more opioids are being prescribed for pain relief, study suggests

Long-term success rates for eradication of Barrett's esophagus after endoluminal therapies Posted: 12 Feb 2013 08:20 AM PST A new study reports that endoluminal (endoscopic) therapies, combining resection and ablation techniques, for patients with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia or early mucosal cancer have a high success rate, with durable results and a low risk of complications. The researchers noted that endoscopic surveillance after successful eradication is required.

Fallout from nuclear testing shows that the Achilles tendon can't heal itself Posted: 12 Feb 2013 08:20 AM PST Notorious among athletes and trainers as career killers, Achilles tendon injuries are among the most devastating. Now, by carbon testing tissues exposed to nuclear fallout in post WWII tests, scientists have learned why: Like our teeth and the lenses in our eyes, the Achilles tendon is a tissue that does not repair itself.

Scopolamine: An old drug with new psychiatric applications Posted: 12 Feb 2013 08:19 AM PST Scopolamine is an anticholinergic drug with many uses. For example, it prevents nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness.

Helicopter parenting can violate students' basic needs Posted: 12 Feb 2013 08:18 AM PST When is it time for parents to back away? A new study shows that college students with overcontroling parents are more likely to be depressed and less satisfied with their lives. This so-called helicopter parenting style negatively affects students' well-being by violating their need to feel both autonomous and competent. Parental overinvolvement may lead to negative outcomes in children, including higher levels of depression and anxiety. Studies also suggest that children of overinvolved or overcontroling parents may feel less competent and less able to manage life and its stressors. In contrast, evidence suggests that some parental involvement in children's lives facilitates healthy development, both emotionally and socially.

Nanotech'ed RNA drug reduces ovarian cancer tumors by 83 percent Posted: 12 Feb 2013 08:17 AM PST By loading fragile RNA into silicon nanoparticles, researchers have found a new drug delivery system can reduce the size of ovarian tumors by as much as 83 percent -- and stop tumor growth in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer tissue.

Clinical trial of medication to treat NF2 tumors starting soon Posted: 12 Feb 2013 08:17 AM PST Researchers are recruiting patients for a Phase II clinical trial to test a medication that may slow the progression of Neurofibromatosis Type-2, commonly referred to as NF2.

Synthetic circuit allows dialing gene expression up or down in human cells Posted: 12 Feb 2013 07:06 AM PST Scientists who built a synthetic gene circuit that allowed for the precise tuning of a gene's expression in yeast have now refined this new research tool to work in human cells, according to new research.

Low-arsenic rice discovered in Bangladesh could have major health benefits Posted: 12 Feb 2013 07:05 AM PST Scientists have identified aromatic rice with very low arsenic content and higher concentrations of essential nutrients, selenium and zinc.

Ziziphora effective in the battle against gastric cancer, study suggests Posted: 12 Feb 2013 07:05 AM PST A recent publication investigating the effects of aloe vera, ginger, saffron and ziziphora extracts as herbal remedies for gastric cancer suggests that the latter may be effective in the treatment of the fourth most common form of the disease.

Help for patients with tuberous sclerosis Posted: 12 Feb 2013 07:04 AM PST Scientists have developed a new therapy for patients suffering from renal tumors associated with the rare genetic disease tuberous sclerosis (TSC). The researchers have succeeded in markedly reducing the tumor volume in TSC patients by using the drug Everolimus.

Parents of teen girls more accepting of birth control pills than other contraceptive methods, study finds Posted: 12 Feb 2013 06:58 AM PST Parents are more accepting of their teenage daughters using birth control pills than any other form of contraception, including condoms, according to a recent study. The most effective contraceptive methods, the implant -- a matchstick-sized rod that is inserted in the arm to prevent pregnancy -- and the intrauterine device (IUD), were acceptable to a minority of parents.

Alcohol abusers' depression often related to drinking Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:54 AM PST For problem drinkers, bouts of depressive symptoms are often the direct result of their heavy alcohol intake, according to a new study.

Consumers have few negative reactions to the results of genetic testing for cancer mutations, study shows Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:54 AM PST A 23andMe study of consumers' reactions to genetic testing found that even when the tests revealed high-risk mutations in individuals, those individuals had few negative reactions to the news. Instead of inducing serious anxiety, the test results prompted people to take positive steps, including follow-up visits with a doctor and discussions with family members who could also be at risk.

Long memories in brain activity explain streaks in individual behavior Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:52 AM PST Even with a constant task, human performance fluctuates in time-scales from seconds to minutes in a fractal manner. In a recent study a research group found that the individual variability in the brain dynamics as indexed by the neuronal scaling laws predicted the individual behavioral variability and the conscious detection of very weak sensory stimuli. These data indicate that individual neuronal dynamics underlie the individual variability in human cognition and performance. Results may also have a strong impact in understanding the neuronal mechanism of neuropsychiatric diseases in which behavioral dynamics are abnormal.

Flexible approaches needed to reduce children's pre-operative anxiety Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:52 AM PST A survey of nurses anaesthetists in Sweden identified difficulties in preparing children for surgery but also found that when the hospital and the staff were flexible in their approaches, the children's anxiety could be reduced. These approaches included varying the operation schedule, provided it do not create risk to the child, and pre-surgical visits with operating staff.

African-American, Caucasian women should take identical vitamin d doses, study says Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:51 AM PST African-American women battling vitamin D deficiencies need the same dose as Caucasian women to treat the condition, according to a recent study.

Birth order linked to increased risk of diabetes, metabolic disorders Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:51 AM PST Long a source of sibling rivalry, birth order may raise the risk of first-born children developing diabetes or high blood pressure, according to a recent study.

Cardiovascular risk may remain for treated Cushing's disease patients Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:51 AM PST Even after successful treatment, patients with Cushing's disease who were older when diagnosed or had prolonged exposure to excess cortisol face a greater risk of dying or developing cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study.

Anti-Müllerian hormone predicts IVF success Posted: 12 Feb 2013 04:51 AM PST Women with a high concentration of anti-Müllerian hormone stand a better chance of giving birth after in vitro fertilization, according to a recent study.

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