السبت، 9 نوفمبر 2013

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Repurposed drug may be first targeted treatment for serious kidney disease

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 12:35 PM PST

A team of researchers is reporting that treatment with abatacept appeared to halt the course of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in five patients, preventing four from losing transplanted kidneys and achieving disease remission in the fifth.

First virtual surgery with Google Glass

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 11:04 AM PST

A surgical team has performed the first surgery using a virtual augmented reality technology called VIPAAR in conjunction with Google Glass, a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display. The combination of the two technologies could be an important step toward the development of useful, practical telemedicine.

Gut reaction: Effect of diet, estrogen on gut microbiota

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 09:48 AM PST

Scientists have studied the effect of diet complexity and estrogen hormone receptors on intestinal microbiota.

Dialysis for the elderly: New evidence from Mayo Clinic to guide shared decision-making

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 09:48 AM PST

New research finds that half of elderly patients who start dialysis after age 75 will die within one year.

New trigger for breast cancer metastasis identified

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 09:48 AM PST

For years, scientists have observed that tumor cells from certain breast cancer patients with aggressive forms of the disease contained low levels of mitochondrial DNA. But, until recently, no one was able to explain how this characteristic influenced disease progression. Now researchers have revealed how a reduction in mitochondrial DNA content leads human breast cancer cells to take on aggressive, metastatic properties.

Scientists decipher how the immune system induces liver damage during hepatitis

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 09:48 AM PST

A study published shows how the immune system 'attacks' liver cells during hepatitis by using the AP-1 gene JunB.

Drug may guard against periodontitis, related chronic diseases

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST

A drug currently used to treat intestinal worms could protect people from periodontitis, an advanced gum disease, which untreated can erode the structures -- including bone -- that hold the teeth in the jaw.

In animal study, 'cold turkey' withdrawal from drugs triggers mental decline

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST

Can quitting drugs without treatment trigger a decline in mental health? That appears to be the case in an animal model of morphine addiction. Researchers say their observations suggest that managing morphine withdrawal could promote a healthier mental state in people.

Veterans psychologically impacted by Boston Marathon Bombing

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST

According to a new study, many Boston-area military veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder experienced flashbacks, unwanted memories and other psychological effects as a result of the Boston Marathon Bombing in April 2013.

Mother's immunosuppressive medications not likely to put fetus at risk

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST

Women with chronic autoimmune diseases who take immunosuppressive medications during their first trimester of pregnancy are not putting their babies at significantly increased risk of adverse outcomes, according to a study.

Potential drug target to nip cancer in the bud

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 07:27 AM PST

Scientists have discovered an enzyme, Wip1 phosphatase, as a potential target to weed out the progression of cancer. Although studies in the past have revealed that this enzyme plays a critical role in regulating the budding of tumors, scientists have for the first time unearthed a mechanism for its mode of action.

New test for patients with sore throats cuts antibiotic use by nearly a third

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 07:23 AM PST

A new 'clinical score' test for patients with sore throats could reduce the amount of antibiotics prescribed and result in patients feeling better more quickly, research shows.

Researchers develop at-home 3D video game for stroke patients

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 07:21 AM PST

Researchers have developed a therapeutic at-home gaming program for stroke patients who experience motor weakness affecting 80 percent of survivors.

Robotic advances promise artificial legs that emulate healthy limbs

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:13 AM PST

Recent advances in robotics technology make it possible to create prosthetics that can duplicate the natural movement of human legs. This capability promises to dramatically improve the mobility of lower-limb amputees, allowing them to negotiate stairs and slopes and uneven ground, significantly reducing their risk of falling as well as reducing stress on the rest of their bodies.

New insight into how antidepressants work in the brain

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:13 AM PST

New research is giving scientists a never-before-seen view of how nerve cells communicate with each other. That new view can give scientists a better understanding of how antidepressants work in the human brain -- and could lead to the development of better antidepressants with few or no side effects.

Gut hormone test predicts individual efficacy of gastric bypass

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:10 AM PST

The sensitivity of the GLP-1 hormone, which is secreted by the gastrointestinal tract, can predict the metabolic efficacy of a gastric bypass. The use of a GLP1 challenge could thus function as a novel predictive biomarker for personalized treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Living in the southern United States can increase children's risk of hay fever

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:01 AM PST

If you think your child's stuffy nose is due to an autumn cold, you might want to consider allergies, especially if you live in the southern region of the United States. Hay fever is more prevalent in children living in the southeastern and southern states.

And the winner in the battle of the healthier sex is…

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:01 AM PST

There are many differences between men and women. And when it comes down to health, one gender seems to be more prone to allergies and asthma.

Allergic to gummy bears? Be cautious getting the flu shot

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:01 AM PST

Do marshmallows make your tongue swell? Gummy bears make you itchy? If you've answered yes and are allergic to gelatin, you will want to take some precautions when getting the flu shot.

Depression therapy effective for poor, minority moms

Posted: 08 Nov 2013 06:01 AM PST

Faced with the dual demands of motherhood and poverty, as many as one fourth of low-income minority mothers struggle with major depression. Now a new study shows that screening for the disorder and providing short-term, relationship-focused therapy through weekly home visits can relieve depression among minority mothers, even in the face of poverty and personal histories of abuse or violence.

Peptide derived from cow's milk kills human stomach cancer cells in culture

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 02:10 PM PST

New research indicates that a peptide fragment derived from cow's milk, known as lactoferricin B25 (LFcinB25), exhibited potent anticancer capability against human stomach cancer cell cultures. The findings provide support for future use of LFcinB25 as a potential therapeutic agent for gastric cancer.

Bisphenol A is affecting us at much lower doses than previously thought

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST

A group of scientists that study endocrine disruption worked together to update and refine a 2007 review of the low dose effects of BPA. The group not only added hundreds of more recent studies, but they also used an integrative biological approach to scrutinize low dose effects of BPA at multiple levels of biological organization: on cells, animals and human populations.

Anxiety help comes, eventually, via primary care

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 12:48 PM PST

A study of anxiety sufferers who were engaged with primary medical care found that over a five year period seven in 10 received "potentially adequate" care, but it sometimes took years. Minorities were less than half as likely as whites to receive care.

Unique change in protein structure guides production of RNA from DNA

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 12:48 PM PST

One of biology's most fundamental processes is transcription. It is just one step of many required to build proteins -- and without it life would not exist. However, many aspects of transcription remain shrouded in mystery. But now, scientists are shedding light on key aspects of transcription, and in so doing are coming even closer to understanding the importance of this process in the growth and development of cells -- as well as what happens when this process goes awry.

Less-invasive option as effective as esophagus removal in early esophageal cancer

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 12:46 PM PST

Use of a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure to remove superficial, early stage esophageal cancer is as effective as surgery that takes out and rebuilds the esophagus, according to a study.

Century-old question about 3-D structure of mitotic chromosomes answered

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 11:25 AM PST

Scientists have shown new evidence for a general principal of condensed, mitotic chromosome organization and structure that is highly adaptable and common to all cells. This new insight into how chromosomes are disassembled and reassembled during cell division will allow researchers to begin answering basic questions about epigenetic inheritance, as well as human disease such as chromosome disorders and cancer.

Alcohol ads reaching too many young people in TV markets across US

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 10:26 AM PST

New report finds almost 1 in 4 alcohol advertisements on a sample of national TV programs most popular with youth exceeded the alcohol industry's voluntary standards.

Americans want doctors' guidance on genetic test results

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 06:46 AM PST

In an era of commercialized medicine, direct-to-consumer genetic testing has been on a steady rise. Consumers can purchase a DNA sample kit, also known as a "spit kit," mail it to a testing company, and wait for an email that reveals their genetic risk for disorders like heart disease and colon cancer. However, a new study reveals that members of the public, as well as physician groups, are concerned about individuals interpreting these risks without the help of a doctor.

Better tests needed to improve patient care, public health

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 06:46 AM PST

Despite advances in diagnostic technology, there is an urgent need for tests that are easy to use, identify the bug causing an infection and provide results faster than current tests, according to a report.

New study assesses injuries in the ED to children of teenage parents

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 06:46 AM PST

Although the number of children born to teenage parents has decreased since the 1990s, these children continue to be at an increased risk for injury, both accidental and intentional. This may be because many of these teenage parents are poor, uneducated, and lack parental safety and supervision skills.

Oxygen levels in tumors affect response to treatment

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 06:44 AM PST

The genetic make-up of a patient's tumor could be used to personalize their treatment, and help to decide whether they would benefit from receiving additional drugs as part of their radiotherapy program, according to a recent study.

Oxytocin gene partly responsible for how adolescents feel

Posted: 07 Nov 2013 06:44 AM PST

Loneliness: could there be a genetic explanation for it? Yes, to some extent. At least in the case of young female adolescents who, it appears, are more likely to feel lonely in everyday life if they have a specific variant of the gene that regulates how oxytocin – also known as the 'bonding hormone' – is received in the brain. Boys who carry this variant are not lonelier but, like girls, respond more strongly to a negative social environment.
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