ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

---

• In surprise finding, blood clots absorb bacterial toxin
• New drug approach could lead to cures for wide range of diseases
• Gene sequencing project finds drugs with promise for treating childhood tumor
• Brief therapy eases symptoms of combat-related psychological trauma
• Neural prosthesis restores behavior after brain injury
• Personal antidepressant for every genome
• How concussion can lead to depression years later
• Genetic flaw in males triggers onset of liver cancer, diabetes
• Problem-child behavior could result from early puberty in girls
• New findings on women, pregnancy, epilepsy
• Math models enhance current therapies for coronary heart disease
• Surviving ovarian cancer: Scientists attack drug resistant cancer cells
• Recycled plastic proves effective in killing drug-resistant fungi
• How 'good cholesterol' stops inflammation
• Better preparedness against Tamiflu-resistant influenza viruses
• Ovarian cancer discovery deepens knowledge of survival outcomes
• Promising Alzheimer's drug trialled in large EU study
• Epilepsy community seeks redefinition of bioequivalence from FDA
• Strong nutrition education can lead to healthier food choices among low-income families
• Seizures and Epilepsy: A Significant Burden on Veterans
• Keep on exercising, researchers advise older breast cancer survivors
• No longer stumped: secrets of the skilled batsman
• New insights into immune system of gastrointestinal tract
• Aging out of bounds: New demographic data show how diversely different species age and biologists cannot explain why
• Is SUDEP risk potentially treatable?
• Seizure unconsciousness similar to slow wave sleep
• Economic factors may affect getting guideline-recommended breast cancer treatment
• Potential biological factor contributing to racial disparities in prostate cancer
• Diabetes identified as risk factor for liver cancer across ethnic groups
• Biomarker linked to aggressive breast cancers, poor outcomes in African-Americans
• Novel drug regimen can improve stem cell transplantation outcomes
• Surprising diversity in aging revealed in nature
• Measuring life's tugs and nudges: Tiny oil droplets help measure mechanical forces produced by living cells that shape tissues and organs
• Potential of protein-measurement technique to standardize quantification of entire human proteome
• Results from first 59 leukemia patients who received investigational, personalized cellular therapy
• T cell immunotherapy shows promising results in children, adults with leukemia
• Laser ablation surgery shows better cognitive results for people with epilepsy
• Researchers report on safety of rapid AED withdrawal in pre-surgical monitoring
• Genetic mutations, molecular alterations may explain racial differences in head, neck cancers
• Knowledge lacking about HPV vaccine effectiveness
• Rare cause of anemia in newborns often overlooked, research suggests
• Age shouldn't limit access to transplants for those with MDS, study suggests
• Survey of epilepsy centers shows changing landscape in epilepsy surgery
• Taking probiotics in pregnancy, giving to infants, doesn't prevent asthma

In surprise finding, blood clots absorb bacterial toxin Posted: 09 Dec 2013 03:11 PM PST Blood clots play an unexpected role in protecting the body from the deadly effects of bacteria by absorbing bacterial toxins, researchers have found. The discovery may shed light on the pathology of septic shock.

New drug approach could lead to cures for wide range of diseases Posted: 09 Dec 2013 03:11 PM PST Scientists have demonstrated in mice what could be a revolutionary new technique to cure a wide range of human diseases -- from cystic fibrosis to cataracts to Alzheimer's disease -- that are caused by "misfolded" protein molecules.

Gene sequencing project finds drugs with promise for treating childhood tumor Posted: 09 Dec 2013 03:09 PM PST Drugs that enhance a process called oxidative stress were found to kill rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells growing in the laboratory and possibly bolstered the effectiveness of chemotherapy against this aggressive tumor of muscle and other soft tissue.

Brief therapy eases symptoms of combat-related psychological trauma Posted: 09 Dec 2013 01:08 PM PST A new brief therapy eases symptoms of combat-related psychological trauma, a nursing study shows. The research suggests Accelerated Resolution Therapy may be an option for veterans who do not respond optimally to conventional therapies endorsed by the Department of Defense and VA.

Neural prosthesis restores behavior after brain injury Posted: 09 Dec 2013 12:22 PM PST Scientists have used a neural prosthesis to restore motor function in a rat model of brain injury. The technology is promising for TBI and stroke patients.

Personal antidepressant for every genome Posted: 09 Dec 2013 11:33 AM PST Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, but they don't work for everyone. Now researchers have discovered a gene that may reveal whether people are likely to respond well to SSRI antidepressants, both generally and in specific formulations. The new biomarker, once validated in clinical trials, could be used to create a genetic test, allowing doctors to provide personalized treatment for depression.

How concussion can lead to depression years later Posted: 09 Dec 2013 11:32 AM PST A head injury can lead immune-system brain cells to go on "high alert" and overreact to later immune challenges by becoming excessively inflammatory – a condition linked with depressive complications, a new animal study suggests.

Genetic flaw in males triggers onset of liver cancer, diabetes Posted: 09 Dec 2013 10:25 AM PST Researchers have uncovered a genetic deficiency in males that can trigger the development of one of the most common types of liver cancer and forms of diabetes.

Problem-child behavior could result from early puberty in girls Posted: 09 Dec 2013 10:24 AM PST A study shows early maturing in adolescent girls can increase aggressive and delinquent behavior.

New findings on women, pregnancy, epilepsy Posted: 09 Dec 2013 10:24 AM PST New research pertaining to the latest findings on the effects of epilepsy on both the mother and child explore folic acid use, the effect of surgery with intractable focal epilepsy, and antiepileptic drug exposure during breastfeeding.

Math models enhance current therapies for coronary heart disease Posted: 09 Dec 2013 09:45 AM PST Coronary heart disease accounts for 18 percent of deaths in the United States every year. The disease results from a blockage of one or more arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle due to an inflammatory condition called artherosclerosis, leading to progressive buildup of fatty plaque near the surface of the arterial wall. A paper published proposes a mathematical model to improve currently-employed treatments of coronary heart disease.

Surviving ovarian cancer: Scientists attack drug resistant cancer cells Posted: 09 Dec 2013 09:41 AM PST Scientists believe a targeted drug delivery system could make ovarian cancer more treatable for the most deadly gynecological cancer in the United States. In animal research, the cancer is attacked at the genetic level by using small, inhibiting RNA molecules that directly target and decrease the excess CD44 protein in cancer cells while simultaneously treating patients with the anti-cancer drug paclitaxel. This allows cells within the cancerous tumors to be successfully treated even at an advanced stage.

Recycled plastic proves effective in killing drug-resistant fungi Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:52 AM PST Researchers have discovered a new, potentially life-saving application for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is widely used to make plastic bottles. They have successfully converted PET into a non-toxic biocompatible material with superior fungal killing properties.

How 'good cholesterol' stops inflammation Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:52 AM PST High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known colloquially as "good cholesterol," protects against dangerous deposits in the arteries. An important function of HDL is its anti-inflammatory properties. An international research team has identified a central switch by which HDL controls the inflammatory response.

Better preparedness against Tamiflu-resistant influenza viruses Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:52 AM PST Swedish researchers have found that residues of the influenza drug Tamiflu in our environment can make the influenza virus in birds resistant. This can have serious consequences in the event of an influenza pandemic. The research team will now continue their studies with a focus on alternative antiviral drugs.

Ovarian cancer discovery deepens knowledge of survival outcomes Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:52 AM PST Researchers have identified a series of 10 genes that may signify a trifecta of benefits for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and ultimately reflect improved survival outcomes. The research found that the 10-gene biomarker panel may identify the aggressiveness of a patient's disease, help predict survival outcomes and result in novel therapeutic strategies tailored to patients with the most adverse survival outcomes.

Promising Alzheimer's drug trialled in large EU study Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:50 AM PST An extensive European study is currently investigating whether a drug used to treat high blood pressure may also help patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Epilepsy community seeks redefinition of bioequivalence from FDA Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:49 AM PST For several years, epilepsy practitioners have questioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) definition of bioequivalence as it applies to narrow therapeutic index (NTI) drugs, such as those used for epilepsy. In response to these concerns, the FDA has sponsored 3 studies of antiepileptic drugs and also convened an advisory board to help determine which drugs are NTI.

Strong nutrition education can lead to healthier food choices among low-income families Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:49 AM PST Well-designed nutrition education programs can lead to healthier food choices among low-income families who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to a study.

Seizures and Epilepsy: A Significant Burden on Veterans Posted: 09 Dec 2013 07:49 AM PST Three new studies expose the high prevalence of epilepsy and other neurological disorders in US Veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. The research conducted from these studies indicate that veterans are at a particularly high risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and epileptic seizure diagnoses.

Keep on exercising, researchers advise older breast cancer survivors Posted: 09 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST To build and maintain muscle strength, it is best for older breast cancer survivors to follow an ongoing exercise program of resistance and impact training. Research has found that the bone benefit from one year of such training could be maintained, even with less exercise, up to a year later, which could help prevent bone fractures in the long run.

No longer stumped: secrets of the skilled batsman Posted: 09 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST Though the discovery might have come too late to help Australia win this week's Second Test match, a team of scientists from Down Under has revealed what techniques give skilled batsmen an edge over their less able teammates – and opponents.

New insights into immune system of gastrointestinal tract Posted: 09 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST Lymphotoxin is a cytokine, or intercellular messenger, and plays an important role in the immunological balance of the gastrointestinal tract. It regulates the immune system of the digestive tract, which is made up of immune cells, immunoglobulins (antibodies) as well as intestinal bacteria. An international team of scientists has now discovered how this complex interaction functions and how lymphotoxin controls the production of immunoglobulins in the gut.

Aging out of bounds: New demographic data show how diversely different species age and biologists cannot explain why Posted: 09 Dec 2013 06:07 AM PST Despite aging being one the hottest topic in the media recently, scientists have no coherent explanation for it. New demographic data on humans, animals and plants for the first time unveil such an extraordinary diversity of aging processes that no existing evolutionary theory can account for. Both life spans and mortalities vary from species to species. The fact that the probability of dying rises with age applies to humans, but is not principally true. This is shown by a catalog of 46 species with their respective mortality and fertility rates.

Is SUDEP risk potentially treatable? Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:42 AM PST Patients with epilepsy and, in particular, those with severe syndromic forms of the disorder, harbor a risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy, or SUDEP. Cardiac arrhythmias are a proposed cause. In a test of this theory, researchers have demonstrated that mice harboring a human SCN1A gene mutation that results in Dravet Syndrome (DS), a severe and intractable genetic epilepsy, have electrical disturbances in the heart that culminate in ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death.

Seizure unconsciousness similar to slow wave sleep Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:42 AM PST Epilepsy patients with complex partial seizures have impaired consciousness during seizure episodes and typically have no memory of the event. However, the mechanisms of seizure unconsciousness are unclear. Research report that the mechanism underlying loss of awareness during complex partial seizures is likely the same as that involved in slow wave or deep sleep.

Economic factors may affect getting guideline-recommended breast cancer treatment Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:41 AM PST Women with interruptions in health insurance coverage or with low income levels had a significantly increased likelihood of failing to receive breast cancer care that is in concordance with recommended treatment guidelines, according to researchers.

Potential biological factor contributing to racial disparities in prostate cancer Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:41 AM PST Researchers have uncovered a potential biological factor that may contribute to disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality between African-American and non-Hispanic white men in the United States, according to researchers.

Diabetes identified as risk factor for liver cancer across ethnic groups Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:41 AM PST Diabetes was associated with an increased risk for developing a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma, and this association was highest for Latinos, followed by Hawaiians, African-Americans, and Japanese-Americans, according to scientists.

Biomarker linked to aggressive breast cancers, poor outcomes in African-Americans Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:41 AM PST Among African-American women with breast cancer, increased levels of the protein HSET were associated with worse breast cancer outcomes, according to results of new research.

Novel drug regimen can improve stem cell transplantation outcomes Posted: 09 Dec 2013 05:41 AM PST Adding bortezomib (Velcade) to standard preventive therapy for graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) results in improved outcomes for patients receiving stem-cell transplants from mismatched and unrelated donors, according to researchers.

Surprising diversity in aging revealed in nature Posted: 08 Dec 2013 10:36 AM PST In our youth we are strong and healthy and then we weaken and die -- that's probably how most would describe what aging is all about. But, in nature, the phenomenon of aging shows an unexpected diversity of patterns and is altogether rather strange, conclude researchers.

Measuring life's tugs and nudges: Tiny oil droplets help measure mechanical forces produced by living cells that shape tissues and organs Posted: 08 Dec 2013 10:35 AM PST As embryonic tissue develops, cells push and pull on each other, and they must do so correctly for the tissue to develop properly. Now scientists have devised the first method to measure these tiny forces in three-dimensional tissues and living embryos.

Potential of protein-measurement technique to standardize quantification of entire human proteome Posted: 08 Dec 2013 10:33 AM PST A new study affirms the use of large-scale protein measurements to validate disease biomarkers and drug targets.

Results from first 59 leukemia patients who received investigational, personalized cellular therapy Posted: 08 Dec 2013 06:03 AM PST Three and a half years after beginning a clinical trial that demonstrated the first successful and sustained use of genetically engineered T cells to fight leukemia, a research team will today announce the latest results of studies involving both adults and children with advanced blood cancers that have failed to respond to standard therapies.

T cell immunotherapy shows promising results in children, adults with leukemia Posted: 08 Dec 2013 06:03 AM PST Nearly 90 percent of children and adults with a highly aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) showed no evidence of cancer after receiving a novel, personalized cell therapy that reprograms a patient's immune system.

Laser ablation surgery shows better cognitive results for people with epilepsy Posted: 08 Dec 2013 06:02 AM PST MRI-Guided Stereotactic Laser Ablation (SLA) of the hippocampus to control seizures in people with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) may result in seizure control that approaches that from anterior temporal lobectory or selective amygdalohippocampectomy and better cognitive outcomes than any of the standard open resections, according to a study. If the SLA continues to prove safe and shows adequate efficacy for seizure control, the technique has the potential to drastically change brain surgery.

Researchers report on safety of rapid AED withdrawal in pre-surgical monitoring Posted: 08 Dec 2013 06:02 AM PST Patients with epilepsy often undergo evaluation by concurrent video and EEG monitoring (vEEG) for therapeutic planning, including possible epilepsy surgery. Seizures during monitoring increase the diagnostic yield and requires the withdrawal of anticonvulsant drugs (AEDs) to allow seizures to occur. A frequently asked question in clinical practice concerns the safety and long-term effect of AED withdrawal or discontinuation in this diagnostic procedure.

Genetic mutations, molecular alterations may explain racial differences in head, neck cancers Posted: 08 Dec 2013 06:02 AM PST A team of scientists has identified a handful of genetic mutations in black Americans, in addition to some chemical alterations affecting gene activity, which may help explain why the death rate among African-Americans from the most common form of head and neck cancer continues to hover some 18 percent higher above the death rate of whites with the same cancer.

Knowledge lacking about HPV vaccine effectiveness Posted: 08 Dec 2013 06:02 AM PST Knowledge about the efficacy of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in preventing cervical cancer was lacking in the majority of survey respondents for whom the information would be relevant, according to researchers.

Rare cause of anemia in newborns often overlooked, research suggests Posted: 08 Dec 2013 06:02 AM PST Some babies diagnosed with and treated for a bone marrow failure disorder, called Diamond Blackfan Anemia, may actually be affected by a very rare anemia syndrome that has a different disease course and treatment, say scientists.

Age shouldn't limit access to transplants for those with MDS, study suggests Posted: 08 Dec 2013 06:02 AM PST Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who were as old as 74 fared as well with stem cell transplantation as did patients in the 60-to-65 age range, according to a study.

Survey of epilepsy centers shows changing landscape in epilepsy surgery Posted: 06 Dec 2013 01:29 PM PST Epilepsy surgery is a very effective intervention for patients with treatment resistant epilepsy. The most successful and most common epilepsy surgery is temporal lobectomy, which produces seizure freedom in approximately two-thirds of patients. The strongest candidates for this type of surgery are those who have had treatment resistant epilepsy which includes 30-40 percent of all epilepsy cases. Even with this clear benefit, epilepsy specialists report that the overall number of surgeries in adults, as well as the number of temporal lobectomies, has decreased from their peaks.

Taking probiotics in pregnancy, giving to infants, doesn't prevent asthma Posted: 06 Dec 2013 09:44 AM PST Taking probiotics has health benefits, but preventing childhood asthma isn't one of them, shows newly published research.

You are subscribed to email updates from ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610