الخميس، 27 فبراير 2014

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Secondhand smoke exposure linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 06:12 PM PST

Secondhand smoking is linked with pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, stillbirth and tubal ectopic pregnancy, according to new research. The study findings mark a significant step toward clarifying the risks of secondhand smoke exposure.

DNA test better than standard screens in identifying fetal chromosome abnormalities

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 02:46 PM PST

A new study potentially has significant implications for prenatal testing for major fetal chromosome abnormalities. The study found that in a head-to-head comparison of noninvasive prenatal testing using cell free DNA (cfDNA) to standard screening methods, cfDNA testing (verifi prenatal test, Illumina, Inc.) significantly reduced the rate of false positive results and had significantly higher positive predictive values for the detection of fetal trisomies 21 and 18.

Health reforms: Improved prescribing and reimbursement practices in China

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 01:53 PM PST

Pay-for-performance has become a major component of health reforms in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other affluent countries. Although the approach has also become popular in the developing world, there has been little evaluation of its impact.

Phony honey a sweet deal for counterfeiters, bad for consumers

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 01:51 PM PST

Consumers buying honey might not be getting what they pay for according to one of the world's leading honey experts, who is supporting a U.S. Senate bill that would, if passed, put more stringent requirements on the federal government to ensure the origin of imported honey and compel sellers to label it accurately.

Why breastfed babies are so smart: Moms who breastfeed are often responsive and read to their babies

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 12:56 PM PST

Research has shown that children who were breastfed score higher on IQ tests and perform better in school, but the reason why remained unclear. Now a new study shows that two parenting skills deserve the credit. Responsiveness to children's emotional cues boosts kids' math and reading skills. Reading to children as early as 9 months of age also significantly improves school readiness. These two skills can give kids an extra 2-3 months' worth of brain development.

Surge in designer drugs, tainted 'E' poses lethal risks

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 12:56 PM PST

With up to 10 new designer drugs flooding streets every year, more education is needed to convey risks, especially among youth. In the span of a decade, Canada has gone from ecstasy importer to global supplier of the illegal party drug. At the same time, even newer designer highs -- sometimes just a mouse-click away -- are flooding the drug market faster than legislation can keep pace.

Factors affecting self-reporting among people with traumatic brain injury evaluated

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:30 AM PST

Among individuals with traumatic brain injury, depression and self-awareness affect subjective reports of memory, quality of life, and satisfaction with life, new research has found. Impairment in self-awareness (the ability to accurately recognize one's own abilities and limitations) often occurs after TBI. Intact self-awareness would result in accurate self-reports; however, intact self-awareness can also be associated with depressive symptoms. This is the first study to examine the complex relationship between self-awareness and depression, while also accounting for the self-reporting of well being and quality of life by individuals with TBI.

Finding a few foes among billions of cellular friends

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:30 AM PST

Beating cancer is all about early detection, and new research is another step forward in catching the disease early. A team of chemists is reporting a new way to detect just a handful of lurking tumor cells, which can be outnumbered a billion to one in the bloodstream by healthy cells. The researchers have constructed an ultrasensitive nanoprobe that can electrochemically sense as few as four circulating tumor cells, and it doesn't require any enzymes to produce a detectable signal.

Nanoscale freezing leads to better imaging

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:30 AM PST

It's an odd twist. For scientists to determine if a cell is functioning properly, they must destroy it. This is what happens in X-ray fluorescence microscopy when biological specimens are exposed to ionizing radiation, which provides images with a level of detail that conventional microscopes just can't match. This exposure can change what is being imaged in profound ways, possibly giving false accounts of how the cell actually works. To address this issue, researchers created a new probe that freezes cells to "see" at greater detail without damaging the sample.

Predictive fitness model for influenza: Physics, computer science help find clues on flu evolution

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:29 AM PST

A new model to successfully predict the evolution of the influenza virus from one year to the next has been created by researchers. This advance in our understanding of influenza suggests a new, systematic way to select influenza vaccine strains. The flu is one of the major infectious diseases in humans. Seasonal strains of the influenza A virus account for about half a million deaths per year. Because influenza is a fast-evolving pathogen, the selection of optimal vaccines is a challenging global health issue. The scientists used ideas from physics and computer science in their approach to finding clues about the predictable versus random part of the flu evolution.

Photopharmacology: Optoswitches turn pain off and sight on

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:28 AM PST

Photoreactive compounds developed by scientists directly modulate nerve-cell function, and open new routes to the treatment of neurological diseases, including chronic pain and certain types of visual impairment. All modes of sensory perception are based on communication between nerve cells. Both the response to the primary stimulus and the transmission of the resulting signal depend on the function of specialized receptor proteins that are associated with the surface membranes of neurons. Many sensory neurons respond only to a single sensory modality, such as mechanical stimulation or temperature. However, researchers have developed a method which, in principle, enables all types of neuroreceptors to be controlled by light.

Sunburns strike twice by altering pigment cells, harming surrounding tissue

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:28 AM PST

Melanoma is particularly dangerous because it can form metastases in vital organs such as the lungs, liver or brain. UV radiation is considered to be the most significant triggering factor. An interdisciplinary team of researchers has now discovered that sunburns contribute to the development of this malignant disease not only through direct alteration of pigment cell genomes but also indirectly through inflammatory processes in the surrounding tissue.

Shingles: A common and painful virus

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:27 AM PST

Shingles is a painful viral infection that affects almost one million people worldwide and 30 percent of Americans every year. Known as herpes zoster, it's caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, the varicella-zoster virus. The outbreak occurs mostly in people older than 50 because the virus can lay dormant in the nerve tissue of the body for many years then become activated and cause shingles later in life. A new article gives advice and guidance for those at risk.

Screen some patients with acute pancreatitis for pancreatic cancer, researchers suggest

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 10:27 AM PST

There is a much higher risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with acute pancreatitis than commonly believed, new research demonstrates. researchers have found a link between acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and pancreatic cancer, a finding which may eventually lead to some pancreatic cancers being detected earlier. Pancreatic cancer, the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the U.S., is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage because it has few early warning signs and no established screening method.

Can a simple handshake predict cancer survival rates?

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 09:53 AM PST

New acquaintances are often judged by their handshake. Research has now recognized the simple squeeze as an important diagnostic tool in assessing strength and quality of life among critical care patients. The test was simple: 203 patients fighting advanced-stage cancers squeezed a device known as a dynamometer with their dominant hand. The instrument then measured peak grip strength and information gleaned from that could predict, to some degree, survival rates among cancer patients.

New advances in the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia genome

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 09:53 AM PST

The Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia (CLL) Genome Consortium moves closer to the functional study of the genome and its application for improving the treatment of the disease. Researchers can now identify functional differences in leukemia cells. Their findings provide a new classification of the disease that could, eventually, improve predictions of the best time for starting treatment.

Ovulation motivates women to outdo other women, research shows

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 09:53 AM PST

For approximately one week every month, millions of women change their economic behavior and become more focused on their social standing relative to other women. According to new research, the ovulatory cycle alters women's behavior by subconsciously motivating them to outdo other women. Based on studies rooted in theory and research in evolutionary biology and evolutionary consumer behavior, their findings that ovulating women jockey for position over other women is consistent with the literature on animals. For example, studies have shown that female monkeys become more aggressive toward other females when fertile. This research could have important implications for marketers, consumers and researchers.

New target for dengue virus vaccine found

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 09:53 AM PST

Using an experimental technique new to the dengue field, researchers showed that a molecular hinge where two regions of a protein connect is where natural human antibodies attach to dengue type-3 to disable it. The finding shows that most human antibodies that neutralize the virus bind to this hinge. It's the first study to demonstrate how these binding sites can be genetically exchanged without disrupting the integrity of the virus.

Virtual computer-based world an effective learning environment for healthcare education, study shows

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 09:53 AM PST

Researchers have demonstrated the potential of using a virtual computer environment for distance healthcare education for an international audience that often has limited access to conventional teaching and training.

Reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence prevalent

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:08 AM PST

Enough women experience reproductive coercion -- male behavior to control contraception and pregnancy outcomes -- that a research team now recommends health care providers address the subjects with their patients and tailor family planning discussions and recommendations accordingly. "Reproductive coercion, co-occurring with intimate partner violence, is prevalent among women seeking general obstetrics and gynecology care," note the authors. In addition, reproductive coercion has been associated with intimate partner violence, including threats, physical injury, or sexual abuse.

Gamma Knife helps patients with painful facial nerve disorder

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:08 AM PST

Symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) were reduced in those treated with Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery, a team of radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons has found. TN is a disorder of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for feeling in the face. In most cases, the facial pain is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the nerve. It is believed that TN is caused by deterioration of the protective covering of the trigeminal nerve. Gamma Knife is a nonsurgical technique that precisely delivers a high dose of radiation to a targeted area. It appears to reduce pain for the patients that are treated with this technique.

Replicating motions of the heart: Artificial muscles that do the twist set the stage for soft robotics

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:08 AM PST

Researchers have developed a low-cost, programmable soft actuated material that they used to replicate the complex motion of the heart, along with a matching 3-D computer model. The advance sets the stage for new possibilities in the emerging field of soft robotics.

Causal link found between vitamin D, serotonin synthesis and autism in new study

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:08 AM PST

Serotonin and vitamin D have been proposed to play a role in autism, however, no causal mechanism has been established. Now, researchers show that serotonin, oxytocin, and vasopressin, three brain hormones that affect social behavior related to autism, are all activated by vitamin D hormone. Supplementation with vitamin D and tryptophan would be a practical and affordable solution to help prevent autism and possibly ameliorate some symptoms of the disorder.

3-D microgels 'on-demand' offer new potential for cell research, the future of personalized medicine

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 08:06 AM PST

Stars, diamonds, circles. Rather than your average bowl of Lucky Charms, these are three-dimensional cell cultures generated by an exciting new digital microfluidics platform.

Obesity rates in 2- to 5-year-olds improve, although overall obesity rates remain unchanged, U.S. study shows

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 07:21 AM PST

The latest U.S. obesity data show a significant decline in obesity among children aged 2 to 5 years. Obesity prevalence for this age group went from nearly 14 percent in 2003-2004 to just over 8 percent in 2011-2012 -- a decline of 43 percent. Obesity increased in women age 60 years and older, from 31.5 percent to more than 38 percent.

Hormone therapy linked to better survival after lung cancer diagnosis in women

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 07:18 AM PST

Survival among people with lung cancer has been better for women than men, and the findings of a recent study indicate that female hormones may be a factor in this difference. The combination of estrogen plus progesterone and the use of long-term hormone therapy were associated with the most significant improvements in survival.

Different eggs in adolescent girls, adult women

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 07:18 AM PST

Are the eggs produced by adolescent girls the same as the ones produced by adult women? A recent study shows compelling evidence that there are two completely distinct types of eggs in the mammalian ovary -- 'the first wave' and 'the adult wave.' The first wave of eggs, which starts immediately after birth, contributes to the onset of puberty and provides fertilizable eggs into the transition from adolescence to adulthood. In contrast, the adult wave remains in a state of dormancy until activated during the adult life and then provides eggs throughout the entire reproductive lifespan.

Two micro mechanisms that regulate immune system uncovered

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 06:52 AM PST

Previously unknown interactions between critical proteins in the human immune response system, have been discovered by scientists, uncovering two independent regulatory mechanisms that keep the body's immune response in check. The authors suggest that while they do not yet fully understand this regulatory mechanism, and continue to study it in hopes of harnessing its power to cure disease, it is an important step forward in understanding both what stops the body's immune response, and what activates it.

Follow-up care for older breast cancer survivors needs to be all-encompassing

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 06:52 AM PST

Older women who have overcome breast cancer are likely to struggle with heart disease, osteoporosis and hypertension further on in their lives. Whether these conditions occur or not is influenced by the treatment that patients received to fight cancer, their overall weight and their age. Breast cancer survivors therefore should watch their weight and get regular exercise so that they can enjoy a high quality of life.

Self-administration of flu vaccine with a patch may be feasible, study suggests

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 06:48 AM PST

The annual ritual of visiting a doctor's office or health clinic to receive a flu shot may soon be outdated, thanks to the findings of a new study. The research, which involved nearly 100 people recruited in the metropolitan Atlanta area, found that test subjects could successfully apply a prototype vaccine patch to themselves. That suggests the self-administration of vaccines with microneedle patches may one day be feasible, potentially reducing administration costs and relieving an annual burden on health care professionals. The study also suggested that the use of vaccine patches might increase the rate at which the population is vaccinated against influenza.

New autism definition may decrease diagnosis by one third

Posted: 26 Feb 2014 04:45 AM PST

New diagnosis guidelines for autism spectrum disorder may reduce by almost one third the total number of people being diagnosed, according to new research. The guidelines, released in May 2013 and the first major update to psychiatric diagnosis criteria in almost two decades, may leave thousands of developmentally delayed children each year without the ASD diagnosis they need to qualify for social services, medical benefits and educational support.

Brain cell activity regulates Alzheimer's protein

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:34 PM PST

Increased brain cell activity boosts brain fluid levels of a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. Tau protein is the main component of neurofibrillary tangles, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. It has been linked to other neurodegenerative disorders, including frontotemporal dementia, supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration. The regular patterns of tau spread through brain networks have led scientists to speculate that dysfunctional tau travels to different brain regions via synapses -- the areas where individual nerve cells communicate with each other.

Risk of HIV infection high during pregnancy, the postpartum period

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:34 PM PST

Women living in world regions where HIV infection is common are at high risk of acquiring HIV infection during pregnancy and the postpartum period, according to a study. The researchers also found that mothers who acquire HIV during pregnancy or postpartum are more likely to pass the infection on to their offspring than mothers with chronic HIV infections. "Detection and prevention of incident HIV in pregnancy/postpartum should be prioritized, and is critical to decrease [mother to child transmission]," they conclude.

Skin cancer risk may have driven evolution of black skin

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:34 PM PST

Early humans may have evolved black skin to protect against a very high risk of dying from ultraviolet light-induced skin cancer, a new analysis concludes. Skin cancer has usually been rejected as the most likely selective pressure for the development of black skin because of a belief that it is only rarely fatal at ages young enough to affect reproduction. But a new paper cites evidence that black people with albinism from parts of Africa with the highest UV radiation exposure, and where humans first evolved, almost all die of skin cancer at a young age.

Increasing brain acidity may reduce anxiety

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:32 PM PST

Increasing acidity in the brain's emotional control center reduces anxiety, according to an animal study. Anxiety disorders, which are characterized by an inability to control feelings of fear and uncertainty, are the most prevalent group of psychiatric diseases. At the cellular level, these disorders are associated with heightened activity in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), which is known to play a central role in emotional behavior. Many cells in the BLA possess acid-sensing ion channels called ASIC1a, which respond to pH changes in the environment outside of the cell. Researchers have found that activating ASIC1a decreased the activity of nearby cells and reduced anxiety-like behavior in animals

Brainstem discovered as important relay site after stroke

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:32 PM PST

After a stroke, sufferers are often faced with the problem of severe movement impairment. Researchers have now discovered that the brainstem could play a major role in the recovery of motor functions. The projection of neurons from this ancient part of the brain into the spinal cord leads to the neural impulses needed for motion being rerouted. The brain does have a "considerable capacity for regeneration" explains the lead author.

Better Nurse Staffing, Education Reduces Patient Deaths in European Hospitals

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 04:31 PM PST

Hospital nurse staffing, and the proportion of nurses with bachelor's education, are associated with significantly fewer deaths after common surgery, a research study concludes, which included nine European countries. Detailed results included information that every one patient increase in patient to nurse ratios was associated with a 7% increase in deaths, while having a better educated nurse workforce is associated with fewer deaths. Every 10% increase in bachelor's degree nurses is associated with a 7% decline in mortality, according to the results.

Continuous handling of receipts linked to higher urine BPA levels

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:27 PM PST

Study participants who handled receipts printed on thermal paper continuously for two hours without gloves had an increase in urine bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations compared to when they wore gloves, according to a study. Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including reproductive function in adults and neurodevelopment in children exposed shortly before or after birth.

Blood transfusion for PCI associated with increased risk of cardiac event

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:27 PM PST

In an analysis that included more than two million patients who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; procedures such as balloon angioplasty or stent placement used to open narrowed coronary arteries), there was considerable variation in red blood cell transfusion practices among hospitals across the US, and receiving a transfusion was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital heart attack, stroke or death, according to a study.

Patient-centered medical home program results in little improvement in quality

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:27 PM PST

One of the first, largest, and longest-running multipayer trials of patient-centered medical home medical practices in the United States was associated with limited improvements in quality and was not associated with reductions in use of hospital, emergency department, or ambulatory care services or total costs of care over three years, according to a study. The patient-centered medical home is a team-based model of primary care practice intended to improve the quality, efficiency, and patient experience of care. Professional associations, payers, policy makers, and other stakeholders have advocated for the patient-centered medical home model.

MMR vaccine linked to lower rate of infection-related hospital admissions

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:27 PM PST

In a nationwide group of Danish children, receipt of the live measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine on schedule after vaccination for other common infections was associated with a lower rate of hospital admissions for any infections, but particularly for lower respiratory tract infections, according to a study. Childhood vaccines are recommended worldwide, based on their protective effect against the targeted diseases.

Phantom limb pain relieved when amputated arm is put back to work

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:26 PM PST

A new method for the treatment of phantom limb pain after an amputation has been developed. The method is based on a unique combination of several technologies, and has been initially tested on a patient who has suffered from severe phantom limb pain for 48 years. A case study shows a drastic reduction of pain. The new method uses muscle signals from the patient's arm stump to drive a system known as augmented reality. The electrical signals in the muscles are sensed by electrodes on the skin. The signals are then translated into arm movements by complex algorithms. The patients can see themselves on a screen with a superimposed virtual arm, which is controlled using their own neural command in real time.

Simple waiting room test can help diagnose depression, anxiety

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:25 PM PST

Patients visiting the hospital for a variety of ailments can be easily screened for depression and anxiety as they wait for care, a new study shows. piloted an electronic questionnaire with patients in six specialty services in three London hospitals: rheumatology, limb reconstruction, hepatitis C, psoriasis, congenital heart disease and chronic pain. Patients were asked to complete questions on a wireless touch-screen device while in the waiting room. The test included questions about depression and anxiety, as well as physical health outcomes and health behaviors. Results were immediately transmitted to the health care provider, who could then discuss them with the patient during the visit. "This makes effective use of waiting room time, and provides useful, usable information in a format which is easy for non-mental health professionals to interpret and act upon," authors note.

New clues found to preventing lung transplant rejection

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 01:25 PM PST

Broadly suppressing the immune system after lung transplantation may inadvertently encourage organ rejection, according to a new study in mice. Organ transplant patients routinely receive drugs that stop their immune systems from attacking newly implanted hearts, livers, kidneys or lungs, which the body sees as foreign. In a surprising discovery, researchers found that newly transplanted lungs in mice were more likely to be rejected if key immune cells were missing, a situation that simulates what happens when patients take immunosuppressive drugs.

Risky behaviors of gambling, sex linked in African-American youth

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 12:19 PM PST

Researchers assessed whether certain adolescent sexual behaviors linked with unintended consequences such as adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are associated with gambling behaviors. They found that almost half their sample -- 49 percent -- had gambled at least once before age 18, and more gamblers than non-gamblers had initiated sexual intercourse by age 18. Approximately one third (35 percent) had intercourse by age 13 and 89 percent had engaged in sexual intercourse by age 18.

Ordinary conditioner removes head lice eggs as effectively as special products

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 11:39 AM PST

Some shampoos and conditioners that contain chemicals or special oils are marketed as nit-removal products for head lice eggs. However, new research shows that ordinary hair conditioner is just as effective. Eggs from head lice, also called nits, are incredibly difficult to remove. Female lice lay eggs directly onto strands of hair, and they cement them in place with a glue-like substance, making them hard to get rid of. In fact, the eggs are glued down so strongly that they will stay in place even after hair has been treated with pediculicides -- substances used to kill lice.

Nuclear stiffness keeps stem cells, cancer cells in place

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 11:39 AM PST

Adult stem cells and cancer cells have many things in common, including an ability to migrate through tiny gaps in tissue. Both types of cells also experience a trade-off when it comes to this ability; having a flexible nucleus makes migration easier but is worse at protecting the nucleus' DNA compared to a stiffer nucleus. Nuclear proteins that regulate nuclear stiffness are therefore thought to control processes as diverse as tissue repair and tumor growth.

Blood pressure should be measured in both arms, evidence shows

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 10:43 AM PST

As heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the United States, practitioners and patients alike are looking for ways to cut risk factors and identify new clues to assist with early detection. New research suggests that there is an association between a difference in interarm systolic blood pressure and a significant increased risk for future cardiovascular events, leading researchers to recommend expanded clinical use of interarm blood pressure measurement.

Scotland reduces post-code lottery for hip replacement surgery

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:25 AM PST

A reduction in the post-code lottery for hip replacement surgery has been achieved in Scotland without recourse to the private sector, according to new research. "Scotland has managed to improve and increase access to treatment for all patients by expanding capacity within the NHS, unlike England which has placed increasing reliance on poor value contracts with the private sector to deliver elective treatments," and author noted. "While England has decided to go down the private route, there is growing concern south of the border about rationing and denial of surgery".

New neurons generated in brains, spinal cords of living adult mammals

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:25 AM PST

New nerve cells in the brains and spinal cords of living mammals have been created by researchers without the need for stem cell transplants to replenish lost cells. Although the research indicates it may someday be possible to regenerate neurons from the body's own cells to repair traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage or to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, the researchers stressed that it is too soon to know whether the neurons created in these initial studies resulted in any functional improvements, a goal for future research.

Byproducts of bacteria-causing gum disease incite oral cancer growth, study shows

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:25 AM PST

Researchers have discovered how byproducts in the form of small fatty acids from two bacteria prevalent in gum disease incite the growth of deadly Kaposi's sarcoma-related lesions and tumors in the mouth. High levels of these bacteria are found in the saliva of people with periodontal disease, and at lower levels in those with good oral health -- further evidence of the link between oral and overall physical health. The discovery could lead to early saliva testing for the bacteria, which, if found, could be treated and monitored for signs of cancer and before it develops into a malignancy, the researchers say.

Psychological side-effects of anti-depressants worse than thought

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:24 AM PST

Thoughts of suicide, sexual difficulties and emotional numbness as a result of anti-depressants may be more widespread than previously thought, a researcher has found. In a survey of 1,829 people who had been prescribed anti-depressants, the researchers found large numbers of people -- over half in some cases -- reporting on psychological problems due to their medication, which has led to growing concerns about the scale of the problem of over-prescription of these drugs.

Discovery of a 'conductor' in muscle development could impact on the treatment of muscular diseases

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:24 AM PST

A 'conductor' has been discovered in the development of muscle tissue. The discovery could have an important impact on the treatment of muscular diseases such as myopathies and muscular dystrophies. The fusion of myoblasts is a critical step in the formation of embryonic muscle fibers as it determines muscle size, among other things. This process is also important in adult life because muscle stem cells fuse with existing fibers to achieve muscle growth and help regenerate damaged muscles. However, until now, fusion remained a poorly understood step within the scientific community.

Magnetic Medicine: Nanoparticles target cancer-fighting immune cells

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:22 AM PST

Using tiny particles designed to target cancer-fighting immune cells, researchers have trained the immune systems of mice to fight melanoma, a deadly skin cancer. The experiments represent a significant step toward using nanoparticles and magnetism to treat a variety of conditions, the researchers say. They also note that in addition to its potential medical applications, combining nanoparticles and magnetism may give researchers a new window into fundamental biological processes.

3-D printer creates transformative device for heart treatment

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:22 AM PST

Using an inexpensive 3-D printer, biomedical engineers have developed a custom-fitted, implantable device with embedded sensors that could transform treatment and prediction of cardiac disorders. The 3-D elastic membrane is made of a soft, flexible, silicon material that is precisely shaped to match the heart's outer layer of the wall. Current technology is two-dimensional and cannot cover the full surface of the epicardium or maintain reliable contact for continual use without sutures or adhesives. The team can then print tiny sensors onto the membrane that can precisely measure temperature, mechanical strain and pH, among other markers, or deliver a pulse of electricity in cases of arrhythmia.

Eliminating maternal mortality in developing countries could extend women's life expectancy in reproductive ages

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:22 AM PST

Maternal death rates represent the single largest health discrepancy between developed and developing populations, with nearly all -- over 99% -- maternal deaths worldwide occurring in developing countries and over half of them in sub-Saharan Africa countries. Eliminating maternal mortality, which is defined as the deaths related to pregnancy, would result in a gain of over a half year (0.6 years) in life expectancy worldwide.

Breast-feeding benefits appear to be overstated, according to study of siblings

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 09:22 AM PST

A new study comparing siblings who were fed differently during infancy suggests that breast-feeding might be no more beneficial than bottle-feeding for 10 of 11 long-term health and well-being outcomes in children age 4 to 14. The outlier was asthma, which was associated more with breast-feeding than with bottle-feeding. Previous research has identified clear patterns of racial and socioeconomic disparities between women who breast-feed and those who don't, complicating an already demanding choice for women who work outside the home at jobs with little flexibility and limited maternity leave.

New risk gene illuminates Alzheimer's disease

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:29 AM PST

A team of international scientists has isolated a gene thought to play a causal role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The newly identified gene affects accumulation of amyloid-beta, a protein believed to be one of the main causes of the damage that underpins this brain disease in humans. The gene encodes a protein that is important for intracellular transportation. This breakthrough in Alzheimer's research could open new avenues for the design of therapeutics and pave the way for early detection by helping healthcare professionals identify those who are predisposed to the disease.

Prevalence of high school seniors' marijuana use is expected to increase with legalization

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:29 AM PST

Large proportions of high school students normally at low risk for marijuana use (e.g., non-cigarette-smokers, religious students, those with friends who disapprove of use) reported intention to use marijuana if it were legal, a new study reports. National support for marijuana legalization is increasing in the United States. Recreational use was recently legalized in the states of Colorado and Washington; other states across the country are expected to follow suit. To date, an additional 15 states have decriminalized marijuana use, and 19 states and the District of Columbia now allow medical marijuana to be prescribed.

Glycerol phenylbutyrate reduces hepatic encephalopathy events, ammonia levels compared to placebo in a phase 2 trial

Posted: 25 Feb 2014 08:19 AM PST

Patients with hepatic encephalopathy experience neuropsychiatric symptoms that may range from mild confusion to coma. There is conflicting evidence on the link between elevated blood ammonia and hepatic encephalopathy. Poorly-absorbable disaccharides and antibiotics are currently used to treat encephalopathy and are generally believed to act by reducing ammonia production in the intestine. Phase 2 clinical results show the potential for Glycerol Phenylbutyrate (GPB) to reduce hepatic encephalopathy episodes in patients with cirrhosis.
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