ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Ranking disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences
• Protein to repair damaged brain tissue in MS identified
• Beta blockers and perioperative care: EHJ editorial addresses controversy
• Majority of Americans have their heart health facts wrong
• Gender influences symptoms of genetic disorder NF1
• Finding could explain age-related decline in motor function
• Avian flu variant stalks Egypt
• Cholesterol plays a critical role in hantavirus infection
• Opening 'the X-files' helped researchers to understand why women and men differ in height
• Protein structure: Peering into the transit pore
• Synthesized sponge chemical shows promise for cancer
• First stroke guidelines for women created
• Toxin in seafood causes kidney damage in mice at levels considered safe for consumption
• Prickly protein helps stop staph bacteria
• Nanoparticle pinpoints blood vessel plaques
• Brain: Loose coupling between calcium channels and sensors
• Regular aspirin use may reduce ovarian cancer risk: Study
• Credit card-sized device could analyze biopsy, help diagnose pancreatic cancer in minutes
• Toxin from brain cells triggers neuron loss in human ALS model
• What falling in love does to your heart and brain
• Source of chlamydia reinfections may be GI tract
• Fitness study pairs dogs with seniors
• Immune system 'overdrive' in pregnant women puts male offspring at special risk for adult brain disorders, mouse study suggests
• Decoding dengue, West Nile: Steps taken toward control of growing public health problems
• The ultimate decoy: Protein helps bacteria misdirect immune system
• New investigational drug holds promise for combatting deadly mucormycosis infections
• New disease gene discovery sheds light on cause of bone marrow failure
• Powerful bacterial immune response defined by new study
• How our immune system backfires and allows bacteria like Salmonella to grow
• Bundles of nerves, arteries provide wealth of new stem cell information
• Prostate development discovery could lead to new treatments
• Rest can be best medicine but difficult for young athletes
• First leadless pacemaker in U.S. implanted into patient
• Stem cells to treat lung disease in preterm infants
• Intervention in first 1000 days vital to fulfilling childhood potential
• Whole diet approach to lower cardiovascular risk has more evidence than low-fat diets
• Early treatment with AED reduces duration of febrile seizures
• Cognitive therapy 'safe and acceptable' to treat schizophrenia, study finds
• Intelligent redesign of cancer care delivery model proposed
• Study shows yogurt consumption reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
• Increase in obesity may be slowing, but not by much, study shows

Ranking disease-causal mutations within whole genome sequences Posted: 07 Feb 2014 08:41 AM PST Researchers have developed a new method for organizing and prioritizing genetic data. The Combined Annotation–Dependent Depletion method will assist scientists in their search for disease-causing mutation events in human genomes.

Protein to repair damaged brain tissue in MS identified Posted: 07 Feb 2014 08:41 AM PST Researchers have found a "potentially novel therapeutic target" to reduce the rate of deterioration and to promote growth of brain cells damaged by multiple sclerosis. Current therapies can be effective in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis but have little impact in promoting tissue growth.

Beta blockers and perioperative care: EHJ editorial addresses controversy Posted: 07 Feb 2014 07:26 AM PST Whether beta blockers in perioperative care are protective, safe or harmful continues to be a subject of debate. The new ESC Guidelines will try to clarify some of the controversial issues. In the meantime, the current position is that "the initiation of beta blockers in patients who will undergo non-cardiac surgery should not be considered routine, but should be considered carefully by each patient's treating physician on a case-by-case basis."

Majority of Americans have their heart health facts wrong Posted: 07 Feb 2014 07:23 AM PST Despite the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., about three-quarters (74 percent) of Americans do not fear dying from it, according to a recent survey.

Gender influences symptoms of genetic disorder NF1 Posted: 07 Feb 2014 06:40 AM PST Researchers have identified a patient's gender as a clear and simple guidepost to help health-care providers anticipate some of the complex effects of NF1, a genetic disorder.

Finding could explain age-related decline in motor function Posted: 07 Feb 2014 06:40 AM PST A team of researchers has found a clue as to why muscles weaken with age. The team observed a change in homeostatic set points in neuromuscular junction synapses of aged fruit flies.

Avian flu variant stalks Egypt Posted: 07 Feb 2014 06:40 AM PST A new study tracks the spread of an H5N1 variant in Egypt -- a country recently identified as a major epicenter for the virus. In results researchers track the spread of H5N1 cases using a technique known as phylogeography.

Cholesterol plays a critical role in hantavirus infection Posted: 07 Feb 2014 05:39 AM PST Viruses mutate fast, which means they can quickly become resistant to anti-viral drugs. But viruses also depend on proteins and nutrients provided by their hosts, and therefore one strategy to identify new anti-viral drugs is to identify and target such host-cell components. Proteins involved in the regulation of cholesterol are essential for hantavirus entry into human host cells, new research shows.

Opening 'the X-files' helped researchers to understand why women and men differ in height Posted: 07 Feb 2014 05:38 AM PST Given its unique nature, the X chromosome has often been neglected when performing large-scale genetic studies. Because women have two copies of this chromosome and men only one, identifying genetic associations with X chromosomal genes can be particularly valuable in helping us to understand why some characteristics differ between sexes. Researchers have now identified novel X-chromosomal genetic variants that influence human height.

Protein structure: Peering into the transit pore Posted: 07 Feb 2014 05:37 AM PST The lipid-rich membranes of cells are largely impermeable to proteins, but evolution has provided a way through -- in the form of transmembrane tunnels. A new study shows in unmatched detail what happens as proteins pass through such a pore.

Synthesized sponge chemical shows promise for cancer Posted: 07 Feb 2014 05:37 AM PST A promising compound for cancer treatment has been synthesized in a laboratory by a PhD student.

First stroke guidelines for women created Posted: 07 Feb 2014 05:36 AM PST Despite strokes being on the decline in the U.S., more women are dying from them than are men. Now medical scientists have released guidance on prevention specifically for women.

Toxin in seafood causes kidney damage in mice at levels considered safe for consumption Posted: 07 Feb 2014 05:36 AM PST Domoic acid accumulates in seafood and is toxic to the brain. Research indicates that the toxin damages kidneys at concentrations that are 100 times lower than what causes neurological effects.

Prickly protein helps stop staph bacteria Posted: 06 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST A genetic mechanism that controls the production of a large spike-like protein on the surface of Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria alters the ability of the bacteria to form clumps and to cause disease, according to a new study.

Nanoparticle pinpoints blood vessel plaques Posted: 06 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST A team of researchers has developed a multifunctional nanoparticle that enables magnetic resonance imaging to pinpoint blood vessel plaques caused by atherosclerosis. The technology is a step toward creating a non-invasive method of identifying plaques vulnerable to rupture -- the cause of heart attack and stroke -- in time for treatment.

Brain: Loose coupling between calcium channels and sensors Posted: 06 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST Neuroscientists have uncovered the existence of loose coupling between calcium channels and release sensors of exocytosis at a mature central synapse in the rodent brain. The researchers show that loose coupling provides a framework for presynaptic plasticity, a hallmark of synaptic signaling in hippocampal microcircuits.

Regular aspirin use may reduce ovarian cancer risk: Study Posted: 06 Feb 2014 01:44 PM PST Women who take aspirin daily may reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by 20 percent, according to a study. However, further research is needed before clinical recommendations can be made.

Credit card-sized device could analyze biopsy, help diagnose pancreatic cancer in minutes Posted: 06 Feb 2014 12:53 PM PST Scientists and engineers are developing a low-cost device that could help pathologists diagnose pancreatic cancer earlier and faster. The prototype can perform the basic steps for processing a biopsy, relying on fluid transport instead of human hands to process the tissue.

Toxin from brain cells triggers neuron loss in human ALS model Posted: 06 Feb 2014 12:52 PM PST In most cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, a toxin released by cells that normally nurture neurons in the brain and spinal cord can trigger loss of the nerve cells affected in the disease, researchers report.

What falling in love does to your heart and brain Posted: 06 Feb 2014 12:52 PM PST Getting struck by Cupid's arrow may very well take your breath away and make your heart go pitter-patter this Valentine's Day, reports sexual wellness specialists.

Source of chlamydia reinfections may be GI tract Posted: 06 Feb 2014 11:21 AM PST The current standard of care treatment for chlamydia sometimes fails to eradicate the disease, according to a review, and the culprit may be in the gut.

Fitness study pairs dogs with seniors Posted: 06 Feb 2014 11:18 AM PST Researchers have designed an exercise study to see if exercising with dogs yields better health outcomes.

Immune system 'overdrive' in pregnant women puts male offspring at special risk for adult brain disorders, mouse study suggests Posted: 06 Feb 2014 11:18 AM PST Researchers report that fetal mice — especially males — show signs of brain damage that lasts into their adulthood when they are exposed in the womb to a maternal immune system kicked into high gear by a serious infection or other malady. The findings suggest that some neurologic diseases in humans could be similarly rooted in prenatal exposure to inflammatory immune responses.

Decoding dengue, West Nile: Steps taken toward control of growing public health problems Posted: 06 Feb 2014 11:18 AM PST Dengue fever and West Nile fever are mosquito-borne diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide each year, but there is no vaccine against either of the related viruses.

The ultimate decoy: Protein helps bacteria misdirect immune system Posted: 06 Feb 2014 11:18 AM PST Scientists have discovered an unusual bacterial protein that attaches to virtually any antibody and prevents it from binding to its target.

New investigational drug holds promise for combatting deadly mucormycosis infections Posted: 06 Feb 2014 10:38 AM PST With very few treatment options available to fight deadly mucormycosis infections, a new study holds hope for adding to the arsenal of therapies physicians have to combat an increasingly common infection afflicting people with weakened immune systems.

New disease gene discovery sheds light on cause of bone marrow failure Posted: 06 Feb 2014 10:36 AM PST New research has identified a novel genetic defect among patients with bone marrow failure, which could reveal its underlying cause.

Powerful bacterial immune response defined by new study Posted: 06 Feb 2014 10:36 AM PST A previously undefined T-cell immune response to rapid infections by bacteria like Salmonella and Chlamydia is described in a new article, helping pave the way for development of vaccines and therapeutics.

How our immune system backfires and allows bacteria like Salmonella to grow Posted: 06 Feb 2014 10:36 AM PST Researchers have found that our immune response can sometimes make us vulnerable to the very bacteria it is supposed to protect us from. A study reveals that the immune protein IL-22 enhances the growth of dangerous bacteria, like Salmonella, which causes food poisoning, and curbs the growth of healthy bacteria. The findings suggest that a supposedly protective immune response actually aids the growth of a gut pathogen by suppressing the growth of its closest competitors.

Bundles of nerves, arteries provide wealth of new stem cell information Posted: 06 Feb 2014 10:36 AM PST A new study not only uncovers new details on how bundles of nerves and arteries interact with stem cells but also showcases revolutionary techniques for following the cells as they function in living animals.

Prostate development discovery could lead to new treatments Posted: 06 Feb 2014 10:34 AM PST Scientists have discovered how the prostate gland develops for the first time, according to research published today. This information could possibly lead to new treatments.

Rest can be best medicine but difficult for young athletes Posted: 06 Feb 2014 10:33 AM PST Billy Kuhl, age 14, is no stranger to bumps and bruises having been involved in numerous sports, including football and hockey, for several years. But last fall on his way to football practice a bicycle accident made him realize how important it is to take injuries seriously.

First leadless pacemaker in U.S. implanted into patient Posted: 06 Feb 2014 07:07 AM PST This February during American Heart Month, a surgeon implanted the United States' first miniature-sized, leadless cardiac pacemaker directly inside a patient's heart without surgery.

Stem cells to treat lung disease in preterm infants Posted: 06 Feb 2014 05:24 AM PST Advances in neonatal care for very preterm infants have greatly increased the chances of survival for these fragile infants. However, preterm infants have an increased risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious lung disease, which is a major cause of death and lifelong complications. In a new study, researchers evaluated the safety and feasibility of using stem cell therapies on very preterm infants to prevent or treat BPD.

Intervention in first 1000 days vital to fulfilling childhood potential Posted: 06 Feb 2014 05:23 AM PST Safeguarding the healthy development of the next generation is vital for the long term success of the United Nation's Millennium Development goals. New research highlights the need to integrate global strategies aimed at tackling nutrition and cognitive development within the first thousand days of childhood.

Whole diet approach to lower cardiovascular risk has more evidence than low-fat diets Posted: 06 Feb 2014 05:23 AM PST A study reveals that a whole diet approach, which focuses on increased intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish, has more evidence for reducing cardiovascular risk than strategies that focus exclusively on reduced dietary fat. This new study explains that while strictly low-fat diets have the ability to lower cholesterol, they are not as conclusive in reducing cardiac deaths.

Early treatment with AED reduces duration of febrile seizures Posted: 06 Feb 2014 05:23 AM PST New research shows that children with febrile status epilepticus (FSE) who receive earlier treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) experience a reduction in the duration of the seizure. The study suggests that a standard Emergency Medical Services (EMS) treatment protocol for FSE is needed in the U.S.

Cognitive therapy 'safe and acceptable' to treat schizophrenia, study finds Posted: 05 Feb 2014 06:04 PM PST Researchers have shown cognitive therapy can be used as a safe and acceptable alternative treatment to for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who have chosen not to take antipsychotic drugs. Antipsychotic drugs are usually the first line of treatment for schizophrenia; however, many patients refuse or discontinue their pharmacological treatment. Research now shows cognitive therapy significantly reduced psychiatric symptoms in patients not taking antipsychotic drugs.

Intelligent redesign of cancer care delivery model proposed Posted: 05 Feb 2014 03:47 PM PST How best to implement key recommendations recently identified by the Institute of Medicine for the delivery of high-quality cancer care is the focus of two new peer-reviewed articles.

Study shows yogurt consumption reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes Posted: 05 Feb 2014 03:47 PM PST New research shows that higher consumption of yogurt, compared with no consumption, can reduce the risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes by 28 percent. Scientists found that in fact higher consumption of low-fat fermented dairy products, which include all yogurt varieties and some low-fat cheeses, also reduced the relative risk of diabetes by 24 percent overall.

Increase in obesity may be slowing, but not by much, study shows Posted: 05 Feb 2014 01:57 PM PST Although a recent CDC report showing reduced obesity prevalence in low income preschoolers is encouraging, a new study published shows the notion that the American obesity epidemic has begun to reverse may be premature.

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