الخميس، 20 مارس 2014

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Spices and herbs intervention helps adults reduce salt intake

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 01:52 PM PDT

A behavioral intervention that taught adults to use herbs and spices instead of salt led to a decrease in sodium consumption compared to people who tried to reduce sodium on their own. Adults taking part in a 20-week behavioral intervention consumed 966 mg/day less salt than their self-directed counterparts.

Program taught in American Sign Language helps deaf achieve healthier weight

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 01:52 PM PDT

Deaf adults successfully lost weight in a program using American Sign Language. The study is the first randomized trial of a weight-reduction and lifestyle-change program in deaf ASL users.

US women unfamiliar with most stroke warning signs

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 01:52 PM PDT

Many US women don't know most of the warning signs of a stroke. Hispanic women were less likely than others to know the warning signs of a stroke. Nearly all women knew that they should immediately call 9-1-1 if they suspected that they were having a stroke.

Ruling with an iron fist could make your child pack on pounds

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 01:52 PM PDT

Kids whose parents are demanding but not emotionally responsive are about one-third more likely to be obese than kids whose parents set healthy boundaries, are affectionate and discuss behavior. Researchers compared kids whose parents are generally affectionate, have reasonable discussions about behavior with their child and set healthy boundaries (authoritative) with those whose parents were strict about limits without much dialogue or affection (authoritarian).

Increased risk of relapse omitting radiotherapy in early PET scan negative Hodgkin lymphoma

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Interim analysis of a trial indicates an increased risk of early relapse when omitting radiotherapy in early PET scan negative patients with stage I/II Hodgkin's lymphoma. Early outcome, however, was excellent in both arms, and the final analysis should reveal whether these initial findings are maintained over time.

Low doses of antianxiety drugs rebalance autistic brain, study shows

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 09:48 AM PDT

New research in mice suggests that autism is characterized by reduced activity of inhibitory neurons and increased activity of excitatory neurons in the brain, but balance can be restored with low doses of a well-known class of drugs currently used in much higher doses to treat anxiety and epileptic seizures. The findings point to a new therapeutic approach to managing autism.

Inflammation mobilizes tumor cells, study shows

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 09:45 AM PDT

A novel feedback mechanism that provides a mechanistic link between chronic inflammation and carcinogenesis has been discovered by researchers. Malignant tumors pose a major threat to survival largely because they shed mobile cells that can form secondary tumors in other tissues. A growing body of evidence suggests that inflammatory reactions promote such cellular transformation.

Potential New Therapeutic Target for Controlling High Blood Sugar

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 09:45 AM PDT

A new potential therapeutic target for controlling high blood sugar has been discovered by scientists, a finding that could help the estimated 25 million Americans with type 2 diabetes. Researchers showed that lipid molecules called phosphatidic acids enhance glucose production in the liver. These findings suggest that inhibiting or reducing production of phosphatidic acids may do the opposite.

Catching the early spread of breast cancer

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 09:45 AM PDT

When cancer spreads, it becomes even more deadly. It moves with stealth and can go undetected for months or years. But a new technology that uses "nano-flares" has the potential to catch these tumor cells early. Scientist present the latest advances in nano-flare technology as it applies to the detection of metastatic breast cancer cells.

Multidisciplinary research team proposes new model for clinical trials

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 08:49 AM PDT

Experts across academia, industry and government propose a new method for health care providers to get the right treatments to the right patients at the right time. This new approach recommends a seamless transition from controlled experiments to real-world comparative effectiveness trials. This continuum will improve the accuracy of treatment selection and better determine how those treatments work on different groups of people.

Pocket diagnosis: App turns any smartphone into a portable medical diagnostic device

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 07:36 AM PDT

A new app that turns any smartphone into a portable medical diagnostic device could help in the fight against diseases including HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in the developing world. "This app can substitute for laboratory equipment, saving money to clinics and research institutions," said the developer of the app.

Genetic test could improve colon cancer screening

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 07:36 AM PDT

A non-invasive test that includes detection of the genetic abnormalities related to cancer could significantly improve the effectiveness of colon cancer screening, according to research. The results from this study could impact screening rates, which remain frustratingly low in the U.S. despite the evidence of their effectiveness.

Strategies for teaching common core to teens with autism show promise

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 07:35 AM PDT

Academic performance in high school plays an important role in opportunities for a college education and employment. New recommendations provide strategies for educating adolescents with autism under a Common Core curriculum. "We know that when students with autism receive appropriate instruction and supports, many of them are capable of learning academic content that is aligned with state standards," one of the authors noted. "And better academic performance often leads to a more successful outcome after high school."

Comeback of an abandoned antibiotic: Trimethoprim

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 07:35 AM PDT

In less-developed countries, inexpensive and well-tolerated antibiotics for therapy of streptococcal infections are often not available. Scientists have discovered that trimethoprim may provide an option. Contrary to a long-held belief, the bacteria are not generally resistant to this agent. In their latest publication the scientists demonstrated three pathways for the development of resistance -- meaning that streptococci can easily become resistant to the antibiotic and pass on this trait quickly.

Vaccination: No-refrigeration, spray vaccine could curb diseases in remote areas

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 07:33 AM PDT

A new kind of single-dose vaccine that comes in a nasal spray and doesn't require refrigeration could dramatically alter the public health landscape -- get more people vaccinated around the world and address the looming threats of emerging and re-emerging diseases.

Gut bacteria can cause life-threatening infections in preterm babies

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 06:42 AM PDT

Babies born prematurely are surviving in increasing numbers. But many withstand complications of early birth only to suffer late-onset sepsis -- life-threatening bloodstream infections that strike after infants reach 72 hours of age. The causes of late-onset sepsis have not been clear. But now, researchers have discovered that preterm babies' guts harbor infectious microbes that can cause late-onset sepsis.

New pathway connected to type 2 diabetes

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 06:42 AM PDT

A cellular pathway that is responsible for keeping blood sugar levels low, has been found, and may prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Following a meal, beta cells found in islets of the pancreas secrete insulin that helps to store food energy for future use. The inability of islet beta cells to produce enough insulin leads to diabetes. Unlike other research that has focused on how to replicate beta cells, this study focused on how to make pre-existing beta cells more functional, or better at secreting insulin.

A diet to make you fat or fit? The role of 'sumo stew' in shaping a sumo wrestler

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 06:39 AM PDT

A recent study explores the meanings of 'fat' and obesity in sumo and Japanese culture and the part that chanko, or 'sumo stew', plays in this.

Understanding binge eating, obesity connection

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 06:37 AM PDT

A new method for evaluating the treatment of obesity-related food behavior has been uncovered by researchers. "We present alternative ways of exploring attitudes to food by using indirect, objective measures -- such as measuring the amount of energy exerted to obtain or view different foods, as well as determining brain responses during the anticipation and consumption of desirable foods," said the lab's principal investigator.

Fast synthesis could boost drug development

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 05:55 AM PDT

Small protein fragments, also called peptides, are promising as drugs because they can be designed for very specific functions inside living cells. Insulin and the HIV drug Fuzeon are some of the earliest successful examples, and peptide drugs are expected to become a $25 billion market by 2018. However, a major bottleneck has prevented peptide drugs from reaching their full potential: Manufacturing the peptides takes several weeks, making it difficult to obtain large quantities, and to rapidly test their effectiveness. Chemists have now devised a new way to manufacture peptide drugs, which hold promise for treating many diseases.

Drinking alcohol several times a week increases risk of stroke mortality

Posted: 19 Mar 2014 05:54 AM PDT

Consuming alcohol more frequently than twice a week increases the risk of stroke mortality in men, according to a study. The results show that the effects of alcohol are not limited to the amount consumed, but also the frequency of drinking matters. Other significant risk factors for stroke include elevated blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, smoking, overweight, asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, and elevated cholesterol levels.

New method is a thousand times more sensitive to performance-enhancing drugs

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 06:19 PM PDT

While the world's best athletes competed during last month's winter Olympics, doctors and scientists were waging a different battle behind the scenes to make sure no one had an unfair advantage from banned performance-enhancing drugs. Researchers have now unveiled a new weapon — a test for doping compounds that is a thousand times more sensitive than those used today.

Tamiflu reduces risk of death by 25 percent in adults hospitalised with H1N1 pandemic influenza

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 04:00 PM PDT

Adults hospitalized with H1N1 influenza during the 2009-2010 pandemic were 25 percent less likely to die from the disease if they were given antiviral drugs called neuraminidase inhibitors such as Tamiflu, according to a large meta-analysis involving more than 29,000 patients from 38 countries. The findings also indicate that treatment within 2 days of flu symptoms developing halved the risk of death compared with later treatment or no treatment.

Statin may slow untreatable, progressive stage of multiple sclerosis

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 04:00 PM PDT

Simvastatin, a cheap cholesterol lowering drug, might be a potential treatment option for the secondary progressive, or chronic, stage of multiple sclerosis, which is currently untreatable, results of a phase 2 study suggest. Findings from the trial showed that a high, daily dose of simvastatin was safe, well tolerated, and slowed brain atrophy (shrinkage) by 43% over two years compared with placebo.

Fried foods may interact with genes to influence body weight, say experts

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 04:00 PM PDT

Individuals who are genetically predisposed to obesity may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of eating fried foods, concludes a study. The results of a new study show that eating fried food more than four times a week had twice as big an effect on body mass index (BMI) for those with the highest genetic risk scores compared with lower scores. In other words, genetic makeup can inflate the effects of bad diet.

Increased adiposity and reduced physical activity in children: Cause or effect?

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 04:00 PM PDT

Increased adiposity is likely to cause reduced physical activity in children, according to new research. The results of the study suggest that promoting weight loss in overweight and obese children might also increase childhood activity levels.

Body temperature linked to relapsing-remitting MS, fatigue

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 12:49 PM PDT

Body temperature is elevated endogenously in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and linked to worse fatigue, researchers have demonstrated for the first time. "We found that body temperature was elevated among patients with RRMS and linked to worse fatigue," reported the authors.

Dog DNA has role in developing new therapies for human cancers

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 12:49 PM PDT

Using genomic analysis to study cancer in dogs can help develop new therapies for humans with cancer, according to a proof-of-concept study underway. Pure-breed dogs, whose genetics have been standardized by hundreds of years of human intervention, provide highly predictable genetic models from which specific drugs are matched to the molecular profiles of human patients. While there are, relatively, many genetic differences among humans with the same type of cancer, there are far fewer genetic differences among dogs of the same breed, making it vastly easier to identify and study the genes driving canine cancers.

Precise reason for health benefits of dark chocolate: Thank hungry gut microbes

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 12:47 PM PDT

The health benefits of eating dark chocolate have been extolled for centuries, but the exact reason has remained a mystery -- until now. Researchers reported that certain bacteria in the stomach gobble the chocolate and ferment it into anti-inflammatory compounds that are good for the heart.

Building heart tissue that beats: Engineered tissue closely mimics natural heart muscle

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 12:47 PM PDT

When a heart gets damaged, such as during a major heart attack, there's no easy fix. But scientists working on a way to repair the vital organ have now engineered tissue that closely mimics natural heart muscle that beats, not only in a lab dish but also when implanted into animals.

Making diagnostic imaging possible for patients with cardiac implants

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 09:44 AM PDT

Demand for MRI is growing to help diagnose certain diseases and conditions, but due to the strong magnetic forces they usually aren't recommended for patients with implanted cardiac devices. Researchers are now investigating ways to make diagnostic imaging possible for heart patients.

Rise in heart attacks after Hurricane Katrina persisted six years later

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 08:36 AM PDT

Lingering stress from major disasters can damage health years later, according to a new study that found a three-fold spike in heart attacks continued in New Orleans six years after Hurricane Katrina. Researchers also found a lasting disruption in the timing of heart attacks in the six years after the storm with significantly more incidents occurring on nights and weekends, which are typically times hospitals see fewer admissions for heart attacks.

When the flu bug bit the Big Apple, Twitter posts told the tale

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 08:36 AM PDT

Sifting flu-related tweets can help track the illness at the local level, not just on a national scale, researchers have found. The finding is important because key decisions on how to prepare for and treat a flurry of flu patients are made mostly in the cities and towns where the disease is spreading. An early alert can lead local health officials to boost efforts to vaccinate healthy residents to help contain the virus.

An end to animal testing for drug discovery?

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 08:36 AM PDT

As some countries and companies roll out new rules to limit animal testing in pharmaceutical products designed for people, scientists are stepping in with a new way to test therapeutic drug candidates and determine drug safety and drug interactions -- without using animals. The development of "chemosynthetic livers" could dramatically alter how drugs are made.

New therapeutic target identified for acute lung injury

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 08:22 AM PDT

A bacterial infection can throw off the equilibrium between two key proteins in the lungs and put patients at risk for a highly lethal acute lung injury, researchers report. Bacteria can alter a single amino acid in the protein RhoA, pushing its activity level well above that of Rac1 and prompting blood vessels to leak and flood thousands of tiny air sacs in the lungs, explained the lead author.

New mechanism allowing tumor cells to escape immune surveillance discovered

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 08:13 AM PDT

The immune system plays a pivotal role in targeting cancer cells for destruction. However, tumor cells are smart and have developed ways to avoid immune detection. A collaborative team of researchers recently discovered a novel mechanism that lung cancer cells use to block detection by a type of immune cell called a natural killer cell (NK cell).

New findings on mutations identification of esophageal cancer

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 06:40 AM PDT

Esophageal squamous cell cancer is the most common type of esophageal cancer, accounting for 90% histopathological forms. Currently, there is poor clinical approaches for early diagnosis and treatment for ESCC patients and the five-year overall survival rate is about 10 per cent. New work provides an eye-opening insight into developing novel biomarkers for therapeutic strategies of the most common form of esophageal cancer.

COPD associated with increased risk for mild cognitive impairment

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 06:39 AM PDT

A diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in older adults was associated with increased risk for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), especially MCI of skills other than memory, and the greatest risk was among patients who had COPD for more than five years. COPD is an irreversible limitation of airflow into the lungs, usually caused by smoking. More than 13.5 million adults 25 years or older in the U.S. have COPD.

High utilization of neuroimaging for headaches despite guidelines

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 06:39 AM PDT

Neuroimaging for headaches is frequently ordered by physicians during outpatient visits, despite guidelines that recommend against such routine procedures. Most headaches are due to benign causes, and multiple guidelines have recommended against routine neuroimaging for headaches.

Supplements not associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in elderly

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 06:39 AM PDT

Daily dietary supplements of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (also found in fish) or lutein and zeaxanthin (nutrients found in green leafy vegetables) were not associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease in elderly patients with the eye disease age-related macular degeneration.

Study fingers chickens, quail in spread of H7N9 influenza virus

Posted: 18 Mar 2014 06:37 AM PDT

Among the copious species of poultry in China, quail and chickens are the likely sources of infection of H7N9 influenza virus to humans, according to a paper. The H7N9 avian influenza virus was first reported in humans in March 2013 in China. Since then over 375 human cases have been confirmed and over 100 have died. Only 1 case has been reported outside of China: A woman from Guangdong Province who was traveling in Malaysia and is presumed to have contracted the virus in China. According to the World Health Organization, most known human infections have resulted from direct or indirect contact with poultry.
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