ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Tumor-suppressor connects with histone protein to hinder gene expression
• Yeast provides genetic clues on drug response
• Common sense health for young adult cancer survivors
• Enzyme 'wrench' could be key to stronger, more effective antibiotics
• Mechanism that regulates lung function in disease Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome found
• Researchers search for earliest roots of psychiatric disorders
• Transcription factors distinguishing glioblastoma stem cells identified
• How mechanical forces affect T-cell recognition, signaling
• Microgravity research helping to understand the fungi within
• Creating new bone tissue generation technique
• Unraveling what's behind the sniffles, hoping for treatment
• HIV battle must focus on hard-hit streets, paper argues
• Identified epigenetic factors associated with increased risk of developing cancer
• Antidepressants and breastfeeding can mix, study suggests
• NAFLD is an independent cardiovascular risk factor: More evidence
• New prediction model to improve patient survival after paracetamol-related liver failure
• Head injuries can make children loners
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder May Reflect a Propensity for Bad Habits
• Epstein Barr: How the 'kissing disease' virus hijacks human cells
• Using a person's own immune system to fight cancer: Phase I clinical trial of new immunotherapy beginning
• Growth factor receptors may prompt metastatic spread of lung cancer
• Patients over 65 have more complications after colorectal cancer surgery
• Physical activity associated with lower rates of hospital readmission in patients with COPD
• Consuming high-fat diet associated with increased risk of certain types of breast cancer
• Breastfeeding and infant sleep: Are babies who wake to breastfeed at night trying to delay the birth of a sibling?
• Reasons for pain after 'successful' spinal surgery
• Surprising spike in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths may be an unintended consequence of 30-day survival measurements
• Novel approach to accelerate metabolism could lead to new obesity treatment
• Google Glass puts the focus on Parkinson's

Tumor-suppressor connects with histone protein to hinder gene expression Posted: 10 Apr 2014 11:19 AM PDT A tumor-suppressing protein acts as a dimmer switch to dial down gene expression. It does this by reading a chemical message attached to another protein that's tightly intertwined with DNA, a team of scientists have learned. The findings of this study provide evidence in support of the "histone code" hypothesis. The theory holds that histone proteins, which combine with DNA to form chromosomes, are more intimately involved in gene expression than their general role of facilitating or hindering gene activation suggests.

Yeast provides genetic clues on drug response Posted: 10 Apr 2014 11:19 AM PDT Why do people respond differently to the same drug? For the first time, researchers have untangled genetic and environmental factors related to drug reactions, bringing us a step closer to predicting how a drug will affect us. Researchers exposed 6,000 strains of yeast to 3,000 drugs and found that the yeast cells have about 50 main ways in which they react to any drug.

Common sense health for young adult cancer survivors Posted: 10 Apr 2014 10:15 AM PDT Many factors influence the life expectancy of childhood cancer survivors: not getting enough exercise, being underweight, and being worried about their future health or their health insurance, according to a new study. The study found that, on average, childhood cancer survivors passed away before they were 40 years old.

Enzyme 'wrench' could be key to stronger, more effective antibiotics Posted: 10 Apr 2014 09:21 AM PDT Builders and factory workers know that getting a job done right requires precision and specialized tools. The same is true when you're building antibiotic compounds at the molecular level. New findings may turn an enzyme that acts as a specialized 'wrench' in antibiotic assembly into a set of wrenches that will allow for greater customization.

Mechanism that regulates lung function in disease Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome found Posted: 10 Apr 2014 09:21 AM PDT The tumor suppressor gene folliculin is essential to normal lung function in patients with the rare disease Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, skin and kidneys, researchers have found. Folliculin's absence or mutated state has a cascading effect that leads to deteriorated lung integrity and an impairment of lung function, they report.

Researchers search for earliest roots of psychiatric disorders Posted: 10 Apr 2014 09:21 AM PDT A single molecular mechanism in the developing brain has been identified that sheds light on how cells may go awry when exposed to a variety of different environmental insults. The findings suggest that different types of stressors prenatally activate a single molecular trigger in brain cells that may make exposed individuals susceptible to late-onset neuropsychiatric disorders.

Transcription factors distinguishing glioblastoma stem cells identified Posted: 10 Apr 2014 09:21 AM PDT The activity of four transcription factors -- proteins that regulate the expression of other genes -- appears to distinguish the small proportion of glioblastoma cells responsible for the aggressiveness and treatment resistance of the deadly brain tumor. "We have identified a code of 'molecular switches' that control a very aggressive subpopulation of brain cancer cells, so-called glioblastoma stem cells," says a co-lead of the study. "Understanding what drives these aggressive cells will give us insights into alternative ways of eliminating them and potentially changing the course of this very deadly tumor."

How mechanical forces affect T-cell recognition, signaling Posted: 10 Apr 2014 09:19 AM PDT A new understanding of the T-cell recognition process has been revealed by describing how T-cell receptors use mechanical contact – the forces involved in their binding to antigens – to make decisions about whether or not the cells they encounter are threats. "This is the first systematic study of how T-cell recognition is affected by mechanical force, and it shows that forces play an important role in the functions of T-cells," said a co-author. "We think that mechanical force plays a role in almost every step of T-cell biology."

Microgravity research helping to understand the fungi within Posted: 10 Apr 2014 07:39 AM PDT You may not recognize it by name, but if you have ever had a child with a diaper rash, that child was likely a host to Candida albicans (C. albicans). This unwelcome "guest" can be hard to control, as it can potentially lead to serious illness in humans with weakened immune systems. During an investigation dubbed "Microbe," using the unique microgravity environment aboard space shuttle Atlantis on an International Space Station mission, researchers gained a better understanding of these prevalent fungi. Their tendency to become more aggressive in microgravity helps scientists see what mechanisms control the behavior of these types of organisms, with the potential to develop ways to influence their behavior both in space and on Earth.

Creating new bone tissue generation technique Posted: 10 Apr 2014 06:56 AM PDT Researchers are investigating whether bone grown from the body's own stem cells can replace traditional types of bone grafting. The process, which has been successful in previous lab experiments, uses biodegradable polymer scaffolding material and bone morphogenetic protein, or BMP, which was inserted into the abdomen of mice to attract stem cells that in turn produced bone. BMPs are proteins known to promote bone growth.

Unraveling what's behind the sniffles, hoping for treatment Posted: 10 Apr 2014 06:56 AM PDT One of the most common of ailments -- the runny nose -- has been the topic of a new study. Understanding the cause could lead to a cure. The respiratory tract is under constant attack and the nose is the first line of defense. Allergens, which cause the body to fight off a perceived threat, and infections are the main problems. But millions of people get a runny nose and have difficulty breathing without an allergic attack or infection. What many people call the sniffles, scientists refer to as "non-allergic rhinitis."

HIV battle must focus on hard-hit streets, paper argues Posted: 10 Apr 2014 06:56 AM PDT When it comes to HIV, geography can be destiny, argue authors of a new article. The epidemic has become heavily concentrated in poor urban neighborhoods where people are less likely to be tested and treated, creating more risk that the virus will spread. New prevention efforts should focus on neighborhoods.

Identified epigenetic factors associated with increased risk of developing cancer Posted: 10 Apr 2014 06:55 AM PDT One in four human tumor presents genetic polymorphisms associated with increased risk of cancer that cause an epigenetic change that modifies the expression of neighboring genes. "This work represents a Herculean effort to analyze by bioinformatics a lot of biological information. To be exact, we have studied a million genetic changes in relation to half a million epigenetic changes in 3,500 tumors representing the thirteen most common cancers, including breast, lung and colon," says the lead researcher.

Antidepressants and breastfeeding can mix, study suggests Posted: 10 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT Women on antidepressants are more successful at breastfeeding their babies if they keep taking the medication, a study has shown. Researchers say the health benefits of continued breastfeeding greatly outweigh any perceived risk to the baby from antidepressant medication. "This is a really important message because we know that breastfeeding has immense benefits for the child and the mum herself, including a degree of protection against post-natal depression," they note.

NAFLD is an independent cardiovascular risk factor: More evidence Posted: 10 Apr 2014 05:35 AM PDT Two new studies have provided more evidence to clarify the role of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. In the first long-term study, NAFLD was shown to contribute to the progression of early atherosclerosis independently of traditional CVD risk factors. In a second long-term study, it was confirmed as a significant long-term risk factor for the development of diabetes mellitus (DM).

New prediction model to improve patient survival after paracetamol-related liver failure Posted: 10 Apr 2014 05:35 AM PDT A new prediction model is to improve patient survival after paracetamol-related liver failure. In the UK paracetamol toxicity is the most common cause of ALF and has a high mortality rate. It is estimated that 150 to 200 deaths and 15 to 20 LTs occur as a result of poisoning each year in England and Wales.

Head injuries can make children loners Posted: 10 Apr 2014 05:35 AM PDT Kids three years after an initial head incident were found to have lingering injury in the brain's right frontal lobe, which is associated with lower social competence (participation in groups, number of friends, etc.), a new study finds. The study also suggests that therapy designed to improve working memory might 'treat' the social difficulties.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder May Reflect a Propensity for Bad Habits Posted: 10 Apr 2014 05:33 AM PDT Two new studies shed light on the propensity for habit formation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These studies suggest that a tendency to develop habits, i.e., the compulsive component of the disorder, may be a core feature of the disorder rather than a consequence of irrational beliefs. In other words, instead of washing one's hands because of the belief that they are contaminated, some people may develop concerns about hand contamination as a consequence of a recurring urge to wash their hands.

Epstein Barr: How the 'kissing disease' virus hijacks human cells Posted: 10 Apr 2014 05:33 AM PDT A component of the Epstein Barr (EBV) virus takes over our cells gene regulating machinery, allowing the virus to replicate itself, researchers have discovered. The EBV virus causes a variety of diseases such as Hodgkin's lymphoma and Burkitt's lymphoma, with the most prevalent disease being infectious mononucleosis commonly known as "kissing disease" because of its mode of transmission between humans. It turns out that the diseases begin with kiss of a molecular sort; a viral protein contacting the molecules that control our genes.

Using a person's own immune system to fight cancer: Phase I clinical trial of new immunotherapy beginning Posted: 10 Apr 2014 05:32 AM PDT Moffitt Cancer Center has initiated a phase I clinical trial for a new immunotherapy drug, ID-G305, made by Immune Design. Immunotherapy is a treatment option that uses a person's own immune system to fight cancer. It has several advantages over standard cancer therapies, including fewer side effects and an overall better tolerability. It tends to be most effective in patients who have smaller, localized tumors that have not spread to distant sites.

Growth factor receptors may prompt metastatic spread of lung cancer Posted: 09 Apr 2014 05:45 PM PDT Two cell surface receptors might be responsible for the most common form of lung cancer spreading to other parts of the body, according to a study. The hepatocyte growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 are proteins associated with the potential spread of non-small cell lung cancer, this research shows.

Patients over 65 have more complications after colorectal cancer surgery Posted: 09 Apr 2014 05:44 PM PDT Most colorectal cancer surgeries are performed on patients older than 65 years, and older patients have worse outcomes than younger patients, although the total number of colon cancer operations has decreased in the past decade, a study shows. The authors examined the trends and outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery in the elderly in an American nationwide sample of inpatients from 2001 through 2010.

Physical activity associated with lower rates of hospital readmission in patients with COPD Posted: 09 Apr 2014 05:44 PM PDT Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participated in any level of moderate to vigorous physical activity had a lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days compared to those who were inactive, according to a study. "The results of this study are groundbreaking because measures of physical activity were derived from routine clinical care, instead of lengthy physical activity surveys or activity devices in smaller research samples," said the study's lead author.

Consuming high-fat diet associated with increased risk of certain types of breast cancer Posted: 09 Apr 2014 05:44 PM PDT High total and saturated fat intake were associated with greater risk of estrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor-negative disease, according to a new study. The authors conclude, "a high-fat diet increases BC risk and, most conspicuously, that high saturated fat intake increases risk of receptor-positive disease, suggesting saturated fat involvement in the etiology of receptor-positive BC."

Breastfeeding and infant sleep: Are babies who wake to breastfeed at night trying to delay the birth of a sibling? Posted: 09 Apr 2014 05:43 PM PDT Scientists argue that infants that wake frequently at night to breastfeed are delaying the resumption of the mother's ovulation and therefore preventing the birth of a sibling with whom they would have to compete.

Reasons for pain after 'successful' spinal surgery Posted: 09 Apr 2014 05:42 PM PDT A new study sheds light on the basis of neuropathic pain that persists after apparently successful surgery. The topic is a question that has long puzzled physicians. In a study that melds the interrelated domains of spinal surgery and pain medicine, researchers have discovered that in the transition from acute inflammatory pain to chronic neuropathic pain, neurons undergo molecular changes.

Surprising spike in postoperative cardiac surgery deaths may be an unintended consequence of 30-day survival measurements Posted: 09 Apr 2014 10:43 AM PDT Analyzing a national database of hospital inpatient records, a team of researchers reports an expected spike in mortality six days after cardiac surgery, but also a more surprising and potentially troubling jump in deaths at the 30-day mark. In a report on the study, they suggest that while there could be "organic" medical reasons for the extra deaths, the more likely explanation may be an unintended consequence of putting so much emphasis on marking one-month "survival" as a key measurement of surgical success.

Novel approach to accelerate metabolism could lead to new obesity treatment Posted: 09 Apr 2014 10:43 AM PDT By manipulating a biochemical process that underlies cells' energy-burning abilities, investigators have made a novel discovery that could lead to a new therapy to combat obesity and diabetes. The new findings show that reducing the amount of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) protein in fat and liver dramatically reduces the development of obesity and diabetes in mice.

Google Glass puts the focus on Parkinson's Posted: 08 Apr 2014 06:33 PM PDT The next generation of wearable computing is being trialled for the first time to evaluate its potential to support people with Parkinson's. Glass is a wearable computer being developed by Google. Likened to the kind of technology fictionalized in the Hollywood Blockbuster Minority Report, at first glance Glass appears to be no more than a pair of designer glasses. But the system works like a hands-free smartphone, displaying information on the lens of the Glass. The technology is voice-operated and linked to the internet.

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