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• Genes increase the stress of social disadvantage for some children
• Mortality risks of being overweight or obese are underestimated
• Well-known cancer gene NRAS produces 5 variants, study finds
• Daily serving of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils can significantly reduce bad cholesterol
• Fathers can lower their children's risk of going hungry by staying involved
• Hope for children with previously incurable brain cancer
• Tissue testing during breast cancer lumpectomies prevents need for reoperation 96 percent of time
• Disruption of VISTA plays an important role in regulating immune response
• Gene sequencing project discovers mutations tied to deadly brain tumors in young children
• Rilpivirine combination product in pretreated HIV-1 patients: Added benefit not proven
• U.S. school children exposed to arsenic in well water have lower IQ scores
• Green tea extract boosts your brain power, especially the working memory, new research shows
• Health benefits of 'green exercise' for kids shown in new study
• Fatty acid composition in blood reflects quality of dietary carbohydrates in children
• Cleft palate discovery in dogs to aid in understanding human birth defect
• Children see domestic violence that often goes unreported, research finds
• Educational interventions at Early Head Start led to decline in pediatric emergency visits
• Drink milk? Women who do may delay knee osteoarthritis
• Caffeine against Alzheimer's disease? Positive effect on tau deposits demonstrated
• Risk of dengue fever epidemic in Europe
• Look into the future with genetic programming
• Plant biotechnology approach for sustainable production of pharmaceutical compounds
• Switching off anxiety with light: Cone opsins coupled with serotonin receptors
• Energizing sick mitochondria with vitamin B3: Effective treatment for mitochondrial disease
• Parental obesity and autism risk in the child: Is paternal obesity a greater risk factor than maternal obesity?
• No evidence of Alzheimer's disease-associated changes in adolescents carrying genetic risk factors
• Startlingly new functional details of common anti-diabetic drugs discovered
• Role of magnetic nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment
• Over a lifetime, childhood obesity costs $19,000 per child
• New mechanism for unleashing immune system against cancer discovered
• Circumcision could prevent prostate cancer ... if it’s performed after age 35, study shows
• Bleach vs. bacteria: Development of new drugs to breach microbial defenses
• Scaffolding protein promotes growth, metastases of epithelial ovarian cancer
• Six months hormonal treatment in addition to radiotherapy improves survival for men with localized prostate cancer
• Increased risk of developing lung cancer after radiotherapy for breast cancer
• One in three intensive care survivors develop depression that typically manifests as physical symptoms
• Renal cancer cells thrive when put in right environment, supported by specific enzyme
• Blood test could detect solid cancers
• Smoking visibility mapped for the first time
• Potential drug targets in deadly pediatric brain tumors
• Amino acid fingerprints revealed in new study
• Non-invasive imaging instead of repeated biopsy in active monitoring of prostate cancer
• Key cells in touch sensation identified: Skin cells use new molecule to send touch information to the brain
• Ankle fractures could be significant risk factor for subsequent fracture
• Visualizing a safe place reduces procedural pain
• Poor sleep doubles hospitalizations in heart failure patients
• Less research attention given to diseases of the poor, research finds
• 3-D structure for malaria parasite genome constructed

Genes increase the stress of social disadvantage for some children Posted: 07 Apr 2014 12:39 PM PDT Genes amplify the stress of harsh environments for some children, and magnify the advantage of supportive environments for other children, according to a study that's one of the first to document how genes interacting with social environments affect biomarkers of stress. The study used telomere length as a marker of stress. Found at the ends of chromosomes, telomeres generally shorten with age, and when individuals are exposed to disease and chronic stress, including the stress of living in a disadvantaged environment.

Mortality risks of being overweight or obese are underestimated Posted: 07 Apr 2014 11:37 AM PDT Many obesity studies substantially underestimate the mortality risks associated with excess weight in the United States, new research indicates. Normal weight is indicated by a BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, overweight is indicated by a BMI of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2, obese class 1 is a BMI of 30.0-34.9 kg/m2 and obese class 2 is a BMI of 35.0 kg/m2 and above. Skeptics of the meta-analysis argue that the findings are likely driven by biases, especially by illness-induced weight loss.

Well-known cancer gene NRAS produces 5 variants, study finds Posted: 07 Apr 2014 11:37 AM PDT The NRAS gene, known to play a fundamental role in cancer development, produces five gene variants, or isoforms, rather than just one form, as thought, new research shows. The study identified four previously unknown variants that the NRAS gene produces. The finding might help improve drugs for cancers in which NRAS plays a crucial role. It also suggests that NRAS might affect additional target molecules in cells.

Daily serving of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils can significantly reduce bad cholesterol Posted: 07 Apr 2014 09:27 AM PDT Eating one serving a day of beans, peas, chickpeas or lentils can significantly reduce 'bad cholesterol' and therefore the risk of cardiovascular disease, a new study has found. North Americans on average currently eat less than half a serving a day.

Fathers can lower their children's risk of going hungry by staying involved Posted: 07 Apr 2014 08:33 AM PDT Nonresident father involvement in a child's life is positively associated with lower food insecurity in both early and middle childhood. Involvement could include time spent with the child, monetary contributions and "in kind" support, such as treats, gifts and payment of medical or childcare expenses. In particular, in kind support resulted in a 10 to 12 percent reduction in food insecurity for children.

Hope for children with previously incurable brain cancer Posted: 07 Apr 2014 08:33 AM PDT Potential treatment targets for a previously incurable form of pediatric brain cancer called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma has been revealed by scientists. The researchers believe that this discovery could lead to better treatment. "We're hoping that by having a better genetic characterization of these cancers we can try to better target these tumors and provide a personalized approach to treatment," one expert noted.

Tissue testing during breast cancer lumpectomies prevents need for reoperation 96 percent of time Posted: 07 Apr 2014 08:31 AM PDT Unique laboratory testing during breast cancer lumpectomies to make sure surgeons remove all cancerous tissue spares patients the need for a repeat lumpectomy in roughly 96 percent of cases, a success rate much higher than the rate nationally, a study shows. During the years reviewed, 13.2 percent of breast cancer lumpectomy patients nationally had to return to the operating room within a month of their initial surgery, compared to 3.6 percent where these tests were performed.

Disruption of VISTA plays an important role in regulating immune response Posted: 07 Apr 2014 08:31 AM PDT The body's immune system response was enhanced in a study when researchers disrupted VISTA, a protein that prevents the immune system from overreacting. Understanding how checkpoint regulators like VISTA function is important to cancer researchers, who hope to use the immune system to attack tumors.

Gene sequencing project discovers mutations tied to deadly brain tumors in young children Posted: 07 Apr 2014 07:17 AM PDT New mutations in pediatric brain tumors known as high-grade gliomas, which most often occur in the youngest patients, have been discovered by researchers. The discoveries stem from the most comprehensive effort yet to identify the genetic missteps driving these deadly tumors. The results provide desperately needed drug development leads, particularly for agents that target the underlying mutations. This and other studies show these mutations often differ based on patient age.

Rilpivirine combination product in pretreated HIV-1 patients: Added benefit not proven Posted: 07 Apr 2014 07:17 AM PDT A Rilpivirine combination product in HIV-1 patients with previous antiretroviral treatment was not shown to demonstrate any added benefit in a recent study. The only study cited in the dossier was too short for the assessment of an added benefit, and the appropriate comparator therapy was not implemented.

U.S. school children exposed to arsenic in well water have lower IQ scores Posted: 07 Apr 2014 07:17 AM PDT A study from three school districts in Maine exposed to arsenic in drinking water experienced declines in child intelligence. While earlier studies conducted by the researchers in South Asia, and Bangladesh in particular, showed that exposure to arsenic in drinking water is negatively associated with child intelligence, this is the first study to examine intelligence against individual water arsenic exposures in the U.S.

Green tea extract boosts your brain power, especially the working memory, new research shows Posted: 07 Apr 2014 07:15 AM PDT Green tea is said to have many putative positive effects on health. Now, researchers are reporting first evidence that green tea extract enhances the cognitive functions, in particular the working memory. The findings suggest promising clinical implications for the treatment of cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders such as dementia.

Health benefits of 'green exercise' for kids shown in new study Posted: 07 Apr 2014 07:15 AM PDT Children who are exposed to scenes of nature while exercising are more likely to experience health-enhancing effects after activity, according to a study. The researchers found that after the 'green exercise' the children's post-activity blood pressure was significantly lower than it was without the simulated forest environment, indicating that the nature scenes promoted positive health effects.

Fatty acid composition in blood reflects quality of dietary carbohydrates in children Posted: 07 Apr 2014 07:15 AM PDT Fatty acid composition in blood is not only a biomarker for the quality of dietary fat, but also reflects the quality of dietary carbohydrates, new research shows. This study showed that a higher consumption of candy and a lower consumption of high-fibre grain products were associated with a higher proportion of oleic acid in blood.

Cleft palate discovery in dogs to aid in understanding human birth defect Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:07 AM PDT Discovery of a genetic mutation that causes a form of cleft palate in a retriever breed provides the first dog model for this craniofacial defect and offers a tool for better understanding cleft palate in humans. Although cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects in children, affecting approximately one in 1,500 live human births in the United States, it is not completely understood.

Children see domestic violence that often goes unreported, research finds Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:07 AM PDT A nationwide study of children who have witnessed domestic violence found that parents or caregivers were physically injured in more than a third of the cases, yet only a small fraction of offenders went to jail and just one in four incidents resulted in police reports, according to the research.

Educational interventions at Early Head Start led to decline in pediatric emergency visits Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:07 AM PDT Integrating an educational intervention regarding upper respiratory infections into Early Head Start programs led to a significant decrease in pediatric emergency visits and adverse care practices among predominantly Latino families, who have been shown to be at high risk for limited health literacy.

Drink milk? Women who do may delay knee osteoarthritis Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:07 AM PDT Women who frequently consume fat-free or low-fat milk may delay the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Results show that women who ate cheese saw an increase in knee OA progression. Yogurt did not impact OA progression in men or women. OA is a common, degenerative joint disease that causes pain and swelling of joints in the hand, hips, or knee.

Caffeine against Alzheimer's disease? Positive effect on tau deposits demonstrated Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:05 AM PDT Caffeine has a positive effect on tau deposits in Alzheimer's disease, researchers have demonstrated for the first time. Tau deposits, along with beta-amyloid plaques, are among the characteristic features of Alzheimer's disease. These protein deposits disrupt the communication of the nerve cells in the brain and contribute to their degeneration. Despite intensive research there is no drug available that can prevent this detrimental process.

Risk of dengue fever epidemic in Europe Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:05 AM PDT The risk of dengue fever beginning to spread in Europe is imminent. According to researchers, this is no longer just an issue for the scientific community but also for politicians and policy makers, who need to be prepared and develop preventive measures.

Look into the future with genetic programming Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:05 AM PDT With predictive modeling techniques, it is possible to predict anything from clients' shopping habits and illnesses to a golfer's handicap. The only prerequisite is to have enough examples. Now a researcher has adapted the technique of genetic programming so it can be used for such purposes.

Plant biotechnology approach for sustainable production of pharmaceutical compounds Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:05 AM PDT Ground-breaking discoveries for improving the efficiency of the production of pharmaceuticals through plant biotechnology have been made through recent research. Biotechnological production offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the chemical synthesis of rare and complex pharmaceutical compounds currently isolated from plants.

Switching off anxiety with light: Cone opsins coupled with serotonin receptors Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:04 AM PDT Receptors for the messenger molecule serotonin can be modified in such a way that they can be activated by light, a study shows. An imbalance in serotonin levels seems to cause anxiety and depression. The researchers have provided a new model system for investigating the mechanism underlying these dysfunctions in cell cultures as well as living organisms.

Energizing sick mitochondria with vitamin B3: Effective treatment for mitochondrial disease Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:04 AM PDT Vitamin B3 form nicotinamide riboside can slow down the progression of mitochondrial disease, suggesting its potential as a novel therapy approach to adult-onset mitochondrial muscle diseases, new research suggests. Vitamins B have recently been turned out to be potent modifiers of energy metabolism, especially the function of mitochondria. Vitamin B3, (niacin) has been found to delay the signs of aging in animal models.

Parental obesity and autism risk in the child: Is paternal obesity a greater risk factor than maternal obesity? Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:04 AM PDT Several studies have looked at possible links between maternal obesity during pregnancy and the risk of developmental disorders in the child. However, paternal obesity could be a greater risk factor than maternal obesity, according to a new study.

No evidence of Alzheimer's disease-associated changes in adolescents carrying genetic risk factors Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:03 AM PDT Two studies indicate that some of the pathologic changes associated with Alzheimer's disease in older individuals are not apparent in young people who carry the apolipoprotein (APOE) genetic risk factor for developing the disease. In the first study, no differences were found in hippocampal volume or asymmetry between cognitively normal adolescent carriers and non-carriers of the ApoE ɛ4 or ɛ2 allelles. The second study reports no differences in plasma concentrations of amyloid-β peptides among young adult ɛ4, ɛ3 or ɛ2 carriers.

Startlingly new functional details of common anti-diabetic drugs discovered Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:03 AM PDT Scientists thought they basically knew how the most common drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes worked, but a new study reveals unexpected new aspects of the process. These findings could eventually lead to more potent anti-diabetic drugs with fewer serious side effects.

Role of magnetic nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:02 AM PDT While exploring the promise of magnetic nanoparticle (mNP) hyperthermia in breast cancer treatment, a researcher reviews preclinical studies and discusses plans for early-phase clinical studies in humans. This evolving treatment approach involves the injection of nanoparticles into the tumor, which are then activated with magnetic energy. Once activated the nanoparticles produce heat inside the cancer cell. The heat kills the cancer cell with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

Over a lifetime, childhood obesity costs $19,000 per child Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:02 AM PDT Childhood obesity comes with an estimated price tag of $19,000 per child when comparing lifetime medical costs to those of a normal weight child, according to an analysis. When multiplied by the number of obese 10-year-olds in the United States, lifetime medical costs for this age alone reach roughly $14 billion.

New mechanism for unleashing immune system against cancer discovered Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:02 AM PDT A major discovery brings a new drug target to the increasingly exciting landscape of cancer immunotherapy. The study is particularly noteworthy because it reveals a new way to block the function of CTLA-4, an immune inhibitory checkpoint receptor already generating huge interest in the pharmaceutical and research communities due to its potential in fighting cancer. An antibody that blocks CTLA-4 is already in use for advanced melanoma.

Circumcision could prevent prostate cancer ... if it’s performed after age 35, study shows Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:02 AM PDT Men circumcised after the age of 35 were 45% less at risk of later developing prostate cancer than uncircumcised men. Prostate cancer is rare amongst Jewish or Muslim men, the majority of whom are circumcised. While the specific causes of this cancer remain unknown, three risk factors have been identified: aging, a family history of this cancer, and Black African ethnic origins.

Bleach vs. bacteria: Development of new drugs to breach microbial defenses Posted: 07 Apr 2014 06:02 AM PDT Chlorine bleach has been used as a disinfectant for hundreds of years, but our bodies have been using its active component to help kill invading bacteria for millennia. Details about how bleach kills -- and how bacteria can survive the attack -- may lead to the development of new drugs.

Scaffolding protein promotes growth, metastases of epithelial ovarian cancer Posted: 06 Apr 2014 06:44 PM PDT A scaffolding protein responsible for regulating signaling pathways in the cell promotes the growth and spread of epithelial ovarian cancer, research has determined. The researchers note that even though this study looked at the ovarian cancer in mice, some of the genes that turned up in the gene expression analysis can be further evaluated in human cell lines and tumors. "We want to make sure we're studying something that's not only important in mice but can also give us clues about human cancers."

Six months hormonal treatment in addition to radiotherapy improves survival for men with localized prostate cancer Posted: 06 Apr 2014 06:44 PM PDT Men with prostate cancer that is small and confined to the prostate gland but that is at risk of growing and spreading, do better if they are treated with radiotherapy combined with androgen deprivation therapy, which lowers their levels of the male hormone, testosterone, according to new research.

Increased risk of developing lung cancer after radiotherapy for breast cancer Posted: 06 Apr 2014 06:44 PM PDT Women who have radiotherapy for breast cancer have a small but significantly increased risk of subsequently developing a primary lung tumor, and now research has shown that this risk increases with the amount of radiation absorbed by the tissue.

One in three intensive care survivors develop depression that typically manifests as physical symptoms Posted: 06 Apr 2014 06:44 PM PDT A third of intensive care patients develop depression that typically manifests as physical, or somatic, symptoms such as weakness, appetite change, and fatigue, rather than psychological symptoms, according to one of the largest studies to investigate the mental health and functional outcomes of survivors of critical care.

Renal cancer cells thrive when put in right environment, supported by specific enzyme Posted: 06 Apr 2014 01:24 PM PDT Tumor cells are picky about where they live. In the wrong environment, they fail to reach their potential. But put those same cells on the right bit of real estate, and they grow like mad. Researchers found renal cancer cells planted in a supportive environment proliferate with the help of an enzyme usually only seen in the brain.

Blood test could detect solid cancers Posted: 06 Apr 2014 01:24 PM PDT A blood sample could one day be enough to diagnose many types of solid cancers, or to monitor the amount of cancer in a patient's body and responses to treatment. Now, researchers have devised a way to quickly bring the technique to the clinic. Their approach, which should be broadly applicable to many types of cancers, is highly sensitive and specific. With it they were able to accurately identify about 50 percent of people in the study with stage-1 lung cancer and all patients whose cancers were more advanced.

Smoking visibility mapped for the first time Posted: 06 Apr 2014 01:24 PM PDT The visibility of smoking in city streets has for the first time anywhere been mapped by scientists. The methods developed through this research will help policymakers demonstrate the visibility of smoking in different areas, and provide scientific evidence for local authorities to advance smokefree outdoor policies.

Potential drug targets in deadly pediatric brain tumors Posted: 06 Apr 2014 01:24 PM PDT Researchers studying a rare, always fatal brain tumor in children have found several molecular alterations that drive the cancer, according to a new study. The findings identify potential new targets for drug treatments. The new research could help physicians choose targeted agents with a better chance of combating pediatric high-grade astrocytomas.

Amino acid fingerprints revealed in new study Posted: 06 Apr 2014 01:24 PM PDT A major step has been taken toward the sequencing of proteins, demonstrating the accurate identification of amino acids, by briefly pinning each in a narrow junction between a pair of flanking electrodes and measuring a characteristic chain of current spikes passing through successive amino acid molecules.

Non-invasive imaging instead of repeated biopsy in active monitoring of prostate cancer Posted: 06 Apr 2014 01:24 PM PDT A novel method to 'manipulate the lipid metabolism in the cancer cell to trick them to use more radiolabeled glucose, the basis of PET scanning' is being described by researchers. The current study used the clinically safe drug etomoxir to block prostate cancer cells' ability to oxidize lipids. With the lipid energy source removed, cells switched to glucose metabolism and both cells and mouse models roughly doubled their uptake of radiolabeled glucose.

Key cells in touch sensation identified: Skin cells use new molecule to send touch information to the brain Posted: 06 Apr 2014 01:22 PM PDT Biologists have solved an age-old mystery of touch: how cells just beneath the skin surface enable us to feel fine details and textures. Touch is the last frontier of sensory neuroscience. The cells and molecules that initiate vision -- rod and cone cells and light-sensitive receptors -- have been known since the early 20th century, and the senses of smell, taste, and hearing are increasingly understood. But almost nothing is known about the cells and molecules responsible for initiating our sense of touch.

Ankle fractures could be significant risk factor for subsequent fracture Posted: 05 Apr 2014 07:50 AM PDT Prevalent ankle fractures in postmenopausal women should be considered as osteoporotic fractures and taken into account in fracture-risk assessment, new research concludes. After vertebral fractures, ankle fractures are among the most common fractures in adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between bone microstructure in women at the age of 65 and prevalent ankle fracture.

Visualizing a safe place reduces procedural pain Posted: 05 Apr 2014 07:50 AM PDT Visualizing a safe place reduces operative pain, according to research. Nurses guided patients into a trance and found it helped patients cope with pain and anxiety during ablation of atrial fibrillation. "When the patient expresses pain, the nurse helps the patient visualize an alternative scenario to the invasive procedure. For example, if the patient says 'my chest is burning', the nurse may say 'imagine that it's a cold day and there is ice on your chest.'" a researcher explained

Poor sleep doubles hospitalizations in heart failure patients Posted: 05 Apr 2014 07:50 AM PDT Poor sleep doubles hospitalizations in heart failure, according to new research. The researchers found that 215 patients (43%) had sleep problems at discharge from the initial hospitalization and nearly one-third (30%) had continued sleep problems at 12 months. Patients with continued sleep problems were two times more likely to be hospitalized during the follow up period than those without any sleep problems. Risk was double for all-cause hospitalizations and for cardiovascular hospitalizations.

Less research attention given to diseases of the poor, research finds Posted: 04 Apr 2014 07:19 PM PDT Death is not distributed equally around the world. In high-income countries, people typically die in old age of chronic diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular problems. In low-income countries, death comes primarily from infectious and perinatal diseases and strikes at a young age.

3-D structure for malaria parasite genome constructed Posted: 04 Apr 2014 07:19 PM PDT A 3-D model of the human malaria parasite genome at three different stages in the parasite's life cycle has been generated -- the first time such 3-D architecture has been generated during the progression of the life cycle of a parasite. The team found that genes that need to be highly expressed in the parasite tend to cluster in the same area of the cell nucleus.

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