ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Male, female sex cell determination requires lifelong maintenance, protection
• Repeated sexual assault victims report more psychological problems than previously thought
• Promising discovery in fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Block autophagy in multiple cancers: Trials show promise
• Lifestyle changes improve biomarkers for breast cancer recurrence, mortality
• Kidney transplantation found superior to intensive home hemodialysis
• Patients with a certain form of kidney disease may have reduced risk of cancer
• Biofilm defense: Mechanisms and actions of a new class of broad-spectrum antimicrobials
• Signals found that recruit host animals' cells, enabling breast cancer metastasis
• People with low incomes less likely to use healthy weight loss strategies
• Common obesity gene contributes to weight gain
• Despite economic blows, infant health has improved among US poor
• Delegating dirty work is key to evolution: Working cells allow organisms to evolve
• Key mechanism in metabolic pathway that fuels cancers identified
• New details on microtubules and how the anti-cancer drug Taxol works
• Neurostimulation: What is being said in the media, academic literature? Better acceptance, it seems
• 'I can' mentality goes long way after childbirth
• Blocking pain receptors extends lifespan, boosts metabolism in mice
• Computer models helping unravel the science of life? How cells of the fruit fly react to changes in the environment
• Gene behind unhealthy adipose tissue identified
• Safe alternatives to BPA: New technology may help identify
• HIV-positive children more likely to develop drug resistance
• Some pancreatic cancer treatments may be going after wrong targets
• Screening for autism: There's an app for that
• Drug-target database lets researchers match old drugs to new uses
• Medical students may benefit from social media guidance
• Pathology of Sanfilippo A syndrome: Research provides more insight
• Bipolar disease in children, adolescents: Discharge rates much higher in the US compared to UK
• Alcoholism treatment: Kappa opioid receptors a new target
• Stem-cell research: A new genetic switching element
• Inexpensive food a key factor in rising obesity
• Could cannabis active substance curb seizures? Experts weed through evidence
• New insights into premature ejaculation could lead to better diagnosis, treatment
• New way to combat drug resistance in skin cancer found
• Parents 'need to be convinced' to let children walk to school
• Protective proteins reduce damage to blood vessels
• Evaluating 'acquired immunity' may improve estimates of infectious disease risk

Male, female sex cell determination requires lifelong maintenance, protection Posted: 22 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT The way in which the sex of an organism is determined may require lifelong maintenance, finds new research. Sex-specific transcription factors perform lifelong work to maintain sexual determination and protect against reprogramming of cells from one sex to the other. Using a mouse model, researchers found the sex of gonadal cells -- those found in the ovaries or testes -- require maintenance throughout life. This research also showed loss of a single transcription factor can result in the transformation of male cells into female cells.

Repeated sexual assault victims report more psychological problems than previously thought Posted: 22 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT One in five adult women and one in 100 adult men have reported being raped. The prevalence increases to two in five among women and one in five among men who report experiencing other forms of sexual violence, such as repeated unwanted sexual contact and sexual coercion. Now, researchers have determined that those victims who are repeatedly assaulted, show greater levels of psycho-behavioral consequences than earlier thought.

Promising discovery in fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria Posted: 22 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT A small molecule that prevents bacteria from forming into biofilms, a frequent cause of infections, has been discovered by researchers. The anti-biofilm peptide works on a range of bacteria including many that cannot be treated by antibiotics. "Currently there is a severe problem with antibiotic-resistant organisms," says the lead author of the study. "Our entire arsenal of antibiotics is gradually losing effectiveness."

Block autophagy in multiple cancers: Trials show promise Posted: 22 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT The malaria drug hydroxychloroquine blocked autophagy in a host of aggressive cancers -- glioblastoma, melanoma, lymphoma and myeloma, renal and colon cancers -- and in some cases helped stabilize disease. These results come from the largest group of results to date, and show promise for the treatment of cancer in the future.

Lifestyle changes improve biomarkers for breast cancer recurrence, mortality Posted: 22 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT Lifestyle changes in the form of healthy eating and regular exercise can decrease biomarkers related to breast cancer recurrence and mortality, a pair of interventional studies involving breast cancer survivors has found. "The findings of both studies support a growing body of research that suggests lifestyle interventions lower biomarkers associated with breast cancer recurrence and mortality, and improve quality of life," said one expert.

Kidney transplantation found superior to intensive home hemodialysis Posted: 22 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT Kidney transplant patients had a reduced risk of treatment failure or premature death compared with patients on long and frequent home hemodialysis. Kidney transplant patients had a higher risk of being hospitalized within the first several months to a year, but they had a reduced risk over the long term.

Patients with a certain form of kidney disease may have reduced risk of cancer Posted: 22 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT After adjusting for demographic differences between kidney transplant recipients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and other kidney transplant recipients, PKD patients were 16 percent less likely to develop cancer than others who received a kidney transplant. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a kidney disorder passed down through families in which many cysts form in the kidneys, causing them to become enlarged. It's thought to have cancer-like features, but cancer risk has never been compared between PKD patients and others with kidney disease.

Biofilm defense: Mechanisms and actions of a new class of broad-spectrum antimicrobials Posted: 22 May 2014 02:57 PM PDT Last month WHO issued a report that warned of an increase of antimicrobial-resistance and the renewed threat of bacterial infections world-wide and called for a concerted effort to develop new and better antimicrobial drugs. A new study reveals how a new type of antimicrobial substance interferes with biofilms formed by several dangerous bacteria.

Signals found that recruit host animals' cells, enabling breast cancer metastasis Posted: 22 May 2014 02:56 PM PDT Chemical signals that certain breast cancers use to recruit two types of normal cells needed for the cancers' spread have been discovered in mice, researchers report. "If a drug can be found that safely blocks the same signal in humans, it could be a very useful addition to current breast cancer treatment -- particularly for patients with chemotherapy-resistant tumors," says one researcher.

People with low incomes less likely to use healthy weight loss strategies Posted: 22 May 2014 02:52 PM PDT Poorer people of all ages are less likely than wealthier ones to follow recommended strategies for weight loss, finds a recent study. "We found that compared to persons of higher household incomes, both youths and adults of lower household incomes were less likely to use strategies that are consistent with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommendations," which include reducing fats and sweets and increasing exercise, said the lead author.

Common obesity gene contributes to weight gain Posted: 22 May 2014 02:52 PM PDT A gene commonly linked to obesity -— FTO —- contributes to weight gain, researchers have demonstrated. The study shows that variations in FTO indirectly affect the function of the primary cilium, a little-understood hair-like appendage on brain and other cells. Specific abnormalities of cilium molecules, in turn, increase body weight, in some instances, by affecting the function of receptors for leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite. The findings, made in mice, suggest that it might be possible to modify obesity through interventions that alter the function of the cilium.

Despite economic blows, infant health has improved among US poor Posted: 22 May 2014 12:22 PM PDT Infant health has steadily improved among the United States' most disadvantaged groups, despite worsening economic conditions for those at the bottom. Researchers cite targeted programs and policies as the driving forces behind such marked improvement. Disadvantaged mothers have poorer health than their advantaged peers. They are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and use illicit drugs. They typically have worse underlying health, and are more likely to have preexisting conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Likewise, they are more susceptible to diseases, such as influenza. All of these health factors significantly increase the likelihood of delivering low-birth-weight babies.

Delegating dirty work is key to evolution: Working cells allow organisms to evolve Posted: 22 May 2014 11:14 AM PDT We have hundreds of types of cells in our bodies -- everything from red blood cells to hair follicles to neurons. But why can't most of them create offspring for us? New research suggests that separating germ cells -- sperm and eggs -- from somatic cells -- all other cells -- preserves the genetic building blocks while allowing organisms to flourish in a somewhat hazardous environment.

Key mechanism in metabolic pathway that fuels cancers identified Posted: 22 May 2014 11:13 AM PDT A significant step in cracking the code of an atypical metabolic pathway that allows certain cancerous tumors to thrive has been cracked, providing a possible roadmap for defeating such cancers. "With this finding, we have learned there are particular enzymes that work together to enable the reverse pathway to function, much like the tiny gears that turn in opposite directions to power a mechanical clock," commented the lead author.

New details on microtubules and how the anti-cancer drug Taxol works Posted: 22 May 2014 10:34 AM PDT Images of microtubule assembly and disassembly have been produced by researchers at the unprecedented resolution of 5 angstroms, providing new insight into the success of the anti-cancer drug Taxol and pointing the way to possible improvements. "This is the first experimental demonstration of the link between nucleotide state and tubulin conformation within the microtubules and, by extension, the relationship between tubulin conformation and the transition from assembled to disassembled microtubule structure," says a biophysicist on the study.

Neurostimulation: What is being said in the media, academic literature? Better acceptance, it seems Posted: 22 May 2014 10:34 AM PDT Neurostimulation techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have gradually gained favor in the public eye over the past decade. In a new report, ethics experts raise important questions about the rising tide of tDCS coverage in the media, while regulatory action is lacking and ethical issues need to be addressed.

'I can' mentality goes long way after childbirth Posted: 22 May 2014 09:35 AM PDT The way a woman feels about tackling everyday physical activities, including exercise, may be a predictor of how much weight she'll retain years after childbirth says a professor. A study followed 56 women during pregnancy and measured their physical activity levels, along with barriers to exercise and the ability to overcome them. Six years later, the research team followed up with more than half of the participants and found that the women who considered themselves less able to take on these barriers had retained more of their pregnancy weight. Top barriers identified in the study included time, motivation and childcare issues.

Blocking pain receptors extends lifespan, boosts metabolism in mice Posted: 22 May 2014 09:35 AM PDT Chronic pain is known to shorten lifespan, and pain tends to increase with age. But is there a relationship between pain and longevity? Researchers have found that mice lacking the capsaicin pain receptor live around 14 percent longer than other mice, and they retain a more youthful metabolism as well. Receptor blockers could not only relieve pain, but increase lifespan, improve metabolic health and help diabetics and the obese.

Computer models helping unravel the science of life? How cells of the fruit fly react to changes in the environment Posted: 22 May 2014 09:35 AM PDT Scientists have developed a sophisticated computer modelling simulation to explore how cells of the fruit fly react to changes in the environment. The model shows how cells of the fruit fly communicate with each other during its development.

Gene behind unhealthy adipose tissue identified Posted: 22 May 2014 09:35 AM PDT A gene driving the development of pernicious adipose tissue in humans has been identified by researchers for the first time. The findings imply that the gene may constitute a risk factor promoting the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. "Our findings represent an important step forward in the understanding of how adipose tissue links to the development of metabolic disease," comments one of the principal investigators.

Safe alternatives to BPA: New technology may help identify Posted: 22 May 2014 09:34 AM PDT Numerous studies have linked exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic, receipt paper, toys, and other products with various health problems from poor growth to cancer, and the FDA has been supporting efforts to find and use alternatives. But are these alternatives safer? Researchers have developed new tests that can classify such compounds' activity with great detail and speed. The advance could offer a fast and cost-effective way to identify safe replacements for BPA.

HIV-positive children more likely to develop drug resistance Posted: 22 May 2014 09:33 AM PDT 74 percent of HIV-positive children in a study developed resistance to at least one form of drug treatment. The researchers followed almost 450 children enrolled in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study, one of the largest studies of HIV-positive children in the United States. "The problem with drug resistance is that once you develop it, it never goes away," said the principal investigator. "Some patients with very resistant virus have no effective treatment options. Resistant virus is the major reason for death among youth with perinatal HIV."

Some pancreatic cancer treatments may be going after wrong targets Posted: 22 May 2014 09:33 AM PDT New research represents a significant change in the understanding of how pancreatic cancer grows – and how it might be defeated. Unlike other types of cancer, pancreatic cancer produces a lot of scar tissue and inflammation. For years, researchers believed that this scar tissue, called desmoplasia, helped the tumor grow, and they've designed treatments to attack this. But new research finds that when you eliminate desmoplasia, tumors grow even more quickly and aggressively. In the study, mice in which the desmoplasia was eliminated developed tumors earlier and died sooner.

Screening for autism: There's an app for that Posted: 22 May 2014 08:57 AM PDT Software to help interpret videotaped behaviors of infants during autism screening tests has been developed by researchers. The program's accuracy proved equal to autism experts and better than both non-expert medical clinicians and students in training. "The great benefit of the video and software is for general practitioners who do not have the trained eye to look for subtle early warning signs of autism," said one researcher involved in the study.

Drug-target database lets researchers match old drugs to new uses Posted: 22 May 2014 07:51 AM PDT There are thousands of drugs that silence many thousands of cancer-causing genetic abnormalities. Some of these drugs are in use now, but many of these drugs are sitting on shelves or could be used beyond the disease for which they were originally approved. Repurposing these drugs depends on matching drugs to targets. A study recently published describes a new database and pattern-matching algorithm that allows researchers to evaluate rational drugs and drug combinations, and also recommends a new drug combination to treat drug-resistant non-small cell lung cancer.

Medical students may benefit from social media guidance Posted: 22 May 2014 07:51 AM PDT Medical students use social media extensively, but medical schools may need to offer more guidance in potential pitfalls, according researchers. "We assessed how medical students engage with social media platforms like Facebook and found that they have a pretty sophisticated understanding of its risks and benefits," said one researcher. Two reports outline findings from a survey of 2,109 medical students.

Pathology of Sanfilippo A syndrome: Research provides more insight Posted: 22 May 2014 07:51 AM PDT Sanfilippo A syndrome is a rare genetic lysosomal storage disease inherited from the parents of the patient. Lysosomes are the body's vehicle for breaking down many of its by-products such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids and cellular debris. New research advances the knowledge of the structural features of sulfamidase in the context of this illness, and will greatly facilitate the discovery of suitable compounds and drugs to assist in managing the disease and its debilitating effects.

Bipolar disease in children, adolescents: Discharge rates much higher in the US compared to UK Posted: 22 May 2014 07:50 AM PDT A significantly higher discharge rate for pediatric bipolar in children and adolescents aged 1-19 years has been found in the US compared to England. "The finding that the disparity between US and English discharge rates for PBD is markedly greater than the disparity for child psychiatric discharge rates overall, and for adult rates for bipolar disorder, is potentially important. However, the study design does not allow us to answer the question whether US clinicians are too liberal in assigning the diagnosis of bipolar disorder to youth or, alternatively, whether English clinicians fail to recognize or diagnose these illnesses. It is clear that the reasons for the disparity in the case of PBD warrant further study," the lead author says.

Alcoholism treatment: Kappa opioid receptors a new target Posted: 22 May 2014 07:50 AM PDT The list of brain receptor targets for opiates reads like a fraternity: Mu Delta Kappa. The mu opioid receptor is the primary target for morphine and endogenous opioids like endorphin, whereas the delta opioid receptor shows the highest affinity for endogenous enkephalins. The kappa opioid receptor is very interesting, but the least understood of the opiate receptor family.

Stem-cell research: A new genetic switching element Posted: 22 May 2014 07:48 AM PDT Every cell contains stored hereditary information, encoded in the sequence of nucleobases that make up its DNA. However, in any given cell type, only a fraction of this information is actually used. Which genes are activated and which are turned off is in part determined by a second tier of information which is superimposed on the nucleotide sequences that provide the blueprints for protein synthesis. This so-called epigenetic level of control is based on the localized, and in principle reversible, attachment of simple chemical tags to specific nucleotides in the genome. Slight modifications in genome sequences play a crucial role in the conversion of pluripotent stem cells into various differentiated cell types.

Inexpensive food a key factor in rising obesity Posted: 22 May 2014 04:47 AM PDT An important factor fueling the obesity epidemic has been identified by a new review: Americans now have the cheapest food available in history. Today, two in three Americans are overweight or obese, with rates climbing steadily over the past several decades. Many factors have been suggested as causes: snack food, automobiles, television, fast food, computer use, vending machines, suburban housing developments, and portion size. But after examining available evidence, the authors say widespread availability of inexpensive food appears to have the strongest link to obesity.

Could cannabis active substance curb seizures? Experts weed through evidence Posted: 22 May 2014 04:47 AM PDT The therapeutic potential of medical marijuana and pure cannabidiol (CBD), an active substance in the cannabis plant, for neurologic conditions is highly debated. A series of articles examine the potential use of medical marijuana and CBD in treating severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome.

New insights into premature ejaculation could lead to better diagnosis, treatment Posted: 22 May 2014 04:47 AM PDT There are many misconceptions and unknowns about premature ejaculation in the medical community and the general population. Two new papers provide much-needed answers that could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for affected men. Premature ejaculation can cause significant personal and interpersonal distress to a man and his partner. While it has been recognized as a syndrome for well over 100 years, the clinical definition of premature ejaculation has been vague, ambiguous, and lacking in objective and quantitative criteria.

New way to combat drug resistance in skin cancer found Posted: 22 May 2014 04:42 AM PDT Rapid resistance to vemurafenib – a treatment for a type of advanced melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer – could be prevented by blocking a druggable family of proteins, according to research. Scientists have revealed the MLK family of four enzymes 'undoes' the tumour-shrinking effects of vemurafenib.

Parents 'need to be convinced' to let children walk to school Posted: 21 May 2014 06:11 PM PDT Parents need to be convinced about the benefits of their children walking or cycling to school as much as the children themselves, according to research. A study of children's habits in commuting to and from school discovered that, in the vast majority of cases, parents were the main decision makers in how the children traveled.

Protective proteins reduce damage to blood vessels Posted: 21 May 2014 03:00 PM PDT Proteins found in our blood can reduce damage caused to blood vessels as we age, and in conditions such as atherosclerosis and arthritis, new research finds. Calcification is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Blood vessels can harden as calcium phosphate (CaP) crystals, normally found in bones and teeth, build up in soft tissue as we age or as a result of illness. This can lead to complications in patients with atherosclerosis, a major cause of death whereby arteries thicken and are at risk of becoming blocked.

Evaluating 'acquired immunity' may improve estimates of infectious disease risk Posted: 21 May 2014 10:31 AM PDT A new health study that accounts for "acquired immunity" when evaluating the risk of microbial illness from food or environmental exposures suggests that some current approaches may significantly overestimate their role in causing such illnesses. Immune status is a major factor in susceptibility to foodborne and environmental infectious diseases. By considering both the impact of acquired immunity to a pathogen and the amount of a pathogen to which people are exposed, researchers have developed a novel approach for more accurately assessing the potential health risks of infectious diseases.

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