ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Household air pollution puts more than one in three people worldwide at risk of ill health, early death
• Sex hormone levels in blood linked to risk of sudden cardiac arrest
• Discharged patients return to ER because 'better safe than sorry'
• Residency training predicts physicians' ability to practice conservatively
• An hour of moderate exercise a day may decrease heart failure risk
• Taxes, subsidies could encourage healthier diet, lower healthcare costs
• Researchers examine effectiveness of blocking nerve to help with weight loss
• Change in type of procedure most commonly used for bariatric surgery
• Increase seen in use of double mastectomy, although not associated with reduced death
• Comparison of named diet programs finds little difference in weight loss outcomes
• Seatbelt laws encourage obese drivers to buckle up
• Sabotage as therapy: Aiming lupus antibodies at vulnerable cancer cells
• Humiliation tops list of mistreatment toward med students
• Understanding, improving body's fight against pathogens
• Spinach extract decreases cravings, aids weight loss
• Computer simulations visualize ion flux
• Bar code devised for bacteria that causes tuberculosis
• Could poor stomach absorption of drugs reduce autism medications' effectiveness?
• New name for symptoms associated with menopause
• Over-the-counter pain reliever may restore immune function in old age
• Clean air halves health costs in Chinese city
• Hidden infection route of major bacterial pathogen uncovered
• Sweden: More than one third of booked operations are re-booked
• Protein may provide key to arresting development of diabetes
• Many nurses unprepared to meet dying patients, study suggests
• Scientists sequence complete genome of E. coli strain responsible for food poisoning
• Cannabis withdrawal symptoms common among adolescents treated for substance use disorder
• Surprising new role for calcium in sensing pain
• Risk of diabetes in children, adolescents exposed to antipsychotics: Danish 12-year case-control study
• Mechanical ventilation a key indicator for pre-term children's maths problems
• Childhood trauma could lead to adult obesity
• Skin cells can be engineered into pulmonary valves for pediatric patients
• War between bacteria, phages benefits humans
• Faster, cheaper tests for sickle cell
• Location of body fat can increase hypertension risk
• Low-carb vs. low-fat diets: Clinicians weigh in
• Fruit consumption cuts cardiovascular disease risk by up to 40 percent
• Nucleotide change could initiate Fragile X Syndrome
• Sugar substance 'kills' good HDL cholesterol
• Memory and Alzheimer's: Towards a better comprehension of the dynamic mechanisms
• Discovery reveals how bacteria distinguish harmful vs. helpful viruses
• New synthetic amino acid for emerging class of drugs

Household air pollution puts more than one in three people worldwide at risk of ill health, early death Posted: 02 Sep 2014 05:52 PM PDT Household air pollution, caused by the use of plant-based or coal fuel for cooking, heating, and lighting, is putting nearly three billion people worldwide at risk of ill health and early death, according to a new article.

Sex hormone levels in blood linked to risk of sudden cardiac arrest Posted: 02 Sep 2014 05:51 PM PDT Measuring the levels of sex hormones in patients' blood may identify patients likely to suffer a sudden cardiac arrest, a heart rhythm disorder that is fatal in 95 percent of patients.

Discharged patients return to ER because 'better safe than sorry' Posted: 02 Sep 2014 02:15 PM PDT Patients who return to the emergency department within a few days of discharge do so principally because they are anxious about their symptoms and have lost trust in other parts of the health care system, according to the results of a study.

Residency training predicts physicians' ability to practice conservatively Posted: 02 Sep 2014 02:15 PM PDT Doctors trained in locations with less intensive (and expensive) practice patterns appear to consistently be better at making clinical decisions that spare patients unnecessary and excessive medical care, says a new study.

An hour of moderate exercise a day may decrease heart failure risk Posted: 02 Sep 2014 02:14 PM PDT Being physically active every day may lower your risk of developing heart failure. The more active you are, the greater your protection from heart failure, studies show.

Taxes, subsidies could encourage healthier diet, lower healthcare costs Posted: 02 Sep 2014 02:11 PM PDT A team of researchers call for the implementation of taxes and subsidies to improve dietary quality in the United States. Over time, the size of the tax could be on a sliding scale depending on nutritional quality, a tactic the authors hope would prompt restaurants and food manufacturers to produce healthier products.

Researchers examine effectiveness of blocking nerve to help with weight loss Posted: 02 Sep 2014 02:11 PM PDT Among patients with morbid obesity, blocking the vagus nerve, which plays a role with appetite and metabolism, did not meet pre-specified efficacy objectives compared to a control group, although the intervention did result in greater weight loss, according to a study.

Change in type of procedure most commonly used for bariatric surgery Posted: 02 Sep 2014 02:11 PM PDT In an analysis of the type of bariatric surgery procedures used in Michigan in recent years, sleeve gastrectomy (SG) surpassed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 2012 as the most common procedure performed for patients seeking this type of surgery, and SG became the predominant bariatric surgery procedure for patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study.

Increase seen in use of double mastectomy, although not associated with reduced death Posted: 02 Sep 2014 02:11 PM PDT Among women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in California, the percentage undergoing a double mastectomy increased substantially between 1998 and 2011, although this procedure was not associated with a lower risk of death than breast-conserving surgery plus radiation, according to a study. The authors did find that surgery for the removal of one breast was associated with a higher risk of death than the other options examined in the study.

Comparison of named diet programs finds little difference in weight loss outcomes Posted: 02 Sep 2014 02:11 PM PDT In an analysis of data from nearly 50 trials including about 7,300 individuals, significant weight loss was observed with any low-carbohydrate or low-fat diet, with weight loss differences between diet programs small, findings that support the practice of recommending any diet that a patient will adhere to in order to lose weight.

Seatbelt laws encourage obese drivers to buckle up Posted: 02 Sep 2014 12:13 PM PDT Researchers have found a possible way to mitigate one often-overlooked obesity risk: not buckling up in the car. A new study found that increasing the obesity rates are associated with a decrease in seatbelt usage. However, these effects can be mitigated when seatbelt laws are in effect.

Sabotage as therapy: Aiming lupus antibodies at vulnerable cancer cells Posted: 02 Sep 2014 12:13 PM PDT Researchers may have discovered a new way of harnessing lupus antibodies to sabotage cancer cells made vulnerable by deficient DNA repair. The study found that cancer cells with deficient DNA repair mechanisms (or the inability to repair their own genetic damage) were significantly more vulnerable to attack by lupus antibodies.

Humiliation tops list of mistreatment toward med students Posted: 02 Sep 2014 12:11 PM PDT Each year thousands of students enroll in medical schools across the country. But just how many feel they've been disrespected, publicly humiliated, ridiculed or even harassed by their superiors at some point during their medical education? Researchers found that up to 20 percent of students reported some form of mistreatment each year. Additionally, only an average of 31 percent of those who indicated they were mistreated actually reported the incident to faculty or university administrators.

Understanding, improving body's fight against pathogens Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:50 AM PDT The crucial role of two signalling molecules, DOK3 and SHP1, in the development and production of plasma cells has been uncovered by researchers. These discoveries advance the understanding of plasma cells and the antibody response, and may lead to optimization of vaccine development and improved treatment for patients with autoimmune diseases such as lupus and tumors such as multiple myeloma.

Spinach extract decreases cravings, aids weight loss Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:49 AM PDT A spinach extract containing green leaf membranes called thylakoids decreases hedonic hunger with up to 95 percent -- and increases weight loss with 43 percent, research concludes.

Computer simulations visualize ion flux Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:49 AM PDT Pharmacologists have investigated how ion flux through a voltage gated sodium ion channel works in detail. Since this process is incredibly fast -- up to 100 million ions per seconds -- computer simulations were performed to visualize sodium flux 'in slow motion.'

Bar code devised for bacteria that causes tuberculosis Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:49 AM PDT Doctors and researchers will be able to easily identify different types of tuberculosis (TB) thanks to a new genetic barcode devised by scientists. To help identify the different origins and map how tuberculosis moves around the world, spreading from person to person through the air, the research team studied over 90,000 genetic mutations.

Could poor stomach absorption of drugs reduce autism medications' effectiveness? Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:47 AM PDT Many children and adults with autism experience gastrointestinal symptoms, research shows, and such symptoms can impact the absorption and availability of medications. "There are a number of variables that can influence medication response but given how common gastrointestinal issues are for those with autism, it seems the relationship should be examined more closely," said the senior author.

New name for symptoms associated with menopause Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:47 AM PDT Experts who reviewed the terminology associated with genitourinary tract symptoms related to menopause -- currently referred to as vulvovaginal atrophy -- have agreed that the term genitourinary syndrome of menopause is a medically more accurate, all-encompassing, and a more publicly acceptable term.

Over-the-counter pain reliever may restore immune function in old age Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:47 AM PDT New research involving mice suggests that the key to more youthful immune function might already be in your medicine cabinet. Scientists have shown that macrophages from the lungs of old mice had different responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis than macrophages from young mice, but these changes were reversed by ibuprofen.

Clean air halves health costs in Chinese city Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:46 AM PDT Air pollution regulations over the last decade in Taiyuan, China, have substantially improved the health of people living there, accounting for a greater than 50 percent reduction in costs associated with loss of life and disability between 2001 and 2010, according to researchers in the United States and China.

Hidden infection route of major bacterial pathogen uncovered Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:46 AM PDT The pattern of infection of the bacterium responsible for causing severe lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis has been uncovered by scientists. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is usually harmless to humans, but in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) or who have weakened immune systems -- such as those who have had an operation or treatment for cancer -- it can cause infections that are resistant to antibiotics.

Sweden: More than one third of booked operations are re-booked Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:44 AM PDT More than one third of all planned orthopaedic surgery procedures are re-booked, postponed or cancelled completely. The most common reasons are cancellation at the patient's own request or emergency cases having to be prioritized.

Protein may provide key to arresting development of diabetes Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:44 AM PDT The STK25 protein contributes to cell growth. Now researchers have discovered that the protein also affects metabolism, demonstrating that elevated levels accelerate the progress of diabetes in mice.

Many nurses unprepared to meet dying patients, study suggests Posted: 02 Sep 2014 08:44 AM PDT Most nurses in their work care for patients who are dying. A study of more than 200 students has shown that many nurses in training feel unprepared and anxious when faced with the prospect of meeting patients during end-of-life care.

Scientists sequence complete genome of E. coli strain responsible for food poisoning Posted: 02 Sep 2014 06:43 AM PDT The first complete genome sequencing of a strain of E. coli that is a common cause of outbreaks of food poisoning in the United States has been sequenced by scientists. Although the E. coli strain EDL933 was first isolated in the 1980s, it gained national attention in 1993 when it was linked to an outbreak of food poisoning from Jack-in-the-Box restaurants in the western United States.

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms common among adolescents treated for substance use disorder Posted: 02 Sep 2014 06:41 AM PDT Although cannabis -- commonly known as marijuana -- is broadly believed to be nonaddictive, a study has found that 40 percent of cannabis-using adolescents receiving outpatient treatment for substance use disorder reported experiencing symptoms of withdrawal, which are considered a hallmark of drug dependence.

Surprising new role for calcium in sensing pain Posted: 02 Sep 2014 06:34 AM PDT When you accidentally touch a hot oven, you rapidly pull your hand away. Researchers have made a surprising discovery in worms about the role of calcium in such pain signaling. They have built a structural model of the molecule that allows calcium ions to pass into a neuron, triggering a signal of pain. These discoveries may help direct new strategies to treat pain in people.

Risk of diabetes in children, adolescents exposed to antipsychotics: Danish 12-year case-control study Posted: 02 Sep 2014 06:32 AM PDT Children and adolescents pegged with a psychiatric diagnosis had an increased risk of developing diabetes if they were exposed to antipsychotics. Using data from the nationwide Danish registers, a group of researchers studied 48,299 children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders to document the frequency and possible predictors of type II diabetes, defined by treatment with an oral antidiabetic drug.

Mechanical ventilation a key indicator for pre-term children's maths problems Posted: 02 Sep 2014 06:29 AM PDT Both the length of time spent in hospital after birth and the use of mechanical ventilation are key indicators of reduced mathematical ability in preterm children, researchers report. Impairments in mathematic abilities are common in very preterm children. Earlier studies of children who are born very preterm (before 32 weeks of gestational age) have shown that they have a 39.4% chance of having general mathematic impairment, compared to 14.9% of those born at term (39 to 41 weeks).

Childhood trauma could lead to adult obesity Posted: 02 Sep 2014 06:29 AM PDT Being subjected to abuse during childhood entails a markedly increased risk of developing obesity as an adult. This is the conclusion of a meta-analysis carried out on previous studies, which included a total of 112,000 participants.

Skin cells can be engineered into pulmonary valves for pediatric patients Posted: 02 Sep 2014 06:22 AM PDT Researchers have found a way to take a pediatric patient's skin cells, reprogram the skin cells to function as heart valvular cells, and then use the cells as part of a tissue-engineered pulmonary valve. It is estimated that nearly 800 patients per year could potentially benefit from bioengineered patient-specific pulmonary valves.

War between bacteria, phages benefits humans Posted: 02 Sep 2014 06:22 AM PDT In our battle with cholera bacteria, we may have an unknown ally in bacteria-killing viruses known as phages. Researchers report that phages can force cholera bacteria, even during active infection in humans, to give up their virulence in order to survive.

Faster, cheaper tests for sickle cell Posted: 01 Sep 2014 06:15 PM PDT A new test for sickle cell disease that provides results in just 12 minutes and costs as little as 50 cents -- far faster and cheaper than other tests -- has been developed by scientists.

Location of body fat can increase hypertension risk Posted: 01 Sep 2014 06:14 PM PDT People with fat around their abdominal area are at greater risk of developing hypertension when compared to those with similar body mass index but fat concentrations elsewhere on the body, according to a study.

Low-carb vs. low-fat diets: Clinicians weigh in Posted: 01 Sep 2014 06:14 PM PDT Two articles recently published review and compare the low-carb and low-fat diets. A low-carbohydrate diet is more effective for weight loss and reducing cardiovascular risk factors than a low-fat diet, they conclude.

Fruit consumption cuts cardiovascular disease risk by up to 40 percent Posted: 01 Sep 2014 09:35 AM PDT Daily fruit consumption cuts the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by up to 40 percent, according to research. The findings from the seven-year follow-up study of nearly a half million people in the China Kadoorie Biobank found that the more fruit people ate, the more their risk of CVD declined.

Nucleotide change could initiate Fragile X Syndrome Posted: 01 Sep 2014 07:22 AM PDT Researchers reveal how the alteration of a single nucleotide—the basic building block of DNA—could initiate fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited form of intellectual disability.

Sugar substance 'kills' good HDL cholesterol Posted: 01 Sep 2014 06:03 AM PDT 'Good' cholesterol is turned 'bad' by a sugar-derived substance, researchers have found. The findings may help scientists focus on developing drugs that reduce methylglyoxal, which was found to damage 'good' cholesterol, which removes excess levels of bad cholesterol from the body, they say.

Memory and Alzheimer's: Towards a better comprehension of the dynamic mechanisms Posted: 31 Aug 2014 12:03 PM PDT A new study opens the door towards better understanding of the neural circuitry and dynamic mechanisms controlling memory as well of the role of an essential element of the hippocampus -- a sub-region named the subiculum.

Discovery reveals how bacteria distinguish harmful vs. helpful viruses Posted: 31 Aug 2014 12:03 PM PDT Viruses can kill bacterial cells or, under the right circumstances, lend them helpful genes that the bacterium could harness to, say, better attack its own hosts. Experiments have now revealed that one type of bacterial immune system can distinguish viral foe from friend, and it does so by watching for one particular cue.

New synthetic amino acid for emerging class of drugs Posted: 31 Aug 2014 12:03 PM PDT A new amino acid has been developed that can be used to modify the 3-D structure of therapeutic peptides. Insertion of the amino acid into bioactive peptides enhanced their binding affinity up to 40-fold. Peptides with the new amino acid could potentially become a new class of therapeutics.

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