ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

---

• Half of premature colorectal cancer deaths due to socioeconomic inequality
• Explosive compound reduced blood pressure in female offspring of hypertensive rats
• Marijuana's long-term effects on the brain demonstrated
• Interstitial lung disease is significant risk factor for lung inflammation
• Opioid OD cause for over 100,000 ED visits in 2010
• New target for blood cancer treatment discovered
• Statins reverse learning disabilities caused by genetic disorder
• Thousands of never-before-seen human genome variations uncovered
• Birthweight charts tailored to specific ethnic groups may be better predictor of adverse outcomes
• Classification of gene mutations in a children's cancer may point to improved treatments
• 'Darting' mice may hold clues to ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder
• Pre-symptomatic markers for hemorrhagic viruses like Ebola identified
• New state level data demonstrate geographical variation in 10-year cardiovascular risk
• Successful implant of next-generation heart device marks Canadian first
• Combination therapy offers quicker, less toxic eradication of hepatitis C in liver transplant patients
• First steps in formation of pancreatic cancer identified
• How brown fat fuels up to combat type 2 diabetes and obesity
• Moderate drinking is healthy only for some people, study finds
• Physicians play critical role in ensuring bladder cancer patients understand link between smoking, their disease
• Recognizing emotions, and what happens when this is interrupted
• New effective, safe and cheap treatment strategy for rheumatoid arthritis
• Project reduces 'alarm fatigue' in hospitals by 80 percent
• Laundry detergent pods a serious poisoning risk for children younger than 6 in U.S., study finds
• Preschoolers eat healthy when parents set rules about food, study finds
• Practice makes perfect in cancer surgery
• Iodide protects against dangerous reperfusion injury after heart attack
• Pregnant women with PTSD more likely to give birth prematurely, study finds
• Wearable device to track diet under development
• Location of oral cancers differs in smokers, nonsmokers
• Olaparib shows success in tumor response rate for patients with BRCA-related cancers
• Cancer Migration negation: Better understanding metastasis
• Prevalence of mistreatment between nursing home residents highlighted by report
• Black, Hispanic kids underrepresented in autism identification
• Stem cell transplants for Parkinson's disease edging closer
• 'Rewriting' the way to make natural drug compounds
• Pneumonia vaccine reducing pediatric admissions, study shows

Half of premature colorectal cancer deaths due to socioeconomic inequality Posted: 10 Nov 2014 06:09 PM PST Half of all premature deaths from colorectal cancer -- described as deaths in people ages 25 to 64 -- in the United States are linked to ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic inequalities, and therefore could be prevented according to a new study.

Explosive compound reduced blood pressure in female offspring of hypertensive rats Posted: 10 Nov 2014 06:09 PM PST The explosive organic compound pentaerythritol tetranitrate helped lower blood pressure in the female offspring of hypertensive rats. Pentaerythritol tetranitrate had no effect on parent rats or their male offspring.

Marijuana's long-term effects on the brain demonstrated Posted: 10 Nov 2014 01:11 PM PST The effects of chronic marijuana use on the brain may depend on age of first use and duration of use, according to new research. Researchers for the first time comprehensively describe existing abnormalities in brain function and structure of long-term marijuana users with multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.

Interstitial lung disease is significant risk factor for lung inflammation Posted: 10 Nov 2014 12:09 PM PST Pretreatment interstitial lung disease is a significant risk factor for developing symptomatic and severe radiation pneumonitis in stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy alone, researchers say.

Opioid OD cause for over 100,000 ED visits in 2010 Posted: 10 Nov 2014 09:43 AM PST Researchers from Rhode Island have found that prescription opioids, including methadone, were involved in 67.8 percent of -- or over 135,971 visits to -- nationwide emergency department visits in 2010, with the highest proportion of opioid overdoses occurring in the South.

New target for blood cancer treatment discovered Posted: 10 Nov 2014 09:43 AM PST A therapeutic target that could lead to the development of new treatments for specific blood cancers has been identified by researchers. Using laboratory models, they found that 'switching off' half the gene in the Mpl receptor reduced its expression with the result that the disease did not develop.

Statins reverse learning disabilities caused by genetic disorder Posted: 10 Nov 2014 09:42 AM PST Neuroscientists discovered that statins, a popular class of cholesterol drugs, reverse the learning deficits caused by a mutation linked to a common genetic cause of learning disabilities. The findings were studied in mice genetically engineered to develop the disease, called Noonan syndrome.

Thousands of never-before-seen human genome variations uncovered Posted: 10 Nov 2014 09:42 AM PST Thousands of never-before-seen genetic variants in the human genome have been uncovered using a new genome sequencing technology. These discoveries close many human genome mapping gaps that have long resisted sequencing. The technique, called single-molecule, real-time DNA sequencing, may now make it possible for researchers to identify potential genetic mutations behind many conditions whose genetic causes have long eluded scientists.

Birthweight charts tailored to specific ethnic groups may be better predictor of adverse outcomes Posted: 10 Nov 2014 09:41 AM PST Immigrant women give birth to about one-third of the babies born in Ontario. Yet clinicians still measure those babies before and after birth using the same scales that measure babies whose mothers were born in Canada, often of Western European ancestry.

Classification of gene mutations in a children's cancer may point to improved treatments Posted: 10 Nov 2014 09:34 AM PST Oncology researchers studying gene mutations in the childhood cancer neuroblastoma are refining their diagnostic tools to predict which patients are more likely to respond to drugs called ALK inhibitors that target such mutations. Removing some of the guesswork in diagnosis and treatment may lead to more successful outcomes.

'Darting' mice may hold clues to ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder Posted: 10 Nov 2014 08:07 AM PST A darting mouse may hold an important clue in the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism and bipolar disorder, according to a study. The transgenic mouse, into which was inserted a rare human genetic variation in the dopamine transporter (DAT), could lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of these all-too-common brain disorders, said the report's senior author.

Pre-symptomatic markers for hemorrhagic viruses like Ebola identified Posted: 10 Nov 2014 08:04 AM PST It is possible to distinguish between different hemorrhagic fevers, including Marburg (Ebola cousin) and Lassa before the person becomes symptomatic, new research has found. This study will allow for the development of better diagnostics, especially during the early stages of disease, when treatments have a greater chance of being effective.

New state level data demonstrate geographical variation in 10-year cardiovascular risk Posted: 10 Nov 2014 08:02 AM PST Public health researchers seeking to determine an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), or stroke have previously relied on national US data, such as that provided by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Now, new data compiled and evaluated by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide information at the state level for the first time, paving the way for targeted intervention programs.

Successful implant of next-generation heart device marks Canadian first Posted: 10 Nov 2014 08:02 AM PST A surgical team in Toronto has successfully implanted a novel mechanical device, the HeartMate IIITM, into a patient with advanced heart failure. This is the first time this procedure has been conducted on Canadian soil.

Combination therapy offers quicker, less toxic eradication of hepatitis C in liver transplant patients Posted: 10 Nov 2014 08:01 AM PST All patients with hepatitis C who receive a liver transplant will eventually infect their new livers. These transplanted organs then require anti-viral treatment before they become severely damaged. But traditional post-transplant hepatitis C therapy can take up to a year, is potentially toxic and can lead to organ rejection. Now researchers report that use of two new oral medications post-transplant is safe and beneficial, and requires only 12 weeks of treatment.

First steps in formation of pancreatic cancer identified Posted: 10 Nov 2014 08:01 AM PST The first steps in the origin of pancreatic cancer have been identified by researchers who say that their findings suggest preventive strategies to explore. The scientists described the molecular steps necessary for acinar cells in the pancreas -- the cells that release digestive enzymes -- to become precancerous lesions. Some of these lesions can then morph into cancer.

How brown fat fuels up to combat type 2 diabetes and obesity Posted: 10 Nov 2014 08:01 AM PST A newly identified signaling pathway that stimulates glucose uptake in brown fat cells might be useful for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Moderate drinking is healthy only for some people, study finds Posted: 10 Nov 2014 06:07 AM PST A new study confirms that moderate alcohol consumption can protect against coronary heart disease. But only for the 15% of the population that have a particular genotype.

Physicians play critical role in ensuring bladder cancer patients understand link between smoking, their disease Posted: 10 Nov 2014 05:37 AM PST When bladder cancer patients are well-informed by their physicians, they acknowledge that tobacco use was likely the cause of their disease. At least half of bladder cancer cases diagnosed in the United States are the result of cigarette smoking. Bladder cancer is the second most common tobacco-related malignancy, a fact that is not well known even among bladder cancer surgeons, let alone the general public.

Recognizing emotions, and what happens when this is interrupted Posted: 10 Nov 2014 05:35 AM PST Recognizing the emotions other people feel is crucial for establishing proper interpersonal relations. To do so, we look at (amongst other things) facial expressions and body posture. Unfortunately, in some neurological disorders this ability is heavily impaired. This happens, for example, in multiple sclerosis where scientific evidence shows that people affected by the disease often have trouble recognizing expressions that communicate emotions. A new study now demonstrates that the same difficulty may also be encountered with emotions conveyed by posture.

New effective, safe and cheap treatment strategy for rheumatoid arthritis Posted: 10 Nov 2014 05:34 AM PST A new drug combination for rheumatoid arthritis treats the disease just as well as other intensive treatment strategies but with less medication and fewer side effects at a significantly lower cost.

Project reduces 'alarm fatigue' in hospitals by 80 percent Posted: 10 Nov 2014 05:22 AM PST The sound of monitor alarms in hospitals can save patients' lives, but the frequency with which the monitors go off can also lead to "alarm fatigue," in which caregivers become desensitized to the ubiquitous beeping, experts say.

Laundry detergent pods a serious poisoning risk for children younger than 6 in U.S., study finds Posted: 10 Nov 2014 05:22 AM PST After releasing the results of a new study detailing the dangers of laundry detergent pods, researchers are calling for a national product safety standard in an effort to better protect children. The study showed that during a two year period, there were more than 17,000 children exposed to the highly concentrated chemicals in laundry detergent pods. That's a child every hour.

Preschoolers eat healthy when parents set rules about food, study finds Posted: 07 Nov 2014 12:47 PM PST Preschoolers whose parents have rules about what their children can and cannot eat have healthier eating habits than those raised without such rules, according to a new study by pediatrics researchers.

Practice makes perfect in cancer surgery Posted: 07 Nov 2014 12:47 PM PST In a new, in-depth research project, researchers nvestigated what affect higher volume hospitals and surgeons had on the outcomes of patients undergoing a radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in Ontario.

Iodide protects against dangerous reperfusion injury after heart attack Posted: 07 Nov 2014 12:46 PM PST A potentially groundbreaking study suggests that the worst effects of reperfusion injury may be prevented with a safe, simple solution: a dose of iodide, a chemical form of the element added to ordinary table salt.

Pregnant women with PTSD more likely to give birth prematurely, study finds Posted: 06 Nov 2014 02:36 PM PST Pregnant women with post-traumatic stress disorder are at increased risk of giving birth prematurely, a new study has found. The study, which examined more than 16,000 births to female veterans, is the largest ever to evaluate connections between PTSD and preterm birth.

Wearable device to track diet under development Posted: 06 Nov 2014 02:36 PM PST A professor of electrical and computer engineering hopes to develop a sensor worn around the ear that would automatically track diet, giving medical professionals and consumers accurate information that can be missed with self-reporting.

Location of oral cancers differs in smokers, nonsmokers Posted: 06 Nov 2014 01:56 PM PST The location of oral cancers differed in smokers and nonsmokers with nonsmokers having a higher proportion of cancers occur on the edge of the tongue, according to a study.

Olaparib shows success in tumor response rate for patients with BRCA-related cancers Posted: 06 Nov 2014 01:51 PM PST Olaparib, an experimental twice-daily oral cancer drug, produces an overall tumor response rate of 26 percent in several advanced cancers associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, according to new research. The positive response provides new hope for patients with ovarian, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers whose conditions have not responded to standard therapies.

Cancer Migration negation: Better understanding metastasis Posted: 06 Nov 2014 12:28 PM PST A cellular culprit has been identified by researchers that should help to better understand how metastasis begins. Their findings may also inform the design of new treatments to combat it, they add.

Prevalence of mistreatment between nursing home residents highlighted by report Posted: 06 Nov 2014 11:38 AM PST Inappropriate, disruptive, or hostile behavior between nursing home residents is a sizable and growing problem, according to new research. Over the past two decades, researchers, policymakers, and the public have become increasingly concerned with the problem of elder abuse. However, most of this research has been conducted among community-dwelling older adults--that is, those who live someplace other than a nursing home--and focused on mistreatment perpetrated by family members.

Black, Hispanic kids underrepresented in autism identification Posted: 06 Nov 2014 11:38 AM PST A new study shows that autism identification rates increased in all 50 states from 2000 to 2007. However, the numbers did not increase at the same rate for Blacks and Hispanics as it did for white children, indicating several potential problems.

Stem cell transplants for Parkinson's disease edging closer Posted: 06 Nov 2014 11:36 AM PST A major breakthrough in the development of stem cell-derived brain cells has put researchers on a firm path towards the first ever stem cell transplantations in people with Parkinson's disease. A new study presents the next generation of transplantable dopamine neurons produced from stem cells. These cells carry the same properties as the dopamine neurons found in the human brain.

'Rewriting' the way to make natural drug compounds Posted: 06 Nov 2014 11:35 AM PST One way to solve problems of synthesis of natural compounds is to figure out how an organism solves the problem itself, and then modify it for a particular use, experts say. "In terms of drug discovery, there remains a large gap between finding a compound that's a potential drug and bringing it to market," a researcher says, "so we've been looking at synthetic biology -- how to write and rewrite genetic code to produce these compounds for us."

Pneumonia vaccine reducing pediatric admissions, study shows Posted: 06 Nov 2014 11:35 AM PST In Tennessee, the introduction in 2010 of a new pneumococcal vaccine for infants and young children coincides with a 27 percent decline in pneumonia hospital admissions across the state among children under age two, researchers report.

You are subscribed to email updates from Health & Medicine News -- ScienceDaily To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States