الجمعة، 5 ديسمبر 2014

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

'How much -- and when?' Life-history trade-offs a factor in whole-organism performance

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:31 AM PST

In order to get a more complete picture about the evolution of performance, an examination of an organism's whole-organism performance capacities must include a consideration of its life-history trade-offs, scientists say. In a new article, the authors demonstrate that whole-organism performance capacities are subject to life-history trade-offs with other key determinants of fitness such as immunity, fecundity, behavior, and sexual signaling, and even with the expression of other kinds of whole-organism performance traits.

Effects on body mass index of gene linked to heavy smoking revealed

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:31 AM PST

A genetic variant which causes smokers to smoke more heavily has been shown to be associated with increased body mass index -- but only in those who have never smoked.

Smoking and higher mortality in men

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:26 AM PST

An association between smoking and loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells has been demonstrated by recent research. The researchers have previously shown that loss of the Y chromosome is linked to cancer. Since only men have the Y chromosome, these results might explain why smoking is a greater risk factor for cancer among men and, in the broader perspective, also why men in general have a shorter life expectancy.

Blood pressure build-up from white blood cells may cause cerebral malaria death

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:26 AM PST

Intracranial hypertension -- increased blood pressure inside the head -- can predict a child's risk of death from malaria. A study now reports that accumulation of white blood cells impairs the blood flow out of the brain and causes blood pressure increases in mice with experimentally induced cerebral malaria.

Endocrine disruptors alter thyroid levels in pregnancy, may affect fetal brain development

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:10 AM PST

A new study provides 'the strongest evidence to date' that endocrine disrupting chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls found in flame retardant cloth, paint, adhesives and electrical transformers, can interfere with thyroid hormone action in pregnant women and may travel across the placenta to affect the fetus.

Poisonous cure: Toxic fungi may hold secrets to tackling deadly diseases

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:10 AM PST

Take two poisonous mushrooms, and call me in the morning. While no doctor would ever write this prescription, toxic fungi may hold the secrets to tackling deadly diseases. A team of scientists has discovered an enzyme that is the key to the lethal potency of poisonous mushrooms. The results reveal the enzyme's ability to create the mushroom's molecules that harbor missile-like proficiency in attacking and annihilating a single vulnerable target in the human liver.

'Satiety hormone' leptin links obesity to high blood pressure

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:07 AM PST

Leptin, a hormone that regulates the amount of fat stored in the body, also drives the increase in blood pressure that occurs with weight gain, according to researchers.

Approved breast cancer drug offers hope for the treatment of blood disorders

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:07 AM PST

A new study provides an explanation as to why blood cancers are more common in men than in women, revealing that estrogens regulate the survival of stem cells that give rise to blood cancers. Moreover, findings in mice with blood neoplasms suggest that a drug called tamoxifen, which targets estrogen receptors and is approved for treatment of breast cancer, may also be a valuable strategy for blocking the development of blood neoplasms in humans.

High-sugar diet in fathers can lead to obese offspring

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:07 AM PST

Increasing sugar in the diet of male fruit flies for just one or two days before mating can cause obesity in their offspring through alterations that affect gene expression in the embryo. There is also evidence that a similar system regulates obesity susceptibility in mice and humans. The research provides insights into how certain metabolic traits are inherited and may help investigators determine whether they can be altered.

Innate immune system condemns weak cells to their death

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:06 AM PST

In cell competition the strong eliminate the weak, thereby ensuring optimal tissue fitness. Molecular biologists have now demonstrated that the innate immune system plays a key role in this important mechanism. However, cancer cells also make use of this: they can cause cells that are important for healthy tissue to die.

Typhoid Mary, not typhoid mouse: Enzyme protects mice, not humans from typhoid

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 11:06 AM PST

The bacterium Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid fever in humans, but leaves other mammals unaffected. Researchers now offer one explanation — CMAH, an enzyme that humans lack. Without this enzyme, a toxin deployed by the bacteria is much better able to bind and enter human cells, making us sick.

Over 230,000 Ontario adults seriously considered suicide in 2013, survey shows

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 09:14 AM PST

A survey has found that 2.2 percent of adults -- or over 230,000 people in Ontario, Canada -- seriously contemplated suicide in the last year. The 2013 edition of the CAMH Monitor, released today, included questions about suicidal ideation for the first time in the survey's history.

Genome sequencing for newborns: What do new parents think?

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 09:14 AM PST

New parents' attitudes toward newborn genomic testing has been the focus of a new study, which finds that if newborn genomic testing becomes available, there would be robust interest among new parents, regardless of their demographic background.

People with mental illness more likely to be tested for HIV

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 09:13 AM PST

People with mental illness are more likely to have been tested for HIV than those without mental illness, according to a new study. The researchers also found that the most seriously ill – those with schizophrenia and bipolar disease – had the highest rate of HIV testing.

Model of receptor protein linked to human growth constructed

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 08:10 AM PST

A three-dimensional model of a protein linked to human growth has been constructed by researchers, providing a visual for the beginnings of a drug discovery campaign to figure out compounds that will bind to the protein, in the hopes of someday providing treatment for growth-altering conditions.

Engineer applies robot control theory to improve prosthetic legs

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 08:08 AM PST

New research enables powered prosthetics to dynamically respond to the wearer's environment and help amputees walk. Wearers of the robotic leg could walk on a treadmill almost as fast as an able-bodied person.

Nalmefene for alcohol dependence: Added benefit not proven

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 07:31 AM PST

No added benefit can be derived from the indirect comparison presented in the drug manufacturer dossier, in particular because the studies on the appropriate comparator therapy were unsuitable, scientists say.

Vaccination remains the best way to avoid the flu

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 07:29 AM PST

Joy and goodwill aren't the only things we start spreading to friends, family, colleagues -- even strangers -- this time of year. Late fall and early winter also signal the start of annual spread of the influenza virus.

Coordinating care for elderly across treatment settings remains a problem

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 07:29 AM PST

In what is believed to be the first interview-style qualitative study of its kind among health care providers in the trenches, a research team has further documented barriers to better care of older adults as they are transferred from hospital to rehabilitation center to home, and too often back again.

Don’t worry, be happy: Just go to bed earlier

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 06:11 AM PST

Researchers link late evenings to repetitive negative thoughts. When you go to bed, and how long you sleep at a time, might actually make it difficult for you to stop worrying. So say researchers, who found that people who sleep for shorter periods of time and go to bed very late at night are often overwhelmed with more negative thoughts than those who keep more regular sleeping hours.

Cancer from asbestos caused by more than one cell mutation

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:43 AM PST

It has been a long held belief that tumors arising from exposure to asbestos are caused by mutations in one cell, which then produces multiple clones. This hypothesis is challenged by new research, which suggests it is caused by mutations in multiple cells.

Medications for patients with first episode psychosis may not meet guidelines

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:43 AM PST

Many patients with first-episode psychosis receive medications that do not comply with recommended guidelines for first-episode treatment, researchers have found. Current guidelines emphasize low doses of antipsychotic drugs and strategies for minimizing the side effects that might contribute to patients stopping their medication. A NIH-funded study finds that almost 40 percent of people with first-episode psychosis in community mental health clinics across the country might benefit from medication treatment changes.

Parkinson's drugs safe for the heart, preliminary study suggests

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:43 AM PST

Non-ergot derived dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson's disease may be safe for the heart, according to preliminary research.

Current guidelines not clear on which children most at risk of severe flu complications

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:41 AM PST

Children born prematurely are at an increased risk of flu-related complications, despite not being identified as an "at risk" group in UK, USA, or WHO guidelines, and should be a priority group for the seasonal flu vaccination, new research suggests.

Psychological problems in men experiencing cancer

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:41 AM PST

Some key markers for vulnerability to psychological problems in men experiencing cancer have been identified by researchers. A group of 127 men aged 18 and over with a cancer diagnosis were recruited through the National Health Service in England and cancer charities between April 2009 and April 2011. The participants were assessed for demographic factors, social support, anxiety and depression, and distress. The findings indicated that participants who were separated and divorced had lower social support and greater depression. Younger age was related to higher anxiety, and distress. Living in an area of higher deprivation indicated greater depression and anxiety. Social support was also a key indicator of psychological health.

Uncovering one of humankind’s most ancient lineages

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:41 AM PST

Scientists have successfully discovered one of modern humans' ancient lineages through the sequencing of genes of the Southern African Khoisan tribespeople. This is the first time that the history of humankind populations has been analyzed and matched to Earth's climatic conditions over the last 200,000 years.

3-D printing to the rescue of gastronomy for frail seniors

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:40 AM PST

Researchers are now developing personalised food for elderly people with chewing or swallowing problems, by working on printable versions of meat and vegetables.

More evidence for impact of lung cancer targeted therapy from practice-changing trial

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:40 AM PST

For previously untreated lung cancer patients with a particular genetic change, a new targeted therapy is better than standard chemotherapy, a new study confirms. This work involved 343 patients with previously untreated ALK-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer. It showed that those patients who received crizotinib did better with respect to improvement in symptoms and delay in growth of the cancer than those on standard chemotherapy. Also the new targeted drug had no unexpected side effects.

Natural substance in red wine has an anti-inflammatory effect in cardiovascular diseases

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:40 AM PST

A natural substance present in red wine, resveratrol, inhibits the formation of inflammatory factors that trigger cardiovascular diseases, a research team concludes. They report that resveratrol binds with the KSRP regulator protein and provides for its activation.

Mini chromosomes that strengthen tumors

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:40 AM PST

Cancers are due to genetic aberrations in certain cells that gain the ability to divide indefinitely. This proliferation of sick cells generates tumors, which gradually invade healthy tissue. Therefore, current therapies essentially seek to destroy cancer cells to stop their proliferation. Through high-throughput genetic sequencing of glioblastoma cells, one of the most deadly brain tumors, a team of geneticists has discovered that some of these mutations are caused by supplemental extrachromosomal DNA fragments, called double minutes, which enable cancer cells to better adapt to their environment and therefore better resist to treatments meant to destroy them.

Technology breakthrough reveals cellular transcription process

Posted: 04 Dec 2014 04:38 AM PST

A new technology that reveals cellular gene transcription in greater detail has been developed by researchers. "This new research tool offers us a more profound view of the immune responses that are involved in a range of diseases, such as HIV infection. At the level of gene transcription, this had been difficult, complex and costly to do with current technologies, such as microscopy," a researcher said.

No link found between bladder cancer, use of pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, Avandia

Posted: 03 Dec 2014 03:51 PM PST

Some previous studies have linked the diabetes medication pioglitazone to bladder cancer. However a new study -- including more than one million people in six populations worldwide -- has found no link between either pioglitazone or rosiglitazone, also known as Avandia, and bladder cancer.

Potential therapy for second most common form of dementia

Posted: 03 Dec 2014 03:51 PM PST

Drugs that boost the function of a specific type of neurotransmitter receptor may provide benefit to patients with the second most common type of dementia, according to research.

Professors weigh effectiveness of soda tax

Posted: 03 Dec 2014 12:18 PM PST

Several states and cities have and continue to propose a tax on soft drinks to curb obesity. In November, voters in Berkeley, California, were the first to approve such a tax. But researchers question whether it will have the desired effect.

Volunteers can now help scientists seek Ebola cure in their (computer's) spare time

Posted: 03 Dec 2014 11:24 AM PST

Beginning today, anyone can download a safe and free app that will put their computer or Android-based mobile device to work to form a virtual supercomputer to help scientists screen millions of chemical compounds to identify new drug leads for treating Ebola.

Peptide shows great promise for treating spinal cord injury, rat study shows

Posted: 03 Dec 2014 11:24 AM PST

Scientists have developed a new chemical compound that shows extraordinary promise in restoring function lost to spinal cord injury. The compound allowed paralyzed muscles to activate in more than 80 percent of the animals tested.

Maths shows that treating AIDS, hepatitis C simultaneously is more effective

Posted: 03 Dec 2014 05:37 AM PST

Researchers have collaborated on a mathematical analysis that concludes that joint therapy to counter HIV in patients who also have hepatitis C increases the chance of success in the fight against both infections. Between eight and nine million people worldwide simultaneously suffer from AIDS and hepatitis C.
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