الجمعة، 15 مايو 2015

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Campaign increases mouth and throat cancer screenings among low-income rural Floridians

Posted: 14 May 2015 12:28 PM PDT

Raising awareness of the dangers of mouth and throat cancer increased the number of black men in some of Florida's poorest counties who sought screening for the first time, opening the door to improved survival rates through early detection and treatment, researchers report.

Findings reveal clues to functioning of mysterious 'mimivirus'

Posted: 14 May 2015 12:28 PM PDT

Researchers have discovered the structure of a key protein on the surface of an unusually large virus called the mimivirus, aiding efforts to determine its hosts and unknown functions. The mimivirus was initially thought to be a bacterium because it is much larger than most viruses. It was isolated by French scientists in 1992 but wasn't confirmed to be a virus until 2003.

Drug micro-factory engineered to attack tumors

Posted: 14 May 2015 12:27 PM PDT

A team of investigators has engineered therapeutic cells encapsulated in nanoporous capsules to secrete antitumor molecules from within the tumor.

'Graduation' from poverty: Anti-poverty intervention provides sustained boost to incomes and wealth

Posted: 14 May 2015 11:29 AM PDT

An anti-poverty program tested extensively on three continents has produced sustained gains in individuals' income, wealth, and well-being, according to a study. The program provides very poor people with productive assets, such as livestock, as well as job training, life-skills coaching, and health information. Known as the "Graduation" program, its intention was to examine whether helping the poor in multiple ways simultaneously could be especially effective in fighting poverty.

New mouse model for ALS and frontotemporal dementia gene offers hope for potential therapies

Posted: 14 May 2015 11:28 AM PDT

A mouse model has been developed that exhibits the neuropathological and behavioral features associated with the most common genetic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which are caused by a mutation in the C9ORF72 gene. The researchers hope that this model will leave to new potential therapies.

Geckos resistant to antibiotics, may pose risk to pet owners, study finds

Posted: 14 May 2015 11:10 AM PDT

Tokay geckos harbor bacteria that are resistant to a number of antibiotics, making them a health concern for pet owners, according to a study on geckos imported from Indonesia. The research focused on how the geckos respond to antibiotics; the study found that the bacteria from the geckos' intestines--known as enteric bacteria--were resistant to the antibiotics.

Genomics laboratory capability in Liberia supports Ebola virus outbreak response

Posted: 14 May 2015 11:10 AM PDT

Army scientists working to support the Ebola virus outbreak response in West Africa have established the first genomic surveillance capability in Liberia, enabling them to monitor genetic changes in the virus within one week of sample collection, a new article explains.

Study clarifies best treatments for uncommon kidney cancers

Posted: 14 May 2015 11:10 AM PDT

A head-to-head comparison of two biologic therapies used to treat a subset of patients with advanced kidney cancers provides much-needed clarity on the preferred treatment for the first line of attack. Research focused on three forms of non-clear cell kidney cancers: metastatic papillary, chromophobe or unclassified. The patients were randomly assigned to receive one of the two approved treatments that are typically used, everolimus or sunitinib, until their tumors progressed.

Growing interest: School-grown vegetables increase salad selection

Posted: 14 May 2015 10:29 AM PDT

If kids grow vegetables, they're more likely to eat them. A new study shows that when garden grown vegetables were slipped into school salads, kids were over four times as likely to take a salad.

'Hydrogels' boost ability of stem cells to restore eyesight and heal brains

Posted: 14 May 2015 10:29 AM PDT

Scientists and engineers have made a breakthrough in cell transplantation using a gel-like biomaterial that keeps cells alive and helps them integrate better into tissue. In two early lab trials, this has already shown to partially reverse blindness and help the brain recover from stroke.

Signaling pathway revealed through which a promising anti-leukemia drug kills cancer cells

Posted: 14 May 2015 10:29 AM PDT

Due to overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness in mice, inhibitors of the leukemia protein BRD4, including the drug JQ1, moved into clinical trials starting in 2013. There are 12 trials targeting BRD4 in progress. Last year, clinical trial findings indicated that an oral inhibitor of BRD4 similar to JQ1 had led to complete remission in some patients. Now a team of researchers has determined the pathway through which JQ1 acts.

Computerized vital signs analysis may help prevent trauma patients from bleeding to death

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:25 AM PDT

A research team has successfully field tested a system that analyzed patient vital signs during emergency transport in a fully automated fashion, finding that such a system could diagnose those with life-threatening bleeding before they arrive at the hospital, potentially saving lives.

Study estimates prevalence of glaucoma among Singapore Chinese

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:25 AM PDT

A study of Chinese adults in Singapore suggests the prevalence of glaucoma, a disease of the eye that can result in blindness, was 3.2 percent, with no difference from a previous study conducted in 1997, according to a study.

Study examines treatment factors associated with oral cavity cancer survival

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:25 AM PDT

The surgical procedure known as neck dissection to remove lymph nodes and receiving treatment at academic or research institutions was associated with improved survival in patients with stages I and II oral cavity squamous cell cancer, according to a report.

Sound waves could be viable alternative in diagnosing minor fractures

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:19 AM PDT

A study has been conducted of the usefulness and efficiency of portable ultrasound in detecting the presence of minor fractures in patients presenting to a minor injuries unit. Analysis showed that 85% of patients with a fracture confirmed by X-ray had injuries detected through ultrasonography. The authors say emergency clinicians could rule in fractures by studying the ultrasound images but ruling out fractures is still the job of radiographers.

New form of inherited blindness discovered

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:19 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered that mutations in the gene DRAM2 cause a new type of late-onset inherited blindness. The research describes individuals from five families with a variety of DRAM2 mutations, all of which lead to loss of central vision beginning at age 30-40. Peripheral vision loss is also described in older individuals.

Minimal residual disease alone not predictive in T-cell leukemia

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:11 AM PDT

Researchers found that the presence of a few remaining leukemia cells, called minimal residual disease (MRD), at the end of induction chemotherapy was not predictive of risk or outcome in children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This opens the possibility for patients with T-cell ALL who have MRD to achieve complete remission without undergoing intensified cancer treatments and their associated toxicities.

Research paves way for early detection of liver cancer

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:11 AM PDT

Researchers have developed the first robust and noninvasive detection of early stage liver cancer and liver metastases, in addition to other liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and liver fibrosis. More than 700,000 people are diagnosed with liver cancer each year. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for more than 600,000 deaths annually.

Patient-centered outcomes studies needed in pain management

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:11 AM PDT

People suffering chronic pain have valuable information to share about their condition and overall health that can help pain researchers and physicians in treatment planning, according to experts.

How healthcare is organized may affect how well blood pressure is controlled

Posted: 14 May 2015 09:11 AM PDT

For medical practices, having more unique doctors on staff and having doctors see more patients doesn't necessarily lead to improved patient outcomes—and in fact, may have the opposite effect, according to report.

Unemployment linked to rise in prostate cancer deaths

Posted: 14 May 2015 08:06 AM PDT

The knock-on effects of the economic downturn have been explored in economy and psychology. Now researchers are examining the effects of unemployment on an even darker subject - cancer mortality.

Contraceptive, cholesterol-lowering drugs used to treat cancer

Posted: 14 May 2015 07:28 AM PDT

The combination of a cholesterol-lowering drug, Bezafibrate, and a contraceptive steroid, Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, could be an effective, non-toxic treatment for a range of cancers, researchers have found.

New analytics model predicts readmission of congestive heart failure patients

Posted: 14 May 2015 07:28 AM PDT

Readmission of patients with chronic diseases is a growing problem, costing the U.S. health-care system about $25 billion each year. Researchers have developed a predictive analytics model that can identify congestive heart failure patients with high readmission risk and potentially help stymie those costs.

New release of Glioblastoma Atlas sheds light on deadly disease

Posted: 14 May 2015 07:28 AM PDT

Robust new data added to the Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project changes the scope and impact of this publicly available resource for researchers and clinicians searching for treatments for this most deadly and aggressive of brain cancers, glioblastoma multiforme.

Safety switch preserves beneficial effects of cell therapy

Posted: 14 May 2015 07:28 AM PDT

A single dose of an otherwise harmless drug can safely control the severe and often lethal side effects associated with haploidentical stem cell transplantation, new research has found. The switch, scientists say, allows for the elimination of the donor cells that cause graft versus host disease but leave behind the component that fights viral infection.

New cancer treatment, prevention studies signal major advances for children, adults

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:58 AM PDT

Results from four major studies have been announced by experts, showing that: use of a widely available vitamin pill reduces the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers; that early chemotherapy extends the lives of men with advanced prostate cancers; and that new therapies can improve outcomes for children with a rare form of kidney cancer and adults with relapsed multiple myeloma.

Educating the immune system to prevent allergies

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:58 AM PDT

With the arrival of spring, millions of people have begun their annual ritual of sneezing and wheezing due to seasonal allergies. A research team is bringing them hope with a potential vaccine that nudges the immune response away from developing allergies. The findings have major clinical implications since allergies and asthma often start in childhood and for which there is presently no cure.

Breakthrough opens door to safer lupus drugs

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:57 AM PDT

A ground-breaking discovery could revolutionize treatments given to lupus sufferers, saving thousands of people each year from serious illness or death caused by secondary infections, researchers report.

Computer intelligence system developed for acute stroke detection

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:57 AM PDT

A novel computer-aided detection system has been developed for acute stroke using computer intelligence technology. The detection accuracy is 90 percent, which is as high as that conducted by specialists, but at a much reduced time from 10-15 minutes to three minutes. The new system serves as a second opinion for frontline medical doctors, enabling timely and appropriate treatment for stroke patients.

Frontline immune cells can travel for help

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:57 AM PDT

'Neutrophils' cells that form the bulk of our fast-acting 'innate' immune system behave differently, depending on whether an injury is infected or not, new research shows.

Children's views should shape how research is conducted, says ethics body

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:57 AM PDT

A new report calls for a change in culture across all areas of children's health research, so that children's and young people's views and opinions can help to shape how research is prioritized, designed and reviewed. Unless ethical concerns about asking children to take part in research are addressed, our understanding of childhood disorders and ability to provide evidence based care will remain limited.

Definitive tests for irritable bowel syndrome developed

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:52 AM PDT

Millions of people afflicted by irritable bowel syndrome can now be diagnosed quickly and accurately with two simple blood tests developed by a gastroenterologist. The tests confirm when a patient has developed IBS because of food poisoning, a major cause of the disorder.

Bid for bandages to enter the electronic age: Electrical stimulation promotes healing

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:52 AM PDT

The most detailed study to date showing how electrical stimulation accelerates wound healing has now been carried out.

Revealing kidney cancer's secret

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:52 AM PDT

An international team of scientists has used a sophisticated combination of proteomics and metabolomics to show how renal cell carcinoma (RCC) reprograms its metabolism and evades the immune system. In addition, the study found that cancer grade has a major impact on this reprogramming. These results point to new therapeutic options for this particularly deadly cancer.

Bullying: What we know based on 40 years of research

Posted: 14 May 2015 06:52 AM PDT

Psychologists have reviewed over 40 years of research on bullying among school age youth, documented the current understanding of the complexity of the issue and suggested directions for future research.

New age of genome editing could lead to cure for sickle cell anemia

Posted: 14 May 2015 05:59 AM PDT

Researchers have shown that changing just a single letter of the DNA of human red blood cells in the laboratory increases their production of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin -- a world-first advance that could lead to a cure for sickle cell anemia and other blood disorders. The new genome editing technique introduces a beneficial, naturally occurring genetic mutation into the cells to switch on a gene that is turned off in most people after birth.

Common hospital soap effective in preventing hospital-acquired infections

Posted: 14 May 2015 05:59 AM PDT

A new study holds hope for a relatively inexpensive way to improve care and prevent the spread of deadly hospital-acquired infections by bathing patients in a common hospital soap. MRSA and other hospital acquired infections are a growing healthcare concern. The CDC reported that on any given day, about one in every 25 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection. Its survey found an estimated 722,000 hospital-acquired infections in U.S acute care hospitals in 2011, the most recent year for which it has data. It also found 75,000 hospital patients with these infections died during their hospitalizations.

Geneticists clock genetic differences between 'larks' and 'night owls'

Posted: 14 May 2015 05:57 AM PDT

Geneticists have for the first time identified the genetic clues behind what makes you a 'lark' or an 'owl'. Based on analysis of a fruit fly, the scientists have discovered nearly 80 genes associated with 'morningness' and 'eveningness'.

Recommended levels of activity rarely achieved in busy workplace environment

Posted: 14 May 2015 05:57 AM PDT

Even a busy job may not provide enough exercise to meet current activity recommendations for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, according to a study. The study examined the activity patterns of 83 employees working in six occupational groups at a European hospital during a typical working week. Everyone wore a pedometer to record each step taken and energy expenditure was assessed according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

PartySmart: Could the infamous 'hangover' become extinct?

Posted: 14 May 2015 05:57 AM PDT

It's a Sunday morning, you didn't get back home until 3:30am, your head is banging, your throat is sore and to top it off, your mouth is dry. Later the fatigue will kick in, making it impossible to leave your bed.  Welcome to the dreaded hangover.  Now wouldn't it be good if the infamous 'hangover' were to become extinct?

Stress relief techniques help cancer patients overcome fear of treatment

Posted: 14 May 2015 05:57 AM PDT

The benefit of rapid stress management techniques (RSMTs) to help cancer patients who experience 'procedure-related' stress has been revealed by a new study. Patients experiencing distress related to medical procedures were able to achieve a 'calm state' both before and during procedures as a result of the interventions. Those who took part were positive about the experience, the researchers say.

Giving Hope: U.S. has nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors, study finds

Posted: 14 May 2015 05:44 AM PDT

There are nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors who could be sources of donated organs annually for HIV-positive patients waiting for organ donations, a new study has found. Increasing the number of HIV-positive donors could help all patients on the list simply by expanding donor options for the HIV patients already on the list who are waiting for organs, researchers say. It remains illegal to transplant organs from HIV-positive donors to HIV-negative recipients because of the likely transmission of HIV.

Every bite you take, every move you make, astrocytes will be watching you

Posted: 14 May 2015 05:44 AM PDT

Chewing, breathing, and other regular bodily functions that we undertake "without thinking" actually do require the involvement of our brain, but the question of how the brain programs such regular functions intrigues scientists. Scientists have now shown that astrocytes play a key role. Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells in our brain. Glial cells are not neurons – they play a supporting role.

A SMARTer approach to stroke care

Posted: 13 May 2015 06:11 PM PDT

Time is critical when it comes to stroke, and early treatment is associated with better outcomes. According to the Screening with MRI for Accurate and Rapid stroke Treatment (SMART) study, small changes in quality improvement procedures enabled clinicians to use MRI scans to diagnose stroke patients before giving acute treatment, within 60 minutes of hospital arrival. MRI scans provide detailed images but take longer to complete than CT scans, which are commonly used in most centers.

Drug extends survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Posted: 13 May 2015 06:11 PM PDT

A drug developed 50 years ago and abandoned because it was considered to be too toxic has gained a second life in an international clinical trial. Research shows the drug and a potentiating agent lengthened the lives of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, all of whom had exhausted available standard treatments.

X-linked gene mutations cause some cases of male infertility, study says

Posted: 13 May 2015 06:07 PM PDT

Some cases of male infertility are due to mutations in the maternal X chromosome that prevent development of viable sperm, according to a study. Nearly half of cases of male infertility not due to a physical obstruction are estimated to have genetic roots, and about 20 percent of infertile men have azoospermia, meaning they don't make sperm. The only causes for infertility that have been identified are defects of sex chromosomes, such as the deletions of the Y (male) chromosome or duplication of the entire X (female) chromosome in Klinefelter syndrome.

Anemia distorts regular method of diabetes diagnosis and questions its reliability

Posted: 13 May 2015 06:07 PM PDT

New research highlights how anemia -- a common condition in the general population, especially in women -- can lead to a false diagnosis of diabetes based on HbA1c, when a person's blood sugar control is actually normal.

Tumor sequencing study highlights benefits of profiling healthy tissue as well

Posted: 13 May 2015 06:00 PM PDT

As the practice of genetically profiling patient tumors for clinical treatment decision making becomes more commonplace, a recent study suggests that profiling normal DNA also provides an important opportunity to identify inherited mutations that could be critical for patients and their families.

Variations in liver cancer attributable to hepatitis virus variations

Posted: 13 May 2015 06:00 PM PDT

Significant clinical variations exist among patients with the most common type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), depending on the viral cause of the disease –hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). These differences suggest that hepatitis status should be considered when developing treatment plans for newly diagnosed patients, according to researchers.
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