الخميس، 28 مايو 2015

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

Sex chromosomes: Why the Y genes matter

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:36 PM PDT

Several genes have been lost from the Y chromosome in humans and other mammals, according to research. The study shows that essential Y genes are rescued by relocating to other chromosomes, and it identifies a potentially important genetic factor in male infertility.

Importance of clinically actionable results in genetic panel testing for cancer

Posted: 27 May 2015 03:09 PM PDT

While advances in technology have made multigene testing, or 'panel testing,' for genetic mutations that increase the risk of breast or other cancers an option, authors of a review say larger studies are needed in order to provide reliable risk estimates for counseling these patients.

African-Americans at lower socioeconomic levels have increased risk of heart disease

Posted: 27 May 2015 03:09 PM PDT

African-Americans, especially women and young adults at lower socioeconomic levels have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and education about prevention and early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease in African-American women and younger adults.

Job-sharing with nursing robots

Posted: 27 May 2015 12:11 PM PDT

Given the threat of a massive earthquake striking Japan, researchers have organized a cooperative project team to develop a new robot. They set about determining the factors that are most important to hospital patients in modern society, after which they set about developing the world's first medical round robot capable of job-sharing, making more time for face-to-face nursing care.

Diagnosing cancer with lumninescent bacteria: Engineered probiotics detect tumors in liver

Posted: 27 May 2015 12:09 PM PDT

Engineers have devised a new way to detect cancer that has spread to the liver, by enlisting help from probiotics -- beneficial bacteria similar to those found in yogurt. Using a harmless strain of E. coli that colonizes the liver, the researchers programmed the bacteria to produce a luminescent signal that can be detected with a simple urine test.

'Do' is better than 'don't' when it comes to eating better

Posted: 27 May 2015 11:21 AM PDT

Tell your child or spouse what they can eat and not what they can't, experts advise. Telling your child to eat an apple so they stay healthy will work better than telling them not to eat the cookie because it will make them fat. A new discovery shows that 'Don't' messages don't work for most of us.

Tumor surroundings are shown to affect progression of different cancer subtypes

Posted: 27 May 2015 11:21 AM PDT

Our environment can have a major impact on how we develop, and it turns out it's no different for cancer cells. A team of researchers reports that two different mouse models of breast cancer progressed differently based on characteristics of the tumor microenvironment -- the area of tissue in which the tumor is embedded.

Ending Medicaid dental benefit is costly, experts say

Posted: 27 May 2015 11:20 AM PDT

A study finds states gain little when dropping adult dental coverage. Researchers say adults in California made 1,800 more hospital visits annually for dental care after losing the benefit. California spent $2.9 million each year, 68 percent more before eliminating the benefit.

America's research funding squeeze imperils patient care, say top medical school deans

Posted: 27 May 2015 11:18 AM PDT

Constraints in federal funding, compounded by declining clinical revenue, jeopardize more than America's research enterprise, experts say. These twin pressures have created a "hostile working environment" that erodes time to conduct research, "discourages innovative high-risk science" and threatens to drive established and early-career scientists out of the field. And this, they add, in turn undermines patient care.

Congressional action needed to optimize regulation of genomic tests

Posted: 27 May 2015 10:40 AM PDT

Latest generation genomic testing offers a chance for improvements in patient care, disease prevention and healthcare cost-effectiveness. A new report recommends that Congress incentivize development of massive data systems that doctors and regulators will need to make these tests safe and effective for patients. Existing regulatory oversight should be bolstered with ongoing postmarket data collection to study tests after they are in use and resolve lingering questions about health impacts of as-yet-poorly-understood genetic variants, experts argue.

Study could explain why ovarian cancer treatments fail

Posted: 27 May 2015 10:40 AM PDT

Ovarian cancer cells can lock into survival mode and avoid being destroyed by chemotherapy, an international study reports. The research used whole genome sequencing to analyse tumor DNA samples from 91 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC).

Researchers identify origin of chromosomal oddity in some cancer cells

Posted: 27 May 2015 10:40 AM PDT

Surveys of the genomic terrain of cancer have turned up a curious phenomenon in some tumor cells: a massive rearrangement of DNA in one or a few chromosomes, thought to be produced during a single cell cycle. In a new study, scientists demonstrate how this sudden, isolated shuffling of genetic material -- known as chromothripsis -- can occur.

Scientists identify key to preventing secondary cancers

Posted: 27 May 2015 10:39 AM PDT

Breast cancer is a disease that commonly spreads to other areas of the body; the most common site for the disease to spread is the bone. Leading scientists have identified a possible key to preventing secondary cancers in breast cancer patients, after discovering an enzyme that enhances the spread of the disease. They also report that an existing class of drugs for osteoporosis could stop the spread of the disease.

Potential proteins identified to target in osteosarcoma treatment

Posted: 27 May 2015 09:47 AM PDT

The genes and pathways that, when altered, can cause osteosarcoma have been identified by researchers using new models. The information could be used to better target treatments for the often-deadly type of cancer.

Differences in RORA levels in brain may contribute to autism sex bias

Posted: 27 May 2015 09:47 AM PDT

An important sex-dependent difference in the level of RORA protein in brain tissues of males and females has been found by scientists. Specifically, females without autism have a slightly higher level of RORA in the frontal cortex of the brain than males without autism, while the levels of the protein are comparably lower in the brain of both males and females with autism.

Medical, magnetic millirobots offer hope for less-invasive surgeries

Posted: 27 May 2015 09:47 AM PDT

Seeking to advance minimally invasive medical treatments, researchers have proposed using tiny robots, driven by magnetic potential energy from magnetic resonance imaging scanners. The potential technology could be used to treat hydrocephalus and other conditions, allowing surgeons to avoid current treatments that require cutting through the skull to implant pressure-relieving shunts, the researchers say.

Researchers discover surprisingly wide variation across species in genetic systems that influence aging

Posted: 27 May 2015 09:43 AM PDT

A new study focusing on insulin signaling uncovered surprising genetic diversity across reptiles, birds and mammals. Scientists previously assumed the process remained much the same throughout the animal kingdom, but the new research shows that the genetic pathways in reptiles evolved to include protein forms not observed in mammals.

Pinpointing natural cancer drug's true origins brings sustainable production a step closer

Posted: 27 May 2015 09:43 AM PDT

For decades, scientists have known that ET-743, a compound extracted from a marine invertebrate called a mangrove tunicate, can kill cancer cells. The drug has been approved for use in patients in Europe and is in clinical trials in the U.S. By analyzing the genome of the tunicate along with the microbes that live inside it using advanced sequencing techniques, researchers have been able to isolate the genetic blueprint of the ET-743's producer--which turns out to be a type of bacteria.

Telemedicine exams result in antibiotics as often as regular exams, study finds

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:31 AM PDT

Telemedicine is growing rapidly, yet there is relatively little research about the quality of such services. A new study finds that patients treated for an acute respiratory infection by a doctor on a telephone or live video are as likely to be prescribed an antibiotic as patients who are treated by a physician face-to-face. The report is the first to assess quality of direct-to-consumer telemedicine as compared to in-person care for common acute respiratory infections.

DNA: Expanding code of life with new 'letters'

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:31 AM PDT

The DNA encoding all life on Earth is made of four building blocks called nucleotides, commonly known as 'letters,' that line up in pairs and twist into a double helix. Now, two groups of scientists are reporting for the first time that two new nucleotides can do the same thing -- raising the possibility that entirely new proteins could be created for medical uses.

Heart: Electronic stent to provide feedback and therapy, then dissolve

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:30 AM PDT

Every year, an estimated half-million Americans undergo surgery to have a stent prop open a coronary artery narrowed by plaque. But sometimes the mesh tubes get clogged. Scientists have now developed a new kind of multi-tasking stent that could minimize the risks associated with the procedure. It can sense blood flow and temperature, store and transmit the information for analysis and can be absorbed by the body after it finishes its job.

Zebrafish model gives new insight on autism spectrum disorder

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:30 AM PDT

Researchers are utilizing animal models to understand how dysfunction of either of two genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, SYNGAP1 and SHANK 3, contributes to risk in ASD. The new findings pinpoint the actual place and time where these genes exert influence in brain development and function.

New online tool to predict genetic resistance to tuberculosis drugs

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:30 AM PDT

A new TB-Profiler tool analyses and interprets genome sequence data to predict resistance to 11 drugs used for the treatment of TB. This rapid tool means that sequence data can now be used without delay, so that finding which drugs to use for a patient with TB can be sped up by days or even weeks, increasing the likelihood of a cure.

How should Norway legalize egg donation?

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:28 AM PDT

More than 5 million children in Europe have been born as a result of assisted reproductive technologies, yet many European countries have regulations that restrict different aspects of these technologies. The result is that European women travel elsewhere to get services that are not currently available in their home countries. Now, the Norwegian Biotechnology Council is recommending that egg donation be made legal in Norway.

Common cancer drug increases collagen in melanoma

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:28 AM PDT

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and investigators are uncertain how its presence affects the behavior of melanoma cells. The goal of their study was to understand how the drug affects collagen synthesis by the tumor cells.

Study identifies brain regions activated when pain intensity doesn't match expectation

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:27 AM PDT

Picture yourself in a medical office, anxiously awaiting your annual flu shot. The nurse casually states, "This won't hurt a bit." But when the needle pierces your skin it hurts, and it hurts a lot. Your expectations have been violated, and not in a good way.

Any dose of alcohol combined with cannabis significantly increases levels of THC in blood

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:27 AM PDT

Cannabis plus alcohol is one of the most frequently detected drug combinations in car accidents, yet the interaction of these two compounds is still poorly understood. A study shows for the first time that the simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis produces significantly higher blood concentrations of cannabis's main psychoactive constituent, THC, as well as THC's primary active metabolite than cannabis use alone.

State regulations for indoor tanning could lead to a national regulatory framework

Posted: 27 May 2015 08:27 AM PDT

A national regulatory framework designed to prevent and limit indoor tanning is needed to alleviate the cancer burden and reduce the billions in financial costs from preventable skin cancer, say two public health experts.

Protein scaffold created by researchers

Posted: 27 May 2015 07:31 AM PDT

Right before a cell starts to divide to give birth to a daughter cell, its biochemical machinery unwinds the chromosomes and copies the millions of protein sequences comprising the cell's DNA, which is packaged along the length of the each chromosomal strand. These copied sequences also need to be put back together before the two cells are pulled apart. Mistakes can lead to genetic defects or cancerous mutations in future cell generations. Researchers have now charted a protein that scaffolds the chromosome along its length to help perpetuate life.

Flood aftermath linked to post-traumatic stress, study shows

Posted: 27 May 2015 07:31 AM PDT

Brisbane flood victims suffered more psychological distress during the rebuilding phase than as waters inundated their homes and businesses, a study has found. The lead researcher notes that while the flood was frightening on the day, the most difficult aspect for many people was the aftermath including the clean-up, the re-building process and dealing with insurance companies.

Are antidepressants more effective than usually assumed?

Posted: 27 May 2015 07:31 AM PDT

Many have recently questioned the efficacy of the most common antidepressant medications, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The conclusion that these drugs are ineffective is however partly based on a misinterpretation of the outcome of the clinical trials once conducted to demonstrate their efficacy, some researchers report.

New model for identifying total hip replacement candidates

Posted: 27 May 2015 07:23 AM PDT

A new model to help doctors and patients decide whether or not to proceed with total hip replacement surgery has been designed. The researchers have also surveyed patient wellbeing after surgery: patients with high education achieve greater outcome scores, while those with antidepressant prescriptions do not, they report.

Cooperation among viral variants helps hepatitis C survive immune system attacks

Posted: 27 May 2015 07:21 AM PDT

Warring armies use a variety of tactics, including use of a decoy force that occupies the defenders while an unseen force launches a separate attack that the defenders fail to notice. A new study suggests that the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) may employ similar tactics to distract the body's natural defenses.

Autism and rare childhood speech disorder often coincide

Posted: 27 May 2015 07:21 AM PDT

Some children with autism should undergo ongoing screenings for apraxia, a rare neurological speech disorder, because the two conditions often go hand-in-hand, according to researchers. It's estimated that one in 68 children in the United States has autism and one to two in 1,000 have apraxia. With increased recognition and improved evaluation measures, more children are being identified with autism and apraxia. Developmental experts have long noted autism and apraxia seem to frequently coincide.

False breast cancer alarm has negative impact on health

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:55 AM PDT

The psychological strain of being told that you may have breast cancer may be severe, even if it turns out later to be a false alarm. Researchers are calling for improving screening accuracy, thus reducing the number of false-positive mammograms.

ClinGen: A new era for genetic interpretation

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:54 AM PDT

A consortium if investigators has presented ClinGen, a program to evaluate the clinical relevance of genetic variants for use in precision medicine and research. Using this program, clinicians and researchers hope to use information about genetic variants not only to make predictions about an individual's risk of disease but also to develop more accurate clinical trials and better, tailored treatments and care for patients.

Imaging test may identify biomarker of Alzheimer's disease

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:54 AM PDT

Degeneration of the white matter of the brain may be an early marker of specific types of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including early-onset AD, according to results of a new study.

Eating a Mediterranean diet could cut womb cancer risk

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:53 AM PDT

Women who eat a Mediterranean diet could cut their risk of womb cancer by more than half (57 per cent), according to a new study.

Hodgkin's lymphoma: Treatment can have late sequelae

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:26 AM PDT

In Hodgkin's lymphoma -- cancer of the lymph nodes -- nine out of ten patients survive the disease, thanks to the highly effective treatments that are now available. Depending on the type of treatment given, however, there may be late sequelae, researchers report. These authors studied the question of which types of treatment were more likely to be followed by the development of secondary malignant neoplasia, and they quantified the risk of such an event as a function of the treatment received.

Cultural health beliefs and social networks crucial in South Asian people's management of diabetes

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:25 AM PDT

New findings shed light on the poor outcomes of South Asian people with diabetes in the UK. Analysis of interviews with South Asian people shows that especially among first generation immigrants, fatalistic and treatment beliefs are often a hindrance to managing the condition.

Access to mental health care for teens improving, but less for communities with disparities

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:14 AM PDT

Teens in the U.S. have more availability of mental health care than they did two years ago, but access is not equal in all communities, new research suggests. A five year study gauged opportunities for children and teens at the local level in communities across the U.S. surveying over 2,000 adults across the U.S. who work and/or volunteer on behalf of children and teens.

Toddler temperament could be influenced by different types of gut bacteria

Posted: 27 May 2015 06:14 AM PDT

The microbiome of a toddler's gut may influence their behavior, a new study suggests. Scientists found correlations between temperament and the presence of specific types of intestinal bacteria in both girls and boys. The researchers aren't looking for a way to help parents modify the 'terrible twos,' but for clues about how - and where - chronic illnesses like obesity, asthma, allergies and bowel diseases start.

Psychedelic drugs should be legally reclassified as they may benefit patients, experts say

Posted: 26 May 2015 06:50 PM PDT

Legal restrictions imposed on medical use of psychedelic drugs, such as LSD and psilocybin (the compound found in 'magic' mushrooms), are making trials almost impossible and authorities should 'downgrade their unnecessarily restrictive class A, schedule 1 classification,' writes a psychiatrist.

Newer contraceptive pills linked to higher clot risks, study confirms

Posted: 26 May 2015 06:50 PM PDT

New evidence to confirm the link between newer contraceptive pills and higher risk of serious blood clots (known as venous thromboembolism or VTE) has been provided by a new study. About 9% of women of reproductive age worldwide use oral contraceptives, rising to 18% of women in developed countries and 28% of women in the UK.

Drug treatment to prevent hip fracture is neither viable nor cost effective, experts say

Posted: 26 May 2015 06:50 PM PDT

The current focus on drugs to prevent hip fractures is neither viable as a public health strategy nor cost effective, argue an international team of researchers.

Increasing dietary fiber reduces risk of developing diabetes

Posted: 26 May 2015 06:50 PM PDT

Consuming greater quantities of dietary fiber reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research confirms. Over 360 million people worldwide are estimated to be affected by diabetes, and this number is projected to increase to more than 550 million by 2030, with serious consequences for the health and economy of both developed and developing countries.
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