ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Helping youth cope with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts
• No improvement in cognition with post-menopausal hormones
• Ultrasound is making new waves throughout medicine
• Microendoscope could eliminate unneeded biopsies
• Immunity enzyme defends against tuberculosis infection, study shows
• Natural variants in genetic system that affects aging identified
• Plasma for medical, biological uses: New electron density diagnostic method
• Scientists discover a protein that silences the biological clock
• Does Agion silver technology work as an antimicrobial?
• Oral bacterium possibly associated with systemic disease found in Alabama schoolchildren
• Is our first line of defense sleeping on the job?
• Toothbrush contamination in communal bathrooms
• Eyes sealed shut: Seamless closure of surgical incisions
• Academic struggles more common in children with epilepsy who have brain surgery
• Genome-editing proteins seek and find with a slide and a hop
• Are you taking too much NyQuil? The surprising futility of drug labeling
• Why HIV's cloak has a long tail
• Intelligent bacteria for detecting disease
• Scary TV's impact on kids is overstated, say psychologists
• Use of computerized clinical decision support tools leads to small reduction in inappropriate advanced imaging studies
• Improving the delivery of chemotherapy with graphene
• Microbiology: Gut bacteria cooperate when life gets tough
• Researchers stimulate larynx muscles with light
• Single 30-day hospital readmission metric fails to reflect changing risk factors
• Study questions effectiveness of computerized clinical decision support systems
• Multifaceted intervention associated with modest decrease in surgical site infections
• Examination of antidepressant use in late pregnancy and newborn respiratory disorder
• Key to maintaining muscle strength while we age
• Misperceptions about impact of double mastectomy
• FDA addresses concerns on approval of drugs to treat chronic hepatitis C
• How microprocessor precisely initiates miRNA production
• Weight loss surgery puts spark back into relationships
• Pre-existing inflammation may promote the spread of cancer
• Infant brains develop years faster than we thought
• CT angiography links arterial plaque with diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol
• Teens turn to Internet to cope with health challenges
• Hodgkin's lymphoma: Rare case located outside of the nodules
• Two hours after the goal celebrations: The effect of football results on the well-being of viewers
• Two new groups of viruses discovered
• X-ray scanning to guarantee meat tenderness
• Smart watches, apps can make life easier for ADHD children
• Noncoding RNA CCDC26 regulates KIT expression
• Genetic causes of cerebral palsy trump birth causes
• Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in children and adolescents with sports-related concussion
• Neuroimaging findings generally nondiagnostic in children and adolescents with sports-related concussions
• Transitional care, progressive mobility help patients with post-acute care recovery
• Hybrid tissue-engineered valves may expand options for heart valve surgery patients

Helping youth cope with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts Posted: 02 Jun 2015 02:19 PM PDT A program is helping strengthen the mental health of public school students. The EMPATHY program, created and implemented in 2013, shows after just three months of use in schools, the program significantly decreased anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among the student population.

No improvement in cognition with post-menopausal hormones Posted: 02 Jun 2015 12:34 PM PDT Menopausal hormone therapy given to recently postmenopausal women in the US for up to four years does not improve cognition, but may have some positive benefits for some mood symptoms, according to a new study.

Ultrasound is making new waves throughout medicine Posted: 02 Jun 2015 12:33 PM PDT For decades, ultrasound was employed in only a handful of medical specialties. But today it is being used across the spectrum of disciplines, from anesthesiology to urology. Ultrasound, also called sonography, is now probably the most widely employed imaging tool in medicine today.

Microendoscope could eliminate unneeded biopsies Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:23 AM PDT In a clinical study of patients in the United States and China, researchers found that a portable, low-cost, battery-powered microendoscope could eventually eliminate the need for costly biopsies for many patients undergoing standard endoscopic screening for esophageal cancer.

Immunity enzyme defends against tuberculosis infection, study shows Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:23 AM PDT A study has identified how an enzyme involved in protecting the body from pathogens senses Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterial pathogen that infects millions of people worldwide and causes about 1.5 million deaths annually.

Natural variants in genetic system that affects aging identified Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:22 AM PDT A study of the rapid evolution of the insulin-signaling molecular network that regulates growth, reproduction, metabolism and aging lays important groundwork for future studies.

Plasma for medical, biological uses: New electron density diagnostic method Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:07 AM PDT An electron density diagnostic method has been developed for atmospheric pressure low-temperature plasma that is anticipated to be applicable for the fields of environmental protection and of medicine and biology. Diagnostics techniques for fusion plasma research are applied to this achievement and make it possible to diagnose electron density using an interferometer, which in the past had been difficult due to influences from the atmosphere.

Scientists discover a protein that silences the biological clock Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:07 AM PDT A new study has found that a protein associated with cancer cells is a powerful suppressor of the biological clock that drives the daily ('circadian') rhythms of cells throughout the body. The discovery adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between cancer and disruption of circadian rhythms, while offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms of the biological clock.

Does Agion silver technology work as an antimicrobial? Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:07 AM PDT The antibacterial effectiveness of Agion silver zeolite technology was tested on door handles across the Penn State Erie campus and after four years of sampling, a significant difference was observed between the bacterial populations isolated from silver versus control-coated door handles.

Oral bacterium possibly associated with systemic disease found in Alabama schoolchildren Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:07 AM PDT Prevalence of a recently discovered serotype of oral bacterium, with a possible link to a number of systemic diseases, was found for the first time in a small cohort of African-American schoolchildren in a southwest Alabama town, according to research.

Is our first line of defense sleeping on the job? Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:07 AM PDT The skin microbiome is considered our first line of defense against pathogens. Across our bodies, we are covered with a diverse assemblage of bacteria. However, the skin can be a harsh environment for beneficial bacteria to live on due to UV exposure, high salinity, and desiccation stress. Research has found that these suboptimal conditions may cause some bacteria to enter a dormant state, while other bacteria may simply die.

Toothbrush contamination in communal bathrooms Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:06 AM PDT Data confirms that there is transmission of fecal coliforms in communal bathrooms at a university, and that toothbrushes can serve as a vector for transmission of potentially pathogenic organisms.

Eyes sealed shut: Seamless closure of surgical incisions Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:06 AM PDT A researcher has spent much of his career honing his pioneering technique called 'laser welding,' which heats incisions in a precisely controlled manner for optimal wound closure. His latest study explores a radical new application to seal transplants of the cornea -- which could dramatically advance eye surgery.

Academic struggles more common in children with epilepsy who have brain surgery Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:06 AM PDT A new study has taken the first-ever look at the academic outcomes of children with epilepsy who have had brain surgery, and found that they have a higher chance of struggling in class following their surgery.

Genome-editing proteins seek and find with a slide and a hop Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:05 AM PDT Searching a whole genome for one particular sequence is like trying to fish a specific piece from the box of a billion-piece puzzle. Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers have observed how one set of genome-editing proteins finds its specific targets, which could help them design better gene therapies to treat disease.

Are you taking too much NyQuil? The surprising futility of drug labeling Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:05 AM PDT Any box or bottle of over-the-counter (OTC) medicine lists its active ingredients prominently on the label. But are consumers using that information to make wise choices about taking two or more OTC drugs at the same time? Probably not, suggests a new study.

Why HIV's cloak has a long tail Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:05 AM PDT A small section of the envelope protein, located on the 'tail' of the HIV virus is necessary for the protein to be sorted into viral particles. Figuring out how to manipulate the envelope protein could help researchers design more effective vaccines, experts say.

Intelligent bacteria for detecting disease Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:05 AM PDT Research teams have transformed bacteria into 'secret agents' that can give warning of a disease based solely on the presence of characteristic molecules in the urine or blood. To perform this feat, the researchers inserted the equivalent of a computer program into the DNA of the bacterial cells. The bacteria thus programmed detect the abnormal presence of glucose in the urine of diabetic patients. This work is the first step in the use of programmable cells for medical diagnosis.

Scary TV's impact on kids is overstated, say psychologists Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:04 AM PDT The impact of scary TV on children's well-being has been overstated, according to psychologists. While research has shown that a small minority of children can have extreme reactions to a scary program or film, the researchers found that, overall, children show very little sign of increased anxiety, fear, sadness or sleep problems.

Use of computerized clinical decision support tools leads to small reduction in inappropriate advanced imaging studies Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:03 AM PDT The increasing use of advanced medical imaging such as MRI and CT is often cited as a key driver of increasing medical costs. Beginning in 2017, federal rules will require that decision support tools must be used before ordering any advanced diagnostic imaging study paid for by Medicare. The tools, computer-based programs that match a patient's characteristics against treatment criteria and recommend a treatment, helped increase the proportion of tests for Medicare fee-for-service patients rated as appropriate.

Improving the delivery of chemotherapy with graphene Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:00 AM PDT A new study has proposed using graphene as an alternative coating for catheters to improve the delivery of chemotherapy drugs.

Microbiology: Gut bacteria cooperate when life gets tough Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:00 AM PDT Researchers have discovered with the help of computer models how gut bacteria respond to changes in their environment -- such as a decrease in oxygen levels or nutrient availability. Microorganisms that normally compete or overthrow one another can switch to a cooperative lifestyle when their living conditions change: They even start producing substances to make life easier for the other species, helping them to survive. The entire microbial community then stabilizes -- and together adapts successfully to the new situation.

Researchers stimulate larynx muscles with light Posted: 02 Jun 2015 10:00 AM PDT Researchers have found a way to stimulate the larynx muscles of mice using light. In the long term, this method could be an option for the treatment of laryngeal paralysis, which causes difficulties in phonation and breathing, the authors say.

Single 30-day hospital readmission metric fails to reflect changing risk factors Posted: 02 Jun 2015 09:58 AM PDT A new study suggests that risk factors for readmission change significantly over the course of the 30 days following hospital discharge. Thirty-day hospital readmission rates have become a federal quality metric intended to reflect inpatient quality of care and unnecessary health care utilization.

Study questions effectiveness of computerized clinical decision support systems Posted: 02 Jun 2015 09:57 AM PDT An analysis of the use of computerized clinical decision support systems regarding orders for advanced diagnostic imaging found that the systems failed to identify relevant appropriateness criteria for the majority of orders.

Multifaceted intervention associated with modest decrease in surgical site infections Posted: 02 Jun 2015 09:57 AM PDT Implementation of a pre-surgical intervention that included screening for the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, treating patients who were positive for this bacteria, and the administration of antibiotics based on these culture results was associated with a modest reduction in S aureus surgical site infections, according to a study.

Examination of antidepressant use in late pregnancy and newborn respiratory disorder Posted: 02 Jun 2015 09:57 AM PDT An analysis of approximately 3.8 million pregnancies finds that use of antidepressants late in pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). However, the absolute risk was small and the risk increase appears more modest than suggested in previous studies. PPHN is a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when a newborn's circulation system doesn't adapt to breathing outside the womb.

Key to maintaining muscle strength while we age Posted: 02 Jun 2015 09:57 AM PDT By knowing that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is vital for maintaining muscle mass with aging, researchers can now try to adapt exercise regimes and existing drugs to switch on AMPK in muscle more effectively. The development of new selective activators of the AMPK pathway in muscle may also be effective to prevent muscle loss with aging.

Misperceptions about impact of double mastectomy Posted: 02 Jun 2015 09:57 AM PDT A survey of women with breast cancer found that nearly half considered having a double mastectomy. But of those who considered it, only 37 percent knew that the more aggressive procedure does not improve survival for women with breast cancer.

FDA addresses concerns on approval of drugs to treat chronic hepatitis C Posted: 02 Jun 2015 06:30 AM PDT Treatment options for chronic hepatitis C, a serious and life-threatening infection, have improved substantially and several new regimens with shorter durations and improved efficacy and safety profiles are now available.

How microprocessor precisely initiates miRNA production Posted: 02 Jun 2015 06:28 AM PDT An insightful molecular mechanism of how Microprocessor has been revealed by scientists: the DROSHA-DGCR8 complex, precisely determines cleavage sites on miRNA-containing primary transcripts allowing faithful initiation of microRNA biogenesis.

Weight loss surgery puts spark back into relationships Posted: 02 Jun 2015 06:28 AM PDT Bariatric surgery does not only benefit the health of patients who undergo this weight loss procedure. It also leads to greater intimacy between them and their life partners, and adds a spark to their sex life. It's all in all a shared journey that brings partners closer together, say experts.

Pre-existing inflammation may promote the spread of cancer Posted: 02 Jun 2015 06:27 AM PDT There is mounting evidence that chronic inflammation is linked to increased risk of tumor development. A new study is helping to shed light on the important link between inflammation and cancer, and how pre-existing inflammation may aid in the metastatic process.

Infant brains develop years faster than we thought Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:57 AM PDT A key element of infant brain development occurs years earlier than previously thought, research has shown. The way we perceive faces -- using the right hemisphere of the brain -- is unique and sets us apart from non-human primates. It was thought that this ability develops as we learn to read, but a new study shows that in babies as young as four months it is already highly evolved.

CT angiography links arterial plaque with diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:57 AM PDT Non-calcified arterial plaque is associated with diabetes, high systolic blood pressure and elevated 'bad' cholesterol levels in asymptomatic individuals, according to a new study. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in men and women worldwide, accounting for 17 million deaths annually.

Teens turn to Internet to cope with health challenges Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:57 AM PDT While most teens tap online sources to learn more about puberty, drugs, sex, depression and other issues, a surprising 88 percent said they do not feel comfortable sharing their health concerns with Facebook friends or on other social networking sites, according to a study.

Hodgkin's lymphoma: Rare case located outside of the nodules Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:56 AM PDT The case of a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma located outside of the nodules has been published as a rare case study. There have been only 26 cases described like this in the scientific literature.

Two hours after the goal celebrations: The effect of football results on the well-being of viewers Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:56 AM PDT Football results can raise the immediate sense of well-being for viewers, but are unlikely to sustain it in the longer-term. Through a specially-designed smartphone app, scientists were able to show that the final results of football games have a shorter and less intensive effect as previously thought. The psychologists asked the study participants questions about their sense of well-being via the smartphone app before and after the group stage games of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Two new groups of viruses discovered Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:55 AM PDT Two new groups of viruses have been discovered within the Bunyavirus family in the tropical forest of Ivory Coast. Previously only five groups responsible for serious illnesses in humans and animals were known. Most are spread through blood-feeding insects. Based on the discovered viruses researchers conclude that the ancestor to all bunyaviruses must have existed in arthropods such as insects.

X-ray scanning to guarantee meat tenderness Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:55 AM PDT Have you ever bought an expensive steak for your evening meal only to be annoyed to find out that you're chewing on stubborn gristle? Worry no more -- change is just around the corner. Consumers may soon have a guarantee for the quality of meat they're paying for.

Smart watches, apps can make life easier for ADHD children Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:55 AM PDT Researchers believe that children with autism or ADHD can benefit from technologies originally developed for the elderly. Children and young people with ADHD can find it difficult to keep appointments and easy to forget what they have to bring with them in different situations. Their lives can be made easier if they use a smart watch or a calendar displayed on a mobile phone or tablet. Such aids may use a combination of pictures, sounds or text to remind them about where they have to be and when, and the things they have to do.

Noncoding RNA CCDC26 regulates KIT expression Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:49 AM PDT An long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which might give an impact on tyrosine kinase-targeted leukemia therapy, was found to be expressed in a leukemia cell line. The function of the lncRNA CCDC26 is not fully understood; however, researchers have now revealed the mechanisms by which CCDC26 controls the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT expression. The results provide new insights into leukemia recurrence and may help to develop new leukemia therapies.

Genetic causes of cerebral palsy trump birth causes Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:47 AM PDT Cerebral palsy has an even stronger genetic cause than previously thought, leading researchers to call for an end to unnecessary caesareans and arbitrary litigation against obstetric staff.

Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in children and adolescents with sports-related concussion Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:47 AM PDT Researchers have investigated the frequency of vestibulo-ocular dysfunction in children and adolescents with sports-related concussion and found that its presence was predictive of a prolonged recovery.

Neuroimaging findings generally nondiagnostic in children and adolescents with sports-related concussions Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:47 AM PDT Researchers examined neuroimaging studies obtained in children and adolescents with sports-related concussions and found that the images appeared normal in 78% of cases. Although usually nondiagnostic, occasionally such studies can be useful in guiding decisions about return to play.

Transitional care, progressive mobility help patients with post-acute care recovery Posted: 02 Jun 2015 04:47 AM PDT An article reviews post-acute transitional care as provided at a skilled nursing facility in western New York and examines the individual roles of various interdisciplinary team members, including progressive care nurses.

Hybrid tissue-engineered valves may expand options for heart valve surgery patients Posted: 01 Jun 2015 11:49 AM PDT A new heart valve has been developed that combines a patient's own cells with metal alloy for a more durable replacement with potentially fewer complications. Current valve replacement options are limited to those made solely from manufactured products (mechanical valves) or animal tissue (bioprosthetic valves). Mechanical heart valves tend to last longer than bioprosthetic valves, but they carry a greater long-term risk for blood clots that may lead to stroke and arterial thrombosis.

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