ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Experimental drug treatment for Rett syndrome suggests disorder is reversible, mouse study shows
• Flow means 'go' for proper lymph system development
• One in four patients with defibrillators experiences boost in heart function over time
• Gene therapy may improve survival of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer
• In CRISPR advance, scientists successfully edit human T cells
• Blood markers identify women at risk for postpartum depression
• Some stroke treatments proven to reduce health care costs
• Researchers identify model to predict successful wound healing
• Improved survival of HIV patients facilitates heart disease research
• Some vaccines support evolution of more-virulent viruses
• In lab tests, new therapy slows spread of deadly brain tumor cells
• Insulin resistance increases risk for Alzheimer's disease, study finds
• Strong link between delirium, inflammation in older patients
• Simple procedure using a nasal balloon can help treat hearing loss in children
• New material opens possibilities for super-long-acting pills
• Emergency transport times for stroke patients still in need of improvement
• Device innovation is driving improvement in stroke treatment outcomes
• Insight on causes of child obesity, tactics to end it
• Future medicinal chemistry shines the spotlight on schistosomiasis
• Weight loss for a healthy liver
• 3D image of malaria 'conductor' aids search for antimalarial drugs
• New treatment options for a fatal leukemia
• 'Major player' in skin cancer genes identified
• Admission rates increasing for newborns of all weights in NICUs
• Some adverse drug events not reported by manufacturers to FDA by 15-day mark
• Possible path toward first anti-MERS drugs
• Researchers identify protein in mice that helps prepare for healthy egg-sperm union
• Home births lead to higher infant mortality, at least for mothers living in poorer areas, experts say
• Rapid Ebola test could play key role in efforts to end lingering outbreak
• Sausage or broccoli on your pizza? How decision frames influence people's food orders
• Increased protein turnover contributes to development of pulmonary fibrosis
• Diabetes - TB link found in Australia
• Small genetic differences could spell life-and-death for gut infections
• Good news for people suffering from fatty liver disease: Resistance training can help
• Free radicals may not be so destructive after all
• Stillbirth and late termination of pregnancy: Women in 'agonizing' situations need 'empathic, supportive care'
• Lingering lymphocytes lash out against leishmania
• Malaria's key to the liver uncovered
• Novel way of protecting male reproductive cells discovered, hails new approach to addressing male infertility
• Exercise mimic molecule may help treat diabetes and obesity
• Predicting whether children with DiGeorge syndrome will develop autism or psychosis
• Smart hydrogel coating creates 'stick-slip' control of capillary action
• Scientists' silk structure is secret to process of regenerating salivary cells
• Low-dose lithium reduces side effects from most common treatment for Parkinson's disease
• Researchers identify neural signature of tunnel vision
• Non-genetic cancer mechanism found
• Many new mothers report no physician advice on infant sleep position, breastfeeding
• Many young cancer patients may have limited awareness of fertility preservation options
• ACS NSQIP data is more accurate than administrative data for surgical patients outcomes
• Surgical teams reduce urinary tract infection rate by focusing on catheter use in the OR
• Waitlist times for pediatric heart transplant patients cut by hospital
• New scoring system may help identify surgical patients at risk for pulmonary complications
• Sleep makes our memories more accessible, study shows
• Does concussion impact men and women differently?
• Spines of boys, girls differ at birth

Experimental drug treatment for Rett syndrome suggests disorder is reversible, mouse study shows Posted: 27 Jul 2015 03:02 PM PDT A strikingly new approach for treating Rett syndrome has been developed by scientists, a devastating autism spectrum disorder. In their report, the researchers demonstrate that treatment with small-molecule drug candidates significantly extends lifespan in male mice that model Rett and ameliorates several behavioral symptoms in females.

Flow means 'go' for proper lymph system development Posted: 27 Jul 2015 03:02 PM PDT The lymph system provides a slow flow of fluid from tissues into the blood. It returns fluid and proteins that leak from blood vessels, provides passage for immune cells from the tissues to the blood, and hosts key niches for immune cells. How this system develops hasn't been well understood, but now researchers have found from that the early flow of lymph fluid is a critical factor in the development of mature lymphatic vessels.

One in four patients with defibrillators experiences boost in heart function over time Posted: 27 Jul 2015 12:38 PM PDT A study of outcomes among 1,200 people with implanted defibrillators — devices intended to prevent sudden cardiac death from abnormal heart rhythms — shows that within a few years of implantation, one in four experienced improvements in heart function substantial enough to put them over the clinical threshold that qualified them to get a defibrillator in the first place. A report on the study reveals these patients had markedly lower risk of dying and were far less likely to suffer arrhythmia-terminating device shocks, suggesting their hearts had grown less prone to developing lethal rhythms.

Gene therapy may improve survival of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer Posted: 27 Jul 2015 12:37 PM PDT Use of gene therapy to deliver a protein that suppresses the development of female reproductive organs may improve the survival of patients with ovarian cancer that has recurred after chemotherapy, which happens 70 percent of the time and is invariably fatal.

In CRISPR advance, scientists successfully edit human T cells Posted: 27 Jul 2015 12:37 PM PDT Scientists have devised a new strategy to precisely modify human T cells using the genome-editing system known as CRISPR/Cas9. Because these immune-system cells play important roles in a wide range of diseases, from diabetes to AIDS to cancer, the achievement provides a versatile new tool for research on T cell function, as well as a path toward CRISPR/Cas9-based therapies for many serious health problems.

Blood markers identify women at risk for postpartum depression Posted: 27 Jul 2015 12:04 PM PDT The hormone oxytocin, sometimes called 'the love hormone,' may be a factor in postpartum depression, when a mother has a lower than normal level. A blood marker now may help identify the risk, investigators now report.

Some stroke treatments proven to reduce health care costs Posted: 27 Jul 2015 12:04 PM PDT Use of mechanical thrombectomy on qualifying stroke patients could result in major savings to the healthcare economy in the United Kingdom and other western countries with a similar healthcare structure, according to a new study.

Researchers identify model to predict successful wound healing Posted: 27 Jul 2015 11:32 AM PDT Battlefield surgeons and civilian physicians could have a powerful new tool to help patients recover from traumatic injuries, including life-threatening wounds from explosions. Researchers have identified a model to predict the chances for successful wound healing in individual patients.

Improved survival of HIV patients facilitates heart disease research Posted: 27 Jul 2015 11:31 AM PDT The improved survival rate of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa due to effective treatment programs is increasing the ability of researchers in Africa to study the impacts of cardiovascular disease in HIV patients, according to researchers.

Some vaccines support evolution of more-virulent viruses Posted: 27 Jul 2015 11:31 AM PDT Scientific experiments with the herpesvirus such as the one that causes Marek's disease in poultry have confirmed, for the first time, the highly controversial theory that some vaccines could allow more-virulent versions of a virus to survive, putting unvaccinated individuals at greater risk of severe illness. The research has important implications for food-chain security and food-chain economics, as well as for other diseases that affect humans and agricultural animals.

In lab tests, new therapy slows spread of deadly brain tumor cells Posted: 27 Jul 2015 10:08 AM PDT The rapid spread of a common and deadly brain tumor has been slowed down significantly in a mouse model by cutting off the way some cancer cells communicate, according to a team of researchers.

Insulin resistance increases risk for Alzheimer's disease, study finds Posted: 27 Jul 2015 10:08 AM PDT A strong association between insulin resistance and memory function decline has been found by researchers who suggest that this link increases the risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Strong link between delirium, inflammation in older patients Posted: 27 Jul 2015 10:08 AM PDT Delirium is an acute state of confusion that often affects older adults following surgery or serious illness. Now a study confirms that inflammation -- an immune response that develops when the body attempts to protect itself from harmful stimuli -- plays a role in the onset of delirium.

Simple procedure using a nasal balloon can help treat hearing loss in children Posted: 27 Jul 2015 10:08 AM PDT For children with a common middle-ear problem, a simple procedure with a nasal balloon can reduce the impact of hearing loss and avoid unnecessary and ineffective use of antibiotics, according to a randomized controlled trial.

New material opens possibilities for super-long-acting pills Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:05 AM PDT Researchers have created a polymer gel that could allow for the development of long-acting devices that reside in the stomach, including orally delivered capsules that can release drugs over a number of days, weeks, or potentially months following a single administration.

Emergency transport times for stroke patients still in need of improvement Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:04 AM PDT Despite efforts to close the time gap between symptom onset and stroke treatment -- including improvements in public education, 911 dispatch operations, pre-hospital detection and triage, hospital stroke system development, and stroke unit management -- a new American study suggests that delays in emergency transport are still prevalent and that improvements are needed to ensure patients can be treated within the optimal time window.

Device innovation is driving improvement in stroke treatment outcomes Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:04 AM PDT Two new studies reinforce the value and progress of Intra-Arterial treatment with conclusions that the innovative new devices that facilitate this approach are reducing treatment times, improving outcomes and decreasing mortality rates.

Insight on causes of child obesity, tactics to end it Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:03 AM PDT Encouraging more social interaction for children rather than just limiting TV time and enforcing strong nutritional policies in schools are two of the ways to decrease child obesity rates, according to researchers.

Future medicinal chemistry shines the spotlight on schistosomiasis Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:03 AM PDT Leading experts explore current and potential new treatment options for the deadly neglected tropical disease schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is the world's most deadly neglected tropical disease, killing an estimated 280,000 people annually in the African region alone, and is the second most common parasitic disease after malaria.

Weight loss for a healthy liver Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:03 AM PDT Weight loss through both lifestyle modification and bariatric surgery can significantly reduce features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a disease characterized by fat in the liver, according to two new studies.

3D image of malaria 'conductor' aids search for antimalarial drugs Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:03 AM PDT The first three-dimensional image capturing a critical malaria 'conductor' protein could lead to the development of a new class of antimalarial drugs. Researchers developed WEHI-842, a drug that blocks the malaria parasite protein plasmepsin V, killing the parasite. The discovery is a new step towards developing much needed new drugs for treating and preventing malaria.

New treatment options for a fatal leukemia Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:02 AM PDT In industrialized countries, acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common form of cancer in children. An international research consortium has now succeeded in decoding a specific form of this leukemia, which is regarded as incurable, and in obtaining insights for new therapeutic possibilities.

'Major player' in skin cancer genes identified Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:02 AM PDT A subgroup of genetic mutations that are present in a significant number of melanoma skin cancer cases has been defined by a multidisciplinary team of researchers. Their findings shed light on an important mutation in this deadly disease, and may lead to more targeted anti-cancer therapies.

Admission rates increasing for newborns of all weights in NICUs Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:02 AM PDT Admission rates are increasing for newborns of all weights at neonatal intensive care units in the United States, raising questions about possible overuse of this highly specialized and expensive care in some newborns, according to an article.

Some adverse drug events not reported by manufacturers to FDA by 15-day mark Posted: 27 Jul 2015 09:02 AM PDT About 10 percent of serious and unexpected adverse events are not reported by drug manufacturers to the US Food and Drug Administration under the 15-day timeframe set out in federal regulations, according to a new article.

Possible path toward first anti-MERS drugs Posted: 27 Jul 2015 08:03 AM PDT If you haven't heard of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, thank geography, NGOs, and government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) for keeping the new disease in check. In camels, which act as a reservoir for the causative coronavirus, the illness causes a runny nose; in humans, it causes a cough, fever, and, in 36 percent of cases, death, according to the WHO.

Researchers identify protein in mice that helps prepare for healthy egg-sperm union Posted: 27 Jul 2015 08:03 AM PDT A protein that plays a vital role in healthy egg-sperm union has been identified in mice. The protein RGS2 can delay an egg's development into an embryo in order to allow time for sperm to arrive and merge with the egg in a healthy fertilization process. The embryo cannot survive without the male chromosomes, the scientists report.

Home births lead to higher infant mortality, at least for mothers living in poorer areas, experts say Posted: 27 Jul 2015 08:03 AM PDT Home births lead to higher infant mortality than hospital births, at least for mothers living in poorer areas. This is the conclusion of a new study that examines 356,412 low-risk Dutch women who delivered between 2000 and 2008 and who were allowed to choose between a home and a hospital birth.

Rapid Ebola test could play key role in efforts to end lingering outbreak Posted: 27 Jul 2015 07:48 AM PDT New research has expanded on the studies that led to a fingerprick Ebola test becoming the first and only rapid diagnostic for this disease to receive approval from the World Health Organization (WHO). This test could prove vital to breaking Ebola's grip on West Africa by identifying suspected Ebola cases within minutes, and enabling healthcare workers to isolate and treat these patients much faster than is currently possible.

Sausage or broccoli on your pizza? How decision frames influence people's food orders Posted: 27 Jul 2015 07:46 AM PDT How people decide to customize their food orders has implications for food retailers and the consumers themselves. A new study seeks to explain the way people decide to customize their food orders and the implications for retailers and customers alike.

Increased protein turnover contributes to development of pulmonary fibrosis Posted: 27 Jul 2015 07:46 AM PDT A new mechanism that contributes to the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has been identified by researchers. They showed that the pathological changes of lung tissue are accompanied by an increase in protein turnover by the central protein degradation machinery of the cell -- the proteasome.

Diabetes - TB link found in Australia Posted: 27 Jul 2015 07:00 AM PDT Despite massive improvements in sanitation and antibiotic coverage over the last century, TB still remains the leading bacterial cause of death worldwide. A 20-year study has now found a strong link between diabetes and tuberculosis in tropical Australia.

Small genetic differences could spell life-and-death for gut infections Posted: 27 Jul 2015 07:00 AM PDT When it comes to fighting gut infections, we are not equal. Scientists have shown how apparently insignificant genetic variation can lead to big differences in the gut's immunity. The study could change the way we treat gut disease.

Good news for people suffering from fatty liver disease: Resistance training can help Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:33 AM PDT Approximately 30% of the population suffer from fatty liver disease, the most common liver disease in the Western world. The disease can lead to inflammation and cirrhosis of the liver. A new study has found that gym training, and not only aerobic exercises, can help reduce liver fat

Free radicals may not be so destructive after all Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:33 AM PDT New research challenges the most popular theory about why our bodies deteriorate in old age. Scientists know that as we grow older our cells accumulate particles, called free radicals. It has long been thought that free radicals wreak havoc by damaging proteins and impairing their function – but the new research shows that proteins can survive unscathed.

Stillbirth and late termination of pregnancy: Women in 'agonizing' situations need 'empathic, supportive care' Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:32 AM PDT Stillbirth or late termination of pregnancy due to severe fetal anomalies is a heartbreaking event for women and families—and one that poses challenges for all members of the healthcare team as they seek to provide empathic and supportive care, according to a new article.

Lingering lymphocytes lash out against leishmania Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:32 AM PDT Immune cells that hang around after parasitic skin infection help ward off secondary attack. These skin squatters may prove to be the key to successful anti-parasite vaccines.

Malaria's key to the liver uncovered Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:32 AM PDT Scientists uncover a port of liver entry for malaria parasites, and if these results hold up in humans, drugs that target this entry protein might help prevent the spread of disease.

Novel way of protecting male reproductive cells discovered, hails new approach to addressing male infertility Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:28 AM PDT A potential avenue to protect male germ cells against heat stress by applying an external source of hydrogen sulphide has been identified by researchers. The findings may provide a new approach to treating male infertility.

Exercise mimic molecule may help treat diabetes and obesity Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:28 AM PDT Scientists have developed a molecule that acts as an exercise mimic, which could potentially help treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. The new molecule, called 'compound 14', inhibits the function of a cellular enzyme called ATIC, which is involved in metabolism, leading to the build-up of a molecule called ZMP in cells. This increase in ZMP makes cells think that they have run out of energy by activating the cell's central energy sensor, known as AMPK, thereby causing cells to try and increase their energy levels by increasing glucose uptake and metabolism.

Predicting whether children with DiGeorge syndrome will develop autism or psychosis Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:26 AM PDT New findings are the first to suggest a potential way to predict whether children with DiGeorge syndrome will develop one of two mental impairments. The researchers report having isolated specific genetic differences between people with the syndrome who have autism and those who have psychosis.

Smart hydrogel coating creates 'stick-slip' control of capillary action Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:25 AM PDT Coating the inside of glass microtubes with a polymer hydrogel material dramatically alters the way capillary forces draw water into the tiny structures, researchers have found. The discovery could provide a new way to control microfluidic systems, including popular lab-on-a-chip devices.

Scientists' silk structure is secret to process of regenerating salivary cells Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:25 AM PDT An American research team is the first to use silk fibers as a framework to grow stem cells into salivary gland cells. The new process could provide relief for millions of individuals with dry mouth, including patients with Sjögren's syndrome, survivors of head and neck cancer, and those who take drugs with a side effect that limits saliva production.

Low-dose lithium reduces side effects from most common treatment for Parkinson's disease Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:25 AM PDT Low-dose lithium reduced involuntary motor movements -- the troubling side effect of the medication most commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) -- in a mouse model of the condition that is diagnosed in about 60,000 Americans each year. The third in a series of studies from involving PD and low-dose lithium, the results add to mounting evidence that low-doses of the psychotropic drug could benefit patients suffering from the incurable, degenerative condition.

Researchers identify neural signature of tunnel vision Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:25 AM PDT A new study measured brain activity while people watched clips from Alfred Hitchcock and other suspenseful films. During high suspense moments, the brain narrows what people see and focuses their attention on the story. During less suspenseful moments of the film clips, viewers devote more attention to their surroundings.

Non-genetic cancer mechanism found Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:25 AM PDT Cancer can be caused solely by protein imbalances within cells, a study of ovarian cancer has found. The discovery is a major breakthrough because, until now, genetic aberrations have been seen as the main cause of almost all cancer.

Many new mothers report no physician advice on infant sleep position, breastfeeding Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:25 AM PDT Many new mothers do not receive potentially life saving advice from physicians on aspects of infant care such as sleep position, breastfeeding, immunization and pacifier use, according to a new study.

Many young cancer patients may have limited awareness of fertility preservation options Posted: 27 Jul 2015 06:25 AM PDT A new study points to the need for increased awareness of fertility preservation options for young patients with cancer.

ACS NSQIP data is more accurate than administrative data for surgical patients outcomes Posted: 26 Jul 2015 05:00 PM PDT ACS NSQIP provides more accurate data than administrative data for driving surgical quality improvement in hospitals, according to two new studies. The research suggests that ACS NSQIP is a vital tool for potentially reducing preventable postoperative hospital readmissions and driving surgical quality improvement in hospitals.

Surgical teams reduce urinary tract infection rate by focusing on catheter use in the OR Posted: 26 Jul 2015 05:00 PM PDT Surgical teams are decreasing the rate of urinary tract infection in their institution by paying scrupulous attention to the use of catheters before and immediately after operations. Their efforts are believed to be among the first reported in the country to target UTI prevention in the operating room by decreasing catheter utilization.

Waitlist times for pediatric heart transplant patients cut by hospital Posted: 26 Jul 2015 05:00 PM PDT Long waitlist times often lead to a higher risk of death for children awaiting heart transplantation. However, a team has cut wait times by revising their waitlist protocols for donor heart size and patient severity status.

New scoring system may help identify surgical patients at risk for pulmonary complications Posted: 26 Jul 2015 05:00 PM PDT An analytical tool to identify surgical patients at risk for costly respiratory complications has been developed by researchers.

Sleep makes our memories more accessible, study shows Posted: 26 Jul 2015 05:00 PM PDT Sleeping not only protects memories from being forgotten, it also makes them easier to access, according to new research. A new study tracked memories for novel, made-up words learnt either prior to a night's sleep, or an equivalent period of wakefulness. Subjects were asked to recall words immediately after exposure, and then again after the period of sleep or wakefulness.

Does concussion impact men and women differently? Posted: 25 Jul 2015 06:36 PM PDT New research suggests concussion may not significantly impair symptoms or cognitive skills for one gender over another, however, women may still experience greater symptoms and poorer cognitive performance at preseason testing.

Spines of boys, girls differ at birth Posted: 24 Jul 2015 01:06 PM PDT Looking at measurements of the vertebrae -- the series of small bones that make up the spinal column -- in newborn children, investigators found that differences between the sexes are present at birth.

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