ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• 3-D printed 'building blocks' of life
• Kicking substance addiction in teens: Tobacco dependence should be treated with same urgency as other drugs, study says
• How depressive thoughts persevere, interfere with memory in people with depression
• Researchers develop 3-D printing method for creating patient-specific medical devices
• An aggressive treatment for an aggressive cancer
• Endurance expert: Drugs could help 'lazy' people exercise
• New studies question the treatment of female infertility with stem cells
• Effectiveness of efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected children
• Pertussis infection in children associated with small increased risk of epilepsy
• Study examines bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics used to treat gonorrhea
• Endovascular intervention compared to standard treatment for stroke
• Increase seen in prescription drug use in United States
• National survey of Americans' health app use shows technology's promise and weakness
• Only one in five U.S. pancreatic cancer patients get this key blood test at diagnosis
• Righting a wrong? Right side of brain can compensate for post-stroke loss of speech
• Study suggests potential connection between low blood sugar and cardiovascular problems
• Standing and exercise linked to lower odds of obesity
• Link between small mammals and evolution of hepatitis A virus to humans discovered
• Researchers create transplantation model for 3-D printed constructs
• Blood stem cell self-renewal dependent on surroundings
• Military sexual trauma: Prevalent and under-treated
• Living alone can dent healthy diets
• Cancer-associated mutations are common in patients with unexplained low blood counts
• New study reveals how specialized cells help each other survive during times of stress
• New genetic risk marker for late-life depression
• Muscle loss linked to falls, fractures in elderly
• Helping hand in the operation room
• Uptake mechanisms of cytostatics discovered
• Early hospitalization key to survival for Ebola victims
• Enzyme potential target for fight against obesity and diabetes
• Bursts of high-intensity exercise could help diabetes patients manage low blood sugar levels
• Trial reveals evidence of long-term benefits for people with chronic neck pain
• Restaurants listing calorie counts on the menu offer more lower-calorie items
• Death rates, health problems, rise among middle-aged white Americans
• Crocetinic acid in saffron may inhibit the pancreatic cancer cell growth
• Fair division of chores leads to better sex life, study suggests
• Conventional heart drug stops progression of cancer
• Breast cancer adjuvant therapy benefit can wax and wane over time, study finds
• Blood vessels store, secrete key blood-clotting protein
• Research paves way for flu treatments

3-D printed 'building blocks' of life Posted: 03 Nov 2015 06:37 PM PST Scientists have developed a 3-D printing method capable of producing highly uniform 'blocks' of embryonic stem cells. These cells -- capable of generating all cell types in the body -- could be used as the 'Lego bricks' to build tissue constructs, larger structures of tissues, and potentially even micro-organs.

Kicking substance addiction in teens: Tobacco dependence should be treated with same urgency as other drugs, study says Posted: 03 Nov 2015 01:36 PM PST Substance abuse treatments that target main issues such as serious drug and alcohol addiction are not frequently being used to also wean adolescents from tobacco, a new study finds.

How depressive thoughts persevere, interfere with memory in people with depression Posted: 03 Nov 2015 12:11 PM PST Depressive thoughts are maintained for longer periods of time for people with depressed mood, and this extended duration may reduce the amount of information that these individuals can hold in their memory, new research demonstrates.

Researchers develop 3-D printing method for creating patient-specific medical devices Posted: 03 Nov 2015 12:11 PM PST An innovative 3-D printing technology has been developed that could revolutionize important biomedical equipment, enhancing treatment for everyone from premature babies to patients needing implants.

An aggressive treatment for an aggressive cancer Posted: 03 Nov 2015 11:13 AM PST Pancreas cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. In the United States, it accounts for only three percent of all diagnosed cancers but it causes almost seven percent of all cancer deaths. A pancreas cancer diagnosis often comes after age 50 and after the cancer has spread, making it difficult to remove surgically. A new clinical trial may help more people to undergo surgery to remove their pancreas tumors. And that may help more of them to live longer.

Endurance expert: Drugs could help 'lazy' people exercise Posted: 03 Nov 2015 11:04 AM PST Together with lack of time, physical exertion is one of the main perceived barriers to exercise. This is not surprising because humans evolved to be 'lazy' to conserve energy. Now, a researcher suggests that reducing perception of effort during exercise using caffeine or other psychoactive drugs could help many people stick to their fitness plans.

New studies question the treatment of female infertility with stem cells Posted: 03 Nov 2015 11:01 AM PST It has been claimed that a treatment for female infertility will be available by stem cell therapy. But a new study questions whether new egg cells can be produced using stem cells.

Effectiveness of efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected children Posted: 03 Nov 2015 10:48 AM PST Researchers evaluated whether HIV-infected children in South Africa who had achieved viral suppression with one treatment could transition to efavirenz-based therapy without risk of viral failure.

Pertussis infection in children associated with small increased risk of epilepsy Posted: 03 Nov 2015 10:48 AM PST Although the absolute risk was low, researchers found an increased risk of childhood-onset epilepsy among children in Denmark who had a hospital-diagnosed pertussis infection, compared with the general population, according to a study.

Study examines bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics used to treat gonorrhea Posted: 03 Nov 2015 10:48 AM PST Although gonorrhea susceptibility to the antibiotic cefixime has been improving in recent years, suggesting a halt of a drift towards antibiotic resistance, data for 2014 indicates a worsening of susceptibility, according to a study.

Endovascular intervention compared to standard treatment for stroke Posted: 03 Nov 2015 10:48 AM PST In a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, an endovascular intervention (such as use of a very small catheter to remove a blood clot) compared to standard medical care (administration of a clot dissolving agent) was associated with improved functional outcomes and higher rates of functional independence at 90 days, but no significant difference in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain) or all-cause mortality, according to a study.

Increase seen in prescription drug use in United States Posted: 03 Nov 2015 10:48 AM PST Between 1999-2012, overall prescription drug use increased among US adults, with this increase seen for the majority of but not all drug classes, according to a study.

National survey of Americans' health app use shows technology's promise and weakness Posted: 03 Nov 2015 08:29 AM PST Like the treadmills and stationary bikes that become rec room coatracks, fitness and other health-related smartphone apps are acquired in large numbers by Americans, but over time, many are left unused by those who download them.

Only one in five U.S. pancreatic cancer patients get this key blood test at diagnosis Posted: 03 Nov 2015 08:29 AM PST Only one in five U.S. pancreatic cancer patients receive a widely available, inexpensive blood test at diagnosis that can help predict whether they are likely to have a better or worse outcome than average and guide treatment accordingly, a new study shows.

Righting a wrong? Right side of brain can compensate for post-stroke loss of speech Posted: 03 Nov 2015 08:24 AM PST After a debate that has lasted more than 130 years, researchers have found that loss of speech from a stroke in the left hemisphere of the brain can be recovered on the back, right side of the brain. This contradicts recent notions that the right hemisphere interferes with recovery.

Study suggests potential connection between low blood sugar and cardiovascular problems Posted: 03 Nov 2015 08:23 AM PST Studies have shown an association between strict control of blood sugar and increased mortality. They have also suggested that a consequence of this control is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which may have adverse effects on the heart. In a new study, researchers examined the effects of hypoglycemia on cardiovascular autonomic control. They found that in their experimental model of hypoglycemia, there was a clear change in the body's responses to cardiovascular stress.

Standing and exercise linked to lower odds of obesity Posted: 03 Nov 2015 08:23 AM PST While sedentary behavior (such as watching TV and commuting time) has been linked to negative health effects, it is unclear whether more time spent standing has protective health benefits. New research shows that standing for at least one-quarter of the day has been linked to lower odds of obesity.

Link between small mammals and evolution of hepatitis A virus to humans discovered Posted: 03 Nov 2015 08:23 AM PST Researchers have found a link between the origin of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and small mammals. With the emergence of Ebola virus from bats and hantaviruses from rodents, investigators say identifying the other species infected with HAV provides novel insight into the evolution of HAV and how it spread to humans.

Researchers create transplantation model for 3-D printed constructs Posted: 03 Nov 2015 08:23 AM PST Using sugar, silicone and a 3-D printer, a team of bioengineers have created an implant with an intricate network of blood vessels that points toward a future of growing replacement tissues and organs for transplantation.

Blood stem cell self-renewal dependent on surroundings Posted: 03 Nov 2015 08:23 AM PST Stem cells have two important capabilities: they can develop into a wide range of cell types and simultaneously renew themselves, creating fresh stem cells. Using a model of the blood forming (hematopoietic) system, researchers have now been able to precisely determine, which signaling pathways play an essential role in the self-renewal of blood stem cells. A particularly decisive role in this process is the interactive communication with surrounding tissue cells in the bone marrow.

Military sexual trauma: Prevalent and under-treated Posted: 03 Nov 2015 07:02 AM PST Rates of military sexual trauma among men who served in the military may be as much as 15 times higher than has been previously reported, largely because of barriers associated with stigma, beliefs in myths about male rape, and feelings of helplessness, according to a collection of new articles.

Living alone can dent healthy diets Posted: 03 Nov 2015 06:09 AM PST People who live alone are more likely to have unhealthy diets lacking key foods, research has found. The study reported inadequate cooking skills, no partner to go shopping with, the increasing cost of food and a lack of motivation to cook were among the reasons people living alone had different eating practices.

Cancer-associated mutations are common in patients with unexplained low blood counts Posted: 03 Nov 2015 06:07 AM PST Patients with unexplained low blood counts and abnormally mutated cells who do not fit the diagnostic criteria for recognized blood cancers should be described as having clonal cytopenias of undetermined significance (CCUS), suggest researchers in a recent paper. The researchers found the condition surprisingly common in older patients with low blood counts.

New study reveals how specialized cells help each other survive during times of stress Posted: 03 Nov 2015 06:05 AM PST For the first time, researchers show how one set of specialized cells survives under stress by manipulating the behavior of key immune system cells.

New genetic risk marker for late-life depression Posted: 03 Nov 2015 03:47 AM PST One of the most powerful predictors in neuropsychiatry is the epsilon 4 (?4) allele of the apolipoprotein gene (APOE). Individuals who carry this ?4 variant of APOE are at increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, early age of Alzheimer's disease onset, and more rapid progression of Alzheimer's disease symptoms. APOE ?4 has also been associated with atherosclerosis as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. A new study suggests that even when controlling for the risk for Alzheimer's disease, the APOE ?4 allele also conveys an increased risk for late-life depression.

Muscle loss linked to falls, fractures in elderly Posted: 03 Nov 2015 03:47 AM PST Older people with an age-related loss of muscle mass and strength may be at greater risk of falling and bone fractures, according to new research. A study into sarcopenia -- where muscles lose form and function with age -- found that those with the condition reported higher numbers of falls in the last year and a higher prevalence of fractures.

Helping hand in the operation room Posted: 03 Nov 2015 03:47 AM PST In the future, surgical assistants could be relieved by surgeons, to devote their time instead to their own patients. This is expected to be made possible by a device which has been developed by researchers from the project group for automation in medicine and biotechnology.

Uptake mechanisms of cytostatics discovered Posted: 03 Nov 2015 03:47 AM PST How does a cytostatic like cisplatin or carboplatin actually get into the cell? Scientists have now succeeded in showing that the volume-regulated anion channel VRAC is 50 % responsible for active substance uptake. If one of the VRAC subunits LRRC8A or LRRC8D is down-regulated, cells take up considerably less of the anti-cancer drug. In addition to this finding, programmed cell death or apoptosis is also significantly disturbed when LRRC8A is missing. The researchers have thus identified a potential cause for therapy resistance, they suggest.

Early hospitalization key to survival for Ebola victims Posted: 03 Nov 2015 03:45 AM PST Scientists looked at data from nearly 1,000 cases over 38 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has experienced more Ebola outbreaks than any other country since the virus was discovered in 1976.

Enzyme potential target for fight against obesity and diabetes Posted: 02 Nov 2015 07:26 PM PST Removing an enzyme that controls bile acid and hormone levels significantly protects female mice from weight gain, according to a new study. The finding offers a new a therapeutic target in the fight against obesity.

Bursts of high-intensity exercise could help diabetes patients manage low blood sugar levels Posted: 02 Nov 2015 07:26 PM PST People with type-1 diabetes could regain their ability to tell when blood sugar levels are low by regularly doing short bursts of high-intensity exercise, according to a preliminary study. The findings could lead to a non-drug based treatment for a potentially life-threatening condition.

Trial reveals evidence of long-term benefits for people with chronic neck pain Posted: 02 Nov 2015 03:42 PM PST Chronic neck pain is a difficult condition to treat, and previous research shows that single interventions generally do not provide long term benefits. Now a large scale investigation has found that the use of Alexander Technique or acupuncture can significantly relieve chronic neck pain.

Restaurants listing calorie counts on the menu offer more lower-calorie items Posted: 02 Nov 2015 01:43 PM PST Large U.S.-based chain restaurants that voluntarily list calorie counts on their menus average nearly 140 fewer calories per item than those that do not post the information, new research suggests.

Death rates, health problems, rise among middle-aged white Americans Posted: 02 Nov 2015 01:37 PM PST Researchers found that middle-aged white Americans had higher rates of mortality and morbidity between 1999-2013 than other ethnic groups. Leading causes of death were suicide, alcohol and drug poisoning, and liver diseases and cirrhosis.

Crocetinic acid in saffron may inhibit the pancreatic cancer cell growth Posted: 02 Nov 2015 11:37 AM PST Crocetinic acid, a purified compound from crocetin, showed the inhibition of growth in human pancreatic cancer cells grown either in a dish or as tumors under the skin of mice, scientists report.

Fair division of chores leads to better sex life, study suggests Posted: 02 Nov 2015 10:16 AM PST Looking for more and better sex? If you're a man, you might consider doing the dishes once in a while. A new Canadian study reveals that couples enjoyed more frequent and satisfying sex for both partners when men made a fair contribution to housework.

Conventional heart drug stops progression of cancer Posted: 02 Nov 2015 10:15 AM PST A common heart drug may stop the progression of angiosarcoma, a cancer of the inner lining of blood vessels, according to a study. Angiosarcomas are highly lethal tumors that can occur in any part of the body. The tumor typically appears as a growth or lesion on the skin; the larger the growth, the greater the risk of mortality.

Breast cancer adjuvant therapy benefit can wax and wane over time, study finds Posted: 02 Nov 2015 10:15 AM PST More research of the long-term effects of adjuvant therapies for breast cancer is needed, after a study found that effects of these therapies often vary over time.

Blood vessels store, secrete key blood-clotting protein Posted: 02 Nov 2015 10:15 AM PST Scientists have solved a long-standing mystery about where the body stores and deploys blood-clotting factor VIII, a protein that about 80 percent of hemophiliacs cannot make due to genetic defects.

Research paves way for flu treatments Posted: 02 Nov 2015 10:15 AM PST Scientists have delved into the complexities of exactly how the flu virus works and why it's so effective at making people so sick. Their intention is to find new ways to treat the flu, and reduce the suffering of those who get it.

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