ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Heart injury reduced after bariatric surgery but not lifestyle intervention
• Racial disparities found in major surgeries at quality-improvement hospitals
• Scientists enhance understanding of muscle repair process
• Increase in alcohol tax appears to have decreased gonorrhea rates in Maryland
• US capability for treating ebola outbreak appears sufficient but limited
• Proliferation of pulmonary endothelial cells is controlled by small RNA fragments
• ABCSG 18: Monoclonal antibody increases disease-free survival in breast cancer
• Combining adult stem cells with hormone may speed bone fracture healing
• Long nights, lazy days could send you to an early grave
• Less than half of US hospitals require flu shots for staff, despite risk to patients
• Vagus nerve stimulation shows progress in stroke patient recovery
• Geometric study of brain cells could change strategies on Alzheimer's
• Latest proteome analysis helps reconstruct crimes
• Rising risk of obesity among China's 'left behind children'
• New advances in cancer diagnosis
• Stereotypes around aging can negatively impact memory and hearing
• Building foundations for cancer genomic analysis for research, clinical diagnostics
• Is chemical exposure in mothers, babies, linked to poor vaccine response?
• New method allows scientists to screen natural products for antibiotics
• Smoking in pregnancy 'affects boys' fitness in later life'
• After menopause, vulvovaginal troubles are common and linked with other pelvic problems
• Five out of six women at higher risk reject drugs to prevent breast cancer
• Overtesting for diabetes patients reaps negative rewards
• Flu vaccine unlikely to trigger reaction in children with egg allergy and asthma
• No treatment difference between some antidepressants and CBT for severe depression
• Fighting liver fibrosis, the wound that never heals
• New report finds 43 percent increase in ADHD diagnosis for US schoolchildren
• One-two punch of palbociclib, paclitaxel shows promise against advanced breast cancer
• Older Breast Cancer Patients Defy Survival Models
• Materials developed for tissue engineering, vaccines
• Aspirin use does not improve outcomes for cancer patients, but may lower breast tissue density, allowing for earlier detection
• Textbooks on cells should be rewritten
• Study points to barriers to biologic treatments for some patients with psoriasis
• Lack of sleep tampers with your emotions
• Six potential biomarkers for bipolar I disorder identified
• Medical students in emergency departments and patient length of stay
• Newly trained family physicians want to provide broader scope of practice

Heart injury reduced after bariatric surgery but not lifestyle intervention Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:12 AM PST Heart function in morbidly obese patients returns to normal after bariatric surgery but not after lifestyle intervention, reveals research. The results suggest that bariatric surgery may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in morbidly obese patients.

Racial disparities found in major surgeries at quality-improvement hospitals Posted: 09 Dec 2015 03:35 PM PST Considerable racial disparities exist in surgical outcomes for black and Hispanic patients undergoing major cancer and non-cancer surgeries in US hospitals, even among institutions that have already enrolled in a national surgical quality improvement initiative.Those findings contrast with prior investigations that suggest there has been an easing of racial disparities in American health care.

Scientists enhance understanding of muscle repair process Posted: 09 Dec 2015 10:57 AM PST Scientists demonstrate that the protein kinase TAK1 (transforming growth factor-B-activated kinase 1) is vital in regulating the survival and proliferation of satellite stem cells, responsible for regenerating adult skeletal muscles.

Increase in alcohol tax appears to have decreased gonorrhea rates in Maryland Posted: 09 Dec 2015 10:57 AM PST Increasing state alcohol taxes could help prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, according to US researchers, who found that gonorrhea rates decreased by 24 percent in Maryland after the state increased its sales tax on alcohol in 2011.

US capability for treating ebola outbreak appears sufficient but limited Posted: 09 Dec 2015 10:57 AM PST The United States has sufficient capacity for treating another outbreak of the Ebola virus, but financial, staffing and resource challenges remain a hurdle for many hospitals and health systems attempting to maintain dedicated treatment centers for highly infectious diseases, according to new study.

Proliferation of pulmonary endothelial cells is controlled by small RNA fragments Posted: 09 Dec 2015 10:57 AM PST Uncontrolled proliferation of endothelial cells in small pulmonary arteries is a key feature in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. Now it has been shown that small RNA fragments (microRNAs) affect the expression of important cell cycle regulators and, as such, might control a proproliferative phenotype of vascular endothelial cells. The identified pathway appears to be cell type specific and offers novel insights in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension.

ABCSG 18: Monoclonal antibody increases disease-free survival in breast cancer Posted: 09 Dec 2015 07:54 AM PST Giving a monoclonal antibody (denosumab) as adjuvant therapy with aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer patients reduces the relapse rate by 18%. This is the central finding of the ABCSG 18 breast cancer study regarding disease-free survival.

Combining adult stem cells with hormone may speed bone fracture healing Posted: 09 Dec 2015 07:52 AM PST A combination of adult stem cells and parathyroid hormone significantly increased new bone formation in laboratory animals and may speed the healing process for human bone fractures caused by osteoporosis, a new study shows.

Long nights, lazy days could send you to an early grave Posted: 09 Dec 2015 07:52 AM PST Sleeping more than nine hours a night, and sitting too much during the day could be a hazardous combination, particularly when added to a lack of exercise, according to new findings.

Less than half of US hospitals require flu shots for staff, despite risk to patients Posted: 09 Dec 2015 07:50 AM PST Within weeks, flu will start spreading. Multiple national recommendations urge all healthcare workers to get the influenza vaccination, to reduce the chances they will pass the virus on to their patients. But a new study finds that more than half of hospitals still don't require this.

Vagus nerve stimulation shows progress in stroke patient recovery Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:17 AM PST Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) technology could help improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people who suffer weakness and paralysis caused by strokes, new research suggests. The study marks the first time that VNS has been tested in individuals recovering from stroke.

Geometric study of brain cells could change strategies on Alzheimer's Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:13 AM PST Applying mathematical models used for studying the galaxies or interactions between elementary particles, researchers have analysed the spatial distribution of astrocytes: brain cells that are essential for the correct functioning of neurons.

Latest proteome analysis helps reconstruct crimes Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:13 AM PST Forensic medicine has long employed molecular biology to link, for instance, tiny amounts of organic material to a suspect. Yet such methods are less useful when it comes to finding out which shot or stab wound was the cause of death. Through new study, researchers match bullets to wounds using organ-specific protein signatures found on projectiles.

Rising risk of obesity among China's 'left behind children' Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:13 AM PST Some 61 million rural children left behind by parents moving to China's booming urban centers are at risk from increased fat and reduced protein in their diets, research suggests.

New advances in cancer diagnosis Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:12 AM PST New technology could revolutionize how some cancers are diagnosed, suggests a new article. A high-tech computer system is able to read samples of human tissue and aid pathologists in the identification of minute changes in cells that can indicate cancer is present.

Stereotypes around aging can negatively impact memory and hearing Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:05 AM PST A new study shows that when older adults feel negatively about aging, they may lack confidence in their abilities to hear and remember things, and perform poorly at both.

Building foundations for cancer genomic analysis for research, clinical diagnostics Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:05 AM PST A high degree of heterogeneity has been revealed in how cancer genome sequencing is done at different institutions across the globe. This result lays the foundation for the coming era of cancer genomics by creating guidelines and providing new tools for achieving higher quality data, for better diagnosis and precision medicine.

Is chemical exposure in mothers, babies, linked to poor vaccine response? Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:05 AM PST Early life exposures to toxic chemicals such as PCBs and DDT dampen an infant's response to the tuberculosis vaccine, according to a new study. PCBs were used in manufacturing and in consumer products in the United States until their ban in 1979. Despite this, nearly all people have detectable concentrations in their blood, even those who live in unindustrialized areas around the globe. DDT, although banned in the U.S., is still used in some countries to control malaria spread by mosquitos.

New method allows scientists to screen natural products for antibiotics Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:05 AM PST Biologists have found that a method they developed to identify and characterize new antibiotics can be employed to screen natural products quickly for compounds capable of controlling antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Smoking in pregnancy 'affects boys' fitness in later life' Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:05 AM PST Mothers who smoke are putting more than their own health at risk, suggests a new study.

After menopause, vulvovaginal troubles are common and linked with other pelvic problems Posted: 09 Dec 2015 06:04 AM PST After menopause, more than half of women may have vulvovaginal symptoms that have a big impact on their lifestyle, emotions, and sex life. What's more, the symptoms tend to travel with other pelvic troubles, such as prolapse and urinary and bowel problems. But many women aren't getting help, shows a study.

Five out of six women at higher risk reject drugs to prevent breast cancer Posted: 09 Dec 2015 05:13 AM PST Five in six women with increased risk of breast cancer turn down drugs likely to prevent the disease, according to research new research from the UK. Drugs to block cancer-causing hormones and surveillance with an annual mammogram may be offered to certain women with a family history of the disease when they have a moderate to high risk of breast cancer.

Overtesting for diabetes patients reaps negative rewards Posted: 08 Dec 2015 05:42 PM PST A national trend toward overtesting glycated hemoglobin levels in adult patients with type 2 diabetes has been uncovered by a recent study. Overtesting causes redundancy and waste says the study team, adding unnecessary costs and time burden for patients and providers. In addition, excessive testing can result in overtreatment with hypoglycemic drugs, adding additional cost and potential health complications.

Flu vaccine unlikely to trigger reaction in children with egg allergy and asthma Posted: 08 Dec 2015 05:42 PM PST The children's flu vaccine is unlikely to trigger an allergic reaction in those with egg allergy, finds a study. The vaccine is also appropriate for young people with well-controlled asthma or recurrent wheeze, the findings show.

No treatment difference between some antidepressants and CBT for severe depression Posted: 08 Dec 2015 05:42 PM PST Available evidence suggests no difference in treatment effects of second generation antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy either alone or in combination, for patients with major depressive disorder, finds a new study.

Fighting liver fibrosis, the wound that never heals Posted: 08 Dec 2015 12:06 PM PST Salk team develops drug that prevents and reverses deadly liver damage in mice.

New report finds 43 percent increase in ADHD diagnosis for US schoolchildren Posted: 08 Dec 2015 12:06 PM PST Twelve percent of US children and teens had a diagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 2011, a number that has jumped by 43 percent since 2003, according to a large national study based on parental reports of an ADHD diagnosis.

One-two punch of palbociclib, paclitaxel shows promise against advanced breast cancer Posted: 08 Dec 2015 12:05 PM PST Combining the new breast cancer drug palbociclib with paclitaxel (Taxol) shrank tumors in nearly half of patient with estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, according to new research. A second study provides new clues to how breast cancer develops resistance to the palbociclib, a common occurrence among many patients who take the drug.

Older Breast Cancer Patients Defy Survival Models Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:48 AM PST Older women with early-stage, invasive breast cancer had better survival rates than what was estimated by a popular online tool for predicting survival, according to researchers.

Materials developed for tissue engineering, vaccines Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:48 AM PST Engineers are developing materials with a variety of medical applications, including delivering suicide genes to cancer cells, providing sustained delivery of vaccines, reducing the wear of hip implants and helping nerves regenerate.

Aspirin use does not improve outcomes for cancer patients, but may lower breast tissue density, allowing for earlier detection Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:48 AM PST Whether aspirin may help prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer remains a hotly debated research question. While past studies have indicated a potential benefit, most recently in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, one new study suggests otherwise. Aspirin does not appear to be protective or associated with improved clinical outcomes or survival among breast cancer patients with aggressive disease, the researchers of one study report. However, another study suggests aspirin may in fact help reduce breast tissue density, which could lead to earlier detection of some breast cancers.

Textbooks on cells should be rewritten Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:41 AM PST The current scientific description of the human cell cycle needs to be revised, ground-breaking new Danish research has shown. These findings could also lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to target an Achilles' heel in different types of cancers.

Study points to barriers to biologic treatments for some patients with psoriasis Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:41 AM PST In the first known study to examine the prevalence and treatment of psoriasis in older Americans, experts have found that black patients receiving Medicare are less likely to receive biologic therapies -medications derived from human or animal cells or tissues -- for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis than white patients.

Lack of sleep tampers with your emotions Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:36 AM PST The neurological changes sleep deprivation can impose on our ability to regulate emotions have been revealed by new research. The work also shows that we have the ability to allocate brain resources for cognitive processing.

Six potential biomarkers for bipolar I disorder identified Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:34 AM PST A series of proteins that could be diagnostic markers to identify bipolar I disorder have been identified by scientists. If this discovery sample can be validated through replication these markers may help as a diagnostic tool for psychiatrists treating mood disorders.

Medical students in emergency departments and patient length of stay Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:22 AM PST An analysis of more than 1.3 million emergency department visits found an increase in patient length of stay of approximately five minutes associated with the presence of medical students in the emergency department, which was statistically significant but likely too small to be of clinical relevance, according to a study.

Newly trained family physicians want to provide broader scope of practice Posted: 08 Dec 2015 10:22 AM PST Graduating family medicine residents have indicated they intend to provide a broader scope of practice than that reported by current family physicians, including for prenatal care, inpatient care, nursing home care, home visits, and women's health procedures, according to a study.

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