ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Pre-pregnancy potato consumption may be linked to gestational diabetes risk
• From a cotton seed to a potential cancer drug
• Parents in dark about using epinephrine for kids’ food allergies
• Cultural look at moral purity: Wiping the face clean
• Simplified artesunate regimen is non-inferior to WHO-recommended malaria treatment
• Fanconi Anemia: Genetic disease breakthrough announced
• Important associations between genetics, sleep behavior identified by study
• Why prostate cancer is more aggressive in obese patients
• Colorectal cancer more likely to affect minorities at younger age
• Long-term opioid use associated with increased risk of depression
• DNA supply chain explained
• Revealed: The awful anchor that lets UTIs take hold
• Racial disparity in premature births contributes significantly to infant mortality problem
• Source of stem cells used for bone marrow failure treatment varies worldwide
• Scientists discover why X chromosome lacks 'housekeeping genes'
• Sedentary behavior linked to poor health in adults with severe obesity
• Atherosclerosis is Alzheimer's disease of blood vessels, study suggests
• Untapped region in brain cell offers goldmine of drug targets for new autism treatments
• Cocaine addiction: Scientists discover 'back door' into the brain
• Life-extending hormone bolsters the body's immune function
• Neils help removing epigenetic marks
• People who experience rage attacks have smaller 'emotional brains'
• Key to the development of fundamental treatment methods for Parkinson’s disease
• Conflict among honey bee genes supports theory of altruism
• Biomarker can predict risk of preterm birth from first half of pregnancy
• Innate immune defenses triggered by unsuspected mechanism
• Use small plates to lose weight
• Brain receptor regulates fat burning in cells
• Inflammation markers could guide depression treatments
• Gut reaction: Smart pill smells out the body's fiber factor
• New type of antidepressant found to act quickly in mice
• Heart valves made from tissue rather than metal may be better for middle-aged patients
• Taking statins before heart surgery can help reduce post-surgical complications
• Even small reductions in kidney function may damage heart, blood vessels
• Sugar-sweetened drinks linked to increased visceral fat
• Polymer puts new medical solutions within reach
• Chemistry researchers develop metal complexes to study cancer
• Novel gene alteration associates with aggressive prostate cancer in African American men
• Quick screening method identifies promising anti-Ebola drugs
• First complete genome sequence of the Zika virus released
• Once thought unstoppable, bacterial superweapon falters with too many targets
• Exercise reduces heart disease risk in depressed patients
• Magic mold: Food preservative kills cancer cells, superbugs
• Researchers find shared molecular response to tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution
• Squeezing cells into stem cells
• New therapy aids bid to beat organ failure caused by pancreatitis
• DNA 'building blocks' pave the way for improved drug delivery
• Association of infant gut microbiome, delivery mode and feeding studied
• Proton pump inhibitors associated with risk of chronic kidney disease
• Early weight loss in Parkinson's disease patients may signify more serious form of disease

Pre-pregnancy potato consumption may be linked to gestational diabetes risk Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:44 PM PST Women who eat more potatoes before pregnancy may have higher rates of gestational diabetes -- the form that occurs during pregnancy -- compared to women who consume fewer potatoes, suggests a new study. The researchers propose that substituting potatoes with other vegetables, legumes or whole grains may help lower gestational diabetes risk.

From a cotton seed to a potential cancer drug Posted: 12 Jan 2016 11:46 AM PST Researchers are studying gossypol, a natural compound currently going through early phase clinical trials for prostate cancer. Gossypol is a natural component found in the cotton plant. The compound is currently going through early phase clinical trials for prostate cancer.

Parents in dark about using epinephrine for kids’ food allergies Posted: 12 Jan 2016 11:46 AM PST When a child has a food allergy, it's critical for pediatricians and allergists to show parents when and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector and to provide a written emergency food allergy action plan for home and school. But many parents say doctors don't give them this potentially lifesaving information about their children's emergency care, a new study reports. This communication gap needs to be fixed, researchers said.

Cultural look at moral purity: Wiping the face clean Posted: 12 Jan 2016 11:44 AM PST Moral purity is both universal and culturally variable. Its existence is found East and West. But the specific form of purification may differ from one culture to another. Whether people should wipe their hands or face clean -- or rinse their mouth, or shampoo their hair, or wash their feet -- is likely to depend on the cultural meanings attached to each body part.

Simplified artesunate regimen is non-inferior to WHO-recommended malaria treatment Posted: 12 Jan 2016 11:44 AM PST In African children, a 3-dose intramuscular artesunate regimen is non-inferior to the WHO-recommended regimen for the treatment of severe malaria, according to a trial. The trial did not show non-inferiority of a similar 3-dose intravenous regimen.

Fanconi Anemia: Genetic disease breakthrough announced Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:57 AM PST A team of investigators has established the cause of a rare syndrome consistent with Fanconi Anemia, a chromosome instability disorder which is clinically typified by birth defects, bone marrow failure, leukemia, and susceptibility to solid tumors.

Important associations between genetics, sleep behavior identified by study Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:57 AM PST A research initiative exploring the utility of genetic information in the clinical setting has published a study and identified six noteworthy genes that affect human sleep duration. The focus of the paper was to identify the genes associated with sleep duration and validate the connection between sleep and several demographic and lifestyle factors, including age, gender, weight, ethnicity, exercise, smoking and alcohol.

Why prostate cancer is more aggressive in obese patients Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:55 AM PST Obesity has direct consequences on health and is associated with the onset of aggressive cancers, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are little known. Researchers have recently elucidated one of these mechanisms in prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers in men: in obese patients, the adipose tissue surrounding the prostate gland facilitates the propagation of tumor cells outside the prostate.

Colorectal cancer more likely to affect minorities at younger age Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:55 AM PST Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The chance of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Now, a study shows that minority and ethnic groups are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer at younger ages and more advanced stages than non-Hispanic whites.

Long-term opioid use associated with increased risk of depression Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:54 AM PST Opioids may cause short-term improvement in mood, but long-term use imposes risk of new-onset depression, a new study shows. The link was independent of the known contribution of pain to depression, and the study calls on clinicians to consider the contribution of opioid use when depressed mood develops in their patients.

DNA supply chain explained Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:54 AM PST Cell survival depends on having a plentiful and balanced pool of the four chemical building blocks that make up DNA. However, if too many of these components pile up, or if their usual ratio is disrupted, that can be deadly for the cell. Chemists have discovered how a single enzyme maintains a cell's pool of DNA building blocks.

Revealed: The awful anchor that lets UTIs take hold Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:54 AM PST The freaky, flexible coils of the UTI bacterium let it survive where others cannot. But researchers have unlocked its secrets, advancing the effort to block it from setting up shop in the urinary tract.

Racial disparity in premature births contributes significantly to infant mortality problem Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:48 AM PST Black women are nearly four times more likely than white women to have a baby born between 16 and 22 weeks gestation, a time period in which the life of a baby outside the womb is not viable. The racial disparity in what are known as 'previable' preterm births may explain much of the racial disparity in infant mortality.

Source of stem cells used for bone marrow failure treatment varies worldwide Posted: 12 Jan 2016 09:48 AM PST The use of peripheral blood stem cells and bone marrow as stem cell sources for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with bone marrow failure has been the focus of recent research. Authors studied the factors associated with the use of each stem cell source.

Scientists discover why X chromosome lacks 'housekeeping genes' Posted: 12 Jan 2016 08:36 AM PST In humans, males have XY chromosomes, females have XX but only one of these is active, meaning that both sexes only have one active copy of the X chromosome. A team of researchers studying the evolution of the X chromosome has discovered why it contains such an unusual mixture of genes.

Sedentary behavior linked to poor health in adults with severe obesity Posted: 12 Jan 2016 08:36 AM PST Sedentary behavior is associated with poor cardiovascular health and diabetes in adults with severe obesity, independent of how much exercise they perform, a study showed for the first time. For every hour spent sitting in 10-minute bouts, odds of diabetes increased 15 percent.

Atherosclerosis is Alzheimer's disease of blood vessels, study suggests Posted: 12 Jan 2016 07:22 AM PST In atherosclerosis, plaque builds up on the inner walls of arteries that deliver blood to the body. Studying mice and tissue samples from the arteries of patients, researchers now suggest this accumulation is driven, at least in part, by processes similar to the plaque formation implicated in brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Untapped region in brain cell offers goldmine of drug targets for new autism treatments Posted: 12 Jan 2016 07:20 AM PST Scientists have discovered that an overlooked region in brain cells houses a motherlode of mutated genes previously tied to autism. The finding could provide fresh drug targets and lead to new therapies for the disorder, which affects one in 68 children in the United States.

Cocaine addiction: Scientists discover 'back door' into the brain Posted: 12 Jan 2016 07:20 AM PST Individuals addicted to cocaine may have difficulty in controlling their addiction because of a previously-unknown 'back door' into the brain, circumventing their self-control, suggests a new study.

Life-extending hormone bolsters the body's immune function Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:35 AM PST A hormone that extends lifespan in mice by 40% is produced by specialized cells in the thymus gland, according to a new study. The team also found that increasing the levels of this hormone, called FGF21, protects against the loss of immune function that comes with age.

Neils help removing epigenetic marks Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:19 AM PST Two proteins have been identified that are important for the demethylation of DNA, report investigators.

People who experience rage attacks have smaller 'emotional brains' Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:18 AM PST Neuroimaging studies suggest that frontolimbic regions of the brain, structures that regulate emotions, play an important role in the biology of aggressive behavior. A new article reports that individuals with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) have significantly lower gray matter volume in these frontolimbic brain structures. In other words, these people have smaller "emotional brains."

Key to the development of fundamental treatment methods for Parkinson’s disease Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:18 AM PST Lewy bodies had been considered to be a key element of pathogenesis for Parkinson's disease. Although structural analysis for Lewy bodies with an electron microscope had been performed, it had no secondary structural information of proteins, which is important for the development of drugs. A research group have now succeeded in elucidating the secondary structure of Lewy bodies in the brain of Parkinson's disease patients for the first time with synchrotron Fourier transform infrared micro-spectroscopy.

Conflict among honey bee genes supports theory of altruism Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:16 AM PST Using modern genetic approaches, a team of researchers has provided strong support for the long-standing, but hotly debated, evolutionary theory of kin selection, which suggests that altruistic behavior occurs as a way to pass genes to the next generation.

Biomarker can predict risk of preterm birth from first half of pregnancy Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:16 AM PST Offering a standard biomarker test earlier in pregnancy could potentially help doctors to better identify women at risk of giving birth prematurely, thus enabling health services to focus treatments on women at highest risk, according to a new study.

Innate immune defenses triggered by unsuspected mechanism Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:16 AM PST A previously unsuspected mechanism is activated in the presence of pathogens after only a few hours: the activation of thousands of genes in the cells of the innate immune system and the triggering of its immune defenses.

Use small plates to lose weight Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:16 AM PST There are small easy steps that we can take to tackle the burgeoning problem of obesity. One of those solutions is surprisingly simple: use smaller plates.

Brain receptor regulates fat burning in cells Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:14 AM PST An unusual regulator of body weight and the metabolic syndrome has been discovered by researchers: a molecular mechanism more commonly associated with brain cells. Lowering levels of P75 neurotrophin receptor (NTR) -- a receptor involved in neuron growth and survival -- protected mice fed a high-fat diet from developing obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Inflammation markers could guide depression treatments Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:14 AM PST Depressed patients with signs of systemic inflammation have elevated levels of glutamate in regions of the brain that are important for motivation. These findings suggest which forms of depression may respond best to drugs that target glutamate, such as the anesthetic ketamine.

Gut reaction: Smart pill smells out the body's fiber factor Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:14 AM PST Researchers have conducted the first ever trials of smart pills that can measure intestinal gases inside the body, with surprising results revealing some unexpected ways that fiber affects the gut.

New type of antidepressant found to act quickly in mice Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:14 AM PST The compound CGP3466B, already proven nontoxic for people, may effectively and rapidly treat depression, according to results of a study in mice. Researchers say that the compound -- previously shown to block cocaine craving in the brains of rodents -- delivers antidepressant effects to mice within hours instead of weeks or months, like currently available antidepressants.

Heart valves made from tissue rather than metal may be better for middle-aged patients Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:14 AM PST Patients between the ages of 40 and 70 who undergo aortic valve replacement (AVR) may fare better with tissue-based valves rather than metal-based valves, according to a review article.

Taking statins before heart surgery can help reduce post-surgical complications Posted: 12 Jan 2016 06:13 AM PST Using statins before and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery can help reduce cardiac complications, such as atrial fibrillation, following surgery and also can reduce the risk of death during and after surgery, according to a review article.

Even small reductions in kidney function may damage heart, blood vessels Posted: 11 Jan 2016 01:27 PM PST Even small reductions in kidney function are associated with heart and blood vessel damage, according to new research.

Sugar-sweetened drinks linked to increased visceral fat Posted: 11 Jan 2016 01:27 PM PST Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages every day was associated with an increase in a particular type of body fat that may affect diabetes and heart disease risk, according to new research.

Polymer puts new medical solutions within reach Posted: 11 Jan 2016 01:27 PM PST Combining the properties of liquid crystals and hydrogels in just the right proportions creates the potential for new materials that have the same mechanical properties as soft tissues in the body. A material that is water-loving and has structure opens up the door the possibility for artificial blood vessels that are mechanically stealth so they wouldn't be viewed as a foreign body. Now, a newly developed process can create this type of a polymer.

Chemistry researchers develop metal complexes to study cancer Posted: 11 Jan 2016 01:10 PM PST Chemistry researchers have published a study showing that specialized compounds containing the metal ruthenium may be able to recognize or damage specific DNA structures relevant for cancer.

Novel gene alteration associates with aggressive prostate cancer in African American men Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:32 PM PST It is well established that prostate cancer is more prevalent in African American men when compared to men of other ethnicities. There has been a premise that a combination of genetics, lifestyle, nutritional and medical access reasons led to the significant statistical difference. However, in a new study, researchers found some distinct genomic variations that also could be to blame.

Quick screening method identifies promising anti-Ebola drugs Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:28 PM PST A quick screening method has been used for the first time in a standard open laboratory to identify and test promising anti-Ebola drugs. This approach increases the possibility of finding new therapies faster, say investigators.

First complete genome sequence of the Zika virus released Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:28 PM PST Having confirmed the first cases of infection in Suriname then in French Guiana, a research team has sequenced the complete genome of the Zika virus, which is responsible for an unprecedented epidemic currently sweeping through the tropical regions of the Americas. The analysis of this sequence shows almost complete homology with the strains responsible for the epidemic that occurred in the Pacific in 2013 and 2014.

Once thought unstoppable, bacterial superweapon falters with too many targets Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:28 PM PST A mechanism used by many disease-causing bacteria that was once thought to be a microbial superweapon can be thwarted if the cells being attacked are numerous enough. Combining computer simulations and laboratory work, researcher reveals a unique approach to unraveling biological processes and could provide insight into how cells withstand powerful aggressors.

Exercise reduces heart disease risk in depressed patients Posted: 11 Jan 2016 12:28 PM PST Symptoms of mild to minimal depression were associated with early indicators of heart disease, say researchers. However, the study found regular exercise seems to reduce the adverse cardiovascular consequences of depression.

Magic mold: Food preservative kills cancer cells, superbugs Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:54 AM PST Nisin, a naturally occurring food preservative that grows on dairy products, delivers a one-two punch to two of medicine's most lethal maladies: cancer and deadly, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, report scientists.

Researchers find shared molecular response to tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:52 AM PST Exposure to certain household air pollutants may cause some of the same molecular changes as smoking cigarettes, report scientists. The study, conducted on non-smoking women living in rural China who burn smoky (bituminous) coal for heating and cooking is the first to identify genomic alterations that result from exposure to smoky coal.

Squeezing cells into stem cells Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:52 AM PST Scientists have developed a new method that turns cells into stem cells by 'squeezing' them. The method paves the way for large-scale production of stem cells for medical purposes.

New therapy aids bid to beat organ failure caused by pancreatitis Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:52 AM PST Scientists have discovered an experimental medicine that protects against organ damage caused by a condition linked to excessive alcohol consumption. The research offers hope for patients affected by the disease -- called acute pancreatitis -- which currently has no treatment.

DNA 'building blocks' pave the way for improved drug delivery Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:50 AM PST DNA has been used as a 'molecular building block' to construct synthetic bio-inspired pores which will improve the way drugs are delivered and help advance the field of synthetic biology, according to scientists.

Association of infant gut microbiome, delivery mode and feeding studied Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:50 AM PST The composition of the gut microbiome in infants at six weeks of age appears to be associated with the delivery method by which they were born and how they were fed, according to a new article.

Proton pump inhibitors associated with risk of chronic kidney disease Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:50 AM PST Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are commonly used drugs to reduce acid in the stomach, appear to be associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease but more research is needed to determine whether PPI use causes kidney damage, according to an article.

Early weight loss in Parkinson's disease patients may signify more serious form of disease Posted: 11 Jan 2016 10:50 AM PST Evidence of an association between weight loss in patients with early Parkinson's disease and more rapid disease progression has been found by researchers. While weight loss is common in Parkinson's patients, results of the study could suggest that weight loss early in the course of the disease signifies a more serious form of the neurodegenerative disorder.

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