ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Zika causes microcephaly and other birth defects, CDC concludes
• Immunosuppressive medication effectively treats ocular graft-versus-host-disease
• Testosterone therapy decreases hospital readmissions in older men with low testosterone
• Only half of advanced rectal cancer patients receiving standard therapy
• On-the-go diagnosis of HIV and HCV co-infections
• Gut bacteria could help prevent cancer
• Current hepatitis C virus testing guidelines miss too many cases, study suggest
• Researchers uncover earliest events following HIV infection, before virus is detectable
• Downwind safety on the farm
• Anti-fibrotic peptide shows early promise against interstitial lung disease
• Device allows paralyzed man to swipe credit card, perform other movements
• Most online liquid nicotine vendors fail to prevent sales to minors
• Gang membership linked to depression
• Expanding insurance for single-embryo IVF could improve pregnancy outcomes
• Genetic diversity helps to limit infectious disease
• Vital nutrient has key role in keeping body clocks running on time
• Repairing DNA damage in the human body
• Global studies reveal health financing crisis facing developing countries
• Study discovers link between cancer and autism
• In wide range of species, longevity proteins affect dozens of the same genes
• Gene variant explains racial disparities in adverse reactions to urate-lowering drug
• Drug candidate stops extra bone growth in animal model of rare, genetic disease
• Could a brain 'growth chart' spot attention problems early? New study suggests so
• New asthma biomarkers could ease detection
• Link between obesity, kidney cancer identified
• Some drug addicts more likely to relapse than others: Study
• 'Proliposomal' local anesthetic shows promise for longer-lasting pain relief
• Gene defect may point to solution for Alzheimer's
• Pain drug in pipeline as researchers unwind marine snail puzzle
• Spotting DNA repair genes gone awry
• Untwist scoliosis by clipping wings of an overactive 'ladybird'
• Slow-binding inhibition of cholinesterases: Pharmacological, toxicological relevance
• New method to preserve microfluidic devices for HIV monitoring in developing countries
• Protein discovered that spreads cancer
• Nearly winning is more rewarding in gamblings addicts
• Potential effects of fertility treatments on breast density, cancer risk
• Researchers open the way to new treatments for chronic pain, cancer
• Maple syrup protects neurons and nurtures young minds
• Cartilage protein may contribute to the development of breast cancer
• Scientists report on novel method for extending the life of implantable devices in situ
• Hospitals could reduce healthcare burden of alcohol related harm by simple routine screening
• Increase in coffee consumption could provide protective effect in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• Differing perspectives on antiviral treatment efficacy in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV
• Combined HIV and hepatitis C virus vaccination a possibility
• High rate of cancer recurrence found in certain hepatitis C patients
• Community-based treatment providers can help ease pressure on specialists in battle against hep C
• Bottle-fed babies born to obese mothers risk developing dangerous liver disease as teens
• Fast food may expose consumers to harmful chemicals called phthalates
• Mice engineered with rare kidney disease shed light on how cells repair broken DNA
• Researchers discover liver metastases have different radiation sensitivities
• Oxygen key to containing coal ash contamination
• Testosterone therapy for transgender men
• Healthcare workers' radiation exposure tied to range of health problems

Zika causes microcephaly and other birth defects, CDC concludes Posted: 13 Apr 2016 04:42 PM PDT Scientists at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have concluded, after careful review of existing evidence, that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. In a new report, the CDC authors describe a rigorous weighing of evidence using established scientific criteria.

Immunosuppressive medication effectively treats ocular graft-versus-host-disease Posted: 13 Apr 2016 03:03 PM PDT A complication associated with bone marrow transplantation, graft-versus-host-disease, occurs when a transplanted immune system attacks certain parts of a host's body, and may cause severe dry eye and damage to the cornea. A clinical trial showed that topical doses of ultra low-dose tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive medication, is equally effective and showed fewer hypertensive side effects in treating ocular symptoms associated with graft-versus-host-disease than methylprednisolone, a steroid medication.

Testosterone therapy decreases hospital readmissions in older men with low testosterone Posted: 13 Apr 2016 12:12 PM PDT Older men using testosterone therapy were less likely to have complications that require them to go back to the hospital within a month of being discharged than men not using this therapy, a new large-scale population-based study shows for the first time.

Only half of advanced rectal cancer patients receiving standard therapy Posted: 13 Apr 2016 12:12 PM PDT While use of the standard therapy leading to the best outcome against locally advanced rectal cancer has increased over the past decade, only half of patients currently receive it, new research indicates.

On-the-go diagnosis of HIV and HCV co-infections Posted: 13 Apr 2016 12:11 PM PDT Researchers have recently developed a portable, paper-based electrochemical platform with multiplexing and telemedicine capabilities that may enable low-cost, point-of-care diagnosis of HIV and HCV co-infections within serum samples.

Gut bacteria could help prevent cancer Posted: 13 Apr 2016 12:11 PM PDT New research offers evidence that anti-inflammatory 'health beneficial' gut bacteria can slow or stop the development of some types of cancer.

Current hepatitis C virus testing guidelines miss too many cases, study suggest Posted: 13 Apr 2016 11:01 AM PDT A review of blood samples for nearly 5,000 patients seen at one American hospital suggests that federal guidelines for hepatitis C virus screening may be missing up to a quarter of all cases and argues for updated universal screening.

Researchers uncover earliest events following HIV infection, before virus is detectable Posted: 13 Apr 2016 11:01 AM PDT New research in monkeys exposed to SIV, the animal equivalent of HIV, reveals what happens in the very earliest stages of infection, before virus is even detectable in the blood, which is a critical but difficult period to study in humans. The findings have important implications for vaccine development and other strategies to prevent infection.

Downwind safety on the farm Posted: 13 Apr 2016 11:01 AM PDT New field research measured how far common bacteria -- including Salmonella and E. coli -- are likely to travel downwind from manure application sites. Proper spacing can ensure food safety.

Anti-fibrotic peptide shows early promise against interstitial lung disease Posted: 13 Apr 2016 11:01 AM PDT The M10 peptide reduces collagen production and reverses fibrotic damage due to systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related interstitial lung disease (ILD), preclinical findings suggests. ILD is one of the deadliest complications of SSc, a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, autoimmunity, and excessive collagen production and deposition. Lung fibrosis carries a high risk of morbidity/mortality in SSc patients.

Device allows paralyzed man to swipe credit card, perform other movements Posted: 13 Apr 2016 11:01 AM PDT New research is enabling a quadriplegic Ohio man to regain his ability to pick up objects, stir liquids and even play video games -- using his own thoughts.

Most online liquid nicotine vendors fail to prevent sales to minors Posted: 13 Apr 2016 10:59 AM PDT Across the United States, online vendors of e-liquids -- the nicotine-rich fluids that fuel electronic cigarettes -- are failing to take proper precautions in preventing sales to minors, according to a study.

Gang membership linked to depression Posted: 13 Apr 2016 10:59 AM PDT Kids who decide to join gangs are more likely to be depressed and suicidal -- and these mental health problems only worsen after joining, finds a new study.

Expanding insurance for single-embryo IVF could improve pregnancy outcomes Posted: 13 Apr 2016 10:59 AM PDT Expanding insurance coverage for a type of in vitro fertilization known as elective single-embryo transfer could lead to improved health outcomes and lower health care costs, according to a newly published study.

Genetic diversity helps to limit infectious disease Posted: 13 Apr 2016 10:57 AM PDT The idea that host diversity can limit disease outbreaks is not new. For example, crop monocultures in agriculture -- which lack genetic diversity -- can suffer severe disease outbreaks that sweep through the entire population. But why is this? Genetic diversity helps to reduce the spread of diseases by limiting parasite evolution, new research shows.

Vital nutrient has key role in keeping body clocks running on time Posted: 13 Apr 2016 10:57 AM PDT The essential mineral magnesium has an unexpected role in helping living things remain adapted to the rhythms of night and day, scientists have discovered. Magnesium -- a nutrient found in many foods -- helps control how cells keep their own form of time to cope with the natural environmental cycle of day and night.

Repairing DNA damage in the human body Posted: 13 Apr 2016 10:57 AM PDT DNA repair is compromised at important regions of our genome, shedding new light on the human body's capacity to repair DNA damage, medical scientists have discovered.

Global studies reveal health financing crisis facing developing countries Posted: 13 Apr 2016 09:10 AM PDT Two major studies reveal the health financing crisis facing developing countries as a result of low domestic investment and stagnating international aid, which could leave millions of people without access to even the most basic health services.

Study discovers link between cancer and autism Posted: 13 Apr 2016 09:09 AM PDT Although patients who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder have a higher burden of mutations in cancer-promoting oncogenes, they actually have lower rates of cancer, new research shows.

In wide range of species, longevity proteins affect dozens of the same genes Posted: 13 Apr 2016 09:09 AM PDT Scientists studying the biology of aging have found dozens of genes common to worms, flies, mice and humans that are all affected by the same family of proteins.

Gene variant explains racial disparities in adverse reactions to urate-lowering drug Posted: 13 Apr 2016 09:09 AM PDT A multi-institutional study finds significant racial disparities in the risk that patients being treated for gout will develop a serious, sometimes life-threatening adverse reaction to the most commonly prescribed medication, a risk that closely correlates with the frequency of a gene variant previously associated with that adverse reaction.

Drug candidate stops extra bone growth in animal model of rare, genetic disease Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:35 AM PDT New preclinical research provides support to a drug that has been repurposed to possibly treat a rare and extremely disabling genetic bone disease, particularly in children. In that disease, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a mutation triggers bone growth in muscles, alters skeletal bone formation, and limits motion, breathing, and swallowing, among a host of progressive symptoms.

Could a brain 'growth chart' spot attention problems early? New study suggests so Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:32 AM PDT New research suggests that it might be possible to create a growth chart of brain networks that could identify early signs of attention difficulties and, potentially, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

New asthma biomarkers could ease detection Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:23 AM PDT People with asthma have telltale molecules circulating in their blood, say researchers. This discovery could lead to the first diagnostic blood test for asthma, as well as more targeted treatments.

Link between obesity, kidney cancer identified Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:21 AM PDT Receptors for leptin, a protein hormone, may be associated with tumor recurrence in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), providing further understanding about molecular links between obesity and RCC tumor formation and prognosis, according to a study.

Some drug addicts more likely to relapse than others: Study Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:21 AM PDT Opioids are highly addicting and liable for abuse. Methadone maintenance treatment is the most common intervention for those with drug addiction, but relapse is common, with 46% of patients continuing to use illicit opioids during or after the methadone treatment.

'Proliposomal' local anesthetic shows promise for longer-lasting pain relief Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:21 AM PDT A new "proliposomal" preparation of the local anesthetic drug ropivacaine may provide a valuable new option for pain relief in some clinical situations, with key advantages over other types of slow-release local anesthetics, suggests new research.

Gene defect may point to solution for Alzheimer's Posted: 13 Apr 2016 08:12 AM PDT New research has discovered that one protein, called PITRM1, which is found in mitochondria, otherwise known as the powerhouses of the cell, may be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Pain drug in pipeline as researchers unwind marine snail puzzle Posted: 13 Apr 2016 07:57 AM PDT A big step toward the holy grail of biomedical science has been made -- a new form of effective pain relief. Marine snail venom has been a well-known and promising source of new pain drugs, but substantial hurdles had restrained progress to date.

Spotting DNA repair genes gone awry Posted: 13 Apr 2016 07:43 AM PDT Researchers have developed a new technique for sussing out the genes responsible for helping repair DNA damage that, if left unchecked, can lead to certain cancers.

Untwist scoliosis by clipping wings of an overactive 'ladybird' Posted: 13 Apr 2016 07:43 AM PDT People with scoliosis, a twisting of the spine that can occur as a birth defect or more commonly starts during the teen years, are now closer to a genetic explanation for their condition. An overactive gene, called ladybird homeobox 1 (LBX1), is the start of a genetic chain reaction that causes the spine to grow abnormally. The report is the first to demonstrate the functional association of scoliosis with LBX1.

Slow-binding inhibition of cholinesterases: Pharmacological, toxicological relevance Posted: 13 Apr 2016 07:42 AM PDT Researchers describe slow-binding inhibition of cholinesterases and present their pharmacological advantages over classical reversible inhibitors (e.g. long target-residence times, resulting in prolonged efficacy with minimal unwanted side effects), slow-binding inhibitors of ChEs are promising new drugs for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, myasthenia, and neuroprotection.

New method to preserve microfluidic devices for HIV monitoring in developing countries Posted: 13 Apr 2016 07:42 AM PDT Inspired by pregnancy tests, researchers have developed a novel method to store microfluidic devices for CD4 T cell testing in extreme weather conditions for up to six months without refrigeration. These devices have broad applications in chemotherapy monitoring, transplant patient monitoring, and especially in monitoring the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy. If produced at a large scale, the device would cost less than $1 compared with the current cost of a CD4 assay which is about $30-$50.

Protein discovered that spreads cancer Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:47 AM PDT Aggressive cancer cells spread from a tumor to another part of the body through the blood vessel. To be able get in and out of the blood vessel, the cancer cell needs to penetrate tissue Researchers have discovered a protein that the cancer cell uses like scissors to cut up tissue, so it can spread from a tumor to a new organ.

Nearly winning is more rewarding in gamblings addicts Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:43 AM PDT Pathological gamblers have a stronger brain reaction to so-called near-miss events: losing events that come very close to a win. Neuroscientists show this in fMRI scans of twenty-two pathological gamblers and just as many healthy controls.

Potential effects of fertility treatments on breast density, cancer risk Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:41 AM PDT Infertility and hormonal fertility treatments may influence the amount of dense tissue in the breast, a risk factor for breast cancer, according to a study involving 43,313 women.

Researchers open the way to new treatments for chronic pain, cancer Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:41 AM PDT A discovery of the full-length structure of a protein named Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid subtype 2 (TRPV2) has been described in a new paper. Taken in addition to their study of its molecular mechanism last year, researchers have revealed TRPV2 as new target for pharmaceutical research treating chronic pain and cancer.

Maple syrup protects neurons and nurtures young minds Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:41 AM PDT Catherine Aaron and Gabrielle Beaudry were 17 when they knocked on the door of the laboratory of Alex Parker, a neuroscience researcher at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM). While high school students they were looking for a mentor for an after-school research project. Two and half years later, the results of this scientific adventure were published today in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Cartilage protein may contribute to the development of breast cancer Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:41 AM PDT The protein COMP, which mainly exists in cartilage, can also be found in breast cancer tumors in patients with a poor prognosis, research shows. Studies on mice also showed that COMP contributed to the development and metastasis of the breast cancer.

Scientists report on novel method for extending the life of implantable devices in situ Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT Investigators report on a novel biochemical method that enables the rapid and repeated regeneration of selected molecular constituents in situ after device implantation, which has the potential to substantially extend the lifetime of bioactive films without the need for device removal.

Hospitals could reduce healthcare burden of alcohol related harm by simple routine screening Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT The growing burden of alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) could be reduced if hospitals introduced a simple universal screening procedure for those attending acute and emergency hospital settings, according to a new study.

Increase in coffee consumption could provide protective effect in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT Adding coffee to the diet of people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) could help reverse the condition, according to a new study conducted in mice .

Differing perspectives on antiviral treatment efficacy in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT Two separate studies have offered alternative conclusions regarding the efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) among patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Combined HIV and hepatitis C virus vaccination a possibility Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT A combined vaccination against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV moved a step closer, with the results of a new study.

High rate of cancer recurrence found in certain hepatitis C patients Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT Data from a new study show that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) taking direct-acting antiviral treatments (DAAs), who have previously fought off hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer had a 'high rate' of re-developing their illness.

Community-based treatment providers can help ease pressure on specialists in battle against hep C Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT A new study demonstrates treatment for hepatitis C can be provided safely and effectively within a community-based and non-specialist setting. This illustrates the potential for alternative providers to ease pressure on currently overburdened specialists.

Bottle-fed babies born to obese mothers risk developing dangerous liver disease as teens Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT Data presented today demonstrates that healthy maternal Body Mass Index (BMI) and exclusively breastfeeding a child for at least six months can reduce the risk of infants developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescence.

Fast food may expose consumers to harmful chemicals called phthalates Posted: 13 Apr 2016 05:38 AM PDT People who reported consuming more fast food in a national survey were exposed to higher levels of potentially harmful chemicals known as phthalates, according to a new study.

Mice engineered with rare kidney disease shed light on how cells repair broken DNA Posted: 12 Apr 2016 06:13 PM PDT Mutations in many genes involved in a certain type of DNA repair cause a rare anemia, but one such gene has been shown to cause kidney disease instead. By eliminating this unique gene in mice, scientists hope to show how and why it has such different effects.

Researchers discover liver metastases have different radiation sensitivities Posted: 12 Apr 2016 06:13 PM PDT Radiation is a commonly used therapeutic option to treat liver metastases, with the majority of tumors maintained under control after one year. However, some patients do not respond as well to radiation treatment, and the factors that predict patient outcomes are unclear. Researchers report that liver metastases have different sensitivities to radiation therapy based on the location of the primary tumor.

Oxygen key to containing coal ash contamination Posted: 12 Apr 2016 06:11 PM PDT The level of oxygen in a coal ash disposal site can greatly affect how much toxic selenium and arsenic can be leached from the system, report scientists at the conclusion of their investigation.

Testosterone therapy for transgender men Posted: 12 Apr 2016 06:11 PM PDT Testosterone therapy for transgender men is the focus of a recent article, which calls for more research. Testosterone therapy is prescribed for transgender men in order to obtain male secondary sexual characteristics, to improve well-being, and to decrease gender dysphoria. The review found that a benefit of testosterone therapy (with or without mastectomy) is a reduction in the risk of breast cancer.

Healthcare workers' radiation exposure tied to range of health problems Posted: 12 Apr 2016 06:11 PM PDT Healthcare workers in cardiac catheterization labs may have higher odds than workers elsewhere for health problems including cataracts, skin lesions, cancers and orthopedic illness. Estimated exposure to radiation was highest for interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists. Intensive training in radiation protection can reduce occupational doses dramatically.

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