ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Immune cells help reverse chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer
• Flawed data behind regulation of high-risk women's health devices
• A tool to support public health decisions on Zika virus predicts most planned interventions to be cost-effective
• Scientists create computational tool for greater understanding of metabolic network
• Rural, low-income moms rely on nature activities for family health but don't always have access
• Fixed-dose combinations vs single-drug for treating pulmonary TB
• In obese prostate cancer patients, robotic surgery reduces risk of blood loss
• Research behind global switch to new polio vaccine strategy released
• Liquid order: Fluid self-organizes into structure that controls cell growth, health
• Chemists develop simple new platform for development of macrolide antibiotics
• Researchers solve the structure of the Zika virus helicase
• Modified microalgae converts sunlight into valuable medicine
• Two-stage nanoparticle delivery of piperlongumine, TRAIL anti-cancer therapy
• Long term effects of cardiac regenerative therapies in a left ventricle
• Researchers reveal how new class of drugs kills cancer cells
• You are what you eat: Immune cells remember their first meal
• Global early warning system for infectious diseases
• Enzyme pair play crucial role in maintaining balance of cellular processes
• To operate or not to operate: Serious question with no clear answers
• Understanding the mechanics of the urinary bladder
• Taking control of key protein stifles cancer spread in mice
• Mechanism that reduces effect of cocaine on brain discovered
• Children injured in motor vehicle crashes fare better at level I pediatric trauma centers
• Triple-therapy cocktail shrinks triple-negative breast tumors
• Trapping individual cell types in the mouse brain
• HOXA5 protein acts as tumor suppressor in breast cancer, lab cell study shows
• Bereaved parents should be given full details about how to reduce sudden infant death syndrome risk
• Firearm ownership closely tied to suicide rates, study finds
• Lowering blood pressure reduces risk of heart disease in older adults
• Mouse studies hold promise for a simple treatment for an aggressive gastric tumor
• TXA administered intravenously, by injection reduces blood loss after knee replacement
• More light shed on cancer: Nanoparticles to highlight cancer cells
• Full extraction: Scientists elaborated a new method to extract DNA from viruses, bacteria, plants and animals
• Brain scans of dementia patients with coprophagia showed neurodegeneration
• Combining radiation with immunotherapy showing promise against melanoma
• Factor preserves DNA integrity in bacteria despite assault from antibiotics
• Development of portable device to detect arrhythmias in real time
• Study identifies unexpected mutation in commonly used research mice
• Avoiding mixtures of different mitochondria leads to effective mitochondrial replacement

Immune cells help reverse chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer Posted: 20 May 2016 11:29 AM PDT New research explains why ovarian cancer becomes resistant to chemotherapy. The findings suggesting the potential to harness immunotherapy as a future treatment option.

Flawed data behind regulation of high-risk women's health devices Posted: 20 May 2016 11:29 AM PDT Some high-risk medical devices used in obstetrics and gynecology were approved by the FDA based on flawed data and were not effective in clinical trials, according to a recent study. The investigators assessed the regulation of women's health devices approved by the FDA in the last 15 years. The agency's approvals should be based on clinical studies more rigorous than currently required, both before and after the devices go to market, the authors said.

A tool to support public health decisions on Zika virus predicts most planned interventions to be cost-effective Posted: 20 May 2016 11:29 AM PDT A new study presents a cost-effectiveness tool that can help guide decisions regarding resource allocation to fund interventions targeted at curtailing the ongoing Zika virus outbreak. Analyses using the tool suggest that proposed funds to combat Zika in the US and other countries would be cost-effective, based on quantification of the serious health conditions associated with Zika infection.

Scientists create computational tool for greater understanding of metabolic network Posted: 20 May 2016 09:06 AM PDT Researchers present the first genome-scale reconstruction of the C. elegans metabolic network and show that scientists can use mathematical simulation to convert bacterial diet into C. elegans biomass.

Rural, low-income moms rely on nature activities for family health but don't always have access Posted: 20 May 2016 09:06 AM PDT Research shows that spending just 20 minutes in nature can promote health and well-being. Although the assumption may be that living in rural areas provides ample opportunities for recreation in nature, many rural, low-income mothers, who rely on outdoor activities to promote health and well-being for themselves and their families, face obstacles in accessing publicly available outdoor recreation resources.

Fixed-dose combinations vs single-drug for treating pulmonary TB Posted: 20 May 2016 09:06 AM PDT A research team has prepared a systematic review that explores the efficacy, safety, and adherence to fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of drugs versus single-drug formulations to treat people who are newly diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB).

In obese prostate cancer patients, robotic surgery reduces risk of blood loss Posted: 20 May 2016 09:06 AM PDT In obese prostate cancer patients, robotic-assisted surgery to remove the prostate reduces the risk of blood loss and prolonged hospital stays, a new study has found.

Research behind global switch to new polio vaccine strategy released Posted: 20 May 2016 08:06 AM PDT A single injectable dose of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) along with bivalent oral polio vaccine could protect up to 90 percent of children from polio and strengthen community protection against the disease, a groundbreaking study shows.

Liquid order: Fluid self-organizes into structure that controls cell growth, health Posted: 20 May 2016 08:06 AM PDT Although known since the 1830s as a round, dark spot in a cell's nucleus, only recently has the nucleolus gotten its full due. Scientists have now discovered how the nucleolus, an organelle with the consistency of honey, maintains a complex internal structure.

Chemists develop simple new platform for development of macrolide antibiotics Posted: 20 May 2016 08:06 AM PDT Researchers have created a new, greatly simplified, platform for antibiotic discovery that may go a long way to solving the crisis of antibiotic resistance. In a study, researchers describe 'a platform where we assemble eight (chemical) building blocks by a simple process to make macrolide antibiotics' without using erythromycin, the original macrolide antibiotic, and the drug upon which all others in the class have been based since the early 1950s.

Researchers solve the structure of the Zika virus helicase Posted: 20 May 2016 08:06 AM PDT Scientists have solved the structure of the Zika virus helicase, which is a key target for antiviral development.

Modified microalgae converts sunlight into valuable medicine Posted: 20 May 2016 08:04 AM PDT A special type of microalgae will soon produce valuable chemicals such as cancer treatment drugs and much more just by harnessing energy from the sun, suggest researchers.

Two-stage nanoparticle delivery of piperlongumine, TRAIL anti-cancer therapy Posted: 20 May 2016 08:04 AM PDT A new combination approach of nanoparticles and liposomes successfully delivered a potent TRAIL sensitizer followed by the anti-cancer protein TRAIL.

Long term effects of cardiac regenerative therapies in a left ventricle Posted: 20 May 2016 08:03 AM PDT To increase our understanding of cardiac regenerative therapies, a team of researchers has recently developed a computational model capable of simulating the long-term effects of these therapies.

Researchers reveal how new class of drugs kills cancer cells Posted: 20 May 2016 08:03 AM PDT A researcher team has worked out how a new class of anti-cancer drugs kills cancer cells, a finding that helps explain how cancer cells may become resistant to treatment.

You are what you eat: Immune cells remember their first meal Posted: 20 May 2016 07:19 AM PDT Scientists have identified the trigger for immune cells' inflammatory response, a discovery that may pave the way for new treatments for many human diseases.

Global early warning system for infectious diseases Posted: 20 May 2016 07:10 AM PDT Experts call for the creation of a global early warning system for infectious diseases. Such a system would use computer models to tap into environmental, epidemiological and molecular data, gathering the intelligence needed to forecast where disease risk is high and what actions could prevent outbreaks or contain epidemics.

Enzyme pair play crucial role in maintaining balance of cellular processes Posted: 20 May 2016 07:10 AM PDT Scientists show that ULK1 and ULK2, two enzymes involved in autophagy, regulate the trafficking of proteins between select cellular compartments, a new report outlines.

To operate or not to operate: Serious question with no clear answers Posted: 20 May 2016 07:10 AM PDT Two linked studies find wide variances in surgeons' decision to operate or recommend an alternative treatment option, suggesting that it depends as much on how surgeons perceive the world as it does on the patient's diagnosis.

Understanding the mechanics of the urinary bladder Posted: 20 May 2016 07:10 AM PDT Researchers have compiled an extensive review of the key contributions to understanding the mechanics of the bladder ranging from work conducted in the 1970s through the present time with a focus on material testing and theoretical modeling.

Taking control of key protein stifles cancer spread in mice Posted: 20 May 2016 07:10 AM PDT In a new study in mice, researchers overcame a process by which cancer co-opts a fundamental protein into protecting it against the body's defenses.

Mechanism that reduces effect of cocaine on brain discovered Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT A type of brain cell known as microglia plays a key role in reducing the effects of cocaine in the brain, according to a new major study. The discovery establishes for the first time that microglia can diminish the adverse changes to neural circuitry brought on by the chronic use of cocaine and has significant implications for developing an effective treatment for addiction.

Children injured in motor vehicle crashes fare better at level I pediatric trauma centers Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT Children and adolescents injured in motor vehicle accidents have better outcomes when treated at a stand-alone Level I pediatric trauma center than at general adult trauma centers or adult trauma centers with added Level I pediatric qualifications, according to a new study.

Triple-therapy cocktail shrinks triple-negative breast tumors Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT In a new study using mice and lab-grown human cells, a scientific team of researchers shows how a triple-drug cocktail can shrink triple-negative breast cancers by killing off cancer cells and halting new tumor growth.

Trapping individual cell types in the mouse brain Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT A new approach for genetically identifying and manipulating mouse brain cell types has been identified by researchers.

HOXA5 protein acts as tumor suppressor in breast cancer, lab cell study shows Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT Many breast cancers are marked by a lack of HOXA5 protein, a gene product known to control cell differentiation and death, and lower levels of the protein correspond to poorer outcomes for patients. Now, results of a new study suggests a powerful role for the protein in normal breast cells, acting as a tumor suppressor that halts abnormal cell growth.

Bereaved parents should be given full details about how to reduce sudden infant death syndrome risk Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT Health professionals should tell bereaved parents about what they could have done to reduce the risk of the sudden death of their baby, a new study indicates. The research is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK and contradicts the current practice of many pediatricians who don't discuss risk factors for fear of causing grieving mothers and fathers additional upset.

Firearm ownership closely tied to suicide rates, study finds Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT States with higher estimated levels of gun ownership had higher incidents of gun-related suicides, with firearm ownership alone explaining 71 percent of the variation in state-level gun suicide rates for males and 49 percent for females, a new study shows.

Lowering blood pressure reduces risk of heart disease in older adults Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT Intensive therapies to reduce high blood pressure can cut the risk of heart disease in older adults without increasing the risk for falls, according to doctors.

Mouse studies hold promise for a simple treatment for an aggressive gastric tumor Posted: 19 May 2016 07:05 PM PDT Patients with aggressive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have limited treatment options and there are few oncologists who are specialized in this relatively rare disease. Normally a total gastrectomy (removal of the stomach) is employed in these cases, with a subsequent dramatic reduction in the quality of life for patients. Now researchers have identified a mutation in the human ATP4a gene that is involved in the gastric acid secretion regulation and has been identified as responsible of an aggressive form of inherited, early-onset gastric NET.

TXA administered intravenously, by injection reduces blood loss after knee replacement Posted: 19 May 2016 01:12 PM PDT Administering tranexamic acid (TXA) both intravenously (IV) and injected at the surgical site (intra-articular administration, or IA) reduced blood loss by 37 percent, compared to IV alone, following total knee replacement (TKR).

More light shed on cancer: Nanoparticles to highlight cancer cells Posted: 19 May 2016 01:12 PM PDT A group of scientists has succeeded in synthesizing nanoparticles of ultrapure silicon, which exhibited the property of efficient photoluminescence, (secondary light emission after photoexcitation), with the hopes of highlighting cancer cells within the body.

Full extraction: Scientists elaborated a new method to extract DNA from viruses, bacteria, plants and animals Posted: 19 May 2016 01:12 PM PDT A simple and environmentally friendly method for extracting RNA from the cells of bacteria, plants and animals for detecting viruses has been developed by a research team.

Brain scans of dementia patients with coprophagia showed neurodegeneration Posted: 19 May 2016 12:43 PM PDT Coprophagia, eating one's feces, is common in animals but rarely seen in humans. Now researchers have reviewed the cases of a dozen adult patients diagnosed with coprophagia over the past 20 years and found that the behavior is associated with a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly neurodegenerative dementias.

Combining radiation with immunotherapy showing promise against melanoma Posted: 19 May 2016 12:18 PM PDT Combining radiation treatments with a new generation of immunotherapies is showing promise as a one-two-punch against melanoma, researchers report.

Factor preserves DNA integrity in bacteria despite assault from antibiotics Posted: 19 May 2016 11:45 AM PDT A key biochemical enables bacteria to repair otherwise fatal damage to their DNA, including that caused by antibiotics, report scientists. The study results revolve around the delicacy of DNA molecules, the letters making up the genetic code. Experts estimate that DNA is damaged thousands of times an hour in each bacterial cell, and perhaps a million times a day in a human cell with larger, more complicated DNA chains. Sunlight and toxins do much of the damage, but the biggest culprit may be highly reactive byproducts created as cells use oxygen to turn sugar into energy.

Development of portable device to detect arrhythmias in real time Posted: 19 May 2016 10:04 AM PDT Researchers have created a device for detecting cardiac arrhythmias in real time, and that turns portable a system that uses electrodes placed on the chest of the patient or as part of clothing (shirt), plus it allows to alert the physician at the same time there is an irregularity in the heartbeat.

Study identifies unexpected mutation in commonly used research mice Posted: 19 May 2016 10:02 AM PDT A strain of inbred mice commonly used for the creation of so-called knockout animals has been found to carry a previously undetected mutation that could affect the results of immune system research studies.

Avoiding mixtures of different mitochondria leads to effective mitochondrial replacement Posted: 19 May 2016 10:02 AM PDT Scientists have discovered an important biological phenomenon in human cells that will help scientists design safer treatments to prevent mitochondrial diseases. The team first pioneered a technique, mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), in 2012 to prevent inheritance of these devastating and debilitating diseases. Now they are working to hone this technique and understand the biological processes that would impact patients as this process is brought into clinical trials.

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