ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Zika virus and health systems in Brazil: From unknown to a menace
• Research points to a new treatment for pancreatic cancer
• Are low wages an occupational health hazard?
• Mapping the circuit of our internal clock
• Autism and cancer share a remarkable number of risk genes in common
• Early warning: Current Japanese encephalitis vaccine might not protect
• Children with autism learn new words much like others do, study finds
• Assessment of total choline intakes in the United States
• Transplanted nerve cells survive a quarter of a century in a Parkinson's disease patient
• Experimental Alzheimer's drug reverses genetic changes thought to spur the disease
• No evidence of an association between silent brain infarcts and having migraine with aura
• Ebola vaccine: Promising phase I trials
• Scientists reveal how cell corrects errors made in gene transcription
• Giving patients a tool to search for health care prices did not result in lower spending
• Recurrent viral respiratory tract infections during first 6 months and risk of T1 diabetes
• One in four patients with COPD suffer from depression
• Placenta size, offspring bone development linked
• Herbal remedies are an overlooked global health hazard
• Intermediates in a chemical reaction photographed 'red-handed'
• Imodium abuse: Anti-diarrhea medication containing loperamide dangerous for self-treatment of opiod addiction
• Turn up the heat to increase altitude tolerance
• Watch immune cells 'glue' broken blood vessels back together
• Mother's hepatitis B supports chronic infection in children, study finds
• Extended rest between weight-lifting sets could help muscle growth
• Number of HIV infections falling in United States, but fails to meet reduction goals
• Dry eyes no more: New insight may lead to better detection, treatment of common autoimmune disease
• Corticosteroids for managing tuberculous meningitis
• Breast cancer patients upbeat on body changes
• Depression worsens COPD symptoms
• Funding decline for a US government HIV/AIDS initiative raises concerns
• Scientists double number of known genetic risk factors for endometrial cancer
• Kids' eating habits highlight need for healthier lunchboxes
• Researchers publish largest eye study among Latinos
• Bacteria use traffic-cop-like mechanism to infect gut
• Adults with bipolar disorder at equal risk for anxiety or depression following mania
• Combining pap, hrHPV tests could drastically reduce cancer miss rates
• Is it possible to cry a river?
• New function of genes found linked to Fanconi anemia and certain types of cancer
• Mediterranean style diet might slow down aging, reduce bone loss
• One in five rheumatoid arthritis patients missing recommended flu jab
• The name’s Jamesbondia: Caribbean plants named after James Bond
• Group activities reduced depressive symptoms among older people with dementia
• Placebo effects in women are boosted by vasopressin
• Yoga, aquatic exercise can help combat MS symptoms
• Physical inactivity increases risk of thrombosis
• Social clubs fill gap in dementia support
• New drug against nerve agents in sight
• Infants much less likely to get the flu if moms are vaccinated while pregnant
• Teens with allergies and asthma: Start prepping now for move to college
• Double-blinded randomized controlled trial of the Xiao procedure in children
• Nonprofit hospitals earn substantial profits
• Genetic switch could be key to increased health, lifespan
• Children react physically to stress from their social networks
• Antibiotics allow gut pathogens to 'breathe'
• Study identifies successful weight-gain prevention strategies for young adults
• Shortages in nation's drug supply persist despite federal efforts
• Legal approach to reducing drug spending
• Corporate churning associated with lower nursing home quality
• Elevated bladder cancer risk in New England, arsenic in drinking water

Zika virus and health systems in Brazil: From unknown to a menace Posted: 03 May 2016 01:15 PM PDT A new article examines the Zika Virus epidemic in Brazil and the Americas. On February 1, 2016, a World Health Organization (WHO) emergency committee declared clusters of birth defects suspected of being linked to an epidemic of Zika virus in the Americas as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Research points to a new treatment for pancreatic cancer Posted: 03 May 2016 01:14 PM PDT Researchers have shown how controlling cholesterol metabolism in pancreatic cancer cells reduces metastasis, pointing to a potential new treatment using drugs previously developed for atherosclerosis.

Are low wages an occupational health hazard? Posted: 03 May 2016 12:30 PM PDT Low wages should be recognized as an occupational health threat, according to a new editorial. The authors believe that low wages should be considered among the psychosocial factors -- such as long work hours and high job strain -- identified as occupational risks to health.

Mapping the circuit of our internal clock Posted: 03 May 2016 12:26 PM PDT Researchers have shown for the first time how neurons in the SCN are connected to each other, shedding light on this vital area of the brain. Understanding this structure -- and how it responds to disruption -- is important for tackling illnesses like diabetes and posttraumatic stress disorder. The scientists have also found that disruption to these rhythms such as shifts in work schedules or blue light exposure at night can negatively impact overall health.

Autism and cancer share a remarkable number of risk genes in common Posted: 03 May 2016 12:26 PM PDT Autism and cancer share more than 40 risk genes, suggesting that common mechanisms underlying the functions of some of these genes could conceivably be leveraged to develop therapies not just for cancer but for autism as well, an extensive assessment has found.

Early warning: Current Japanese encephalitis vaccine might not protect Posted: 03 May 2016 12:26 PM PDT Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis (infection of the brain) in Asia. There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis (JE) which can cause death or serious long-term disability, and WHO recommends JEV vaccination in all areas where the disease is recognized as a public health priority. A new study suggests that current vaccines may fail to protect individuals against an emerging strain of the virus.

Children with autism learn new words much like others do, study finds Posted: 03 May 2016 10:20 AM PDT Children with autism are capable of learning new words the same way any child would—by following someone's gaze as they name an object. They just take longer to pick up the skill, new research suggests.

Assessment of total choline intakes in the United States Posted: 03 May 2016 10:16 AM PDT Choline is an essential nutrient and plays a critical role in brain development, cell signaling, nerve impulse transmission, liver function, and maintenance of a healthy metabolism. Researchers have analyzed the usual intakes of choline and compared them with the dietary reference intakes for U.S. residents aged ?2 years.  Choline can be found naturally in foods including eggs, liver, beef, salmon, shrimp, cauliflower, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and breast milk. Symptoms of a choline deficiency may include low energy levels, memory loss, cognitive decline, muscle aches, nerve damage, and mood changes or disorders.

Transplanted nerve cells survive a quarter of a century in a Parkinson's disease patient Posted: 03 May 2016 10:15 AM PDT In the late 1980s and over the 1990s, researchers pioneered the transplantation of new nerve cells into the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease. The outcomes proved for the first time that transplanted nerve cells can survive and function in the diseased human brain. Some patients showed marked improvement after the transplantation while others showed moderate or no relief of symptoms. A small number of patients suffered unwanted side-effects in the form of involuntary movements.

Experimental Alzheimer's drug reverses genetic changes thought to spur the disease Posted: 03 May 2016 10:15 AM PDT When given to old rats, the drug, which is known to affect signaling by the neurotransmitter glutamate, reversed many age-related changes that occur in a brain region key to learning and memory. The drug also produced effects opposing those seen in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.

No evidence of an association between silent brain infarcts and having migraine with aura Posted: 03 May 2016 10:15 AM PDT A large cross-sectional study focused on women with migraines with aura and compared their brain MRI images with those of women not suffering from migraine. No differences between these two groups of women were found with regard to number of silent infarcts and white matter hyperintensities (WMH).

Ebola vaccine: Promising phase I trials Posted: 03 May 2016 10:14 AM PDT The clinical phase I trial of a potential vaccine against the dreaded Ebola virus has been successfully completed at four partner sites in Africa and Europe. The safety of the tested vaccine 'rVSV-ZEBOV', which induces persistent antibodies against the virus, has been confirmed by researchers.

Scientists reveal how cell corrects errors made in gene transcription Posted: 03 May 2016 10:13 AM PDT The dynamics of the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) backtracking process is poorly understood. Scientists have now built a Markov State Model from extensive molecular dynamics simulations to identify metastable intermediate states and the dynamics of backtracking at atomistic detail. The results reveal that Pol II backtracking occurs in a stepwise mode where two intermediate states are involved.

Giving patients a tool to search for health care prices did not result in lower spending Posted: 03 May 2016 10:13 AM PDT Offering a price transparency website and app to employees at two large companies was not associated with reduction in outpatient spending or out-of-pocket costs.

Recurrent viral respiratory tract infections during first 6 months and risk of T1 diabetes Posted: 03 May 2016 10:13 AM PDT The associations between infection types during the first 2 years of life and between respiratory tract infections in the first 6 months and type l diabetes (T1D) have been the focus of recent research. Viral infections, particularly enteroviruses, have been hypothesized to cause T1D. Recent studies suggest that respiratory tract infections are associated with increased T1D risk if they are encountered within the first 6 months.

One in four patients with COPD suffer from depression Posted: 03 May 2016 10:08 AM PDT One in four patients with COPD suffer from depressive symptoms, new research show, and if not treated, those symptoms can have a negative effect on their overall health and treatment effectiveness.

Placenta size, offspring bone development linked Posted: 03 May 2016 10:05 AM PDT A larger placenta during pregnancy could lead to larger bones in the children, a new study has shown. The study found that the relationship between the placenta and offspring bone remained robust even after adjusting for factors such as the child's height and weight and pubertal status.

Herbal remedies are an overlooked global health hazard Posted: 03 May 2016 10:05 AM PDT Scientists raise are raising awareness that long-term use of herbal remedies is no guarantee of their safety. Herbal remedies are an overlooked global hazard.

Intermediates in a chemical reaction photographed 'red-handed' Posted: 03 May 2016 10:05 AM PDT For the first time, researchers have imaged and identified the bond configuration of the intermediates in a complex sequence of chemical transformations of enediyne molecules on a silver surface and has resolved the microscopic mechanisms that account for their behavior.

Imodium abuse: Anti-diarrhea medication containing loperamide dangerous for self-treatment of opiod addiction Posted: 03 May 2016 10:05 AM PDT The over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication Imodium, or its key ingredient loperamide, is increasingly being abused by people attempting to self-treat their opioid addiction, with sometime fatal results.

Turn up the heat to increase altitude tolerance Posted: 03 May 2016 10:03 AM PDT Simple heat-based exercise can be just as effective as low-oxygen training to improve physical performance and altitude tolerance, new study reveals. The new work suggests that heat-based exercise can offer a more efficient means of improving altitude tolerance and physical performance than normobaric altitude training can provide.

Watch immune cells 'glue' broken blood vessels back together Posted: 03 May 2016 10:03 AM PDT As we age, tiny blood vessels in the brain stiffen and sometimes rupture, causing 'microbleeds.' This damage has been associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline, but whether the brain can naturally repair itself beyond growing new blood-vessel tissue has been unknown. A zebrafish study describes for the first time how white blood cells called macrophages can grab the broken ends of a blood vessel and stick them back together.

Mother's hepatitis B supports chronic infection in children, study finds Posted: 03 May 2016 10:03 AM PDT Chronic hepatitis B infection could one day be cleared from a person's system with a series of shots. 'Hepatic macrophages' -- liver immune cells that eliminate foreign substances and toxins -- could be the target of future treatment, say researchers.

Extended rest between weight-lifting sets could help muscle growth Posted: 03 May 2016 07:47 AM PDT Researchers have found that extended rest intervals between sets of weight-lifting could help with muscle growth.

Number of HIV infections falling in United States, but fails to meet reduction goals Posted: 03 May 2016 07:47 AM PDT The number of new HIV infections occurring annually in the United States decreased by an estimated 11 percent from 2010 to 2015, while the HIV transmission rate decreased by an estimated 17 percent during the same time period, according to new research.

Dry eyes no more: New insight may lead to better detection, treatment of common autoimmune disease Posted: 03 May 2016 07:47 AM PDT Sjogren's syndrome affects an estimated four million people in the U.S., but diagnosis is often delayed because its symptoms are similar to other conditions. A new study describes a protein with the potential to be an earlier and more precise indicator of the disease.

Corticosteroids for managing tuberculous meningitis Posted: 03 May 2016 07:46 AM PDT A review update has been released to evaluate the effects of corticosteroids being used alongside anti-tuberculosis medication to treat people suffering from tuberculous meningitis Tuberculous meningitis is a serious form of tuberculosis (TB), which affects the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. The infection causes headache, coma, and death is common. Survivors are also at risk of being disabled from brain damage.

Breast cancer patients upbeat on body changes Posted: 03 May 2016 07:46 AM PDT Body image identity varies among women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer with many rejecting mainstream body shape ideals, new research shows.

Depression worsens COPD symptoms Posted: 03 May 2016 07:46 AM PDT Debilitating symptoms from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can worsen in patients who also experience depression, research suggests. Patients who had pre-existing depression or developed depression after COPD diagnosis were more likely to experience heightened COPD symptoms, such as increased breathlessness, reduced exercise tolerance and hopelessness.

Funding decline for a US government HIV/AIDS initiative raises concerns Posted: 03 May 2016 07:45 AM PDT A new study finds a significant decline in funding for an important part of the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR. The study finds a 33 percent drop in funding for a core activity called governance and systems, which supports infrastructure for delivering HIV- and AIDS-related services, particularly in low-income countries.

Scientists double number of known genetic risk factors for endometrial cancer Posted: 03 May 2016 07:41 AM PDT Researchers have identified five new gene regions that increase a woman's risk of developing endometrial cancer, one of the most common cancers to affect women, taking the number of known gene regions associated with the disease to nine.

Kids' eating habits highlight need for healthier lunchboxes Posted: 03 May 2016 07:41 AM PDT New research shows children aged 9-10 years old are receiving almost half of their daily energy requirements from 'discretionary' or junk foods.

Researchers publish largest eye study among Latinos Posted: 03 May 2016 07:41 AM PDT Researchers and clinicians have published results of the largest population-based study of adult Latinos and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the National Eye Institute-funded 'Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES).' The study is the first to analyze the risk and prevalence of early and late stage AMD and its impact on quality of life for older Latinos.

Bacteria use traffic-cop-like mechanism to infect gut Posted: 03 May 2016 07:41 AM PDT A study has found that a cellular syringe-like device used to invade intestinal cells also acts as a traffic cop -- directing bacteria where to go and thereby enabling them to efficiently carry out infection. This mechanism is critical to a pathogen's success.

Adults with bipolar disorder at equal risk for anxiety or depression following mania Posted: 03 May 2016 07:41 AM PDT Adults with bipolar disorder are just as likely to develop anxiety as depression following an episode of mania, according to data from a national survey of more than 34,000 adults.

Combining pap, hrHPV tests could drastically reduce cancer miss rates Posted: 03 May 2016 06:19 AM PDT Cytopathology researchers recently found that combining two diagnostic tests, Pap and high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV), dramatically decreased the chance of missing tumors and high-grade lesions by sevenfold.

Is it possible to cry a river? Posted: 03 May 2016 06:17 AM PDT Students examine plausibility of all the humans on Earth shedding enough tears to form a river - and fill an Olympic size swimming pool.

New function of genes found linked to Fanconi anemia and certain types of cancer Posted: 03 May 2016 04:28 AM PDT An important new function of genes in the Fanconi anemia pathway has been identified by researchers – a finding that could have implications for development of new therapies to treat this disorder and some cancers.

Mediterranean style diet might slow down aging, reduce bone loss Posted: 03 May 2016 04:26 AM PDT Sticking to a Mediterranean style diet might slow down aging, a new study has found. Mediterranean style diet, tested in the project, significantly decreased the levels of the protein known as C-reactive protein, one of the main inflammatory marker linked with the ageing process. Another positive effect of this diet was that the rate of bone loss in people with osteoporosis was reduced. Other parameters such as insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular health, digestive health and quality of life are yet to be analyzed.

One in five rheumatoid arthritis patients missing recommended flu jab Posted: 03 May 2016 04:26 AM PDT Research has found a shortfall in the uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations among those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), potentially increasing their infection risk.

The name’s Jamesbondia: Caribbean plants named after James Bond Posted: 03 May 2016 04:25 AM PDT A new subgenus of plants has officially been called Jamesbondia after the notable American ornithologist James Bond, whose name Ian Fleming is known to have used for his eponymous spy series.

Group activities reduced depressive symptoms among older people with dementia Posted: 03 May 2016 04:25 AM PDT Both a high-intensity functional exercise programme and a non-exercise group activity, conducted among older care facility residents with dementia, reduced high levels of depressive symptoms. However, exercise had no superior effect on depression, according to a new dissertation.

Placebo effects in women are boosted by vasopressin Posted: 03 May 2016 04:24 AM PDT A new study suggests that women are particularly susceptible to the pain-relieving placebo effect of vasopressin. Placebos are used to help accurately measure clinical responses/outcomes when studying the effects of medications, therapies, and other treatments. The well-known "placebo effect" is a phenomenon whereby a patient's condition improves or a patient experiences side effects despite having received a "fake" treatment.

Yoga, aquatic exercise can help combat MS symptoms Posted: 03 May 2016 04:24 AM PDT Exercise can have a positive influence on certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis, say researchers. Patients who do yoga and aquatic exercise suffer less from fatigue, depression and paresthesia, as reported by researchers.

Physical inactivity increases risk of thrombosis Posted: 03 May 2016 04:24 AM PDT Women with poor physical fitness display significantly higher platelet activation than women with average to very good fitness. Platelet (thrombocyte) activation can lead to the formation of potentially life-threatening blood clots. These blood clots can block blood vessels (thrombosis) and cut off the blood supply to organs.

Social clubs fill gap in dementia support Posted: 03 May 2016 04:22 AM PDT Community-based social groups could play a crucial role in empowering people with early-onset dementia, according to new research. The research focused on an independently run program known as Paul's Club, which offers social and recreational activities three days a week out of a hotel in downtown Vancouver. Members range in age from mid-40s to late 60s.

New drug against nerve agents in sight Posted: 03 May 2016 04:22 AM PDT The nerve agent sarin causes a deadly overstimulation of the nervous system that can be stopped if treated with an antidote within minutes of poisoning. Today, a ground-breaking study describes in detail how such a drug works.

Infants much less likely to get the flu if moms are vaccinated while pregnant Posted: 03 May 2016 04:22 AM PDT Babies whose moms were vaccinated against the flu while pregnant had a 70 percent reduction in confirmed flu cases compared with infants whose moms weren't immunized, study finds.

Teens with allergies and asthma: Start prepping now for move to college Posted: 03 May 2016 04:22 AM PDT Being in a new location with new risky behaviors can negatively impact your health and increase your risk for ingesting food allergens and exposure to allergy and asthma triggers. A new article offers practical tips on how to successfully make the transition.

Double-blinded randomized controlled trial of the Xiao procedure in children Posted: 03 May 2016 04:22 AM PDT The results have been released of a double-blinded randomized controlled trial of the 'Xiao procedure' in children with spina bifida who suffer from neurogenic bladder dysfunction. The Xiao procedure was touted for many years in China as being more than 80 percent effective in such patients. In the present study population, the researchers found the procedure to be ineffective in all patients at producing bladder control.

Nonprofit hospitals earn substantial profits Posted: 02 May 2016 06:59 PM PDT Seven of the 10 most profitable hospitals in the United States in 2013 – each earning more than $163 million in profits from patient care services – were nonprofit hospitals, according to new research.

Genetic switch could be key to increased health, lifespan Posted: 02 May 2016 06:57 PM PDT Stressing a worm's mitochondria at a key time in early development is known to improve their metabolic health and extend lifespan. Researchers discovered what's behind this: enzymes that tag DNA and make epigenetic changes that affect the expression of mitochondrial genes long into adulthood, making the mitochondria more efficient. In long-lived mice, these same enzymes are up-regulated, implying that they play a key role in boosting metabolic function in mammals as well.

Children react physically to stress from their social networks Posted: 02 May 2016 06:57 PM PDT Research has shown the significance of social relationships in influencing adult human behavior and health; however, little is known about how children's perception of their social networks correlates with stress and how it may influence development. Now, a research team has determined that children and adolescents physically react to their social networks and the stress those networks may cause.

Antibiotics allow gut pathogens to 'breathe' Posted: 02 May 2016 06:57 PM PDT The chain of events that occur within the gut lumen after antibiotic treatment that allow 'bad' bugs to flourish is now better understood, thanks to new research.

Study identifies successful weight-gain prevention strategies for young adults Posted: 02 May 2016 06:57 PM PDT Scientists have identified strategies that might help young adults (aged 18 to 35 years) avoid weight gain. Their study could help prevent obesity during this period, when individuals typically gain the most excess weight of their lifetimes.

Shortages in nation's drug supply persist despite federal efforts Posted: 02 May 2016 06:54 PM PDT Despite federal legislation to stem shortages in the nation's drug supply, deficiencies remain for patients with acute and critical illnesses, say researchers. Their study points to the need for greater interventions to maintain the availability of life-saving drugs for millions of patients.

Legal approach to reducing drug spending Posted: 02 May 2016 06:54 PM PDT A team of experts has posed an innovative solution to the problem of patent-protected essential medicines that are priced too high for society to afford them, as in the case of the antiviral drugs treating hepatitis C.

Corporate churning associated with lower nursing home quality Posted: 02 May 2016 06:54 PM PDT Nursing homes that underwent chain-related transactions such as mergers and acquisitions experienced a larger number of deficiency citations both before and after transactions than nursing homes that did not change ownership.

Elevated bladder cancer risk in New England, arsenic in drinking water Posted: 02 May 2016 06:54 PM PDT Drinking water from private wells, particularly dug wells established during the first half of the 20th century, may have contributed to the elevated risk of bladder cancer that has been observed in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont for over 50 years.

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