ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis
• Biological 'good guy' has a dark side, researchers find
• In-patient rehab recommended over nursing homes for stroke rehab
• Ozanimod as effective in treating ulcerative colitis, study shows
• Dengue fever's economic 'bite' estimated by investigators
• 'Kidney on a chip' could lead to safer drug dosing
• Children in developing world infected with parasite -- even without appearing ill -- may be more prone to stunted growth
• Newborn screening test developed for rare, deadly neurological disorder
• Supervised autonomous in vivo robotic surgery on soft tissues is feasible
• Scientists find root cause of appetite loss during illness
• New method allows first look at key stage of human development, embryo implantation
• Discovery of cancer gene may predict survival in patients with mouth cancers
• How migrants' traditional cuisines cost them calories
• Simple arm test accurately identifies markers of frailty in older adults facing surgery
• Ketamine lifts depression via a byproduct of its metabolism
• 'Bugs' as drugs: Harnessing novel gut bacteria for human health
• Equilibrium modeling increases contact lens comfort
• Humans have faster metabolism than closely related primates, enabling larger brains
• Inheritable bacterium controls Aedes mosquitoes' ability to transmit Zika
• High-fructose diet during pregnancy may harm placenta, restrict fetal growth
• Study shows pain causes older adults to develop more inflammation over time
• Use of personal care products during pregnancy linked to adverse effects in newborns
• You could mistakenly believe you're allergic to this common antibiotic
• Antiviral therapies give hepatitis C cirrhosis patients similar life expectancy as general population
• Researchers prove utility of imaging tool in surgeon's hand
• Holistic approach to mealtimes could help dementia sufferers
• Readability of online health information for patients with pancreatic cancer
• Better bone replacement: 3-D printed bone with just the right mix of ingredients
• Genetic test shows risk for serious adverse reaction to toxic goitre treatment
• Alcohol makes you momentarily happier but not more satisfied
• Children with ADHD sleep both poorly and less
• Unique nano-capsules promise the targeted drug delivery
• Human heart cells respond less to e-cig vapour than tobacco smoke
• Researchers develop 'designer' chemical separation membranes
• Our brain suppresses perception related to heartbeat, for our own good
• Help is just a phone call away: Telephone CPR improves cardiac arrest outcomes
• Yeast infection linked to mental illness
• Teledermatology linked to access to dermatologists for Medicaid enrollees in California
• New method could offer more precise treatment for corneal disease
• Parkinson's disease pathogenesis reduced in rat model by a cell-signaling inhibitor drug
• Sparing livers: Curing hepatitis C will create transplant opportunities for patients with other illnesses
• Aggregated protein in nerve cells can cause ALS
• Faster, cheaper way to produce new antibiotics
• Researchers identify new autism blood biomarker
• Medical errors now third leading cause of death in United States
• First skin-to-eye stem cell transplant in humans successful
• First recommendations published on imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves
• Genetic test shows patients at risk of a serious adverse reaction to toxic goitre treatment
• How much electromagnetic radiation am I exposed to?
• Diabetes risk of common arthritis medicine quantified for first time
• Benefits of internet-based therapy in overcoming childbirth fear

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis Posted: 04 May 2016 02:49 PM PDT The benefits of newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) patients has been reinforced by new research. The findings add to the increasingly overwhelming evidence in favor of newborn screening as a way to improve the quality of life for patients living with this chronic disease that is still incurable.

Biological 'good guy' has a dark side, researchers find Posted: 04 May 2016 02:48 PM PDT A pair of scientists has discovered that an enzyme previously thought only to be beneficial could, in fact, pose significant danger to developing embryos. The new research could have implications not only for prenatal development but also for treating lymphedema and liver damage resulting from acetaminophen overdose.

In-patient rehab recommended over nursing homes for stroke rehab Posted: 04 May 2016 02:48 PM PDT New guidelines have been released on adult stroke rehabilitation calling for intensive, multidisciplinary treatment. Before leaving the hospital, patients and caregivers should receive a formal falls-prevention program to prevent accidents at home. Whenever possible, initial rehabilitation should take place in an inpatient rehabilitation facility rather than a nursing home.

Ozanimod as effective in treating ulcerative colitis, study shows Posted: 04 May 2016 02:48 PM PDT Ozanimod, a novel drug molecule, is moderately effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis, researchers have demonstrated. Ulcerative colits is a debilitating autoimmune disease that causes chronic diarrhea.

Dengue fever's economic 'bite' estimated by investigators Posted: 04 May 2016 12:20 PM PDT The global cost of dengue is an estimated US$8.9 billion annually, higher than several other major infectious diseases such as cholera, rotavirus gastroenteritis, canine rabies and Chagas, say investigators.

'Kidney on a chip' could lead to safer drug dosing Posted: 04 May 2016 12:19 PM PDT Researchers have used a 'kidney on a chip' device to mimic the flow of medication through human kidneys and measure its effect on kidney cells. The new technique could lead to more precise dosing of drugs, including some potentially toxic medicines often delivered in intensive care units, they say.

Children in developing world infected with parasite -- even without appearing ill -- may be more prone to stunted growth Posted: 04 May 2016 12:19 PM PDT Children infected even just once with a certain type of waterborne parasite are nearly three times as likely to suffer from moderate or severe stunted growth by the age of two than those who are not -- regardless of whether their infection made them feel sick, new research suggests.

Newborn screening test developed for rare, deadly neurological disorder Posted: 04 May 2016 12:19 PM PDT Soon after birth, a baby's blood is sampled and tested for a number of rare inherited conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. A new study describes a novel newborn screening test for a progressive neurodegenerative disease, called Niemann-Pick type C (NPC), that typically is not diagnosed until at least age 2, after neurological symptoms have begun to develop.

Supervised autonomous in vivo robotic surgery on soft tissues is feasible Posted: 04 May 2016 12:18 PM PDT Surgeons and scientists have demonstrated that supervised, autonomous robotic soft tissue surgery on a live subject (in vivo) in an open surgical setting is feasible and outperforms standard clinical techniques in a dynamic clinical environment, according to a new study.

Scientists find root cause of appetite loss during illness Posted: 04 May 2016 11:16 AM PDT Loss of appetite during illness is a common and potentially debilitating phenomenon—in cancer patients, especially, it can even shorten lifespan. The research also points to possible drug targets to reduce appetite and possibly support weight loss for those with metabolic disorders.

New method allows first look at key stage of human development, embryo implantation Posted: 04 May 2016 11:14 AM PDT Almost nothing is known about the stage of human development called implantation, when the developing embryo attaches to the uterus. Now scientists have devised a method that replicates implantation in an experimental setting, providing a revolutionary system capable of answering basic questions about our own development.

Discovery of cancer gene may predict survival in patients with mouth cancers Posted: 04 May 2016 11:14 AM PDT A newly discovered tumor gene may help to predict survival outcomes in patients with cancer of the mouth and tongue. If the gene is expressed (turned on), patients are 4.6 times more likely to die at any given time. The finding could help guide treatment, researchers say.

How migrants' traditional cuisines cost them calories Posted: 04 May 2016 11:14 AM PDT When migrants move, they often try to keep eating their native cuisine. But a new study reveals an economic tension underneath this practice: Migrants who hang on to their old cuisines often pay more to eat, because they tend to move to places where their familiar foods are more expensive. In turn, poor migrants on tight budgets must reduce the amount of calories they can consume.

Simple arm test accurately identifies markers of frailty in older adults facing surgery Posted: 04 May 2016 11:14 AM PDT A simple arm test that employs a novel wearable technology can rapidly and accurately identify physiological frailty in older adults, according to new study results.

Ketamine lifts depression via a byproduct of its metabolism Posted: 04 May 2016 11:11 AM PDT A chemical byproduct, or metabolite, created as the body breaks down ketamine likely holds the secret to its rapid antidepressant action. This metabolite singularly reversed depression-like behaviors in mice without triggering any of the anesthetic, dissociative, or addictive side effects associated with ketamine. The discovery fundamentally changes scientists' understanding of how this rapid antidepressant mechanism works and holds promise for improved treatments.

'Bugs' as drugs: Harnessing novel gut bacteria for human health Posted: 04 May 2016 11:11 AM PDT Scientists have grown and catalogued more than 130 bacteria from the human intestine. Imbalances in our gut microbiome can contribute to complex conditions and diseases such as obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome and allergies. This research will enable scientists to understand how our bacterial 'microbiome' helps keep us healthy and start to create tailor-made treatments with specific beneficial bacteria.

Equilibrium modeling increases contact lens comfort Posted: 04 May 2016 11:11 AM PDT Researchers have designed an equilibrium model to demonstrate the elastic stresses and suction pressure distribution between a soft hydrogel contact lens and an eye. The model allows arbitrary (radially-symmetric) lens shapes, eye shapes, and thickness profiles, and illustrates the dependence of pressure distribution on lens and eye shape.

Humans have faster metabolism than closely related primates, enabling larger brains Posted: 04 May 2016 11:11 AM PDT Researchers have found humans have a higher metabolism rate than closely related primates, which enabled humans to evolve larger brains. The findings may point toward strategies for combating obesity.

Inheritable bacterium controls Aedes mosquitoes' ability to transmit Zika Posted: 04 May 2016 11:11 AM PDT Aedes mosquitoes carrying the bacterium Wolbachia -- found inside the cells of 60 percent of all insect species -- are drastically less able to transmit Zika virus, say researchers.

High-fructose diet during pregnancy may harm placenta, restrict fetal growth Posted: 04 May 2016 11:08 AM PDT Research in mice and women found that consuming a high-fructose diet during pregnancy may cause defects in the placenta and restrict fetal growth, potentially increasing a baby's risk for metabolic health problems later in life. However, the generic drug allopurinol, frequently prescribed to treat gout and kidney stones, appears to mitigate the negative maternal and fetal effects.

Study shows pain causes older adults to develop more inflammation over time Posted: 04 May 2016 11:08 AM PDT When older relatives complain about their pains, show a little empathy, because new research suggests that as we age, we may all become more sensitive to pain. A small, preliminary study has suggested for the first time that inflammation may occur more quickly and at a higher magnitude -- and stays around longer -- when older adults experience pain versus when younger adults experience pain.

Use of personal care products during pregnancy linked to adverse effects in newborns Posted: 04 May 2016 11:07 AM PDT A new study presents evidence linking personal care products used during pregnancy to adverse reproductive effects in newborns. The antimicrobial compound, triclocarban, mainly added to soaps, was associated with shorter gestational age at birth.

You could mistakenly believe you're allergic to this common antibiotic Posted: 04 May 2016 09:22 AM PDT According to an allergist, most people who believe they're allergic to this common antibiotic may not be allergic at all. In fact, 10 years after a mild reaction to the drug, up to 90 percent of people will have outgrown a penicillin allergy.

Antiviral therapies give hepatitis C cirrhosis patients similar life expectancy as general population Posted: 04 May 2016 09:20 AM PDT The survival rate of patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis who respond well to antiviral therapies equals that of the general population, say investigators.

Researchers prove utility of imaging tool in surgeon's hand Posted: 04 May 2016 09:18 AM PDT Researchers have demonstrated the utility of new brain tumor imaging tool in the surgeon's hand. This research largely focuses on new means to incorporate imaging methods to view cells of brain tumors with a hand held instrument that a neurosurgeon can use to visualize the individual cells during the progress of the operation.

Holistic approach to mealtimes could help dementia sufferers Posted: 04 May 2016 09:18 AM PDT Eating together could help people with dementia avoid dehydration and malnutrition, new research shows. Researchers looked at mealtime interventions including changing the color of the plate, increasing exercise, waitress service, playing different types of music, singing, doing tai-chi, and boosting the social aspect of eating. They found that eating family-style meals with care givers, playing music, and engaging with multisensory exercise could boost nutrition, hydration and quality of life.

Readability of online health information for patients with pancreatic cancer Posted: 04 May 2016 09:18 AM PDT Online information on pancreatic cancer overestimates the reading ability of the overall population and lacks accurate information about alternative therapy, according to a study.

Better bone replacement: 3-D printed bone with just the right mix of ingredients Posted: 04 May 2016 09:18 AM PDT To make a good framework for filling in missing bone, mix at least 30 percent pulverized natural bone with some special human-made plastic and create the needed shape with a 3-D printer. That's the recipe for success reported by researchers in a new article.

Genetic test shows risk for serious adverse reaction to toxic goitre treatment Posted: 04 May 2016 09:16 AM PDT Adverse drugs reactions are a leading cause of admission to hospital. Genetic variation is believed to contribute to a majority of serious immune-mediated adverse drug reactions. Now gene variants that predict the risk of a serious adverse reaction to drugs used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism have been found by researchers.

Alcohol makes you momentarily happier but not more satisfied Posted: 04 May 2016 09:16 AM PDT Research suggests people are momentarily happier when drinking alcohol -- but that over longer periods, drinking more does not make them more satisfied with life.

Children with ADHD sleep both poorly and less Posted: 04 May 2016 09:16 AM PDT There is some truth to the claim by parents of children with ADHD that their children have more difficulty falling asleep and that they sleep more poorly than other children, new research indicates.

Unique nano-capsules promise the targeted drug delivery Posted: 04 May 2016 09:14 AM PDT An international team of researchers has developed a completely new type of drug carrier for targeted delivery to the sick organ -- the gel nano-capsules with a double shell.

Human heart cells respond less to e-cig vapour than tobacco smoke Posted: 04 May 2016 09:14 AM PDT Substantial differences have been observed in the way human heart cells respond to e-cigarette smoke and conventional cigarette smoke. Researchers have investigated how the same type of cells as those found in the arteries of the heart, known as human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), responded when they were exposed to both e-cigarette aerosol and conventional cigarette smoke.

Researchers develop 'designer' chemical separation membranes Posted: 04 May 2016 09:14 AM PDT A new synthetic method has been developed for producing molecularly designed polymer membranes that has the potential to make chemical separation processes up to two orders of magnitude more efficient than using conventional membranes.

Our brain suppresses perception related to heartbeat, for our own good Posted: 04 May 2016 09:13 AM PDT Researchers have discovered that the human brain suppresses the sensory effects of the heartbeat. They believe that this mechanism prevents internal sensations from interfering with the brain's perception of the external world. This mechanism could also have something to do with anxiety disorders.

Help is just a phone call away: Telephone CPR improves cardiac arrest outcomes Posted: 04 May 2016 09:13 AM PDT It is feasible to save lives from cardiac arrest through implementing and measuring this key intervention of Telephone-CPR instructions delivered by 9-1-1 dispatchers, a new report suggests.

Yeast infection linked to mental illness Posted: 04 May 2016 09:13 AM PDT In a study prompted in part by suggestions from people with mental illness, researchers found that a history of Candida yeast infections was more common in a group of men with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder than in those without these disorders, and that women with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who tested positive for Candida performed worse on a standard memory test than women with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who had no evidence of past infection.

Teledermatology linked to access to dermatologists for Medicaid enrollees in California Posted: 04 May 2016 09:13 AM PDT Primary care practices in a large California Medicaid managed care plan offering teledermatology had an increased fraction of patients who visited a dermatologist compared with other practices, according to an article.

New method could offer more precise treatment for corneal disease Posted: 04 May 2016 09:13 AM PDT Disease can cause the cornea, the clear dome-shaped layer that covers the front of the eye, to gradually weaken until pressure in the eye causes it to bulge and leads to vision problems. A corneal transplant may eventually be necessary as the condition, known as keratoconus, progresses. However, a new treatment called corneal crosslinking is showing promise for slowing or stopping the progression of keratoconus.

Parkinson's disease pathogenesis reduced in rat model by a cell-signaling inhibitor drug Posted: 04 May 2016 06:29 AM PDT Researchers report the first documentation that suppressing a key cell-signaling pathway in a rat model of Parkinson's disease reduces pathogenesis. Oral administration of AZD1480 -- one of the JAK/STAT pathway inhibitors generally known as Jakinibs -- lessened the destructive inflammation and nerve cell degradation in the area of the brain affected by Parkinson's.

Sparing livers: Curing hepatitis C will create transplant opportunities for patients with other illnesses Posted: 04 May 2016 06:29 AM PDT Recently developed cures for hepatitis C virus will create new opportunities for people with other liver diseases to receive transplanted livers, say researchers.

Aggregated protein in nerve cells can cause ALS Posted: 04 May 2016 06:26 AM PDT Persons with the serious disorder ALS, can have a genetic mutation that causes the protein SOD1 to aggregate in motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Researchers at have discovered that, when injected into mice, the SOD1 aggregation spreads rapidly leading to ALS.

Faster, cheaper way to produce new antibiotics Posted: 04 May 2016 06:26 AM PDT A novel way of synthesizing a promising new antibiotic has been identified by scientists. By expressing the genes involved in the production of pleuromutilin in a different type of fungus, the researchers were able to increase production by more than 2,000 per cent.

Researchers identify new autism blood biomarker Posted: 04 May 2016 05:54 AM PDT Early intervention is the key to the best treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which affects about 1 in 70 children. Unfortunately, most children are not diagnosed until about age 4, when communication and social disabilities become apparent. A new blood biomarker that may aid in earlier diagnosis of children with ASD has been identified by researchers.

Medical errors now third leading cause of death in United States Posted: 04 May 2016 05:53 AM PDT Analyzing medical death rate data over an eight-year period, patient safety experts have calculated that more than 250,000 deaths per year are due to medical error in the U.S. Their figure surpasses the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) third leading cause of death -- respiratory disease, which kills close to 150,000 people per year.

First skin-to-eye stem cell transplant in humans successful Posted: 04 May 2016 05:53 AM PDT Researchers have safely transplanted stem cells derived from a patient's skin to the back of the eye in an effort to restore vision.

First recommendations published on imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves Posted: 04 May 2016 05:51 AM PDT The first recommendations on multimodality imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves have been published. Heart valve replacement is performed using mechanical or biological prostheses. It is estimated that by 2050, some 850,000 prosthetic heart valves will be implanted every year in western countries.

Genetic test shows patients at risk of a serious adverse reaction to toxic goitre treatment Posted: 04 May 2016 05:51 AM PDT Gene variants that predict the risk of a serious adverse reaction to drugs used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, researchers report. Adverse drugs reactions are a leading cause of admission to hospital. Genetic variation is believed to contribute to a majority of serious immune-mediated adverse drug reactions.

How much electromagnetic radiation am I exposed to? Posted: 04 May 2016 05:50 AM PDT A team of researchers has developed a pocket instrument capable of perceiving radio signals from 50 MHz to 6 MHz and storing this information in a non-volatile memory. After collecting and storing the information, the system assesses the daily exposure of a person to electromagnetic radiation.

Diabetes risk of common arthritis medicine quantified for first time Posted: 04 May 2016 05:49 AM PDT Glucocorticoid (or steroid) therapy, prescribed to around half of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, is a known risk factor for developing diabetes. A study has found how the risk of diabetes increases in relation to the dosage, duration and timing of steroids.

Benefits of internet-based therapy in overcoming childbirth fear Posted: 04 May 2016 05:49 AM PDT Women expecting their first child but who are experiencing severe fear of childbirth (FOC) stand to dramatically benefit in reducing their anxieties with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered via the internet, according to the results of new research.

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