ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

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• Two years, multiple doctors often needed to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, study shows
• What teeth reveal about the lives of modern humans
• Prostate cancer treatment rates drop, reflecting change in screening recommendations
• Brain cell powerhouses appear good treatment target for stroke, TBI recovery
• Transfusions of 'old' blood may harm some patients
• Model sheds light on inhibitory neurons' computational role
• Appendix may have important function, new research suggests
• Fear of diagnostic low-dose radiation exposure is overstated, experts assert
• Older adults with arthritis need just 45 minutes of activity per week
• New findings detail structure of immature Zika virus
• Children are more apt to confess misdeeds if they think parents will react positively
• Neuroscientist probes tiny world of the fruit fly to discover sleep/eating/activity connection
• Recognize sepsis as a separate cause of illness and death
• 'Weekend warriors' have lower risk of death from cancer, cardiovascular disease
• Crohn's disease risk and prognosis determined by different genes
• Researchers reveal how cancer cells cope with genetic chaos
• New model predicts when people are willing to try new things
• New year, new idea: High-value U.S. health plan concept aims for bipartisan appeal
• Place matters in late diagnosis of colorectal cancer, study finds
• Why high-dose vitamin C kills cancer cells
• Secret new weapon of insect-transmitted viruses exposed
• Brain impairments in premature infants may begin in the womb
• Reducing drug dosage, and hearing loss in TB patients without reducing efficacy
• Role of common risk factors in ER-positive, ER-negative breast cancer
• Prostate cancer team cracks genetic code to show why inherited disease can turn lethal
• What do health plan deductibles really mean for people with chronic illness? New study takes a look
• Barriers to sexual health among male teens and young men
• Neural connection keeps instincts in check
• New insights into mechanisms of breast cancer development and resistance to therapy
• The science of baby's first sight
• Breakthrough in MS treatment
• High rates of PTSD and other mental health problems after great east Japan earthquake
• Nonsurgical and surgical treatments provide successful outcomes for an Achilles tear
• Catheter safeguards at hospitals reduce infections and save money, study shows
• Epigenetic changes promote development of fatty liver in mouse and human
• Chemicals in ubiquitous Mediterranean plants may hold key to delaying neurodegenerative diseases, study suggests
• Impact of parent physical activity, sedentary behavior on their preschool children
• Experiments in mice may help boost newly FDA-approved therapy for spinal muscular atrophy
• The fly reveals a new signal involved in limb growth
• New categorization of food scares will help efficient development of strategies to prevent food chain being compromised
• New unknown risk factor for arteriosclerosis identified
• High cholesterol intake and eggs do not increase risk of memory disorders
• Fixing overuse, underuse of medical care can improve health and save money
• Psychology essential to achieving goals of patient-centered medical homes
• Natural tooth repair method, using Alzheimer's drug, could revolutionize dental treatments
• Wanting to stay in education is 'not main reason why women delay having children'
• New potential treatment for cancer metastasis identified
• Heartburn pills in pregnancy may be linked to childhood asthma
• Physicians can better predict outcomes for kidney transplant patients with key data, study finds

Two years, multiple doctors often needed to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, study shows Posted: 09 Jan 2017 04:15 PM PST Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder – and most common cause of infertility – affecting 9 to 18 percent of women around the world. Despite the prevalence of the complex and chronic condition, one-third of women diagnosed with PCOS saw at least three health professionals over the course of two years before receiving a diagnosis, according to a new study.

What teeth reveal about the lives of modern humans Posted: 09 Jan 2017 04:15 PM PST When anthropologists of the future find our fossilized teeth, what will they be able to conclude about our lives? One researcher has an idea.

Prostate cancer treatment rates drop, reflecting change in screening recommendations Posted: 09 Jan 2017 04:03 PM PST As some national guidelines now recommend against routine prostate cancer screening, the overall rate of men receiving treatment for the disease declined 42 percent, a new study finds.

Brain cell powerhouses appear good treatment target for stroke, TBI recovery Posted: 09 Jan 2017 01:23 PM PST Cell powerhouses are typically long and lean, but with brain injury such as stroke or trauma, they can quickly become bloated and dysfunctional, say scientists who documented the phenomena in real time for the first time in a living brain.

Transfusions of 'old' blood may harm some patients Posted: 09 Jan 2017 01:23 PM PST Blood transfusions with the oldest blood available could be harmful for some patients, finds a team of researchers. The investigators recommend reducing the maximum blood storage limit from six to five weeks.

Model sheds light on inhibitory neurons' computational role Posted: 09 Jan 2017 01:23 PM PST Researchers have developed a new computational model of a neural circuit in the brain, which could shed light on the biological role of inhibitory neurons -- neurons that keep other neurons from firing.

Appendix may have important function, new research suggests Posted: 09 Jan 2017 01:23 PM PST The human appendix, a narrow pouch that projects off the cecum in the digestive system, has a notorious reputation for its tendency to become inflamed (appendicitis), often resulting in surgical removal. Although it is widely viewed as a vestigial organ with little known function, recent research suggests that the appendix may serve an important purpose. In particular, it may serve as a reservoir for beneficial gut bacteria.

Fear of diagnostic low-dose radiation exposure is overstated, experts assert Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:00 PM PST Researchers assert that exposure to medical radiation does not increase a person's risk of getting cancer. The long-held belief that even low doses of radiation, such as those received in diagnostic imaging, increase cancer risk is based on an inaccurate, 70-year-old hypothesis, according to the authors.

Older adults with arthritis need just 45 minutes of activity per week Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:00 PM PST Older adults who suffer from arthritis need to keep moving to be functionally independent. But in an examination of a goal that is daunting for most of this aging population, a new study found that performing even a third (45 minutes) of the recommended activity is beneficial, and those who did improved function in their lower arthritic limbs by 80 percent.

New findings detail structure of immature Zika virus Posted: 09 Jan 2017 12:00 PM PST Researchers have determined the high-resolution structure of immature Zika virus, a step toward better understanding how the virus infects host cells and spreads.

Children are more apt to confess misdeeds if they think parents will react positively Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:38 AM PST Even if they believe they could be punished, older kids are more likely than younger children to view confessing to a misdeed as the right thing to do.

Neuroscientist probes tiny world of the fruit fly to discover sleep/eating/activity connection Posted: 09 Jan 2017 11:36 AM PST The humble fruit fly has proved to be a fruitful research subject for a neuroscientist team. The collaborators' research into their behavior has helped expand our understanding of some important neurobiological connections between eating and sleep — including the infamous "food coma" felt after a big meal.

Recognize sepsis as a separate cause of illness and death Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:42 AM PST Sepsis should be recognized as a separate cause of illness and death around the world. This focus would help efforts to prevent sepsis by improving hygiene, nutrition and vaccination rates and also lead to timely treatment, better outcomes and quality of life for people with sepsis, argue researchers.

'Weekend warriors' have lower risk of death from cancer, cardiovascular disease Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:42 AM PST Physical activity patterns characterized by just one or two sessions a week may be enough to reduce deaths in men and women from all causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, regardless of adherence to physical activity guidelines, a new study of over 63,000 adults reports.

Crohn's disease risk and prognosis determined by different genes Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:42 AM PST Researchers have identified a series of genetic variants that affect the severity of Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease -- but surprisingly, none of these variants appear to be related to an individual's risk of developing the condition in the first place.

Researchers reveal how cancer cells cope with genetic chaos Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:42 AM PST Scientists have uncovered how tumors are able to grow despite significant damage to the structure and number of their chromosomes, the storage units of DNA.

New model predicts when people are willing to try new things Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:42 AM PST A new model to predict when people are most likely to try different products has been developed by scientists. The research could help to direct public health interventions aimed at encouraging healthier choices.

New year, new idea: High-value U.S. health plan concept aims for bipartisan appeal Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:41 AM PST As Washington grapples with the fate of the Affordable Care Act, a pair of health care researchers has proposed a new way to design health insurance plans that could win bipartisan support -- and has already started to do so.

Place matters in late diagnosis of colorectal cancer, study finds Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:40 AM PST In addition to a person's race or ethnicity, where they live can matter in terms of whether they are diagnosed at a late stage for colorectal cancer, according to a recent study.

Why high-dose vitamin C kills cancer cells Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:40 AM PST Cancer researchers have homed in on how high-dose vitamin C kills cancer cells. Vitamin C breaks down to generate hydrogen peroxide, which can damage tissue and DNA. The new study shows that tumor cells with low levels of catalase enzyme activity are much less capable of removing hydrogen peroxide than normal cells, and are more susceptible to damage and death when they are exposed to high doses of vitamin C.

Secret new weapon of insect-transmitted viruses exposed Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:40 AM PST Findings by a team of scientists could provide critical knowledge to attack deadly viruses transmitted by arthropods such as mosquitoes and aphids.

Brain impairments in premature infants may begin in the womb Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:39 AM PST Even before they are born, premature babies may display alterations in the circuitry of their developing brains, according to a first-of-its kind research study.

Reducing drug dosage, and hearing loss in TB patients without reducing efficacy Posted: 09 Jan 2017 10:39 AM PST Aminoglycosides, recommended by the World Health Organization to treat multidrug resistant tuberculosis, cause hearing loss and kidney damage in a dose dependent manner. Now, by reducing the dose in a carefully calculated fashion, clinician researchers have been able to greatly reduce the numbers of patients suffering hearing loss, without compromising effectiveness against tuberculosis.

Role of common risk factors in ER-positive, ER-negative breast cancer Posted: 09 Jan 2017 09:52 AM PST Researchers have examined the role of common risk factors in the development of ER-positive and ER-negative breast cancers. The study sheds new light on how a woman's age, weight, and menopausal status affect her risk for breast cancer.

Prostate cancer team cracks genetic code to show why inherited disease can turn lethal Posted: 09 Jan 2017 09:52 AM PST Prostate cancer researchers have discovered a key piece in the genetic puzzle of why men born with a BRCA2 mutation may develop aggressive localized cancers that resist treatment and become lethal for up to 50 per cent of patients within five years.

What do health plan deductibles really mean for people with chronic illness? New study takes a look Posted: 09 Jan 2017 09:52 AM PST For tens of millions of Americans, the start of a new year means the counter has gone back to zero on their health insurance deductible. If they need health care, they'll pay for some of it out of their own pockets before their insurance takes over. As insurance plans with deductibles grow in popularity, a new study takes a national look at what those plans mean for people with common chronic health conditions.

Barriers to sexual health among male teens and young men Posted: 09 Jan 2017 09:51 AM PST Researchers who conducted a dozen focus groups with 70 straight and gay/bisexual Hispanic and African-American males ages 15 to 24 report that gaining a better understanding of the context in which young men grow up will allow health care providers to improve this population's use of sexual and reproductive health care.

Neural connection keeps instincts in check Posted: 09 Jan 2017 09:49 AM PST Scientists have identified the physical connection through which the prefrontal cortex inhibits instinctive behavior, report scientists.

New insights into mechanisms of breast cancer development and resistance to therapy Posted: 09 Jan 2017 09:49 AM PST Why does breast cancer develop and how come certain patients are resistant to established therapies? Researchers have gained new insights into the molecular processes in breast tissue. They identified the tumor suppressor LATS as a key player in the development and treatment of breast cancer.

The science of baby's first sight Posted: 09 Jan 2017 08:38 AM PST Scientists have found more clues about the evolving brains of baby mammals as eyesight comes online. Using an imaging system to get neuron-level resolution, they showed how one specific brain circuit -- the 'ventral stream' -- in mice came online immediately after birth, but another circuit -- the 'dorsal stream' -- needed visual stimuli in order to mature. The experiments have helped to unveil how early-in-life visual experiences -- simply trying to see -- sculpt a particular subnetwork of brain circuitry we need in order to see properly.

Breakthrough in MS treatment Posted: 09 Jan 2017 08:38 AM PST Three studies have discovered that ocrelizumab can significantly reduce new attacks in patients with relapsing MS, as well as slow the progression of symptoms caused by primary progressive MS.

High rates of PTSD and other mental health problems after great east Japan earthquake Posted: 09 Jan 2017 08:38 AM PST The devastating 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and resulting nuclear disaster in Japan had a high mental health impact -- with some effects persisting several years later, according to a comprehensive research.

Nonsurgical and surgical treatments provide successful outcomes for an Achilles tear Posted: 09 Jan 2017 08:37 AM PST Successful outcomes for an Achilles tendon tear with either minimally invasive surgery or nonsurgical bracing with a removable boot, especially in recreational athletes.

Catheter safeguards at hospitals reduce infections and save money, study shows Posted: 09 Jan 2017 07:26 AM PST U.S. hospitals are reducing bloodstream infections related to catheters by implementing rigorous safeguards that also save millions of healthcare dollars each year, according to research.

Epigenetic changes promote development of fatty liver in mouse and human Posted: 09 Jan 2017 07:24 AM PST Mice with a strong tendency to obesity already exhibit epigenetic changes at six weeks of age, inducing the liver to amplify its production of the enzyme DPP4 and release it into the circulation. Over the long term, this favors the development of a fatty liver. Such changes in DNA methylation are also detectable in humans with fatty liver and suggest a similar causal chain.

Chemicals in ubiquitous Mediterranean plants may hold key to delaying neurodegenerative diseases, study suggests Posted: 09 Jan 2017 07:24 AM PST Chemicals extracted from the prickly pear and brown seaweed, two ubiquitous Mediterranean plants, eased symptoms in organisms suffering from neurodegenerative disease, according to new research. Small molecules from the plants interfere with the build-up of sticky protein clumps rendering them less toxic to neurons. The results of the study hold promise for ground-breaking treatment of age-related diseases.

Impact of parent physical activity, sedentary behavior on their preschool children Posted: 09 Jan 2017 07:24 AM PST Young children do follow in their parents' footsteps. Literally. That's the conclusion of researchers who found that in underserved populations, parents' physical activity -- and their sedentary behavior -- directly correlates with the activity level of their preschoolers. Researchers say these findings could lead to interventions that focus more on helping parents model -- not just encourage -- an active lifestyle for their children.

Experiments in mice may help boost newly FDA-approved therapy for spinal muscular atrophy Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:39 AM PST Academic and drug industry investigators say they have identified a new biological target for treating spinal muscular atrophy.

The fly reveals a new signal involved in limb growth Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:32 AM PST Many of the secrets of life, such as how we become a certain size and shape, have been uncovered in studies performed over more than 100 years and involving animal models such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Now, researchers disclose a new signal that participates in the specification and growth of fly wings.

New categorization of food scares will help efficient development of strategies to prevent food chain being compromised Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:30 AM PST A new categorization of food scares has been developed by experts. Existing categorizations were found to be too simplistic, not recognizing contributing factors, they say. The researchers propose that the term 'food scare' is redefined to take into account consumers' distrust in the food supply chain.

New unknown risk factor for arteriosclerosis identified Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:30 AM PST Following a blood infection, the first class of antibodies produced by the immune system are IgM antibodies. They form the "vanguard" of the immune response, before other cells are activated to fight the infection. Some people are deficient or completely lack these antibodies, so that they develop congenital immune deficiency. Researchers have now discovered how this deficiency can also lead to an increased risk of arteriosclerosis and consequently even to serious cardiovascular diseases.

High cholesterol intake and eggs do not increase risk of memory disorders Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:30 AM PST A relatively high intake of dietary cholesterol, or eating one egg every day, are not associated with an elevated risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, no association was found in persons carrying the APOE4 gene variant that affects cholesterol metabolism and increases the risk of memory disorders, report researchers at conclusion of a new study.

Fixing overuse, underuse of medical care can improve health and save money Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:26 AM PST International experts have pinpointed how reforming the overuse and underuse of health and medical services around the world can improve health outcomes and stem spiraling costs of health care.

Psychology essential to achieving goals of patient-centered medical homes Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:26 AM PST Psychologists can offer critical experience and expertise in strengthening the increasingly common model of coordinated health care, the patient-centered medical home, helping to achieve the 'triple aim' of improved outcomes, decreased cost and enhanced patient experience, according to new research.

Natural tooth repair method, using Alzheimer's drug, could revolutionize dental treatments Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:26 AM PST A new method of stimulating the renewal of living stem cells in tooth pulp using an Alzheimer's drug has been discovered by a team of researchers.

Wanting to stay in education is 'not main reason why women delay having children' Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:26 AM PST Researchers calculate that for every extra year of educational enrollment after the age of 12, a woman delayed motherhood by an average of six months. However, strikingly, they also find that the main influence on whether a woman postpones having children is largely associated with her family background. Education alone contributes to only 1.5 months, they say.

New potential treatment for cancer metastasis identified Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:26 AM PST Breast cancer metastasis, the process by which cancer spreads, may be prevented through the new use of a class of drugs already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, say investigators.

Heartburn pills in pregnancy may be linked to childhood asthma Posted: 09 Jan 2017 06:26 AM PST Children born to mothers who take heartburn medication during pregnancy may have a greater risk of developing asthma, research suggests. Advice for expectant moms should not change based on these findings, the researchers say, but further studies are needed.

Physicians can better predict outcomes for kidney transplant patients with key data, study finds Posted: 06 Jan 2017 04:20 PM PST Kidney transplant patients have a better chance of survival if physicians use all the data that's available to them -- including data that's tracked over time -- to predict the likelihood of organ failure.

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