Τρίτη 23 Οκτωβρίου 2012

ScienceDaily: Top Health News

ScienceDaily: Top Health News


Antibodies to immune cells protect eyes in Pseudomonas infection

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 04:44 PM PDT

Contact lenses, particularly the extended wear variety, render wearers vulnerable to eye infections from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These infections can cause severe damage, including blindness. Treating the eye with antibodies to the inflammatory immune compound interleukin-17 (IL-17) reduced eye damage and the number of bacteria in a mouse model.

Specific bacterial species may initiate, maintain Crohn’s

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 04:42 PM PDT

Patients newly diagnosed with pediatric Crohn's disease had significantly different levels of certain types of bacteria in their intestinal tracts than age-matched controls, according to new research. The work may ultimately lead to treatment involving manipulation of the intestinal bacteria.

Breakthrough technique images breast tumors in 3-D with great clarity, reduced radiation

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:27 PM PDT

Scientists are able to use a new technique to produce three-dimensional images of breast tissue that are two-to-three times sharper than current hospital CT scanners, and with a lower dose of X-ray radiation than from a mammogram. With higher quality images, breast tumors may be detected earlier and with much greater accuracy for the nearly one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime in the United States.

Parenting and temperament in childhood predict later political ideology

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:26 PM PDT

Political mindsets are the product of an individual's upbringing, life experiences, and environment. But are there specific experiences that lead a person to choose one political ideology over another? New research suggests that parenting practices and childhood temperament may play an influential role in shaping political ideology later in life.

Additive restores antibiotic effectiveness against MRSA

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:26 PM PDT

Researchers have increased the potency of a compound that reactivates antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic-resistant form of Staphylococcus that is notoriously difficult to treat. Their improved compound removes the bacteria's antibiotic resistance and allows the antibiotic to once again become effective at normal dosage levels.

Exercise the body to keep the brain healthy, study suggests

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:26 PM PDT

People who exercise later in life may better protect their brain from age-related changes than those who do not, a study suggests.

Discoveries hold promise for treatment of Hepatitis B virus

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:25 PM PDT

A research team has discovered two prime targets of the Hepatitis B virus in liver cells, findings that could lead to treatment of liver disease in some of the 400 million people worldwide currently infected with the virus.

Study of patients ages 90 and older links poor physical performance, increased odds of dementia

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:25 PM PDT

Poor physical performance on activities including walking was associated with increased odds of dementia in a study of individuals 90 years and older.

Eating more legumes may improve glycemic control, lower estimated heart disease risk

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:25 PM PDT

Eating more legumes (such as beans, chickpeas or lentils) as part of a low-glycemic index diet appears to improve glycemic control and reduce estimated coronary heart disease risk in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Nearly half of U.S. adults with high blood pressure have it under control

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:25 PM PDT

Nearly half of US adults with high blood pressure reported theirs was under control by 2010. The increase in blood pressure control may be due to more use of multiple drug combinations. Older people, blacks and people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease have higher rates of high blood pressure and Mexican-Americans are least likely to take blood pressure medications.

Aggressive brain tumors can originate from a range of nervous system cells

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:23 PM PDT

Scientists have long believed that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor, begins in glial cells that make up supportive tissue in the brain or in neural stem cells. However, researchers have now found that the tumors can originate from other types of differentiated cells in the nervous system, including cortical neurons.

Probiotics are secret weapon for fighting symptoms of the common cold in college students, study suggests

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:23 PM PDT

Probiotic supplementation can reduce the severity and duration of colds and upper-respiratory infections in college students, researchers have found.

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts among adolescents appears related to recent victimization

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:23 PM PDT

An increased risk of suicidal ideation -- thoughts of harming or killing oneself -- in adolescents appears to be associated with recent victimization, such as by peers, sexual assault, and maltreatment, according to new research.

Exercise may trump mental activity in protecting against brain shrinkage

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 01:23 PM PDT

Exercising regularly in old age may better protect against brain shrinkage than engaging in mental or social activities, according to a new study. Research suggests that brain shrinkage may lead to problems with memory and thinking.

Exercise and complete decongestive therapy best ways to manage lymphedema, expert says

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:54 AM PDT

Many breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema, a chronic condition that causes body limbs to swell from fluid buildup, as a result of lymph node removal and radiation therapy. A cure for lymphedema does not exist, so individuals with the condition must find ways to manage the symptoms throughout their lifetimes. Now, a lymphedema expert has found that full-body exercise and complete decongestive therapy are the best ways for patients to minimize their symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

TV, devices in kids' bedrooms linked to poor sleep, obesity

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Electronic devices in kids' bedrooms at night can lead to sleeplessness and can raise their risk of obesity, according to new research.

Can your body sense future events without any external clue?

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Wouldn't it be amazing if our bodies prepared us for future events that could be very important to us, even if there's no clue about what those events will be? "Presentiment," as in "sensing the future," without any external clues may exist, according to new research that analyzes the results of 26 studies published between 1978 and 2010.

Scattered X-rays reveal diseased tissue

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

Severe lung diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. To date they have been difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Scientists have now developed an X-ray technology to do just that. Now they are working on bringing the procedure into medical practice.

American Academy of Pediatrics weighs in for first time on organic foods for children

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:53 AM PDT

To offer guidance to parents -- and the pediatricians caring for their children's health -- the American Academy of Pediatrics has conducted an extensive analysis of scientific evidence surrounding organic produce, dairy products and meat.

Changes in sleep architecture increase hunger, eating

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:51 AM PDT

A new study offers possible explanation for the association between sleep problems and obesity.

Clue to cause of Alzheimer's dementia found in brain samples

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 11:51 AM PDT

Researchers have found a key difference in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease and those who are cognitively normal but still have brain plaques that characterize this type of dementia.

Healthy behaviors in midlife significantly increase odds of successful aging

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:20 AM PDT

Engaging in a combination of healthy behaviors, such as not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, exercise, and eating fruits and vegetables daily makes it significantly more likely people will stay healthy as they age.

Mortality rates significantly higher if both mother and newborn admitted to ICU

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:20 AM PDT

When mothers and newborns are both admitted to intensive care units they are significantly more likely to die than when neither is admitted to an ICU, new research has found.

Greater parental stress linked to children's obesity, fast food use, reduced activity

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:17 AM PDT

Parents with a higher number of stressors in their lives are more likely to have obese children, according to a new study. Children also ate fast food more often if their parents perceived themselves as stressed.

Breast cancer cells enticed to spread by 'tumorous environment' as well as genetic changes

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:17 AM PDT

A new study suggests that the lethal spread of breast cancer is as dependent on a tumor's protein-rich environment as on genetic changes inside tumor cells.

Fewer patient deaths after surgery in hospitals known for good nursing care

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 09:17 AM PDT

Patients treated in magnet hospitals (specially designated for their nursing excellence) had 14 percent lower odds of death than patients in non-magnet hospitals, according to a new study with nearly 100,000 U.S. nurses.

Protein discovery may lead to new treatment to prevent smoking relapse

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:36 AM PDT

Scientists have identified a potential new approach to preventing smoking relapse, which occurs frequently in smokers who attempt to quit, despite current treatments.

Immune cells make flexible choices

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:36 AM PDT

Scientists reveal how, out of quadrillions of possible T lymphocyte receptors, the genetic balance is tilted toward those for common pathogens.

Stem cell bodyguards: Rare immune cells keep blood stem cells youthful

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:36 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered rare immune cells that keep blood stem cells in a youthful state; these may lead to better cancer treatments.

Immune cells of the blood might replace dysfunctional brain cells

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:34 AM PDT

Blood-circulating immune cells can take over the essential immune surveillance of the brain. A new study might indicate new ways of dealing with diseases of the nervous system.

One-third of parents concerned about losing jobs, pay when they stay home with sick kids

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:28 AM PDT

In a new poll, one-third of parents of young children report they are concerned about losing jobs or pay when they stay home to care for sick children who can't attend child care.

'Blue' light could help teenagers combat stress

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 08:28 AM PDT

A new study shows that exposure to morning short-wavelength "blue" light has the potential to help sleep-deprived adolescents prepare for the challenges of the day and deal with stress, more so than dim light.

New test may uncover deadly hypertension disease in pregnancy

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 06:31 AM PDT

Researchers have identified biomarkers that may yield a new diagnostic test for pre-eclampsia, a potentially life-threatening disease affecting five percent of pregnant women worldwide.

Gastric bypass surgery just as effective in teenagers as in adults, study suggests

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 06:29 AM PDT

Teenagers with severe obesity can benefit from gastric bypass surgery just as much as adults, research suggests. A new study found that 81 teenagers lost an average of 96.8 pounds following surgery, significantly improving their health and quality of life.

Link found between Alzheimer's disease and protein regulation in the brain -- hope for new treatments

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 06:28 AM PDT

A link has been discovered between Alzheimer's disease and the activity level of protein eIF2alpha. One of the researchers said, "Altering the performance of this protein via drug via drug therapy could constitute a treatment for Alzheimer's."

Statins may reduce risk of esophageal cancer

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:14 AM PDT

Statins, a cholesterol lowering drug may lower the risk of esophageal cancer, especially in patients with Barrett's esophagus, researchers report.

Changing epidemiology of clostridium difficile

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:13 AM PDT

A stay in the hospital may not be the only way to acquire Clostridium difficile diarrhea – but the potentially life-threatening infection may be associated with a number of health complications in hospitalized children, according to the findings from two new studies. In a separate case report, fecal microbiota transplantation in a 20-month old with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) suggests the therapeutic potential fecal bacteriotherapy in pediatric patients who fail standard therapy for CDI.

Marijuana use may cause severe cyclic nausea, vomiting, a little-known, but costly effect

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:13 AM PDT

Marijuana use —- both natural and synthetic —- may cause cannabinoid hyperemesis (CH) a little-known but costly effect that researchers suggest is a serious burden to the health care system as it often leads to expensive diagnostic tests and ineffective treatments in an effort to find the cause of a patient's symptoms and provide relief, according to two separate case reports. Cannabinoid hyperemesis is characterized by a history of chronic cannabis use followed by a cyclic pattern of nausea, vomiting and colicky abdominal pain. Interestingly, compulsive hot baths or showers temporarily relieve symptoms, another characteristic which aids clinicians in diagnosis.

Chronic electrical stimulation at acupressure points may relieve stomach woes for diabetics

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:12 AM PDT

Diabetic patients who suffer from a common complication of diabetes called gastroparesis may find that chronic electrical stimulation (ES) at specific acupuncture points could relieve gastroparesis symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, early satiety, abdominal fullness, upper abdominal pain and bloating, according to new study.

Increased colorectal cancer risk for extended family members

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:12 AM PDT

Women under age 50 who have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, and first, second and third degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer may have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), according to two separate studies.

Chronic constipation linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:12 AM PDT

Patients with chronic constipation may be at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and benign neoplasms, according to new study.

Electrical stimulation of the esophagus promising treatment for unresolved reflux symptoms

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:12 AM PDT

Clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness of electrical stimulation of a muscular valve in the esophagus demonstrates promising results in resolving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).

C. diff infections becoming more common, severe in children and elderly

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:12 AM PDT

Clostridium difficile infections are becoming more common and more severe in hospitalized children and the elderly, in large part due to greater use of antibiotics, researchers report.

How fear can skew spatial perception

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:11 AM PDT

That snake heading towards you may be further away than it appears. Fear can skew our perception of approaching objects, causing us to underestimate the distance of a threatening one, a new study finds.

Unique feature of HIV helps create antibodies, researchers discover

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:11 AM PDT

A new AIDS study describes how a unique change in the outer covering of the virus found in two HIV infected South African women enabled them to make potent antibodies which are able to kill up to 88% of HIV types from around the world. The ground-breaking discovery suggests an important new approach that could be useful in making an AIDS vaccine.

Secondhand smoke in cars, bars impairs breathing within 20 minutes

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:09 AM PDT

Heavy concentrations of secondhand smoke, such as those found in smoke-filled bars and cars, can lead to airway restriction for bystanders within minutes of exposure. The study showed that after 20 minutes of exposure to highly concentrated secondhand smoke, participants experienced near immediate physiologic changes, including airway resistance and impedance.

Fainting after air travel may indicate pulmonary embolism

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:06 AM PDT

Fainting after recent air travel could be a sign of pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal blockage in the lungs. Syncope or fainting is an uncommon symptom of pulmonary embolism; however, new research found that fainting associated with recent air travel may be a key indicator for PE diagnosis. Fainting as a precursor to PE diagnosis was also associated with a saddle embolism, a larger and more life-threatening form of PE, as well as more abnormal ECG readings.

Antibiotics not effective for cough due to 'common cold' in children

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:06 AM PDT

New research suggests that antibiotics are not effective in treating cough due to the common cold in children. The study found that when children with acute cough were treated with either antitussive medication or antibiotics, antibiotics alone showed a lower percentage of cough resolution.

Children with mental health disorders more often identified as bullies

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:06 AM PDT

Children diagnosed with mental health disorders were three times more likely to be identified as bullies, according to new research.

High schools with athletic trainers have more diagnosed concussions, fewer overall injuries

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:06 AM PDT

High schools with athletic trainers have lower overall injury rates, according to a new study. In addition, athletes at schools with athletic trainers are more likely to be diagnosed with a concussion.

Many high school football players not concerned about concussions

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:06 AM PDT

Despite an increase in media attention, as well as national and local efforts to educate athletes on the potential dangers of traumatic brain injuries, a new study found that many high school football players are not concerned about the long-term effects of concussions and don't report their own concussion symptoms because they fear exclusion from play.

Standardized child booster seat laws would save lives, study suggests

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:06 AM PDT

State laws that mandate car booster seat use for children at least until age eight are associated with fewer motor vehicle-related fatalities and severe injuries, and should be standardized throughout the US to optimally protect children, according to new research.

Injuries, manufacturer warnings do not deter ATV use by children under age 16

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:06 AM PDT

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) manufacturer warning labels aimed at children under age 16 are largely ineffective, and formal dealer-sponsored training is infrequently offered and deemed unnecessary by most young ATV users, according to new research.

Metabolic factors may increase men's risk of dying from prostate cancer

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:06 AM PDT

High blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and body mass index-characteristics that are often lumped together as the metabolic syndrome-are jointly linked with an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer, according to a new study. The study's results suggest that public health recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle to prevent heart disease and diabetes may also decrease a man's likelihood of dying from prostate cancer.

Aspirin may slow the decline in mental capacity among elderly patients, Swedish study suggests

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:04 AM PDT

A daily dose of acetylsalicylic acid equivalent to a fourth of an aspirin may slow the decline in intellectual capacity among elderly individuals with high cardiovascular risk, according to research from Sweden.

Biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid can identify patients with Alzheimer's disease

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:01 AM PDT

Analysis of specific biomarkers in a cerebrospinal fluid sample can differentiate patients with Alzheimer's disease from those with other types of dementia. The method may eventually permit earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease.

Migratory birds’ ticks can spread viral haemorrhagic fever

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 05:01 AM PDT

A type of haemorrhagic fever (Crimean-Congo) that is prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Balkans has begun to spread to new areas in southern Europe. Now Swedish researchers have shown that migratory birds carrying ticks are the possible source of contagion.

Breast cancer detection in women under 40: Ultrasound is better than mammography for women with symptoms of possible cancer

Posted: 22 Oct 2012 04:17 AM PDT

The largest analysis to date comparing ultrasound and mammography to evaluate women ages 30 to 39 with symptoms of possible breast cancer concludes that ultrasound is a superior diagnostic tool and that U.S. clinical practice guidelines, which currently recommend mammography as the first evaluation in these women, should be reconsidered.

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