Scientists provide the first direct evidence that cigarette smoke exposure prior to a heart transplant in either the donor, recipient, or both, accelerates the death of a transplanted heart.
Archive for November, 2009
Tobacco smoke exposure before heart transplantation may increase the risk of transplant failure
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Proteins in lung cancer cells that may provide potential drug targets identified
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Researchers have identified a number of proteins whose activation allows them to distinguish between cancer and normal cells with almost 97 percent accuracy.
Alzheimer’s research sheds light on potential treatments for urinary tract infections
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Research into Alzheimer’s disease seems an unlikely approach to yield a better way to fight urinary tract infections, but that’s what scientists recently reported.
New Imagining Technique Could Lead To Better Antibiotics And Cancer Drugs
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
A recently devised method of imaging the chemical communication and warfare between microorganisms could lead to new antibiotics, antifungal, antiviral and anti-cancer drugs.
‘Scarless’ thyroid surgery uses 3-D, high-def robotic equipment
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Surgeons are using a new form of endoscopic surgery that uses a small incision under the arm to remove all or a portion of the thyroid or parathyroid glands without leaving a scar on the neck.
Atomic-level snapshot catches protein motor in action
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
The atomic-level action of a remarkable class of ring-shaped protein motors has been uncovered using a state-of-the-art protein crystallography beamline at the Advanced Light Source. These protein motors play pivotal roles in gene expression and replication, and are vital to the survival of all biological cells, as well as infectious agents, such as the human papillomavirus, which has been linked to cervical cancer.
Systems biology approach provides insulin resistance insights
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Researchers recently offered the sharpest-yet picture of how core biochemical pathways in skeletal muscle cells and fat cells are altered in people who suffer from insulin resistance — a primary defect in type 2 diabetes and obesity. Taking a systems biology approach, the bioengineers and medical researchers also determined how a common class of drugs for treating insulin resistance — TZDs — alter these same core pathways.
Discovery leads to effective treatment of painful skin condition
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Researchers have discovered a remarkable treatment for a rare, yet debilitating, skin condition.
Chronic pain found to increase risk of falls in older adults
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Chronic pain is experienced by as many as two out of three older adults. Now, a new study finds that pain may be more hazardous than previously thought, contributing to an increased risk of falls in adults over age 70.
Early relationships influence teen pain and depression
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Angst could be more than a rite of passage for insecure teenagers, according to a new study. Researchers have discovered that insecure adolescents experience more intense pain in the form of frequent headaches, abdominal pain and joint pain. These teens are also more likely to be depressed than peers with secure attachments.
First effective medical therapy for rare stomach disorder
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
A drug used to treat colorectal cancer also can reverse a rare stomach disorder and should be considered first-line therapy for the disease, researchers report. The targeted cancer drug cetuximab, brand name Erbitux, relieved symptoms of severe Ménétrier’s disease in seven patients who completed a one-month course of treatment. Four of them showed near-complete remission, the researchers report.
Got a pain? Researchers test Brazilian mint as pain reliever
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Scientists have tested the pain relieving properties of Hyptis crenata — Brazilian mint.
Physical therapists reduce disability and improve function in single-level microdiskectomy patients
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Patients who have undergone a single-level lumbar microdiskectomy for lumbar disk herniation experienced significant improvement in physical function following an intensive, progressive physical therapist guided exercise and education program, according to a new study.
Unique Micronail Chip Makes Electronics And Bio Cells Communicate
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
A unique microchip with microscopic nail structures enable close communication between the electronics and biological cells. The new chip is a mass-producible, easy-to-use tool in electrophysiology research, for example for fundamental research on the functioning and dysfunctioning of the brain. Each micronail structure serves as a close contact-point for one cell, and contains an electrode that can very accurately record and trigger in real-time the electrical activity of an individual electrogenic cell in a network.
New Imagining Technique Could Lead To Better Antibiotics And Cancer Drugs
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
A recently devised method of imaging the chemical communication and warfare between microorganisms could lead to new antibiotics, antifungal, antiviral and anti-cancer drugs.
Most top medical journals have publicly available conflict of interest policies, but substantial variation exists in definitions
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Nearly 90 percent of medical journals with relatively high impact factors have policies addressing author conflict of interest available for public review, according to a new study. But many journals do not require authors to sign disclosure statements, and there is variability in how COI is defined.
Ultrasound enhances noninvasive Down syndrome tests
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
The addition of a “genetic sonogram” maximizes the accuracy of noninvasive testing for Down syndrome, according to new research.
Medical students regularly stuck by needles, often fail to report injuries
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Medical students are commonly stuck by needles — putting them at risk of contracting potentially dangerous blood-borne diseases — and many of them fail to report the injuries to hospital authorities, according to a new study.
On-call radiology residents accurately interpret off-hours neuro CT exams, study suggests
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
On-call radiology residents generally provide accurate preliminary interpretation of emergency neuroradiology CT scans after hours when attending neuroradiologist unavailable, according to results of a large study performed at a level I trauma center.
Computerized order entry/decision support systems: Effective solution to managing imaging utilization
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Providing physicians with a computerized order entry/decision support system that provides immediate feedback regarding imaging appropriateness at the time of ordering may be an effective solution to managing imaging utilization, according to a new article.
Medical imaging technique identifies very common condition in women that often goes undiagnosed
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
In women with lower urinary tract symptoms, a medical imaging technique called dynamic MRI allows clinicians to diagnose pelvic organ prolapse — a condition that often goes undiagnosed on static MRI and at physical examination, according to a new study.
New device enables early detection of cancerous skin tumors
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Researchers are developing a new device that detects cancerous skin tumors, including melanomas that aren’t visible to the naked eye. The OSPI instrument (Optical Spectro-Polarimetric Imaging) revealed new textures of lesions that have never been seen before. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons typically diagnose skin tumors by their appearance with the naked eye and only rarely using a dermatoscope — a magnifying tool that allows tumors to be examined in detail.
Tobacco smoke exposure before heart transplantation may increase the risk of transplant failure
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Scientists provide the first direct evidence that cigarette smoke exposure prior to a heart transplant in either the donor, recipient, or both, accelerates the death of a transplanted heart.
Tailor-made HIV/AIDS treatment closer to reality
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
An innovative treatment for HIV patients has passed its first clinical trial with flying colors. The new approach is an immunotherapy customized for each individual patient.
Alzheimer’s research sheds light on potential treatments for urinary tract infections
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Research into Alzheimer’s disease seems an unlikely approach to yield a better way to fight urinary tract infections, but that’s what scientists recently reported.
Sticky solution for identifying effective probiotics
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Scientists have crystallized a protein that may help gut bacteria bind to the gastrointestinal tract. The protein could be used by probiotic producers to identify strains that are likely to be of real benefit to people.
Drug users know their stuff
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Drug users are well informed about the harms associated with the drugs they use, and perceive alcohol and tobacco to be amongst the most dangerous substances, according to a new survey.
Most top medical journals have publicly available conflict of interest policies, but substantial variation exists in definitions
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Nearly 90 percent of medical journals with relatively high impact factors have policies addressing author conflict of interest available for public review, according to a new study. But many journals do not require authors to sign disclosure statements, and there is variability in how COI is defined.
Children still exposed to secondhand smoke in spite of smoking ban, Welsh study finds
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
The smoking ban in Wales has not displaced secondhand smoke from public places into the home. A study of 3,500 children from 75 primary schools in Wales found that they were exposed to similar amounts of secondhand smoke before and after legislation, which should reassure those worried that exposure to smoking at home could increase following the ban.
Medical ‘pay for performance’ programs help improve care, but not always, study finds
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Everybody likes a raise in pay. Even health care professionals, it appears. Now a new study reports that the performance ratings of patient care from 25 medical groups throughout California significantly improved after the start of a statewide pay-for-performance program in 2004. But not if incentives focus on your doctor’s productivity.
Genome-wide association studies in developing countries raise important new ethical issues
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Typically conducted in richer, developed countries but now increasingly done in the developing world, genome wide association studies raise a host of ethical issues that must be addressed, experts argue.
Alarming trend: Antiviral therapy to treat hepatitis C is declining in the US
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Researchers have determined that only 663,000 of the approximately 3.9 million Americans with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection received antiviral therapy between 2002 and 2007. If this disturbing trend continues, by 2030 less than 15 percent of liver-related deaths from HCV will be prevented by antiviral therapy.
Direct-to-consumer ads associated with higher Medicaid costs
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Direct-to-consumer advertising for a commonly prescribed antiplatelet drug does not appear associated with increased use, but may be associated with increased drug costs and Medicaid pharmacy expenditures, according to a new report.
Children who lack continuity with a regular health care provider miss needed services
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Low-income children who don’t access health care from the same place or provider over the long term are significantly more likely to have unmet health care needs compared with those do, according to a new study.
Team-based care involving a pharmacist improves blood pressure control
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Patients whose hypertension is managed by a physician-pharmacist team have lower blood pressure levels and are more likely to reach goals for blood pressure control than those treated without this collaborative approach, according to a new report.
Unilife Medical Solutions files a patent application for its Unifill Select ready-to-fill syringe
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Unilife Medical Solutions Limited today announced the filing of patent applications in the United States (”US”) for a new ready-to-fill syringe product to be marketed as the Unifill™ Select. Unilife is confident that this new pipeline product, which is to be primarily targeted for use with vaccines, can further expand the Company’s ability to penetrate the pharmaceutical market for prefilled syringes.
Filing of motion to discontinue all proceedings related to patent infringement lawsuit announced
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Endologix, Inc., developer of minimally invasive treatments for aortic disorders, announced today that it has filed a motion to stay, or discontinue all proceedings in, the patent infringement lawsuit brought against it in October 2009 by Cook, Inc.
US Patent & Trademark Office allows patent application for NOD technology
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
NOD Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced the US Patent & Trademark Office (PTO) has allowed the patent application for its nano-particle oral delivery or NOD technology.
Bioniche Life Sciences announces the issuance of MCC patents in Japan
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Bioniche Life Sciences Inc., a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today announced the issuance of a number of patents in Japan for its proprietary Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) composition.
DJO’s new Moveo XP Rehabilitation Platform granted U.S. patent
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
DJO Incorporated, a global provider of medical device solutions for musculoskeletal health, vascular health and pain management, today announced that its Chattanooga division was issued U.S. Patent No. 7597656 for Chattanooga’s new Moveo XP Rehabilitation Platform. The Moveo XP is the first product of its kind, allowing patients who are incapable of supporting full body weight to participate in graded weight-bearing activity at an earlier stage in their physical rehabilitation.
Latest USDA Study Shows State Participation Rates For Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Vary Widely
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
USDA today issued a study which shows how successful each State is in reaching families eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and that state-by-state participation rates in SNAP varied widely. According to Reaching Those in Need: State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Rates in 2007, the latest annually released report, 66 percent of eligible persons received SNAP benefits.
News Outlets Examine Conditions Of Refugees In Yemen, Malnutrition, Cholera Risks
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Reuters reports that as a new camp capable of hosting 10,000 to 12,000 refugees in Yemen will open in a few weeks, “[m]alnutrition and the risk of a cholera outbreak are threatening lives at Yemen’s main camp [Masrak] for people fleeing fighting in the north.” According to Thomas Davin, regional UNICEF chief, “Hygiene is terrible, really, really terrible.
FDA Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Sharkco Seafood International Inc.
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is seeking a permanent injunction against Sharkco Seafood International Inc., located in Venice, La. The injunction is intended to stop the seafood processing company from distributing scombrotoxin-forming fish in interstate commerce. Consumption of scombrotoxin-forming fish that are not properly preserved or refrigeratedcan result in scombroid food poisoning, a foodborne illness that results from eating spoiled or decayed fish.
Feeding The Clock
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
When you eat may be just as vital to your health as what you eat, found researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Their experiments in mice revealed that the daily waxing and waning of thousands of genes in the liver-the body’s metabolic clearinghouse-is mostly controlled by food intake and not by the body’s circadian clock as conventional wisdom had it.
It Can Be Predicted The Reaction Obese Patients Will Have To A Diet
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
The presence of increased body fat, and therefore higher levels of inflammatory substances in the blood, hinders the loss and maintenance of body weight; as shown by a research project of the University of Navarra conducted by EstÃbaliz Goyenechea Soto, a scientist at the School of Pharmacy.
Osteoporosis And Flaxseed Oil
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Animal studies suggest that adding flaxseed oil to the diet could reduce the risk of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and women with diabetes, according to a report to be published in the International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health. Mer Harvi and colleagues at the National Research Center, in Cairo, Egypt, have studied the effect of diabetes on bone health and evaluated how flaxseed oil in the diet might delay the onset of osteoporosis.
Multiple Health Concerns Surface As Winter, Vitamin D Deficiences Arrive
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
A string of recent discoveries about the multiple health benefits of vitamin D has renewed interest in this multi-purpose nutrient, increased awareness of the huge numbers of people who are deficient in it, spurred research and even led to an appreciation of it as “nature’s antibiotic.
Media Examines Food Summit Reaction, Malnutrition In Liberia, Yemen
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
VOA News reports on reactions from last week’s U.N. World Summit on Food Security in Rome: “The delegates in Rome promised to continue efforts to reduce by half the number of hungry people by two thousand fifteen.
Royal College Of Nursing Film Scoops International Award For Inclusion And Diversity
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
An educational film commissioned by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has won the award for best corporate video at the inaugural Ability Media International (AMI) Awards 2009, which celebrates inclusion and diversity in the creative industries. The I-Motus produced film was commissioned as part of the RCN’s national Dignity: at the heart of everything we do campaign.
Landmark Pay Equity Report Highlights Double Jeopardy Of Caring For The Elderly, Australia
November 26th, 2009 by Newspublichealth.com
Nurses are experiencing a double-barrel of discrimination through both the gender wage gap and their employment in the Government-funded aged care sector, a new Federal Government report has found. Australian Nursing Federation Federal Secretary Ged Kearney has applauded the pay equity report Making it Fair, released yesterday, which acknowledges the inequality experienced by nurses, especially those in the aged care sector.