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Public Release: 22-Nov-2009
 Nature MedicineNew understanding about mechanism for cell death after stroke leads to possible therapy Scientists at the Brain Research Centre, a partnership of the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, have uncovered new information about the mechanism by which brain cells die following a stroke, as well as a possible way to mitigate that damage. The results of the study were recently published online in Nature Medicine. Contact: Melissa Ashman
Public Release: 22-Nov-2009
Nature MedicineNew cancer target for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Physician-scientists from Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered a molecular mechanism that may prove to be a powerful target for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects lymphocytes, or white blood cells. By exploiting this mechanism, researchers have been able to powerfully suppress tumor formation in lab testing and in animal models. Contact: Andrew Klein
Public Release: 22-Nov-2009
NatureCancer metabolism discovery uncovers new role of IDH1 gene mutation in brain cancer Agios Pharmaceuticals scientists have established, for the first time, that the mutated IDH1 gene has a novel enzyme activity consistent with a cancer-causing gene, or oncogene. The mutated form of IDH1 produces a metabolite, 2-hydroxyglutarate, which may contribute to the formation and malignant progression of gliomas, the most common type of brain cancers, through altered metabolic activity. This discovery appears to reverse the previously held belief that IDH1 was non functional for cancer-causing activity. 
Agios Pharmaceuticals
Contact: Kathryn Morris
Public Release: 22-Nov-2009
Nature GeneticsGene mismatch influences success of bone marrow transplants A commonly inherited gene deletion can increase the likelihood of immune complications following bone marrow transplantation, an international team of researchers reports in the November 22 advance online issue of Nature Genetics. When the gene, called UGT2B17, is missing from the donor's genome but present in the recipient's, transplants have a significantly greater risk of a serious side-effect known as graft-versus-host disease, in which immune cells from the donor attack tissues in the recipient.
Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Academy of Finland, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Life Sciences Research Foundation, S. Juselius Foundation, Center of Excellence
Contact: Nicole Davis
Public Release: 22-Nov-2009
Nature MedicineSurface bacteria maintain skin's healthy balance On the skin's surface, bacteria are abundant, diverse and constant, but inflammation is undesirable. Research at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine now shows that the normal bacteria living on the skin surface trigger a pathway that prevents excessive inflammation after injury.
National Institutes of Health, US Veterans Administration
Contact: Debra Kain
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry ConferenceFrom toxic dust and algae to ill winds from Africa Media tipsheet on USGS scientific presentations at SETAC conference, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.
US Geological Survey
Contact: Kara Capelli
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Occupational MedicineBarn personnel experience higher-than-average rates of respiratory symptoms The estimated 4.6 million Americans involved in the equine industry may be at risk of developing respiratory symptoms due to poor air quality in horse barns, according to a questionnaire study undertaken earlier this year by investigators at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
National Institutes of Health
Contact: Tom Keppeler
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Circulation ResearchCarvedilol shown to have unique characteristics among beta blockers In a new study, researchers report that a class of heart medications called beta-blockers can have a helpful, or harmful, effect on the heart, depending on their molecular activity. Contact: William Gillespie
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
International Journal of Radiation, Oncology, Biology, PhysicsRare pancreatic cancer patients may live longer when treated with radiation therapy Radiation therapy is effective in achieving local control and palliation in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, despite such tumors being commonly considered resistant to radiation therapy, according to a largest of its kind study in the Nov. 15 issue of the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics, the official journal of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. Contact: Beth Bukata
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Journal of Clinical InvestigationDiscovery of new type of immune cells regulating inflammation in chronic diseases Scientists of Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen and the Center of Allergy and Environment of Technische Universitaet Muenchen have discovered a new type of immune cells -- the Th22 cells -- which can protect the body against inflammation and aid in tissue repair. Contact: Sven Winkler
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Biological PsychiatryPossible link studied between childhood abuse and early cellular aging Researchers from Brown University and Butler Hospital have determined that children who suffer physical or emotional abuse may be faced with accelerated cellular aging as adults. The findings are published online in the journal Biological Psychiatry. A print version of the article is also expected.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health, NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders
Contact: Mark Hollmer
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Electronic Health Information and Privacy Conference 2009 Journal of the American Medical Informatics AssociationNovel K-anonymity algorithm safeguards access to data As electronic health records become more widely deployed, increasing amounts of health information are being collected. This data has many beneficial applications, such as research, public health, and health system planning. In a recent study, Dr. Khaled El Emam, the Canada Research Chair in Electronic Health Information at the CHEO Research Institute argues that there is a need for robust de-identification of patient data to avoid the negative impact that individual consent requirements have on studies using health record data for secondary purposes.
Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
Contact: Isabelle Mailloux
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Journal of Biological ChemistryResearchers begin to decipher metabolism of sexual assault drug It's a naturally occurring brain chemical with an unwieldy name: 4-hydroxybutyrate (4-HB). Taken by mouth, it can be abused or used as a date-rape drug. Now, a team of Ohio and Michigan scientists have determined new routes by which 4-HB is metabolized by the body. "This is new and important information," said K. Michael Gibson, professor and chair of biological sciences at Michigan Technological University and a member of the research team.
National Institutes of Health, Cleveland Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation
Contact: Jennifer Donovan
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Obstetrics and GynecologyUltrasound enhances noninvasive Down syndrome tests The addition of a "genetic sonogram" maximizes the accuracy of noninvasive testing for Down syndrome, said a Baylor College of Medicine researcher who was lead author of a landmark study in the current issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Contact: Glenna Picton
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Journal of the National Cancer InstituteFuneral industry workers exposed to formaldehyde face higher risk of leukemia Long durations of exposure to formaldehyde used for embalming in the funeral industry were associated with an increased risk of death from myeloid leukemia, according to a new study published online Nov. 20 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Contact: Steve Graff
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
American Journal of RoentgenologyReasonable alternative to invasive biopsy of palpable breast lesions with benign imaging features identified Short-term follow-up is a reasonable alternative to invasive biopsy of palpable (capable of being touched or felt) breast lesions with benign imaging features, particularly in younger women with probable fibroadenoma (non-cancerous tumors that often occur in women during their reproductive years), according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Contact: Heather Curry
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
American Journal of RoentgenologyMedical imaging technique identifies very common condition in women that often goes undiagnosed 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 study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Contact: Heather Curry
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
American Journal of RoentgenologyChest ultrasound as useful as chest CT in the eval of pediatric patients with complicated pneumonia Chest ultrasound can serve as a viable alternative to chest CT in the evaluation of pediatric patients with complicated pneumonia and parapneumonic effusion (a build-up of fluid between the lung and chest wall), according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Contact: Heather Curry
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
American Journal of RoentgenologySimple blood test could reduce repeat breast MRI scans in premenopausal women with irregular periods A simple blood test corresponding to the follicular phase (days 3-14) of a normal menstrual cycle can aid in optimal scheduling of breast MRI exams in premenopausal women with irregular cycles -- possibly reducing the number of repeat scans and non-diagnostic tests patients experience and providing clearer images on which doctors make their recommendations, according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Contact: Heather Curry
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
American Journal of RoentgenologyRadiology procedure may help increase long-term survival in patients with severe liver cancer In patients with unresectable (unable to be removed by surgery) liver cancer, an interventional radiology procedure called triple-drug transcatheter arterial chemoemobolization followed by a liver transplant may significantly increase a patient's chance of long-term survival, according to a study published in the December issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Contact: Heather Curry
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryParent training complements medication for treating behavioral problems in children with PDD Treatment that includes medication plus a structured training program for parents reduces serious behavioral problems in children with autism and related conditions, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
Contact: Colleen Labbe
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Journal of the National Cancer InstitutePromoting healthy skepticism in the news: Helping journalists get it right An editorial published online November 20 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute discusses the exaggerated fears and hopes that often appear in news coverage of cancer research. The editorial provides guidance for both the media and journals to help alleviate the problem. Contact: Steve Graff
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
American Journal of MedicineProjections of savings from health IT are baseless, Harvard researchers say The increased computerization in US hospitals hasn't made them cheaper or more efficient, Harvard researchers say, although it may have modestly improved the quality of care for heart attacks. The findings contradict claims by President Obama and many lawmakers that health information technology, including electronic medical records, will save billions and help make reform affordable. The study uses data from the most extensive survey ever undertaken of hospital computerization. Contact: Mark Almberg
Public Release: 20-Nov-2009
Applied Health Economics & Health PolicyDispensing prescription drugs in 3-month supplies reduces drug costs by a third Purchasing prescription drugs in a three-month supply rather than a one-month supply has long been regarded as a way to save money. New research from the University of Chicago quantifies the savings for the first time. Contact: Greg Borzo
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