EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health

High blood pressure easy to miss in children with kidney disease

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions) Spot blood pressure readings in children with chronic kidney disease often fail to detect hypertension -- even during doctor's office visits -- increasing a child's risk for serious heart problems, according to research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center and other institutions. A report of the findings appears online in the Journal of American Society of Nephrology.

Special sessions announced for World Congress on Osteoporosis 2010 - IOF WCO - ECCEO10

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(International Osteoporosis Foundation) Researchers are invited to contribute their abstracts to the World Congress on Osteoporosis 2010, the largest global meeting devoted to all aspects of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis research and patient care. The Congress will be held in Florence, Italy from May 5-8, 2010.Beginning today, abstracts can be submitted online. The submission deadline is Feb. 4, 2010.

Genetic analysis helps dissect molecular basis of cardiovascular disease

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Public Library of Science) Using highly precise measurements of plasma lipoprotein concentrations determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, researchers performed genetic association analysis across the whole genome among 17,296 women of European ancestry. This large scale analysis of the effects of common genetic variation on plasma lipoprotein profile, a critical component of cardiovascular risk, identified 43 genetic loci contributing to lipoprotein metabolism. The findings are published on Nov. 20 in the open-access journal PLoS Genetics.

Researchers identify role of gene in tumor development, growth and progression

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Virginia Commonwealth University) Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center and VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine researchers have identified a gene that may play a pivotal role in two processes that are essential for tumor development, growth and progression to metastasis.

Older problem drinkers use more alcohol than do their younger counterparts

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Ohio State University) Older adults who have alcohol dependence problems drink significantly more than do younger adults who have similar problems, a new study has found. The findings suggest that older problem drinkers may have developed a tolerance for alcohol and need to drink even more than younger abusers to achieve the effects they seek.

ESC to give talks on diabetes in 3 cities in China

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(European Society of Cardiology) As a result of successful events organized last year, a second Joint Scientific Forum, organized by the European Society of Cardiology and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, two of the most respected professional medical organizations in Europe, will be held from Nov. 27-29 at three venues across China -- Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

From toxic dust and algae to ill winds from Africa

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(United States Geological Survey) Media tipsheet on USGS scientific presentations at SETAC conference, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Barn personnel experience higher-than-average rates of respiratory symptoms

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Tufts University, Health Sciences) 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.

Carvedilol shown to have unique characteristics among beta blockers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) 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.

Rare pancreatic cancer patients may live longer when treated with radiation therapy

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) 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.

Gaining a better picture of lung disease

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(University of Western Ontario) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a respiratory disease commonly known as chronic bronchitis or emphysema, is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. 600 million people live with COPD and while researchers have yet to find any real treatment or cure, Grace Parraga of Robarts Research Institute at The University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, is using various imaging techniques to gain new insight into the disease.

Discovery of new type of immune cells regulating inflammation in chronic diseases

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health) 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.

Possible link studied between childhood abuse and early cellular aging

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Brown University) 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.

Novel K-anonymity algorithm safeguards access to data

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute) 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.

Researchers begin to decipher metabolism of sexual assault drug

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Michigan Technological University) 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 awards recognize outstanding contributors to health research

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Research Australia) Six outstanding contributors to the health and medical research industry are being recognized by Research Australia in its annual "Thank You" Day awards tomorrow.

Funeral industry workers exposed to formaldehyde face higher risk of leukemia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Journal of the National Cancer Institute) 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.

Reasonable alternative to invasive biopsy of palpable breast lesions with benign imaging features identified

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) 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.

Medical imaging technique identifies very common condition in women that often goes undiagnosed

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) 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.

Simple blood test could reduce repeat breast MRI scans in premenopausal women with irregular periods

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) 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.

Chest ultrasound as useful as chest CT in the eval of pediatric patients with complicated pneumonia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) 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.

Radiology procedure may help increase long-term survival in patients with severe liver cancer

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(American College of Radiology / American Roentgen Ray Society) 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.

Promoting healthy skepticism in the news: Helping journalists get it right

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Journal of the National Cancer Institute) 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.

Projections of savings from health IT are baseless, Harvard researchers say

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(Physicians for a National Health Program) 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.

Dispensing prescription drugs in 3-month supplies reduces drug costs by a third

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

(University of Chicago Medical Center) 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.