Pri-Med Medical News

Study: Cardiovascular risk should be calculated for lifetime, beyond 10 years

Researchers from Northwestern University believe that it may be beneficial to calculate cardiovascular patients' risks for heart attack, stroke and other events beyond the standard 10-year time frame.

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Cholesterol drug may increase diabetes risk for postmenopausal women

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic discovered that women who take statins after menopause may be at a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes.

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Heart failure may start vicious cycle with diabetes

Researchers from Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine discovered a mechanism in which heart failure may actually be the first step in a vicious cycle of diabetes and poor cardiovascular health.

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Update to cholesterol treatment guidelines needed, researchers say

Current cholesterol treatment guidelines may result in the overtreatment of patients with cardiovascular risk factors, and these guidelines should be changed to take a more evidence-based approach, says a pair of researchers.

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Vitamin supplementation may have cardiovascular benefits after all

Vitamin therapy, once common but somewhat discredited in recent years, still has an important role to play in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes, according to a new commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Trans fat is not always bad for the heart, study finds

Not all trans fats are created equal, and it may be acceptable for individuals with compromised heart health to consume certain forms. A new study has found that foods with naturally-occurring trans fat may not raise cholesterol levels.

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Bereavement may increase heart attack risk

Physicians should remain attentive to the needs of the family members of deceased patients, according to a team of Harvard Medical School researchers.

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Readmission rates for heart attack patients higher in U.S.

Heart attack patients in the U.S. are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital after being discharged than patients in other countries, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Genetic test for clopidogrel therapy may not be necessary

Researchers from the University College London could not find an association between cardiovascular events and different forms of the gene CYP2C19 that patients may have.

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Changes in resting heart rate tied to mortality

Individuals whose resting heart rates (RHR) increase over the span of 10 years are more likely to die from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and other causes, according to researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

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Cutting nerves to the heart may treat arrhythmias

A surgical technique previously used to treat patients with abnormal stress responses may also be helpful for individuals with abnormal heart rhythms, according to researchers from the University of California in Los Angeles.

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Blood pressure changes in middle age affect heart health

An individual's blood pressure at 55 years of age can influence their lifetime risk of a stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascular events, according to researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

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Health-literate patients may not be adept at managing heart failure

High levels of education or health literacy should not necessarily leave doctors with the impression that a patient with heart failure will know how to manage their symptoms, according to researchers from Purdue University.

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Lab tests for Kawasaki disease shift as condition progresses

Doctors who suspect a pediatric patient may have Kawasaki disease should pay attention the dynamics of shifting laboratory tests, according to researchers from the University of California, San Diego.

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Eating fish rich in omega-3s may help women reduce risk of heart disease

From a young age, kids are told that fish is good "brain food." According to a paper published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association, it may also be good for the heart.

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Warfarin may be underutilized among women with atrial fibrillation

Researchers from the University of Kentucky Gill Heart Institute suggest that not enough women diagnosed with atrial fibrillation are taking the anti-coagulant warfarin.

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Loss of function in vagal nerve increases risk of cardiovascular disease

New research published in the Journal of Physiology has identified an important component of the nervous system that may impact an individual's risk of dying from heart failure.

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Depression may increase patients' risk of heart attack

For most Americans, staying healthy means exercising and keeping their body in good physical shape.

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Pacemakers donated from deceased patients may be suitable for poor patients

The pacemakers of 53 deceased Americans were donated and successfully implanted in poor patients living in Mumbai, according to researchers from Loyola University Medical Center.

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Aspirin taken before some heart surgeries may benefit patients

A study from the University of California, Davis, suggests that taking aspirin within the preceding five days of certain heart surgeries may protect patients from post-surgical complications.

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One-tenth of percutaneous coronary intervention patients are re-hospitalized within 30 days

According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, nearly 10 percent of individuals who undergo a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are re-admitted to the hospital within 30 days. These patients were also more likely to die one year after the procedure.

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Valvular surgery improves outcomes for endocarditis patients with heart failure

Research from scientists at Duke University Medical Center indicates that patients who have both infective endocarditis and heart failure (HF) experience better outcomes after undergoing valvular surgery.

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Moderate sodium intake may be okay for heart patients

A study from McMaster University suggests that cardiovascular care guidelines for patients to lower their sodium intake may need to be revised.

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Combination of severe sepsis, new-onset atrial fibrillation makes stroke more likely

People who are hospitalized for severe sepsis are more likely to develop new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), which in turn makes them more vulnerable to stroke and death. The new research, led by Boston University School of Medicine, suggests that AF associated with severe sepsis is an understudied clinical problem.

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CaM kinase may be responsible for ruptured heart walls after heart attack

A protein produced soon after a heart attack may be responsible for fatal cases of a ruptured heart wall that can take place within days of such an event, according to research from the University of Iowa.

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Heart attacks more common in women, younger men than previously thought

A retrospective study of data from the Minneapolis Heart Institute's Level One heart attack program suggests that women and younger men are at higher risk of heart attack than previously believed. Such a finding could have implications for preventive care and medication given to these patients.

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Relationship between stroke and blood pressure more complicated than previously thought

While doctors may recommend that survivors of ischemic stroke try to keep their blood pressure as low as possible in order to prevent another event, new research suggests that this tactic may actually increase the risk of another stroke soon after the primary occurrence.

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Anxiety about heart device can cause sexual dysfunction

A survey of 151 adults revealed that individuals who had implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) to treat a congenital heart condition were more likely to be struggling with sexual dysfunction. This complication may be due to fears of being shocked by the device.

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Women abused in childhood have higher risks for cardiovascular events as adults

New research from the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests that women who were sexually or physically abused as young girls were more likely to experience heart attacks, heart disease and strokes as adults.

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High school athletes not getting screened for sudden cardiac death risks

A survey of pediatricians, family doctors and athletic directors in Washington state revealed that few of these professionals screen high school athletes for risks of sudden cardiac death as recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA).

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Doctors may need more caution in continuous use of nitroglycerin

Patients who wind up in the hospital with chest pain may be treated with nitroglycerin to open the blood vessels and ease the heart's workload. However, new research suggests that doctors need to be cautious about continuous use of the drug.

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Scientists successfully test HDL-raising drug on primates

Researchers have determined that targeting the small RNA molecule miR-33 is an effective way to raise levels of HDL cholesterol in mice, which scientists believe could significantly benefit people at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Mayo Clinic researchers examine effects of therapeutic cooling for sudden cardiac arrest

The use of therapeutic cooling for patients who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest is surrounded by concerns, as some physicians believe that it could potentially delay the individual's awakening after their event.

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Blood test may indicate a smoker's risk of cardiovascular disease

It's well-known that people who smoke are at an increased risk for a number of conditions, such as lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.

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Seemingly healthy individuals may have underlying atherosclerosis risks

Physicians may often forgo screenings for cardiovascular conditions in younger people who appear to be in good shape, but new research from the Heart and Stroke Foundation reveals that people who fit this description may have some not-so-obvious risk factors.

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Online counseling to lower blood pressure shown to be effective

Many physicians prefer to recommend that their patients adopt lifestyle changes aimed at lowering blood pressure or losing excess body fat before prescribing any drugs.

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Fitness rehabilitation may improve outcome of cardiovascular surgery

Research that was presented by Billie-Jean Martin at the recent Canadian Cardiovascular Congress 2011 reveals that patients who undergo an operation for heart disease can significantly improve their health by getting into shape.

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Gut bacteria may predict how a patient will react to cholesterol-lowering statins

Researchers have been looking for a reason why statins used to help lower cholesterol levels work well for some patients while leaving something to be desired for others.

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Coronary disease risk models shown to be inaccurate

In a 10-year observational study, researchers at the University Health Center in Badajoz, Spain found that the widely used original and REGICOR Framingham functions used to assess the risk of coronary disease could use some tweaking.

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Blocking protein may help treat ischemia patients

Researchers at VIB-K.U. Leuven recently found that blocking the protein PhD2 in certain white blood cells may help blood vessels reach maturity, thereby promoting perfusion in patients with ischemia.

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Scientists set guidelines for MRIs in patients with cardiac devices

It is sometimes recommended that patients with pacemakers or implanted defibrillators forgo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diagnostics due to concerns that the test may interfere with the devices.

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Prehypertension shown to have significant effect on stroke risk

Considering the high rates of obesity and hypertension among the general public, many physicians may forget to warn individuals with high blood pressure that is still in the normal range about the risks of cardiovascular events, such as stroke.

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Naproxen plus high cholesterol may equal poor outcome for coronary artery disease patients

Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital conducted a study that suggests physicians may want to recommend cholesterol-lowering techniques to coronary artery disease patients taking the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) naproxen.

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Irish researchers develop model to examine blood flow in artificial heart valves

Artificial heart valves have been extending the lives of patients with cardiovascular problems for decades, but current models are far from perfect.

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Scientists may be on the brink of a new blood test to detect heart attacks

Electrocardiograms and current blood tests to diagnose heart attacks have their drawbacks, as they are either time-consuming, potentially misleading or unable to detect minor cardiovascular events.

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Scientists research link between eye conditions and heart disease

While past studies have shown that yellowed patches around the eye known as xanthelasmata and white or gray corneal lining called arcus corneae are associated with high cholesterol, the conditions' effect on cardiovascular risk had yet to be established.

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Physicians should be careful in recommending aspirin treatment for cardiovascular patients

Low-dose aspirin regimens have commonly been prescribed for patients with cardiovascular disease, as they have been shown to reduce rates of potentially deadly events and possibly even cut cancer risk.

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Stent shown to increase risk of second stroke

During a study of stroke patients who were at high risk of experiencing a second event, researchers had to cease the experiment halfway through because of the alarming rates of stroke in volunteers who had a stent implanted in their arteries.

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Patterns of alcohol consumption pose different risks to heart health

Previous research has suggested that moderate drinking, defined as five to seven drinks per week, can reduce an individual's chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

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Study compares balloon pump use in angioplasty to traditional methods

In an animal model, it has been shown that using intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) to open vessels in the heart can take strain off the muscle, thereby reducing tissue damage.

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Researchers discover ways in which atrial fibrillation may lead to dementia

While it's been known that individuals with the heartbeat abnormality atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of dementia, the mechanisms behind this association had not been determined until recently.

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Poloxamer gel may provide alternative to sutures for blood vessel repair

For about a century, healthcare providers have been suturing blood vessels with a needle and thread.

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New technology shown to obtain heart scans with less radiation

Traditional CT scans may give accurate readings of artery blockage and reduced blood flow in the heart, but they also expose patients to a relatively high dose of radiation, which may be unnecessary if research from the University Hospital Zurich is shown to be accurate.

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MGH scientists develop imaging probe to detect heart infection

In a trial, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital determined that a combination of fluorescent labeling and PET and FMT-CT imaging may be effective in detecting endocarditis caused by a Staphylococcus aureus infection.

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Laser-stimulated stem cells may help heart heal following an event

Tel Aviv University researchers found that stimulating stem cells with a low-energy laser may be an effective way to get them to target and heal heart tissue following a cardiovascular event.

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Bears may hold the key to treating heart arrhythmia

A compound found in bear bile known as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been used in gallstone-preventing drugs as well as a Chinese medicine.

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Modified growth factor may be useful in growing blood vessels

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh recently found that a number of modifications to the shortly lived nerve growth factor may help it stay in the body long enough to stimulate blood vessel generation.

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Drug may improve condition of patients with diastolic heart failure

The drug ivabradine has traditionally been used to slow the heart rate of patients with cardiovascular disease, but researchers at the Montreal Heart Institute have found that the medication may have other uses.

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Stents may improve endovascular aneurysm procedure

An endovascular procedure known as coiling has gained popularity as a less invasive method to repair blood vessel bulges in the brain, but recurrence rate has been shown to be relatively high.

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Naturally derived substance may reduce brain lesions following a stroke

In some patients, a stroke can stimulate immune cells to attack the brain and cause damaging lesions.

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Gene therapy targets location of atherosclerosis

In a rabbit study, researchers at the University of Washington have found that a gene therapy applied directly to the arterial wall may be effective in preventing the onset of atherosclerosis, even when cholesterol levels remain high.

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Researchers find common cause of heart disease, dementia

It's well-known that atherosclerosis has the potential to lead to heart disease, but a team of scientists recently discovered how clogged arteries can affect cognitive function.

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Therapy to treat heart failure is moving on to next step for approval

Five years ago, researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that raising the levels of a certain protein in mice strengthened the rodents' hearts and protected the organs from damage following a simulated heart attack.

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Stress cardiomyopathy may affect more demographics than previously thought

A team of researchers at the University of Leipzig in Germany conducted a study to better understand the risk factors that may contribute to stress cardiomyopathy (SC).

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Milk and soy protein may help patients lower blood pressure

Physicians who prefer to recommend lifestyle changes to improve conditions like high blood pressure may want to take note of a new study that was recently published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

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Researchers identify barriers to early diagnosis of PAH

Delayed diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a serious problem for an estimated one-fifth of individuals who have the disease, resulting in a poorer prognosis for these patients.

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CPAP may improve blood vessel function in patients with sleep apnea

Individuals with sleep apnea sometimes experience a restriction of blood to the heart due to a dysfunction in their blood vessels, but researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered that a certain technique may help to restore blood flow.

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Researchers develop wireless heart pump

While current designs of mechanical heart pumps have been shown to be effective, the point at which the device's cord exits the patient's abdomen is prone to infection in approximately 40 percent of individuals, a condition which is potentially fatal.

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Magnesium deficiency could affect cardiovascular function

Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals in the human body. It is involved in a multitude of biochemical reactions and supports cardiovascular function. In particular, it is responsible for regulating blood pressure as well as pacing heart rhythm.

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Heart transplant patients found to have elevated skin cancer risk

When a patient receives a heart transplant, the medications needed to weaken immune systems and help their bodies accept the new organ may also significantly increase their risk of developing a serious skin carcinoma.

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Modulating two natural gases may be an effective form of heart therapy

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO) are gases that occur naturally in the body, and researchers have found that their interaction has significant impact on an individual's heart health.

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Patients with severe psoriasis should be screened for cardiovascular disease

nflammatory diseases have long been linked to cardiovascular problems and increased risk of illnesses like cancer, and researchers are now reporting that severe psoriasis may significantly raise a patient's chance of having major adverse cardiac arrest (MACE).

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Changes in blood pressure may be relative to age

In a study of 30,372 individuals aged 7 to 80, a team of researchers from the University College London found that increases and decreases in blood pressure may be related to a patient's age.

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Low-risk cardiovascular patients shown to have good outcomes from angioplasty with stents

Individuals with left main coronary artery disease often undergo heart bypass surgery as it has been considered the best way to treat the serious form of cardiovascular disease.

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Stroke patients may become dependent if they are depressed, older

Many patients who experience a stroke go on to develop depression and dependency on caretakers. Researchers estimate that about one-third of the 795,000 individuals who have a stroke each year end up with the mental disorder.

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Age, race and gender differences in heart's right side may exist

In a study that was recently published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, a team of researchers found that there are differences in the size and strength of the right side of the heart when it comes to age, race and gender.

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Preventing heart damage with the squeeze of an arm

A team of scientists at the University of Leicester in the UK are conducting research to determine whether a technique based on the findings that reducing blood flow to a muscle prevents damage could be effective

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Clot-busting medication use is on the rise

An FDA-approved drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is meant to help destroy blood clots in the brain following an ischemic stroke.

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Parental health may predict venous thromboembolism

New research from scientists at the Centre for Primary Health Care Research in Sweden suggests that physicians should begin asking patients about their parents' cardiovascular history, since it may put them at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE).

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Study: High-risk heart patients don't typically follow statin prescription

In an effort to ward off the chances of a heart attack for the most at-risk patients, doctors typically prescribe a statin treatment to reduce the risk of the patient suffering a major cardiac episode.

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Yale researchers develop method for growing new tissue

A team of scientists at Yale University have recently discovered that man-made tissue constructs may stimulate the body's own ability to repair and regenerate damaged arteries and other human tissue.

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ACE inhibitors may be more effective at night

While many healthcare providers administer angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to patients with high cardiovascular risk during the morning, the drug is actually more effective and less harmful when taken at night.

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Diets rich in heart-healthy fats may improve cardiovascular function following an event

Contrary to beliefs that people at risk of heart disease should consume low-fat diets, researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine recently found that fat can actually help the heart function

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Exercise-derived nitric oxide may protect heart, improve outcomes of heart attacks

Patients who are at risk for cardiovascular disease are often told that they should be sure to get adequate physical activity to keep their hearts strong.

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Testing hair may provide accurate readings of cortisol levels

As scientists work to pinpoint the role of cortisol in illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression, a team of researchers from the Netherlands discovered a new method to measure levels of cortisol over an extended period of time.

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Head and neck cancer patients may require mental health counseling

In a study of 37 patients who had just been diagnosed with head or neck cancer, researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that those with elevated levels of stress and depression had a decreased chance of survival

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Time at which a heart attack occurs may predict outcome

Research that was recently published in the journal Heart suggests that heart attacks that occur between the hours of 6 a.m. and noon may be more serious than those that happen later in the day.

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Calcium supplementation linked to cardiovascular events

New research suggests that physicians may want to reconsider prescribing calcium supplements to patients who are at risk for heart disease, since University of Auckland scientists recently found that the pills may exacerbate cardiovascular problems.

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Researchers design new technique for blood vessel regeneration

A team of scientists at the University of Western Ontario have discovered that fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) may help remedy the shortcomings that have been observed in traditional therapeutic angiogenesis.

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Stroke patients may benefit from video games

Playing video games and engaging in other virtual reality programs may provide the basic components for physical therapy in stroke patients, according to researchers at St. Michael's Hospital.

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Researchers compile statistics for sudden cardiac death in college athletes

An estimated 1 in 44,000 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes dies each year from unexpected cardiac events, and that number is even more grim for individuals in certain groups, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Washington.

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High levels of oxidative stress may be associated with atrial fibrillation

An imbalance in cellular metabolism may effectively change the heart's structure and possibly lead to atrial fibrillation, according to researchers at the Emory University School of Medicine.

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Communities grapple with sudden cardiac death in students

After 16-year-old Wes Leonard died in early March when he experienced sudden cardiac arrest on his high school's basketball court, the small Michigan community and others across the nation wondered if a screening process could prevent such tragedies.

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Scientists identify immune cells responsible for heart inflammation

When the heart experiences inflammation known as myocarditis, it may be the result of T cells that have not been properly trained to recognize a certain heart protein, according to researchers at Harvard University and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

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Some heart failure patients choosing to skip pills due to cost

There have been numerous reports on the growing cost of healthcare and how it affects patients. However, some may not realize the potential risks associated with a lack of treatment.

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Atrial fibrillation may be avoidable

While examining the health data of more than 14,500 individuals, researchers observed that the absence of hypertension, diabetes, smoking status and excess weight equated to a 50 percent reduction in risk for atrial fibrillation.

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Researchers identify possible new target for blood pressure drugs

A team of scientists at the University of Texas has found that the end functional unit of the kidneys, known as the distal nephron, helps regulate blood pressure by controlling the release of sodium into the system.

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High altitude residents may have lower risk of heart disease

People who live at higher altitudes have a lower risk of dying from heart disease, according to a new study from the University of Colorado's School of Medicine.

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Exercise may have positive effect on salt-sensitive hypertension patients

Physical activity appeared to significantly reduce blood pressure levels in individuals with hypertension that was exacerbated by salt intake

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Eskimo study shows benefits of omega-3 fatty acids

A new study on Yup'ik Eskimos in Alaska discovered that those who consume a diet rich in fish may reduce the risk of chronic diseases for overweight and obese people.

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Cardiac pacing may prevent falls in epileptic patients with ictal asystole

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic recently discovered that cardiac pacing may be able to assist epileptic patients who also have ictal asystole, a condition that causes the heart to stop beating during a seizure.

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Response to premature heartbeats may indicate a patient's risk for cardiac death

A new study from the Washington University School of Medicine reports that the way in which the human heart responds to an early beat may be predictive of cardiac death.

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Anti-inflammation medication may treat aortic stenosis

Patients with aortic stenosis may soon have a non-surgical treatment option since researchers at the Karolinska Institutet have recently discovered that inflammation may be at the root of the condition.

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Retinal vein occlusion patients may be at higher risk of stroke

A study that was recently published in the Archives of Opthamology suggests that patients with the vascular disease retinal vein occlusion (RVO) may have double the risk of stroke, compared to individuals without the disorder.

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How air pollution affects cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes

Research that was recently published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that ultrafine particles found in the air can cause platelet activation when inhaled and lead to artery blockage.

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High blood pressure affects one-fourth of Americans

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released the findings of a study which reveal that in 2008, an estimated 25 percent of people in the U.S. had hypertension.

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Cardiovascular disease patients may benefit from collaborative care

Research that was recently published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes shows that a care plan which includes education and psychiatry may help relieve depression and anxiety in heart disease patients

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Blood test may identify most at-risk heart failure patients

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered that testing for a known marker for stress upon hospital discharge may improve chances of survival for patients who have experienced heart failure.

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Individuals with high blood pressure and cholesterol not seeking appropriate treatment

A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that people who have hypertension and unhealthy cholesterol levels may be putting themselves at unnecessary risk due to lack of treatment.

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Cell therapy may lead to new treatments for stroke and heart attack

Researchers at the Centre for Molecular Medicine have discovered a new cell therapy that may reduce arterial inflammation and possibly lead to preventative treatment for stroke and myocardial infarction.

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New treatment may control cholesterol with fewer side effects

Researchers have conducted a study - published in the journal Cell Metabolism - which suggests that an unexamined enzyme called squalene mono-oxygenase (SM) may be effective in keeping cholesterol levels healthy without causing painful side effects.

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Optimal heart health may be a rarity

In a study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh, only one out of 1,900 trial participants achieved the American Heart Association's definition of ideal cardiovascular health.

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Cardiovascular risks may contribute to cognitive decline

In a study to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting in April, researchers have found that those with high blood pressure and cholesterol levels may also experience inhibited memory and cognitive function.

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High triglyceride levels may indicate risk for ischemic stroke

Researchers from the Copenhagen University Hospital recently finished a 33-year study which suggests that individuals with high levels of non-fasting triglycerides are more likely to experience ischemic stroke.

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Customized consultation may aid patients in adherence to medications

Research that was recently published in the Journal of Human Hypertension suggests that patients with hypertension who meet regularly with clinicians regarding their medication and mental state may increase their likelihood of adhering to their treatment.

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Prevalence of stroke predicted to skyrocket within coming decades

Research presented at the 2011 conference of the American Stroke Association reports that strokes are expected to increase dramatically over the coming years, and that the condition will be more prevalent in Mexican Americans compared to Caucasians.

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Excessive body fat may lead to heart disease

Scientists at the British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre at the University of Glasgow followed more than 6,000 middle-aged men over a 15-year period and found that obesity, irrespective of other associated risk factors, increased risk of death by 60 percent.

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High fiber intake may stave off disease

Researchers examined data from the National Institutes of Health AARP Diet and Health Study and found that individuals who consumed high amounts of dietary fiber reduced their risk of death by 22 percent compared to their counterparts with low fiber intake.

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Experimental drug shown to prevent stroke better than aspirin

In a clinical trial, the drug apixaban was shown to be more than twice as effective as aspirin at preventing stroke in patients at high risk of experiencing an attack.

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Heart failure is more prevalent among economically disadvantaged and South Asians

New research from the University of Leicester has found that heart failure diagnosis is four times higher in residents of poorer communities and twice as high among those of South Asian descent.

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New device may lead to simple surgery for complicated problems

Doctors at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Doernbecher Children's Hospital have successfully completed a pulmonary heart valve implantation using a newly-approved device that reaches the heart through a vein in the leg.

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Heart damage caused by lack of oxygen may be reversible

Researchers at the University of Oxford (UO) recently completed a study that suggests that damage done to the heart as a result of low oxygen levels may be reversible when airflow and supply are restored.

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A mother's heart health may influence her daughter's

Research that was recently published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics suggests that mothers who experience stroke are more likely to have daughters with an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

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Red wine may prevent endothelial dysfunction

Science has provided one more reason why it may be a good idea to uncork a bottle of Merlot at the end of a long day

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Science getting closer to effective vascular grafts

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have recently discovered a method of growing artery tissue which mimics that of a healthy human.

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Tests can predict survival rate for those with acute coronary syndromes

Research presented at the University of Gothenberg in Sweden has shown that an ultrasound and a blood test can help determine the future health of those hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes such as myocardial infarction and unstable angina.

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High blood pressure an indicator for cardiovascular disease in middle-aged women

A study published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association has shown that middle-aged women with high systolic blood pressure are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

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Endothelial dysfunction may trigger development of Alzheimer's disease

Blood vessel dysfunction that is linked to cardiovascular disease may also play a role in the development of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's, according to a study that was published in Circulation Research: Journal of the American Heart Association.

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Neuron death from myocardial infarction may result in insomnia

According to investigators at the Research Center of the Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal, myocardial infarction may not only cause damaging effects in the heart, but also the brain. The condition may induce neuron loss at the level of the brainstem, which could lead to insomnia in some patients.

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Light to moderate alcohol consumption may contribute to heart health

Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center have found that a well-known molecule called Notch may be responsible for the protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular health.

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More than half of stroke survivors may have pseudobulbar affect

A survey that was released by the National Stroke Association reveals that more than half of stroke survivors suffer from the pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a neurological condition that may be caused by structural damage to the brain.

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Family history of atrial fibrillation may increase individual's risk by 40 percent

A close examination of the Framingham Heart Study has revealed that having first-degree relatives with atrial fibrillation may be associated with a higher risk for the condition.

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MRI may help radiologists pinpoint onset of stroke

According to research that will be published in the December issue of the journal Radiology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain may help doctors determine when the onset of acute ischemic stroke occurred in patients.

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Poor sleep habits may render adolescents susceptible to cardiovascular problems

Pediatric cardiologists from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto have revealed that adolescents who have poor sleep patterns may face the risk of developing premature heart disease and stroke, according to Medical News Today.

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Implanting internal cardiac defibrillators may help patients with rare heart condition

A team of researchers from Newfoundland has developed a prevention program in which people who have no symptoms of cardiovascular complications are implanted with internal cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), which can restart their hearts if they stop.

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Barbershop efforts to curb hypertension may improve African-American men's health

A new study from the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute has revealed that neighborhood barbers may be able to help African-American customers better control their high blood pressure through a monitoring, education and physician-referral program.

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Scientist reports protein marker for pulmonary hypertension

New research from the Heart and Stroke Foundation has revealed a potential breakthrough in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

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Treatment must be chosen carefully for patients with atrial fibrillation

According to a study presented at this year's Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, levels of sensitivity to anxiety could be important when choosing a viable treatment for patients who have heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

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Research provides insight on cardiac dysfunction in children with ventricular defect

A study conducted by doctors at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Ohio State University Medical Center has revealed that repairing seemingly benign holes in a child's heart could be clinically important if underlying dysfunctions exist.

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Compression-only CPR can reduce mortality rates of cardiac arrest patients

According to a study published in the October issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients who received compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were more likely to survive to the point of hospital discharge.

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Air pollution may increase the risk of cardiac arrest

According to a study conducted at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, air pollution may contain particles that increase the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

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Bariatric surgery may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women

A study conducted at Tufts University has revealed the value and efficiency of bariatric surgery as a way to ensure better patient outcomes and to reduce rates of mortality. The scientists found that this procedure significantly improves the lipoprotein profiles of women.

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Aortic valve replacement may have gender-specific effects

According to research published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, heart enlargement is much more likely to regress in elderly women than in men after aortic valve replacement.

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Amphetamines could increase the risk of aortic tears in young people

Research published in the August issue of the American Heart Journal reports that young people who abuse amphetamines could have an increased risk of aortic tears.

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Mexican-Americans with atrial fibrillation have a higher risk of recurring stroke

According to a new study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, Mexican-American patients with atrial fibrillation may have a significantly increased risk for a second stroke.

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Early treatment for atrial fibrillation could prevent stroke

Research conducted at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden has shown that seeking early treatment for atrial fibrillation may lead to a reduced risk of secondary effects.

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Non-cardiac surgery directly after coronary stent placement may lead to complications

Scottish researchers recently reported that patients who postpone non-cardiac surgery for six weeks after coronary stent placement can lower their risk of ischemia.

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Cardiac rehabilitation may reduce post-surgery mortality rates

According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, cardiac rehabilitation has been associated with significantly lower rates of mortality for patients who have had coronary angioplasty.

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Blood and bone marrow cells may provide safer method to treat heart disease

Researchers at the Emory University School of Medicine have discovered that isolating blood or bone marrow cells may be a safer way to treat cardiovascular disease than rare stem cells.

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Current vitamin D recommendations need to be modified for African American teens

In order for African American teenagers to receive the heart health benefits from vitamin D supplementation, they need to take as many as 2,000 international units of the nutrient each day, five times the dose recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, according to a new study published in the August issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

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B vitamins don't lower vascular recurrence risk in stroke victims

Although vitamin B supplementation does lower homocysteine levels in patients who recently experienced a stroke, it does not help prevent them from suffering another vascular event, according to a study published in the August 4 online edition of The Lancet Neurology.

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Calcium supplements linked to increased risk of heart attack

Individuals who take calcium supplements to help stave off osteoporosis and bones fractures may be at an increased risk of myocardial infarction, according to a study published in the July 30 online issue of the British Medical Journal.

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Childhood cancer survivors more prone to have poor long-term cardiac function

Results of a recent European study provide further evidence that surviving cancer as a child may predispose individuals to other detrimental health conditions, including abnormal cardiac function.

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Extended treatment with blood thinning medication may be advisable for some immobilized patients

Extended use of anti-coagulant medication on older patients who are confined to 24-hour bed rest due to acute medical illness can appreciably reduce the risk of blood clots, while only slightly raising the risk of bleeding, according to study published in the July issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Expert panel recommends that FDA keep Avandia on the market

Just last month, two separate studies concluded that the once-popular diabetes medication Avandia increases heart attack risk and should be taken off the market.

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Severe obstructive sleep apnea linked to heart problems in middle-aged men

Moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can significantly increase the risk of heart disease and heart failure among middle aged and older men under the age of 70, according to a new study published in the July 12 issue of Circulation.

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Study: NSAIDs do not increase heart risk among the elderly

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - including ibuprofen and other common painkillers - does not increase the risk of heart disease and cardiovascular-related events among the elderly, according to study published in the most recent issue of the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

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Severe angina increases CAD risk more in women than in men

Women with Class IV angina are much more likely to develop severe coronary artery disease (CAD) than men who are diagnosed with the identical condition, according to a McMaster University study published in the July issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine.

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Heart disease patients with general anxiety disorder at increased risk of heart attack, stroke

Individuals with coronary heart disease may be at a greater risk of experiencing a cardiovascular-related event if they also have an anxiety disorder, according to a study published in the July issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.

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High testosterone levels may increase coronary heart disease risk in older men

Older men who have elevated testosterone levels may be at an increased risk of having a heart attack or developing cardiovascular disease, according to a study recently presented at the Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.

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Studies: Avandia increases heart risk, should be taken off the market

Just two weeks before an expert advisory panel convenes to recommend whether the FDA should take Avandia off the market, two studies were released that found the once-popular diabetes medication significantly increases patients' heart risks.

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Statin use linked to lower risk of post-surgical prostate cancer recurrence

Prostate cancer patients are less likely to experience a recurrence following surgery if they are taking statins to lower their cholesterol, according to a study published in the June 28 online issue of the journal Cancer. However, it is unclear whether the medications are responsible for this decreased risk.

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Digoxin use may increase mortality risk for dialysis patients

Dialysis patients who take the widely prescribed heart drug digoxin may be at an increased risk of early death, according to a study published in the June 24 issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

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Not all obese individuals at a high risk for cardiovascular disease

A small percentage of obese individuals may not be at an increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, according to a study presented last weekend at the Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.

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Vitamin B12, folic acid supplements do not reduce heart attack risk

Although the use of B vitamins does seem to lower homocysteine levels in heart attack survivors, it does not reduce their risk of experiencing another cardiovascular-related event, according to a new study published in the June 23 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Is oxygen therapy beneficial for heart attack patients?

Administering oxygen to patients who recently suffered a heart attack may not be beneficial, according to research published June 16 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. In fact, results of the small study suggest that it is possible that oxygen may actually be harmful and could increase the risk of death following a cardiovascular event.

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Early menopause more than doubles the risk of cardiovascular events

Women who go through early menopause may be at an increased risk of experiencing a cardiovascular-related event, according to a study recently presented at the Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.

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Erectile dysfunction an independent risk factor of a high CACS score

Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) are at a considerably greater risk of having a high coronary artery calcium score (CACS) than those without with condition, according to a study presented May 31 at the American Urological Association annual meeting.

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Angiotensin receptor blockers linked to modestly increased cancer risk

Patients who take angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may be at a moderately increased risk of developing cancer, according to a new study published in the June 14 online edition of The Lancet Oncology.

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Short people more likely to develop heart disease

Short people are at a greater risk of developing heart disease and experiencing a cardiovascular-related event than tall individuals, according to a new study published in the June 9 online issue of the European Heart Journal.

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Heart device surgery patients do not need to discontinue warfarin therapy

Patients who are undergoing device surgery to have a pacemaker or defibrillator implanted can safely continue warfarin therapy, according to a study published in the June issue of the HeartRhythm Journal.

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Race matching does not improve survival rates of heart transplant recipients

The race of a heart transplant donor does not affect the survival rate or organ rejection frequency of the recipient, according to a study published in the June 1 issue of the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

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Stenting, surgery lead to similar outcomes among carotid artery disease patients

The final results of the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial (CREST), published in the May 26 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, indicate that both procedures are safe, effective treatment options for patients suffering from carotid artery disease.

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Statin therapy linked to unintended liver, kidney problems

Heart disease patients who take statins may be at an increased risk of developing liver dysfunction, acute renal failure, moderate myopathy and other unintended adverse effects, according to a study published in the May 20 issue of the British Medical Journal.

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Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake may help lower blood pressure

According to a recent study published in May 24 issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, patients with prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension can moderately lower their blood pressure by reducing their intake of sweetened soft drinks.

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Beta blockers improve survival rates for COPD patients

Patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are prescribed beta blockers have a greater survival rate than those who do not take the heart medication, according to a new study published in the May 24 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

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Heart Rhythm Society issues guidelines for the management of CIEDs in end-of-life patients

On Friday, the Heart Rhythm Society released a consensus statement regarding the management of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) in terminally ill patients.

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CRT-D therapy more effective in women

According to a study presented May 13 at the Heart Rhythm Society's 31st Annual Scientific Sessions, women with mild heart disease who have a cardiac resynchronization device combined with a defibrillator (CRT-D) implanted receive a greater benefit from the therapy than do men.

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Panel: Physicians should conduct a hypertension risk assessment before prescribing angiogenesis inhibitors

Earlier this month, an expert panel of oncologists and cardiologists issued new recommendations for physicians who prescribe angiogenesis inhibitors to cancer patients who may also be suffering from hypertension.

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Study: Too few heart failure patients schedule follow-up visits

According to a study published in the May 5 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, a surprisingly low percentage of heart failure patients have a follow-up visit with their healthcare provider within a week after being discharged from the hospital.

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Microalbuminuria linked to increased risk of heart and kidney failure

Non-diabetic patients with high blood pressure who excrete abnormal amounts of protein in their urine are at a significantly increased risk of developing heart problems and kidney failure, according to a recent study published in the May issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology.

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Diabetics at a greater risk of being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation

According to a new study published in the April 20 issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, diabetic patients are at a significantly increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation compared to the rest of the U.S. population.

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Study questions the sensitivity, effectiveness of the Framingham risk score

According to a recent report to be published in the May issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology, a surprisingly high number of patients with considerable atherosclerosis are not being treated because they forwent additional testing due to a low Framingham risk score.

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One in six patients fail to fill blood thinning prescriptions immediately following stent insertion

According to a recent study published in the April 20 issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a surprisingly large number of patients who have a drug-eluting stent implanted do not immediately begin taking their blood thinning medication, leading to a near two-fold greater risk of heart attack or death.

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Protein provides target for psoriasis treatment

Drugs that affect the expression of the protein psoriasin may provide a viable treatment for the skin disease psoriasis, according to researchers from Sweden.

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Oral antibiotics for acne associated with sore throat

Patients who are taking oral antibiotics for the treatment of acne may be more likely to experience pharyngitis (sore throat), according to researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

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Laser surgery has advantage over radiation in treating skin lesions

New research from the University of Western Ontario suggests that carbon dioxide laser ablation (removal) may be a more effective treatment than radiation therapy for a precancerous skin lesion known as lentigo maligna (LM).

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Researchers discover effective vaccine for late-stage melanoma

A recent study reveals that a new vaccine therapy may help treat patients who have advanced melanoma, which is one of the most lethal cancers.

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Low levels of vitamin D may indicate risk for multiple sclerosis

Researchers in Australia examined the vitamin D levels, sun exposure and skin health of more than 600 individuals and found that those who spent more time in the sun - even to the point that it caused skin damage - were less likely to have a first attack from multiple sclerosis (MS).

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Form of eczema may tell whether a child will develop food allergies

Research that was recently presented at the 69th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that the presence of atopic dermatitis may mean that a child will develop food allergies later in life.

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Smart lasers could lead to easier biopsies and other medical breakthroughs

Technology developed at Michigan State University has shown promise in the ability to perform non-invasive biopsies. Researchers also believe that the new tool may provide insight into how medications and topical treatments react with skin tissue.

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Seniors' brain health may be tied to insulin sensitivity

An international team of scientists observed an association between insulin sensitivity, brain size and language skills in seniors.

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Glucose monitoring may not be necessary for diabetics not taking insulin

A review of 12 studies concluded that type 2 diabetics who do not require insulin do not benefit much from glucose monitoring, according to researchers from the Vrije Universiteit University Medical Center in Amsterdam.

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Hearing loss and diabetes may be connected in women

Researchers from the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit discovered that diabetic women who have trouble managing their condition may experience worse hearing loss than those who can control their blood sugar.

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Consumption of high amounts of animal fat makes gestational diabetes more likely

Mothers who eat large amounts of animal fat and cholesterol before getting pregnant are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes, according to scientists from the National Institutes of Health and Harvard University.

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Integrated treatments for depression and diabetes produce better results

Doctors should treat diabetes and depression simultaneously in patients who have both conditions, as this may lead to better treatment outcomes, a new study indicates.

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Insulin may treat atherosclerosis in diabetics

Researchers from the University of Toronto discovered the mechanisms of how insulin may promote the healing of atherosclerotic lesions in people with diabetes.

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Air pollution may be associated with hypertension, diabetes in African American women

Researchers from Boston University discovered that African American women who endure prolonged exposure to air pollution may be at higher risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure.

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Socioeconomic status plays a role in disparities in obesity, researchers say

Primary care physicians constantly encourage their patients to exercise and eat nutritious food, what with the skyrocketing percentages of overweight and obese individuals in the U.S.

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Diabetic women at higher risk of delivering by C-section

Researchers from the UK discovered that diabetic women may be more likely to deliver a baby through Cesarean section because of poorly contracting muscles in the uterus.

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Dieters should avoid snacking between breakfast and lunch, study suggests

It's common knowledge that snacking can be hazardous to one's dieting efforts.

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Diabetes drug may help prevent proliferation of breast cancer tumors

The drug metformin, which is typically associated with type 2 diabetes treatment, may be the key to preventing breast cancer cell proliferation.

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Lower BMI may be associated with higher risk of post-surgery mortality, study finds

A recent report published in the journal Archives of Surgery has found that a person's body mass index (BMI) may be inversely related to their 30-day mortality risk following a surgical procedure.

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MC3R gene found to be important in regulating weight

Researchers have identified a gene that may be crucial in maintaining the balance between food intake and energy expenditure.

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Caloric restriction benefits the heart for obese patients with adult onset diabetes

MRI scans of the heart demonstrate that caloric restriction benefits the cardiovascular system in patients who have type 2 diabetes, according to researchers from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands. Such a diet can also eliminate insulin dependence.

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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may not be strongly tied to death risk

New research from scientists at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions suggests that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may not be as strongly tied to an increased risk for death as previously thought.

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Test recommended for diagnosing pediatric diabetes may not be accurate

New research from the U-M Health System suggests that the hemoglobin A1C test to screen long-term blood glucose may not be accurate for children. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) had recommended the test be the exclusive diagnostic for diabetes in juveniles.

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Computer tool makes diabetes consultations more efficient with time, money

A new computer tool developed at the University of Missouri could help doctors manage care for diabetics more efficiently. The diabetes dashboard organizes individual patients' data - including vital signs, medications and lab tests - onto a single computer screen.

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Study compares two diabetes drugs for kidney disease patients

In addition to diet and exercise, there are different medications that type 2 diabetics may take to help control their blood sugar. Research presented during the American Society of Nephrology's (ASN) Annual Kidney Week compared the efficacy of glipizide and sitagliptin in treating these patients.

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Study: Diabetes drug has powerful anti-inflammatory effects

Doctors may prescribe exenatide, sold commercially as Byetta, to help patients who have type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. However, a new study suggests that the drug may also have quick, powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

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Researcher calls for more studies on the link between autism and diabetes

Rice University biochemist Michael Stern recently published a paper in the journal Frontiers of Cellular Endocrinology in which he theorizes that type 2 diabetes and autism share an underlying mechanism that should be investigated further.

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Neural stem cells may be key to diabetes treatment

Previous strategies to improve pancreatic function by means of beta cell transplants hit a wall in development as researchers lacked a donation of the cells.

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Obese teens should be advised on healthy sleep patterns

Rates of obesity and diabetes appear to be rising at a rapid rate, presenting some serious public health issues and taking a major toll on healthcare resources.

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Study reveals why diabetics have malfunctioning mitochondria

It's long been known that underactive mitochondria in the muscle causes insulin resistance, an early indicator of diabetes.

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Diabetes and hypertension linked to open-angle glaucoma

While the connection between metabolic disorders and conditions like diabetic retinopathy is well-known, the research suggests that problems stemming from excess body fat may also lead to other eye diseases.

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Patients at risk of acute attack of pancreatitis may want to avoid liquor

Karonlinska Institutet researchers recently found that even moderate consumption of spirits can increase a patient's likelihood of experiencing an acute pancreatic attack, but beer and wine appear to have no effect on such risk.

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Cholesterol drug shown to have dual purpose

The drug torcetrapib - a cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor - is traditionally used to help raise HDL cholesterol

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New developments in diabetic retinopathy treatment

Recently, engineers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) developed a novel technique for diabetic retinopathy treatment. A device they invented may be implanted behind the patient's eye and release time-controlled medications.

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Prognosis for type 1 diabetes has significantly improved since the 1950s

Individuals diagnosed in the latter half of the study period experienced a significantly longer lifespan than those who received their diagnosis prior to 1965.

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Blood vessels and support cells identified as possible new target for diabetes treatment

Patients with diabetes often experience a loss of sensation or a tingling feeling known as neuropathy, which is typically treated by targeting the symptoms of the condition.

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High-dose statin therapy may reduce risk of heart attack, but increase chances of diabetes

In a study conducted at the University of Glasgow, researchers found that intensive-dose statin therapy caused a slight increase in risk of developing diabetes, but also cut a patient's chances of having a cardiovascular event

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Enzyme-inhibiting drugs may be used as alternative diabetes treatment

While diabetes is most often treated with insulin injections or medication that increases the levels of the hormone secreted by the pancreas, drugs that inhibit a certain enzyme may also be helpful, according to Mayo Clinic researchers.

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Enzyme shown to clear cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine recently discovered that an enzyme known as CEH can remove cholesterol from the body, thereby reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity.

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Glass fiber material shown to heal stubborn wounds

In a study that was published in the magazine Bulletin, it was found that a material that resembles cotton candy may be the next medical breakthrough for wound care.

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Saturated fats may affect insulin resistance

Saturated fatty acids have been shown to help inflammatory proteins proliferate in the body, thereby causing inflammation and insulin resistance, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine.

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Diabetics may be more prone to age-related decline

Recent research that was conducted at the University of Michigan suggests that patients in their 50s with diabetes should be monitored for age-related illnesses sooner than their counterparts without the disorder.

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Scientists discover pathway that may lead to new diabetes treatment

A hormone known as fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) may be an effective new alternative to insulin injections for patients with diabetes since it has the ability to stabilize glucose levels

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Diabetes Federation backs weight loss surgery for obese patients

Patients who face serious complications from diabetes such as high blood sugar may be eligible to receive a comprehensive new treatment that is currently being backed by the International Diabetes Federation.

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Elevated levels of certain amino acids may predict onset of type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have conducted a study which suggests that doctors may soon be able to predict the development of diabetes years before an onset by testing for the presence of amino acids as metabolites in the blood.

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Widely used diabetes drug may increase cardiovascular risk

The blood sugar-regulating drugs rosiglitazone and pioglitazone have previously been shown to increase a patient's odds of heart failure, but a recent trial suggests that the former may be the worse of the two.

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Doctors should monitor depressive symptoms in diabetes patients

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) reports that the blood sugar disorder is linked with depression in many individuals, and a new study from the University of California has identified predictors for the mental illness in these patients.

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Researchers to study how gastric bypass surgery affects diabetics

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New method may promote healing in chronic wounds

Researchers at Loyola University Health System have conducted a study that suggests the suppression of certain immune cells may be beneficial in healing wounds from diabetes, bed sores or chronic ulcers

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Diabetics, the elderly may benefit from omega-3 fatty acids

Results of a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine are consistent with previous reports that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids could promote eye health in those who have, or are at risk of, retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.

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Research reveals need for kidney health education for diabetics

A study conducted in the UK suggests that patients with diabetes may lack adequate information from their physicians regarding the risks of kidney failure.

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Researchers identify protein that may play important part in blood sugar regulation

Scientists at the University of Leicester have recently completed research that shows that a protein called the M3-muscarinic receptor may play an important role in preventing potentially dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels

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Exposure to light before bedtime may adversely affect sleep quality

A recent study that was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has revealed that exposure to electrical light before bedtime may strongly suppress levels of melatonin, impacting natural processes such as sleepiness and glucose homeostasis.

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Fatty acid in dairy shown to lower diabetes risk

A fatty acid commonly found in dairy products may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study from researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

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New compound discovered that may prove useful in treating Graves' disease

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have discovered a compound that may be responsible for preventing overproduction of thyroid hormone, which could take them a step closer to improving treatment for Graves' disease.

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Gastric bypass surgery may be beneficial for obese patients with type 2 diabetes

A study that was presented at the 92nd annual meeting of the Endocrine Society revealed that gastric bypass surgery may be more efficient than a low-calorie diet at achieving weight loss and improving type 2 diabetes.

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Bariatric surgery before pregnancy may reduce risk for gestational diabetes

According to a recent study published in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, obese women who undergo bariatric surgery prior to pregnancy have a significantly reduced risk for gestational diabetes.

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Bariatric surgery may reduce costs and need for medications in type 2 diabetics

According to a study published in the August issue of the Archives of Surgery, bariatric surgery may be linked to the reduced use of medications and lower healthcare costs for individuals who have type 2 diabetes.

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Many aging men experience male menopause

Doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital report that an estimated 5 million men may be affected by menopause.

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Diabetics who undergo bariatric surgery experience reduced need for medications

A report in the August issue of the journal Archives of Surgery has found an association between bariatric surgery and the reduced use of medications in type 2 diabetes patients.

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Prediabetic children also face the risk of bone loss

A study conducted at the Medical College of Georgia has revealed that children at risk of developing diabetes before puberty may also face weak bones later in life.

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Diabetic retinopathy rates are on the rise

Nearly one-third of diabetic patients over the age of the 40 have diabetic retinopathy, according to a new study published in the August 11 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Gastric bypass surgery bests dieting in improving diabetes symptoms

Compared to dieting, gastric bypass surgery does a better job of improving insulin sensitivity in obese diabetic patients when the same amount of weight is lost, according to a study recently presented at the Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.

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Diabetes medications may increase bone fracture risk

Thiazolidinediones - including Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone) - may raise the risk of bone fracture in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, according to a new study to be published in the October issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

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Diabetic patients admitted to hospital with COPD complications have greater mortality risk

Diabetic patients who are admitted to a medical facility with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complications spend more time in the hospital and have a higher mortality rate than those without diabetes, according to a study published in the June issue of the Respirology.

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Newly-diagnosed diabetes may predispose individuals to liver disease

Adult patients with newly-diagnosed diabetes may be at a significantly increased risk of developing advanced liver disease, according to a study published in the June 21 online issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

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Insufficient vitamin D levels linked to diabetes, poor blood sugar control

Vitamin D deficiencies may be partially responsible for poor blood sugar control among diabetic patients, according to a study recently presented at the Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.

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Oral hypoglycemics may cause false positive results in cancer screenings

The use of oral hypoglycemics (OH) can alter the results of cancer screenings that utilize positron emission tomography (PET), according to a study presented on June 7 at the Society of Nuclear Medicine's 57th Annual Meeting.

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Repeated doctor visits can help diabetics lower their blood pressure

Diabetic patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension may be able to lower their blood pressure more quickly if they make frequent visits to their personal care physician, according to a study published in the May 24 online issue of Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

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Expert panel modifies aspirin therapy recommendations for diabetic patients

In a joint statement, three major medical groups updated their recommendations for diabetics who are looking to utilize low-dose aspirin therapy to lower their heart attack and stroke risk.

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Enteroviral infection linked to type 1 diabetes

According to a study presented May 24 at the 110th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Italian investigators have identified a link between enteroviral infection and type 1 diabetes in children.

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Long-term metformin use linked to vitamin B-12 deficiency

Diabetic patients who take metformin for extended periods of time are at an increased risk of developing a vitamin B-12 deficiency, according to a new study published in the May 21 issue of the British Medical Journal.

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Study: Vitamin B supplements do more harm than good for patients with diabetic nephropathy

According to a new study published in the April 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients with diabetic nephropathy who take high doses of vitamin B experience poorer kidney function and suffer more cardiovascular-related events than those who do not take the nutritional supplements.

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Study: Bran consumption can improve survival rates for diabetic women

According to a new study published in the May 10 issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, women with type 2 diabetes who consume high amounts of bran may be at a significantly decreased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

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Study: Vitamin E can moderately improve nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

According to a new study published in the April 28 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, vitamin E supplementation is an effective treatment option for patients suffering from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

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Study: No link found between rapid glucose control strategy and mortality rate

In 2008, the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study was cut short after investigators found that the rapid lowering of glucose levels was associated with an increased risk of death in patients with type 2 diabetes.

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Liraglutide more effective than sitagliptin in controlling glucose levels of diabetic patients

According to a recent study published in the April 24 issue of The Lancet, administration of the drug liraglutide (Victoza) controls glucose levels in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes better than sitagliptin (Januvia).

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Patients with IBD may travel to developing countries without higher infection risk

Individuals who are living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may not be at a higher risk of intestinal infections when traveling to developing countries, according to researchers from Israel.

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High fiber diet may raise risk of diverticulosis

Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine discovered that high consumption of dietary fiber may raise one's risk of developing diverticulosis.

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Imaging technique could spot precancerous Barrett's dysplasia

A new fluorescent probe may help clinicians find and remove Barrett's dysplasia cells, which are a precursor to esophageal cancer, according to researchers from the UK and U.S.

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Disability and healthcare costs higher for older people with cirrhosis

Older patients with cirrhosis require more caregiving and have more comorbidities than individuals without the disease, according to researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School.

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Young men who use marijuana may be vulnerable to cyclic vomiting syndrome

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic discovered an association between marijuana use and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) in young men.

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Celiac disease increases women's risks for psychological problems

Compared to the general population, women with celiac disease are more prone to depression and eating disorders, according to a new study.

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Different types of fat may affect progression of acute pancreatitis

Both virgin olive oil and polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish may improve the disease outcomes for patients with acute pancreatitis, as suggested by researchers from the University of Granada.

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Four studies evaluate the use of probiotics

At the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 76th Annual Scientific meeting in Washington, DC, researchers presented four new studies on probiotics, evaluating the use of this treatment in antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis and psoriasis.

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Researchers develop a new method to score severity of microscopic colitis

A team of researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota developed a new system to help physicians rate the severity of microscopic colitis more accurately. This condition is the most common cause of chronic diarrhea.

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Liver cancer screenings have room for improvement

While the current methods used to screen for liver cancer need improvement, the difficulty of creating a genuine control group to assess a routine practice may make it difficult for scientists to devise a better technique, as suggested by two new studies.

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Liver transplant patients willing to wait longer for a high quality organ

More than 42 percent of patients waiting for a liver transplant would rather stay on the waiting list for a longer period of time than accept a "lower quality" organ, according to researchers from the University of Michigan Health System.

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Opioid prescriptions for abdominal pain have more than doubled

Researchers from the University of North Carolina discovered that prescriptions for opioid medications in the treatment of chronic abdominal pain have more than doubled between 1997 and 2008. The finding is especially concerning given the risk of addiction and side effects that surround such drugs.

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Severity of IBS symptoms may be influenced by patients' psychology

Individuals who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience more severe symptoms depending on their psychological outlook of their disease, according to researchers from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

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Patients on anti-clotting therapy not at increased risk after GI surgery

Individuals who take nonsteroidal anti-inflmmatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anti-clotting drugs such as clopidogreal are not more likely to experience bleeding as a result of surgery to remove lesions from the gastrointestinal tract, according to new research.

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10-year study: Live adult liver donation is safe

Most medical experts agree that there is a shortage of organ donations for transplantation. However, when it comes to the liver, a new study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital found that liver donation from live adults does not appear to carry any risk of severe health complications, which theoretically widens the donation pool significantly.

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Mozart's music may help endoscopists spot adenomas during colonoscopy

Finding and removing adenomas during a colonoscopy are important precautions in preventing colorectal cancer (CRC). New research suggests that when an endoscopist listens to Mozart, the music may improve the rate of detection.

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Ultrasound elasticity imaging may improve treatment for patients with intestinal fibrosis

When treating a patients with Crohn's disease, physicians often use CT or MRI scans to diagnose whether the individual is experiencing inflammation of the bowel or scarring of the intestinal tissue known as fibrosis.

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Scientists successfully grow intestinal stem cells in a lab

In a study which researchers believe is a major breakthrough in regenerative medicine, a team of scientists at the Colorectal Cancer Lab at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine were successful in growing human colon stem cells in a petri dish.

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Gut virome may be influenced heavily by diet

In an effort to further understand how the multiple viruses present in the human gut affect health and disease, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine conducted a study to see how diet influences the strains.

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Certain foods associated with lower risk of colon polyps

The medical community has long recommended fiber-rich foods to patients in order to maintain a healthy digestive system.

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Stimulation therapy shown to improve bowel control

Patients who experience severe bowel incontinence currently have few treatment options, but researchers at Northwestern Memorial Hospital believe that an implant that provides electrical stimulation to control movements may be a safe and effective way for these individuals to regain regularity.

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Researchers find association between antibiotic resistance in H. pylori and cholesterol

Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria causing gastritic and peptic ulcers, is now commonly addressed with a trinity of pharmaceuticals because of increasing rates of antibiotic resistance with the strain, which may result in treatment failure.

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Study suggests moderate drinking could lower risk of fatty liver disease

Although there are a number of health risks that are caused by excessive drinking, new research is suggesting that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol may actually lower the chances of an individual developing fatty liver disease.

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Researchers zeroing in on Lynch syndrome tests

Because colon cancer is a major health risk for some, it's important for doctors to catch it as early as possible so patients can begin treatment to reduce their chances of fatality.

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Diet high in fruits and vegetables could prevent weight gain

As Americans continue to fight the obesity epidemic that has plagued most of the nation, many individuals are looking for dietary plans that will help with the battle of the bulge.

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New constipation treatment takes advantage of body's own process

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new drug known as A3309, which uses the body's natural process of moving stool through the bowels to help provide relief to individuals with chronic constipation.

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Probiotics promote intestinal healing by stimulating reactive oxygen species

In a study that was recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at Emory University School of Medicine showed that beneficial bacteria known as probiotics help the intestine heal

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Research presented during Digestive Disease Week

Top physicians and scientists are gathering this week in Chicago to present their recent findings on the topics of gastrointestinal disorders and possible new treatments.

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Researchers discover socioeconomic bias in diagnosis of celiac disease

A team of scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston examined the data of about 800 patients with the gluten intolerance known as celiac disease and analyzed the individuals' symptoms and income.

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Study: No change in gallbladder disease risk found in various types or birth control pills

Although some researchers have suggested that different birth control pills possess various health risks, a new study is suggesting that the risk of gallbladder disease is still prevalent in oral contraceptives, both old and new.

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Study: Freeze-dried strawberries may be integral in preventing esophageal cancer

Individuals who are concerned with their risk of esophageal cancer may be able to keep the disease at bay by consuming freeze-dried strawberries.

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Researchers discover three types of gut environments

When examining the stool samples of more than 280 people from around the world, a team of scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory discovered that there are actually three distinct types of gut environments in humans.

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Antibiotic use has significant impact on gut bacteria and metabolism

In a mouse study, researchers from the University of British Columbia showed that antibiotics affected 87 percent of gut microbes, causing them to increase or decrease in numbers by up to 10,000 times their original population.

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RFA could reduce cancer risk for Barrett's esophagus patients

Barrett's esophagus, which researchers believe is caused by chronic acid reflux, is a leading cause of esophageal cancer.

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Scientists develop method that may prevent celiac disease

A study that was recently published in the journal Nature suggests that certain chemical signals may exacerbate celiac disease, and that blocking these could prevent gluten intolerance in people who are genetically predisposed to the condition.

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Gut bacteria may affect mammalian brain development and behavior

A study recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports that gut bacteria may play a role in the brain development and adult behavior of mammals.

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Probiotics may relieve inflammatory bowel diseases

Researchers at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine have genetically modified a type of probiotic, giving it the ability to effectively fight inflammatory bowel diseases, according to their study.

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Patients with Crohn's disease have impaired vitamin D absorption

A study conducted at the Boston University School of Medicine shows that people with Crohn's disease lack the ability to adequately absorb vitamin D.

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Patients who have GERD may not have a higher risk for esophageal cancer

A team of gastroenterologists at the University of Michigan has discovered that patients who have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may not have a higher risk for esophageal cancer, as previously believed.

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Post traumatic stress disorder may worsen symptoms for Crohn's disease patients

Although Crohn's disease is primarily known as an inflammatory bowel disorder, the condition can also induce the development of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to an article published in the journal Frontline Gastroenterology.

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Gastrointestinal conditions and sleep may be closely tied, study reveals

According to a study on sleep dysfunction that was presented at the 75th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, the impact of upper gastrointestinal (GI) conditions - such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and dyspepsia - can cause disordered sleep in patients.

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Study provides insight on infectious gastrointestinal bacterium

Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that has been associated with gastrointestinal illnesses in humans, may invade and replicate in gastric epithelial cells. A report published in the October issue of Infection and Immunity reveals that this finding could challenge previous belief that the pathogen is noninvasive.

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Diabetic men may have a higher risk for colorectal cancer

Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer may only be associated in men, a new study published in the journal Gastroenterology reports.

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Maintaining normal weight may help reduce colon cancer mortality risk

According to a study published in the September issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention - a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research - postmenopausal women who have been diagnosed with colon cancer may have a higher risk of mortality if they do not maintain a healthy body weight.

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Gastric bypass in adolescent women may result in neurological defects in their children

According to a study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference in San Francisco, there may be a possible link between gastric bypass surgery in adolescent girls and a higher risk for neural tube defects in their future children.

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Half of primary care physicians do not recommend bariatric surgery for obese teens

According to a report published in the journal Obesity Surgery, nearly 50 percent of primary care physicians say that they would not recommend bariatric surgery to a severely obese patient under the age of 18.

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Bariatric surgery increases as more patients become aware of the option

According to a study published in the British Medical Journal, the use of bariatric surgery has increased tenfold in the past decade

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Study: Proton pump inhibitors may increase risk for fractures and bacterial infection

According to studies in the Archives of Internal Medicine, proton pump inhibitors may be associated with fractures and bacterial infections in many patients.

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New test developed to determine efficiency of statins in reducing colorectal cancer risk

Scientists at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Center have developed a genetic test that may determine which patients benefit most from statin drugs to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer.

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Lower socioeconomic status may be linked to higher risk of colorectal cancer death

According to a cohort study conducted at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, socioeconomic status may play a role in mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer.

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Biomarkers identified that may be useful in colorectal cancer screening

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology reports that tumor budding may be an indicator of poor prognosis for colorectal cancer patients.

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Ulcerative colitis more difficult to control for younger patients

Individuals who develop ulcerative colitis later in life are more likely to attain remission than their younger counterparts who are treated with the same medications, according to a study published in the August issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

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Too few sickle cell patients are being prescribed post-narcotic constipation medication

Despite recent recommendations from an expert panel of pediatric specialists, a surprisingly high number of children with sickle cell disease are not being prescribed laxatives or stool softeners after being treated with opioids, according to a study published in the April issue of Pediatric Blood and Cancer.

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Daily aspirin use linked to increased risk of Crohn's disease

Individuals who take aspirin on a daily basis may be at a significantly increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, according to a new study presented May 3 at the Digestive Disease Week conference in New Orleans.

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Study: Conversations on HIV medication adherence need to improve

Conversations between doctors and HIV-positive patients regarding adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) medication tend to be more focused on lecturing and less centered on problem-solving, according to researchers from Brown University.

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Studies on the potential benefits of alcohol are mixed

A review of 44 previous studies indicates that there is some division in the medical community over the potential health benefits of moderate consumption of red wine, according to researchers from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada.

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Risk of premature death for middle-aged, occasional drug users increases five-fold

Individuals who occasionally use hard drugs from young adulthood through middle age are five times more likely to die prematurely, according to researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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BMI of physician may influence approach to obesity in patients

A primary care physician's weight may have an effect on his or her ability to care for patients who are obese or overweight, according to researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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Doctors are using less effective, more expensive tests for peripheral neuropathy

While there are no standard guidelines for the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, researchers from the University of Michigan Health System discovered that clinicians tend to use tests that are more expensive and less effective.

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Companions who escort seniors to doctors' visits may help improve care

Family members who accompany seniors to doctors appointments may play a key role in improving care and communication between physician and patient, according to researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

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Physicians offer less than half of eligible preventive services at routine check-ups

A study from Virginia Commonwealth University revealed that general internal medicine and family physicians are offering only about 46 percent of eligible preventive health services during annual check-ups.

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Group urges family physicians to get more involved in preventing cervical cancer

Primary care physicians need to be more proactive about promoting vaccinations that protect against a virus that may lead to cervical cancer, according to a new statement from the American Social Health Association.

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Illicit use of bath salts linked to necrotizing fasciitis

People who use intramuscular injections of bath salts for recreational purposes risk developing necrotizing fasciitis, according to researchers from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC).

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Certain attributes of primary care associated with lower mortality rate

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, conducted a nationwide investigation on the link between three characteristics of primary care and risk of death.

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Recreational meth injection associated with suicidal behavior

Research on injection drug users revealed that methamphetamines have the strongest relationship to suicidal behavior when compared to other illicit substances, according to researchers from Columbia University and the University of British Columbia.

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Psychological technique could encourage use of medical screening

People who practice self-affirmation are more likely to take advantage of medical tests for conditions such as HIV or cancer, according to researchers from the University of Florida.

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Isolating patients for infection control may cause delirium

A new study suggests that the isolation of hospital patients in an effort to contain the spread of infections such as MRSA is associated with a higher risk for delirium.

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Gas mixture may help sterilize rooms, prevent hospital-acquired infections

A disinfection technique that was used to quash a bedbug infestation in American hotels may help prevent hospital-acquired infections in the future.

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Catheter-associated urinary tract infections still a problem

Despite providers' increased efforts to prevent hospital-acquired infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs) associated with catheters are still a problem, according to researchers from the University of Michigan Health System and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare Center.

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Changing policy from 'opt-in' to 'opt-out' won't increase organ donations

Modifying the organ donation process in a way that presumes patient consent unless stated otherwise will not increase the rate of donation, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

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MRI study: Doctors can learn more from mistakes than successes

An experiment that imaged the brains of physicians through MRI scans indicated that practitioners may learn more from clinical mistakes than successes.

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Clinical warning signs of delirium are being ignored

Research from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine suggests that clinical signs of delirium in hospitalized patients are being ignored.

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Physicians criticize Florida law that bans doctors from asking patients about guns

In an article published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, medical professionals criticize a new Florida law that bans doctors from asking their patients about gun ownership. The legislation, signed by Governor Rick Scott back in June, prevents open and honest discussions that concern patient safety, according to the authors.

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Advocacy group: Community health centers are "first responders" in obesity crisis

With national awareness of obesity and nutrition rising, an advocacy group announced research findings that suggest community health centers (CHCs), as well as primary care providers who work in various settings, will be the "first responders" to address the growing crisis as the Affordable Care Act ultimately insures more people.

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Physicians should advise patients against use of thyroid supplements

Sometimes, patients use over-the-counter supplements without consulting their healthcare provider because they believe that the products must be safe, since they are sold without a prescription.

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Model may improve patient satisfaction

Patient satisfaction with quality of care when visiting a healthcare provider is an important component of how a facility is judged.

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Study identifies best practices in physician sign-out procedure

A common effort to improve physician fatigue has been to shorten the length of their shifts.

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Commonwealth Fund scorecard shows U.S. has room for improvement in healthcare

On Oct. 18, the Commonwealth Fund released a report called the High Performance Health System, which rates how well average U.S. healthcare facilities are performing compared to the country's best systems and those of high quality around the world.

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Does helicopter transport improve patient care?

More healthcare facilities appear to be using helicopters to transport patients from one care center to another, but how much of a difference does this make in their outcome, and is it cost-effective?

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Nasal congestion may be a result of changing climate

As the seasons change, many people complain of nasal congestion.

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Researchers examine bias on boards that develop clinical practice guidelines

A team of scientists from Mount Sinai School of Medicine conducted a study to determine how prevalent conflicts of interest (COI) are among panels that develop guidelines for clinical practice

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Project aims to provide guidance in treating undocumented immigrants

The issue of treating undocumented immigrants who are prohibited from purchasing health insurance, as mandated by the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, presents many legal and ethical issues for healthcare providers.

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Strategy helps primary care physicians assess physical activity in patients

Obesity and excess body fat are growing in prevalence in the U.S. and leading to a host of chronic conditions that threaten public health and raise the cost of healthcare.

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Patients are not always open with primary care physicians regarding depression

Research has suggested that depression can increase a person's risk of a number of physical conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

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Could a Doppler technique reduce antibiotic use for sinusitis?

A team of researchers at Lund University have found that Doppler technology may be useful for more than weather reports.

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Ordinary washing machines may not kill hospital-acquired bacteria

Healthcare professionals know that the pathogens found in hospitals and other patient care facilities are often more resistant than bacteria and virus strains found elsewhere.

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Documenting patient end-of-life preferences not shown to affect risk of mortality

The term "death panel" may scare some patients away from creating a living will or discussing other end-of-life plans with their primary care physicians, but a recent study reveals that doing so likely has no adverse effects on health or mortality.

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Scientists examine the role of estradiol in metabolism

A team of researchers at the University of Houston report that supplementation with the hormone estradiol may cause the user's metabolism to become off-balance, as they recently found that it plays an integral role in maintaining proper metabolic function.

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Oral steroids may affect vitamin D absorption

In a large, nationally representative study conducted at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, a team of researchers added further support to theories that oral steroids may have an effect on a patient's vitamin D levels.

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NIH tracks stimulant prescriptions among youth with ADHD

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recently conducted a study to determine the current rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the use of stimulants among children with the condition.

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Antipsychotic medication may not treat substance abuse or eating disorders

In a meta-analysis of the use of atypical antipsychotic medication for off-label conditions, a team of researchers at RAND Health found that while the drugs may provide some relief for individuals with behavioral or anxiety disorders

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How far is too far when it comes to jokes about patient health?

A recent study revealed that humor therapy is an effective way to help improve the mental state of hospital patients.

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U of M researchers examine non-verbal patient-doctor communication

Body language, eye contact and general temperament can often communicate a lot without words. This is the finding of a recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan, who examined videos of patient-doctor interactions.

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Education on common mistakes may improve error rate for medical residents

In a study, researchers at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania found that medical residents were able to cut their error rate significantly after attending an educational conference on misinterpreted cases when examining X-rays.

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Mechanisms behind MRI's dizzying effect discovered

Some patients experience dizziness and symptoms of vertigo after undergoing an MRI, but until now, the medical community has had little insight into why this effect occurs.

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Social media site for dementia patients is in the works

Having a supportive social network has been shown to improve the quality of life for all types of people, especially the elderly.

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Up-to-date epidemiology knowledge may improve diagnostic ability

It seems intuitive that during an outbreak of strep throat, patients who visit their primary care physicians for a sore throat are likely to have the bacterial infection.

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Patients may have misconceptions about FDA-approved drugs

As part of its Less is More series, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a paper which cautions that patients may be in need of education on pharmaceuticals

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Study underscores the importance of hand-washing in physicians

Healthcare-associated infections caused by bacteria and virus strains that are common in hospitals and doctors' offices can be hard to treat or even deadly in some patients.

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Patients listen when doctors give dietary advice

A new study that was conducted at St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto suggests that giving patients dietary advice to lower cholesterol or ease other conditions, such as obesity or high blood pressure

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UK researchers develop algorithm to predict blood clots

Primary care physicians may soon have a relatively reliable way to tell whether a patient can safely be admitted to the hospital, go on a long-haul flight or take certain medications without fear of a blood clot.

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Older adults may be at risk of iron overdose due to decline in sense of taste

As a person ages, their body require less iron, especially since excess consumption of the mineral has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other age-related conditions.

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Robotic procedure shown to be improved method of thyroid surgery

Many patients forgo an operation to remove thyroid nodules because of the scar that it leaves on the front of the neck. Declining the biopsy may lead to undetected thyroid cancer, which is growing in prevalence in the country.

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Scientists develop remedy for hard-to-treat gout

Patients with chronic gout who do not respond to traditional therapies may soon have hope for relief, as researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that injections of a modified porcine enzyme may help reduce their symptoms.

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White blood cells may have a temporary "on" switch

Previous research has indicated that as an individual ages, the progressive shortening of telomeres on the ends of DNA eventually leads to the deactivation of white blood cells, giving little hope for immune stimulation in elderly patients.

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FDA issues guidelines on clinical studies of medical devices

In order to apply for premarket approval (PMA) for a medical device, researchers must conduct clinical trials on their invention and report the results to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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ASAM redefines addiction

Individuals with addictions to drugs, alcohol, sex or gambling often end up being chastised by a society that views their problems as being the result of poor self-control.

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Physicians in the U.S. spending a lot of money on administrative healthcare duties

Research conducted at Cornell University and the University of Toronto reveals that physicians in the U.S. spend almost four times as much on administrative healthcare responsibilities than their Canadian counterparts.

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Primary care physicians may have opportunity to prevent suicide

Often, before an individual commits suicide, they are receiving treatment for depression, anxiety or substance abuse.

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New material shown to mimic human soft tissue

When a patient is in need of soft tissue reconstruction, like that needed for severe facial wounds, physicians often have to choose between a biological implant, which may be quickly broken down by the body, or a synthetic material that comes with the risk of rejection.

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Pri-Med Selected to Launch New National Education Initiative on Effective HIV Screening

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention's Act Against AIDS campaign is part of a large effort to improve screening and prevention of HIV as a result of findings that an estimated 20 percent of Americans with the virus have not been diagnosed.

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Obesity epidemic may be causing hike in prevalence of gout

Weight loss has been thought of as the solution to a number of human illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease.

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Scientists are working to improve doctor-patient communication

Chronic pain that stems from an unknown source presents some difficult communication challenges for both the patient and physician. As a result, a University of Buffalo psychiatrist and his team are looking to ontology for a solution.

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Glucose meters shown to have many uses

Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a simple way to use glucose meters to detect metabolites, contaminants and disease markers in a variety of fluids.

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Researchers develop genome map for African Americans

In a study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, and six other institutions, researchers developed a map that may assist disease geneticists get to the root of many illnesses that affect the African American population.

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Good manners may improve patient care

Surgeons are often under intense pressure in the operating room and elsewhere as a result of difficult decision making and long shifts.

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Diabetes drug may reduce chances of PCOS when given during childhood

A team of researchers at the University of Barcelona discovered that girls who took the diabetes drug metformin at age 8 were less likely to develop polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than their counterparts who began treatment five years later.

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Stanford researchers suggest individualized cost analysis

Determining whether a treatment is appropriate for a patient by weighing the expenses versus the potential benefits may pose some problems for physicians if they look at the cost effectiveness balance as it pertains to the general population.

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Patients with RA, psoriasis may gain cardiovascular benefits from certain drugs

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston recently found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriasis may have a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease or diabetes when taking tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors

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Funding ban for embryonic stem cells may stall work with iPS cells

There has been much controversy in recent years regarding federal funding for research that uses embryonic stem cells.

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Intervention reduces rehospitalization for seniors

Researchers estimate that the rehospitalization of elderly patients costs $17 billion annually in healthcare costs.

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Studies sometimes overstate the link between diseases and biomarkers

The release of each new journal issue brings with it information provided by scientific studies which identify biomarkers that physicians should look for when diagnosing conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

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New strategy may help improve adherence to medical advice

Each year, as many as $300 billion dollars are wasted on healthcare because a patient does not follow the advice of their physician.

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Non-invasive device may be effective in detecting bladder dysfunction

A team of researchers from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health and the Child & Family Research Institute recently found that a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device may help physicians diagnose bladder problems

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NPA offers suggestions for physicians

As part of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine's series titled Less Is More, the National Physicians Alliance (NPA) has made some recommendations for primary care physicians based on nationwide survey results.

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Young physicians may be too quick to pull out prescription pad

Lifestyle changes like getting more exercise or making efforts to eat better may be effective in helping patients lower their blood pressure and improve their cardiovascular (CV) health.

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Many Canadian healthcare providers believe in the power of placebos

The placebo effect is a well-known phenomenon whereby a patient believes that their symptoms have been alleviated by taking a pill that contains no active ingredients.

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Disabled individuals may soon be mobilized with the blink of an eye

While traditional wheelchairs may be useful for people who have lost use of their legs, they leave quadriplegics, hemiplegics and individuals who have had arm amputations with few options.

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Public education needed on over-the-counter pain relievers

In a recent study conducted by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, it was found that less than one-third of people in the U.S. knew that Tylenol contained acetaminophen,

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Certain obese patients may require additional monitoring during, after surgery

While a recent study suggested that obese individuals may fare better than their normal weight counterparts following surgery, a recent finding by researchers at the University of Rochester may debunk that theory

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Low-carb diet helps patients lose liver fat quickly

Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have conducted a study which suggests that eating a diet low in carbohydrates may be more effective at reducing liver fat than restricting calories.

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Influenza may make patients more susceptible to pneumonia, meningitis

Relatively harmless bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae that tend to live in the nasal passages may be mobilized and cause further illness when a patient catches the flu,

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Common molecular switch found in patients with fatty liver

In studies of humans and mice, researchers have found that a deficiency in a transcriptional co-factor called transducin beta-like 1 (TBL1) may be associated with fatty liver.

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Everyday stress may worsen an individual's health

According to a study that was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, even relatively low-level stress may cause mental and physical disabilities.

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Study: Only half of eligible American women get recommended mammograms

According to data that was presented at the 33rd annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, only 50 percent of eligible women in the U.S. are getting their annual mammograms, even if they have insurance that pays for the procedure.

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Pri-Med sponsors educational radio programs for clinicians

Pri-Med and ReachMD announced this week that they will collaborate on two new initiatives to provide clinicians with access to educational resources. These programs are designed to help doctors improve practice choices and patient care.

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Study: Chemoprevention drug underutilized by PCPs

Although two recent trials have found that the drug finasteride significantly reduces prostate cancer risk, physicians are still reluctant to prescribe it, according to a study published in the September issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

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Cholesterol readings can fluctuate with a woman's menstrual cycle

Results of a recent National Institutes of Health study suggest that physicians may want to consider a woman's menstrual cycle before evaluating her cholesterol levels.

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Report: Vitamin D recommendations need to be increased

Anthony Norman, a professor of biochemistry and biomedical sciences at the University of California and a renowned expert on vitamin D, recently published a review paper that strongly encourages U.S. and world health officials to significantly increase daily vitamin D recommendations.

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Study: Many physicians administer HPV vaccine later than recommended

While most primary care physicians offer the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) to their patients, too few follow national guidelines and recommend it to 11- and 12-year-old girls, according to a new study to be published in the September issue of Pediatrics.

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CDC: Very rare fungus should be on physicians' radar

Officials with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report on Thursday to alert physicians in the Pacific Northwest of a rare airborne fungus, known as Cryptococcus gattii, which has resulted in 15 deaths in the area over the last six years.

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Guided Care model may improve healthcare quality for chronically ill seniors

Results of a recent Johns Hopkins study may give primary care physicians more reason to consider adopting a Guided Care model for older patients who are chronically ill.

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FDA details pump recall plan

Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration outlined the steps that Baxter Healthcare Corporation must take to complete the mandated recall of its Colleague Volumetric Infusion Pumps.

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Study: Too few physicians report incompetent, impaired colleagues

Results of a recent U.S. study suggest that a surprisingly high percentage of American doctors would not turn in a colleague if they suspected them of being incompetent, impaired by drug or alcohol abuse or compromised by mental health problems.

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Screening reminders can increase mammography rates among low income women

Personal care physicians may be able to boost mammography screening rates among insured, low-income women by offering simple reminders and access to counseling programs, according to a study published in the June 29 online issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

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Survey: Overwhelming majority of doctors practice 'defensive medicine'

Nine out of 10 American physicians believe that their colleagues order more tests and procedures than what is necessary to protect themselves against malpractice lawsuits, according to a study published in the June 28 online issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

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PCPs may be screening for cervical cancer too often

The majority of U.S. primary care physicians may be screening their patients for cervical cancer too frequently, according to a new study published in the June 14 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

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Report: Violent crimes on the rise at healthcare facilities

Over the last few years, the number of violent crimes occurring at healthcare facilities around the nation has skyrocketed, according to a recent Sentinel Event Alert issued by The Joint Commission.

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Fatal medication errors spike when most new doctors begin their career

Results of a new University of California, San Diego study suggest that the incidence of fatal medication errors is partially linked to the inexperience of new medical residents.

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FDA: Orlistat use linked to rare cases of liver disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on May 26 that it has approved a revised warning label for the weight-loss medication orlistat, which has been linked to rare, yet often severe cases of liver damage.

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Report: PAs integral in patient-centered medical home model

In a collaborative report issued on May 24, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and the American College of Physicians (ACP) officially lent their support to the concept of the patient-centered medical home, where a multi-disciplinary clinical team works together under the leadership of a PCP.

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Link between erectile dysfunction medication and hearing loss confirmed

Male patients who take erectile dysfunction medications are at a significantly increased risk of suffering from long-term hearing loss, according to a new study published in the May 18 issue of the Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

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Study: Physicians cost profiles 'a work in progress'

In an attempt to grade doctors based on the cost of care they provide, many insurance companies have created physician profiles, where PCPs are placed into different performance tiers.

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Survey: PCPs treated more HIV patients

According to a new study to be presented in July at the International AIDS Conference in Vienna, more primary care physicians are currently treating patients with HIV than ever before.

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Report: Too few elderly patients see their physician after suffering a fall

According to a new brief published by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, fewer than half of all senior citizens schedule an appointment with their physician after suffering a fall, and only about one-third of those engage in at least two of the six recommended follow-up activities.

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CBO: Healthcare bill could cost more than $1 trillion in the first decade

The new healthcare reform bill could cost as much as $115 billion more than originally expected, officials with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said on Tuesday.

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Survey: One in six general internists leaves their practice by mid-career

According to a recent study published in the April 29 issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, an ominously large percentage of general internists move on from their practice by the middle of their career.

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Study: Medical home model improves patient care while decreasing costs

Following a two-year pilot project, officials with Group Health Cooperative have reported that converting primary care into a "patient-centered medical home" model may lower costs and improve patient care. The results of the evaluation are published in the May 2010 issue of Health Affairs.

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FDA to increase oversight of drug infusion pumps

Officials with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration rolled out new guidelines on Friday to help improve the safety of infusion pumps used in hospitals and patients' homes.

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FDA proposes new conflict of interest guidelines for advisory committee members

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration proposed new guidelines on Wednesday that would force prospective advisory committee members to fully disclose any conflicts of interest before serving on a given panel.

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Scientists identify genes responsible for rare brain disease

An international team of researchers has discovered 14 different mutations in a single gene that may lead to a disease known as hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS).

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Scientists find new genes associated with Crohn's disease

With the help of selective genome mapping, researchers from University College London discovered three new genes associated with Crohn's disease.

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Scientists discover mutation for Weaver syndrome

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have discovered how a mutation in the gene EZH2 can lead to Weaver syndrome.

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Swedish researchers uncover mechanisms of cell repair

University of Gothenburg researcher Malin Hernebring and a team of scientists have been examining embryonic stem cells to identify the mechanisms by which they repair themselves.

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Study reveals genetic mutation associated with gigantism

Scientists from the London School of Medicine and Dentistry have identified a genetic mutation that they believe is responsible for causing acromegaly, or gigantism.

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HLA gene variant more commonly found in women with MS

Women who have multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to have a gene that is associated with the disease, compared to men, according to a study that was published in the journal Neurology.

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Researchers use genetic sequencing to identify and treat mysterious illness

A team of scientists from the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin recently sequenced a young boy's DNA to identify a previously unknown disease and help develop a treatment for it.

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Research reveals first genetic link to migraine headaches

A large collaboration of scientists has identified the first genetic risk factor associated with migraine headache. The team examined the genetic data of more than 50,000 individuals and discovered new insights into triggers for this condition that they believe will lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

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Mutated gene may be responsible for causing Kabuki syndrome

A recent study published in the August issue of Nature Genetics has revealed a method to find rare genes that cause conditions such as Kabuki syndrome.

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New treatment option for hereditary angioedema passes important test

Two recently conducted clinical trials suggest that the new drug icatibant may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE).

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Valproic acid linked to birth defects

Pregnant women who take the epilepsy drug valproic acid during their first trimester are much more likely to bear a child with severe birth defects, according to a comprehensive study published in the June 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

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Spectrometry technique could lead to fast diagnosis of UTIs

Researchers from Germany have discovered how a form of spectrometry, known as Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF), can provide a faster, more accurate diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) than the current standard.

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Researchers: New paradigm needed for overactive bladder therapy

A new way of looking at overactive bladder syndrome may lead to more effective treatments of symptoms, according to researchers from the University of Helsinki.

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Vigorous exercise may reduce a man's risk of dying from prostate cancer

Physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of overall mortality and of death due to prostate cancer, according to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health.

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Cranberry juice may help prevent urinary tract infections

A recent study presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society has found that cranberry juice may be an effective treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI).

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Immune system response may lead to persistent urinary tract infections

Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have found that recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) may arise from an unnecessarily strong immune system response.

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Chlamydia treated more quickly when clinics use electronic medical records

The utilization of electronic medical records can significantly increase the efficiency of the Chlamydia treatment process, according to a study published in the May 27 online issue of the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.

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Children's hemophilia prophylaxis suitable for adults

While children with hemophilia A may be treated with clotting factor VIII replacement, this prophylaxis can also help adults with the disease, according to researchers from Rush University Medical Center.

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Sources of donor blood stem cells can lead to different complications

Even though the survival rate of blood stem cell transplant recipients does not differ between donations harvested from the bone marrow or from the bloodstream, both sources can cause different adverse events when obtained from an unrelated donor.

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Dangerous blood clots may be linked to iron deficiency

Low levels of iron in the blood may drive the occurrence of potentially dangerous blood clots, according to researchers from Imperial College London.

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Scientists determine risk factors for silent strokes in children with sickle cell

Children who have sickle cell anemia (SCA) share the same risk factors for a silent stroke as the rest of the general population, according to research published Nov. 17 in the journal Blood.

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Compression stockings may help some patients sleep better

Chronic venous insufficiency can sometimes cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients as the fluid that accumulates in their legs during the day flows to the neck tissue at night, causing the pharynx to collapse an interfere with breathing.

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Stored blood may cause problems for patients needing transfusions

A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Wake Forest University have found that when blood is stored for longer than two weeks, blood cells have a tendency to break down

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Scientists discover new way to detect and monitor blood sugar disorder

Researchers at the University of Manchester have recently discovered that a blood-clotting protein is a useful biomarker in detecting and tracking mucopolysaccharide (MPS) diseases in patients.

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Blood test device saves time and money

A new device that was invented by a team of engineers from the University of Rhode Island may save countless hours and expenses that are associated with laboratory blood tests.

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Study identifies bacteria that may play a role in atherosclerosis

A team of scientists from Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine has identified specific bacteria that may serve an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.

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Platelet precursor cells could be efficient treatment for thrombocytopenia

Physicians at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified a new approach to platelet replacement therapy that may efficiently address the problem of donor shortage.

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Nanoparticles deliver drugs straight to target with the help of magnets

A team of scientists at Lund University in Sweden has developed magnetic nanoparticles that can be guided to metallic implants in the body, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment for many different ailments while reducing side effects.

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New risk model predicts blood clot formation in cancer patients

A new technique has been developed to predict a cancer patient's risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE).

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CT angiography may be overused in the diagnosis of patients with suspected pulmonary embolism

Computed tomography (CT) angiography may not be necessary for all patients who are suspected of having pulmonary embolism (PE). A simple risk assessment analysis may be capable of identifying individuals who do not need to undergo the costly and somewhat dangerous procedure, according to a new study published in the current online edition of the journal Radiology.

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Sickle cell disease may adversely affect cognitive function

Adults who are suffering from sickle cell anemia are at a high risk of developing neurological problems and having substandard brain function, according to a new study published in the May 12 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Study discovers new class of B cell

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a new class of immune system cells known as innate response activator (IRA) B cells. Their study also suggests that IRA-B cells may help prevent sepsis.

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Exercise boosts immunity, but expert says too much of a good thing is possible

Many patients are looking for ways to boost their immune health during this time of year, as cold and flu infections are reaching their peak.

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Scientists find a possible way to prevent death from sepsis

Blocking a process that drives cell death may may reduce mortality from septic shock, according to researchers from Belgium.

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Sepsis may eventually inactivate the immune system

The hyperinflammation that defines sepsis may actually be followed by a potentially dangerous suppression of the immune system, according to researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine.

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Intensive care patients can benefit from receiving probiotics through feeding tube

A paper that appears in the current issue of the journal Critical Care suggests that providing probiotics with nutrients through patients' feeding tubes could reduce the amount of time they spend in intensive care.

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Researchers learn how to control infection after a stroke

Suppression of the immune system can make a stroke patient more susceptible to infection and death, according to researchers from the University of Calgary.

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Brigham and Women's scientists develop effective new vaccine formulation

Immunizations are an important part of one's healthcare, but they are not completely fool-proof.

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Scientists explore T cells' ability to control tissue regeneration

The immune system is known to play a crucial role in the prevention and eradication of disease, but it may also have implications for the body's ability to regrow bone and other tissue.

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Patients with autoimmune disorders at higher risk for blood clots in lung

Autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, put patients at a higher risk of developing a blood clot in the lungs, according to research from Centre for Primary Health Care Research in Malmo, Sweden.

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Anti-TNF therapy for autoimmune disorders not as risky as practitioners believe

A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, when used to treat autoimmune diseases, do not increase one's risk of infections as much as previously thought.

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Researchers discover subset of T cells that may treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

A team of scientists at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research have found that a certain group of T cells can be stimulated to produce the natural anti-inflammatory compound acetylcholine

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How microorganisms escape attack by the immune system

The medical community has long known about the ability of viruses and bacteria to change their surface structure, but Lund University researchers have recently discovered how microorganisms use this feature to avoid being killed off by the immune system.

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Duke researchers discover possible therapy to reduce chronic inflammation

A team of scientists at Duke University Medical Center found that nucleic acid-binding polymers may hold the key to treating chronic inflammation in autoimmune disorders like lupus or multiple sclerosis.

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Scientists discover antibody combination that could lead to a better flu vaccine

Each year flu shots need to change as viruses mutate. At best, these vaccinations are mere predictions of how the strains might evolve and do not provide certainty of effective immunization. Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California sought to find a portion of flu viruses that does not mutate, so that a universal vaccine could be developed to target that region.

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Researchers identify reason behind autoimmune effect in stem cell treatment

When a patient receives stem cell treatment following chemotherapy, those cells will sometimes attack healthy ones. Researchers at the University of Alberta have recently shed some light onto why this effect occurs.

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Oxygen could help boost natural cancer treatment's effectiveness

For patients who choose a natural treatment for cancer, receiving high dosages of oxygen could improve their outcomes.

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FDA approves new lupus drug

Lupus patients may have a new treatment option that may help prevent their immune systems from attacking healthy tissue.

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Hospitals may be slacking in ensuring that patients get proper nutrition

A study of Australian hospitals and nursing homes reveals that many patients have or are at risk of malnutrition, and authors point to a lack hospital staff education as the primary cause.

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Study identifies protein that may affect inflammatory function of macrophages

Researchers from Imperial College London have identified a protein that may control the function of white blood cells and determine whether they promote or inhibit inflammation.

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Dendritic cells found to play a potentially significant role in autoimmune disease

A new study published in the December issue of the journal Immunity reports that a key type of immune cell could play a significant therapeutic role in patients who have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

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Childhood abuse may result in decreased immune response in adulthood

A recent study conducted at Ohio State University suggests that abuse or adverse experiences in childhood may result in a weakened immune function later in life.

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Immune response may be involved in development of Parkinson’s

An international team of researchers from the NeuroGenetics Research Consortium has revealed that Parkinson’s disease may have an infectious or autoimmune origin.

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Most common vaccinations do not increase rheumatoid arthritis risk

Receiving common vaccinations does not increase an adult's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published in the July 5 online issue of the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

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Combination MMRV vaccine increases febrile seizure risk

Infants between the ages of 12 and 23 months who are administered the combination vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (MMRV) are at a greater risk of febrile seizures compared with those that receive separate MMR and varicella vaccines (MMR+V) on the same day, according to a study published in the July 2010 issue of the journal Pediatrics.

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Antibiotic resistance can last up to 12 months

According to a recent study published in the May 18 issue of the British Medical Journal, patients who are prescribed antibiotics in a primary care setting may develop a resistance than can last longer than previously thought.

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FDA: Rotavirus vaccines are safe for use

Following a May 7 recommendation by one of its advisory panels, the Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that physicians can safely resume using both vaccines designed to prevent rotavirus.

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Hepatocellular carcinoma cases on the rise

According to an article published in the May 5 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the number of reported cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rapidly increasing each year in the U.S. Officials with the CDC suggest that the increase is primarily due to the rise in untreated hepatitis infections, which account for an estimated 78 percent of HCC cases worldwide.

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Oral HPV infection more common among men

Researchers from Ohio State University discovered that oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are more common among men than women, a trend that is likely due to sexual activity.

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Gardasil does not induce autoimmune disease

An observational study of more than 189,000 female patients who were inoculated for the human papillomavirus (HPV) demonstrated that Gardasil does not induce any of 16 autoimmune diseases, according to researchers from Kaiser Permanente.

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Cholesterol drug may block entry of hepatitis C virus

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine discovered that hepatitis C viruses (HCV) require NPC1L1, a well-studied cholesterol receptor in human liver cells, to enter and infect host cells.

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Vaccination rates for hepatitis B need to improve

About 51 percent of people surveyed by researchers from Brown University were not vaccinated for hepatitis B.

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New drug combination shows promise in treating hepatitis C

Two novel drugs used in combination with two existing medications for hepatitis C are showing positive results in clinical trials of the disease, according to researchers from the University of Michigan Health System.

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Scientists take different therapeutic approach to hepatitis C

Researchers from the University of British Columbia believe that they may be able to control a hepatitis C infection by targeting fat droplets within the liver cells.

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Study quantifies risk of different factors in HIV transmission

Researchers from Washington state and Africa concluded that HIV-viral load is the most important risk factor to influence the likelihood of transmission to an un-infected partner.

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Medical offices could improve rate of adult vaccination

A study conducted by the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research firm, concluded that office-based medical practices are key to boosting the low rate of adult vaccination.

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Researchers call for new efforts to stop Lyme disease

Medical professionals have known for several decades that Lyme disease is primarily spread from ticks to humans. Despite this knowledge, public health initiatives have been unable to slow the spread of the infection. In fact, infection rates appear to be rising.

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Study: Drug-resistant TB may arise for reasons other than inconsistent doses

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discovered that drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) may be the result of certain patients eliminating medications from their systems at a fast rate.

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Newly infected HIV patients may benefit more from immediate medication

A multicenter study suggests that newly infected HIV patients may benefit more from starting drug therapy right away rather than delaying treatment.

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Statin therapy may protect patients hospitalized with the flu

Researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that statin therapy may be associated with a lower death rate among patients hospitalized for the flu.

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Taking preventive measures to reduce HIV transmission is key, researchers say

HIV infection is still a major concern all over the world, but antiretroviral therapy may be one way to prevent transmission in long-term couples where one partner is HIV-positive, according to British researchers.

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CDC researchers urge individuals infected with TB to seek prompt treatment

Although recent data suggests that the rate of tuberculosis (TB) infection is dwindling, a report published in the journal BMC Public Health has found that infected individuals who do not seek treatment may serve as a reservoir for the disease.

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Nearly half of hospital rooms examined contained multidrug-resistant bacteria on surfaces

Research from the University of Maryland School of Medicine revealed that various surfaces in nearly half the hospital rooms studied were covered with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB). The finding highlights the growing concern of hospital-acquired infections in patients.

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African immigrants have difficulty talking about AIDS, safe sex

Africa is one of the hardest-hit parts of the world to be affected by HIV/AIDS. This fact prompted a Ghanaian researcher, now based at the University of Cincinnati, to conduct a survey on the sexual practices and attitudes of African immigrants in the U.S.

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Asthma patients tend to have better outcomes from H1N1

Perhaps counterintuitively, researchers at the University of Liverpool have found that people with asthma are about half as likely to die or require intensive care after becoming infected with the H1N1 virus when compared to individuals without the pulmonary condition.

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Scientists look into how viruses jump from species to species

The bird flu, H1N1 virus and SARS all presented interesting challenges to the medical community as they researched to find treatments for diseases that had spread from animals to humans.

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Compound found in sharks may be effective treatment for viruses

Many virus strains are difficult to treat because of their tendency to evolve, thereby evading previously effective treatments. As a result, antivirals that can kill a broad array of viruses are valued by the medical community.

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Interventions may reduce rate of hospital-acquired infections

It's estimated that 99,000 people die each year as a result of infections they acquired while in the hospital, costing about $33 billion in healthcare expenses for conditions that could have been prevented.

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Study uncovers possible cure for hard-to-treat CDI

Hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is becoming increasingly prevalent and antibiotics appear to come up short in treating the virulent strain of bacteria.

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Hospitals have common themes in MRSA prevention

Healthcare facility administrators generally agree that hand-washing, surveillance, patient isolation and protective wear, such as gloves and gowns, are effective measures against the spread of the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) virus.

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Bread ingredient may hold promise for immunocompromised individuals

Individuals with weak immune systems are sometimes left with little recourse if they develop an infection called aspergillosis, derived from the Aspergillus fungus, as the disease affects their lungs, brain, kidneys and liver.

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Scientists may have uncovered a "gold" standard for flu testing

Current methods to diagnose a patient with influenza are either inaccurate or time consuming, but researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new technique utilizing gold nanoparticles that provides precise results in minutes.

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Researchers develop a diagnostics lab the size of a credit card

A team of scientists at Columbia University recently developed a piece of medical technology that could have a significant impact on making diagnoses remotely.

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New test may determine those who need H1N1 vaccine, and those who don't

During the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, healthcare officials were faced with a significant vaccine shortage, and subsequent research determined that it may have been avoidable since about half of those who received the inoculation already had a mild case of the virus.

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Hospitals may want to stock up on cotton swabs

Probing surgical wounds with a clean, dry cotton swab has been shown to significantly reduce instances of infection, reduce pain, increase patient satisfaction and lessen time spent in the hospital.

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Trinity Medical Center discovers another money-saving use for duct tape

Typically, when a healthcare professional needs to meet with an isolated patient, they are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent infection in both parties.

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Low levels of antibiotics may be more likely to cause bacterial resistance

In a study that was published in the journal Microbial Drug Resistance, researchers revealed that a low dose of antibiotics to treat E. coli infection is more likely to lead to the development of resistant strains than a higher dose of the drugs.

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Asian researchers find link between shingles and onset of MS

A team of scientists at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan conducted a study and found that individuals who have had shingles - or herpes zoster - may have a fourfold risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS)

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Scientists develop possible universal flu vaccine

Influenza vaccine shortages are not uncommon, partially due to the fact that a new one must be developed each year to target continuously changing antigens in the virus.

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Researchers identify biomarker for sepsis

While treatments for sepsis tend to be effective, a challenge for physicians has been determining whether a patient has the condition in the first place.

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Sugar may aid antibiotics in killing persistent bacteria

Persistent bacteria are different from those that are resistant to antibiotics in that they are not genetically mutated, but rather have the ability to become unresponsive to drugs and treatments.

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HIV drugs may effectively treat parasitic diseases

Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered that some expensive treatments used to help patients survive HIV may also be used to treat illnesses like leishmaniasis and malaria by targeting a certain protein.

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Scientists test the use of flavonoids as hepatitis C treatment

Current treatment for hepatitis C called interferon is only effective about half of the time, and side effects are so severe that many choose to halt treatment.

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CORRECTION: Honey may be effective at killing bacteria, aiding antibiotic resistance

Holistic and alternative medicine doctors have long known that honey has antimicrobial properties.

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Overuse of antibiotics may lead to widespread resistance

In a four-year study of 110 Veteran's Health Administration facilities, a team of researchers found a striking increase in the prescription of antibiotics as a last-resort treatment for drug-resistant infections.

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Study examines foodborne pathogen that can invade the cells of the heart

Scientists from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine have discovered that strains of the foodborne bacteria Listeria monocytogenes can invade and infect the heart.

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Scientists discover possible norovirus treatment

Researchers at the University of Southampton (US) have discovered that the spread of norovirus may be halted when an enzyme contained within it is inhibited.

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Rochester scientists develop vaccine to slow MRSA progression

Orthopedic researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center are in the midst of developing a vaccine that may prevent methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in patients who have recently undergone bone or joint surgery.

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Physicists propose new vaccination model to combat spread of infectious disease

Three physicists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Michigan State University have developed an unconventional strategy for vaccination against infectious diseases that could replace the practice of mass inoculation.

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Obesity may increase risk of death from influenza

Individuals who are overweight or obese may be at greater risk of dying from the H1N1 virus, according to a paper that will be published in the February issue of the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.

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Dendritic cells are key to fighting off snail fever, scientists find

A research team from the University of Edinburgh has discovered the mechanism by which the body defends itself against a parasitic worm infection known as snail fever, which is common in developing countries.

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High prevalence of TB among prisoners increases the risk for all

In recent years the prevalence of tuberculosis has grown in prison populations. A new study from European researchers has found that this not only poses a risk to criminal offenders, but the general population as well.

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Resistance to drugs continues to evolve among strains of the influenza virus

Research that will appear in the January issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases has found that some influenza viruses are increasing their resistance to drugs, and that there may be a lack of alternative antiviral treatment options.

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Prevalence of MRSA declines in healthcare settings, CDC study reports

A federal study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has revealed that these infections are becoming scarcer, an indication that prevention efforts have been effective, USA Today reports.

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Visible-light decontamination system efficiently kills infectious hospital pathogens

Scottish researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a high-tech lighting system that has been shown to successfully kill common infectious diseases in hospitals, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

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Scientists elaborate on differences between H1N1 and other respiratory viruses

New research from Rhode Island Hospital has revealed several distinguishing characteristics that set the Influenza A (H1N1) virus apart from other respiratory-related infections.

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Infectious bacteria travel to bloodstream through intestinal cells

Purdue University scientists have found that listeria monocytogenes - a foodborne bacteria that may cause fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea - may infect people by evading or recruiting intestinal cells for its own purposes.

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Knowledge gaps and fear found among parents of children with MRSA

A study from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center has found that there may be knowledge gaps and fear among the parents and caregivers of children who have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

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Hepatitis C infection may rely upon fat storage enzyme in the liver

Researchers from the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology have unveiled a liver enzyme that may be required for the infectious activity of the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

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Klassevirus may be associated with diarrhea in children

An international team of researchers has discovered that a viral infection known as klassevirus may be linked to pediatric diarrhea.

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Serotypes of pneumoniae bacteria are similar across regions of the world

According to a new study, groups of serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria that cause conditions such as juvenile pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis may be less varied than previously thought.

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Patients with antibiotic-resistant MRSA may have higher rate of mortality

According to a study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, patients who have an MRSA infection that has reduced susceptibility to the antibiotic drug vancomycin may have a higher rate of mortality.

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Adenovirus may increase child's risk for obesity

Research conducted at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has revealed that child obesity may have an infectious origin.

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Neonatal diarrhea is a worldwide concern, researchers say

A report published in the June issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology has revealed that pediatric diarrhea remains a major cause for concern worldwide.

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Mumps vaccine must be maintained to keep Americans immune, researchers say

A new study published in the September issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases reports that although immunity to mumps is high in the U.S., vaccines for this ailment must be maintained and updated to prevent future outbreaks.

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Noroviruses implicated in traveling sickness

An international team of researchers has identified noroviruses - which are responsible for causing gastroenteritis outbreaks on cruise ships - as a common cause of travelers' diarrhea in many regions of the world.

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Researchers: Hospitals must take precautions against the spread of MRSA

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center have reported that drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are commonly found in children who are hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU).

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Cystic fibrosis patients with MRSA may have a higher risk of death

According to a study conducted at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, patients who have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and cystic fibrosis (CF) may have lower survival rates.

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Government: People of all ages should receive the annual flu vaccine

Government officials are urging everyone over the age of six months to receive this year's flu vaccine, which will soon be available at local pharmacies and doctor's offices.

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Antisense drugs proven effective against Ebola and Marburg viruses

A study conducted at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) has shown that treatments targeting viral genes can protect Ebola-infected monkeys.

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Treatments needed for HIV infections in the brain

A recent thesis at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden has revealed that the brain may act as a hiding place for HIV.

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Gastrointestinal bacterium depends on its shape to survive

Scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have found that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes ulcers and gastric cancer, depends upon its corkscrew shape in order to thrive and survive in the human stomach.

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Scientists successfully treat retinal degeneration in mice

Two reports published in the current issue of the journal Human Gene Therapy have demonstrated the effectiveness of gene therapy in treating severe retinal degeneration.

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Study: HIV-infected injection drug users should be monitored for kidney failure

Habitual injection drug users who are HIV-positive are at a high risk of developing poor kidney function and should be closely monitored by their physicians, according to a study published in the August 12 online issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology.

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Antiviral medication may improve treatment of hepatits C

Adding the antiviral medication boceprevir to the standard treatment for hepatitis C can nearly double a patient's virological response rate, according to a study published in the August 8 issue of The Lancet.

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Study: Hepatitis B increases risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Individuals who are infected with hepatitis B may be nearly twice as likely to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), according to a study published in the August 4 online edition of The Lancet Oncology.

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Study: Healthcare providers negatively judge HIV-positive women who are looking to conceive

Results of a recent Canadian study suggest that physicians may need to do a better job withholding judgment on HIV-positive women who are looking to become pregnant.

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Poor infection control practices at clinics can lead to hepatitis outbreaks

Results of a recent U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention study suggest that healthcare providers may need to do a better job regulating infection control practices in regards to the administration of anesthesia.

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Depression in hepatitis C patients goes undiagnosed too often

Individuals who are diagnosed with hepatitis C often develop treatment-induced depression, a condition that is frequently overlooked by physicians who monitor the patients, according to a study published in the August issue of Hepatology.

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Study: HPV vaccine helps stave off genital warts and low-grade pre-cancerous growths

The quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine may be capable of protecting women from genital warts and pre-cancerous cervical growths, according to a new study published in the July 21 online edition of the British Medical Journal.

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International AIDS panel recommends earlier treatment for HIV patients

Physicians should begin utilizing antiretroviral treatment (ART) on HIV patients before symptoms appear in an effort to help prevent the progressive immune system destruction that often leads to AIDS or other infection-related complications, according to new treatment guidelines released on Sunday by the International AIDS Society-USA Panel.

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Common antibiotic linked to hyperkalemia

Older patients who are prescribed the common antibiotic combination trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazoleto (TMP-SMX) to treat a urinary tract infection may be at a high risk of developing hyperkalemia, according to a study published in the July 1 online issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

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Extended valganciclovir therapy may help lung transplant recipients prevent infection

Lung transplant recipients may be able to avoid life-threatening infections by taking valganciclovir for longer than the currently recommended period of time, according to a recent study published in the June 15 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

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Men with HPV at a greater risk of developing HIV

According to a new study to be published in the June 1 issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases, men who test positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be at a considerably increased risk of developing HIV.

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New blood test may diagnose Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Spain developed a simple blood test that may provide an easier, less-invasive method of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

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Stem cells could deliver treatment for Huntington's disease

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used to deliver therapeutic inhibitory RNA to neurons affected by Huntington's disease.

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Nicotine may delay cognitive decline in seniors

Nicotine patches may help improve the brain function of older individuals with mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study published in the journal Neurology.

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Exercise with virtual reality component may boost seniors' cognitive function

Researchers from Union College in New York discovered that seniors who use exercise to support cognitive function may benefit more from activities enhanced by virtual reality.

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Light therapy may be able to help Alzheimer's patients

Researchers from Wayne State University discovered that regimented exposure to blue-green light may be beneficial to patients with Alzheimer's disease.

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Scientists study new paradigm for brain stimulation in Parkinson's

Researchers from the University of Florida reported positive results from a trial on improved models of deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices implanted in patients with Parkinson's disease.

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Cognitive decline may begin at age 45

Researchers from France and England have discovered that the amyloid plaques associated with cognitive decline may begin growing in the brain earlier than previously thought.

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Epstein-Barr may be linked to multiple sclerosis

Scientists from Queen Mary, University of London observed that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may cause inflammation in the nervous system and drive multiple sclerosis (MS).

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Caution needed in mixing medications for HIV, epilepsy

The American Academy of Neurology, in collaboration with International League Against Epilepsy, has released the first formal guidelines concerning the drug interactions of antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in HIV/AIDS patients.

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Biomarkers may predict Alzheimer's disease 10 years before onset

Measuring the levels of certain biomarkers in a patient's spinal fluid may help predict whether they will develop Alzheimer's disease within 10 years, according to researchers from Sweden.

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Researchers find a way to diagnose spatial neglect soon after stroke

A team of scientists from the Kessler Foundation and Seton Hall University developed a tool for the early diagnosis of spatial neglect, a neurological complication they said affects between 30 and 50 percent of stroke survivors.

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Dementia and demographics may influence survival in Parkinson's disease

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine found differing survival rates among various demographics of patients with Parkinson's disease. Dementia may also be influential, according to the study.

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Hormone may be linked to dementia risk for women

Researchers from Tufts University discovered a possible risk increase for Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in women due to elevated levels of adiponectin.

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Diet may affect shrinkage of the brain in old age

Scientists from Oregon Health and Science University have observed that both brain volume and cognitive functions can be influenced by one's intake of several vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids.

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Researchers study why 'silent' strokes can hurt memory

"Silent" strokes can cause memory loss in older people who do not have dementia, regardless of how healthy the memory center of their brain is, according to researchers from Columbia University Medical Center.

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Early Alzheimer's disease diagnosis may be possible with new screen

In the future, clinicians may be able to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its early stages through laboratory screening for a combination of genes, according to scientists from the University of the Basque Country.

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Researchers discover how multiple sclerosis affects another part of the brain

MRI scans suggest that multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause shrinkage in the brain's thalamus, affecting cognitive, sensory and motor functions, according to researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

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MRI images of brain size may predict Alzheimer's

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital demonstrated that radiological images measuring the size of certain areas of the brain's cortex can help determine one's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

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Asymmetrical arm swinging may be early sign of Parkinson's disease

People who swing their arms in an asymmetrical pattern while walking may be exhibiting an early sign of Parkinson's disease, according to researchers from Penn State.

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Alzheimer's screen also useful for Parkinson's prognoses

A test that uses MRI to classify atrophy in the brains of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients may also be useful for predicting cognitive declines in individuals who have Parkinson's disease, according to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania.

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Study: 'Brain tsunamis' lead to worst outcomes in head injuries

An international study has shown for the first time that a phenomenon known as cortical spreading depolarizations, or "brain tsunamis," lead to the worst outcomes in patients with head injuries.

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Dementia decreases stroke patients' likelihood of returning home

People who live with dementia at the time they endure a stroke have greater chances of becoming disabled and unlikely to return home, according to researchers from the University of Toronto in Canada.

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Mayo Clinic researchers gain more insight into autoimmune, neurological disease

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota discovered more about the mechanisms of how the autoimmune disease neuromyelitis optica (NMO) attacks the myelin sheaths of nerve cells.

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Doctors should be aware of 'overlap syndrome' between ALS, early-onset dementia

Clinicians need to be aware of an "overlap syndrome" between patients who have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), according to researchers from the University of California, San Francisco.

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Hyperbaric oxygen may help vets who struggle with brain injury, PTSD

Research from scientists at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center suggests that hyperbaric oxygen can help treat war veterans up to three years after a traumatic brain injury or battle-induced post-traumatic stress disorder.

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New study supports link between early Alzheimer's and lower BMI

Research from the University of Kansas School of Medicine supports previous studies that suggest early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are more likely to manifest in patients who have a lower body mass index (BMI).

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Patients with recurrent spinal cord conditions may have vitamin D deficiency

New research from Johns Hopkins University suggests that there is an association between low levels of vitamin D and recurrent spinal cord conditions for certain patients.

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Autistic people do not register others' opinions about them, study finds

New research from the California Institute of Technology suggests that people who are autistic do not appear to have any regard for what others think about them.

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Parkinson's patients are more likely to have leg motor restlessness

New research from Norway suggests that individuals who have Parkinson's disease are more likely to develop leg motor restlessness compared to others who don't have the neurodegenerative condition. However, this is not the same as developing restless legs syndrome, the scientists said.

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Brain stimulator used to treat Parkinson's may also help epileptics

Epileptics who have difficulty finding a suitable treatment to prevent seizures may find relief in brain stimulation, a treatment that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had approved for some cases of Parkinson's Disease and essential tremor.

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New type of laparoscopic surgery may benefit people with skull base tumors

When an individual develops a tumor at the base of their skull, the traditional way to remove the mass is by making incisions in the face and removing part of the bone, which can potentially be disfiguring and cause nerve damage.

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Antiviral medications may be effective in treating Alzheimer's

Researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK believe that antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, may be effective in reducing the protein accumulation and tangles that are associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

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Hypertension drugs may protect against Alzheimer's disease

Previous research has suggested that high blood pressure and conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia share a pathway

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Melatonin may have neuroprotective effect

The hormone melatonin is known to help regulate sleep patterns.

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New technique gives insight into the formation of amyloid plaques

It's now known that the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques on the brain is a sign of Alzheimer's disease.

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Silent strokes prevalent among people 70 and older

Researchers are calling for increased awareness and improved care for individuals who are 65 and older in light of emerging reports on the prevalence of silent strokes and small vessel disease.

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Review finds no definitive link between MS and vein blockages

Researchers have theorized that the blockage of neck veins may lead to multiple sclerosis (MS) by causing an accumulation of iron in the brain.

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Researchers believe hearing impairment may affect the brain

In a study, a team of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine observed an association between a decline in hearing ability and decreased gray matter in the brain.

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Specific memory problems may signal cognitive decline

While having trouble remembering things from one moment to the next may simply be a sign of aging, researchers at Harvard Medical School report that memory problems relating to familiar facts or objects

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Scientist uses his daughter as inspiration to discover drugs for Down syndrome

Currently, federal funding is comparatively low for researching Down syndrome.

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Treatment gaps in Alzheimer's disease largely due to delayed diagnosis

A report that was recently released by Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) reveals that delayed diagnosis for dementia and Alzheimer's disease leads to inadequate treatment for patients, which comes with both fiscal and social costs.

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Study links high cholesterol to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that those with high cholesterol were significantly more likely to have amyloid beta plaque in their brains, compared to patients with normal lipid profiles.

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Superfluous blood vessels named as possible cause of Alzheimer's

Researchers have thought that leakage through the blood-brain barrier could be a factor that leads to the accumulation of amyloid beta plaque on the organ, an indicator of Alzheimer's disease.

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Can a "master switch" be the key to treating neurodegenerative conditions?

Researchers at Northwestern University conducted a study which reveals that inhibiting a genetic "master switch" in the nervous system may stimulate the body's natural defense mechanisms to respond to damaged or folded proteins.

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Yale researchers discover way to synthesize Alzheimer's-fighting moss

The compound huperzine A is derived from a Chinese moss and is known to have an enzyme that is effective in fighting Alzheimer's disease.

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Could simple skin cells lead to new treatment for Alzheimer's?

Expanding on previous work conducted by Gladstone Institutes researcher Shinya Yamanaka, scientist Sheng Ding, Ph.D. has developed a way to turn adult skin cells into neurons that have the ability to transmit brain signals.

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Powerful brain imaging technique shown to greatly improve treatment for epilepsy

Patients with epilepsy are sometimes not able to be treated effectively with medication alone, and weak imaging techniques can make brain surgery very difficult.

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Scientists determine post-injury stroke risk

A team of researchers at Taipei Medical University recently determined just how high an individual's risk of stroke is following a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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Hippocampus shown to shrink as depression worsens

The link between a smaller-than-average hippocampus and depression has long been established, but, until now, it has remained a 'chicken or the egg' question for the medical community.

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Researchers believe Alzheimer's may be detectable 20 years before symptoms arise

A team of scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine are using data from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network (DIAN) to discover effective ways in which the neurological disease can be detected early on.

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MS drugs may not be worth the cost for some patients

A team of researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center has found that the high cost of disease-modifying drugs like interferons and glatiramer acetate may not be worth the potential benefits for most multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

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Prescribing anti-psychosis drugs to Parkinson's patients remains prevalent despite warnings

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania examined the trends of prescribing anti-psychotic drugs to patients with Parkinson's disease since 2005, when pharmaceutical companies started creating warning labels

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Memory loss may not affect all parts of the brain

In a study that was conducted at the Geneva University Hosptial, researchers discovered that while a patient who experienced prosopagnosia, also known as "face blindness," was not able to tell the scientists whether she recognized certain faces, parts of her brain still knew the difference.

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PET imaging may detect patients with Alzheimer's

In a study that was published in the journal Archives of Neurology, a team of scientists found that positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using two types of tracers may be an effective technique in detecting amyloid beta plaque on the brain.

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New study shows HIV may adversely affect the blood-brain barrier

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), appears to compromise the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the tight array of blood vessels designed to block potentially harmful molecules from entering the brain.

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Researchers develop algorithm to determine Parkinson's prevalence

A team of scientists at the Tel Aviv University School of Public Health have designed an algorithm which suggests that Parkinson's disease may be twice as common as previously thought.

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Monkey disease may provide better understanding of MS

A team of scientists at the Oregon Health and Science University have discovered a disease that occurs naturally in monkeys and is derived from the herpes virus, which may help them gain a better understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS) onset and treatment.

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Researchers discover how dopamine replacement therapy affects cognition

In some Parkinson's disease patients, the use of dopamine replacement therapy helps improve their motor function but has the adverse effect of contributing to cognitive decline.

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Functional impairment may be predictor of cognitive decline

In an effort to improve diagnosis, prognosis and treatment strategies for age-related cognitive illnesses, a team of researchers at the New York State Psychiatric Institute examined how mental ability and functional impairment are related.

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Testosterone treatment may prevent cognitive decline in women

Women have a higher risk of developing age-related memory loss, compared to their male counterparts.

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Researchers discover drug that may prevent Huntington's

ndividuals with Huntington's disease lack a critical chemical change that occurs in the huntingtin protein. So researchers at McMaster University conducted a study to see whether kinase inhibitor drugs could be effective in triggering this important change.

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Study finds new use for estrogen receptors for brain inflammation

Scientists may have discovered a new use for estrogen receptors (ERs), as a new study is suggesting that they could keep brain inflammation under control, which could be useful for patients who have multiple sclerosis (MS).

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Scientists narrow in on protein related to Alzheimer's disease

Scientists have been studying Alzheimer's disease in order to look for clues as to what makes a person more susceptible to the condition.

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Researchers link low vitamin D levels to multiple sclerosis in African Americans

Maintaining vitamin D levels are important, as low levels of the nutrient are related to multiple health conditions.

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Doctors find potential treatment for blood clots in the brain

Blood clots in the brain can be life-threatening, which is why researchers have been working on preventative treatments that will help stop the problem.

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Researchers discover possible pathway for Alzheimer's prevention

A team of scientists at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research recently found that turning off a protein known as c-Abl may be effective in staving off or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

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Alzheimer's patients without memory loss are often misdiagnosed

A team of researchers in Spain recently found that more than half of patients with atypical symptoms of early-onset Alzheimer's disease were misdiagnosed during the initial consultation with their doctors.

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Molecule shown to rescue brain cells following trauma

Scientists have observed that after brain injury, levels of a molecule called KCC2 tend to drop.

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Study suggests overweight patients with ALS may have stronger survival rate

While obesity is linked to a number of medical conditions, researchers are now suggesting that there could be an exception to this rule.

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Researchers develop device to measure brain temperature

Brain cooling therapies are used to prevent cerebral damage in a number of patients, from elderly people with myocardial infarction to hypoxic newborns.

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Researchers discover cause behind sleep disruptions in Alzheimer's patients

In addition to the memory decline that patients with Alzheimer's disease experience, many also have trouble sleeping, which can lead to institutionalization due to unpredictable schedules for caretakers.

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Compound found in tobacco may be useful in Alzheimer's treatment

A compound that is derived from tobacco, known as cotinine, has been shown to eliminate harmful Alzheimer's-associated plaques on the brain in mice, according to researchers at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System and the University of South Florida.

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Discovery of a small molecule may lead to treatments for neurological disorders

Research that was recently published in the American Chemical Society's journal Chemical Biology reveals that a small molecule may effectively break through a barrier in the brain

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Spinal fluid testing recommended for early Alzheimer's diagnosis

Testing spinal fluid in patients who are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease may be the best method to detect biomarkers of the neurological disorder, according to researchers at the University of Gothenberg.

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Physicians have new guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer's

The National Institutes of Health and the Alzheimer's Association have integrated new information into the guidelines for diagnosing and researching the neurological disorder.

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Brain inflammation associated with cognitive impairment

In a study of 76 people with inflammatory markers in their blood and 65 participants that did not show positive results for the C-reactive proteins,

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Low-intensity exercise may improve gait and mobility in Parkinson's patients

Individuals with Parkinson's disease often experience difficulty walking, which is a major cause of disability in these patients.

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Markers for Alzheimer's may appear in olfactory bulbs before spreading

In a mouse study, a team of researchers found that amyloid-beta buildup may occur first in the olfactory bulbs before spreading to the brain, perhaps lending some insight into why loss of smell is sometimes a precursor to Alzheimer's disease.

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Untreated depression may have detrimental effect on DNA

In a controlled study of individuals with major depressive disorder, a team of researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, reported that those who left their illness untreated were more likely to have shortened telomeres.

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Researchers discover four new genes linked to Alzheimer's

In a multi-year study that spanned the globe, researchers from 44 institutions and universities have recently found four genes that may help identify a patient's risk for Alzheimer's disease and two more that require further confirmation.

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Recent study provides insight into dyslexia

A team of researchers at the Basque Centre on Cognition have conducted a clinical trial which reveals that 150 to 250 milliseconds after an individual views the mirror image of a word, the brain's response is the same as when a word is presented normally.

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Researchers may have discovered neutrons for new Parkinson's treatments

Researchers from Marshall University are currently working on potential new treatments that could aid people with Parkinson's disease, as well as other neurological disorders.

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Researchers uncover possible new way to study epileptic seizures

Researchers from Concordia University have developed a computer-based method that could potentially detect seizures as they occur.

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Bee brains provide insight into dementia

Bees have brains that are very similar to those of humans, which has prompted a Norwiegan scientist to find techniques that help reverse the aging process in the insects and determine whether they are effective in people.

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New method may help physicians determine Alzheimer's prognosis and appropriate therapy

University of California researchers have recently discovered that the immune gene MGAT3 is expressed differently in patients with Alzheimer's disease, which may provide physicians with a new indicator for how to treat individuals who have the neurological disorder.

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Light therapy may improve brain function in patients with traumatic injury

A study that was published in the journal Photomedicine and Laser Surgery has revealed that a self-administered therapy using light-emitting diodes (LED) may provide significant improvements in people who have sustained traumatic brain injury.

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Parkinson's patients may have difficulty with language processing

Parkinson's disease is widely known as a debilitating condition with negative effects on a patient's motor functions and emotional health, but recent research from the University of Groningen has shown that it may also impair the ability to process language.

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New therapy may provide relief for patients with Parkinson's

A recently developed gene therapy was shown to dramatically reduce symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease, according to a study that was published in the journal The Lancet Neurology.

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Researchers discover enzyme that may be responsible for neurodegenerative diseases

A team of scientists at the Karolinska Insitutet have discovered that inhibiting a group of enzymes may prevent brain inflammation that leads to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

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Misdiagnosis is common in vascular brain disorder

Researchers at Loyola University Health System have conducted a study which reveals that a brain disorder known as CADASIL is commonly misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis

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Atrial fibrillation may be a risk factor for dementia in stroke patients

Research that was recently published in the journal Neurology has suggested that people who have experienced a stroke and have an irregular heart rhythm may be more prone to developing dementia.

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Moderate alcohol consumption may stave off Alzheimer's

In a study, researchers found that individuals who consumed low to moderate amounts of alcohol daily were 30 percent less likely to develop dementia and had a 40 percent chance of preventing Alzheimer's disease, compared to non-drinking counterparts.

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Ibuprofen may stave off Parkinson's disease

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have conducted a six-year trial which suggests that individuals who regularly consume ibuprofen may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease due to the drug's anti-inflammatory properties.

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Scientists develop nasal spray that may prevent and treat Alzheimer's

Researchers at Tel Aviv University's Department of Neurobiology may be on the verge of a breakthrough in treating and preventing Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

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Exercise your brain to stave off dementia

Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet are conducting research to confirm which heart-healthy factors that have been shown to correlate with a decreased risk for dementia - such as low blood pressure and high activity level - are most effective in keeping brains sharp.

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Good and bad news for those concerned about Alzheimer's

Research that was recently conducted at Tel Aviv University's (TAU) Department of Neurobiology suggests that individuals with a specific gene may benefit from diets high in fish oil, but that they may experience negative effects from exercise and stimulation.

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Berry consumption associated with decreased risk for Parkinson's

People at high risk of developing Parkinson's disease may want to squeeze more berries into their diets, since a new study from researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that certain antioxidants found in the fruits may stave off the brain disorder

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Brief counseling sessions can alleviate insomnia among seniors

A report that will be published in the May issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that brief, individualized counseling can successfully reduce insomnia in older adults for at least six months.

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Deficiency in neuropeptide Y may lead to depression

Researchers at the University of Michigan have recently discovered that individuals with less of the brain molecule neuropeptide Y (NPY) may be at higher risk for depression, as their study shows an inhibited ability to manage stress in these individuals.

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Scientists discover new method for early Alzheimer's screening

Research that was recently published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that brain imaging techniques used in conjunction with screening for a certain gene may predict Alzheimer's disease in patients who have not shown symptoms.

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Protein discovered that may contribute to onset of Alzheimer's

A study conducted at the University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center may provide new insight into how Alzheimer's disease develops and could possibly lead to treatment and prevention methods.

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Brain molecule shown to prevent inflammation and may lead to Alzheimer's treatment

Research recently conducted at the University of South Florida suggests that a molecule known as CD45, which was previously thought to indicate brain inflammation, may actually be a powerful component in preventing the condition.

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Side effects of sleep apnea help brain learn to induce more effective breathing

Researchers from the University of Toronto have discovered that the development of obstructive sleep apnea may be caused by the brain's release of noradrenaline.

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Transient ischemic attack may have lasting effects

New research suggests that transient ischemic attack (TIA) - or a mini-stroke - may need a new name, as scientists in Canada now believe that the episodes could have effects that are anything but transient.

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Risk of stroke associated with coronary artery bypass graft surgery may be decreasing

Despite the fact that patients have more risk factors, the rates of stroke occurring after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) have declined over the past 30 years.

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Millions of Baby Boomers may be destined for Alzheimer's

According to estimates from the Alzheimer's Association, about 10 million Baby Boomers will die either from or with the disorder, which currently has no cure or preventative treatments.

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Nutritional biomarkers could be significant in developing Alzheimer's treatment

Researchers at the University of Oregon have suggested that they key to developing treatment for Alzheimer's may lie in the study of nutrient biomarkers.

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No link between headache and cognitive decline, scientists find

Significant, repetitive headaches have been associated with a greater prevalence of small brain lesions that are detected through MRI imaging, according to French researchers.

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Combination of tests can predict onset of Alzheimer's

Researchers at Wayne State University's (WSU) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Institute of Gerontology have recently found that a combination of tests is effective at predicting the onset of Alzheimer's,

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Advanced microscopy allows scientists to study the deep brain

Scientists at Stanford University have developed a new method that will allow them to take an in-depth look at the human brain in order to examine and monitor neuron activity.

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Researchers explore underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease

A study that was recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience has revealed the underlying causes of synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer's disease, as well as potential treatments for the condition.

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Scientists identify genetic mechanism behind early Alzheimer's in Down syndrome patients

Researchers from the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute have found a link between Down syndrome and the development of Alzheimer's disease.

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Scientists examine the impact of neuron signaling on memory formation and anxiety

UCLA scientists have made a discovery that could significantly impact the future development of treatments for memory impairment disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

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Scientists use advanced techniques to search for Huntington's disease treatments

An international team of researchers from University of Leicester, the University of Lisbon and the University of California at San Francisco has reported using cutting-edge genetic techniques in the search for new treatments for Huntington's disease.

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Researchers reveal genotype that may have protective effects against dementia

Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a gene that may protect its carriers from a type of dementia known as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).

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Interaction between protein plaques and blood clotting agent may lead to Alzheimer's

Amyloid-beta plaques are a common sign of Alzheimer's disease, but their role in the development of the condition is still unclear. Furthermore, the severity of dementia does not directly depend on the amount of these proteins.

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Rutgers scientist suggests different cause of Alzheimer's disease initiation

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia among individuals over the age of 65, and affects approximately 26 million people around the world. Most research on this neurodegenerative disease has been conducted under the amyloid cascade hypothesis and the assumption that the beta-amyloid peptide is the key to both initiation and progression.

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Study reveals genetic link between Alzheimer's disease and heart attacks

According to immunologists at the University of Bologna, Alzheimer's disease and heart attacks may share the same genetic basis.

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Scientists create first directly purified population of human neural stem cells

Neuroscientists from the University of Rochester Medical Center have created a new way to isolate neural stem cells, which could have important implications for treating nervous system conditions such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.

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Study on neurodegenerative disorders reveals possible reasons behind memory problems

A new study from the University of Cambridge has revealed that cognitive difficulties experienced by dementia patients may be due to incomplete, easily confused memories that are formed by the brain.

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Exposure to pesticides may increase risk of dementia

An individual's risk of developing dementia may be linked to long-term exposure to pesticides, according to an article published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

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Onset of hormone therapy may affect women's risk of developing dementia

According to a study conducted by Kaiser Permanente researchers, hormone therapy may affect a woman's risk of developing dementia, depending on when she starts to receive treatment.

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Exercise may prevent development of disease in mind and body

According to a research review that will be published in the December issue of the International Journal of Clinical Practice, regular exercise has been shown to reduce around two dozen physical and mental conditions, as well as slow down the process of aging.

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Study reveals potential reasons behind symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Scientists at the University of Sheffield have revealed that many symptoms of Parkinson's disease - such as difficulty in initiating actions, slow movements and bodily tremors - may be caused by damaged control circuits in the brain.

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Vitamin B12 may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease

New research published in the October issue of Neurology has revealed that vitamin B12 may protect against Alzheimer's disease.

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Prenatal treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis can reduce neurological defects in children

Prenatal treatment with antibiotics for congenital toxoplasmosis can significantly reduce the number of fetuses that develop neurodevelopmental problems such as brain damage and epilepsy, according to doctors from the University College London's Institute of Child Health.

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Gene may link type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

A gene that has been linked to type 2 diabetes is commonly found at low levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease, according to research led by neurologists at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

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Low levels of testosterone could lead to onset of Alzheimer's

According to research conducted at Saint Louis University, low levels of testosterone in older men may be associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

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Study reveals that variations in MTHFD1L gene may increase risk for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified a gene called MTHFD1L on chromosome six that has been implicated in increasing the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

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Insufficient degradation of beta amyloid in the brain leads to Alzheimer's disease

A group of chemists at the University of California, San Diego have discovered how the amyloid beta protein accumulates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease and interferes with the cells' ability to get rid of debris.

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Identifying biomarkers in blood serum can help accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease

A new report in the September issue of the Archives of Neurology has revealed that analyzing biomarkers in blood serum can supplement clinical information to accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease.

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Pathology associated with Alzheimer's may also be responsible for mild memory loss

A recent study conducted at the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center has revealed that mild memory loss may not be a normal part of the aging process.

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High levels of BMP6 protein may have detrimental effects in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have discovered that high levels of a growth protein in the brains of Alzheimer's patients may be linked to impaired neurogenesis.

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Inhibiting protein may prevent memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at Rush University Medical Center have discovered a protein that may be a potential target for treatments designed to block the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

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Deteriorating corpus callosum may lead to slower response time

Research conducted at the University of Michigan suggests that as people age, their brain connections break down, resulting in slower physical response time.

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MeCP2 protein linked to addictive behavior following psychostimulant use

Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered that the MeCP2 protein may play a role in synaptic changes in the mouse brain when exposed to psychostimulants.

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Study: Lithium not a viable treatment option for ALS

Lithium is not an effective treatment option for individuals who develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a study published in the August 11 online issue of Neurology.

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Nearly one-fourth of stroke patients stop taking their medications after three months

A shockingly high number of stroke patients stop taking at least one of their medications within three months of being discharged from the hospital, according to a new study published in the August 9 online edition of the Archives of Neurology.

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Inadequate vitamin D levels linked to cognitive decline among seniors

Older adults may be at a greater risk of declining cognitive ability if they have low serum levels of vitamin D, according to a study published in the July 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

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Alzheimer's patients are six times as likely to suffer a seizure

Alzheimer's disease patients are much more likely to have seizures than individuals without the degenerative neurological condition, according to new research presented July 13 at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Honolulu.

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Report: Alzheimer's costs may exceed $1 trillion a year by 2050

If no clear treatment option is developed, the cumulative costs of caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease will exceed $20 trillion over the next 40 years, according to a new report from the Alzheimer's Association.

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NIH panel: No verifiable evidence to support preventative measure for Alzheimer's disease

A panel of experts convened by the National Institutes of Health and Human Services has found that there is insufficient clinical evidence to support any measure utilized to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline.

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Young breast cancer patients experience more complications, study finds

Younger breast cancer survivors may be more likely to experience disruptions in their quality of life than older women, according to a new study. The researchers recommended that physicians do a better job of helping these individuals understand what to expect from their treatment.

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State of lymph nodes may predict survival in oropharyngeal cancer

Patients with oropharyngeal cancer are less likely to survive if they have matted lymph nodes, in which these structures are connected together, according to researchers from the University of Michigan Health System.

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Mutated DNA repair proteins may serve as ovarian cancer treatment target

Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University discovered how a mutation can influence the health outcomes of ovarian cancer patients, potentially opening the door to treatment with a new class of drugs.

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Scientists find gene associated with hereditary prostate cancer

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of Michigan Health System discovered that mutations in the HOXB13 gene could significantly increase men's risk for a rare form of prostate cancer.

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Researchers develop non-invasive diagnostic for breast cancer lymph node metastases

Two fluorescent molecular imaging probes may give doctors a non-invasive option for detecting breast cancer lymph node metastases, according to researchers from Moffitt Cancer Center.

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Breast cancer patients often not involved in treatment decisions

Many women who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer may lack knowledge about their condition, which can lead to physicians leaving them out of the decision-making process, according to a new study.

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Scientists study causes of lung cancer in non-smokers

Researchers from the Translational Genomics Research Institute are conducting studies into the genetic and cellular causes of lung cancer in "never-smokers."

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Little evidence found to support annual prostate cancer screenings

Regular prostate screenings do little to lower prostate cancer death rates, according to a new study out of Washington University in St. Louis. While annual exams catch more tumors, they do not necessarily prevent any deaths from the condition.

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Music may be soothing during prostate biopsies

Men undergoing trans-rectal biopsies may experience less anxiety and pain if they listen to classical music through headphones during the procedure, according to researchers from the Duke Cancer Institute.

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Genetic breast cancer signature may also be present in lung malignancy

Researchers from the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa discovered that a gene signature previously observed in breast cancer may also be useful in cancer risk and progression for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

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Close monitoring of lymphedema more effective than traditional approach

Preventive surveillance for lymphedema in breast cancer survivors is more cost-effective than waiting for the condition to manifest before beginning treatment, according to researchers from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

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Breast cancer medication may reduce risk of melanoma

Antiestrogen therapy, used to treat women with certain kinds of breast cancer, may reduce one's risk of developing melanoma, according to researchers from the University of Geneva.

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New study helps explain rising liver cancer rates

Rates of hepatocellular carcinoma have been on the rise in recent decades, but the reasons behind the increase have been unclear. However, a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the Mayo Clinic may help clear things up.

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Researchers rein in molecule that drives liver cancer

A team of scientists found a way to control the activity of microRNA-221 (miR-221), a molecule that is present in unusually high amounts in cases of liver cancer.

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Mindfulness-based meditation may complement breast cancer therapy

Patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer may be able to support their psychological health with the help of mindfulness-based therapies, according to researchers from the University of Missouri.

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Scientists find heritable gene for pancreatic cancer

With the help of state-of-the-art gene sequencing, researchers from Johns Hopkins University have identified mutations in the gene ATM as a heritable risk factor for pancreatic cancer.

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Avastin may be useful in ovarian cancer treatment

An international team of scientists has discovered that bevacizumab, known by the trade name Avastin, may delay disease progression and improve survival for ovarian cancer patients.

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Scientists find a way to delay pancreatic cancer metastasis

Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University identified a cell pathway that, if targeted, can halt the metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinma (PDA).

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Three more genes associated with thyroid disease

Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic discovered new associations between three genes and the development of thyroid cancer, potentially opening the door for personalized treatment.

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Researchers find disparities for African Americans with colorectal cancer

A new study conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that even though the mortality rates for colorectal cancer (CRC) among white and black patients has been decreasing since 1980, African Americans are not seeing as sharp a drop as whites.

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Soybean substances may augment radiation therapy for cancer

Researchers from Wayne State University demonstrated that soy isoflavones can enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy on lung cancer cells while simultaneously protecting healthy tissue.

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Researchers discover collaboration between two compounds that drive metastasis

Scientists from from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and other institutions discovered a synergistic relationship between two substances, produced in the body, that helps propel the spread of malignant tissue.

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Potential therapy attacks cancer cells' ability to recover from radiation

Researchers from Georgia Health Sciences University devised a technique to disrupt the ability of cancer cells to repair double-strand DNA breaks, a strategy that may make radiation therapy more effective.

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Scientists say glioblastomas can harbor copies of genes for cell growth

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers recently discovered that a small subset of glioblastomas appear to contain extra copies of genes needed for cell growth.

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Common form of muscular dystrophy may increase cancer risk

Patients who have the most common form of muscular dystrophy may have a higher risk for certain types of cancer, according to researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center.

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Stem cell transplant patients may benefit from HIV drug

The HIV medication maraviroc, sold commercially under the brand name Selzentry, may help prevent graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in patients who received an allogenic stem cell transplant for blood cancer.

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Childhood cancer survivors not more likely to have kids with birth defects

A study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center determined that some adults who survived cancer as children are not at an increased risk to have offspring afflicted with birth defects.

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Bone cell factor signals prostate tumors to stop growing

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S.

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Study: Cancer recurrence will most likely be same type as the first

Cancer survivors may have more than twice the risk of experiencing a recurrence of the same type, according to Danish researchers.

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Prostate cancer patients may benefit more from active monitoring than immediate treatment

Men diagnosed with localized, low-risk prostate cancer may benefit from active monitoring and delayed treatment of their disease, according to an independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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Researchers find biomarker to predict outcome of ovarian cancer

A team of scientists from Yale Cancer Center discovered that a specific genetic variation can help form a better prognosis for ovarian cancer patients. Screening for different forms of the well-known oncogene KRAS may help predict one's chances for survival and responding to therapy.

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Scientists kill chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells with drug combination

A new approach to ovarian cancer that combines the drugs ixabepilone and sunitinib may prove useful in fighting chemotherapy-resistant forms of this malignancy, according to researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Florida.

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Fatigue may persist for breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy

Breast cancer survivors who were treated with chemotherapy may experience a fatigue that persists longer than previously thought, according to researchers from the Moffitt Cancer Center.

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Protein pathway may act as a tumor suppressor in common lymphoma

NYU Cancer Institute investigators have identified a potential treatment target for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), known to be the most aggressive and common variety of lymphoma in adults.

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Poor quality of life increases mortality rate for head and neck cancer patients

Individuals who have head and neck cancer may experience poorer outcomes and a greater risk of death if they have constant pain or use tobacco, according to a study from Iowa City researchers.

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Combination hormone therapy increases breast cancer risk

Women who experience breast tenderness while on combination hormone therapy for menopause have a 33 percent higher risk for breast cancer than those who take estrogen alone, according to a new study.

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FDA: Avastin no longer approved for metastatic breast cancer

On Nov. 18, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that the medication Avastin is no longer approved for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, based on clinical studies that followed the treatment's accelerated approval for this indication in 2008.

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Male breast cancer patients experience side effects from common treatment

Research from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reveals that half of male breast cancer patients who were prescribed tamoxifen have side effects such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction. This leads about one-fifth of them to discontinue the treatment.

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Men with prostate cancer may benefit from more radionuclide therapy

About half of men with prostate cancer also develop bone metastases, in which fractures can lead to serious health complications, such as chronic pain syndrome. New research suggests that these patients may benefit from repeated treatments of 188Re-HEDP for radionuclide therapy.

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Supplemental training shown to increase efficacy of colon cancer screening

Mayo Clinic researchers recently determined that a two-hour training program to improve screening for colon polyps was effective at increasing the rate of detection from 35 percent to 47 percent in one Florida facility.

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Cancer therapy delivered through nipple ducts shown to be effective in lab trial

A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center conducted both a clinical and a laboratory trial to test the efficacy of breast cancer treatment through nipple ducts and came up with promising results.

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Inexpensive method of colon cancer screening may result in missed opportunities for detection

Recent studies have suggested that using fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) to detect blood in the stool, which sometimes indicates colon cancer, are far less expensive than a traditional colonoscopy.

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Mouse model predicts breast cancer metastasization

If physicians can predict how or if breast cancer will spread in a patient, they are better able to determine the best course of action in treating the carcinoma. Researchers at the University of Utah may have devised an effective way for oncologists to do this.

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Women with high hormone levels may have higher risk of breast cancer

As Breast Cancer Awareness month draws to a close, researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have released a report that may help physicians identify individuals who are at a high risk of breast cancer.

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Lund University scientists experiment with new MRI technique

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been an important tool in the medical community, allowing healthcare providers to detect abnormal growths and other biological phenomena.

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Researchers develop a tool that may lead to more precise removal of cancer tissue

When removing cancerous tissue in the brain, surgeons need to be very precise in their operation to completely remove a malignant mass while avoiding the extraction of healthy brain cells.

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Diabetics shown to have better lung cancer prognosis

A team of researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Trondheim University recently discovered that patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher survival rate for lung cancer when compared to individuals with healthy pancreatic function.

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Saliva may be useful in screening for pancreatic cancer

Previous research has suggested that certain bacteria are associated with the onset of pancreatic cancer.

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Mouse model reveals potential treatment for colon cancer

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine found that rodents lacking the PTK6 protein that regulates cell differentiation in the skin and gut experienced a significantly decreased risk of developing a tumor when introduced to a carcinogen.

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General public in need of education on cancer risk

Individuals in the medical field may not realize it, considering the volume of information they are inundated with on a daily basis regarding the causes of cancer

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Cell study shows promise for a virus as cancer treatment

Researchers at the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Copenhagen believe that a key to future cancer treatments may lie in the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV).

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Fasudil shown to prolong lives of mice with leukemia

Patients with leukemia, especially acute myelogenous leukemia, tend to be older and often are not physically strong enough to endure extensive chemotherapy treatment.

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NIH gets to the root of glioma-induced seizures

Until now, the medical community has had little insight into the association between malignant gliomas and seizures, assuming that the events were stimulated by brain irritation.

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Scientists review research on the link between TNF inhibitors and cancer risk

Multiple studies have suggested that the use of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors to treat rheumatoid arthritis does not increase a patient's overall risk of cancer.

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A possible key to cancer treatment lies below sea level

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are microbes that live in the ocean and have a defense mechanism that researchers believe could lead to new treatments for cancer.

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Imaging method may provide insight into cell growth

A team of scientists at the University of Illinois developed a method of precisely determining the rate of cell growth, which may have several clinical uses, including tracking the effects of cancer treatments.

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New cancer treatment may use body's own mechanisms to starve tumors

A team of scientists at Georgia Health Sciences University are working to develop cancer treatments by inhibiting a transporter that carries amino acids throughout the body to provide cell energy, and has the unfortunate effect of also feeding cancer cells.

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Universities team up to develop model for tumor growth prediction

A team of researchers from the University of Miami and the University of Heidelberg in Germany developed a mathematical model which may improve treatment strategies for cancer, as it has been shown to predict how the disease proliferates.

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Scientists: Flexible sigmoidoscopy an effective method of colon cancer screening

In a study that was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, British researchers found that a single flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) is likely as effective as a colonoscopy or fecal occult blood testing in detecting colorectal cancer.

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CAD shown to be ineffective in improving mammogram readings

Research from the University of California, Davis, has revealed that computer-aided detection (CAD) software meant to improve the accuracy of mammograms may not be worth the cost.

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Vitamin D supplements shown to provide relief for cancer patients

About half of breast cancer patients who take estrogen-lowering drugs to halt tumor progression have a tendency to experience severe joint pain.

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Combination of screening methods shown to detect early stages of pancreatic cancer

The medical community has long recognized a need for improved pancreatic cancer screening, since the disease is the fourth most common fatal cancer in the U.S. and becomes significantly more difficult to treat as it progresses.

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Adoptive cell transfer method shown to effectively fight tumors

Research has shown that injecting a cancer patient with a dose of their own immune cells may be an effective way to fight cancers like melanoma or neuroblastoma. However, the method appears to be costly, and impossible for some patients.

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Study finds disparity between recommendations and practices for cancer screening

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a set of guidelines meant to help doctors determine whether counseling and genetic testing are appropriate for patients who may be at risk of ovarian or breast cancer.

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Temporary ovarian suppression may reduce instances of early menopause in chemo patients

Many premenopausal women who undergo chemotherapy come out of their treatment having to deal with the effects of premature ovarian failure, oftentimes exacerbating their stressful situations.

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Dog study may show promise for lymphoma treatment

A drug known as NEMO binding domain (NBD) may be effective in treating activated B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL), according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania.

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Camels may hold the key to future gene therapies for cancer

Animals in the camelid family have immune proteins known as nanobodies, which have the useful quality of being easily attached via chemical intervention to other proteins and nanoparticles, making them ideal to target cancer cells.

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Ovarian cancer analysis completed by The Cancer Genome Atlas

Researchers working on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) recently completed a comprehensive and integrated study on ovarian cancer genes, making it the most extensive view of genomic changes in any type of cancer to date.

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Prognosis for Barrett's esophagus may be more optimistic than previously thought

In a study involving more than 8,500 patients with Barrett's esophagus, researchers found that the risk of developing esophageal cancer as a result of the condition may be far lower than previously reported.

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Therapy may increase diabetes risk in prostate cancer patients

A team of researchers at the Philippine General Hospital have reported that men who receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer may have double the risk of developing diabetes than men who do not receive the treatment.

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Frozen immune cell treatment shown to extend life of prostate cancer patients

In a clinical study that was conducted at Thomas Jefferson University's Kimmel Cancer Center, researchers found that a vaccine made from the prostate cancer patients' own frozen immune cells was effective

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New test for lung cancer may yield results within one day

Researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany and Cologne University Hospital recently developed a method of testing for lung cancer which requires detecting nucleic acids in the blood and may provide results in just one day.

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Researchers suggest specific protein could be related to skin cancer prevalence

As skin cancer is one of the most common diseases in the country, researchers continually work tirelessly to determine what makes an individual more susceptible and how the condition can be treated.

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Protein inhibitor may increase efficacy of cancer drug

A team of researchers from the Imperial College London recently discovered that a protein known as LMTK3 may be responsible for drug resistance in certain types of breast cancer tumors.

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Researchers find less invasive method for tracking efficacy of breast cancer treatment

Currently, when a healthcare professional wants to see how a breast cancer treatment is working on a patient, they will use radiology methods like CT scans or ultrasounds, which have been shown to cause patients discomfort and tend to be costly.

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New class of cancer drugs shows promise for certain types of prostate cancer

Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center are working on a way to inhibit the action of a certain protein in order to halt the fusion of two genes known to trigger the development of prostate cancer.

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Curcumin could add benefits to chemotherapy for neck and cancer patients

Patients who suffer from head and neck cancer may grow frustrated with failing treatments, as tumor cells can sometimes become resistant to chemotherapy drugs.

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Gene causes leukemia, prevents liver cancer

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, recently found that the enzyme Shp2, produced by the gene PTPN11, has been linked to the development of leukemia, but also helps to protect against cancer of the liver.

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NSAID shown to improve efficacy of chemo drugs

Ohio State University researchers recently discovered that combining the drug celecoxib with two chemotheraphy drugs helped block cancer cells' ability to survive the treatment.

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Researchers develop new testing method for prostate cancer

A team of scientists at Uppsala University in Sweden recently discovered a new biomarker for prostate cancer as well as a test to detect elevated blood levels of the particles.

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Patients may not require consultation before colonoscopy

In a four-year study involving more than 12,000 patients, researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan revealed that open-access colonoscopies administered by nurses were as effective in detecting cancer

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New method may encourage immune system to attack tumors

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles have discovered that delivering a protein to cancer tumors using nano-sized vaults may send a signal to the immune system to attack the carcinoma.

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Researchers develop new tool for colon cancer screening

Colonoscopies have been proven to be effective in detecting colon cancer, and can potentially save many lives. However, many individuals may have a tendency to avoid the treatment because of the discomfort involved.

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Study: Compound could protect body from melanoma

As melanoma continues to be one of the most common forms of cancer around the world, despite the use of sunscreen, researchers from Penn State College of Medicine say that a topical compound could potentially prevent melanoma lesions from forming.

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Researchers find protein that could boost ovarian cancer treatment

A motor regulatory protein may be able to help people undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, according to researchers from Penn State College of Medicine.

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Canola oil shown to prevent colon tumors

Incorporating canola oil into a mouse diet was shown to reduce instances of colon tumors by about one-third, compared to control subjects, according to researchers at South Dakota State University.

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Proteins produced as a result of pancreatic inflammation may cause cancer

It's been known that an inflamed pancreas is more susceptible to cancer. Now, two proteins that are made in the pancreas as a result of inflammation have been shown to contribute to tumor formation and metastasis,

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Researchers working to find biomarkers for breast, prostate cancer

A team of Florida State University scientists led by Professor Qing-Xiang "Amy" Sang are looking to stromal cells to identify biomarkers in an effort to improve diagnosis and treatment for breast and prostate cancer.

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Reduced gene activity may provide insight into lung cancer metastasization

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recently discovered that inactivity in the gene NKX2-1 is linked to the metastasization of cancerous lung tumors in mice.

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Combination of antioxidants may minimize damage from CT scans

A team of Canadian researchers recently discovered that administering a dose of a proprietary blend of antioxidants to patients before they undergo a CT scan effectively helped reduce DNA damage from the radiation.

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Protein may slow tumor progression

A protein known as FUS has been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells in lab studies that were conducted by researchers at Imperial College London.

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Folic acid supplements increase rats' risk of breast cancer

Gastroenterologists at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto have found that giving rats folic acid supplements before conception, during gestation and while breastfeeding may increase their likelihood of having breast cancer.

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Nanodiamonds may be an oncologist's best friend

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that delivering chemotherapy drugs with nanodiamond particles may be a way to improve effectiveness of the treatment while reducing side effects.

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Scientists make cancer-related death predictions for Europe in 2011

A paper published in the journal Annals of Oncology has predicted that this year, there will be nearly 1.3 million cancer-related deaths in Europe.

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Combination of cancer treatments may halt tumor growth

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that combining two peptide inhibitors may prevent tumors from growing and also stop the formation of blood vessels to the cyst.

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HDL cholesterol may promote bowel health

Research that was recently published in the journal Gut suggests that individuals with high levels of HDL cholesterol may have a lower risk of developing bowel cancer than their counterparts who are deficient in the healthy fat.

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Guidelines for vitamin D intake may need to be adjusted

A study that was recently published in the journal Anticancer Research suggests that in order for vitamin D to be effective in preventing cancer and other diseases, individuals will need to get significantly more of the nutrient than the current 600 international unit (IU) recommendation.

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Testing for colon cancer may get a lot less invasive

Researchers at the University of Missouri have recently discovered that colon cancer resulting from inflammation may be detectable without the use of a colonoscopy.

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Death rate from cancer is still highest among African Americans, study reveals

African Americans continue to have higher death rates and shorter survival for most cancers than any other ethnic group in the U.S., according to research from the American Cancer Society.

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Scientists create two new ways to staple peptides

Researchers at the University at Buffalo (UB) have recently unveiled two new ways to staple peptides, techniques which could be useful in developing new drugs to fight cancer and many other diseases.

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Many immigrant women of South Asian descent are not screened for cervical cancer

A new study published in the journal Preventative Medicine has revealed that immigrant women in Ontario - particularly those who are of South Asian descent - do not get screened for cervical cancer as often as native-born Canadians.

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Rates of death from cancer in African Americans are decreasing

While a disparity still exists between cancer survival rates in African Americans and those of other races, that gap is getting smaller as prevention and screening efforts become more prevalent among this ethnic group

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Prevention task force challenged on mammogram guidelines

Researchers at the University of Colorado have completed a study that tests conflicting guidelines set by the U.S. Preventative Service Task Force and those established by the American Cancer Society (ACS)

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Study finds link between vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer in African-American women

Results from a study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities has suggested that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in African-American women, especially those with aggressive breast cancer

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Patients with tuberculosis have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer

New research published in the January issue of the Journal of Thoracic Oncology has provided evidence that may link tuberculosis to an increased risk of lung cancer.

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Progenitor cells and neural stem cells give rise to different gliomas with unique therapeutic responses

A team of scientists from the University of California, San Francisco have discovered that progenitor cells - rather than neural stem cells, as previously believed - play a significant role in the development of oligodendroglioma. This finding may provide an explanation as to why the disease is much more responsive to therapy, compared to other brain tumors such as glioblastoma multiforme.

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Researchers develop more accurate ovarian cancer test

Despite the fact that ovarian cancer can be treated relatively easily when it is diagnosed early, it retains a persistently high mortality rate because it can be difficult to uncover. Furthermore, differentiating between benign and malignant cysts may be easier said than done.

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Dutasteride may enhance PSA screening test for prostate cancer

A new study suggests that the PSA screening test may be more reliable for men with prostate cancer who take a drug called duatsteride, which is commonly prescribed to shrink an enlarged prostate gland.

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Hormone replacement therapy using only estrogen may lower risk of breast cancer

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that utilizes exogenous estrogen may be beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer, according to a study that was presented at the 33rd annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium held earlier this month.

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UCLA scientists study mechanism behind organ transplant rejection

A team of UCLA researchers has revealed new therapeutic approaches that could help prevent transplant rejection for heart, lung and kidney patients. The treatments could also prevent the proliferation of cancer.

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Anti-tumor gene eradicates melanoma in cancer-stricken mice

According to an article that will be published in this month's issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, metastatic melanoma may be treated with a powerful anti-tumor T cell receptor gene.

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Black raspberries may help prevent formation of colorectal cancer tumors

According to researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago, black raspberries have been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of colorectal cancer tumors in a mouse model of the disease.

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Colorectal cancer associated with MUTYH gene may impart better rate of survival

Colorectal cancer patients who have polyps that are associated with the MUTYH gene may have a better rate of survival than those who do not, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reports.

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Study demonstrates safety and efficiency of keyhole surgery for colorectal cancer

Researchers from the University of Leeds report that laparoscopic or keyhole surgery may be a safe and effective way to remove bowel tumors in colorectal cancer patients.

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Scientists find differences in combined therapy and estrogen treatment for cancer

A study that was published in the August issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has found that the use of estrogen alone may not increase lung cancer mortality in postmenopausal women.

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Combining chemotherapy and radiation can help reduce recurrence of bladder cancer

According to a study published at the 52nd annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, adding chemotherapy to radiation treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer may help prevent recurrence of the disease two years later.

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