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Science News Archive January 2001 - Page 5


Page 5 of 6

Medical hospitalization may be especially distressing for those with psychiatric disorders

A one-year study of male veterans found that health-related quality of life declined and psychological distress increased over time for participants with or without psychiatric disorders. Those with psychiatric disorders were the most impaired, experiencing substantial impairments in functioning that persisted over a year.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2001

Immunoprivilege has its disadvantages

Research findings indicate that viral infections can cause chronic vascular disease by establishing a protected niche within the elastic media of large arteries. This 'immunoprivilege' allows viruses to evade the immune system, leading to destructive arteritis and inflammation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2001

Syndecan-4 regulates wound repair in vivo

Syndecan-4 is essential for wound repair, as its knockout leads to marked defects in angiogenesis and tissue healing. In contrast, fibroblasts from syndecan-4-deficient mice display normal focal adhesion assembly and response to FGF-2.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2001

Newborn lung treatment poses risk of intestinal perforation

A new study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that early postnatal doses of dexamethasone may increase the risk of intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight infants. The treatment was not shown to prevent chronic lung disease or improve survival rates.

Insured homeless people report less difficulty accessing health care, according to UCSF researchers

A study published in JAMA found that insured homeless people are more likely to access outpatient care and adhere to medication regimens than their uninsured counterparts. The researchers identified factors associated with healthcare use, including sociodemographic characteristics, physical health, mental health, and substance abuse.

Researchers discover gene responsible for cilia, lungs' natural cleaning system

A team of scientists at UNC-CH has discovered a human gene that produces a protein essential for generating forces powering cilia movement. This discovery could help understand and combat chronic lung diseases such as asthma and primary ciliary dyskinesia, which affect cilia function.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateJan 8, 2001

Two bees or not two bees? Researchers take first look at the genetic differences between queen and worker honeybees

A team of researchers has discovered that queen and worker honeybees exhibit distinct gene expression profiles, with queen bees down-regulating certain genes and switching on others to support their development. This polyphenic study provides insight into the genetic processes that determine caste identity in honeybees.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGenome Biology·DateJan 8, 2001

New way to preserve wood

Researchers at CSIRO Australia have developed a new preservative treatment method using supercritical carbon dioxide, which penetrates wood more effectively than conventional techniques. This process offers environmental and economic benefits, including reduced capital costs and no residual solvent problems.

Major review reveals that osteoarthritis is a complex disease with new solutions

A major review reveals osteoarthritis is a complex disease, but outlines new approaches to understanding, preventing, and treating the condition. The study emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and weight management, in reducing disability and slowing disease progression.

Reducing sodium leads to substantial drop in blood pressure, finds NHLBI study

A recent NHLBI study found that reducing sodium intake, combined with either a typical U.S. diet or the DASH diet, substantially lowered blood pressure in persons with high blood pressure and those at higher than optimal blood pressure levels. The DASH-Sodium study found that lower sodium intake resulted in lower blood pressures for bo...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 3, 2001

UCSF studies dentists and intervention of domestic violence in patients

A national survey of 321 dentists found that most never screened for domestic violence, despite visible signs. Education on intervention increased likelihood of screening and responding appropriately. The study recommends standardized training and the AVDR model for dentists to recognize and respond to signs of abuse.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateJan 3, 2001