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Science News for November 9, 2003


Women & men differ in heart disease traits and treatment

Women with heart attacks tend to have milder blockages in their arteries but are less likely to receive aggressive drug therapy or undergo procedures like angioplasty. This disparity may be due to the disease itself, rather than bias against women's treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateNov 9, 2003

Age-related decrease in physical ability may be in the genes

Researchers found decreases in genes producing growth hormone and prolactin, key to development and immune system function, in aged mice compared to young mice. This suggests specific genetic changes in the cerebellum area of the brain may contribute to loss of motor control and balance with age.

SourceOhio State University·DateNov 9, 2003
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Ten-year study leads researchers to psoriasis genes

Researchers have discovered three genetic variants linked to psoriasis, a complex trait influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. The study may lead to improved treatments by understanding the molecular mechanisms of the disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2003

For smokers, air pollution is a drag on the heart

Researchers found that exposure to fine particles of less than 10 micrometers increased the risk of heart attacks in smokers, even at levels lower than current national standards. Air pollution levels in Dijon remained under four on the ATMO index 86 percent of the time.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2003

Heart failure care inconsistent

A recent study by the American Heart Association found that heart failure patients often leave the hospital without receiving life-prolonging therapies or complete discharge instructions. The study, which analyzed data from over 33,000 patients, highlights the need for hospitals to improve their adherence to established guidelines.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2003
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More risk factors for heart disease increase Medicare cost

Studies found that individuals with cardiovascular risk factors identified in middle age had significantly higher Medicare costs after age 65 and during their last year of life. Those with more risk factors spent more on treating cardiovascular disease and experienced greater healthcare expenditures overall.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2003

News tips for Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003

A trial of the clot-busting drug tenecteplase suggests it may improve outcomes in some cases of cardiac arrest. A pharmacist-managed service also showed promising results by reducing recidivism among CVD patients, with women achieving lower target cholesterol levels.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2003

Public access defibrillator use increasing

The study found that public access defibrillation increased from 0.82% to 2.05% between 1999 and 2002, with a 50% survival rate for those treated. Over 4,000 people were trained to use the devices, and 457 AEDs were registered.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2003

Dyslexia may involve both vision and hearing

Researchers found that people with dyslexia integrate visual and auditory information differently than good readers, suggesting a sensory integration deficit underlying reading difficulties. This discovery could lead to a simple test for early diagnosis and more effective teaching approaches.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 9, 2003

Sound helps augment poor vision for some tasks

Research by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center reveals that hearing can significantly improve the ability of individuals with mildly impaired eyesight to locate objects in space. The study found that when sound was added, participants with nearsightedness were able to perform as well as those with normal vision.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateNov 9, 2003
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Elementary signs of heart disease found in children

A study found that more than half of children aged 8-17 had at least one metabolic syndrome risk factor, including low HDL levels and high triglycerides. The researchers detected the highest rates of multiple risk factors in children around puberty, ages 10-13.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2003

Three genes linked to psoriasis susceptibility identified on chromosome 17

Researchers have identified three genes on chromosome 17 that play a significant role in psoriasis susceptibility. The findings are expected to lead to more successful management of the disease and potentially identify other genes involved. Further research is underway to investigate the precise role of these genes in psoriasis.

SourceNational Psoriasis Foundation·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 9, 2003

Age-related decrease in physical ability may be in the genes

Researchers have found significant decreases in growth hormone and prolactin gene expression in the cerebellum of aged mice, suggesting a possible link between these hormones and age-related declines in motor control and balance. Further study is needed to understand the role of genetic pathways in aging.

SourceOhio State University·DateNov 9, 2003