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Science News Archive September 2008 - Page 5


Page 5 of 24

A promising anti-cancer compound

Researchers developed a secretory Apoptin fusion protein that induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells, offering new potential for cancer gene therapy. The study's findings suggest the therapeutic usage of Apoptin may be increased with its secretory characteristic.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 24, 2008

CAPHOSOL(R) unveils positive final data

The study found that CAPHOSOL treatment significantly limits the occurrence and severity of oral mucositis, with high levels of medication compliance and patient/physician satisfaction reported. Compliance was very high, with nearly all patients rinsing with CAPHOSOL at least once daily.

SourceEusa·DateSep 24, 2008

USC: gamers play against type

A USC survey of 7,000 EverQuest II players found that older players were more typical, with playing time increasing with age. Women logged more hours in the game and were less likely to quit, while also exercising regularly. The study suggests that online gaming may not compromise mental health, contrary to stereotypes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 24, 2008

Fishy diet in early infancy cuts eczema risk

Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that an infant diet including fish before 9 months significantly cuts the risk of developing eczema. The study also discovered that owning a pet bird was associated with a reduced risk of the condition.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateSep 24, 2008

What is the clinical features of primary aortoenteric fistula?

Primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) is a rare but life-threatening condition that can cause massive gastrointestinal bleeding. PAEFs often present with a herald bleed prior to exsanguination, making early diagnosis challenging. The incidence of PAEF is likely higher than estimated, and prompt surgical intervention is crucial for survival.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 24, 2008

CU-Boulder study suggests air quality regulations miss key pollutants

A new CU-Boulder study reveals that air quality regulations primarily target primary particles, while secondary particles formed by oxidized VOCs contribute significantly to poor air quality in the Los Angeles region. The study suggests that regulations need to focus on reducing VOC emissions from gases such as gasoline vapors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 24, 2008

Understanding the cycle of violence

Researchers found that children who grow up in aggressive households learn to process social information differently, leading to a higher likelihood of conflict in their own romantic relationships. The study provides insight into the developmental link between childhood exposure and adult aggression.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateSep 24, 2008

Unraveling 'math dyslexia'

Research by Daniel Ansari at the University of Western Ontario is exploring brain differences between children with math difficulties and those with both math and reading problems. Children with developmental dyscalculia show atypical activation patterns in the parietal cortex, which may lead to remediation tools to improve their lives.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateSep 24, 2008

American kids most medicated

A new study found that American children are three times more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medication than their European counterparts. The differences in practice may be attributed to various factors, including diagnostic classification systems, government cost restrictions, and the use of direct-to-consumer drug advertising.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalChild and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·DateSep 24, 2008

Robotic surgery lowers risk of a rare but serious complication of gastric bypass

A recent study published in the Journal of Robotic Surgery found that robotic surgery can significantly lower the risk of a rare but serious complication in patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery. The robotic-assisted procedure resulted in zero gastrointestinal leaks, compared to six leaks in the laparoscopic group.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJournal of Robotic Surgery·DateSep 24, 2008

Low sensitivity of clinical signatures

New research found that many published clinical genomic signatures have high specificity but very low sensitivity, making them inadequate for most clinical applications. The study suggests that a rigorous approach to evaluating signature quality is necessary to improve the accuracy of sequence-based diagnostics.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalAnnals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials·DateSep 24, 2008

Balancing the brain

Neuroscientists identified Npas4 as the first known master switch to orchestrate inhibitory synapse formation and maintenance. This factor regulates over 200 genes involved in calming down over-excited cells, restoring balance that's thought to go awry in neurologic disorders.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 24, 2008

Variety of foods -- the key for child nutrition

New research by Sugar Nutrition UK reveals that most children have sufficient levels of essential vitamins and minerals in their diets. The study found that even though children consume more added sugars than recommended, they still get the required amounts of most nutrients.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateSep 24, 2008

A novel therapy for bleeding gastric varices

Researchers successfully treated bleeding gastric varices using a novel sclerotherapy combining alpha-cyanoacrylate alkyl with aethoxysklerol, with no complications or re-bleeding observed in six months. The treatment was found to be an effective alternative for obliteration and eradication of gastric fundal varices.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 24, 2008

How to treat abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis?

Researchers found that administering a traditional Chinese medicine Dachengqi Decoction combined with Glauber's salt improved treatment outcomes for patients with severe acute pancreatitis and abdominal compartment syndrome. The study suggested that this therapeutic protocol can lower IAP, relax symptoms of ACS, slow disease progressio...

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 24, 2008

Quantum measurements, precisely

The EuroQUASAR programme will develop next-generation quantum standards for precise optical clocks and inertial sensors. Researchers, including Professor Markus Arndt, are working on new methods for quantum interferometry to measure molecular details such as mass and geometry.

Looking past the 'down low:' New research

Researchers found that black bisexual men fear disclosure of their bisexuality due to perceived risks, highlighting the need for social awareness and acceptance in HIV prevention. The study suggests a shift from individual-level behavior programs to broader social and structural approaches to curb the spread of HIV.

SourceIndiana University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateSep 23, 2008

Formula discovered for longer plant life

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that certain microRNAs regulate growth and aging processes in plants by inhibiting TCP transcription factors. This results in slower aging and increased lifespan, with potential applications for cultivating longer-lived and faster-growing plants.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 23, 2008

Is electrocautery shovel a safe and feasible tool in laparoscopic operation?

Research suggests that electrocautery shovel is a viable alternative to ultrasonically activated scalpel in laparoscopic rectal cancer operations, achieving similar clinic effects while reducing costs. The study's findings support the use of electrocautery shovel in laparoscopic surgery with proper technique and anatomical understanding.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 23, 2008

What is the energy consuming style in chronic severe hepatitis B patient normality?

Research found that chronic severe hepatitis B patients had significantly lower glucose oxidation rates and higher fat oxidation rates compared to acute hepatitis and cirrhosis patients. Upon recovery, patients showed improved energy metabolism, with increased glucose oxidation rates and decreased fat oxidation rates.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateSep 23, 2008