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Science News Archive September 2009 - Page 23


Page 23 of 24

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 1, 2009

Researchers have identified a new mechanism underlying sex-specific gene expression in mice, with PPAR-alpha repressing genes involved in immunity and steroid production. The study also found that this repression is mediated by sumoylation, a process only occurring in female mice, and suggests potential new approaches to prevent estrog...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2009

GERD negatively impacts sleep quality, results in considerable economic burden

Researchers found that acid refluxing at night results in sleep arousal 89 percent of the time in participants with and without GERD. GERD patients experience longer acid reflux events, leading to increased risk for complicated disease and esophageal cancer. This association suggests a bi-directional link between sleep problems and GERD.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 1, 2009

PreSCD II registry

The PreSCD II registry found that patients protected by an implantable cardioverter defibrillator after a heart attack showed a non-significant lower mortality rate. In those with severely reduced heart function, mortality was reduced by 47% in patients with ICD implantation one month or more after MI.

Biotransformed blueberry juice fights fat and diabetes

A new study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that biotransformed blueberry juice has strong anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. The juice was tested on mice prone to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and hypertension, and showed a significant reduction in food intake and body weight.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 1, 2009

Circulating tumor cells a must watch

Researchers developed a simple biological imaging system to visualize live tumor cells in peripheral blood. The technology reflects the tumor burden, decreasing upon primary tumor removal, holding promise for clinical benefit.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2009

Cradle and birthday of dog identified

Researchers at KTH in Stockholm have made new discoveries about the history of the dog, pinpointing its birthplace to Asia south of the Yangtze River in China 16,000 years ago. The findings suggest that the dog descended from a large number of tamed wolves, with several hundred animals involved in its origins.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 1, 2009

PROTECT study

The PROTECT trial found that rolofylline had no significant effect on primary or secondary end-points in patients with acute heart failure, including dyspnea improvement and persistent renal impairment. The study did show an increased risk of neurological events in rolofylline-treated patients.

Progress made in traumatic brain injury treatment and diagnosis

Studies show that prototype helmets can improve blunt-impact protection for ground troops without compromising ballistic protection. A survey also reveals high incidence of driving-related anxieties among post-deployment soldiers, highlighting the need for better tools for diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury in the civili...

PET/CT scans may help detect recurring prostate cancer earlier

A new study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine shows that PET/CT scans with the imaging agent choline can detect recurring prostate cancer sooner than conventional imaging technologies. Researchers found a strong association between PET/CT detection and PSA levels, and suggest using specific criteria to reduce unnecessary scans.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 1, 2009

Results from the European CRT survey

The survey enrolled 2438 patients with a mean age of 68 years, showing characteristic differences between those receiving CRT-P and CRT-D devices. Demographic and economic factors play a significant role in device selection, with younger patients, men, and those with ischaemic aetiology more likely to receive a CRT-D device.

Mayo researchers find gene that contributes to 2 different, common neurological movement disorders

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a single gene promoting development of essential tremor in some patients and Parkinson's disease in others. The study found a significant association between the LINGO1 gene variant identified in Iceland to both disorders, with mutations potentially responsible for five percent of patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalParkinsonism & Related Disorders·DateSep 1, 2009

Results from the Kyoto heart study

The KYOTO HEART Study found that valsartan significantly reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events, including angina pectoris and stroke/TIA, in Japanese hypertensive patients. The study showed a lower rate of primary endpoints in the valsartan arm compared to non-ARB conventional therapies.

New study compares after-hours and daytime surgery success rates

A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that patients undergoing after-hour orthopedic surgeries experience slightly higher rates of necessary follow-up surgeries compared to daytime surgeries. The data also suggests that nighttime surgery patients have similar healing times, recovery periods, and major compli...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateSep 1, 2009

Human Tissue Act may have helped research, says study

A new study from the University of Leicester suggests that the Human Tissue Act 2004 may have facilitated medical research by giving Research Ethics Committees clearer guidance. The study analyzed letters written by ethics committees before and after the Act's implementation, concluding that committees were less likely to raise concern...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Clinical Pathology·DateSep 1, 2009

Researchers to discuss new study on Gulf War illness treatment at Military Health Research Forum

A clinical trial of mifepristone is being conducted to evaluate its effectiveness in treating symptoms of Gulf War illness, a condition affecting 25% of veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War. The study aims to determine if mifepristone can improve physical and mental health outcomes in Gulf War veterans.

Inhibition of NF-kappa B, a key inflammatory protein, reduced radiation toxicity in zebrafish

Researchers found that inhibiting NF-kappa B reduced radiation toxicity in zebrafish embryos, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. The study also suggests that downmodulating NF-kappa B activity may be more beneficial than completely ablating it to protect against radiation effects.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateSep 1, 2009

Patient-doctor communication is worse for blacks than for whites, study finds

A study led by a University of North Carolina researcher found that black patients with high blood pressure experience poorer communication with their doctors compared to white patients. The results showed that black patients had shorter office visits, less biomedical and psychosocial exchange, and less rapport building with their doct...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 1, 2009

Wrestling with bighorn sheep

A team of researchers, led by University of Alberta biologist David Coltman, have been studying the personalities of bighorn mountain sheep. They found that bold individuals tend to have shorter lifespans, while those with more submissive personalities are more likely to produce multiple offspring.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 1, 2009