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Science News for January 9, 2012


Genetic and mechanistic basis for rotor syndrome uncovered

Researchers identified genetic mutations in OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 proteins as the underlying cause of Rotor syndrome, a condition characterized by conjugated bilirubin buildup. Complete deficiency of these proteins can cause hypersensitivity to certain drugs and interrupt conjugated bilirubin reuptake into the liver.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2012

GW researcher and colleagues identify environmental exposure to organochlorines may impact male reproduction

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that men with higher levels of DDE and PCBs had significantly higher rates of sperm abnormalities. Researchers used a new sperm imaging methodology to detect chromosomal abnormalities, highlighting the potential impact of environmental exposure on male fertility.

SourceGeorge Washington University Medical Center·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 9, 2012

How does team care improve depression and diabetes?

The TEAMcare program, based on the Chronic Care Model, activates patients to monitor their own health and empowers them to control their diseases. This approach results in improved depression outcomes, better-controlled blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and enhanced quality of life for patients with depression and diabetes.

SourceGroup Health Research Institute·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2012

Gulf of Mexico topography played key role in bacterial consumption of Deepwater Horizon spill

Scientists used innovative computer model to demonstrate the roles of underwater topography, currents and bacteria in Gulf of Mexico. The resulting model revealed that physical structure of the gulf was a key factor in disappearance of hydrocarbon plumes, which were consumed by bacteria that swirled around the leaking well.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2012

Nicotine replacement therapies may not be effective in helping people quit smoking

A recent study by Harvard School of Public Health found that nicotine replacement therapies are no more effective in helping smokers quit than quitting on their own. The study suggests that the FDA should only approve medications proven to be effective in long-term smoking cessation, and lower nicotine levels to reduce addiction.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalTobacco Control·DateJan 9, 2012

Payment review of emergency department eye care in Florida

A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that commercial insurance was the most frequent payer of emergency department outpatient services in Florida, followed by self-pay and Medicaid. The data suggest a shift towards Medicaid as patients move into eligible categories, which may impact eye care delivery models in the state.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateJan 9, 2012

For those with diabetes, controlling blood pressure is crucial, but not urgent

Researchers found that delaying effective hypertension treatment for up to a year results in small-quality adjusted life expectancy loss, but longer delays cause significant damage. The study suggests patients and providers focus on diabetes self-management and lifestyle modification within the first year after diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2012

Keeping electronics cool

Researchers at UC Riverside have made a significant discovery in graphene's thermal conductivity, showing that isotopically engineered graphene can conduct heat more efficiently than natural graphene. This finding has the potential to impact various applications, including electronics, photovoltaic solar cells and radars.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 9, 2012

East meets West to boost fertility

Researchers found that combining TCM therapy and intrauterine insemination (IUI) significantly increases fertility success rates to 65.5% compared to 39.4%. The study suggests that Chinese medicine can promote balance and harmony in the womb, affecting ovulation, menstrual cycle, blood flow, and endorphin production.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Integrative Medicine·DateJan 9, 2012

UCSB scientists say topography played key role in Deepwater Horizon disaster

A new study by UCSB scientists reveals that the physical structure of the Gulf of Mexico played a key role in the disappearance of methane and other chemicals from the Deepwater Horizon well. The study used a computer model to demonstrate how underwater topography, currents, and bacteria contributed to the phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2012

Combination therapy shows positive response for children with ADHD

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that guanfacine extended release significantly improves symptoms in children with ADHD who have a suboptimal response to psychostimulants. The study, conducted by Dr. Timothy E. Wilens and colleagues, showed that adjunctive administrat...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2012

Cancer and fertility -- young women speak up

A new study explores the fertility and parenthood concerns of young female cancer survivors, finding that they are often unaware of the impact of treatment on their future fertility. The researchers identified six themes from focus group discussions, highlighting the need for better information, continuity of care, and guidance to addr...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·DateJan 9, 2012

Personalized gene therapies may increase survival in brain cancer patients

A University of Illinois study found that personalized prognostic tools and gene-based therapies can improve the survival and quality of life of glioblastoma patients. The researchers discovered new general and clinical-dependent gene profiles that can be used to predict patient outcomes and select targeted therapies.

Stem cell therapy reverses diabetes

A new method uses stem cells from cord blood to re-educate a diabetic's own T cells, restarting pancreatic function and reducing the need for insulin. After two to three hours, the re-educated lymphocytes are returned to the patient, improving C-peptide levels and allowing for reduced insulin doses.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJan 9, 2012

Search for effective treatments for Alzheimer's Disease in patients with Down's syndrome goes on, after study shows memantine is ineffective

A new study published in The Lancet shows that memantine is ineffective for patients with Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome aged 40 years and older. The drug was tested on 88 patients with or without dementia, but showed no significant improvement in cognition and function compared to a placebo group.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 9, 2012

Tracking genes' remote controls

Scientists at EMBL have developed a new method to observe enhancer activity during development, showing that specific chromatin modifications trigger gene expression. This breakthrough provides cell-type specific information on enhancer activity and gene status in multicellular embryos.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 9, 2012

Hopkins researchers find 'Google Flu Trends' a powerful early warning system for emergency departments

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine tracked Google Flu Trends data and found a strong correlation between rising search queries for flu information and an increase in patients visiting the hospital with flu-like symptoms. The study suggests that using this tool could provide early warning systems for frontline healthcare workers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 9, 2012

New study: Cholera in Haiti tracked more rapidly by social media than traditional methods

A new study published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found that internet-based news and Twitter feeds were faster at detecting the onset and progression of the cholera epidemic in post-earthquake Haiti. Researchers used HealthMap, an internet tool, to capture coverage and mentions of cholera from various sources.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJan 9, 2012

Biomarkers identify acute kidney injury in emergency patients

Researchers have identified a urinary biomarker called uNGAL that can diagnose acute kidney injury (AKI) in emergency patients within 30 minutes, reducing the risk of in-hospital death. The study found that combining uNGAL with creatinine levels significantly improves the identification of patients at risk of death or dialysis.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 9, 2012

Legionnaires' disease outbreak linked to hospital's decorative fountain

A 2010 outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Wisconsin was linked to a hospital's decorative fountain, highlighting the risk of indoor water fountains in healthcare settings. The study recommends strict maintenance procedures and periodic bacteriologic monitoring to reduce the risk of Legionella transmission.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 9, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 9, 2012

A team of researchers identified genetic mutations in OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 as the cause of Rotor syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by jaundice. Complete deficiency of these proteins causes human Rotor syndrome by interrupting conjugated bilirubin reuptake into the liver.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2012

Scientists solve mystery of colorful armchair nanotubes

Researchers at Rice University have figured out the source of colorful armchair nanotubes: hydrogen-like objects called excitons. The team found that exciton resonance occurs around a unique electronic structure in these one-dimensional materials, making them visible to our eyes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2012

Marijuana use associated with cyclic vomiting syndrome in young males

Research has found an association between marijuana use in young males and the development of cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), which shares clinical features with functional vomiting. CVS is more common among young males using marijuana, highlighting the need for further research into treatment options for this condition.

SourceWiley·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateJan 9, 2012