Bacteriophages: Are they an overlooked driver of Parkinson's disease?
Research reveals that lytic bacteriophages contribute to PD by reducing neurotransmitter-producing bacteria, and may be a diagnostic and treatment target.
Science News for June 10, 2018
Moderate and extreme temperatures could increase the risk of occupational injuries
Researchers found that exposure to moderate to extreme temperatures may have played a role in over half a million workplace injuries in Spain, resulting in annual economic losses of €360 million.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 10, 2018
Atrial arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation in congenital heart disease: Mechanisms, substrate identification and interventional approaches
In patients with congenital heart disease, atrial arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation occur at younger ages due to degenerative and progressive changes. Advanced imaging and individualized therapeutic plans using pharmacologic therapy, catheter-based ablation, and surgical therapies can help manage these conditions.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 10, 2018
Bacteriophages offer promising alternative to antibiotics
A clinical study confirms the safety and tolerability of using bacteriophages to eliminate disease-causing bacteria in the gut, promoting beneficial bacteria growth. The treatment shows no apparent side effects and improves inflammatory markers and gut bacterial diversity.
Drug resistance genes shared among bacteria in hospitals can be deadly
A hospital outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) revealed that resistance genes were being shared among unrelated bacteria via plasmids and other mobile genetic elements. This finding highlights the need to expand infection control efforts to include multiple strains and species to halt outbreaks.
Otago researchers help unlock answers about leptospirosis in Africa
Researchers have discovered that exposure to cattle and rice farming are risk factors for the devastating disease leptospirosis in northern Tanzania. Cattle and work in rice fields are associated with acute leptospirosis, suggesting that controlling Leptospira infection in livestock could play a role in preventing human infection.
His bundle pacing: rebirth of an important technique for pacing the intrinsic conduction system
Permanent His-bundle pacing bypasses iatrogenic left bundle-branch block caused by conventional RV pacing, maintaining or restoring ventricular synchrony. This technique is beneficial for patients with bradycardia or conduction system abnormalities.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 10, 2018
Scientists identify foods that fight disease
Research suggests that incorporating certain foods into the diet may help reduce the risk of various health problems. Eggs, in particular, have been shown to improve fasting blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, while daily pecans may lower cardiometabolic risk factors. Dairy products, especially low-fat or fermented varieties, ca...
The adult ventricular septum; a unique portion of the left and right ventricle
The adult ventricular septum plays a crucial role in both the right and left ventricles' performance. Advanced imaging techniques reveal its mechanical patterns, which may help predict adverse cardiovascular events.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 10, 2018
The surgical management of Ebstein anomaly
Ebstein anomaly presents a wide spectrum of presentation, with outcomes varying by age at diagnosis. Surgical management is crucial, with poorer outcomes in neonates and excellent outcomes in adults.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 10, 2018
American toddlers consume too much added sugar
A new study reveals that American toddlers aged 19-23 months consume an average of over 7 teaspoons of added sugar per day, with 60% consuming it before their first birthday. This excessive sugar intake is linked to various health risks and may influence food preferences later in life.
The Fontan circulation
The Fontan operation creates nonpulsatile pulmonary flow, leading to unique physiological consequences impacting the cardiovascular system and beyond. Innovative management strategies are needed to maintain quality of life and extend life expectancy in long-term survivors.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 10, 2018
Heart transplantation for adult CHD: Overview and special considerations
With improved surgical and medical management, more children with CHD survive to adulthood, leading to an increasing number of adult heart transplants. Approximately 300,000 adults with CHD have severe cases, making early recognition and referral crucial for successful transplantation.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 10, 2018
Development of vaccines from AIDS to Zika, using a novel 'plug and play' viral platform
Researchers develop flexible vaccine platform for single-dose protection against a range of infectious diseases. The technology offers rapid, large-scale production and is suitable for repeated use.
New research reveals benefits of a vegetarian diet
A vegetarian diet has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. High-quality plant-based foods are also linked to reduced weight gain, lower cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of death.
Improving Americans' diets could save billions in health-related costs
A 20% increase in US adults' adherence to healthy dietary patterns could save $30-47 billion annually, primarily due to reductions in heart disease and cancer costs. Increasing adherence to the Mediterranean-style diet could lead to annual savings of $21-26 billion.
30 percent of the UK's natural gas could be replaced by hydrogen, cutting carbon emissions
Researchers from Swansea University found that enriching natural gas with hydrogen is a promising way to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions. By increasing the hydrogen content to 30%, domestic carbon emissions could be reduced by up to 18% without requiring any changes to appliances.
Left ventricular systolic function after pulmonary valve replacement
After pulmonary valve replacement, patients with severe right ventricular volume overload due to pulmonary regurgitation often present with decreased RV function. However, the study found that preoperative LV systolic dysfunction is the only independent predictor of postoperative improvement in LV systolic function.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 10, 2018
Enzyme found to control formation of collagen carriers and inhibit collagen secretion
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology identified USP8 as a key enzyme controlling large collagen carrier formation. The enzyme inhibits collagen secretion when active, promoting its transport instead.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJun 10, 2018
Breaking laws, making glass
At temperatures near absolute zero, systems of atoms violate basic laws of statistical mechanics and thermodynamics. A novel non-equilibrium state, coined as dynamical glass phase, is observed where energy is not evenly distributed, leading to a new understanding of complex systems.
D-Transposition of the great arteries: a new era in cardiology
D-transposition of the great arteries is a cyanotic congenital heart disease affecting 3-5% of CHDs, with surgical management evolving to anatomic repair. Clinicians must closely monitor patients through adulthood and beyond for long-term outcomes.
SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 10, 2018
Treg cells protect babies from getting HIV infection from their mothers
Research finds higher Treg lymphocyte levels in uninfected babies born to mothers with HIV, suggesting a protective mechanism against infection. This discovery could pave the way for vaccine or immune-based therapies to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to their babies.
Negative rapid test results may delay antiviral therapy in patients with severe influenza
A recent study found that half of ICU patients with severe influenza received false negative rapid influenza antigen test (RIAT) results, delaying antiviral therapy. The researchers suggest that testing lower respiratory tract samples is crucial for diagnosis and treatment in such cases.