Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
A study found that young women with diseases requiring strict diets may experience unhealthy eating attitudes and behaviors, which can increase the risk of vascular complications and brain damage. The research highlights the need for clinicians to monitor signs of disordered eating in patients with chronic diseases.
Researchers found that the inferior parietal lobule is smaller in people with schizophrenia and 'built backward' from normal patterns in men. This abnormality may account for symptoms of distorted reality in schizophrenic patients.
A study of 14 patients with refractory Crohn's disease found that all participants responded to thalidomide treatment, with significant improvements in disease activity and fistula closure. The median daily steroid dose fell by over 70%, indicating a potential steroid-sparing effect.
A study by American Academy of Neurology finds that 'chasing the dragon' heroin use can produce a progressive brain disorder leading to permanent damage and death. Antioxidant therapy shows promise in treating the condition, but its effectiveness is uncertain.
Scientists have developed a new 'Knockout' mouse model that closely mimics the human kidney disorder IgA nephropathy, providing a promising lead for treatment. The researchers found that supplying deficient mice with uteroglobin prevented the disorder from occurring, mirroring human cases.
A study found that over 80% of wild rats in the US have HEV antibodies, suggesting they are a natural reservoir for the virus. This raises concerns about the possibility of infected rats transmitting the virus to humans, although experts emphasize there is no evidence of human risk.
A newly developed blood test detects 97% of adrenal gland tumors, providing earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The test measures levels of hormones metanephrine and normetanephrine, which are consistently elevated in pheochromocytomas.
A computerized system, developed by Purdue University engineers, matches patient CT scans with images in a large data base of previous patients' scans. This allows less-skilled medical personnel to aid in diagnoses by reducing the need for manual comparisons.
Researchers found that Thalomid significantly improved symptoms for two-thirds of patients with chronic, steroid-dependent or unresponsive Crohn's disease. Common side effects included drowsiness and peripheral neuropathy. The study suggests a Phase III trial using Thalomid to treat Crohn's disease should be conducted.
Researchers have discovered naturally occurring enzymes that can detoxify porphyrins, building blocks of haemoglobin, in a potential breakthrough for treating variegate porphyria. This rare disorder was passed down through the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II's first cousin Prince William of Gloucester.
African American and Mexican American adults have lower serum and red cell folates compared to white adults. This disparity underscores the importance of improving dietary habits and folate supplements among these populations. Lower folate levels are a risk factor for neural tube defects in offspring and potentially other diseases.
A mercury poisoning illness known as Minamata disease has resurfaced in the Amazon rainforest, affecting thousands of people. The disease, which causes severe neurological damage, is linked to consumption of methyl mercury-contaminated fish.
Australian scientists have discovered key facts about the Hendra disease, a mysterious virus that infects horses, cats, guinea pigs, and fruit bats. Research shows the virus can be transmitted through contaminated food and cat urine, and is often deadly, even if not highly contagious.
Researchers have designed a new genetic weapon called ribozymes to treat inherited human blindness by slowing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment targets the autosomal-dominant form of the disease and has shown significant protection of eye cells in lab rats.
Scientists have successfully administered gene therapy orally, effectively curing lactose intolerance in rats. The study demonstrates the potential for an oral delivery system to treat other diseases, such as diabetes.
African tortoise ticks found on imported reptiles in Florida may carry heartwater, an exotic disease that kills livestock and wildlife. The US is considered a serious threat to the cattle, sheep, and goat industries, with no practical treatment for infected animals.
Researchers studied 93 gay men with HIV who showed no symptoms when they entered the trial. Stress levels were found to be significantly associated with disease progression, with higher severe life stress increasing the odds nearly fourfold over two years.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin Medical School have identified genes for two devastating genetic disorders affecting abnormal pigmentation, including Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and Chediak-Higashi syndrome. The discoveries may pave the way for genetic testing to identify patients and carriers, as well as new areas of biology.