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Mount Sinai finds those with more difficult to treat forms of HCV are half as likely to get treated

Researchers found that patients with more difficult-to-treat forms of hepatitis C are less likely to initiate treatment, with marital status and comorbidities being significant factors. Mount Sinai is now launching a program to increase support systems for patients, aiming to improve treatment rates.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved·DateNov 9, 2009

Eat soybeans to prevent diseases

Researchers have found that soybeans contain high levels of tocopherols, which have antioxidant properties and may play a role in cardiovascular diseases and cancer prevention. The study suggests that selection for high α-tocopherol content in soybeans will be possible, making it easier to develop functional foods with specific health-...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 29, 2009

Genetic risk for anxiety does not have to be destiny

A new study challenges the idea that individuals with certain genotypes are predestined to negative life outcomes. Infants raised in small social groups were more likely to be aggressive and anxious, particularly those with a low activity MAOA genotype. However, no genotype effects were evident in monkeys reared in larger social cages.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2009

Shorter HCV treatment shows notable success

Two new studies found that treating Hepatitis C with peginterferon and ribavirin for shorter durations can yield similar success rates to longer treatments, with cost savings and reduced risk of serious side effects. Patients' HCV-RNA levels after 4 weeks may be an important factor in determining the best treatment length.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJan 2, 2008

Clones on task serve greater good, evolutionary study shows

Researchers at Michigan State University found that clones with similar genetic traits outperformed those with varied genetics, producing more flowers and potentially increasing reproduction. The study suggests that a gene called Erecta plays a role in this variation, but further research is needed to confirm the findings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2007

Numerous factors affect success of interferon treatment for hepatitis C

A new study analyzed predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The results identified several independent factors that impact SVR, including low levels of HCV in the blood, absence of cirrhosis, and genotype other than genotype 1. Patients treated with pegylated interferon alfa...

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateJul 2, 2007

Doubts cast on organophosphate poisoning as cause of Gulf War Syndrome depression

A new study by researchers at the University of Bristol found that genetic vulnerability, not organophosphate exposure, may be a factor in Gulf War veterans' and farmers' depression. The study suggests that everyday toxins and activities, rather than specific chemical hazards, are likely to contribute to depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateDec 20, 2006

Environmental effects on genetic adaptation and population dynamics

A study on Glanville fritillary butterflies found that genetic variation affects population growth, with different genotypes favored in small versus large meadows due to differences in maturation and egg-laying strategies. The results suggest a complex relationship between genotype, habitat, and population dynamics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 24, 2006

Study of Latina women and children finds large variation in susceptibility to pesticides

A new study published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics found significant variability in pesticide susceptibility among Latina women and their newborns. The researchers used PON1 enzyme activity as a marker for pesticide resistance and discovered that genetic variants can significantly affect enzyme levels, particularly in children.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPharmacogenetics and Genomics·DateMar 2, 2006

Nearly a quarter of children are especially susceptible to respiratory illness if they are exposed to second-hand smoke

Children with a specific gene variation are more susceptible to respiratory illness when exposed to second-hand smoke. The USC study found that these children are four times more likely to miss school due to lower-respiratory illness, and their risk increases with exposure to multiple smokers.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 15, 2005

Treating children with chronic hepatitis C

A new study found that peginterferon-alfa-2b with ribavirin was well-tolerated and yielded a sustained viral response in 59% of children with chronic hepatitis C. Patients infected via needle or with normal liver enzyme levels responded better to treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMay 2, 2005

Gene may inhibit smokers from quitting

A specific gene variation, CYP2A6del, may inhibit smokers from quitting and protect against pulmonary emphysema. The study found that this allele was more common in heavy smokers who consumed fewer cigarettes and had a lower risk of developing lung disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateJun 30, 2003