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Hospital bugs get from bottom to bedrail

Research finds that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can contaminate hospital surfaces and patient hands through stool samples, increasing the risk of infections. The study also reveals a significant link between intestinal colonization and S. aureus skin presence in hospitalized patients.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·DateSep 12, 2007

Survey reveals disparities in skin cancer knowledge, protection among high school students

A survey of 369 Florida high school students found that white Hispanic teens were more likely to use tanning beds and less likely to protect themselves from the sun, compared to their white non-Hispanic peers. White Hispanics have a lower rate of skin cancer but are often diagnosed at a later stage, suggesting differences in knowledge ...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateAug 20, 2007

Patient's own platelets may speed up skin wound healing

A study by University of Cincinnati researcher David Hom found that treating skin wounds with a concentrated topical gel of the patient's own blood platelets resulted in faster healing. The gel showed a statistically significant increased wound closure compared to antibiotic ointment, with some sites closing up to two days earlier.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMay 21, 2007

Less sun better than using sunscreen

A comprehensive review suggests that wearing protective clothing is a more effective way to prevent skin cancer and sun damage than relying on sunscreen. The review highlights the characteristics of clothing that can provide optimal protection, including tightly woven fabrics like denim and wool.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 2007

JCI table of contents: May 1, 2007

Researchers have found that mice lacking organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) exhibit reduced metformin effects on AMPK phosphorylation and glucose control. Additionally, seven mutations in OCT1 were identified in humans, which reduce metformin uptake, indicating the importance of OCT1 in mediating metformin's therapeutic effects.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2007

Smoking associated with aging of nonfacial skin

Researchers found a correlation between smoking and increased fine wrinkling in photo-protected skin, particularly among participants over 65. The study used a novel grading scale to assess the severity of skin aging, which was not previously available for photo-protected areas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMar 19, 2007

No reliable risk factors found for CA-MRSA

Studies by LA BioMed researchers found that close contacts of patients with CA-MRSA infection may be at higher risk of acquiring an infection. The findings suggest that CA-MRSA strains are more transmissible than traditional S. aureus strains, emphasizing the need for cautious treatment and contact isolation.

SourceLA BioMed·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 6, 2007

Scientists show drug can counteract muscular dystrophy in mice

Researchers demonstrate that trichostatin A can counteract muscular dystrophy in mice by promoting muscle regeneration and upregulating follistatin, a key protein involved in muscle development. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the drug in larger animals before it can be tested in humans.

Study compares treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis

A randomized, double-blind trial found PUVA therapy to be more effective than NB-UVB in treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Patients treated with PUVA achieved skin clearance in a significantly shorter number of treatments and had a higher rate of sustained clearance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJul 17, 2006

Melanoma may be over-diagnosed

Researchers have defined normal melanocyte numbers in sun-exposed skin, distinguishing sun damage from early melanoma. This finding allows for less tissue removal and trauma to the skin.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJul 17, 2006

Defective immune system response to smallpox vaccine detailed in new study

A new study reveals that people with eczema may benefit from smallpox vaccination due to their immune system's overproduction of inflammation-promoting molecules. The research suggests that developing drugs or creams to mimic the action of LL-37 or neutralizing IL-4 and IL-13 could be effective in boosting the immune response.

Beating the aging process naturally

Beta-glucan, a soluble fiber found in oat kernels, has been shown to penetrate the skin naturally, promoting wound healing and reducing scarring. The compound works through the inter-cellular lipid matrix to enter lower levels of the skin, making it a potential alternative to Botox for non-invasive treatments.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalInternational Journal of Cosmetic Science·DateSep 29, 2005

What causes psoriasis?

Researchers at the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology in Vienna have developed an animal model for psoriasis, revealing that epidermal alterations can initiate skin lesions and arthritis. The discovery challenges long-held beliefs about autoimmune diseases and provides a powerful tool for future studies.

Adults and children use over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams in safe amounts

A study by Michigan Medicine found that adults use over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams in limited and appropriate ways, with a 73% compliance rate. In children, hydrocortisone cream was used primarily for insect bites, rashes, eczema, and itchy skin, with 72% of use following recommended guidelines.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJun 9, 2005

Dermatologists use immunotherapy to treat warts

Researchers found that injecting a wart with a skin test antigen from mumps, Candida, or Trichophyton can clear the wart and other distant warts. Patients who responded to treatment were more likely to have an immune response to HPV, suggesting intralesional immunotherapy induces HPV-directed immunity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMay 16, 2005

Being too clean could be hazardous to your health and the environment

Research by Vikesland and his associates suggests that consumer products containing triclosan can produce chloroform when mixed with chlorinated water, which can be absorbed through skin or inhaled. The production of chloroform has implications for human health and the environment due to its potential to accumulate in body tissues.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 13, 2005