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Microglia prune connections between neurons

Gardeners know that some trees require regular pruning: some of their branches have to be cut so that others can grow stronger. The same is true of the developing brain: cells called microglia prune the connections between neurons, shaping how the brain is wired, scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Monterotondo, Italy, discovered.

22 Jul 2011

Summer heat prompts SCAN to issue dehydration warning for seniors

Seniors are six times more likely to be admitted to the hospital due to dehydration than adults ages 45-64. Prompted by the summer heat, SCAN Health Plan Arizona is issuing a warning to seniors to stay hydrated and know the signs of dehydration.

21 Jul 2011

Medically treated patients with GERD more likely to develop esophageal cancer

Medically treated patients with mild or no symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are at higher risk for developing esophageal cancer than those with severe GERD symptoms, according to a University of Pittsburgh study published in the current issue of Archives of Surgery.

19 Jul 2011

Zocor, Crestor drugs may cause serious muscle and kidney problems

Crestor and Zocor are widely-used prescription strength drugs designed to lower "bad cholesterol". Both drugs are classified as "statins", medicine which lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase.

16 Jul 2011

Novel combined technique for treating neoplastic meningitis, hydrocephalus

Approximately five to ten percent of patients with primary or metastatic cancer suffer from devastating neurological complications such as headaches, seizures, confusion, difficulty swallowing and visual disturbances. These deficits are caused by a life-threatening form of brain invasion from cancer called neoplastic meningitis.

15 Jul 2011

Majority of tonsil surgery in children performed during summer vacation

Scheduling tonsils to be removed figures into many parents' itineraries for their childrens' summer vacation, right up there with summer camp stays and family reunions. An estimated 500,000 children have the procedure each year.

6 Jul 2011

Protect your ears from loud noise of fireworks, trains, and concerts

The sounds of summer can be noisy. "Fireworks, trains, concerts and road construction can be harmful to your hearing. And once hearing is damaged, it cannot be repaired," said Jyoti Bhayani, certified audiologist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, part of Loyola University Health System.

30 Jun 2011

Rush scientist receives NIH grant to evaluate whether cinnamon may treat MS

A neurological scientist at Rush University Medical Center has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to evaluate whether cinnamon, a common food spice and flavoring material, may stop the destructive process of multiple sclerosis.

23 Jun 2011

UK’s first larynx transplant

In a first, UK will get its voicebox or larynx transplant in less than a year after the Royal College of Surgeons gave its seal of approval for trials to take place. A report by the college said the pioneering procedure could help people who had cancer of the larynx to speak and breathe normally again.

19 Jun 2011

PDA urges public to undergo screening for oral cancer

Oral cancer claims more lives than leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, or skin cancer. In 2010, approximately 36,540 Americans were diagnosed with this largely preventable type of cancer that affects the mouth and throat; 7,880 died of the disease. Early detection is essential to dramatically reduce the number of deaths from oral cancer.

18 Jun 2011

Prior GID diagnosis impacts health outcomes of patients with Parkinson's

A new study investigating the incidence and impact of gastrointestinal disorders (GID) among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) found that patients who received both a PD diagnosis and a prior GID diagnosis appeared to have worse health outcomes compared to patients who received a diagnosis for PD with no prior GID diagnosis.

16 Jun 2011

Researchers discover new drug target that may effectively prevent onset of Huntington's disease

McMaster University researchers have discovered a new drug target that may be effective at preventing the onset of Huntington's disease, working much the same way heart medications slow the progression of heart disease and reduce heart attacks.

1 Jun 2011

Fallout from NY-26 election makes Dems gleeful, Republicans defensive

The results from the special congressional election in New York earlier this week have caused Democrats to feel that their political fortunes may be turning on the issues of the GOP proposal to revamp Medicare. Republicans are scrambling to refine their message.

27 May 2011

First Edition: May 26, 2011

"If 60 Plus' goal was to inoculate Corwin from attacks on the Medicare issue, the effort failed badly. Corwin was beaten soundly by Democratic opponent Kathy Hochul, partly because of voter fears about House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's proposal to sharply transform Medicare".

26 May 2011

Feeding SimplyThick to premature infants may cause NEC, warns FDA

FDA is warning parents, caregivers and health care providers not to feed SimplyThick, a thickening agent for management of swallowing disorders, to infants born before 37 weeks.

21 May 2011

Health Canada approves EMEND IV formulation to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting

Today Merck announced that Health Canada has approved the new intravenous formulation of EMEND IV. Used in combination with a 5-HT3 antagonist class of antiemetics and dexamethasone, fosaprepitant dimeglumine is indicated for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting due to highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.

12 May 2011

Intensive exercise can help improve facial nerve damage

A research study conducted at Washington State University Spokane offers hope to those suffering from facial nerve damage. According to the study, which was published online this week in the journal Developmental Neurohabilitation, muscle weakness resulting from facial nerve damage incurred during childhood can improve with intensive facial exercise, years after injury.

11 May 2011

Submandibular gland transfer can help prevent dry mouth in cancer patients

For patients suffering from cancer in the mouth or throat, a recent study shows that a treatment called submandibular gland transfer will assist in preventing a radiation-induced condition called xerostomia.

5 May 2011

AstraZeneca receives FDA approval for NEXIUM I.V. to treat GERD with erosive esophagitis

AstraZeneca announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of NEXIUM I.V. for Injection for children ages greater than 1 month old for the short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with erosive esophagitis when oral therapy is not possible or appropriate.

3 May 2011

New study identifies less invasive therapy for ACE inhibitor side-effects

A new Henry Ford Hospital study takes a closer look at one of the lesser known, but potential most serious side-effects of ACE inhibitor use - facial, tongue and airway swelling - and identifies a successful and less invasive course of treatment.

29 Apr 2011