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USF granted patent for cell transplantation procedure

The University of South Florida's Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair has been granted a patent for a cell transplantation procedure combining human umbilical cord blood cells and a sugar-alcohol compound called "mannitol" that may make a big difference in treating life-threatening neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke, among others.

8 Jul 2010

Standard Process launches new ProSynbiotic product

By our first birthday, we've acquired over 400 bacterial passengers in our gastrointestinal tract. Our gut microbes, or "bugs," work to keep our complex and diverse gut ecosystem in balance. Unfortunately, the trials of daily life-stressful events, aging, diet, or immune challenges-can be hard on these bugs. Standard Process Inc. introduces a new product, ProSynbiotic, to help our body maintain a healthy, balanced gut ecosystem.

8 Jul 2010

Vitamin E may help prevent cognitive deterioration in elderly people: Study

High levels of several vitamin E components in the blood are associated with a decreased risk for Alzheimer's disease in advanced age, suggesting that vitamin E may help prevent cognitive deterioration in elderly people. This is the conclusion reached in a Swedish study published in the July 2010 issue of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

8 Jul 2010

Patent issued for jellyfish protein for therapeutic application

Quincy Bioscience, a research-based biotechnology company, announced the issuance of United States patent No.7,671,015. The patent covers the use of aequorin-containing compounds for the purpose of preventing and alleviating symptoms and disorders related to calcium imbalance.

7 Jul 2010

Use of NSAIDs do not increase risk of heart attack in elderly patients: Study

Commonly used painkillers like ibuprofen do not increase the risk of heart attack in the elderly population, according to a new study. Researchers found that the use of these drugs - also called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - was also associated with a lower risk of death although they are not sure why.

7 Jul 2010

LBP related beliefs, behaviors affect disability more than pain intensity: Study

Approximately 10% of low back pain (LBP) sufferers experience persistent pain and significant disability. In a study published in the August issue of Pain, a group of Australian researchers investigating the relevance of health literacy in patients with chronic lower back pain (CLBP) found that LBP-related beliefs and behaviors affect a person's disability more than pain intensity or a standard measure of functional health literacy.

7 Jul 2010

Nearly 60% of Ontarians with rheumatoid arthritis fail to receive needed care from specialists: Study

Nearly 60 per cent of Ontarians with rheumatoid arthritis - an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints - were not seen by a specialist within a one year period to treat the debilitating disease, according to a new study. Even more concerning is that women of child-bearing age are less likely to see a specialist than women 45 or older, say researchers from St. Michael's Hospital, the Institute for Clinical and Evaluative Sciences, and Women's College Hospital

7 Jul 2010

ASPREE study aims to assess health benefits of aspirin

In an effort to extend the length of a disability-free life for older adults, researchers from Rush University Medical Center are partnering with colleagues from across the U.S. and Australia in the largest international trial ever sponsored by the National Institute on Aging.

7 Jul 2010

Slow rate of living and reduced energy metabolism is sufficient to increase longevity: Study

Don't put down the red wine and vitamins just yet, but if you're taking antioxidants because you hope to live longer, consider this: a new study published in the June 2010 issue of the journal GENETICS casts doubt on the theory that oxidative stress to our tissues shortens lifespan. That's because researchers from McGill University in Canada have identified mutations in 10 different genes of worms (genes believed to have counterparts in humans) that extend their lifespan without reducing the level of oxidative stress the worms suffer.

7 Jul 2010

POMC neurons suppress appetite, induce weight loss: Research

A protein found in cells throughout the body must be present in a specific set of neurons in the brain to prevent weight gain after chronic feeding on high-calorie meals, new findings from UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers suggest.

7 Jul 2010

Epworth Manor celebrates 90 years of community care on July 8, 2010

From its humble beginnings in 1919 as a home for 14 residents, to the now seven-acre campus housing and caring for up to 172 seniors, Epworth Manor will be celebrating 90 years of being part of the Tyrone and central Pennsylvania community. An outdoor celebration will take place on July 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will include a big band concert by the Hallmark's, refreshments, photographs and memorabilia. The celebration will take place on the Epworth campus located at 951 Washington Ave., Tyrone, Pa.

6 Jul 2010

Elsevier, SIOG launch Journal of Geriatric Oncology

Elsevier, the world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, and the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) announced today the launch of the Journal of Geriatric Oncology. The journal is focused on advancing research in the pathogenesis, biology, treatment, and survivorship issues of older adults with cancer. It covers all aspects of geriatric oncology, from basic scientific research through to clinical research, as well as research that is relevant to education and policy development.

6 Jul 2010

Study finds depression as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease

Depression is commonly reported in people with Alzheimer's disease and its precursor, mild cognitive impairment, with several studies suggesting having a history of major depression may nearly double your risk of developing dementia later in life. However, it has been unclear if depression is a symptom of the disease or a potential cause of the disease.

6 Jul 2010

Psychiatrist shortage may soon reach crisis levels

Demand for psychiatrists is growing faster than for any other medical specialty, according to a new survey by national physician search firm Merritt Hawkins, an AMN Healthcare Company.

3 Jul 2010

CNA Healthpro releases toolkit to enhance resident safety, minimize organizational risk in aging services

CNA recognizes the importance of patient/resident safety and risk management in the evolving world of healthcare. As one of the nation's leading providers of professional liability insurance for healthcare providers and organizations, CNA HealthPro recently published a risk management toolkit, "Special Resource: Protecting Residents, Reducing Liability Exposure - An Aging Services Resource from CNA HealthPro," which offers guidance on clinical, operational, and strategic subjects of concern to aging services providers.

3 Jul 2010

Anti-aging supplement: A fountain of hope for would-be mothers

According to the American Pregnancy Association, six million women a year deal with infertility. Now, a Tel Aviv University study is giving new hope to women who want to conceive ― in the form of a pill they can find on their drugstore shelves right now.

2 Jul 2010

Pay-for-performance program may cause inequalities among healthcare providers

Pay-for-performance is an increasingly popular approach to improving health care quality. But the planned nationwide implementation of institutional bonuses mandated under federal health care reform threatens to act as a "reverse Robin Hood," potentially causing hospitals in less-advantaged regions to lose funds to health care facilities in more affluent areas of the country, according to a study published in the academic journal PLoS Medicine.

2 Jul 2010

Vitamin D inadequacy may cause metabolic syndrome among elderly people

A new study adds to the mounting evidence that older adults commonly have low vitamin D levels and that vitamin D inadequacy may be a risk factor for the metabolic syndrome, a condition that affects one in four adults. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society's 92nd Annual Meeting in San Diego.

2 Jul 2010

Research may provide key to understanding interplay between exercise, aging and neurogenesis

Stem cells in the brain remain dormant until called upon to divide and make more neurons. However, little has been known about the molecular guards that keep them quiet.

2 Jul 2010

Genes can predict longevity with 77% accuracy: Study

In an analysis of genes of more than 1,000 centenarians, American researchers have come to the conclusion that genes play a large role in completing a century in life. The research team studied 1,055 Caucasians born between 1890 and 1910 and compared them with 1,267 people born later. They claim that there are signatures in the genetic makeup of these people that have a possible link with their longevity.

2 Jul 2010