Chronic News and Research

RSS

Removal of single mitochondrial protein leads to severe inflammation

The link between mitochondria and inflammation is still unclear. But it is known is that, for example, the accumulation of defective mitochondria, which should have been removed, causes inflammation.

10 Apr 2018

Study finds high COPD prevalence among China's adult population

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is widespread in China with 8.6 percent of the country's adult population - almost 100 million people -suffering from the chronic lung disease, according to a new Tulane University study published in The Lancet.

10 Apr 2018

Lingering negative emotions after minor stressors can impact long-term health

People whose negative emotional responses to stress carry over to the following day are more likely to report health problems and physical limitations later in life compared with peers who are able to "let it go," according to findings published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

9 Apr 2018

Study finds link between industry payments and prescription practices for two cancer types

Physicians who received payment from pharmaceutical companies for meals, talks and travel were more likely to prescribe those companies' drugs for two cancer types, a University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center-led study has found.

9 Apr 2018

Patient's mucus may help predict type of chronic sinusitis

By April, nearly one-third of the U.S. is already experiencing high pollen levels while the weather and temperatures continue to fluctuate, aggravating sinus symptoms. A patient's mucus may predict the type of his or her chronic sinusitis, which could help doctors determine whether surgery or medical treatments can produce the best outcomes, according to a recently published Vanderbilt study.

9 Apr 2018

People living near oil and gas facilities may have greater health risks

People living near oil and gas facilities along Colorado's Northern Front Range may be exposed to hazardous air pollutants, including carcinogens like benzene, that could pose health risks above levels deemed acceptable by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health, Boulder County Public Health, CU Boulder, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the University of California Irvine.

9 Apr 2018

Using the Microbiome to Predict the Risk of Cirrhosis-Associated Hospitalization

The microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that colonize the human body. Dr. Jasmohan Bajaj discusses the relationship between the microorganisms in the gut and cirrhosis, and how microbiome analysis can be used to predict the risk of cirrhosis-associated hospitalizations.

7 Apr 2018

New guideline on use of endoscopic eradication therapy in Barrett's esophagus

The latest issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the official journal of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, includes a new society guideline on use of endoscopic eradication therapy Barrett's esophagus.

6 Apr 2018

Newly expanded program at Rush offers relief from pelvic floor problems

Trouble with urine or bowel control, bladder pain, recurring urinary tract infections, constipation and other sexual function issues frequently can be traced to a dysfunctional pelvic floor -- the layer of muscles that support the bladder and bowel in men, and bladder, bowel and vagina in women.

6 Apr 2018

Penn research provides unprecedented insight into kidney physiology and disease

The kidney is a highly complex organ – far beyond a simple filter. Its function requires intricate interactions between many highly specialized cell types to extract waste, balances body fluids, form urine, regulate blood pressure, and secrete hormones.

6 Apr 2018

Researchers discover Tfh cell dysfunction in HIV-infected patients

A team of chemical and biomedical engineers from the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, have discovered that HIV-infected patients experience a dysfunction in a certain type of immune cell: the follicular helper T (Tfh) cell.

6 Apr 2018

Study identifies factors that lead to increased HIV testing among young adults

A new study has identified factors that lead to increased HIV testing among young adults, specifically how a person's race, sex/gender, and sexual orientation is connected to their likelihood of getting tested for HIV.

6 Apr 2018

Johnson & Johnson announces FDA clearance to expand indication for Acclarent AERA device

Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies today announced that Acclarent, Inc., a leader in developing minimally-invasive Ear, Nose & Throat technologies, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expand the indication for the Acclarent AERA® Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation System to include its use in patients as young as 18. The device was previously cleared only for adults aged 22 and older.

From Johnson & Johnson 6 Apr 2018

Negative fateful life events appear to accelerate brain aging, study finds

Conflict, a death in the family, financial hardship and serious medical crises are all associated with accelerated physical aging. In a new study, researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that such negative fateful life events -- or FLEs -- appear to also specifically accelerate aging in the brain.

5 Apr 2018

Chronic illnesses plus functional limitations increase death risk for older heart failure patients

Heart failure affects more than 6 million people in the U.S.--most of whom are older adults. Roughly half the older adults who have heart failure also live with five or more other chronic health conditions.

5 Apr 2018

Researchers identify macrophage populations involved in development of atherosclerosis

Stroke and heart attack are the leading cause of death in the Western world. Würzburg scientists have used a special technique to get a clearer picture of the cells involved and their activity.

5 Apr 2018

Researchers study how often healthcare providers prescribe anticholinergics for older adults

Anticholinergics are a class of medications that are often prescribed for allergies, lung disease, and urinary incontinence. They also often can increase health risks for older adults.

5 Apr 2018

Social barriers may prevent weight loss in obese children

A new study has found that parental mental health or financial stress and childhood behavioral issues can negatively impact weight loss in children.

5 Apr 2018

Study suggests Tai Chi as low-cost alternative to pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD patients

Finding ways to help patients with COPD improve their functional status is an area of interest for pulmonary healthcare providers. Currently, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is used where available to improve exercise capacity and quality of life, but the treatment requires access to trained staff and specialized facilities.

5 Apr 2018

Anti-TNF medications appear to be safe for use during pregnancy, study shows

Anti-tumor necrosis factor medications are effective in controlling chronic inflammatory diseases, but some physicians recommend that their patients discontinue them during pregnancy.

5 Apr 2018