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Researchers create computer algorithm to identify specific genes involved in breast cancer growth

Researchers from the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services have created a computer algorithm that successfully predicts whether estrogen is sending signals to cancer cells to grow into tumours in the breast. By finding this hormone receptor, known as estrogen receptor positive, physicians can prescribe anti-estrogen drug therapies, improving patient outcomes.

3 Dec 2013

Study identifies high burden of pain in older adults

More than half of older adults in the United States - an estimated 18.7 million people - have experienced bothersome pain in the previous month, impairing their physical function and underscoring the need for public health action on pain. Many of those interviewed by investigators for a study published in the current issue of PAIN- reported pain in multiple areas.

3 Dec 2013

Valproic acid can enhance neuronal regeneration following brachial plexus root avulsion

Brachial plexus root avulsion is the most serious type of peripheral nerve injury. Valproic acid has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects and promote neurite outgrowth in several peripheral nerve injury models. However, whether valproic acid can exert its beneficial effect on neurons after brachial plexus avulsion injury is currently unknown.

3 Dec 2013

Mixing energy drinks with alcohol may lead to more serious alcohol-related problems

Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is riskier than just drinking alcohol alone, according to a new study that examines the impact of a growing trend among young adults.

3 Dec 2013

Scientists explain new family of proteins that appear to play key role in cancer

Scientists have described a new family of proteins that appear to play a key role in cancer and might be targets for future cancer drugs.

3 Dec 2013

Virginia Mason first to use non-invasive FibroScan technology to evaluate liver diseases

Virginia Mason today becomes the first in the Pacific Northwest to use non-invasive FibroScan technology to evaluate disease stage in patients diagnosed with liver ailments.

3 Dec 2013

Newly identified protein could prove promising new drug target for AIDS

Researchers have identified a protein that causes loss of function in immune cells combatting HIV. The scientists report in a paper appearing online Dec. 2 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that the protein, Sprouty-2, is a promising target for future HIV drug development, since disabling it could help restore the cells' ability to combat the virus that causes AIDS.

2 Dec 2013

Recently discovered humanin peptide could lead to powerful new treatments for diabetes

Even if the obesity trend cannot be reversed, here's hope that it's partner in crime-diabetes-might be thwarted. New research published in the December 2013 issue of The FASEB Journal shows how a recently discovered human peptide, called humanin, could lead to powerful new treatments for some people living with diabetes.

2 Dec 2013

Study: Diet low in vitamin D can cause free radical damage in brain

A new study led by University of Kentucky researchers suggests that a diet low in vitamin D causes damage to the brain.

2 Dec 2013

Investigators use new technique to identify pathogens faster, directly from clinical samples

A team of Danish investigators has shown how to identify pathogens faster, directly from clinical samples. The research, published online ahead of print in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology appears in the journal's January 2014 issue.

2 Dec 2013

Long-term untreated PTSD symptoms may increase risk of cardiovascular health

There is growing concern that long-term untreated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms may increase the risk of developing a number of medical problems, particularly compromised cardiovascular health.

2 Dec 2013

BAL findings boost non-smoking COPD distinction

Research shows that smoking status, and not airway obstruction, determines the distribution of T cell subsets in bronchoalveolar lavage in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

2 Dec 2013

Midurethral sling dominates female SUI treatment

Analysis of US data reveals that the midurethral sling for female stress urinary incontinence has been widely adopted over the past decade, and this is the primary reason for a decline in the use of traditional surgical techniques for the condition.

2 Dec 2013

Nocturia common in Japanese patients

Results from an outpatient-based study indicate that nocturia is common among Japanese patients, with men, the elderly, and those with hypertension at the greatest risk.

2 Dec 2013

Insomnia symptoms linked to increased mortality

Certain aspects of insomnia are associated with an increased risk for mortality, shows an analysis of a large cohort of US men.

2 Dec 2013

Four-drug regimen shows first-line efficacy in advanced NSCLC

A four-drug combination of cetuximab, bevacizumab, carboplatin, and paclitaxel is effective and has acceptable safety as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, US researchers report.

2 Dec 2013

Vitamin D status optimization could cut pneumonia cases

A large US population-based study confirms that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with the risk for community-acquired pneumonia.

2 Dec 2013

Hypertension organ risk revealed in Chinese patients

A study of Chinese patients warns of the risk for target organ damage from untreated hypertension, especially for younger patients.

2 Dec 2013

New biomarkers to improve diagnostics of prostate cancer

New biomarkers will improve diagnostics of endemic diseases in future, such as prostate cancer. Their mission: to recognize the tumor earlier and classify it more precisely - thereby helping avoid unnecessary operations.

2 Dec 2013

Parents' unsociable work hours may have negative consequences for children

A comprehensive review of studies on parents' work schedules and child development spanning the last three decades shows that parents' work schedules in evenings, nights and weekends, so called "nonstandard work schedules" or "unsociable work hours", may have negative consequences for children. When parents work such hours, children tended to have more behavioral problems, poorer cognitive ability (e.g., language, reading and mathematics), and were more likely to be overweight or obese than children in families where parents mostly worked during the daytime hours and week day.

2 Dec 2013