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Novel mathematical method reveals genetic distinction between individuals

At a time when profound gaps remain in our understanding of how one person's genes differ from another person's, developing accurate methods to interpret the human genome is essential to uncover population history, population relationships and the genetic basis of some of the most common diseases affecting society.

9 Nov 2011

Three common scales are not accurate predictors of severe dehydration in children

A physician team from Rhode Island Hospital led a study to evaluate the accuracy of the commonly used dehydration scales as they apply to children in a low-income country. Based on their experience in Rwanda, the researchers determined that none of the three scales were accurate predictors of severe dehydration in children with diarrhea and/or vomiting.

9 Nov 2011

Celgene to initiate apremilast Phase III placebo-controlled trial for ankylosing spondylitis

Celgene International Sàrl, a subsidiary of Celgene Corporation, today announced data from a Phase II study of apremilast, its investigational oral immunomodulatory compound, in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were presented at the American College of Rheumatology Scientific Meeting in Chicago, IL.

9 Nov 2011

Judge blocks FDA rule on new cigarette pack warning images

Federal Judge Richard Leon says the regulation ordering cigarette makers to put graphic images on the packages may "unconstitutionally compel speech."

9 Nov 2011

Native Americans, Hispanics and Asians have higher incidence of lupus

In an abstract being presented today during the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago, Dr. S. Sam Lim of Emory University School of Medicine will present data showing that black women have a significantly higher incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus than most reports in the scientific literature.

9 Nov 2011

Benefits of hormone replacement therapy in protecting women from Alzheimer's inconclusive

A rigorous evaluation of the scientific literature reveals that the jury is still out when it comes to hormone replacement therapy and a woman's risk for Alzheimer's disease. Alzforum (http://www.alzforum.org) asked prominent scientists to analyze the results of published studies examining the effects of estrogen or estrogen-plus-progesterone therapy on women.

9 Nov 2011

Salix to acquire Oceana Therapeutics

Oceana Therapeutics LLC, a privately owned global company focused on commercializing best-in-class specialty therapeutics, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement for the sale of its operating subsidiary, Oceana Therapeutics, Inc. to Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. of Raleigh, NC.

9 Nov 2011

UCSB researchers study how genotypes can express themselves differently as a function of culture

Two psychologists at UC Santa Barbara have provided a new twist on the old adage that people are products of both nature and nurture, in introducing a framework for understanding how these influences interact.

9 Nov 2011

Study examines psychological factors related to diabetes management

Genetics play a critical role in developing diabetes. So do eating properly, exercising and not smoking. According to a new study by an Ithaca College psychology professor and her two colleagues, people with diabetes who see themselves as responsible for their disease onset blame themselves for making poor lifestyle choices and are significantly less likely to monitor their glucose levels, properly inject themselves and make lifestyle choices that would benefit their condition.

9 Nov 2011

Strong clean indoor air laws associated with voluntary smokefree home rules

Second hand smoke exposure among nonsmokers has declined over time as clean indoor air laws have been adopted. However, there has been concern that such laws might encourage smokers to smoke more in their homes or other private venues. Children living in a home with an adult smoker are up to twice as likely to take up smoking themselves.

9 Nov 2011

Appeals court rules health law's individual mandate constitutional

News outlets are covering the appeals court decision in the Susan Seven-Sky vs. Holder challenge to the health law. The judges split two-to-one, with Reagan and Carter appointees in the majority and a George W. Bush appointee dissenting.

9 Nov 2011

Role of Vitamin D in preventing heart disease in children both HIV-positive and HIV-negative

While Vitamin D is essential for proper bone health, a number of research studies have linked it to guarding against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. It is unique among vitamins in that it is made by the body in response to sunlight but is naturally present in very few foods. Recent studies have confirmed that vitamin D deficiency is common, even in sunny states such as Florida.

9 Nov 2011

Insulin resistance associated with cortical atrophy and brain dysfunction

Many complications of diabetes, including kidney disease, foot problems and vision problems are generally well recognized. But the disease's impact on the brain is often overlooked.

9 Nov 2011

Indian researchers receive grant to develop 'E-Nose' for quick TB diagnosis

"Researchers are developing an electronic nose that would sniff out tuberculosis (TB) like a Breathalyzer detects alcohol, putting an end to current time-consuming tests and possibly saving hundreds of thousands of lives each year," the Globe and Mail reports (D'Aliesio, 11/7).

9 Nov 2011

Seriously ill adults skip needed care due to costs and medical debt

Chronically and seriously ill adults who received care from a medical home-an accessible primary care practice that helps coordinate care-were less likely to report medical errors, test duplication, and other care coordination failures, according to a new Commonwealth Fund international survey of patients' experiences in the U.S. and 10 other high-income countries.

9 Nov 2011

EI-IC bypass surgery does not lower risk of stroke recurrence in patients with TIA

A surgical procedure aimed at bypassing a blocked artery that supplies blood to the brain did not lower the subsequent stroke rate after 2 years in people who previously had a minor stroke, compared to those who did not have the surgery.

9 Nov 2011

Brain hypoxia associated with poor short-term outcome after severe TBI

Low oxygen supply (hypoxia) to vulnerable brain tissue is a major contributor to the risk of death or major disability after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), reports a study in the November issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

9 Nov 2011

Psychology graduate students face gap in training opportunities

The New York Times reports on a lack of internships available to students graduating in clinical psychology.

9 Nov 2011

More than 3 million Americans quit smoking every year

The United States is winning the war against smoking. More than 3 million Americans quit smoking every year and fewer are adopting the unhealthy and expensive habit.

9 Nov 2011

Teenage girls with recurrent PID face fivefold risk of chronic pelvic pain and high rates of infertility

A study of the long-term consequences of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center shows repeated bouts of the disease can double a woman's risk of infertility and quadruple her risk of chronic pelvic pain.

9 Nov 2011