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Family history linked to increased risk of venous thrombosis

Children and siblings of those with venous thrombosis, or blood clots in the veins, appear to have more than double the risk of developing the condition than those without a family history, according to a report in the March 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

23 Mar 2009

Jaundice an unreliable method of predicting the baby's risk of hyperbilirubinemia

For hundreds of years, doctors, nurses and midwives have visually examined newborn babies for the yellowish skin tones that signify jaundice, judging that more extensive jaundice carried a greater risk of illness.

23 Mar 2009

Red and processed meat linked to greater risk of death from all causes

Individuals who eat more red meat and processed meat appear to have a modestly increased risk of death from all causes and also from cancer or heart disease over a 10-year period, according to a report in the March 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

23 Mar 2009

DNA duplication - mechanism for 'survival of the fittest'

Some 65 million years ago, the earth's most recent 'mass extinction' took place.

23 Mar 2009

Cubist Pharmaceuticals files patent infringement case against Teva Parenteral Medicines

Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has confirmed that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Teva Parenteral Medicines, Inc. (TPM), Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

23 Mar 2009

Common gene variations found to influence risk factor for sudden cardiac death

A new study has identified several common genetic variants related to a risk factor for sudden cardiac death.

23 Mar 2009

Combination of very low LDL and normal systolic blood pressure attenuate coronary artery disease

New data published in the March 31, 2009, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology show that patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who achieve very low levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol along with normal systolic blood pressure have the slowest progression of CAD.

23 Mar 2009

Thinning of right hemisphere in brain a marker for familial form of depression

Findings from one of the largest-ever imaging studies of depression indicate that a structural difference in the brain - a thinning of the right hemisphere - appears to be linked to a higher risk for depression, according to new research at Columbia University Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute.

23 Mar 2009

Coenzyme rare to bacteria critical to Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival

Coenzyme F420, a small molecule that helps certain enzymes transfer electrons, is found in microorganisms known as methane-producing archaea, some of which thrive in extreme environments.

23 Mar 2009

Clostridium difficile infection in primary care

The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is changing rapidly and has been marked by a significant increase in incidence and severity.

23 Mar 2009

CDC analysis finds unique social and behavior intervention helps reduce MRSA rates up to 62 percent

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Plexus Institute (Plexus) today announce results from an analysis of a multifaceted methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevention program that employed positive deviance (PD), a novel approach to social and behavioral change, to trigger significant reductions in MRSA incidence ranging from 26 to 62 percent at participating hospitals.

23 Mar 2009

Tiny genetic change keeps nicotine from binding to muscle cells

A tiny genetic mutation is the key to understanding why nicotine--which binds to brain receptors with such addictive potency--is virtually powerless in muscle cells that are studded with the same type of receptor.

23 Mar 2009

Distinct electric signature in brain predicts blunders

From spilling a cup of coffee to failing to notice a stop sign, everyone makes an occasional error due to lack of attention.

23 Mar 2009

Approach to treat osteoporosis might increase bone cancer risk

One approach being considered as a new way to treat osteoporosis is the development of molecules that block the action of proteins that inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway.

23 Mar 2009

Facial flushing after drinking alcohol could be a sign of esophageal cancer

There is growing evidence, say researchers in this week's PLoS Medicine , that people who experience facial flushing after drinking alcohol are at much higher risk of esophageal cancer from alcohol consumption than those who do not.

23 Mar 2009

Levels of PLTP enzyme in blood should be a consideration for potential statin treatment

In a patient study of over 1,000 individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), researchers have found that high levels of an enzyme called PLTP significantly increased the risk of heart attack in the subset of patients taking statins.

23 Mar 2009

New theory on tumor growth and metastasis based on differences in tissue pressure

The HFSP Journal, the interdisciplinary journal for scientists conducting high quality, innovative research at the interface between biology and the physical sciences is pleased to announce that the latest article modelling of tumor growth and metastasis in now available online.

23 Mar 2009

Preliminary health insurer survey results indicate some patients want to know physician's race when selecting provider

According to preliminary results of an automated phone survey by Highmark, some health plan members would like the race of physicians included in the insurer's physician directory, the Pittsburgh Tribune Review reports.

23 Mar 2009

Vietnam to include input from HIV-positive people for new prevention project

An institute in Vietnam is formulating a new HIV/AIDS prevention project that will include input from people living with the disease, the Vietnamese News Agency reports.

23 Mar 2009

Ugandan Army to make HIV/AIDS education part of military training

The Ugandan army plans to include HIV/AIDS prevention and care information as part of its training curriculum, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, chief of defense forces, said recently, the New Vision reports. "In the 1990s, the army was affected by HIV/AIDS," he said, adding, "Our resolve then and now has been to learn to leave in the spirit of togetherness to fight the epidemic."

23 Mar 2009