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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

NEJM Letters respond to recent studies on malaria vaccines, treatments

The New England Journal of Medicine in its March 19 issue featured a letter to the editor written in response to a study published in its Dec. 11 issue reporting the results of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine trial.

23 Mar 2009

Ghanaian officials urge media to contribute to tuberculosis awareness

The media should contribute to addressing tuberculosis in Ghana by disseminating information about TB transmission and encouraging the public to attend screenings, Frank Bonsu, program manager for the country's National Tuberculosis Control Program, said recently, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation reports. Bonsu spoke during a one-day TB advocacy workshop for media at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

23 Mar 2009

New tuberculosis vaccine effective in animal testing

A new tuberculosis vaccine candidate developed by researchers at Canada's McMaster University has proven effective in animal testing, the researchers announced Thursday, the Hamilton Spectator reports.

23 Mar 2009

U.S. tuberculosis rate in 2008 at record low

Tuberculosis rates in the U.S. reached a record low in 2008, but the disease still disproportionately affects minority and immigrant populations, according to a CDC report released Thursday in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Reuters reports.

23 Mar 2009

NGOs, businesses, health officials should collaborate on malaria control efforts, Ghanaian health official says

Nongovernmental organizations, businesses and health officials should collaborate to fight malaria in Ghana, Anthony Ofori, coordinator of Ghana's Malaria Control Program for the Brong Ahafo region, said recently at a one-day workshop for NGOs and other stakeholders in Fiapre, Ghana, the Ghanaian Times reports.

23 Mar 2009

Asian countries should strengthen health systems to address increasing drug-resistant tuberculosis

World Health Organization officials on Monday ahead of World TB Day on March 24 said that Asian countries should increase efforts to strengthen health systems to address an increase in cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis, AFP/Google.com reports.

23 Mar 2009

Drug-resistant tuberculosis increasing among U.S. immigrant populations

Although tuberculosis rates have declined in the U.S., drug-resistant strains of the disease are becoming increasingly prevalent in states with large immigrant populations, the AP/Google.com reports.

23 Mar 2009

U.S. health reform should not be modeled on Massachusetts health insurance law, according to report

Efforts to overhaul the U.S. health care system should not be modeled after the 2006 Massachusetts health insurance law because the law does not include cost controls, according to a report released on Tuesday by researchers at the Institute for America's Future, the Boston Herald reports.

23 Mar 2009