Health News

Chemical imaging brings cancer tissue analysis into the digital age

Date: Jan-10-2014
A new method for analysing biological samples based on their chemical makeup is set to transform the way medical scientists examine diseased tissue.When tests are carried out on a patient's tissue today, such as to look for cancer, the test has to be interpreted by a histology specialist, and can take weeks to obtain a full result.Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) uses technologies that reveal how hundreds or thousands of chemical components are distributed in a tissue sample.

Anticoagulant medicine can reduce the risk of death and brain damage if a stroke occurs

Date: Jan-10-2014
Heart palpitations. Shortness of breath. Tiredness. More and more people can recognise the symptoms of atrial fibrillation, which is one of the most common types of heart disease. More than 65,000 Danes live with the disease, leading to a greatly increased risk of strokes, which are also known as apoplexy.New research shows that patients who take anticoagulant medicine against atrial fibrillation not only reduce the risk of a thrombosis in the brain: "Our study shows that the anticoagulant medicine also appears to protect the patients who still suffer the misfortune of a stroke.

Daily antibiotics most effective in preventing recurrent urinary tract infection

Date: Jan-10-2014
While daily antibiotic use is the most effective method for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections in women, daily cranberry pills, daily estrogen therapy and monthly acupuncture treatments also have benefits that may be preferable for some patients, according to a new study by researchers at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed).The study, published in the Jan.

The relationship between avocado consumption, satiety and blood sugar

Date: Jan-10-2014
New research published in a recent issue of Nutrition Journal reports adding one-half of a fresh avocado to a lunch may have helped healthy, overweight people feel more satisfied and reduced their desire to eat following a meal. The study was funded by the Hass Avocado Board.

Inhibiting the growth of cancer cells using nano-capsules

Date: Jan-10-2014
Researchers at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University have discovered a more effective drug delivery system using nanotechnology that could one day significantly affect cancer prevention.The study, published in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, involved the use of microscopic amounts of the naturally occurring antioxidant, luteolin, that were encapsulated in a water-soluble polymer. When injected into mice the nano-luteolin inhibited growth of lung cancer and head and neck cancer cells.

Classic suppressor of immunity may help in search for new therapies for bad infections

Date: Jan-10-2014
A well-documented suppressor of immunity that's used by fetuses and tumors alike, just may be able to change its spots, researchers report.In the face of a significant bacterial infection, for example, indoleomine 2,3-dioxegenase, or IDO, also appears capable of helping key immune cells called macrophages produce inflammation to destroy the invader, said Dr. Tracy L. McGaha, immunologist at the Medical College of Georgia at Georgia Regents University and GRU Cancer Center.

The ability to multitask may be in the genes

Date: Jan-10-2014
Human factors/ergonomics researchers have long studied the connection between cognitive function and the ability to perform well on multiple simultaneous tasks, and recently a group of neuroergonomics researchers went a step further to examine a genetic link to multitasking ability. Neuroergonomics is the study of the brain in relation to performance.

The first once-daily ICS/LABA treatment for asthma and COPD launches in the UK

Date: Jan-10-2014
GlaxoSmithKline and Theravance, Inc have announced the launch of RELVAR® ELLIPTA® (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) in the UK, the first inhaled corticosteroid/long acting beta2-agonist (ICS/LABA) combination to provide continuous 24-hour efficacy for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a practical once-daily dose.

Successful phase 3 trial for ST10 shows promise for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Date: Jan-10-2014
Shield Therapeutics (Shield), an independent specialty pharmaceutical company focusedon the development of mineral-derived hospital pharmaceuticals, has announced stronglypositive top-line data from the pivotal Phase 3 programme of ST10 for the treatment ofiron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).ST10, a novel orally-dosed form of ferric iron, delivered a mean improvement inhaemoglobin levels of 2.

Patients with metastasized melanoma may benefit from new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques

Date: Jan-10-2014
With low survival rates for patients with metastasized melanoma, accurate staging and effective treatments are critical to extending life. New research published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine highlights the potential of newly developed radiopharmaceuticals with benzamide for the imaging of metastases and as a targeted systemic therapy.Malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in men and the sixth most common cancer in women, and its incidence rate is increasing rapidly. It accounts for nearly 80 percent of all deaths related to cutaneous cancer.