Health News

Antioxidant supplements reduce levels of oxygen radicals within chronically infected wounds & weaken biofilm sealing these wounds

Date: Dec-23-2013
By controlling levels of reactive oxygen species levels within chronic wounds of genetically modified mouse models., Manuela Martins-Green, Ph.D., of the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) was able to normalize conditions and heal the wounds, according to research presented at the American Society for Cell Biology annual meeting in New Orleans.Two biological activities are out of control in chronic wound infections, said Dr. Martins-Green.

Psychosocial interventions by non-specialists for children with autism spectrum disorders

Date: Dec-23-2013
Many children with intellectual disability or lower functioning autism spectrum disorders, particularly those in low and middle income countries, do not receive psychosocial treatment interventions for their condition. If non-specialists were able to deliver such care, more children may be able to receive treatment.

Link between contrast agent and brain abnormalities on MRI

Date: Dec-23-2013
For the first time, researchers have confirmed an association between a common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and abnormalities on brain MRI, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology. The new study raises the possibility that a toxic component of the contrast agent may remain in the body long after administration.Brain MRI exams are often performed with a gadolinium-based contrast medium (Gd-CM).

Stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury

Date: Dec-23-2013
A systematic survey of the scientific literature shows that stem cell therapy can have a statistically significant impact on animal models of spinal cord injury, and points the way for future studies.Spinal cord injuries are mostly caused by trauma, often incurred in road traffic or sporting incidents, often with devastating and irreversible consequences, and unfortunately having a relatively high prevalence (250,000 patients in the USA; 80% of cases are male).

Improvements needed in preventive dental care in the USA

Date: Dec-23-2013
The uptake rate of preventative dental care increased over a ten-year period in the United States, but there remains a large disparity among ethnic groups, reports one of the largest and most comprehensive studies on the subject, published in the open-access journal Frontiers in Public Health.Neglect of dental care can have serious consequences like decay, inflammation, and loss of teeth, and an increased risk of malnutrition. Gum disease has been implicated in an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease.

AUC for non-arthroplasty treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee approved by AAOS

Date: Dec-23-2013
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Board of Directors recently approved an AUC to help physicians treat patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. OA is a slowly progressing and degenerative disease that causes the joint cartilage to wear away.In 2010, it was estimated that nearly 10 million adults had symptomatic OA of the knee, and risk factors of this condition can increase with age, especially in women. Genetics, high body mass, certain occupations or heredity also may increase one's risk of developing this disease.

Antimicrobial option offered by pecan shell extracts for preventing listeria in organic meats

Date: Dec-22-2013
The majority of consumers that eat or buy organic products do not want synthetic antimicrobials or antioxidants added to their foods and prefer a "clean label". A study in the Journal of Food Science published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) showed that extracts from pecan shells may be effective at protecting meats, such as chicken from listeria growth.The majority of consumers that eat or buy organic products do not want synthetic antimicrobials or antioxidants added to their foods and prefer a "clean label".

Stroke risks increase with high levels of anxiety

Date: Dec-22-2013
The negative health effects of anxiety, such as increased coronary heart disease risks, have long been documented and accepted in the medical community. But now, research suggests that individuals with high levels of anxiety have an increased risk for stroke.The researchers, who are from the University of Pittsburgh, published the results of their study in the journal Stroke.They say that anxiety disorders - characterized by fear, unease and worry - impact nearly 20% of US adults each year and often last for at least 6 months.

Global map to predict giant earthquakes

Date: Dec-22-2013
A team of international researchers, led by Monash University's Associate Professor Wouter Schellart, have developed a new global map of subduction zones, illustrating which ones are predicted to be capable of generating giant earthquakes and which ones are not.The new research, published in the journal Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, comes nine years after the giant earthquake and tsunami in Sumatra in December 2004, which devastated the region and many other areas surrounding the Indian Ocean, and killed more than 200,000 people.

New tool for transplanting stem cells into the beating heart

Date: Dec-22-2013
Mayo Clinic researchers and colleagues in Belgium have developed a specialized catheter for transplanting stem cells into the beating heart. The novel device includes a curved needle and graded openings along the needle shaft, allowing for increased distribution of cells. The result is maximized retention of stem cells to repair the heart. The findings appear in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.