Health News

Misdirection of RNA translation implicated in ALS disease

Date: Dec-03-2013
RNA molecules, used by cells to make proteins, are generally thought to be "silent" when stowed in cytoplasmic granules. But a protein mutated in some ALS patients forms granules that permit translation of stored RNAs, according to a study in The Journal of Cell Biology. The finding identifies a new mechanism that could contribute to the pathology of the disease.ALS, often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

More than double the risk of end-stage kidney disease found in First Nations adults

Date: Dec-03-2013
First Nations adults with diabetes have more than double the risk of end-stage kidney disease compared with non-First Nations adults, found a new study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).Diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes of kidney disease, which can result in end-stage renal disease after years of slow decline in kidney function.To understand the high rates of end-stage renal disease in First Nations people, researchers looked at all cases of diabetes over 25 years (from 1980 to 2005) in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.

A modified pacemaker strengthens failing hearts

Date: Dec-03-2013
Johns Hopkins heart researchers are unraveling the mystery of how a modified pacemaker used to treat many patients with heart failure, known as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), is able to strengthen the heart muscle while making it beat in a coordinated fashion. In a new study conducted on animal heart cells described in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the scientists show that CRT changes these cells so they can contract more forcefully. The researchers also identified an enzyme that mimics this effect of CRT without use of the device.

Brain function in children with autism improved by a single spray of oxytocin

Date: Dec-03-2013
A single dose of the hormone oxytocin, delivered via nasal spray, has been shown to enhance brain activity while processing social information in children with autism spectrum disorders, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Why the parasite that causes the deadliest form of malaria only infects humans

Date: Dec-03-2013
The biological interactions that make some malaria parasites specific to host speciesThe team recently showed that the interaction between a parasite protein called RH5 and a receptor called basigin was essentially required for the invasion of red blood cells by the parasite that causes the deadliest form of malaria. Now, they've discovered that this same interaction is also an important factor in explaining why the parasite seems to be remarkably specific to humans. This research will help guide eradication strategies in regions where malaria is endemic.

Persistent global burden of anemia among young children and women

Date: Dec-03-2013
Despite increasing efforts to diagnose and treat anemia worldwide, there remains a surprisingly large global burden of the disease, particularly among young children and women, according to a new report on trends in anemia between 1990 and 2010. The report* was published online in Blood, the Journal of the American Society of Hematology.Anemia is a complex condition characterized by a low level of hemoglobin, the protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to all parts of the body.

Translational research experiment to improve health

Date: Dec-03-2013
An editorial by Harry P. Selker, MD, MSPH, William H. Frist, MD, and Stuart Altman, PhD, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine says the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is an example of the role of experimentation in improving health at the public policy level.The authors point out that while the ACA is an experiment, it is not radical. It builds on learning from previous experiments such as the establishment of Medicaid and, more recently, Massachusetts health care reform.

Degenerative tendon disease in athletes improved by PRP therapy

Date: Dec-03-2013
Ultrasound-guided delivery of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) improves functionality and reduces recovery time in athletes with degenerative disease in their tendons, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).PRP therapy is a recent development in which blood is collected from the patient and then spun in a centrifuge to separate the PRP from other blood components. The PRP is then injected under ultrasound guidance into the target area, where it stimulates cellular growth and healing.

Low brain iron revealed in ADHD patients using MRI technique

Date: Dec-03-2013
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a noninvasive way to measure iron levels in the brains of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Researchers said the method could help physicians and parents make better informed decisions about medication.ADHD is a common disorder in children and adolescents that can continue into adulthood. Symptoms include hyperactivity and difficulty staying focused, paying attention and controlling behavior.

Motor skills improved after stroke by novel rehabilitation device

Date: Dec-03-2013
Using a novel stroke rehabilitation device that converts an individual's thoughts to electrical impulses to move upper extremities, stroke patients reported improvements in their motor function and ability to perform activities of daily living. Results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)."Each year, nearly 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke in the United States, and 50 percent of those have some degree of upper extremity disability," said Vivek Prabhakaran, M.D., Ph.D.