New tool for studying sepsis Sepsis is a very complicated and precarious condition. Research groups have now developed a way to use mass spectrometry to measure hundreds of proteins in a single blood sample. With the help of protein patterns it is then possible to determine the severity of the condition and which organs have been damaged
Couples' quality of life linked even when one partner dies When one spouse passes away, his or her characteristics continue to be linked with the surviving spouse's wellbeing.The findings also indicate that this link between the deceased spouse and surviving spouse is as strong as that between partners who are both living
New microscopy may identify best sperm cells New microscopic technology promises to be a game-changer in the field of reproductive assistance. A team of scientists has devised a new method of microscopy allowing scientists to perform clinical sperm analysis for in vitro fertilization without the use of staining, which can affect the viability of sperm samples
Largest-ever study of cornea condition reveals hidden risk factors A large new study reveals previously unknown risk factors associated with an eye condition that causes serious progressive nearsightedness at a relatively young age. The findings, made through the largest-ever clinical study of the condition called keratoconus, could help more people receive newer treatments that can slow the problem and protect their vision.
Permanent injunction preventing Dallas compounding pharmacy from distributing adulterated drugs The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered a consent decree for permanent injunction January 11 against Downing Labs LLC, its two owners, and the pharmacist-in-charge to prevent them from distributing adulterated drugs in interstate commerce until their processes are compliant with the law. The complaint stems from multiple U.S. FDA investigations which found numerous deficiencies regarding the firm’s sterile drug production.
Inflammation markers could guide depression treatments Depressed patients with signs of systemic inflammation have elevated levels of glutamate in regions of the brain that are important for motivation. These findings suggest which forms of depression may respond best to drugs that target glutamate, such as the anesthetic ketamine.
Polymer puts new medical solutions within reach Combining the properties of liquid crystals and hydrogels in just the right proportions creates the potential for new materials that have the same mechanical properties as soft tissues in the body. A material that is water-loving and has structure opens up the door the possibility for artificial blood vessels that are mechanically stealth so they wouldn't be viewed as a foreign body. Now, a newly developed process can create this type of a polymer
Parents in dark about using epinephrine for kids’ food allergies When a child has a food allergy, it’s critical for pediatricians and allergists to show parents when and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector and to provide a written emergency food allergy action plan for home and school. But many parents say doctors don’t give them this potentially lifesaving information about their children’s emergency care. This communication gap needs to be fixed.
Physical activity may help keep overweight children fit High body adiposity, low physical activity, and particularly their combination are related to poorer physical fitness among 6-8 year old children. These results suggest that physically active overweight children have better fitness compared to their inactive peers
Pre-pregnancy potato consumption may be linked to gestational diabetes risk Women who eat more potatoes before pregnancy may have higher rates of gestational diabetes -- the form that occurs during pregnancy -- compared to women who consume fewer potatoes, suggests a new study. The researchers propose that substituting potatoes with other vegetables, legumes or whole grains may help lower gestational diabetes risk.
Concerns over prescribed opioid use among pregnant women The increase in use of prescribed opioids among women during pregnancy has probably contributed to the rise in neonatal abstinence syndrome, argues an expert. In the US, estimates suggest that 14-22% of pregnant women receive an opioid prescription during their pregnancy, and there has been an increase in the prevalence of opioid use disorders among pregnant women.
Long-term opioid use associated with increased risk of depression Opioids may cause short-term improvement in mood, but long-term use imposes risk of new-onset depression, a new study shows. The link was independent of the known contribution of pain to depression, and the study calls on clinicians to consider the contribution of opioid use when depressed mood develops in their patient
Salmonella Outbreak in Alabama Johnny Ray’s in Pelham was closed indefinitely January 8 following four confirmed cases of Salmonella tied to the restaurant. Health officials in Alabama are investigating the outbreak.
Researchers closer to better treatment for leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea Researchers have obtained the crystal structure of a toxin from the bacterium Clostridium difficile ('C. diff') -- the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in the United States. They also found that zinc is required to unleash the toxin's damaging effects in the colon. The discoveries are aiding efforts to develop vaccines and other novel therapies to prevent the potentially fatal consequences of C. diff infection
Playing american football may be a risk factor for hypertension As National Football League playoff games are underway, a new article suggests that the toll the sport takes on players' bodies extends beyond head trauma and damage to limbs and joints. The trauma and damage associated with football participation may also be linked to elevations in blood pressure through immune system activation and inflammation.
Beneficial effects of blocking brain inflammation in an experimental model of Alzheimer's Blocking a receptor in the brain responsible for regulating immune cells could protect against the memory and behavior changes seen in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. It was originally thought that Alzheimer's disease disturbs the brain's immune response, but this latest study adds to evidence that inflammation in the brain can in fact drive the development of the disease. The findings suggest that by reducing this inflammation, progression of the disease could be halted.
People who experience rage attacks have smaller 'emotional brains' Neuroimaging studies suggest that frontolimbic regions of the brain, structures that regulate emotions, play an important role in the biology of aggressive behavior. A new article reports that individuals with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) have significantly lower gray matter volume in these frontolimbic brain structures. In other words, these people have smaller "emotional brains."
