Health News: E. COLI can transfer antibiotic resistance to other bacteria ♦ An easy pill to swallow ♦ Erectile dysfunction drug may benefit patients at risk for diabetes

E. COLI can transfer antibiotic resistance to other bacteria Scientists have discovered a gene in E. coli that makes it resistant to a class of “last-resort” antibiotics known as polymyxins. The gene can also transfer resistance to other epidemic pathogens such as K. pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to research published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, the mcr-1 gene is widespread in Enterobacteriaceae samples from pigs

New study on patterns of electronic cigarette use among adults in the US Adding to a growing body of research on patterns of e-cigarette use, researchers have found evidence that among US adults, some recent cigarette quitters may have done so with the assistance of electronic cigarettes

Erectile dysfunction drug may benefit patients at risk for diabetes The drug sildenafil, sold as Viagra and other brand names, improves insulin sensitivity in people at risk for diabetes, researchers report.

An easy pill to swallow An insulin pill being developed by researchers may in the near future give another blood sugar management option to those who suffer from diabetes. The novel drug delivery technology may also apply to a wide spectrum of other therapies.

Pulmonary Research: Electronic cigarette flavorings alter lung function ♦ Aspirin use may slow progression of early emphysema ♦New combination of drugs treat cystic fibrosis

Regular aspirin use may slow progression of early emphysema Regular use of aspirin may help slow the progression of early emphysema, a study shows

Shorter stature appears to lead to higher mortality rates, longer waiting times for lung transplantation Lung transplant candidates who are about 5’3” or shorter have longer waiting times than taller candidates and are more likely to die within a year while waiting for a lung transplan

Promising research trials find new combination of drugs treat underlying cause of most common form of cystic fibrosis Results from clinical trials show that a new combination of medications can successfully treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis for patients 12 and older with two copies of the F508del gene mutation -- the most common form of the life-threatening, genetic disease found in over half of the CF population.

Electronic cigarette flavorings alter lung function at the cellular level Certain flavorings used in electronic cigarette liquid may alter important cellular functions in lung tissue, according to new research. These changes in cell viability, cell proliferation, and calcium signaling are flavor-dependent. Coupling these results with chemicals identified in each flavor could prove useful in identifying flavors or chemical constituents that produce adverse effects in users.

Revising guidelines for testosterone testing could more accurately diagnose deficiency Some men suffering from testosterone deficiency may be missed under current clinical guidelines while others are misdiagnosed with testosterone deficiencys. The researchers call for a revision of the clinical guidelines to ensure that men are receiving the best possible care.

Health News:Electronic cigarette vapors contain toxins ♦ What is hepatitis A and how does it spread? ♦ Treating blood cancers ♦ Plus More

What is hepatitis A and how does it spread?  While there is no treatment for hepatitis A, getting a vaccine and basic hand washing can help prevent the spread of the viral liver infection. Hepatitis A is a virus that spreads through contact with the vomit or feces of an infected person, often through contaminated food or drink .Continue Reading

Ethiopia’s First Fortified Wheat Will Improve Nutrition for Millions  This month marks a watershed moment in nutrition and food security in Ethiopia: For the first time ever, local producers will begin fortifying wheat flour with the vitamins and minerals children need to develop and adults need to thrive. Continue Reading

Why do cells rush to heal a wound? Mysteries of wound healing unlocked  A research team has discovered how cells know to rush to a wound and heal it -- opening the door to new treatments for diabetes, heart disease and cancer. . Continue Reading

New genome-editing technology to help treat blood cancers  A new genome editing technology has been developed that can target and kill blood cancer cells with high accuracy. Using the technology, researchers were able to kill human lymphoma cells by locating and deleting an essential gene for cancer cell survival Continue Reading

Electronic cigarette vapors contain toxins  On the heels of the Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) second public workshop to explore the public health considerations associated with e-cigarettes, researchers explore the composition of e-cigarette vapor and the potential health impacts of secondhand exposure.Continue Reading

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