Health Research: Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms curbed by bariatric surgery♦ Leading cause of blindness could be prevented or delayed ♦ Molecular clocks control mutation rate in human cells

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms curbed by bariatric surgery Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms were significantly lessened in patients who underwent bariatric -- or weight loss -- surgery, according to researchers. According to the study's authors, the findings suggest that losing excess weight may improve symptoms in people who have these lifelong condition

Deaths from heart disease declining among rheumatoid arthritis patients Rheumatoid arthritis patients are twice as likely as the average person to develop heart disease, but a new study shows that efforts to prevent heart problems and diagnose and treat heart disease early may be paying off

Leading cause of blindness could be prevented or delayed In a major scientific breakthrough, a drug used to treat Parkinson's and related diseases may be able to delay or prevent macular degeneration, the most common form of blindness among older Americans.

Molecular clocks control mutation rate in human cells A theory that our cells have molecular clock processes ticking inside them, that damage DNA by generating mutations continuously throughout life, has just been proven.These clock-like mutational processes could ultimately be responsible for a large proportion of human cancer and contribute to human aging. Two clock-like mutational processes have been found in human cells and the rates at which the two clocks tick in different human cell types have been determined.

Health News: Nanotechnology drug to control blindness ♦ Successful vaccination against Chlamydia infection ♦ New conductive ink for electronic apparel

New and innovative approach for successful vaccination against Chlamydia infections Chlamydiae are the most common, sexually transmitted, bacterial pathogens in the world. Every year around 100 million people contract Chlamydia infections, which are one of the main causes of female infertility and ectopic pregnancies and can also lead to blindness – especially in developing countries.An international research team discovered how to stimulate the immune response to Chlamydiae both efficiently and preventively

New nanotechnology drug to control blindness A innovative product in the form of droplets, reduces the cost of current medications. It is a nanotechnology product, which works with last generation liposomes particles, concentrated in droplets, which function as a conveyor that wraps proteins or antibody fragments and allow its passage into the eye. Once inside, it releases the drugs.

New conductive ink for electronic apparel Researchers have developed a new ink that can be printed on textiles in a single step to form highly conductive and stretchable connections. This new functional ink will enable electronic apparel such as sportswear and underwear incorporating sensing devices for measuring a range of biological indicators such as heart rate and muscle contraction.

Investigation examines bitter dispute over e-cigarettes in the public health community An investigation reveals how the controversial concept of 'harm reduction', embraced enthusiastically by the tobacco industry, has sharply divided the public health community when it comes to the discussion around e-cigarettes.

As smoking declines, more are likely to quit Smokeless tobacco and, more recently, e-cigarettes have been promoted as a harm reduction strategy for smokers who are “unable or unwilling to quit.” The strategy, embraced by both industry and some public health advocates, is based on the assumption that as smoking declines overall, only those who cannot quit will remain. A new study has found just the opposite.

Health News: Could glyphosate in our food be carcinogenic? ♦ What happens if I flush leftover drugs down the toilet? ♦ New way of preventing diabetes-associated blindness

What happens if I flush leftover drugs down the toilet? A reader wonders about the best way to dispose of unneeded medicine. Umbra plumbs for answers.

Could glyphosate in our food be carcinogenic? Today while people celebrate World Health Day, which is dedicated to food safety this year, Factor GMO is paying special attention to the recent report from the World Health Organisation’s cancer agency IARC, which concluded that the World’s most used herbicide, glyphosate, probably causes cancer in humans. IARC reached its decision based on the view of 17 cancer experts

New way of preventing diabetes-associated blindness Reporting on their study with lab-grown human cells, researchers say that blocking a second blood vessel growth protein, along with one that is already well-known, could offer a new way to treat and prevent a blinding eye disease caused by diabetes.

'Pain sensing' gene discovery could help in development of new methods of pain relief A gene essential to the production of pain-sensing neurons in humans has been identified by an international team of researchers. The discovery could have implications for the development of new methods of pain relief

Plant extracts offer hope against diabetes, cancer Diabetes is the fastest growing metabolic disease in the world. A new study has shown that traditional Aboriginal and Indian plant extracts could be used to manage the disease and may also have potential use in cancer treatment.

Health Research: Educating the immune system to prevent allergies ♦ New form of inherited blindness discovered ♦ Sound waves diagnosing minor fractures

Findings reveal clues to functioning of mysterious 'mimivirus' Researchers have discovered the structure of a key protein on the surface of an unusually large virus called the mimivirus, aiding efforts to determine its hosts and unknown functions. The mimivirus was initially thought to be a bacterium because it is much larger than most viruses

Computerized vital signs analysis may help prevent trauma patients from bleeding to death A research team has successfully field tested a system that analyzed patient vital signs during emergency transport in a fully automated fashion, finding that such a system could diagnose those with life-threatening bleeding before they arrive at the hospital, potentially saving lives.

Sound waves could be viable alternative in diagnosing minor fractures A study has been conducted of the usefulness and efficiency of portable ultrasound in detecting the presence of minor fractures in patients presenting to a minor injuries unit. Analysis showed that 85% of patients with a fracture confirmed by X-ray had injuries detected through ultrasonography. The authors say emergency clinicians could rule in fractures by studying the ultrasound images

New form of inherited blindness discovered Scientists have discovered that mutations in the gene DRAM2 cause a new type of late-onset inherited blindness. The research describes individuals from five families with a variety of DRAM2 mutations, all of which lead to loss of central vision beginning at age 30-40.

Educating the immune system to prevent allergies With the arrival of spring, millions of people have begun their annual ritual of sneezing and wheezing due to seasonal allergies. A research team is bringing them hope with a potential vaccine that nudges the immune response away from developing allergies. The findings have major clinical implications since allergies and asthma often start in childhood and for which there is presently no cure.

Health News:25 salmonella cases linked to raw tuna sushi ♦ EPA: Testing food for common herbicide(Round Up) ♦ PTSD common in ICU Survivors

EPA: Testing food for common herbicide The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering recommending that the federal government sample food products for glyphosate, the most commonly used herbicide in the world and the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup. “Given increased public interest in glyphosate, EPA may recommend sampling

25 salmonella cases probably linked to raw tuna sushi There are 18 confirmed cases of Salmonella Paratyphi in Southern California, including seven in Los Angeles County, four in Orange and Ventura counties, two in Riverside County, and one in Santa Barbara County. Seven other people sickened are from other states but had traveled to the area,

Mindfulness-based therapy an alternative to antidepressants for stopping depression relapse The first ever large study to compare mindfulness-based therapy – structured training for the mind and body which aims to change the way people think and feel about their experiences – with maintenance antidepressant medication for reducing relapse in depression,

New technology may improve management of leading causes of blindness New technology can improve the clinical management of the leading causes of blindness. Optical coherence tomography angiography could largely replace current dye-based angiography in the management of these diseases.

PTSD common in ICU Survivors Nearly one-quarter of ICU survivors suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new research has found. They also identified possible triggers for PTSD and indicated a potential preventive strategy

Health News:Hospital patients exposed to E. coli ♦ Superbug outbreak ♦ Protein that may help conquer blindness ♦ Spider venom relieves chronic pain ♦ Robots for stroke rehabilitation

Hartford Hospital says patients might have been exposed to E. coli. Hartford Hospital in Connecticut announced March 4 that it will take cultures from 281 patients who may have been exposed to a strain of E. coli that is resistant to some drugs after the hospital learned that two scopes used in procedures on the patients were not properly disinfected Continue Reading

Superbug outbreak extends to Cedars Sinai hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles reported March 4 that 4 patients were infected and 67 others may have been exposed to the deadly carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) superbug from a contaminated scope Continue Reading

Retina protein that may help conquer blindness discovered  A protein in the retina that is crucial for vision has been discovered by researchers who report, for the first time, the key molecular mechanisms leading to visual degeneration and blindness. The research reveals events that may be harnessed for prevention, as well as to slow down progression of retinal degenerative diseases.Continue Reading

Analysis of spider venom reveals promising compounds to relieve chronic pain  New research shows that seven compounds of the countless found in spider venom block a key step in the body's ability to pass pain signals to the brain.Continue Reading

Robots for stroke rehabilitation  A prototype of a robotic glove has been developed which stroke sufferers can use in their own home to support rehabilitation and personal independence in receiving therapies. At the chronic stages of stroke, patients are not likely to be receiving treatment but they continue to live with some impairments -- the glove's goal is to provide therapies to target these impairments.Continue Reading

Seniors Health:Motorized cycling may prime brain after stroke--Promising new Alzheimer's therapy-- Inhibitor breaks cycle that leads to Alzheimer's--New pathways to prevent blindness

Motorized cycling may prime brain for relearning after stroke  Exercise on a motorized stationary bike appeared to give stroke patients an advantage in relearning everyday tasks and improving motor function of their arms. A motorized bike helps patients with limited mobility pedal and achieve a target aerobic heart rate. Continue Reading

Promising results for new Alzheimer's therapy  Scientists have evaluated a new Alzheimer’s therapy in which the patients receive an implant that stimulates the growth of a certain type of nerve cell. The results suggest that the introduction of a nerve growth factor can prevent neuronal degradation in Alzheimer’s patients. Continue Reading

Primary care nurse-delivered interventions can increase physical activity in older adults A primary care nurse-delivered intervention can lead to sustained increases in physical activity among older adults, according to a new article Continue Reading

Molecular inhibitor breaks cycle that leads to Alzheimer's  A molecular chaperone has been found to inhibit a key stage in the development of Alzheimer's disease and break the toxic chain reaction that leads to the death of brain cells. Continue Reading

New pathways discovered to prevent blindness  Scientists have made a major new discovery detailing how areas of the brain responsible for vision could potentially adapt to injury or trauma and ultimately prevent blindness. The study sheds new light on the relationship between vision loss and brain plasticity -- the extraordinary ability of the brain to modify its own structure and function as a result of change or damage. Continue Readung

Nearly one million doctor visits for eye infections annually in US

Improper contact lens habits pose major risk for serious infections

Each year, Americans make nearly a million doctor visits for eye infections, resulting in $175 million in direct healthcare costs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated in the first study of its kind. Keratitis, an infection of the cornea, causes pain and inflammation and can lead to blindness in severe cases. Wearing contact lenses is the largest single risk factor for developing the infection.

CDC analyzed national databases of outpatient care centers and emergency rooms to develop the first national estimates of how much keratitis occurs in the United States. CDC experts found that Americans made an estimated 930,000 visits to doctor’s offices and outpatient clinics and 58,000 emergency room visits annually due to eye infections. Women were slightly more likely to be affected than men, accounting for 63 percent of office visits and about 55 percent of emergency room visits. The condition was spread relatively evenly across age groups. The report was published November 13 in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Keratitis occurs when germs invade the cornea, the clear dome that covers the colored part of the eye. The infection is most likely to occur when contact lenses are worn too long or are not cared for correctly. Wearing contact lenses overnight, not cleaning and replacing storage cases frequently and exposing contact lenses to water are some of the key behaviors that increased the risk for keratitis.

“Being able to see well is vitally important to performing everyday activities for most people. Contact lenses can provide many benefits, but they are not risk-free—especially if contact lens wearers take shortcuts and don’t take care of their contact lenses and supplies. Healthy habits mean healthy eyes,” said CDC Medical

Epidemiologist Jennifer Cope, M.D., M.P.H.

November 17 through 21, 2014, marks the first annual Contact Lens Health Week. To celebrate the week, CDC has developed a campaign to promote eye health, in collaboration with doctors, public health, eye care industry, and regulatory partners. By focusing on the best ways to wear and care for contact lenses, CDC hopes to help reduce the risk of eye infections and complications associated with poor contact lens hygiene in the estimated 38 million Americans who wear contact lenses.

When patients seek care quickly, most complications of keratitis can be easily treated by an eye doctor. More serious infections can cause pain and lead to vision loss, depending on what germs caused the infection and how long the patient waits to go to the doctor.

To prevent eye infections, contact lens wearers should:

• Wash hands with soap and water and dry well before touching contact lenses;
• Take contacts out before bed, showering or swimming;
• Rub and rinse contacts in disinfecting solution each time they remove them;
• Rub and rinse the case with contact lens solution, dry with a clean tissue and store upside down with the caps off after each use;
• Replace contact lens cases at least once every three months;
• Do not “top off” solution in lens case; and
• Carry a backup pair of glasses in case contact lenses have to be taken out.

For more information on preventing eye infections and proper contact lens wear, please visit: www.cdc.gov/contactlenses.

2/28/14 Health News: Live Stock Antibiotics are High Risk - FDA bans Product from Indian Plant - Repair Damage from Heart Attacks - Gene Therapy Cures Blindness

NRDC ANALYSIS OF FDA DOCUMENTS FINDS LIVESTOCK ANTIBIOTICS “HIGH RISK” TO HUMANS

According to a safety review conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, penicillin and tetracycline antibiotic feed additives approved for “nontherapeutic use” do not meet the agency’s current safety standards. In a Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) report released today, previously undisclosed FDA documents reveal that none of the 30 products reviewed between 2001... Continue Reading

India's Ranbaxy hit by FDA product ban at 4th Indian plant

Indian drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd faces long delays and high costs in launching big-selling generic drugs in the United States after products from a fourth plant were banned from entering its main market due to manufacturing violations. Continue Reading

New Therapy Tries to Repair Damage in Heart Attacks

In a heart attack, the initial harm is often compounded by a person's immune system, which rushes "soldiers" to the heart to fight what it thinks are invaders. An immune system overreaction also causes much of the trouble in irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis and West Nile Virus. "The immune system does a significant amount of damage while it's trying to protect us," : Continue Reading

Gene Therapy 'Could Be Used to Treat Blindness'

Surgeons in Oxford have used a gene therapy technique to improve the vision of six patients who would otherwise have gone blind. The operation involved inserting a gene into the eye, a treatment that revived light-detecting cells. The doctors involved believe that the treatment could in time be used to treat common forms of blindness..Continue Reading