Vidyya Medical News Service Podcasts

Can we prevent Alzheimer’s disease?

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:49:31 -0500

Does exercise delay or prevent Alzheimer’s disease? Will adding fish oil to a diet help keep our brains healthy as we age? NIH recently convened a conference to answer these and other questions. The conclusion? Research so far has offered good leads about preventing Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. Still, more research is needed before we can be sure what’s effective

Prenatal Meth Exposure Linked to Brain Changes in Infants -- Today's Vidyya Research Round for 16 April 2009

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:01:03 -0500

A first of its kind study examining the effects of methamphetamine use during pregnancy has found the drug appears to cause abnormal brain development in children.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav11i98.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Jim Boyer (BillBoyerKC@Yahoo.com) and Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Omega 3s Ease Depressive Symptoms Brought On By Menopause - Vidyya Research Round 28 Jan 09

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:01:45 -0600

Omega-3s ease psychological distress and depressive symptoms often suffered by menopausal and perimenopausal women, according to researchers at Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine. Their study, published in the February issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, presents the first evidence that omega-3 supplements are effective for treating common menopause-related mental health problems.

MRSA found among swine and swine workers in the Midwest

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:49:48 -0600

MRSA has been found among swine and swine workers in the Midwest. What does this mean for communitry spread of the disease? Where does MRSA originate and what other animals may transmit the disease to humans?

Magnesium Sulphate Protects Against Cerebral Palsy - Vidyya Research Round 21 Jan 2009

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:15:09 -0600

Magnesium sulphate protects very premature babies from cerebral palsy, a new study shows. The findings of this Cochrane Review could help reduce incidence of the disabling condition, which currently affects around one in every 500 newborn babies overall, but up to one-in-ten very premature babies (< 28 weeks of gestation).

Low Carb Diets Make the Liver Lose Fat - Vidyya Research Rounds 20 January 2009

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:43:53 -0600

People on low-carbohydrate diets are more dependent on the oxidation of fat in the liver for energy than those on a low-calorie diet, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found in a small clinical study.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav11i19.htm

3 Genes That Cause 50% of Obesity Cases - Vidyya Research Round 19 Jan 2009

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:43:07 -0600

Three new genetic variations that increase the risk of obesity are revealed in a new study, published today in the journal Nature Genetics. The authors suggest that if each acted independently, these variants could be responsible for up to 50% of cases of severe obesity.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav11i18.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service.

Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net)

We’re sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica — one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider’s advice.

Game theory applied to the ‘mating game’ - Vidyya Research Round 16 Jan 2009

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:41:57 -0600

Scientists have developed a mathematical model of the mating game to help explain why courtship is often protracted. The study, by researchers at UCL (University College London), University of Warwick and LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science), shows that extended courtship enables a male to signal his suitability to a female and enables the female to screen out the male if he is unsuitable as a mate.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav11i16.htm

RAND COMPARE Website sorts out health care reforms - Vidyya Research Round 14 Jan 2009

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:24:27 -0600

The RAND Corporation today launched an online tool to provide policymakers and interested parties with a unique way of understanding and evaluating the effects and unintended consequences of health care reform proposals certain to be introduced in the new 111th Congress and beyond.

Should the cholesterol guidelines for LDL cholesterol be lowered? Vidyya Research Round 13 Jan 2009

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 12:18:18 -0600

A new national study has shown that nearly 75 percent of patients hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels that would indicate they were not at high risk for a cardiovascular event, according to current national cholesterol guidelines.

Which is Better for your gut? Olive oil or dairy fats? Vidyya Research Rounds for 9 Jan 2009

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 18:06:55 -0600

Researchers have uncovered why some dietary fats, specifically long-chain fats, such as oleic acid (found in olive oil), are more prone to induce inflammation. Long-chain fats, it turns out, promote increased intestinal absorption of pro-inflammatory bacterial molecules called lipopolysaccharides (LPS). This study appears in the January issue of JLR.

Clioquinol: Is this ‘old drug’ a true anti-aging agent? Vidyya Research Rounds for 8 Jan 2009

Thu, 8 Jan 2009 06:12:44 -0600

Recent animal studies have shown that clioquinol – an 80-year old drug once used to treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders – can reverse the progression of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Scientists, however, had a variety of theories to attempt to explain how a single compound could have such similar effects on three unrelated neurodegenerative disorders.

Heating Egg May Help Alleviate Egg Allergy Symptoms - Vidyya Research Rounds for 7 January 2009

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:03:08 -0600

A new study has found that the majority of children with egg allergy may be able to eat some baked foods containing egg. The early results also raise the possibility that the gradual introduction of extensively heated egg may help alleviate some children’s allergy to regular egg.

Vidyya Research Rounds for 6 January 2009 - Pneumococcal vaccine not protective against pneumonia

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 05:25:30 -0600

Commonly used pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines do not appear to be effective for preventing pneumonia, found a study by a team of researchers from Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Vidyya Research Rounds for 5 January 2009 - Don’t Diet During Flu Season

Sun, 4 Jan 2009 18:30:05 -0600

We’ve heard the old adage feed a cold, starve a fever, but you should know that dieting at this time of year could impair your body’s ability to fight the flu virus, a study warns. Mice who were put on a calorie-controlled diet found it harder to tackle the infection than those on a normal diet. The findings, published in the Journal of Nutrition, suggest that contrary to the old adage “starve a fever”, those with a temperature should eat well.Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast?

Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav11i5.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

MRSA pre-screening effective in reducing otolaryngic surgical infection rates - Today's Top Story for 3 January 2009

Sat, 3 Jan 2009 11:32:48 -0600

Pre-operative screening of patients for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may be an effective way to reduce infection rates following otolaryngic surgeries, according to new research published in the January 2009 issue of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav11i3.htm

Dentist links Fosomax-type drugs to jaw necrosis - Today's Top Story for 2 January 2008

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 18:09:14 -0600

Researchers at the University Of Southern California, School Of Dentistry release results of clinical data that links oral bisphosphonates to increased jaw necrosis. The study is among the first to acknowledge that even short-term use of common oral osteoporosis drugs may leave the jaw vulnerable to devastating necrosis, according to the report appearing in the January 1 Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav11i2.htm

Smokers with stroke in the family 6 times more likely to have stroke too - Today's Top Story for 1 January 2009

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 11:40:01 -0600

A new study shows that people who are smokers and have a family history of brain aneurysm appear to be significantly more likely to suffer a stroke from a brain aneurysm themselves. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav11i1.htm This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Some supplements ineffective for cancer prevention - Today's Top Story for 31 December 2008

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 11:39:24 -0600

Women who took beta carotene or vitamin C or E or a combination of the supplements had a similar risk of cancer as women who did not take the supplements, according to data from a randomized controlled trial in the December 30 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i339.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Young blood better than old, especially when it comes to cancer metastasis - Today's Top Story for 30 December 2008

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:15:47 -0600

New blood” can revitalize a company or a sports team. Recent research by Tel Aviv University finds that young blood does a body good as well, especially when it comes to fighting cancer.Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i338.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Common food additive found to increase risk and speed spread of lung cancer - Today's Top Story for 29 December 2008

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:56:54 -0600

New research in an animal model suggests that a diet high in inorganic phosphates, which are found in a variety of processed foods including meats, cheeses, beverages, and bakery products, might speed growth of lung cancer tumors and may even contribute to the development of those tumors in individuals predisposed to the disease.Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i337.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Study first to pinpoint why analgesic drugs may be less potent in females than in males

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:54:21 -0600

Investigators at Georgia State University's Neuroscience Institute and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience are the first to identify the most likely reason analgesic drug treatment is usually less potent in females than males. This discovery is a major step toward finding more effective treatments for females suffering from persistent pain.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i332.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Waste coffee grounds offer new source of biodiesel fuel - Today's Top Story for 22 December 2008

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:29:20 -0600

Researchers in Nevada are reporting that waste coffee grounds can provide a cheap, abundant, and environmentally friendly source of biodiesel fuel for powering cars and trucks. Their study appears in the current online issue of ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i331.htm

New study shows that a cough medicine ingredient could effectively treat prostate cancer - Today's Top Story for 20 December 2008

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:28:42 -0600

A study published today in the December issue of the European medical journal Anticancer Research demonstrates that an ingredient used in a common cough suppressant may be useful in treating advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found that noscapine, which has been used in cough medication for nearly 50 years, reduced tumor growth in mice by 60% and limited the spread of tumors by 65% without causing harmful side effects.Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i327.htm

Commonly Prescribed Drug for Prostatitis Does Not Work - Today's Top Story for 19 December 2008

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:13:10 -0600

Alfuzosin, a drug commonly prescribed for men with chronic prostatitis, a painful disorder of the prostate and surrounding pelvic area, failed to significantly reduce symptoms in recently diagnosed men who had not been previously treated with this drug, according to a clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Cardiac stent patients with diabetes may benefit from drug that counteracts the effects of leptin - Today's Top Story for 18 December 2008

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:35:55 -0600

The naturally high levels of leptin in diabetic patients may reduce the effectiveness of drug-eluting stents used to treat heart blockages, but using a chemical that differs from the one commonly used to coat stents could counteract this effect.Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i327.htm

Low glycemic index diets trump high fiber diets - Today's Top Story for 17 December 2008

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:43:49 -0600

Persons with type 2 diabetes who had a diet high in low-glycemic foods such as nuts, beans and lentils had greater improvement in glycemic control and risk factors for coronary heart disease than persons on a diet with an emphasis on high-cereal fiber, according to a study in the December 17 issue of JAMA.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i327.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Depression leads to bad habits, which lead to heart disease - Today's Top Story for 16 December 2008

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:45:47 -0600

Anyone will tell you that stress is bad for the heart. Many people also know about the toxic effects of anxiety and depression. But how exactly do these negative emotions cripple the cardiovascular system—and what can be done about it? Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i326.htm This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Starting middle school in sixth grade increases behavior problems - Today's Top Story for 12 December 2008

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:51:28 -0600

Recently, there has been a large shift away from junior high schools, comprising grades 7–8 or 7–9, and toward the creation of middle schools, which start at younger ages (grades 5–8 or 6–8) and will have included three-quarters of all sixth-grade students by the year 2000.

Gene Therapy Successful in Treating Periodontal Disease - 11 December 2008

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:49:25 -0600

Scientists at the University of Michigan have shown that gene therapy can be used to successfully stop the development of periodontal disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Dark Chocolate Can Help Control Your Appetite - Today's Top Story for 10 December 2008

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:10:00 -0600

Pregnant women or those hoping to start or extend a family should avoid using the cholesterol-lowering drugs statins, say scientists. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i320.htm

Discontinue Use of All Statin Drugs During Pregnancy - Today's Top Story for 9 December 2008

Tue, 9 Dec 2008 11:09:12 -0600

"Smart fabrics" that monitor health - Today's Top Story for 8 December 2008

Mon, 8 Dec 2008 11:08:41 -0600

Researchers in United States and China are reporting progress toward a simple, low-cost method to make "smart fabrics," electronic textiles capable of detecting diseases, monitoring heart rates, and other vital signs. A report on these straight-out-of-science-fiction-fibers, made of carbon nanotubes, is scheduled for the December 10 issue of ACS' Nano Letters, a monthly publication. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i318.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Assessing the radiation risks of imaging procedures - Today's Top Story for 7 December 2008

Sun, 7 Dec 2008 11:08:09 -0600

When used in appropriate situations and with careful attention to dosage, leading experts agree that the potential benefit of cancer imaging outweighs the risk. However, there has been mounting concern that several increasingly common imaging modalities may expose patients and health care workers to potentially unsafe radiation doses, the consequences of which only become evident with long-term population-based research. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast?

Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i317.htm

One-Fifth Dose of Meningitis Vaccine Almost as Good as Whole Dose - Today's Top Story for 6 December 2008

Sat, 6 Dec 2008 11:07:25 -0600

One fifth of the standard dose of a commonly used meningitis vaccine may be as effective as using the full dose. This new finding should allow scarce vaccine resources to be stretched further, especially during epidemics in Africa.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i316.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Alcohol Boosts Omega 3 Levels in Blood and Wine Does it Best - Today's Top Story for 5 December 2008

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 09:19:25 -0600

Moderate alcohol intake is associated with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells. This is the major finding of the European study IMMIDIET that will be published in the January issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, an official publication of the American Society for Nutrition and is already available on line (www.ajcn.org ). The study suggests that wine does better than other alcoholic drinks. This effect could be ascribed to compounds other than alcohol itself, representing a key to understand the mechanism lying behind the heart protection observed in moderate wine drinkers. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i315.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Treatment for advanced hepatitis C doesn't work, researchers find - Today's Top Story for 4 December 2008

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 09:08:55 -0600

An NIH funded multi-center clinical trial found no benefit from "maintenance therapy," low-dose peginterferon used for hepatitis C patients who have not responded to an initial round of treatment. In addition, the study showed a surprising health decline in patients with liver disease over the course of four years. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i314.htm

More Than Two Drinks Per Day Puts Women at Risk of Atrial Fibrillation - Today's Top Story for 3 December 2008

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 09:08:07 -0600

Women who have up to two alcoholic drinks per day do not appear to be at increased risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat), but drinking more than that amount is associated with a higher risk, according to a study in the December 3 issue of JAMA. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i313.htm

Vaccine Costs and Reimbursement Putting Physicians in the Poor House - Today's Top Story for 1 December 2008

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 09:22:14 -0600

The costs that health care providers are charged and reimbursed for childhood vaccines vary widely, and the high cost of some immunizations is leading to significant financial strain for some physicians, according to a pair of new studies from the University of Michigan Health System. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i311.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service.

Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net)

We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Divergent Eyes in Children Could Be Sign of Future Mental Illness - Today's Top Story for 30 November 2008

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:51:44 -0600

Children whose eyes are misaligned and point outward are at significantly increased risk of developing mental illness by early adulthood, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study published this month in a Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i310.htm

Chronic Pain Condition Linked to Strange Brain Rewiring - Today's Top Story for 27 December 2008

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 10:50:47 -0600

Scientists peered at the brains of people with a baffling chronic pain condition and discovered something surprising. Their brains looked like an inept cable guy had changed the hookups, rewiring the areas related to emotion, pain perception and the temperature of their skin. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i308.htm

Drink brewed tea to avoid tooth erosion

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 11:00:22 -0600

Today, the average size soft drink is 20 ounces and contains 17 teaspoons of sugar. More startling is that some citric acids found in fruit drinks are more erosive than hydrochloric or sulfuric acid—which is also known as battery acid. These refined sugars and acids found in soda and citrus juice promote tooth erosion, which wears away the hard part of the teeth, or the enamel. Once tooth enamel is lost, it's gone forever. There is a beverage that does not produce such irreversible results. When deciding between the many options available, the best thing to drink is brewed tea, according to a study in the July/August issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i307.htm This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Gasping helps cardiac arrest victims survive - Today's Top Story for 25 November 2008

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:36:43 -0600

People who witness an individual collapse suddenly and unexpectedly should perform uninterrupted chest compressions even if the patient gasps or breathes in a funny way, research from the Resuscitation Research Group at The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center shows. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i306.htm

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Podcast music is provided by Dennis Devitt (dennis.devitt@comcast.net) We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Prozac and Paxil May Harm the Developing Fetal Heart - Today's Top Story for 24 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:56:30 -0600

Women who took the antidepressant fluoxetine during the first three months of pregnancy gave birth to four times as many babies with heart problems as women who did not and the levels were three times higher in women taking paroxetine. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i305.htm

Melatonin May Protect Eyes from Uveitis - Today's Top Story for 23 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:55:59 -0600

Current research suggests that melatonin therapy may help treat uveitis, a common inflammatory eye disease. The related report by Sande et al., "Therapeutic Effect of Melatonin in Experimental Uveitis," appears in the December issue of The American Journal of Pathology.

Vitamin E, Selenium Linked to Risk of Prostate Cancer and Diabetes - Today's Top Story for 18 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:55:29 -0600

Participants in the largest-ever prostate cancer prevention trial are receiving letters instructing them to stop taking their study pills, the supplements vitamin E and selenium, after an independent review concluded that the trial will not meet its primary endpoint of reducing prostate cancer risk by 25 percent.

Balance: Calcium and Magnesium are Both Needed to Prevent Colorectal Cancer for 17 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:55:07 -0600

Berlin doctors use rare treatment to cure AIDS patient - Today's Top Story for 14 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:54:43 -0600

Doctors in Berlin are reporting that they cured a man of AIDS by giving him transplanted blood stem cells from a person naturally resistant to the virus. This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, DVDs and CDs for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com.

American Healthcare System lags behind other countries. Patients put at risk - Today's Top Story for 13 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:54:19 -0600

US has highest rates among 8 nations of patient-reported medical errors, wasteful or poorly coordinated care and high out-of-pocket costs; Dutch often fare best in affordable, accessible care, low rates of medical errors.

Reimbursement for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) cut to levels below cost to perform procedure: Osteoporosis patients put at risk - Today's Top Story for 12 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:53:54 -0600

According to a paper published in the November issue of the Springer journal Osteoporosis International, Medicare reimbursement for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) has been cut to levels substantially below the cost to perform the procedure. As a result, many physicians and clinics around the country are likely to discontinue this critical health service -- greatly limiting the public’s access to the test and jeopardizing those at risk for a fracture.

Taking the Guess Work out of TIA Diagnosis - Today's Top Story for 11 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:53:24 -0600

For mini-strokes, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), both overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis can be perilous. Overdiagnosis neglects the real underlying illness. Underdiagnosis leaves a patient at risk of a full-fledged stroke. Both expose patients to erroneous therapies with potential side effects. This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, DVDs and CDs for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com.

Supplementation with Beta Alanine Increases Muscle Mass in Elderly Men and Women - Today's Top Story for 7 November 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:53:07 -0600

Beta-alanine (BA), a dietary supplement widely used by athletes and body builders, has been proven to increase the fitness levels of a group of elderly men and women. The research, published in BioMed Central's open access Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, suggests that BA supplementation improves muscle endurance in the elderly.

More Research Needed for the Study of Drugged Driving - Today's Top Story for 6 November 2008

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 09:54:00 -0600

Driving under the influence of drugs, also known as drugged driving, is a growing problem in many countries. In the United States alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that more than 17,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2006.

Toviaz - New Drug Therapy for Overactive Bladder (OAB) - Today's Top Story for 5 November 2008

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 09:53:31 -0600

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug to help patients suffering from overactive bladder (OAB). Toviaz (fesoterodine fumarate) works by relaxing the smooth muscle tissue of the bladder, thus reducing the urinary frequency, urge to urinate, and sudden urinary incontinence (leakage of urine), that are characteristic symptoms of OAB.

ADHD Affects Motor Control More in Boys than Girls - Today's Top Story for 4 November 2008

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 09:53:08 -0600

New research published in the November 4, 2008 issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that ADHD affects the motor skills of boys more than girls. By examining age-related improvement of motor skills in children with and without ADHD, researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute in Baltimore, Md. found that girls with ADHD and their typically developing peers were more likely to be able to control their movements compared to boys with ADHD. The findings are consistent with multiple MRI studies that have shown boys with ADHD have decreased activity in regions of the brain important for planning and executing movement.

Tweens, Teens, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Medications - Today's Top Story for 3 November 2008

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 11:11:03 -0600

America's tweens and teens more than doubled their use of type 2 diabetes medications between 2002 and 2005, with girls between 10 and 14 years of age showing a 166 percent increase. One likely cause: Obesity, which is closely associated with type 2 diabetes.

A Simple Test to Predict Obesity - Today's Top Story for 31 October 2008

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 10:00:58 -0600

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According to new research from the Monell Center, the degree of change in blood triglyceride levels following a fatty meal may indicate susceptibility to diet-induced obesity. The findings open doors to new methods of identifying people, including children, who are at risk for becoming obese.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i281.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Milk Allergy Cured by Drinking Milk? Today's Top Story for 30 October 2008

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:50:27 -0500

Giving children with milk allergies increasingly higher doses of milk over time may ease, and even help them completely overcome, their allergic reactions.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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The Brain's Hate Circuit - Today's Top Story for 29 October 2008

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:03:04 -0500

People who view pictures of someone they hate display activity in distinct areas of the brain that, together, may be thought of as a 'hate circuit', according to new research by scientists at UCL (University College London).

Consumption of Flaxseed Oil May Increase the Risk of Premature Birth - Today's Top Story for 28 October 2008

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:42:55 -0500

A study has found that the risks of a premature birth quadruple if flaxseed oil is consumed in the last two trimesters of pregnancy. The research was conducted by Professor Anick Bérard of the Université de Montréal's Faculty of Pharmacy and the Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center and Master's student Krystel Moussally.

Valproic Acid May Reverse Alzheimer's Disease Cognitive Decline - Today's Top Story for 27 October 2008

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:42:13 -0500

A team led by UBC Psychiatry Prof. Weihong Song, who is also the Jack Brown and Family Professor and Chair in Alzheimer's Disease at UBC, found that if Valproic Acid (VPA) is used as a treatment in early stages of AD memory deficit is reversed.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Podcast music provided by Dennis Devitt. dennis.devitt@comcast.net

More Evidence Confirms Plastic, BPA Hazardous to Health - Today's Top Story for 25 October 2008

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:41:30 -0500

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical widely used to make plastic food containers, can prevent connections from forming between nerve cells in the brains of monkeys, a new study suggests. Although similar findings have been seen in studies of rats and mice, this is the first to show that BPA may impair brain function in nonhuman primates. The results add to growing concerns about how widespread exposure to BPA may affect human health.

Music for today's podcast was provided by Dennis Devitt. If you're interested in music for your podcast, contact Dennis Devitt at dennis.devitt@comcast.net

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Cold Virus Alters Your Genes - Today's Top Story for 24 October 2008

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:40:48 -0500

Sneezing, runny nose and chills? You might blame the human rhinovirus (HRV), which causes 30 to 50 percent of common colds. But in reality, it's not the virus itself but HRV's ability to manipulate your genes that is the true cause of some of the most annoying cold symptoms.
This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com.

PTSD Prevention? Maybe. Today's Top Story for 22 October 2008

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:00:30 -0500

Cortisol helps our bodies cope with stress, but what about its effects on the brain? A new study by Cohen and colleagues, appearing in the October 15th issue of Biological Psychiatry, suggests that the answer to this question is complex. In an animal model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), high doses of a cortisol-related substance, corticosterone, prevented negative consequences of stress exposure, including increased startle response and behavioral freezing when exposed to reminders of the stress. However, low-dose corticosterone potentiated these responses. This finding suggests that corticosterone levels may influence both vulnerability and resilience in a dose-dependent manner through its involvement in memory processes.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i273.htm

US suicide rate increasing - Today's Top Story for 21-October-2008

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:02:34 -0500

The rate of suicide in the United States is increasing for the first time in a decade, according to a new report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Injury Research and Policy. The increase in the overall suicide rate between 1999 and 2005 was due primarily to an increase in suicides among whites aged 40-64, with white middle-aged women experiencing the largest annual increase.

Brain Cancer is Linked to Cell Phone Use - Today's Top Story 20 October 2008

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:03:13 -0500

It's becoming more and more apparent that cell phone use is linked to the worst kind of brain cancer - a class of tumors known as malignant gliomas. Much needs to be done to solidify the evidence and begin making cell phones safe or limiting their use among children and adolescents. The host, lost her husband to brain cancer in 2005 and is convinced that the death was linked to his 8 hour a day use of his cell phone in the course of his job.

Limit your use of cell phones and listen to this important podcast.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i271.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Tests, scans, and radiation therapy: When the ill need protection from the cure - Today's Top Story for 17 October 2008

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:43:48 -0500

In the quest to discover the root of illnesses, patients have to undergo an increasing number of scans and tests that may involve the use of ionising radiation to detect the source and scope of an ailment. However, this practice could also put patients at risk.

Link Between Pet Food and Baby Formula Poisonings - Today's Top Story for 16 October 2008

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:51:13 -0500

A study published in the November issue of a scientific journal, Toxicological Sciences, which is published by Oxford Journals on behalf of the Society of Toxicology, describes the kidney toxicity of melamine and cyanuric acid based on research that was done to characterize the toxicity of the compounds that contaminated pet food in North America in 2007.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, DVDs and CDs for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i268.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Nicotine Causes Excitation of Breast Cancer Pathways - Today's Top Story for 15 October 2008

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:50:48 -0500

A study published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, suggests a possible role for nicotine in breast tumor development and metastases.

You Idiot - Even Well Educated Fail to Answer Common Physician Questions - Today's Top Story for 14 October 2008

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:01:23 -0500

Time constraints frequently limit the amount of face time doctors and patients share together. To optimize their office visit, patients often answer written questions while awaiting their turn to see their doctors. In two separate studies presented at the 2008 Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons, Viraj A. Master, MD, PhD, assistant professor of urology at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, pointed out a profound gap in the understanding of physicians about the literacy levels of their patients as it relates to the efficacy of screening tools. This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, DVDs and CDs for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i266.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Chicken Soup for Hypertension? - Today's Top Story for 13 October 2008

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:19:27 -0500

Chicken soup, that popular home remedy for the common cold sometimes known as "Grandma's Penicillin," may have a new role alongside medication and other medical measures in fighting high blood pressure, scientists in Japan are reporting. Their research is scheduled for the October 22 issue of ACS' biweekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, DVDs and CDs for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i265.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Tobacco smuggling is killing more people than illegal drugs

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:20:38 -0500

Tobacco smuggling causes around 4,000 premature deaths a year—four times the number of deaths caused by the use of all smuggled illegal drugs put together—but the UK government is not doing enough to tackle the problem.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at http://www.ramex.com.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i263.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Herbal menopause therapy a good fit for breast cancer patients?

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 10:09:40 -0500

When it comes to understanding the effectiveness and safety of using herbal therapies with other drugs, much is unknown. Now, a University of Missouri researcher will study how black cohosh - an herbal supplement often used to relieve hot flashes in menopausal women - interacts with tamoxifen, a common drug used to treat breast cancer.

Red Wine Consumption Reduces Risk of Lung Cancer Among Men Who Smoke - Today's Top Story for 7 October 2008

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 12:01:13 -0500

Moderate consumption of red wine may decrease the risk of lung cancer in men, according to a report in the October issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention¸ a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at www.ramex.com.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i260.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Move it! Severely Obese Benefit from Just a Little Movement - Today's Top Story for 6 October 2008

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 11:56:25 -0500

A little exercise goes a long way toward helping severely obese individuals improve their quality of life and complete important daily tasks.

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at www.ramex.com.

Parents Remain Nervous About Link Between Autism and Childhood Vaccines - Today's Top Story for 3 October 2008

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 11:17:02 -0500

This podcast is hosted by Susan Boyer, RN and is a production of the Vidyya Medical News Service. We're sponsored by RAmEx Ars Medica -- one of the worlds largest distributors of books, dvds and cds for the busy health professional. Visit RAmEx online at www.ramex.com.
And now, today's top story:
The first national survey of attitudes toward autism reveals that a small but significant percentage of people still believe the disease is caused by childhood vaccines. The survey of 1000 randomly selected adults was conducted for the Florida Institute of Technology.
Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i257.htm

Disease diagnosis in just 15 minutes

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 09:56:25 -0500

Testing for diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis could soon be as simple as using a pregnancy testing kit. A team led by scientists at the University of Leeds has developed a biosensor technology that uses antibodies to detect biomarkers - molecules in the human body which are often a marker for disease – much faster than current testing methods.
Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i256.htm
Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.
For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Vitamin C supplements may reduce benefit from wide range of anti-cancer drugs

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 10:39:19 -0500

In pre-clinical studies, vitamin C appears to substantially reduce the effectiveness of anticancer drugs, say researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Study finds young children can develop full-blown OCD

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:47:39 -0500

A new study by researchers at the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center has found that children as young as four can develop full-blown obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and often exhibit many of the same OCD characteristics typically seen in older kids.

Majority of children vaccinated against hepatitis B not at increased risk of MS

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:13:25 -0500

The majority of children vaccinated against hepatitis B are not at an increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a study to be published in the October 8, 2008, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Pertussis: Adults can fall severely ill

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:10:33 -0500

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is not just a childhood disease. The pathogen Bordetella pertussis is highly infectious and an infection may occur at any age. The risk of a pertussis infection can be greatly reduced by vaccination, as Marion Riffelmann of the Krefeld Institute for Infectious Diseases and her colleagues report in the current Deutsches Ärzteblatt International (Dtsch Arztebl Int 2008; 105(37): 623-8).

Caffeine experts at Johns Hopkins call for warning labels for energy drinks

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:57:12 -0500

Johns Hopkins scientists who have spent decades researching the effects of caffeine report that a slew of caffeinated energy drinks now on the market should carry prominent labels that note caffeine doses and warn of potential health risks for consumers.

Looking past the "down low"

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:47:08 -0500

The popular media in the U.S. have focused too much on moral issues surrounding black bisexual men who do not disclose their same-sex behaviors to female lovers, otherwise known as men "on the Down Low," with this focus creating a stigma that interferes with effective public health strategies, says Indiana University sexual health expert Brian Dodge.

Could Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue be the Result of Chronic Sinusitis?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:04:17 -0500

A new analysis led by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center suggests many patients with sinusitis have aches and pains similar in severity to people in their 80s and those with arthritis or depression. The study also finds that endoscopic sinus surgery to clear clogged sinuses can bring significant pain relief.

Longer Treatment Window for Victims of Acute Ischemic Stroke - Today's Top Story for 15 September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:28:22 -0500

The time span in which treatment should be given for acute ischemic stroke – i.e. stroke caused by a clot or other obstruction to the blood supply – can be lengthened. This according to a study from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet, the results of which can bring about more effective and safer treatments for stroke sufferers.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i242.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Gender Differences in Rheumatic Disease May Cause Inadequate Treatment for Women - Today's Top Story for 12 September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:27:47 -0500

Rheumatoid arthritis is often a more painful experience for women than it is for men, even though the visible symptoms are the same. Scientists are now saying that doctors should take more account of these subjective differences when assessing the need for medication. This and other findings are being presented at a congress currently in progress on gender medicine arranged by Karolinska Institutet.

Test for Alzheimer's Disease Within Reach - Today's Top Story for 9 September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:27:22 -0500

A simple blood test to detect whether a person might develop Alzheimer's disease is within sight and could eventually help scientists in their quest toward reversing the disease's onset in those likely to develop the debilitating neurological condition. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i238.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Ingredient in plastic linked to metabolic syndrome - Today's Top Story for 5 September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:26:54 -0500

New research from the University of Cincinnati (UC) implicates the primary chemical used to produce hard plastics—bisphenol A (BPA)—as a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and its consequences. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i235.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Think more? Then you may eat more - Today's Top Story for 4 September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:26:31 -0500

A Université Laval research team has demonstrated that intellectual work induces a substantial increase in calorie intake. The details of this discovery, which could go some way to explaining the current obesity epidemic, are published in the most recent issue of Psychosomatic Medicine.

Serum Calcium and the Risk of Fatal Prostate Cancer - Today's Top Story for 3 September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:26:08 -0500

Men who have too much calcium in their bloodstreams may have an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer, according to a new analysis from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Wisconsin. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i233.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Herpes from Parent Changes DNA in Baby - Today's Top Story for 2 September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:25:52 -0500

Parents expect to pass on their eye or hair color, their knobby knees or their big feet to their children through their genes. But they don't expect to pass on viruses through those same genes.

Study confirms vCJD could be transmitted by blood transfusion - Today's Top Story for 29 August 2008

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:32:09 -0500

A nine-year study in sheep has added to the evidence that vCJD can be transmitted through blood transfusion in humans. The findings underline the importance of precautions against vCJD transmission, such as the Government decision in 2004 to ban blood donations from anyone who had received a blood transfusion since 1980. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i229.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Flushing Cocaine Overdose Out of the System - Today's Top Story for 28 August 2008

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:31:45 -0500

A slight change to a naturally occurring enzyme means that chemists have created a molecule that could flush a cocaine overdose out of the body before it can cause irreparable damage to the central nervous system. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i228.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

We Know Nothing About Cholesterol! Kids Fed Ketogenic Diets Return to Baseline Cholesterol Levels Without Dietary Intervention - Today's Top Story for 27 August 2008

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:31:03 -0500

Hey! We know nothing about cholesterol. Whether kids in a study were treated or not, a good percentage of them returned to baseline cholesterol levels -- even though their high fat diet continued. Just goes to show, what we know is that we don't know. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i227.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Incense use may increase the risk of respiratory tract cancers - Today's Top Story for 26 August 2008

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:30:34 -0500

Long term use of incense increases the risk of developing cancers of the respiratory tract, according to a new study. The new analysis, which the authors say is the first prospective investigation of incense and cancer risk, appears in the October 1, 2008 issue of Cancer. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i226.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Compression stockings used incorrectly in almost a third of patients - Today's Top Story for 21 August 2008

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:54:39 -0500

An original study, published in the September issue of the American Journal of Nursing (AJN), revealed that graduated compression stockings were used incorrectly in 29% of the patients and sized incorrectly in 26% of the patients. These stockings play an important role in preventing the formation of deep vein clots that can result in pulmonary complications and death.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Injected vitamin C reduces tumor size in mice - Today's Top Story for 20 August 2008

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:37:19 -0500

Injecting high doses of vitamin C into mice with aggressive cancers slowed the growth of their tumors significantly without affecting normal tissues, researchers are reporting. While the potential anticancer effects of vitamin C (also known as ascorbate or ascorbic acid) have been studied for decades, the new findings provide "a firm basis" for advancing vitamin C as a pharmacologic agent for treating human cancer, they write in the August 5, 2008 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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Air pollutant mimics damaging effects of cigarette smoke - Today's Top Story for 19 August 2008

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:15:28 -0500

A previously unrecognized group of air pollutants could have effects remarkably similar to harmful substances found in tobacco smoke, Louisiana scientists are reporting. Inhaling those pollutants exposes the average person up to 300 times more free radicals daily than from smoking one cigarette, they added. The discovery could help explain the long-standing medical mystery of why non-smokers develop tobacco-related diseases like lung cancer, said study leader H. Barry Dellinger.

Depressed Drivers on Antidepressants Perform Worse than Non-Medicated Drivers - Today's Top Story for 18 August 2008

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:45:31 -0500

People taking prescription antidepressants appear to drive worse than people who aren't taking such drugs, and depressed people on antidepressants have even more trouble concentrating and reacting behind the wheel.Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i220.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Drugs boost exercise endurance in mice

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:06:32 -0500

Researchers have identified 2 drugs that, in mice, seem to confer many of the healthful benefits of long-term exercise, giving them more fat-burning muscle and better endurance. The scientists say their findings might eventually lead to better treatments for certain muscle disorders, frailty, obesity and other conditions in which exercise is known to be helpful but not always practical.

Study shows that surgical weight loss does not eliminate obstructive sleep apnea

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:05:47 -0500

A study in the August 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine shows that surgical weight loss results in an improvement of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but most patients continue to have moderate to severe OSA one year after undergoing bariatric surgery. Results of this study suggest that it is the severity of the condition, rather than a patient's presurgical weight, that determines if OSA will be resolved.

MSG = Fat, Overweight and Obese - Today's Top Story for 14 August 2008

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:18:59 -0500

People who use monosodium glutamate, or MSG, as a flavor enhancer in their food are more likely than people who don't use it to be overweight or obese even though they have the same amount of physical activity and total calorie intake, according to a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health study published this month in the journal Obesity.

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Cancer cells with a long breath: seeking the origin of brain tumors in children - Today's Top Story for 13 August 2008

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:59:52 -0500

Medulloblastoma is one of the most common and most malignant brain tumors among children and teenagers. These tumors grow very rapidly, and fifty percent of patients in the long term die from the condition. The details of the processes that lead to the growth of these tumors have remained unknown until now. In two studies, working together with international scientific teams, LMU medical scientist Dr. Ulrich Schüller has now successfully revealed certain molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of these cerebellar tumors. As reported in the current issue of the journal Cancer Cell, the researchers triggered genetic changes in cell populations in the brains of mice in order to provoke the growth of tumors. It turned out that medulloblastomas arose from only one type of cell – granule cells – and only if these were already fully committed. "Medulloblastomas are presently treated with nonspecific methods," states Schüller. "Our results could contribute to the development of targeted therapies, and thus improve the treatment of cerebellar tumors in children."

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Rare case in a Baltimore couple explains why some infected with HIV remain symptom free for years without antiretroviral drugs

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:19:49 -0500

AIDS experts at Johns Hopkins say they have compelling evidence that some people with HIV who for years and even decades show extremely low levels of the virus in their blood never progress to full-blown AIDS and remain symptom free even without treatment, probably do so because of the strength of their immune systems, not any defects in the strain of HIV that infected them in the first place.

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Fish Consumption, and Vision - Today's Top Story for 11 August 2008

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:05:12 -0500

Eating oily fish once a week may reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is the major cause of blindness and poor vision in adults in western countries and the third cause of global blindness, according to a study published this week in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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Crohn's Disease Linked to Common Cattle Disease - Today's Top Story for 8 August 2008

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 11:04:12 -0500

People with Crohn's disease (CD) are seven-fold more likely to have in their gut tissues the bacterium that causes a digestive-tract disease in cattle called Johne's disease. The role this bacterium may or may not play in causing CD is a top research priority, according to a new report released by the American Academy of Microbiology. The reports points out that the cause of CD is unknown, and the possible role of this bacterium—which could conceivably be passed up the food chain to people—has received too little attention from the research community.

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Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Coming soon to a doctor's office near you: Personalized vitamin plans to fine tune your body's engine - Today's Top Story for 7 August 2008

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 09:25:05 -0500

You may be one of the many people who take vitamin and mineral supplements as a kind of insurance plan, to make sure your body’s getting enough of all the nutrients you need. New research suggests that doctors may one day be able to design a personalized supplement plan that’s best for your particular body.

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Postpartum Suicide Risk - Today's Top Story for 6 August 2008

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 09:29:37 -0500

Although maternal suicide after giving birth is a relatively rare occurrence, suicide attempts often have long-lasting effects on the family and the infant. In a study published in the August 2008 issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, researchers compared two populations of mothers and found that a history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse was a strong predictor of post-partum suicide attempts.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Older Adults: How to Stay Cool in Hot Weather - Today's Top Story for 4 August 2008

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 09:01:18 -0500

Hyperthermia is the name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses that can include heat stroke, heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Older adults are particularly at risk for developing heat-related illness because the ability to adequately respond to summer heat can become less efficient with age. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has some advice for helping older people avoid heat problems during the summer months.

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Methadone for Leukemia? - Today's Top Story for 1 August 2008

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 12:08:03 -0500

Researchers in Germany have discovered that methadone, an agent used to break addiction to opioid drugs, has surprising killing power against leukemia cells, including treatment resistant forms of the cancer. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i204.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Drink, Sneeze, Allergies! - Today's Top Story for 30 July 2008

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:33:04 -0500

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There is a link between alcohol consumption and increased risk of perennial allergic rhinitis, according to a recent Danish study of 5,870 young adult women. The study, published in the July issue of Clinical and Experimental Allergy, found that the risk increased 3% for every additional alcoholic drink per week. In contrast, the authors did not observe any increase in risk of seasonal allergic rhinitis according to alcohol intake.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Oxytocin Helps You Remember a Happy Face - Today's Top Story for 28 July 2008

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:52:47 -0500

Oxytocin was originally studied as the "milk let-down factor," i.e., a hormone that was necessary for breast-feeding. However, there is increasing evidence that this hormone also plays an important role in social bonding and maternal behaviors. A new study scheduled for publication in the August 1st issue of Biological Psychiatry now shows that one way oxytocin promotes social affiliation in humans is by enhancing the encoding of positive social memories.

Energy Drinks, Sex, Drugs, and Toxic-Jock Identity - Today's Top Story for 26 July 2008

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:23:21 -0500

Over the last decade, energy drinks -- such as Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar -- have become nearly ubiquitous on college campuses. The global market for these types of drinks currently exceeds $3 billion a year and new products are introduced annually.

Two new research reports by RIA Research Scientist Kathleen E. Miller, Ph.D., examine the relationships between energy drink consumption and risk-taking in college students as well as "toxic jock identity" -- characterized by hyper-masculinity and risk-taking behaviors among college-age athletes.

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Prominent Researcher Warns Staff: Stay Away from Cell Phones - Today's Top Story for 25 July 2008

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:47:01 -0500

The head of a prominent cancer research institute issued an unprecedented warning to his faculty and staff Wednesday: Limit cell phone use because of the possible risk of cancer. The warning from Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, is contrary to numerous studies that don't find a link between cancer and cell phone use, and a public lack of worry by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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Your Laundry May be Hazardous to Your Health - Today's Top Story for 24 July 2008

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:45:12 -0500

A University of Washington study of top-selling laundry products and air fresheners found the products emitted dozens of different chemicals. All six products tested gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but none of those chemicals was listed on the product labels.

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Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Viagra May Alleviate Anti-Depressant Medication-Related Sexual Dysfunction Among Women - Today's Top Story for 23 July 2008

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:48:50 -0500

Women with sexual dysfunction caused by the use of antidepressants experienced a reduction in adverse sexual effects with use of sildenafil, commonly known as the erectile dysfunction medication Viagra, according to a study in the July 23/30 issue of JAMA. Treatment-related sexual dysfunction is a frequent adverse effect occurring with medication use and is a major influence for early discontinuation of antidepressant treatment, which can lead to treatment failure. Sexual dysfunction is recognized as being associated with selective and nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants, which are the most frequently prescribed medications for outpatients age 18 to 65 years and represent 90 percent of the 180 million antidepressant prescriptions filled in the United States Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i196.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice. For the best service and satisfaction when buying medical books, CDs and DVDs, please visit our sponsor: http://www.ramex.com

Study examines motivations for tattoo removal

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:57:19 -0500

Individuals who visit dermatology clinics for tattoo removal are more likely to be women than men, and may be motivated by the social stigma associated with tattoos and negative

Video released of rapid Alzheimer's improvement after new immune-based treatment

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:11:59 -0500

New research into the treatment of Alzheimer's disease reports improvement in language abilities using a novel immune-based approach. A video accompanying the research, published today in the open access journal BMC Neurology, documents rapid language improvement within minutes of using this new treatment.

The video is available at: http://w02.biomedcentral.com/download/pr/PPA1280.mov

Rapid improvement in verbal fluency and aphasia following perispinal etanercept in Alzheimer's disease. Edward L. Tobinick and Hyman Gross. BMC Neurology (in press)

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Wrinkle relief: All about Injectable cosmetic fillers - Today's Top Story for 19 July 2008

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:15:01 -0500

In the quest for youth—or at least a more youthful appearance—women and men are seeking treatments to minimize laugh lines, crow's feet, and forehead furrows. A popular treatment involves injecting cosmetic wrinkle fillers into the face. Download an FDA brochure: http://www.vidyya.com/11pdfs/wrinklefillers062608.pdf

Old eyes can learn new tricks; findings offer hope for adults with 'lazy eye'

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:59:47 -0500

New evidence that the brain regions responsible for vision are capable of adapting in adults offers new hope for those with an untreated condition commonly known as lazy eye. Also called amblyopia, the condition is the most prevalent cause of visual impairment in a single eye, affecting about six million people in the United States alone.

A Clicker Means Learning is Quicker - Today's Top Story for 17 July 2008

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:58:27 -0500

Hand-held electronic devices called clickers are helping college students learn physics, according to a series of research studies.

Ohio State University students who used the devices to answer multiple-choice questions during physics lectures earned final examination scores that were around 10 percent higher – the equivalent of a full-letter grade -- than students who didn't.

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Women and Men Need Different Diets for Optimal Health - Today's Top Story for 16 July 2008

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:04:53 -0500

Males live longest and have the greatest reproductive success with a diet that favors carbohydrates to protein by eight-to-one, whereas females have greatest success when the ratio is just one-to-one. Given a choice, however, females eat only a small amount more protein than males. The shared ability to sense and choose food dooms both males and females to eat a diet that is a compromise between what is best for each sex. Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i190.htm

Learning how cold sore viruses hide

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:10:33 -0500

Once you’ve been infected with a herpesvirus, like the virus that causes cold sores, it takes up permanent residence in your body, hiding quietly in your nerve cells until the next outbreak. Now scientists say they’ve discovered tiny molecules that seem to help the cold sore virus stay inactive and protected. The finding may eventually lead to new strategies for treating these persistent infections.

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Where Families Live Determines What They Pay for Special Needs Care for their Children - Today's Top Story for 12 July 2008

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:48:59 -0500

Therapies, rehabilitation and specialty medical care are just a few of the extra costs that parents face when raising children with special needs. In a new study that will be published in current issue of Pediatrics, Paul T. Shattuck, Ph.D., professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis, found that families with similar demographics and nature of their children's special needs have different out-of-pocket health expenditures depending on the state in which they live.

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Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Sewing DNA Strands Together - Today's Top Story for 11 July 2008

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:32:12 -0500

Japanese scientists have made a micro-sized sewing machine to sew long threads of DNA into shape. The work published in the Royal Society of Chemistry journal Lab on a Chip demonstrates a unique way to manipulate delicate DNA chains without breaking them.

Concussion Recovery Depends on Gender, Previous Concussion - Today's Top Story for 10 July 2008

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:23:27 -0500

Female soccer players and soccer players who have had a previous concussion recuperate differently from males or players without a history of concussion, new research released today at the 2008 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting shows. The study found that prior history of concussion and gender account for significant differences in test results following the injury. Because of these differences, the authors urge physicians and coaches to take an individualized approach to treating concussion patients.

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Stop Drinking and Become Depressed? - Today's Top Story for 9 July 2008

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 10:58:46 -0500

New research shows that stopping drinking, including at moderate levels, may lead to health problems including depression and a reduced capacity of the brain to produce new neurons, a process called neurogenesis.

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Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Are men or women more likely to have memory problems in very old age?

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 01:08:57 -0500

Women over age 90 are significantly more likely to have dementia compared to men in their 90s, according to a study published in the July 2, 2008, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Research shows that dementia risk for both men and women increases from age 65 to 85, but this most recent study is one of few that looks at people over age 90.

Tabebuia? The Tree to End Obesity? - Today's Top Story for 7 July 2008

Mon, 7 Jul 2008 11:14:53 -0500

With unprecedented levels of obesity across the Western world, and incidence of associated heart disease, cancer and diabetes rising, there is a major drive to find new treatments. Scientists from Germany have recently discovered that extracts of a traditional herbal remedy derived from Tabebuia impetiginosa can act to delay the absorption of dietary fat in animal models. They believe that the extract could be incorporated into a food supplement which may not only reduce obesity, but also lessen the risk of development of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

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Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Novel hydrogel systems for dentin regeneration

Sat, 5 Jul 2008 10:01:11 -0500

Dental caries, or tooth decay, continues to be the most prevalent infectious disease in the world, presenting significant public health challenges and socio-economic consequences. It leads to the loss of the hard tissues of the tooth, followed by inflammation and necrosis of the subjacent dental pulp. In the U.S. alone, over 20 million dental restorations are placed each year, with failure rates of up to 60%. Hence, there exists a critical need for better biologic therapeutics to restore the damaged dentin-pulp complex to its original form and function. However, progress in this area has been slow compared with that in other fields of regenerative medicine.

Statins and Dementia: New Research Points to Causal Link - Today's Top Story for 4 July 2008

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 09:29:27 -0500

Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins have a profound effect on an elite group of cells important to brain health as we age, scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center have found. The new findings shed light on a long-debated potential role for statins in the area of dementia. Neuroscientists found that statins, one of the most widely prescribed classes of medication ever used, have an unexpected effect on brain cells. Researchers looked at the effects of statins on glial progenitor cells, which help the brain stay healthy by serving as a crucial reservoir of cells that the brain can customize depending on its needs. The team found that the compounds spur the cells, which are very similar to stem cells, to shed their flexibility and become one particular type of cell.

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Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Spiritual effects of hallucinogens persist, Johns Hopkins researchers report

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 15:31:45 -0500

In a follow-up to research showing that psilocybin, a substance contained in "sacred mushrooms," produces substantial spiritual effects, a Johns Hopkins team reports that those beneficial effects appear to last more than a year.

Oxygen is Bad for Brain Injury - Today's Top Story for 2 July 2008

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 19:05:07 -0500

The current standard practice of giving infants and children 100 percent oxygen to prevent brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation may actually inflict additional harm, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found.

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Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Over 45s the Most Likely to Contract an STD - Today's Top Story for 1 July 2008

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 19:21:27 -0500

Rates of sexually transmitted infections have doubled among the over 45s in less than a decade, reveals research published ahead of print in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Almond Joy for Your Belly - Today's Top Story for 28 June 2008

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 19:19:00 -0500

Almonds, as well as being high in vitamin E and other minerals, are also thought to have other health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol. Recently published work by the Institute of Food Research has identified potential prebiotic properties of almonds that could help improve our digestive health by increasing levels of beneficial gut bacteria.

Bassinets vs. Bedsharing

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:49:05 -0500

Bassinet use in 2006 was nearly double what it was in 1992, and even though more than 45% of infants between the ages of 0-2 months use them, little is known about bassinet safety.

Anti-inflammatory drug blocks brain plaques

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:25:31 -0500

Brain destruction in Alzheimer's disease is caused by the build-up of a protein called amyloid beta in the brain, which triggers damaging inflammation and the destruction of nerve cells. Scientists had previously shown that preventing individual amyloid beta proteins from sticking to one another minimized brain lesions and protected nerve cells against damage.

Blocking a single protein proves toxic to myeloma cells in laboratory studies

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:09:17 -0500

Researchers have found that cells from a blood-borne cancer called multiple myeloma rely on the activity of a single protein, called IRF4, for the activation of a wide range of genes responsible for cell survival and spread. Blocking the production of this protein can be strikingly effective in eliminating cancer cells in laboratory models of multiple myeloma. Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), published their results in the June 22, 2008, issue of Nature, which highlight this potentially powerful new therapeutic target in multiple myeloma.

Study shows that chronic grief activates pleasure areas of the brain

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:59:42 -0500

Grief is universal, and most of us will probably experience the pain grief brings at some point in our lives, usually with the death of a loved one. In time, we move on, accepting the loss.

Researchers seek participants for a study of antibiotic use in children with a urinary tract disorder

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:59:01 -0500

Researchers conducting a study to learn if children with a urinary tract disorder known as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) should be treated with an antibiotic for an extended period of time are seeking to enroll more participants. The study, known as the Randomized Intervention for Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux (RIVUR) study is funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Device Helps Paralysis Patients Stay Off the Ventilator for at Least Four Hours at a Time - Today's Top Story for 21 June 2008

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:28:45 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced that it approved the NeuRx DPS RA/4 Respiratory Stimulation System, an implantable electronic device that stimulates the diaphragm and allows certain spinal cord injury patients to breathe for at least four hours a day without a mechanical ventilator.

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Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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What Makes a Head Hurt? Headache 101 - Today's Top Story for 20 June 2008

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:07:51 -0500

Patients suffering from headaches are not alone. Headaches are one of the most common health complaints. They can be simply distracting or completely debilitating. Many headaches fade away without treatment. Some are easily remedied. Still others are stubborn and recurring. But only rarely do headaches warn of a serious illness.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i168.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Startle reflex: Good for sprinters, good for Parkinson's disease patients

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:32:52 -0500

Researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton studying the connection between loud sounds and reaction time are reporting findings that may have sprinters thinking twice about lane assignments at the upcoming Olympics.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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More than a feeling: How the arts affect your health

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:35:23 -0500

For thousands of years, people have searched for the meaning and beauty of life in music, painting, poetry and other arts. Now scientists are finding that the arts can benefit both your mental and physical health.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i166.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Hearing Loss and Diabetes Linked - Today's Top Story for 17 June 2008

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:52:47 -0500

Hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Hearing loss may be an under-recognized complication of diabetes. As diabetes becomes more common, the disease may become a more significant contributor to hearing loss," said senior author Catherine Cowie, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), who suggested that people with diabetes should consider having their hearing tested. "Our study found a strong and consistent link between hearing impairment and diabetes using a number of different outcomes."

Uncovering New Reasons for Cocaine Craving - Today's Top Story for 16 June 2008

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:52:22 -0500

Researchers have found that brain levels of a protein receptor rise, along with certain drug-seeking behaviors, after rats lose their access to cocaine. The finding may help explain why cocaine craving intensifies in the weeks and months after drug use ends. The research may also aid development of new drugs for preventing relapse.

Tune Deaf Persons May Not Recognize a Sour Note, But Their Brains Do - Today's Top Story for 15 June 2008

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:51:56 -0500

People with tune deafness aren't able to tell when a musician accidentally strikes the wrong note in a song, but their brains know the difference. Researchers from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part of the National Institutes of Health, have found that people with tune deafness, an auditory processing disorder in which a person with normal hearing has trouble distinguishing notes in a melody, are able to detect a wrong note unconsciously. The study is published in the June 11, 2008, issue of the online journal PLoS ONE

Zoledronic acid improves early breast cancer treatment

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:16:28 -0500

The addition of zoledronic acid (Zometa) to adjuvant endocrine therapy in premenopausal women with early stage breast cancer significantly improves clinical outcomes beyond those achieved with endocrine therapy alone, researchers reported at the ASCO annual meeting. The results are from a phase III randomized trial of 1,800 women conducted by the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group.

Initial costs of cancer treatment on the rise

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:55:21 -0500

In the first study to examine trends in the costs of specific components of initial cancer care in the United States, investigators found that Medicare payments for initial treatment rose significantly for breast, colorectal, and lung cancer patients but dropped slightly for prostate cancer patients between 1991 and 2002. These results, published online June 10 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, highlight the financial challenges to Medicare posed by the rising number of cancer patients in the United States as the population ages, the study authors said.

Head and neck cancer patients may find acupuncture helpful for pain and other symptoms after neck dissection

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:14:34 -0500

For patients with head and neck cancers who undergo a surgical procedure known as neck dissection, acupuncture may help reduce pain and improve functioning afterward, according to preliminary findings from a randomized trial presented as a poster at ASCO.

Time To Talk About CAM: Health care providers and patients need to ask and tell

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:47:41 -0500

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has launched Time to Talk, an educational campaign to encourage patients — particularly those age 50 or older — and their health care providers to openly discuss the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM ). CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine, such as herbal supplements, meditation, naturopathy, and acupuncture.

All about carpal tunnel syndrome - Today's Top Story for 8 June 2008

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 06:11:40 -0500

You're working at your desk, trying to ignore the tingling or numbness you've had for months in your hand and wrist. Suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain shoots through the wrist and up your arm. Just a passing cramp? More likely you have carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful progressive condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i157.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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All About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Sun, 8 Jun 2008 02:05:28 -0500

A new cancer specialty: Follow-up for long-term survivors

Sat, 7 Jun 2008 09:04:45 -0500

Diagnosed with inoperable Hodgkin lymphoma in 1978 at age 21, Eileen Gould received what was then state-of-the-art treatment: massive doses of radiation to the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. In addition, her spleen was removed. The treatment cured her lymphoma, which has never recurred.

Years later, she recounts, she was plagued by persistent fatigue and lack of endurance. Climbing a flight of stairs left her winded. Several doctors could find nothing wrong. Then she stumbled on an early online support group for long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma, many of whom reported symptoms similar to hers.

Vitamin D not associated with decreased prostate cancer risk

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 19:19:31 -0500

In a nested case-control study of participants from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial, published online May 27 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, higher concentrations of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], the primary form of vitamin D circulating in the bloodstream, were not associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. In fact, concentrations greater than the lowest fifth of the spectrum tended to be associated with an increased risk of aggressive disease.

BRCA2 linked to prostate cancer incidence and aggression

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 05:34:59 -0500

A study by researchers in Australia and Canada shows that BRCA2 mutation-positive men from BRCA mutation-positive families are at 3.5 times the risk of developing prostate cancer, and at higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, compared with the general population. No increase in prostate cancer risk was observed in BRCA1 mutation-positive men in this study. The report appeared in the May 15 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.

MRI may contribute to rising mastectomy rates - Today's Top Story for 4 June 2008

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 10:19:13 -0500

The number of mastectomies performed at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for women with early stage breast cancer jumped by 13 percent between 2003 and 2006, rising from 30 percent to 43 percent. A new study suggests that the introduction of preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is more sensitive than traditional mammography, may have been a factor.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Potent social forces influence smoking behavior

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 16:14:29 -0500

Friends and family have a powerful influence on whether a person quits smoking, and the decision to stop smoking can "spread" from one person to another in a social network, new research suggests. The findings are from a detailed analysis of smoking behavior in more than 12,000 individuals who were followed for 32 years, from 1971 to 2003, as part of the Framingham Heart Study.

Studies make case for Finasteride to prevent prostate cancer

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 06:37:05 -0500

The initial results from the largest completed prostate cancer prevention trial appear to have underestimated the benefits and overestimated the potential risks of finasteride, according to three new analyses of data from the trial. These results bolster the case for finasteride as a preventive agent against prostate cancer, say the studies' leaders.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i151.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

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Blood cholesterol levels predict risk of heart disease due to hormone therapy

Sun, 1 Jun 2008 18:19:13 -0500

A new analysis of a subgroup of participants in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) hormone therapy clinical trials suggests that healthy, postmenopausal women whose blood cholesterol levels are normal or lower are not at increased, short-term risk for heart attack when taking hormone therapy. In particular, postmenopausal women who had no history of heart disease but whose ratio of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol was less than 2.5 were at no increased risk of heart attack or death due to heart attack from taking estrogen plus progestin or estrogen alone, compared to their peers who did not take hormone therapy, after four years of follow up.

The birth of a virus - an HIV virus - witnessed by scientists

Sat, 31 May 2008 18:59:27 -0500

A mapmaker and a mathematician may seem like an unlikely duo, but together they worked out a way to measure longitude – and kept millions of sailors from getting lost at sea. Now, another unlikely duo, a virologist and a biophysicist at Rockefeller University, is making history of their own. By using a specialized microscope that only illuminates the cell’s surface, they have become the first to see, in real time and in plain view, hundreds of thousands of molecules coming together in a living cell to form a single particle of the virus that has, in less than 25 years, claimed more than 25 million lives: HIV.

Visiting the doc, online

Fri, 30 May 2008 15:17:05 -0500

There is a growing industry that allows patients to visit their doctor in the virtual world. MDWebLive.com is an example of such a Website. This site offers live video medical consultations via webcam between patients and board-certified doctors from multiple specialties.

Air pollution may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) - Today's Top Story for 29 May 2008

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:50:32 -0500

Long-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk for developing blood clots in veins deep within the legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. Although air pollution has previously been linked to heart disease and stroke, this is the first study to find a connection to the sometimes-dangerous blood clots that can form in the veins.

Deep vein thrombosis often arises after extended periods of inactivity, like after bed rest or sitting through a long plane ride. Birth-control pills and other hormone therapies can also raise the risk for deep-vein clots. The clots usually form in the legs, causing painful symptoms. If they break free and lodge in the blood vessels of the brain, heart or lungs, they can cause severe organ damage or even death.

When pregnant mom spends time on the farm, baby may reap allergy protection

Wed, 28 May 2008 13:03:33 -0500

Mothers exposed to farms, particularly to barns and farm milk, while pregnant confer protection from allergies on their newborns, according to a group of German researchers, who presented their findings at the American Thoracic Society’s 2008 International Conference earlier this week.

As compliance with sepsis guidelines improve, rate of death declines - Today's Top Story for 27 May 2008

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:25:52 -0500

A national educational effort in Spain to promote appropriate care for severe sepsis and septic shock was associated with a lower rate of sepsis deaths in hospitals and improved guideline adherence, although the improvement in compliance with some resuscitation procedures diminished after one year, according to a study in the May 21 issue of JAMA.

Interested in reading more medical news or viewing a transcript of this podcast? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service: http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i145.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

New tool creates individualized catch-up immunization schedules for missed childhood vaccines - Today's Top Story for 26 May 2008

Mon, 26 May 2008 11:29:35 -0500

A new downloadable software tool will help pediatricians, parents and other health care professionals determine how to adjust complex childhood immunization schedules when one or more vaccine doses aren’t received at the proper time.

Children commonly miss recommended times to receive vaccines. A report issued last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found an alarming 28 percent of toddlers have not been vaccinated according to U.S. guidelines. Another recent survey found that only nine percent of children received all of their vaccinations at the recommended times and that only half received all recommended doses by their second birthday.

Information for patients: Managing mouth and throat pain caused by radiation therapy - Today's Top Story for 25 May 2008

Sun, 25 May 2008 01:00:44 -0500

Managing the side effects of radiation therapy doesn't have to be difficult. Use the advise in this easy-to-read fact sheet for radiation therapy patients that includes information and tips to help manage mouth or throat pain, feel better during treatment, and talk with their doctor or nurse.

Download the fact sheet

http://www.vidyya.com/11pdfs/mouthandthroat.pdf

Or listen to the podcast

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i143.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Information for patients: Managing loose stools (diarrhea) caused by radiation therapy - Today's Top Story for 24 May 2008

Sat, 24 May 2008 01:59:38 -0500

Managing the side effects of radiation therapy doesn't have to be difficult. Read this easy-to-read fact sheet for radiation therapy patients that includes information and tips to help people manage diarrhea, feel better during treatment, and talk with their doctor or nurse.

You can download the sheet: http://www.vidyya.com/11pdfs/diarrhea.pdf or listen to the podcast

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i142.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Information for patients: Managing fatigue caused by radiation therapy - Today's Top Story for 23 May 2008

Fri, 23 May 2008 01:58:46 -0500

Managing the side effects of radiation therapy doesn't have to be difficult. Download this easy-to-read fact sheet for radiation therapy patients that includes information and tips to help people deal with fatigue, feel better during treatment, and talk with their doctor or nurse.

Download the fact sheet: http://www.vidyya.com/11pdfs/fatigue.pdf or listen to the podcast

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i141.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Information for patients: Managing the hair loss caused by radiation therapy - Today's Top Story for 22 May 2008

Thu, 22 May 2008 01:57:55 -0500

Managing the side effects of radiation therapy doesn't have to be difficult. This easy-to-read fact sheet and podcast for radiation therapy patients includes information and tips to help people deal with hair loss, feel better during treatment, and talk with their doctor or nurse.

Download the fact sheet http://www.vidyya.com/11pdfs/hairloss.pdf or listen to the podcast

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i140.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Information for patients: Managing mild skin changes from radiation therapy

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:26:48 -0500

Managing the side effects of radiation therapy doesn't have to be difficult. Take these steps to care for your skin in the treatment area: Check with your doctor or nurse before you put anything on your skin. Look at the list of skin products on the bottom of this page. Ask your doctor or nurse which ones are okay for you to use.
Get the full patient education material in today's issue of Vidyya by clicking this link: http://www.vidyya.com/11pdfs/skin.pdf

New adhesives for damaged joints

Tue, 20 May 2008 08:04:50 -0500

Millions of people suffer from joint pain caused by damaged cartilage, the lubricating tissue found on the ends of bones in various places in the body, including joints. The main sources of cartilage damage are sports injuries and arthritis. In arthritis, joint cartilage permanently wastes away, making even simple movements very painful. For many patients, relief comes only from total joint replacement, a surgical procedure that carries risks, including blood clots and nerve injury.

Minneapolis is Heart Healthy, Nashville isn't! The Top 10 and the Bottom 10 Heart Healthy Cities for Women - Today's Top Story for 19 May 2008

Mon, 19 May 2008 20:04:10 -0500

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota is the best place for heart health for women. The worst? Nashville, Tennessee. How did your city fare in Sperling's Best Places and the Go Red for Women's Heart Health ranking of big U.S. Cities? Listen to today's podcast and find out.

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

AHA and AAP Clarify Statement about Need for ECG among Children with ADHD - Today's Top Story for 18 May 2008

Sun, 18 May 2008 20:03:37 -0500

Last month the American Heart Association released a statement about cardiovascular evaluation and monitoring of children receiving drugs for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). There was some confusion after the statement was released -- a result of language in the news release and the statement as published. Some parents and physicians have had conflicting interpretations of the recommendations regarding the use of an electrocardiogram (ECG) in assessing children with ADHD who may need treatment with medications. On 18 May, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA) issued a joint advisory to clarify the recommendations.

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Mammography vs mammography plus ultrasound for breast cancer detection

Sat, 17 May 2008 02:39:23 -0500

First-year screening data from a study comparing ultrasound with or in addition to mammography in women who have increased breast cancer risk indicate that combining the two tests has benefits and drawbacks.

Neuroblastoma's genetic roots

Fri, 16 May 2008 01:38:49 -0500

In the first genome-wide association study of a rare cancer, researchers have identified common genetic variants that may increase the risk of neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer of the nervous system.

Global warming may lead to increase in kidney stones disease

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:33:44 -0500

Rising global temperatures could lead to an increase in kidney stones, according to research presented today at the 103rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). Dehydration has been linked to stone disease, particularly in warmer climates, and global warming will exacerbate this effect. As a result, the prevalence of stone disease may increase, along with the costs of treating the condition.

Physical activity and weight affect coronary heart disease risk

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:47:48 -0500

Researchers have long known that both physical activity and excess weight affect the risk of coronary heart disease. However, it's been hard to tease apart how much each contributes. A new study found that being physically active can considerably, but not completely, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with being overweight or obese.

What to expect from an office visit for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:19:51 -0500

If you think you might have CFS, begin your medical evaluation with a visit to your primary doctor. Your doctor may start with a routine physical examination, including asking you certain questions to help him or her rule out other causes of your symptoms. Because there is not a single definitive test, it can be difficult to make the diagnosis of CFS and taking a good medical history is very important. Other medical conditions must be excluded before the diagnosis of CFS can be made.

Scared nuts: Living with food allergies

Sun, 11 May 2008 21:25:31 -0500

Imagine what life would be like if you had to constantly check out the ingredients in your favorite foods to make sure your life wasn’t in danger after eating even a tiny bit. For some people with severe food allergies, that’s become their way of life.

Here a trigger, there a trigger, everything an asthma trigger

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:24:39 -0500

A growing number of Americans are sniffling and suffering with allergies and asthma. Several studies have shown that air pollution and indoor allergens make asthma symptoms worse and can bring on an asthma attack. If you’re 1 of the 23 million Americans who suffer from asthma, you might get some relief by taking steps to reduce indoor allergen levels and modifying your lifestyle to avoid the ill effects of air pollution.

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i130.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Usher syndrome: The most common vision and hearing problem you've never heard of?

Sun, 11 May 2008 17:48:21 -0500

Usher syndrome is the most common condition that affects both hearing and vision. A syndrome is a disease or disorder that has more than one feature or symptom. The major symptoms of Usher syndrome are hearing loss and an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa, or RP. RP causes night-blindness and a loss of peripheral vision (side vision) through the progressive degeneration of the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye and is crucial for vision. As RP progresses, the field of vision narrows—a condition known as “tunnel vision”—until only central vision (the ability to see straight ahead) remains. Many people with Usher syndrome also have severe balance problems.

New Information about the Link Between Breask Cancer and Alcohol Drinking - Today's Top Story for 9 May 2008

Fri, 9 May 2008 09:34:37 -0500

At the recent American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in San Diego, two new studies were presented that shed additional light on the alcohol-breast cancer connection, including one study that linked alcohol consumption with a significantly increased risk of the most common type of breast cancer. Even though these studies grabbed headlines, researchers stress that important questions remain unanswered, such as which women who drink are at greatest risk, and what biological mechanism(s) alcohol might trigger to cause breast cancer. In short, researchers are still accumulating evidence that can form the basis for personalized clinical recommendations. Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i127.htm

Metabolomics: A Snapshot of Health Found in the Bottom of a Urine Cup - Today's Top Story for 7 May 2008

Fri, 9 May 2008 09:32:56 -0500

An international study has found that urine can offer an in-depth snapshot of what’s going on inside a person’s body. The results revealed differences between populations and uncovered relationships between several urine components and blood pressure

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i126.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica (http://www.ramex.com), the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Is bipolar disorder overdiagnosed? - Today's Top Story for 6 May 2008

Tue, 6 May 2008 12:36:15 -0500

A new study by Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University researchers reports that fewer than half the patients previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder based on a comprehensive, psychiatric diagnostic interview--the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). The study concludes that while recent reports indicate that there is a problem with underdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, an equal if not greater problem exists with overdiagnosis. The study was published online by the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Principle investigator Mark Zimmerman, M.D., will present the findings at the annual meeting of the American Psychiatric Association on Wednesday, May 7. Or visit the Vidyya Medical News Service for more top stories at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i125.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

The best medicines for kidney disease and hypertension may not work for a fourth of African-Americans

Mon, 5 May 2008 12:36:01 -0500

The best available treatment for chronic kidney disease from high blood pressure did not keep the disease from substantially worsening in about a fourth of African-Americans studied, according to long-term results of a National Institutes of Health study published April 28, 2008, in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

FDA Approves Amitiza : Only Drug in US for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation - Today's Top Story for 2 May 2008

Fri, 2 May 2008 09:31:46 -0500

Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Amitiza (lubiprostone) for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) in adult women aged 18 and over. There is currently no prescription drug therapy for IBS-C. With this approval, Amitiza becomes the only FDA-approved medical treatment for IBS-C available in the United States.

Consumers and health care professionals are encouraged to report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/how.htm
For more information for health professionals visit: http://www.amitiza.com/hcp/

Get the complete prescribing information in today's issue of Vidyya: http://www.vidyya.com/11pdfs/amitizapi.pdf

Or visit the Vidyya Medical News Service for more top stories at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i122.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Ouch! Shingles! - Today's Top Story for 1 May 2008

Thu, 1 May 2008 08:50:16 -0500

It’s an unpleasant part of childhood you can never really leave behind. Even when chickenpox is gone, the virus that causes it stays with you for life, hidden and inactive in your nerve cells. As you get older, the virus may make a second, unwelcome appearance and cause a painful disease called shingles. The second time around can be far more complicated and miserable than the first.

For additional news, please visit the Vidyya Medical News Service's Web site at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i121.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Seasonal Viruses May Flow from Tropical Sources - Today's Top Story for 30 April 2008

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:24:01 -0500

Influenza virus strains that cause seasonal flu in temperate climates may emerge anew from tropical regions each year, according to a new study. Understanding how flu viruses evolve and spread is essential for making more effective future flu vaccines. Each year, influenza is estimated to cause 250,000 to 500,000 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Influenza type A, the most potent version of the virus, is responsible for seasonal epidemics in temperate climates during winter months. Researchers design flu vaccines to present our immune system with a part of the virus so that our bodies can recognize the real virus when it tries to infect us. But viruses accumulate mutations quickly so that our immune systems no longer recognize them. New strains of the virus thus emerge, requiring new flu vaccines to combat them.

Social Status Affects Your Brain - Today's Top Story for 29 April 2008

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:05:01 -0500

Scientists have identified brain regions that react to changes in how people perceive their social ranking. The findings could have implications for understanding how health and behavior are affected by social status.

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Rare Mutations Can Keep Blood Pressure Low - Today's Top Story for 28 April 2008

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:33 -0500

Scientists have identified rare variations in 3 genes that can protect against hypertension and its consequences, such as stroke, kidney disease and heart failure.

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i118.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Uncovering Factors That Influence Premature Infant Health - Today's Top Story for 27 April 2008

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:03:52 -0500

Researchers have identified several factors that influence an extremely low birth weight infant’s chances for survival and disability. The findings will help physicians and families to choose the most appropriate treatments.

Interested in reading more medical news? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i117.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Understanding How Heart Muscle Forms

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:03:28 -0500

Synchronized pulsing of heart muscle cells allows the heart to pump blood through the body. A new study has identified a protein that helps organize the structures that produce the contractions in these cells. Researchers have long known that muscle cells have subunits called sarcomeres that create the contractions that make muscles move.

FDA strengthens safeguards for consumers of beef: Issues regulation on animal feeds with added safeguards against BSE

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:33:20 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week issued a final regulation barring certain cattle materials from all animal feed, including pet food. The final rule further protects animals and consumers against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, also known as "mad cow disease").

New Form of Latex Good News for Health Professionals - Today's Top Story for April 24, 2008

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:31:23 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared for marketing the first device made from a new form of natural rubber latex, guayule latex. The product, the Yulex Patient Examination Glove, is derived from the guayule bush, a desert plant native to the Southwestern United States.

Traditional latex gloves are made from the milky sap of a rubber tree, Hevea braziliensis. The sap contains a protein that may trigger allergic reactions, especially after prolonged and repeated contact. Sensitized people may experience mild reactions such as skin redness, rash, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may include respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing spells and wheezing. Rarely, shock may occur.

For additional news, please visit the Vidyya Medical News Service's Web site at http://www.vidyya.com

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Higher Food Intake at Conception Could Mean Better Chance of Conceiving a Boy - Today's Top Story for 23 April 2008

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:23:04 -0500

A woman's diet around the time of conception may influence the gender of her baby, research suggests. The study suggests a high-calorie diet at this time - and regular breakfasts - might increase the odds of a boy.

Interested in reading more? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i113.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

FDA approves Cimzia to treat Crohn's disease - Today's top story for 22 April 2008

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:40:55 -0500

A new drug has been approved to help sufferers of Crohn's disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this week. Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) received approval for adults with moderate to severe Crohn's disease who have not responded to conventional therapies. This product was approved with a Medication Guide. For more information, visit the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i112.htm

Which Came First? The Stem Cell or the Skin Cell? Part 2 - Today's Top Story for 21 April 2008

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:38:42 -0500

Stem cell research pioneer James Thomson and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin have generated cells that appear to function like embryonic stem cells by “reprogramming” human skin cells. These cells could potentially be used to create different types of cells that can replace damaged cells in patients with diseases like diabetes or Parkinson’s. Interested in reading more? Try the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i111.htm Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Which Came First? The Stem Cell or the Skin Cell? Part 1 - Today's Top Story for 19 April 2008

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:45:11 -0500

Take skin cells, tweak them a bit, and they can become heart cells for a patient with chronic heart disease or insulin-producing cells for a patient with diabetes. Such cell-based therapies in which stem cells give rise to specific types of cells to repair damaged cells or tissues, also referred to as regenerative medicine, are still in the future. But two recent studies conducted by groups based at NCRR-funded National Primate Research Centers (NPRCs) are helping to pave the way toward custom-made cells and tissues for patients.

Read this and other top stories at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i110.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Clinical Trial to Test Herbal Remedy for Brain Cancer - Today's Top Story for 18 April 2008

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:24:30 -0500

Name of the trial:

Phase II Randomized Study of Adjuvant Boswellia Serrata and Standard Treatment Versus Standard Treatment Alone in Patients with Newly Diagnosed or Recurrent High-Grade Gliomas (CASE-CCF-7348). See the protocol summary at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/CASE-CCF-7348.

Principal Investigator Dr. Glen Stevens, Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Why This Trial Is Important

High-grade gliomas are among the most common and aggressive forms of adult brain cancer. Swelling of the brain (brain edema) is an often debilitating symptom of glioma and may continue to affect patients even if the tumor is surgically removed.

Read this and other top stories at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i109.htm

Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on the Top Story podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of our sponsor, RAmEx Ars Medica, the Vidyya Medical News Service or of Top Story. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

IV Iron an Important Adjunct for Patients with Chemotherapy-Related Anemia - Today's Top Story for 17 April 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:19:11 -0500

Two studies in the April 1 Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) found that intravenous (IV) iron significantly improves hemoglobin levels in patients taking erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) for chemotherapy-induced anemia compared with ESAs alone or ESAs plus oral iron. Anemia occurs in up to 75 percent of cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment in clinical trials, and ESA therapy has been found to correct the blood condition in only 50 to 70 percent of patients. Read this and six other stories of the day at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i108.htm , the home of the Vidyya Medical News Service. Information appearing on the Vidyya Medical News Service and on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Seek professional medical help and follow your health care provider's advice.

Which came first? Patients abusing prescription drugs or lack of access to the drugs the patients needed to be pain free?

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:56:57 -0500

Take a look in your medicine cabinet -- do you spot prescription pain medication? If so, are you contributing to the nation's dramatic increase in irresponsible prescription drug use? According to the 2008 National Drug Control Strategies Report, 71 percent of prescription pain medication abusers obtained the drugs from family and friends. Among 12- to 13-year-olds, prescription drug abuse actually exceeds marijuana use.

How to help your patients meet the criteria for insulin pump treatment

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:32:38 -0500

While many health plan insurers will pay for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus to have an insulin pump, the criteria for approval is not always clear. Help your patients by listening to today's Podcast. You can read this story and six other stories of the day by visiting the Vidyya Medical News Service's Web site at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i106.htm

Apligraf: The Best Skin Therapy You've Never Heard of - Today's Top Story for 14 April 2008

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:25:50 -0500

Apligraf®, which has been approved by the FDA since 2000, is a unique, advanced biological skin repair therapy, and is created from biological ingredients found in healthy human skin. Which explains why it looks like a thin, circular piece of real skin. It is used to heal sores such as diabetic foot and venous leg ulcers that are not healing after 3-4 weeks, despite treatment with conventional therapies. Read about it in today's issue of the Vidyya Medical News Service at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i105.htm

What Really Happens When Your Brain Wakes Up - Today's Top Story for 13 April 2008

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:35:35 -0500

When a person sleeps, the brain hums slowly, like an idling automobile engine. The slower the engine idles, the deeper the sleep. As the engine is revved up, a person wakes up and—provided the foot remains on the accelerator—stays awake. Researchers at the NCRR-funded Center for Translational Neuroscience in Little Rock, Ark., have now discovered how that process works. During sleep, two parts of the brain, called the thalamus and cortex, take turns firing at rhythms below 10 oscillations per second. For a person to wake up, oscillations between the thalamus and cortex need to speed up to around 40 per second. In the past, researchers believed that sleep and waking were controlled by chemicals called neurotransmitters. But these chemicals, although crucial to brain functioning, might not create rhythms that are sufficiently fast to keep the brain awake and alert. Read this and other top stories at http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i104.htm

Vitamin D for the Heart

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 11:21:19 -0500

Many people know the human body needs vitamin D for strong bones. But a recent study suggests that the vitamin is also good for a strong heart. The research, published in the May 2007 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, hints that taking vitamin D supplements could have a positive impact on people’s health—but a single recommended dose might not necessarily be a good fit for everyone.

Health watch for patients: Protecting yourself from hepatitis

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:19:03 -0500

Hepatitis can make you feel as if you have the flu, but it’s a completely different disease. Flu is caused by viruses that attack your lungs and respiratory system; hepatitis is a liver disease. Some forms of hepatitis get better on their own. But others can inflict serious liver damage, and may even leave you needing a new liver.

Test reveals the risk of asthma is inherited and can be measured at birth

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:25:33 -0500

Risk for developing asthma is linked to variants in a gene called CHI3L1, which can be measured by checking levels of an inherited blood protein regulated by that gene, according to new research sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.

Aggressively lowering cholesterol and blood pressure may reverse atherosclerosis in adults with diabetes

Wed, 9 Apr 2008 12:43:03 -0500

Aggressively lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels below current targets in adults with type 2 diabetes may help to prevent — and possibly reverse — hardening of the arteries, according to new research supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. Hardening of the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, is the number one cause of heart disease and can lead to heart attack, stroke, and death.

Drugs can make your patients FAT!

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 09:32:02 -0500

Atypical antipsychotic medications can cause metabolic syndrome in as little as six weeks among patients taking the drugs. The findings were presented at the 121st Annual Meeting of the American Physiological Society.

A large waist may equal early death for women

Mon, 7 Apr 2008 11:27:33 -0500

Women who carry excess fat around their waists were at greater risk of dying early from cancer or heart disease than were women with smaller waistlines, even if they were of normal weight, reported researchers from Harvard and the National Institutes of Health.

The need to smoke may be more genetic than habit-based

Sun, 6 Apr 2008 11:34:58 -0500

Scientists have identified a genetic variant that not only makes smokers more susceptible to nicotine addiction but also increases their risk of developing two smoking-related diseases, lung cancer and peripheral arterial disease. The research was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Alzheimer's Vaccine Clears Plaques, But Does Nothing for Learning and Memory - Today's Top Story for 5 April 2008

Sat, 5 Apr 2008 12:03:41 -0500

A promising vaccine being tested for Alzheimer’s disease does what it is designed to do – clear beta-amyloid plaques from the brain – but it does not seem to help restore lost learning and memory abilities, according to a University of California, Irvine study.

HRT, Cancerous Tumor Microdeposits and Increased Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence - Today's Top Story for 4 April 2008

Fri, 4 Apr 2008 09:56:17 -0500

When do women say enough is enough? When do health professionals decide that a therapy isn't worth the risk? Long-term follow-up data from a randomized clinical trial indicate that, in women previously treated for breast cancer, use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly increases the risk of recurrence or contralateral breast cancer - a new cancer in the opposite breast. Published online March 25 by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), the analysis shows a 2.4-fold increased risk of recurrence or contralateral breast cancer in women randomized to receive HRT to treat menopausal symptoms compared with women given the best, nonhormonal treatments for such symptoms.

Your Response to Stress is Not Necessarily in Your Control

Thu, 3 Apr 2008 11:26:09 -0500

Inherited variations in the amount of an innate anxiety-reducing molecule help explain why some people can withstand stress better than others, according to a new study led by researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

NIH research suggests stimulant treatment for ADHD does not contribute to substance abuse later in life

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 11:25:08 -0500

The first study to explore the use of automated external defibrillator (AEDs) in the home has found that although the safe and easy-to-use devices are effective for certain types of cardiac arrest, they were underused. The Home Automated External Defibrillator Trial (HAT), a randomized international clinical trial, was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.

Automated external defibrillators and CPR are equally helpful for sudden cardiac arrest in the home

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 11:45:52 -0500

Colorectal Cancer Means More Than Just Polyp Type Growths - Today's Top Story for 31 March 2008

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:25:02 -0500

Most colorectal cancers are thought to arise from polypoid adenomas - growths that protrude from the mucous membrane in the colon or rectum. A study from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System in Palo Alto, CA, published in the March 5 Journal of the American Medical Association adds to a growing body of evidence that nonpolypoid colorectal neoplasms (NP-CRNs) - abnormalities that can appear either flat or depressed relative to the surrounding membrane - can also contain precancerous or cancerous cells. Previous studies established the existence of NP-CRNs in Japan, but their prevalence and importance in other parts of the world has remained unclear.

Testing the most promising new cancer therapies for children

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:44:02 -0500

It is perhaps a good problem to have: Many more experimental cancer drugs enter clinical evaluation in adults each year than can realistically be tested in children, given the small number of children with cancer eligible for early-stage clinical trials.

FDA makes recommendations on medical devices that treat blocked heart arteries

Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:36:34 -0500

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach announced that the agency has issued draft guidelines to aid the development, testing and manufacture of coronary drug-eluting stents, devices used to treat blocked heart arteries.

Over the past few years, FDA and the clinical community have been closely monitoring these devices, including concerns over clot formation in some patients several years after implantation. The draft guidelines issued today—called an FDA guidance document—outline the agency's recommendations for pre-market clinical evaluation and post-market studies, which may provide data to better address this and other potential safety concerns.

Gene soup? More genes and more gene deletions responsible for schizophrenia

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:49:23 -0500

People with schizophrenia have higher rates of rare genetic deletions and duplications that likely disrupt the developing brain, according to studies funded in part by the National Institutes of Health.

Gene variant determines response to treatment for PCOS

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:59:50 -0500

NIH-sponsored researchers have discovered that women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are less likely to ovulate in response to a promising new drug treatment for the condition if they have a variation in a particular gene.

A link between antidepressants and type 2 diabetes

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:55:45 -0500

While analyzing data from Saskatchewan health databases, Lauren Brown, researcher with the U of A’s School of Public Health, found people with a history of depression had a 30 per cent increased risk of type 2 Diabetes.

Please visit http://www.vidyya.com for more

Infant mortality higher for boys than girls

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:57:40 -0500

Male infants in developed nations are more likely to die than female infants, a fact that is partially responsible for men’s shorter lifespans, reveals a new study by researchers from University of Pennsylvania and University of Southern California.

Heart attack symptoms in women differ than those in men

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:05:02 -0500

Chest pain or discomfort has long been seen as the most common early warning sign of a heart attack. But recent research has raised questions about whether this holds true for women. A new study looked at the available evidence and concluded that chest pain is the most common sign of heart attack for most women.

Living with Crohn's Disease

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:22:42 -0500

For the half-million Americans with Crohn’s disease, finding relief from abdominal pain and digestive problems is an ongoing challenge. Conventional therapies like steroids are often effective, but some patients find that they don’t do enough to calm their troubling symptoms.

Knitting prosthetic breasts - A solution to help patients take control

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:08:06 -0500

Women have more choices than ever when it comes to prosthetic breasts, however, most women still find available prostheses inadequate. One such woman has taken a crafty approach to the problem and created a thriving business. Her business also helps breast cancer survivors deal with the physical and emotional fall out of breast cancer.

How much protein do you need?

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:06:38 -0500

The idea of eating more protein has gained popularity in the past few years. Some people may think the way to build body muscle is to eat high-protein diets and use protein powders, supplements and shakes. But there’s no solid scientific evidence that most Americans need more protein. Most of us already get all we need. Some of us may even be eating much more than we need.

Researchers find possible cause of “chemo brain” in breast cancer patients

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:25:55 -0500

Thanks to early diagnosis and chemotherapy, more women survive breast cancer than ever before. However, following treatment, approximately 25 percent of survivors experience mild to moderate memory, concentration and cognitive problems known as “chemobrain”.

Mmmmm yak cheese: yummy and good for you

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:20:54 -0500

In a finding likely to get cheese lovers talking, researchers in Nepal and Canada report that yak cheese contains higher levels of heart-healthy fats than cheese from dairy cattle, and may be healthier. Their study is scheduled for the March 12 issue of ACS’ Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a bi-weekly publication.

All about Ménière's disease

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:45:41 -0500

Ménière's disease is an abnormality of the inner ear causing a host of symptoms, including vertigo or severe dizziness, tinnitus or a roaring sound in the ears, fluctuating hearing loss, and the sensation of pressure or pain in the affected ear. The disorder usually affects only one ear and is a common cause of hearing loss. Named after French physician Prosper Ménière who first described the syndrome in 1861.

Cholesterol drug makes staph more vulnerable

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 12:06:49 -0500

An experimental cholesterol-fighting drug can also strip staph bacteria of their golden color and make the microbes more susceptible to killing by the immune system. The finding may lead to new options for battling Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which are increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

Acupuncture shows promise in improving rates of pregnancy following IVF

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 11:41:09 -0500

A review of seven clinical trials of acupuncture given with embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) suggests that acupuncture may improve rates of pregnancy. An estimated 10 to 15 percent of couples experience reproductive difficulty and seek specialist fertility treatments, such as IVF. IVF, which involves retrieving a woman's egg, fertilizing it in the laboratory, and then transferring the embryo back into the woman's womb is an expensive, lengthy, and stressful process.

FDA issues alert on Tussionex, a long-acting prescription cough medicine containing hydrocodone

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 22:05:31 -0500

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an alert today on the safe and correct use of Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension in response to numerous reports of adverse events--including death--associated with the misuse and inappropriate use of this potent cough medication.

Personal counseling and web-based strategies show modest success for sustaining weight loss, according to NHLBI study

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:11:19 -0500

Adults who lost weight in a six-month program were able to keep at least some of the weight off for 2.5 years with the help of brief monthly personal counseling, according to a new study from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. A Web-based intervention also helped participants keep the weight off for two years, but the benefit waned during the last six months of the trial.

Flu virus fortified in colder weather

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:58:45 -0500

A new finding may explain why the flu virus is more infectious in cold winter months than during warmer seasons.

Experimental drug dampens alcohol craving by blocking stress response - Today's Top Story for 11 March 2008

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:54:47 -0500

Blocking stress-related circuits in the brain can reduce the desire for alcohol in people who are trying to stop drinking, a small clinical study has found. The discovery may provide a new approach for developing alcoholism treatments. Read the transcript of this podcast and six other top stories of the day by visiting http://www.vidyya.com/vidyyav10i71.htm

Do we really know about antidepressants? Statins? Or any other drug?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 13:49:36 -0500

Following last week’s study suggesting that new generation antidepressants aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, a special report in this week’s BMJ asks do we really know the truth about antidepressants? Or statins? Or any other drug on the market?

Computers detect Alzheimer's disease in brain scans

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 12:15:08 -0500

Computers can be trained to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in MRI brain scans, according to a new report. The finding could help doctors diagnose the disease earlier and more accurately than they can now, so treatment can begin earlier.

Newly Approved Generic Drugs - Today's Top Story for 8 March 2008

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 12:55:52 -0600

Each year, FDA approves scores of generic drugs that treat a variety of conditions and help consumers save money. Generic drugs cost about 20% to 70% less than their brand name counterparts. The Congressional Budget Office has reported that generic drugs save consumers an estimated $8 billion to $10 billion a year. Read this and six other top stories of the day by visiting http://www.vidyya.com

New Bacterium Found in Hairspray - Today's Top Story for 7 March 2008

Sat, 8 Mar 2008 12:54:57 -0600

Scientists in Japan have discovered a new species of bacteria that can live in hairspray, according to the results of a study published in the March issue of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Quantity and frequency of drinking influence mortality risk

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 12:02:03 -0600

How much and how often people drink — not just the average amount of alcohol they consume over time — independently influence the risk of death from several causes, according to a new study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

WHI follow up study confirms health risks of long-term combination hormone therapy outweigh benefits for postmenopausal women

Wed, 5 Mar 2008 10:28:44 -0600

New results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) confirm that the health risks of long-term use of combination (estrogen plus progestin) hormone therapy in healthy, postmenopausal women persist even a few years after stopping the drugs and clearly outweigh the benefits. Researchers report that about three years after women stopped taking combination hormone therapy, many of the health effects of hormones such as increased risk of heart disease are diminished, but overall risks, including risks of stroke, blood clots, and cancer, remain high.

Newly identified genetic variations may affect breast cancer risk

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 10:40:20 -0600

Researchers have identified genetic variations in a region of DNA that may be associated with risk for breast cancer. Women with the variation have a 1.4 times greater risk of developing breast cancer compared to those without this variation. The study is one of several genome-wide association studies looking for breast cancer genes to be published this year by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and their colleagues.

Increased allergen levels in homes linked to asthma - Today's Top Story for 3 March 2008

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 10:06:33 -0600

Results from a new national survey demonstrate that elevated allergen levels in the home are associated with asthma symptoms in allergic individuals. The study suggests that asthmatics that have allergies may alleviate symptoms by reducing allergen exposures inside their homes.

NHLBI issues first U.S. von Willebrand Disease clinical practice guidelines - Today's Top Story for 2 March 2008

Sun, 2 Mar 2008 10:05:28 -0600

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, issued the first clinical guidelines in the United States for the diagnosis and management of von Willebrand Disease (VWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder. The guidelines include recommendations on screening, diagnosis, disease management, and directions for future research.

Vitamins and the Risk of Lung Cancer - Today's Top Story for 29 February 2008

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 10:15:56 -0600

Vitamin supplements do not protect against lung cancer, according to a study of more than 77,000 vitamin users. In fact, some supplements may even increase the risk of developing it.

Jazz on the brain

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:55:07 -0600

A pair of Johns Hopkins and government scientists have discovered that when jazz musicians improvise, their brains turn off areas linked to self-censoring and inhibition, and turn on those that let self-expression flow.

Age-related dementia on the decline

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:50:32 -0600

Rates of cognitive impairment among older Americans are on the decline, according to a new study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) comparing the cognitive health of older people in 1993 and 2002. Higher levels of education were associated with better cognitive health.

Finding the roots of hair loss

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:04:10 -0600

A healthy individual loses around a hundred hairs a day. Nothing to worry about as long as they are constantly replaced and the losses occur evenly around the whole scalp. But when hair loss goes well beyond this level it can become quite a problem for those affected – not only superficially in terms of looks but also psychologically.

Experimental drug for osteosarcoma improves overall survival

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 10:22:16 -0600

Patients with osteosarcoma who received the experimental drug mifamurtide (L-MTP-PE) along with chemotherapy fared better than patients who received chemotherapy alone, researchers are reporting. Osteosarcoma is a rare but often fatal cancer of the bone. The disease typically affects children and young adults, and no new therapies have been introduced in two decades.

Is less more in patient management of care? Highly involved patients don't always see better health outcomes

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:26:07 -0600

Patients who prefer to be highly involved in their treatment don't necessarily have better luck managing chronic health conditions, a new study suggests. Be sure to visit the Vidyya Medical New Service website for more information http://www.vidyya.com

Antioxidants not a cure all - no help in development of children with Down's syndrome

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:46:18 -0600

Giving children with Down’s syndrome antioxidants and nutrients does not help their condition improve at all, according to a study published 21 February 2008.

Smoking’s effects on genes may play a role in lung cancer development and survival

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:30:04 -0600

Smoking plays a role in lung cancer development, and now scientists have shown that smoking also affects the way genes are expressed, leading to alterations in cell division and regulation of immune response. Notably, some of the changes in gene expression persisted in people who had quit smoking many years earlier.

Memories, stolen by stress hormones, at least in rodents

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:17:09 -0600

Diabetes is known to impair the cognitive health of people, but now scientists have identified one potential mechanism underlying these learning and memory problems. A new National Institutes of Health (NIH) study in diabetic rodents finds that increased levels of a stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland disrupt the healthy functioning of the hippocampus, the region of the brain responsible for learning and short-term memory. Moreover, when levels of the adrenal glucocorticoid hormone corticosterone (also known as cortisol in humans) are returned to normal, the hippocampus recovers its ability to build new cells and regains the "plasticity" needed to compensate for injury and disease and adjust to change.

Study identifies new patterns of brain activation used in forming long-term memories

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:57:51 -0600

Researchers at New York University and Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science have identified patterns of brain activation linked to the formation of long-term memories. The study, which appeared in the journal Neuron, also offered an innovative and more comprehensive method for gauging memories. It asked subjects to recall the content of a television sit-com, which more accurately simulated real-life experiences because it required retrieving material that occurs in more complex settings than typically exist in a laboratory environment.

Protein in tick saliva prevents HIV-1 from attaching to T cells

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:07:46 -0600

The HIV-1 virus cripples the human immune system by targeting white blood cells called T cells that form the body’s first line of defense in fighting infections. A recent study by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst shows that a protein found in the saliva of deer ticks prevents the HIV-1 virus from attaching to the surface of T cells, which is the critical first step in the virus’ attack strategy.

Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Ready for Primary Care - Today's Top Story for 17 February 2008

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:07:20 -0600

The time has come for breast cancer risk assessment, counseling and genetic testing to move from cancer specialists to the realm of primary care, according to a presentation at the AAAS annual meeting, held this year in Boston.

Stress Makes Women More Vulnerable to Cervical Cancer - Today's Top Story for 16 February 2008

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 15:06:55 -0600

A woman’s daily stress can reduce her ability to fight off a common sexually transmitted disease and increase her risk of developing the cancer it can cause, according to a new study. No such association is seen, however, between past major life events, such as divorce or job loss, and the body’s response to the infection.

Best health advice? Be happy with your fat self. Desire to lose weight, not weight itself linked to unhealthy days

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:23:53 -0600

In a study to examine the impact of desired body weight on the number of unhealthy days subjects report over one month, researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that the desire to weigh less was a more accurate predictor of physically and mentally unhealthy days, than body mass index (BMI). In addition, the desire to lose weight was more predictive of unhealthy days among Whites than among African-Americans or Hispanics, and among women than among men. The paper, I Think Therefore I Am: Perceived Ideal Weight as a Determinant of Health, will be published in the March issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

PUT DOWN THE DIET SODA - Today's Top Story for 12 February 2008

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 22:10:31 -0600

Diet soda is bad, okay. Don't drink it. It just makes you fat.

Fibrils Left Behind From Drying Iron May Be Linked to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:24:07 -0600

Researchers at the University of Warwick and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur have discovered that the mechanism that we rely on to transport iron safely through our blood stream can, in certain circumstances, collapse into a state which grows long worm-like “fibrils” banded by lines of iron rust. This process could provide the first insight into how iron gets deposited in the brain to cause some forms of Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases.

Feel your way through medical images? Doctors will soon be able to feel organs via a display

Sat, 9 Feb 2008 09:52:16 -0600

With the aid of computerized image analysis, it may be possible in the future for radiologists to feel images with the help of a three-dimensional mouse. Erik Vidholm at Uppsala University has been involved in developing the new technology, which makes it easier to diagnose and plan the treatment of cancer, for instance.

Gene variant predicts medication response in patients with alcohol dependence

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 23:39:45 -0600

Patients with a certain gene variant drank less and experienced better overall clinical outcomes than patients without the variant while taking the medication naltrexone, according to an analysis of participants in the National Institutes of Health's 2001-2004 COMBINE (Combined Pharmacotherapies and Behavioral Interventions for Alcohol Dependence) Study. About 87 percent of patients with the variant who received naltrexone experienced good outcomes, compared with about 49 percent of those who received a placebo. About 55 percent of patients without the variant experienced a good outcome regardless of whether they received naltrexone or placebo. Good outcome was defined as abstinence or moderate drinking without related problems, according to an article in the Feb. 4 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

For safety, NHLBI changes intensive blood sugar treatment strategy in clinical trial of diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 00:53:28 -0600

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health has stopped one treatment within a large, ongoing North American clinical trial of diabetes and cardiovascular disease 18 months early due to safety concerns after review of available data, although the study will continue.

FDA approves new HIV drug after priority review

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:13:31 -0600

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved etravirine tablets for the treatment of HIV infection in adults who have failed treatment with other antiretrovirals.

Increased Clotting Risk Associated with Birth Control Patch

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:58:12 -0600

Earlier this week, the FDA approved changes to the label of the birth control patch to include the results of a new study that found that users of the birth control patch were at higher risk of developing serious blood clots, also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), than women using birth control pills. VTE can lead to pulmonary embolism -- a dangerous and deadly condition

FDA Recommends Against Cold Remedies for Children Under 2 Years Old

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:49:57 -0600

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a Public Health Advisory for parents and caregivers, recommending that over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and children less than 2 years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur from such use. OTC cough and cold products include decongestants, expectorants, antihistamines, and antitussives (cough suppressants) for the treatment of colds.

Physicians Want To Learn from Medical Mistakes

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:56:59 -0600

The perception that U.S. doctors are unwilling to report medical errors and learn how to prevent them is untrue, according to a new study funded by the Department of Health & Human Services' (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Because most doctors think that current systems to report and share information about errors are inadequate, they rely instead on informal discussions with their colleagues. Consequently, important information about medical errors and how to prevent them often is not shared with the hospital or the health care organization.

Rise, And Walk Again

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:10:52 -0600

A study in mice showed that nerves within the spinal cord can rearrange and restore connections severed by spinal cord injuries. The research could lead to new therapies for the estimated 250,000 Americans living with spinal cord injuries.

AHRQ releases consumer financial incentives guide for employers and other health care purchasers

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:20:11 -0600

HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality today announced a new guide to help employers, private health plans, the federal government, and state Medicaid agencies as they consider consumer financial incentives as part of an overarching strategy to improve the quality of health care and get better value for what they spend on services.

Which Cholesterol-Lowering Drug is Better? The One the Patient Can Afford

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 21:49:20 -0600

A new study showing that the heavily advertised cholesterol drug Vytorin doesn’t work any better than a newly available generic drug in slowing artery-clogging calls into question who should be taking the most potent cholesterol drugs.

A Kinder Cut: Advances in Cancer Surgery

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:35:00 -0600

Before the development of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted treatments for cancer, there was surgery. And today, the physical removal of cancerous tissue remains a cornerstone of treatment for most tumor types. But cutting into the body comes with many risks, and it leaves its mark. In parallel with their colleagues working on the systemic treatment of cancer, academic surgeons have been performing research to improve the outcomes of surgical oncology, attempting to minimize damage, maximize effectiveness, and improve reconstruction of damaged tissue.

Improving Informed Consent

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:56:25 -0600

New ways to make sure people are adequately informed about the risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical trial can be field-tested for effectiveness as vigorously as new medical treatments themselves, a study led by a Johns Hopkins bioethicist suggests.

The HIV-1 Viral Envelope's Achilles' Heel

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:57:04 -0600

New structural details illustrate how a promising class of antibodies may block human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection and reveal valuable clues for design of an effective HIV-1 vaccine. The findings, published by Cell Press in the January issue of Immunity, are particularly significant as antibody induction appears to be a key and necessary component of an effective HIV vaccine, evidenced by the recent failure of vaccines that stimulated only the T cell arm of the immune system to protect humans from contracting HIV-1.

CNTNAP2 Gene Variation May Mean Vulnerability to Autism

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:11:07 -0600

Scientists have found a variation in a gene that may raise the risk of developing autism, especially when the variant is inherited from mothers rather than fathers. The research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), part of the National Institutes of Health.

Bacon in the Morning, Bacon in the Evening, Bacon at Suppertime

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:28:55 -0600

Bacon, bacon, who has the bacon? Healthy exercisers aged 60-69 according to a new study from Texas A & M University. Exercisers with higher cholesterol intake and higher serum cholesterol levels gained muscle mass faster and more efficienty than their healthy eating, cholesterol-lowering pill-popping counterparts. So, who has the bacon? Well, maybe stick with peanut butter for now.

TAG - YOU DIDN'T WASH YOUR HANDS!!!

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 19:19:51 -0600

Two scientists from Duke University have found a way to tag healthcare workers to make sure they're washing their hands. While it's a bit unsettling to think of nurses tagged like deer, it's comforting to know that the devices could cut down on the approximately 100,000 deaths from hospital-acquired infections each year.

Medicare drug plans hike costs; Free prescription drug samples miss getting into the hands of lower-income Americans

Mon, 7 Jan 2008 17:24:40 -0600

Two different stories originating from two very different media sources highlight the ever spiraling cost of prescription drugs. The first story from the American Journal of Public Health demonstrates that free prescription drug samples end up in the hands of wealthy, insured patients rather than the poor and underinsured. The second story from Consumer's Union reports that 75 percent of Medicare drug plans hiked the cost of 5 commonly prescribed drugs between $350-$1000 in the 31 days between December and January of this year.

Cardiac arrest safer in a casino or an airport than in a U.S. hospital

Sun, 6 Jan 2008 20:01:07 -0600

Whether your patient survives a life-threatening arrhythmia depends on whether or not such incident happens outside the hospital. A new study appearing in this week's New England Journal of Medicine found that those who experience ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia at the aiport fare better than those who experience these conditions in the hospital.

BU and WHO study reveals bacterial pneumonia better treated at home

Sat, 5 Jan 2008 22:55:03 -0600

A study by BU and WHO reveals that home antibiotic treatment of bacterial pneumonia is just as good, and could be superior to hospital treatment for the illness. The results of the study have far reaching implications for WHO guidelines and for children in the developing world.