Asthma risk increased in women with high levels of fat tissue inflammatory protein

Women with high levels of an inflammatory protein produced by fat tissue are at significantly increased risk of asthma, finds research in published ahead of print in Thorax. more  

Small birthweight and premature births associated with higher risk of child abuse

Small birthweight and premature birth may be associated with a higher risk of child abuse and neglect, suggests research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. more

Strength of cocaine cravings linked to brain response

Rats that have a strong craving for cocaine have a different biochemical response to the drug than their less-addicted counterparts, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found. more  

Researchers link human papillomavirus (HPV) to common skin cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) may be a risk factor in developing squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, according to research led by Dartmouth Medical School. The study, published in the March 15 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, used new technology to detect antibodies from a strain of HPV on skin cancer samples. more

Enoxaparin beats unfractionated heparin as adjunct therapy for heart attacks  

A simple-to-use strategy that prevents blood clots in patients who have suffered a heart attack markedly reduces the risk of repeat heart attack or death when compared to an older, more widely used blood thinning strategy. more

Anti-thrombotic medication significantly reduces risk of death for heart attack patients  

Heart attack patients who have a certain pattern on an electrocardiogram significantly reduced their risk of death and having another heart attack at 30 days with the medication fondaparinux, without an increased risk of bleeding and strokes, according to a study that will appear in the April 5 issue of JAMA. The study is being released early online to coincide with its presentation at the American College of Cardiology annual conference. more

Blood transfusions linked to increased mortality in patients suffering from cardiac episodes

The controversial practice of blood transfusions for patients suffering from cardiac episodes may lead to an increased risk of mortality, and may be correlated to transfusion blood type and blood age, according to research presented today at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session. ACC.06 is the premier cardiovascular medical meeting, bringing together more than 30,000 cardiologists to further breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine. more