World / Health & Beauty
Philippines Conference Of Catholic Bishops Endorses Condom Use Among Married Couples To Prevent HIV, Official Says
16.07.2008 11:33
medicalnewstoday.com
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines recently endorsed condom use among married couples as a method to prevent the transmission of HIV, Edwin Corros, executive secretary of CBCP's Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People, said recently, the Philippine Star/ABS CBN News reports.
World
HIV/AIDS
Drug For Treatment Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease - New Formula Allows For Greater Absorption, Fewer Doses
16.07.2008 11:33
medicalnewstoday.com
Physician-scientists from NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, involved in clinical trials for a new drug for those who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), say it is the best option among available drugs. Gaizo is a reformulation of the active ingredient 5-ASA in currently available drugs. However, the researchers found that 99 percent of the active ingredient in the new pill is released in the colon compared to only 70 percent in other common IBD drugs. Dr.
World
Gastroenterology
Forensic patients with tattoos might suffer from antisocial personality disorder
16.07.2008 10:24
b4uindia.com
Forensic psychiatric patients with tattoos are likely to suffer from antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), say researchers. They are also expected to have histories of suicide attempt, substance abuse, and sexual abuse. ASPD is a mental disorder characterised by several psychological and behavioural phenomena, including a lack of empathy and remorse, a low tolerance for anxiety, and shallowness. People with ASPD prefer action to thought, and pathological lying, cheating, stealing, physical aggression and drug abuse are not uncommon. Forensic psychiatrists work with courts in evaluating an individual''s competency to stand trial, defences based on mental diseases or defects (e.g., the "insanity" defense), and sentencing recommendations. During the study, the researchers from Michigan Centre for Forensic Psychiatry (CFP) studied 36 male inpatients of a maximum-security state forensic psychiatric facility. Around half of the subjects had been admitted because they were found to be unfit to stand trial and the other half had been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Of the patients studied, 15 had tattoos and 17 were diagnosed as having ASPD. Of those with tattoos, 11 of 15, or 73pct, had ASPD, whereas only six of 21, or 29pct, of those without tattoos had the same diagnosis. The research also found an increased likelihood for those with tattoos to have previously suffered from sexual abuse, abused substances or to have attempted suicide. "Our findings suggest that forensic psychiatric inpatients with tattoos are significantly more likely to suffer from ASPD than those without tattoos, and patients with ASPD were also significantly more likely to have higher numbers of tattoos, a larger percentage of their body covered with tattoos, and tended to have tattoos in more visible locations" said lead researcher Dr. William Cardasis, of CFP, Michigan. The research is published in Personality and Mental Health. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Turning on hormone tap may help fight osteoporosis
16.07.2008 10:24
b4uindia.com
European pharmacologists say that a potential new drug that ''opens the taps'' for the release of useful hormones may trigger the growth of new bones, and eventually bring relief to osteoporosis sufferers. The researchers made a presentation on the exciting potential of the so-called negative allosteric modulators at a special symposium at The Federation of European Pharmacological Societies (EPHAR) 2008 Congress at The University of Manchester, UK, on Wednesday. They said that their work focussed on the stimulation of parathyroids—tiny glands located above the thyroids that control the release of the parathyroid (PTH) hormone into the bloodstream. When the concentration of calcium is too low in the blood''s plasma, PTH is released and acts on various tissues to increase the level of calcium in the blood. This calcium then activates the calcium sensing receptor on the parathyroid cell, which then reduces PTH release. The first POSITIVE allosteric modulator was recently introduced into clinical practice for treating patients displaying high levels of PTH in the plasma – such as those with chronic kidney disease on dialysis and those displaying hypercalcaemia with parathyroid cancer. It mimics the effect of calcium on the receptor and so reduces PTH release. The researchers said that negative allosteric modulators had been found to block the effect of calcium on the parathyroid cell in pre-clinical trials, and thereby increase the release of PTH in the serum. "Daily administration of a negative allosteric modulator of the calcium sensing receptor should promote a sustained increase of PTH in such a way that it will stimulate new bone formation," said symposium organiser Martial Ruat, a neuropharmacologist at the government funded Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France. "Now clinical trials will have to demonstrate the effectiveness and suitability of negative allosteric modulators for treating osteoporosis in humans," the researcher added. Dr. Raut also said that it might take at least another eight to 10 years before negative allosteric modulators were passed for use in patients. "Osteoporosis is a complex disease and the timescale might be rather long," said Dr. Ruat, who is himself carrying out research to learn more about the potential benefits of both negative and positive allosteric modulators. "The calcium sensing receptor is also found in the kidney, the intestine, in some vascular and bone cells and also in the brain. We still need to identify the roles of this receptor in these tissues before being able to specify novel applications of these drugs," he added. European pharmacologists are studying negative and positive allosteric modulators to identify the functions of calcium sensing receptors in the control of blood pressure also. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Soon, a simple fluorescence test to check for urinary tract infections
16.07.2008 10:24
b4uindia.com
A simple fluorescent light test would soon make it possible for people to have an almost instantaneous diagnosis for urinary tract infections and that too at home. Developed by Macquarie University researchers, this unique fluorescence test holds the potential to provide warnings about the presence of other disorders and diseases including cancer. According to researcher Professor Ewa Goldys, of the university''s Department of Physics, the research could lead to a home diagnosis kit that uses simple technology now available. She pointed out that the impact of urinary tract infections is underestimated till date. Causing about 60 in 1000 patient consultations annually, UTIs are estimated to account for 30 to 40 percent of all hospital-acquired infections. In the study, the researchers analysed 70 urine samples and found that there exists a clear variation in the fluorescence levels at certain wavelengths in normal and bacteria-infected urine. They said that this difference is caused due to the presence of bacteria that makes the body to respond by increasing levels of the enzyme indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO), which aids in fighting off infection by reducing levels of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes microbial growth. Goldys said that even though urinary tract infections can be easily treated with antibiotics, there needs to be a rapid and inexpensive form of diagnosis to avoid the condition to deteriorate further. While the current method used for confirming a urinary tract infection is via chemical analysis of a urine sample, which may take 24 hours to be available, the fluorescence test requires a light detector and light source to view the urine sample. "The physiology that we believe is actually behind this is also present in many other conditions. It''s about the activation of the immune system. The immune system begins to attack the disease and induces the same enzyme to be released,” ABC Online quoted Goldys, as saying. Her research colleague, Dr Subramanyam Vemulpad, of Macquarie University''s Department of Health and Chiropractic, said that if this research turns out to be a success, it could lead to the test being able to indicate the presence of any disease or disorder. "We are not looking for the elephant in the room, but for evidence of the presence of the elephant," he said. He added that under this test, the "evidence of the elephant" is the body''s response to the presence of bacteria. And even though the research is very preliminary the "potential of this is enormous". Goldys further said that in the long run, home kits based on the fluorescence test may act as an early alarm to warn people to go and see a doctor, as soon as possible. However, she said that the research is in its "early stages" and has involved a small sample. "We don''t want to make any pronouncements, but we are on a bit of a trajectory and can see the potential ... we like dreaming here," she said. The study was presented at the recent 21st Congress of the International Commission for Optics held in Sydney. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Now, a method to produce hydrogen without the carbon footprint
16.07.2008 10:24
b4uindia.com
Penn State researchers have determined that a greener, less expensive method to produce hydrogen for fuel may eventually be possible with the help of water, solar energy and nanotube diodes that use the entire spectrum of the sun''s energy. "Other researchers have developed ways to produce hydrogen with mind-boggling efficiency, but their approaches are very high cost," says Craig A. Grimes, professor of electrical engineering. "We are working toward something that is cost effective," he added. Currently, the steam reforming of natural gas produces most of our hydrogen. As a fuel source, this produces two problems. The process uses natural gas and so does not reduce reliance on fossil fuels; and, because one byproduct is carbon dioxide, the process contributes to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the carbon footprint. Grimes'' process splits water into its two components, hydrogen and oxygen, and collects the products separately using commonly available titanium and copper. Splitting water for hydrogen production is an old and proven method, but in its conventional form, it requires previously generated electricity. Photolysis of water solar splitting of water has also been explored, but is not a commercial method yet. Grimes and his team produce hydrogen from solar energy, using two different groups of nanotubes in a photoelectrochemical diode. They report that using incident sunlight, "such photocorrosion-stable diodes generate a photocurrent of approximately 0.25 milliampere per centimeter square, at a photoconversion efficiency of 0.30 percent." "It seems that nanotube geometry is the best geometry for production of hydrogen from photolysis of water," said Grimes. In Grimes'' photoelectrochemical diode, one side is a nanotube array of electron donor material - n-type material - titanium dioxide, and the other is a nanotube array that has holes that accept electrons - p-type material - cuprous oxide titanium dioxide mixture. While titanium dioxide is very absorbing in the ultraviolet portion of the sun''s spectrum, many p-type materials are unstable in sunlight and damaged by ultraviolet light, they photo-corrode. To solve this problem, the researchers made the titanium dioxide side of the diode transparent to visible light by adding iron and exposed this side of the diode to natural sunlight. The titanium dioxide nanotubes soak up the ultraviolet between 300 and 400 nanometers. The light then passes to the copper titanium side of the diode where visible light from 400 to 885 nanometers is used, covering the light spectrum. The photoelectrochemical diodes function the same way that green leaves do, only not quite as well. They convert the energy from the sun into electrical energy that then breaks up water molecules. The titanium dioxide side of the diode produces oxygen and the copper titanium side produces hydrogen. "These devices are inexpensive and because they are photo-stable could last for years," said Grimes. "I believe that efficiencies of 5 to 10 percent are reasonable," he added. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Corporations can profit from being environmentally friendly
16.07.2008 10:24
b4uindia.com
A new study has shown that companies that develop green production processes can not only offset the costs of regulations, but can also reap further benefits. George Mason University researcher Nicole Darnall carried out the study. The study, which looked at more than 2,600 manufacturing facilities operating in seven different countries, showed that more stringent environmental policies are related to diminished company profits. However, organizations that improve their environmental performance by enhancing their internal efficiencies and developing new green products and technologies can offset the cost of regulation or even accrue a net gain. "The primary reason why the United States and many other countries do not have national climate change policy and do not implement more stringent environmental legislation is due to the costs the regulations would impose on firms," said Darnall. "The results of this study are important because realizing that these costs can be offset-or eliminated entirely-is further evidence that policymakers could support the advancement of more ambitious environmental policy goals without putting undue financial burdens on corporations," he added. The study showed that businesses can profit in two important ways. First, by improving their internal production processes to reduce waste, companies are more likely to enhance profits. "Many companies paint their products with solvent-based paints. By switching to water-based paints these businesses can eliminate toxic wastes in their production process and the need to meet certain environmental regulations," said Darnall. "They also can speed up the time it takes to get their product to market and avoid long term liabilities associated with toxic waste disposal," he added. The second way companies can profit from going green is by developing innovative green products and technologies and entering new markets. Businesses that do so are poised to take advantage of increased market demand for green products and make less environmentally friendly technologies obsolete. According to recent research, 15 percent of consumers routinely pay more for green products, and another 15 percent seek green products if they do not cost more. "There are people who pay premium prices for these kinds of products," said Darnall. Corporate buyers also are demonstrating a growing demand for purchasing green products. "Companies don''t want to inherit waste from their suppliers. As a result, many companies are using green production as a condition of purchasing a supplier''s products," said Darnall. "Many policymakers believe environmental regulations are a win-lose proposition-society benefits from a cleaner environment, but businesses are at an economic disadvantage," according to Darnall. "This research shows it can be a win-win. Companies that develop greener production practices benefit society, and can also green their bottom line," he added. (ANI)
India
Health & Beauty
Single Deepest Pocket In Amniotic Fluid Measurement Is Best Test Of Fetus At Risk
16.07.2008 10:16
medicalnewstoday.com
Women often undergo early caesareans or induced labour following detection of decreased amniotic fluid volume, because this is seen as a sign of foetal distress. While no gold standard exists for measuring amniotic volumes, a new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests that the single deepest vertical pocket (SDVP) technique is better than the commonly used amniotic fluid index (AFI) method. Amniotic fluid protects unborn babies from trauma and infection.
World
Children Diseases
Cases Of Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Children Discovered In U.K., Group Says
16.07.2008 10:16
medicalnewstoday.com
HIV-positive children throughout the United Kingdom are being turned away and excluded from primary and secondary schools, which is against the country's anti-discrimination laws, London's Observer reports.According to an investigation by the
World
HIV/AIDS
Stem Cells Heal Chronic Inflammation In The Gut - May Help Restore Immune System To Normal Function For Crohn's Disease
16.07.2008 10:16
medicalnewstoday.com
Stem cells are being studied at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell to heal the gut in subjects suffering from Crohn's disease. Physician-scientists believe that these cells might help to restore the ability of the immune system to control inflammation by secreting anti-inflammatory proteins into the digestive tract, allowing for regeneration of tissue and prevention of scar tissue.
World
Gastroenterology
CulturallyTailored Education Can Improve Blood Sugar Control In Type 2 Diabetes
16.07.2008 10:16
medicalnewstoday.com
Using community-based health advocates, delivering information within same-gender groups or adapting dietary and lifestyle advice to fit a particular community's likely diet can help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels, certainly for up to six months, following health education. This conclusion was reached by a team of Cochrane Researchers after they considered the data in 11 trials that involved 1,603 people.
World
Diabetes
Turning On Hormone Tap Could Aid Osteoporosis Fight
16.07.2008 10:15
medicalnewstoday.com
A potential new drug that 'opens the taps' for the release of useful hormones could stimulate new bone growth - and may eventually bring relief to osteoporosis sufferers. The exciting potential of so-called negative allosteric modulators will be put under the microscope at a special symposium at The Federation of European Pharmacological Societies (EPHAR) 2008 Congress at The University of Manchester, UK, today (Wednesday, July 16).
World
Orthopedics
Washington Post Examines Colo. 'Personhood' Ballot Initiative
16.07.2008 10:15
medicalnewstoday.com
The Washington Post on Sunday examined a proposed amendment to the Colorado Constitution that would define a "person" to "include any human being from the moment of fertilization." According to the Post, Colorado is the first state to succeed in placing such an amendment on a statewide ballot (Surdin, Washington Post, 7/13).
World
Gynecology
Bush Administration Developing Rule That Could Limit Access To Birth Control
16.07.2008 09:14
medicalnewstoday.com
The Bush administration is developing a regulation that would define abortion as "any of the various procedures -- including the prescription, dispensing and administration of any drug or the performance of any procedure or any other action -- that results in the termination of the life of a human being in utero between conception and natural birth, whether before or after implantation," the
World
Sexology
Most Patients Satisfied With Access To Their Local Family Practice, Says New Report From The NHS Information Centre, UK
16.07.2008 09:14
medicalnewstoday.com
The majority of patients remain satisfied with access to their local family GP services, says a report published by The NHS Information Centre. The GP Patient Survey 2007/08 asked almost five million patients for their views on access to their local practice and almost two million patients responded. A key purpose of the survey was to measure how practices are performing against access standards set out in the Improved Access Scheme.
World
Critical Care Medicine & Anesthesiology
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