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Health News
for 12/18/2008

(last updated 7:30am EST 12/18/2008)

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• What are you looking at? Scientists find... What are you looking at? Scientists find out
12/18/2008
Japanese researchers have reproduced images of things people were looking at by analyzing brain scans, opening the way for people to communicate directly from their mind. (1 h ago)

• 5 surprising holiday health myths 5 surprising holiday health myths
12/18/2008
A review article in the current issue of the British Medical Journal cites five fears that can officially be crossed off the holiday worry list. (1 h ago)

• Woman recovering after face transplant Woman recovering after face transplant
12/18/2008
Doctors replaced 80 percent of patient's face in 22-hour surgery. (1 h ago)

• Cosmic Log: Genome prices slashed! Cosmic Log: Genome prices slashed!
12/18/2008
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: How much does it cost to decode your genome? Last year, the going rate was $1 million. Now prices are plunging, and hopes are rising for personalized medicine. (1 h ago)

• Circumcision may cut risk of AIDS and HP... Circumcision may cut risk of AIDS and HPV
12/17/2008
Three new studies add to evidence that circumcision can protect men from the deadly AIDS virus and the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer in women. (2 h ago)

• FDA raises safety bar for new diabetes d... FDA raises safety bar for new diabetes drugs
12/17/2008
New drugs to treat an epidemic of diabetes will have to be screened more closely for heart risks, federal health officials said. (2 h ago)

• New melanoma drug appears promising New melanoma drug appears promising
12/17/2008
In an early-stage trial involving patients with melanoma that had spread in the body, a biological drug was generally well tolerated and showed signs of attacking the malignancy. (2 h ago)

• Fame not face transplant surgeon’s motiv... Fame not face transplant surgeon’s motivation
12/17/2008
The nation’s first face transplant is a big risk not just for the severely disfigured woman who received it, but also for the surgeon who has made it the highlight of her career. (2 h ago)

• Poor mental health may be linked to asth... Poor mental health may be linked to asthma
12/17/2008
The presence of mental illness, and its severity, appear to confer an increased risk of developing asthma, researchers report. (3 h ago)

• Snuff teen smoking by pointing out obesi... Snuff teen smoking by pointing out obesity risk
12/17/2008
Telling teenage would-be smokers that lighting up may make them fat down the road may be a more effective deterrent than harping on the risks of heart disease and cancer, study finds. (4 h ago)

• Is face transplant worth risking patient... Is face transplant worth risking patient's life?
12/17/2008
When face transplants were proposed, I thought they were unethical. But with advances, I no longer think so, writes bioethicist Art Caplan, but there are huge ethical concerns. (6 h ago)

• ‘Death map’ shows heat a health hazard t... ‘Death map’ shows heat a health hazard to U.S.
12/17/2008
Heat is more likely to kill an American than an earthquake, and thunderstorms kill more than hurricanes do, according to a "death map." (6 h ago)

• Real Dr. Dolittles: Most claim to unders... Real Dr. Dolittles: Most claim to understand pet
12/17/2008
Sixty-seven percent of pet owners say they understand their animals' woofs, meows or other sounds, according to an Associated Press-Petside.com poll released Wednesday. (7 h ago)

• Battling your body's buggy invaders Battling your body's buggy invaders
12/17/2008
Your skin is crawling with tiny critters. Here's how to beat them when they mount an attack. (10 h ago)

• Elderly store bad memories differently Elderly store bad memories differently
12/17/2008
Older adults use different parts of their brain than younger people to store memories of the bad times, a finding that may have to do with the resilience of seniors. (18 h ago)

• Study changes thinking on how HIV spread... Study changes thinking on how HIV spreads
12/16/2008
Instead of infiltrating breaks in the skin, HIV appears to attack normal, healthy genital tissue, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday in a study that offers new insight into how the AIDS virus spreads. (1 d ago)

• Low-glycemic diet better to control diab... Low-glycemic diet better to control diabetes
12/16/2008
For people who have type 2 diabetes, a low-glycemic index diet is significantly better than a high-fiber diet for keeping blood glucose levels down, researchers report. (1 d ago)

• Cancer is even deadlier for diabetics Cancer is even deadlier for diabetics
12/16/2008
Cancer, the world's No. 2 killer, is even more lethal for people with diabetes, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday. (1 d ago)

• Do brainy guys have better sperm? Do brainy guys have better sperm?
12/16/2008
Body Odd: A new study that finds men with higher IQs have higher quality sperm says more about our obsession with grading masculinity than it does about brains or sexual reproduction. (1 d ago)

• Help your pets avoid holiday hazards Help your pets avoid holiday hazards
12/15/2008
What you need to know to have an emergency-free Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or winter solstice celebration. (2 d ago)

• Thanks To The Kindness Of Strangers Thanks To The Kindness Of Strangers
12/18/2008
Early Show correspondent Debbye Turner Bell has the amazing details of the inspirational story of little Matthew Welling, who is alive today thanks to the kindness of strangers. (1 h ago)

• Woman Recovering From Rare Face Transpla... Woman Recovering From Rare Face Transplant
12/17/2008
The Cleveland Clinic says a woman who had suffered severe facial trauma got essentially a whole new face in a first-of-its-kind operation. (2 h ago)

• Life With A New Face Life With A New Face
12/17/2008
The first face transplant in the U.S. (fourth worldwide) was performed in Cleveland. What lies ahead for the latest recipient? CBS News correspondent Sheila MacVicar revisits the story of the first recipient for some answers. (4 h ago)

• Study Shows Limitations Of Colonoscopies Study Shows Limitations Of Colonoscopies
12/17/2008
A new study suggests the screening procedure believed to detect 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases may be missing some, Jon LaPook reports. (20 h ago)

• How To Steer Clear Of Medical Traps Onli... How To Steer Clear Of Medical Traps Online
12/16/2008
It's increasingly common for patients to turn to the Internet for a second opinion. How can you avoid bogus - even harmful - health information online? Dr. Jon LaPook explains why not to use your PC like an M.D. (1 d ago)

• What's Behind The Mystery Cancer Cluster... What's Behind The Mystery Cancer Cluster?
12/16/2008
A striking number of residents of one small Midwestern town have developed a rare form of brain cancer. Is it a coincidence, or has a cancer cluster developed? Byron Pitts follows the trail of this medical mystery. (1 d ago)

• No-Carb Diets May Impair Memory No-Carb Diets May Impair Memory
12/16/2008
New research suggests that people who eliminate carbohydrates from their diets have worse memory skills in the short term. (1 d ago)

• Hot Fitness Trends For New Year Hot Fitness Trends For New Year
12/16/2008
A survey of fitness professionals predicts that boot camps, inexpensive fitness programs, and dance classes will reign in 2009. (1 d ago)

• U.S. Woman Receives Face Transplant U.S. Woman Receives Face Transplant
12/16/2008
The Cleveland Clinic has announced that a team of physicians has performed the nation's first almost-total face transplant. (1 d ago)

• Docs Pushed To Ditch Prescription Pads Docs Pushed To Ditch Prescription Pads
12/16/2008
Medicare is offering doctors bonuses for e-prescribing medication to their patients. The elimination of written prescriptions is widely seen as a way to increase efficiency and improve patient safety. (1 d ago)

• FDA Gives Controversial Chemical 2nd Loo... FDA Gives Controversial Chemical 2nd Look
12/15/2008
Federal health officials, criticized for declaring that a controversial chemical is safe, have refused to back down and instead plan more research. (2 d ago)

• The Demise Of Dating The Demise Of Dating
12/15/2008
According to some studies, 75 percent of all college students have "hooked up," though that might not mean what you think it means. Still, whatever happened to good old fashioned dating? (2 d ago)

• Pentagon Health Care Faces Fraud Threat Pentagon Health Care Faces Fraud Threat
12/15/2008
The system for providing health care to Department of Defense employees remains vulnerable to fraud overseas, years after a Philippines company swindled taxpayers out of $100 million, a recent report warned. (2 d ago)

• Racial Gap In Colon Cancer Deaths Grows Racial Gap In Colon Cancer Deaths Grows
12/15/2008
The racial gap in colon cancer death rates is widening, a new report says, and experts partly blame blacks' lower screening rates and poor access to quality care. (2 d ago)

• Ovation Pharmaceuticals Faces Lawsuit Ov... Ovation Pharmaceuticals Faces Lawsuit Over Preemie Heart Drug
12/18/2008
Illinois-based Ovation Pharmaceuticals illegally maintained a monopoly on the only two medicines approved for treatment of a potentially life-threatening heart defect in premature infants, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission alleges in a civil lawsuit filed Tuesday. read more (1 h ago)

• Public Health Agency Leaders Being Repla... Public Health Agency Leaders Being Replaced
12/18/2008
The leaders of a number of U.S. government public health agencies are expected to resign or be shown the door as President-elect Obama's team takes control of the White House. Each of the current public health agency chiefs has severe critics on Capitol Hill and in the public health community, and there have been repeated charges that the Bush administration has let politics play a major role in science policy, The New York Times reported. read more (1 h ago)

• Focusing On Geriatric, Pediatric Patient... Focusing On Geriatric, Pediatric Patients
12/18/2008
Management of Clostridium difficileinfection (CDI) in geriatric and pediatric populations can be challenging and complicated. Because of the observed increase in CDI incidence in many age groups, healthcare professionals need to be especially attuned to the individual needs of these patient populations. read more (1 h ago)

• Examining Terminally Ill Patients' Acces... Examining Terminally Ill Patients' Access To Experimental Drugs
12/17/2008
"Access to Experimental Drugs for Terminally Ill Patients," Journal of the American Medical Association: In the commentary, Benjamin Falit and Cary Gross of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program and Yale University's Section of General Internal Medicine discuss how Congress and FDA "have attempted for decades to strike a proper balance between" terminally ill patients' access to experimental treatments and oversight. read more (4 h ago)

• General Financial Health Of Rhode Island... General Financial Health Of Rhode Island Hospitals Improves In 2007
12/17/2008
Today, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) released The Health of Rhode Island’s Hospitals (2007) detailing the financial performance of Rhode Island’s 13 hospitals over the period 2004-2007. The report also evaluates the state’s hospitals compared to those in the Northeast, and to a select group of the best hospitals across the country. read more (4 h ago)

• Circumcision Reduces the Risk of HIV Inf... Circumcision Reduces the Risk of HIV Infection in Heterosexual Men
12/17/2008
A new U.S. study has found that being circumcised significantly reduced the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual African American men known to have been exposed to the virus. The findings complement those of recently reported clinical trials in Africa, where interventional use of adult male circumcision similarly reduced the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual men. The findings of the new study, along with similar results from other studies, suggest that circumcision may protect other heterosexual males in the U.S. read more (4 h ago)

• Rural Ambulance Services In Oklahoma Fac... Rural Ambulance Services In Oklahoma Facing Financial Crisis
12/17/2008
Ambulance services in rural Oklahoma are facing severe financial crises in part because of a declining tax base, low Medicare and insurance reimbursement rates, and a state law that requires the nearest available ambulance to respond to an emergency, officials say, the Oklahoman reports. Since 2000, about 50 ambulance services in rural parts of the state have closed, all of which relinquished their licenses because of financial hardship, Shawn Rogers, emergency services director of the state Department of Health, said. read more (4 h ago)

• Donating Blood Can Help Fill Your Holida... Donating Blood Can Help Fill Your Holiday Stockings
12/17/2008
With the holiday season in full swing, it's time for family and friends to come together and enjoy this special time of year. As we make our plans to celebrate, there is one to-do that isn't on many lists: Donating blood. Donors who give blood this holiday season will give the gift of life to a hospital patient in need and might get something special in return. read more (8 h ago)

• New Year, Old Myths, New Fatalities New Year, Old Myths, New Fatalities
12/17/2008
Some New Year's predictions are, tragically, very reliable. For example, more people are likely to die in alcohol-related traffic crashes on New Year's Eve than on other mid-week winter evenings. read more (9 h ago)

• Quitting Smoking Can Be Best New Year's ... Quitting Smoking Can Be Best New Year's Resolution
12/17/2008
Parents magazine and the American Legacy Foundation have teamed up to create Parents Quit for Good, a special quit plan for moms and dads powered by the foundation's cutting-edge online program, Become an EX. The free program launches just in time to help parents plan their New Year's resolutions to quit smoking. read more (9 h ago)

• Fears pose barrier to cervical cancer va... Fears pose barrier to cervical cancer vaccinations
12/18/2008
The public's concerns about costs and increased promiscuity among teenagers appear to be hindering use of a cervical cancer vaccine against the human papilloma virus (HPV) to prevent life-threatening diseases, according to a study by researchers at Yale School of Public Health. read more (1 h ago)

• How To Cope With Holiday Recession How To Cope With Holiday Recession
12/18/2008
With the holidays fast approaching, shoppers nationwide are looking for easy, affordable and meaningful ways to give gifts to friends and family. Americans stressed at crowded malls are also trying to find ways to add significance to the holidays. So World Vision, an international aid organization working with children and families, offers Americans some alternatives to cope with the holidays as the recession deepens. read more (1 h ago)

• Sandwich Generation Struggling With Dual... Sandwich Generation Struggling With Dual Caregiver Responsibilities
12/18/2008
A new study released today by The Consulting Practice at Bright Horizons indicates that members of the sandwich generation -- those with child and elder caregiving responsibilities -- are increasingly concerned about the balance of work and responding to the additional caregiving needs of older relatives. However, the same study confirms that employers who provide back-up child and elder care are helping to maintain productivity and commitment for those employees during times when there is a breakdown in care for loved ones -- children, parents, or in some cases, spouses. read more (1 h ago)

• Connecting Parents With Children Through... Connecting Parents With Children Through Power Of Memory
12/18/2008
Fifteen-year old Musa was only two when he became an orphan after both of his parents lost their battle with AIDS. After their death, Musa first went to live with his widowed, maternal grandmother and then with his Aunt Hadija. Although too young to fully understand who his parents were then, he is well aware now, thanks to his memory book. Every year, more than 600,000 children are orphaned by AIDS. And with each passing year, these children begin to forget the loving families to which they once belonged. Traditions are lost; memories and smiles fade. read more (1 h ago)

• HHS Guidance For Use, Stockpiling Of Ant... HHS Guidance For Use, Stockpiling Of Antiviral Drugs For Pandemic Influenza
12/17/2008
Health care workers and emergency services personnel who could have direct contact with individuals who are ill during an influenza pandemic should be protected with antiviral drugs throughout the pandemic, even before these workers are exposed or become ill themselves, according to guidance released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Stockpiling these antiviral drugs and planning for their use is the responsibility of employers as part of comprehensive pandemic preparedness, the guidance said. read more (4 h ago)

• Study Raises Concerns About Flu Risk For... Study Raises Concerns About Flu Risk For Children
12/17/2008
Public health officials are increasingly concerned about the vulnerability of young children to the flu this year following research that shows that mothers are unaware of a new recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that adds all children between the ages of 5 and 18 years to the population that should be immunized against the flu. read more (8 h ago)

• Pennsylvania Confirms First Flu Case Pennsylvania Confirms First Flu Case
12/17/2008
A woman in Centre County is the North Central region's first state laboratory-confirmed case of influenza this season, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said today. "Peak flu season is quickly approaching," said acting Health Secretary Everette James. "We cannot over-emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated. It's the best way to protect yourself and those around you." The influenza vaccine is recommended for the following high-risk individuals: * All children 6 months through 18 years of age; * People 50 years of age and older regardless of their medical history; read more (8 h ago)

• Think About Safety While Shopping For To... Think About Safety While Shopping For Toys, Holiday Decorations
12/17/2008
The holiday shopping season is here, and many people are purchasing holiday presents and decorations. With that in mind, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services urges shoppers to take a few minutes during this busy time to think about safety. read more (8 h ago)

• Getting Your Flu Vaccination Can Make A ... Getting Your Flu Vaccination Can Make A Big Difference
12/16/2008
With the holiday season now in full gear, it's a very busy time when it's easier to forget some important "to dos". One of these easy-to-forget items is getting your flu vaccination. Flu is a lot more serious than even a bad cold. It can keep you in bed for one to two weeks with hacking coughs, severe muscle aches, head ache, fever, chills, and exceptional fatigue. These are not the kinds of sensations that make for happy holiday spirits. read more (1 d ago)

• Nebraska Has Its First Flu Case Nebraska Has Its First Flu Case
12/16/2008
Nebraska has its first laboratory-confirmed case of influenza for 2008, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The case is from Lancaster County. “We now know for certain that flu is here in Nebraska,” said Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer. “The best thing you can do to protect yourself from it is to get your flu shot.” Influenza can be a serious illness. It leads to 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the United States every year. read more (1 d ago)

• Soft Tissue Injuries Caused by Motor Veh... Soft Tissue Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents
12/17/2008
If you think you may be suffering from a soft tissue injury after a motor vehicle accident, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in your area to discuss your situation, answer any questions you may have and to learn about your legal options. (17 h ago)

• Types of Brain Injuries, Head Trauma and... Types of Brain Injuries, Head Trauma and Neck Injuries Caused by a Motor Vehicle Accident
12/17/2008
Injuries from motor vehicle accidents are common in emergency rooms around the world. The many scenarios that can occur during an accident set the stage for a variety of forces and damage to the vulnerable areas in the head and neck. (17 h ago)

• Types of Shoulder, Spinal Cord and Back ... Types of Shoulder, Spinal Cord and Back Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents
12/17/2008
Every year, over 2 million people are injured in automobile accidents. Some of the most common and often overlooked injuries are to the spinal cord, back and shoulder. (17 h ago)

• Types of Knee, Hip and Thigh Injuries Ca... Types of Knee, Hip and Thigh Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicle Accidents
12/17/2008
If you have endured injury due to a motor vehicle accident, you will know first hand how much pain and suffering an accident can inflict on ones body, finances and life. (17 h ago)

• Stages of a Medical Malpractice Case Stages of a Medical Malpractice Case
12/17/2008
A medical malpractice case involves a situation in which a medical professional, such as a doctor, failed to act according to the proper standard of care toward a patient when providing medical care or treatment, thereby injuring the patient. (17 h ago)

• Late Diagnosis of Treatable Cancers Late Diagnosis of Treatable Cancers
12/17/2008
For most cancers, the earlier treatment begins, the better the prognosis. In fact, many cancers can be cured if detected early. (17 h ago)

• Misdiagnoses by Emergency Room Doctors Misdiagnoses by Emergency Room Doctors
12/17/2008
This article discusses some conditions that are often misdiagnosed by emergency room doctors. (17 h ago)

• Birth Injuries: Causes and Investigation Birth Injuries: Causes and Investigation
12/17/2008
This article explains some of the more common birth injuries and how attorneys investigate birth injury cases and prepare for litigation. (17 h ago)

• New cancer finding New cancer finding
12/17/2008
The Daily Telegraph has reported that, “scientists have discovered how cancer spreads around the body raising the possibility it could be stopped.” It said the researchers have found an enzyme that is necessary for breast cancer cells to spread around the body and by blocking it the cancer cannot spread. The newspaper said that although the work is in its early stages, the researchers describe it as “exciting” and that by stopping it from spreading, “you stop cancer from killing people”. This research is at an early stage but offers a potential new avenue for drug development research. The findings will be of great interest to other researchers working in this area. Although no drugs that specifically block this enzyme are currently known, if such drugs could be identified and were proven safe in humans, then the newspaper’s claims could be realistic. However, much more research is needed to determine if this is the case. Where did the story come from? Dr Gianluca Sala and colleagues from research departments at the University of London and the Universities of Milan and Chieti in Italy, carried out this research. The work was supported by grants from the Association for International Cancer Research and the European Commission. The study was published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research. What kind of scientific study was this? This laboratory study was aimed at investigating cancer metastases and the enzymes that determine how they spread. Metastases are the secondary tumours that form in distant parts of the body when a primary tumour or cancer spreads. There are several steps to this process: cells first invade local tissues, then move out into the blood stream, then move through the body before settling and establishing themselves with new blood supplies in distant sites. Previous research has indicated that the movement, or migration, of breast cancer cells is one of the activities thought to be controlled by the enzyme phospholipase Cg1 (PLCg1). Enzymes are protein molecules that control biological or chemical reactions. To investigate cancer metastases spread, the researchers carried out several laboratory tests in mice and human breast cancer tissue. The researchers state that they have developed a method by which they can make human breast cancer cells grown in the laboratory reduce the amount of PLCg1 they produce (called down-regulating PLCg1). Part of the study involved them testing the effect that down-regulating PLCg1 had on human breast cancer cells in the laboratory. The next part of the experiment took place in seven-week-old mice that had been genetically engineered to have a deficient immune system that allows cancers to grow. The mice were injected with human breast cancer cells with either normal or down-regulated PLCg1 levels under conditions that allowed the cancer to move to the lungs. The mice’s lungs were examined for metastases after five weeks. To see what would happen if they allowed the lung tumours to grow before down-regulating PLCg1, the researchers repeated this experiment using cancer cells that were genetically engineered so that they only down-regulated PLCg1 when treated with the antibiotic tetracycline. The researchers injected mice with these cancer cells and left them for 14 days, by which time metastases would have had a chance to form. After this, half of the mice were treated with tetracycline to down-regulate PLCg1, and half left untreated. After 46 days, the researchers then looked to see how many mice from the treated and untreated groups had lung metastases. Other mice were injected with tumours directly under the skin and the growth of these tumours was measured twice a day for 35 days with or without down-regulating PLCg1. Finally, the researchers looked at the levels of PLCg1 enzyme in samples of human primary breast cancers and in lymph node metastases from these breast cancers. What were the results of the study? The researchers state that they have shown the enzyme PLCg1 to be an important enzyme in the development and maintenance of cancer metastasis. They found that reducing the amount of the enzyme PLCg1 in human breast cancer cells reduced their ability to move and “invade” tissue-like material in the laboratory. This was also demonstrated by the finding that all mice injected with human breast cancer cells with normal levels of PLCg1 developed metastases in their lungs, compared to only 20% of mice injected with PLCg1 down-regulated breast cancer cells. If the researchers down-regulated PLCg1 after lung metastases had time to form, this seemed to cause remission of lung metastases, as they were not visible in five out of the six mice treated in this way, while four out of five control mice had lung metastases. The researchers noted that down-regulating PLCg1 had little effect on the growth of the primary tumour. Finally, they found that there was less PLCg1 enzyme in human primary breast cancer tumour than in lymph node metastases from these breast cancers. What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results? The researchers say that their results strongly suggest that PLCg1 inhibitors may have potential therapeutic applications for the clinical treatment of cancer metastasis. They confirm that there are currently no specific PLCg1 inhibitors available and therefore a need to develop them. What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study? This laboratory study will be of great interest to other researchers working in this area. The researchers have identified an enzyme involved in the regulation and control of cancer spread. They hope that blocking or inhibiting the enzyme will be a potential avenue to explore in designing drug treatments. Although the researchers succeeded in down-regulating the enzyme in cancer cells in the laboratory using genetic manipulation, they have not yet been able to find a drug that matches this result. As such, this line of investigation should be considered as early research. (8 h ago)

• Work gyms and performance Work gyms and performance
12/17/2008
“Employees who can exercise at work are more productive, happy, efficient and calm,” reported BBC News. It said that a study of 200 people found that on days staff used the gym at work, they felt re-energised, having improved their concentration and problem-solving abilities and felt calmer. This study has a number of limitations, including the facts that the employees rated their own work performance, and that only regular exercisers were included. Although this study does not provide conclusive evidence about the effects of exercising at work on work performance, getting enough exercise is clearly important for health, and is known to have a positive effect on mood. Workplaces that encourage a healthy lifestyle among their employees may well increase productivity, but further research will be needed to quantify any benefits. Where did the story come from? Dr J C Coulson and colleagues from the University of Bristol and Leeds Metropolitan University carried out this research. No sources of funding were reported for the study. It was published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Workplace Health Management. What kind of scientific study was this? The study had two parts: a randomised crossover trial and a focus group analysis of themes. The researchers looked at the effects of exercise on self-reported mood and work performance. The researchers selected three workplaces in Southwest England that had onsite exercise facilities, a supportive attitude to exercising at work, over 250 employees, and where the staff were largely engaged in sedentary work. From these companies, a total of 201 employees who exercised regularly at work volunteered for the study. The volunteers were sent two mood questionnaires, one to be filled out on a day on which they exercised, and one on a non-exercise day. The order in which the employees were asked to fill out the questionnaires (i.e. on an exercise day or non-exercise day first) was randomly chosen for each employee. On their exercise day, the employees recorded how long they exercised for and their mood before and after exercise. On the non-exercise day, they recorded their mood at the start and end of the workday. At the end of both days, the employees completed work performance questionnaires, which included 10 validated (tried and tested) items and five non-validated items. These items covered their ability to manage “time demands, mental-interpersonal demands and output demands”. The employees also reported how sedentary their job was, how heavy their workload was on both days, and whether there was anything unusual about either of the days. The researchers also held focus groups to ask about work performance-related topics, these were recorded by an independent observer with the general discussion themes analysed in a qualitative, or descriptive way. What were the results of the study? About two-thirds of participants were women, and the average age was 38 years. Most (72%) took part in cardiovascular exercise (such as treadmills and exercise classes), with 12% taking part in weight training, and 16% in games or team sports. When asked about their physical activity levels, 80% reported doing “moderate to vigorous” physical activity, and the remainder reported it as “very hard”. There was no difference in workload on the exercise and no-exercise days. Positive mood, fatigue and tranquillity before exercise/at the start of the day was similar on exercise and non-exercise days, but negative mood was greater on the exercise day. All four of these aspects of mood improved after exercise. Tranquility reduced from the start to the end of the day on the non-exercise day but all other aspects of mood remained the same. Self-rated ability to manage time demands, mental-interpersonal demands and output demands showed small but statistically significant improvements on the exercise days compared to non-exercise days. If mood was adjusted for (taken into account), then only the difference in mental-interpersonal demands remained significant. Non-validated measures of work performance were also higher on the exercise day than non-exercise day, in particular, participants felt “more motivated/energised to work” on the exercise day. In the focus groups, the themes reported by participants were both positive effects of exercise, such as better concentration and problem solving, but some also reported that they felt guilty about being away from their desks, and perceived that colleagues judged them negatively for their absence. What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results? The researchers concluded that, “workday exercise can improve white-collar workers” mood and self-reported performance”. They also say that there are “clear implications not only for employee wellbeing, but also for competitive advantage and motivation by increasing opportunities for exercising at work”. What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study? This was a relatively small study, which looked at the self-reported effects of workday exercise on mood and work performance. The study has a number of limitations to consider: The study only collected data on two days. Extending the study over a longer period of time would increase that reliability of results. The employees rated their own work performance. If they knew or guessed the aim of the study then how they reported their performance may have been affected. If the researchers had also used objective measures of performance, they could have determined if this was the case. The volunteers who took part in the study were already exercising regularly at work. Therefore, the results may not apply to different groups of people, such as those who exercise less regularly. On the ‘no exercise day’, mood was recorded at the both start and end of the day, whereas on exercise days, mood was recorded before and after exercise. A person’s mood may change throughout the day, so as the data were collected at different times on exercise and non-exercise days, they may not be comparable. It was not clear on which day of the week the exercise and non-exercise days fell. If they tended to fall on different days of the week, this could affect the results of the study. For example, people might generally feel more productive towards the start of the week, and less so towards the end. Although these results cannot be considered as conclusive, exercise is important for health and is known to have positive effects on mood. Workplaces that encourage a healthy lifestyle among their employees may well increase productivity. Further research that uses objective measures of performance over a longer period of time will be needed to quantify any benefits. (12 h ago)

• Do snorers burn more calories? Do snorers burn more calories?
12/16/2008
“Snorers burn more calories - even when awake,” The Daily Telegraph reported. It said that a study has found that the more severe a person’s snoring is, the more calories they burn while resting, even when awake. The study was in people who snored or had related problems such as sleep apnoea. It found that the worst snorers used up about 2,000 calories a day while resting, compared to the 1,626 calories burned by those who snored lightly and less often. Contrary to the newspaper reports, this study did not measure snoring, but instead looked at sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), a condition that often manifests itself as snoring. As such, this study cannot be taken as evidence that snoring affects how many calories the body burns. In addition, although the difference in calorie intake quoted in the newspapers may look impressive, this was greatly reduced once people’s body mass index (BMI) was taken into account. Snoring and SDB are often associated with being overweight, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Where did the story come from? Dr Eric J Kezirian and colleagues from the University of California and other universities and medical institutions in the US and Turkey carried out this research. The work was funded by the National Center for Research Resources and the Sleep Education and Research Foundation. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery . What kind of scientific study was this? This cross-sectional study looked at the association between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and resting energy expenditure (the amount of kilocalories burned at rest). Obesity increases the risk for SDB and although there have been attempts to improve SDB by treating obesity, these have had mixed results. In this study, the researchers wanted to test if SDB might increase weight gain by affecting resting energy expenditure. The researchers enrolled 212 healthy adults recently diagnosed with SDB or who had attended the medical centre with signs or symptoms of SDB. Pregnant women were not eligible to take part in the study, nor were people with significant lung or heart disease, an unstable psychiatric disorder or a history of drug or alcohol abuse. All participants gave a medical history and had a physical examination, including having their weight and height measured. The participants’ sleepiness during the day was assessed using a standard scale, and they rated their overall health. Before their resting calorie consumption was measured, the participants were asked not to engage in strenuous activity, avoid caffeine and fast for at least six hours. They were then asked to breathe into an indirect calorimeter, a device that estimates how many calories are being used. The participants spent the night in a sleep laboratory and were monitored while they slept. The monitoring included measuring brain activity with an EEG, heart rhythm with an ECG, pulse and airflow through the nose. Some patients also had oesophageal pressure monitoring. The researchers then recorded the number of times per hour the participants had a complete or almost complete stoppage of airflow (apnoea), or a reduction of 30% or more in airflow (hypopnea) associated with reduction in oxygen in the blood by at least 4%. They also looked at when participants moved from a deeper to a lighter sleep. This number is called the apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI) score, and a higher score indicates greater severity of sleep problems. A score of five or less on the AHI score is considered normal, a score of 6 to 15 indicates low severity, 16 to 30 medium severity, and over 30 high severity. The researchers also took other measures of SDB severity, such as number of apnoeas and hypopneas separately, lowest level of oxygen saturation during sleep, pressure in the oesophagus and proportion of rapid eye movement sleep. They then looked at whether there was an association between resting energy expenditure and severity of SDB. Factors that might affect results were adjusted for (taken into account) including age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and self-reported health. What were the results of the study? Most of the study participants were male (71%) and the average age was about 42 years old. The average BMI was 28.3kg/m2, which falls into the “overweight” range. Just under a quarter of participants (24.5%) had normal AHI scores, 28.8% had low severity scores, 17.5% had medium severity scores, and 29.2% had high severity scores. The average number of kilocalories burnt at rest per day was 1,763. Higher resting energy expenditures (REE) were associated with greater severity of SDB as measured by the AHI and other measures. The association between REE and AHI (but not most other measures of SDB severity) remained significant after adjusting for potential confounding factors. After adjustment, every increase of 10 units on the AHI was associated with burning about 27 kilocalories more per day at rest. Of the confounding factors, adjusting for BMI reduced the strength of the associations the most, suggesting that it was a strong confounder. What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results? The researchers concluded that: “sleep-disordered breathing severity is associated with [resting energy expenditure]”. They suggest that the associations are “largely confounded by body weight” but “there is an independent association with the apnea-hypopnea index”. What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study? This study indicates an association between sleep-disordered breathing severity and resting energy expenditure. However, there are some points to consider: The authors note that they did not measure body composition or lean body mass, which are associated with REE. Therefore, these confounders may be affecting the results, and adjusting for them may have removed the associations seen. The authors felt that this would be unlikely, as the results had remained significant after adjusting for body weight in different ways (either using weight itself or BMI). However, other unknown or unmeasured confounders may also be having an effect, and considering the relatively small difference in kilocalorie expenditure per 10 unit increase in AHI (27 kilocalories a day), it seems possible that further adjustments could potentially remove this association. Because SDB severity and REE were measured at roughly the same time, it is not possible to say whether the SDB is causing the changes in REE, or vice versa. The study was only carried out in people with SDB, so no comparisons of energy expenditure could be made with people without the condition. Contrary to the reports in the newspapers, this study did not measure snoring. Snoring is a common sign of SDB, but without specific measurement of the severity of snoring (or loudness of snoring), this study cannot be taken as evidence that snoring affects energy expenditure. Snoring and SDB are often associated with being overweight, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise are the best ways to avoid these problems. (1 d ago)

• Norovirus Q&A Norovirus Q&A
12/16/2008
Hospitals and schools have been hit by the "winter vomiting bug," newspapers have reported. Reports have said that norovirus - a highly contagious bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea - has taken hold at the same time as seasonal flu and put extra pressure on health services. Doctors have asked that people who have been ill to stay at home for 48 hours afterwards to avoid spreading the illness. They also asked that only the elderly, very young or those with long-term illnesses should visit the surgery if they are ill with the bug. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has sought to quell reports of a crisis and reported that it was seeing "fairly typical" levels of norovirus for this time of year. "There is no reason at this stage to believe that there are more cases of norovirus than normal," the agency said. What is norovirus? Noroviruses are Britain’s most common cause of infectious gastroenteritis, also known as winter vomiting disease or stomach flu. Although not usually dangerous – the vast majority of sufferers recover after one or two days – the very young and the elderly are at risk of complications such as dehydration and may need hospital treatment. It is estimated that, typically, between 600,000 and 1million people suffer from norovirus every year. That makes the infection – caused by one of a number of closely related viruses – the most common stomach infection in the UK. What are the symptoms? Symptoms typically begin between 24 and 48 hours after infection with the virus. Sudden onset of nausea is usually the first sign of infection, followed by vomiting and watery diarrhoea. Some may also experience a mild fever, aching limbs and headaches. Symptoms typically disappear after a day or two. How do people catch norovirus? Through contact with an infected person, contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as door handles and tables that are contaminated, and consuming contaminated food or liquid. This means that outbreaks are particularly common within contained environments such as hospitals, schools, and offices. Once you have caught norovirus, you are immune to the illness for around 14 weeks. After this time, it is possible to be reinfected with the virus and suffer the same symptoms. What can I do to stop myself catching norovirus? It is not possible to guarantee that you will not catch norovirus. But good hygiene will lower your risk. Wash your hands frequently, particularly after using the lavatory and before eating or preparing food. Avoiding raw, unwashed foods during a norovirus outbreak can also lower your risk of infection. What should I do if I have norovirus? There is no specific treatment for the illness, and you will have to let it run its course. Stay at home and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. That means regular sips of water or fruit juice, even if you are feeling sick. Adults can take rehydration drinks and anti-diarrhoea medicines available from pharmacies. Anti-diarrhoea medicines are not suitable for children. To avoid infecting other people with the virus, wash your hands regularly and stay at home for 48 hours after the last sign of symptoms. Do not prepare food for others for three days after the last sign of symptoms. The vast majority of those infected make a full recovery within two days. But particular care must be taken with the very young and older people who catch norovirus, as they are at higher risk of dehydration. Need help now? If you are suffering symptoms of norovirus, you can get advice now from the NHS Direct healthline: 0845 4647. You can learn more about norovirus at NHS Choices. (1 d ago)

• Combined prostate treatment Combined prostate treatment
12/16/2008
Prostate cancer patients should be treated with “radiotherapy as well as hormones” according to The Daily Telegraph . It reports that scientists recommend that using both treatments should be the standard for tackling the cancer, instead of the current practice prescribing long-term hormone treatment only. This story is based on new research in men with locally advanced prostate cancer, meaning it has spread to tissues surrounding the prostate, but not to other areas of the body. Researchers randomly split 875 men into two groups. One group had treatment with standard hormone therapy, while the other group had the same treatment plus a course of radiotherapy. Researchers found the men given the combined treatment were 56% less likely to die from prostate cancer within 10 years. The newspaper reports that a combination of hormones and radiotherapy should be the new standard treatment. Current NICE guidance already recommends a curative prostate removal, or combined radiotherapy and hormone therapy to treat men with locally advanced or high-risk localised cancer and a good prognosis. This well-conducted study provides further evidence on this existing treatment. Where did the story come from? This research was carried out by Professor Anders Widmark of Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Sweden, and colleagues. It was funded by Schering-Plough Inc, Abbot Scandinavia Inc, Nordic Cancer Union, Swedish Cancer Society, Norwegian Cancer Society, Lions Cancer Foundation and Umeå University. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet . What kind of scientific study was this? This was a randomised controlled trial designed to compare the effect of combined local radiotherapy and endocrine (hormone) therapy with hormone therapy alone in treating locally advanced prostate cancer. It reports that trials had previously demonstrated hormone therapy to be the optimal treatment for cases of locally advanced prostate cancer that had not spread to the rest of the body (non-metastatic) but were too advanced for curative treatment. The study included 875 men from Norway, Sweden and Denmark who had been diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer. Only men considered to have a good outlook and a life expectancy of more than 10 years were included in this study. Participants were recruited between February 1996 and December 2002. The men were randomised to receive either just hormone treatment (439 men) or a combination of hormone treatment and radiotherapy targeting the prostate (436 men). Disease characteristics (e.g. tumour stage and markers for possible prostate problems) were equally balanced between the two groups of men. The hormone treatment used was a slow-release injection of the drug leuprorelin, administered over three months. At the same time a course a drug called flutamide was taken orally each day until death or progression of the disease. The men allocated to receive radiotherapy had this same hormone therapy plus a course of radiotherapy three months into drug treatment. Medical ‘removal of the testes’ was performed if there was evidence of disease progression. The main objective of the study was to see whether the addition of radiotherapy would improve cancer survival at seven years compared to hormone treatment alone. This was done by looking at time from entry into the study to death. All men were linked to nationwide population registries to ensure no loss to follow-up. All deaths were classified as either being due to prostate cancer, due to another cause but with prostate cancer a significantly contributing factor, due to cancer treatments, due to an unrelated cause, or unknown cause. What were the results of the study? Average duration of follow-up was 7.6 years, and 100% of those randomised were followed up. The total deaths from prostate cancer at study completion were 116 (18.0% of the hormone only group and 8.5% of the combined treatment group), which included 28 deaths from a cause other than prostate cancer where prostate cancer was a significantly contributing factor. A measure called cumulative incidence (occurrence during a specified period of time) was used to calculate prostate mortality: at seven years was 9.9% in the hormone alone group and 6.3% in the combined group. At the 10-year mark this increased to 23.9% and 11.9% respectively, meaning there was a significant difference of 12% between the two groups. Therefore the combined treatment of hormone treatment plus radiotherapy was found to reduce the risk of death from prostate cancer by 56% compared to hormone treatment alone (relative risk 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.30 to 0.66). In general, adverse effects of treatment did not significantly differ between the two groups, with the exception of urinary problems (urgency, incontinence and stricture of the urethra) and erectile dysfunction, which were significantly more common in the combined treatment group. Diarrhoea four years after treatment was also reported significantly more often in the combined treatment group. What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results? The authors conclude that the addition of local radiotherapy to hormone treatment halved the 10-year prostate-specific cancer mortality rate for locally advanced high-risk prostate cancer. They suggest that in light of these findings, combined treatment should be the new standard for this group of people. What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study? This was a high-quality randomised controlled trial that had several strengths, including a large sample size and a seven-year follow-up of 100% of the men in the study. It has demonstrated that combined hormone and radiotherapy treatment halved the death rate due of men with locally advanced prostate cancer, compared to hormone treatment alone. The study has a few limitations, which were acknowledged by the researchers: The study was conducted in parts of Scandinavia and treatment protocols may differ elsewhere. The authors mention that surgical or medical castration may be the preferred treatment for locally advanced prostate cancer in other countries (although the use of hormone therapy is well established in Europe). The study used lower radiation doses than are now possible, so the survival benefit of combined treatment may actually be higher than estimated: a standard dose in this study was 70Gy, while NICE guidance in the UK recommends a minimum dose of 74Gy. Adverse effects need to be considered. There was a significant increase in urinary problems, sexual dysfunction and diarrhoea in the combined treatment group. Combined radiotherapy and hormone therapy can not be compared to surgical removal of the prostate (prostatectomy). Previous research has shown that the addition of hormone therapy to prostatectomy does not improve survival. Current NICE guidance advises that those men with high-risk localised prostate cancer and a good prognosis, or those with locally advanced prostate cancer (such as in this study) are offered either curative prostatectomy, or curative radiotherapy combined with hormone therapy. (1 d ago)

• Low-carb diets and memory Low-carb diets and memory
12/15/2008
“Atkins-style low carbohydrate diets ‘can damage the memory,’” claims The Daily Telegraph . The newspaper says that in just one week slimmers could develop memory loss caused by following diets that avoid carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread and pasta. The news story is based on a study testing 19 women’s performances in complex mental tests during a three-week diet. The women chose to follow either a low-carbohydrate Atkin’s-style diet, or a balanced reduced-calorie one. Women on the Atkin’s-style diet performed worse in some tests than those on the balanced diet. The newspaper says this is because their brains lacked glucose, which is restricted in Atkin's-style diets. The study is very limited by its small sample size, which increases the possibility its findings occurring by chance. Also, the fact that the women chose which diet to follow means other factors may differ between the two groups and account for their different results. Although short-term memory in the low-carbohydrate group was impaired on some tests, other cognitive measures did not differ between the two groups. The relevance of the different results between the groups is uncertain, particularly with the short follow-up, but does highlight the need for further research to see how dieting might affect short-term memory and awareness. Where did the story come from? This research was carried out by Kristen E D’Anci and colleagues of Tufts University, Medford, US, and the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. No sources of funding are reported. The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Appetite . What kind of scientific study was this? This was a non-randomised controlled trial designed to investigate how low-carbohydrate diets affect cognition, the ability to perceive, reason and remember. It has been found that calorie restriction can affect planning and functioning, due to preoccupying thoughts about food. Low-carbohydrate diets in particular can cause cognitive deficits due to, in theory, a lack of the energy from blood glucose, which is normally produced in the breakdown of carbohydrates. Researchers recruited 19 women aged between 22 and 55 to take part in their three-week study on diet. All women were healthy, without depression or any other psychological condition, did not have heart disease or diabetes and were not taking medication. The women in this study were given the choice of whether they wanted to follow a low-carbohydrate (LC) diet or a low-calorie macronutrient balanced (ADA) diet in line with the American Dietetic Association guidelines. The LC diet was chosen by nine women, while 10 women chose the ADA diet.The LC diet involved one-week of zero carbohydrates, a second week where they introduced 5 to 8g of carbohydrate per day, and in the third week they increased this to 10 to 16g of carbohydrate per day. The caloric content of the ADA diet was determined according to the individual’s current weight. Before starting their diets, the women took part in a testing session that involved being weighed, a Profile of Mood States Questionnaire, a hunger questionnaire and five computer-based cognitive tests. These cognitive tests assessed visual and spatial memory, recollection of forward and reversed number sequences, vigilance, and positive and negative consequences of food preoccupation (which involved matching food and non-food word combinations). The test sessions were repeated after 48 hours, one week, two weeks, and three weeks, into the diets. The women kept food diaries that were reviewed by a researcher to check compliance. The test results were then statistically compared between the two diet groups. What were the results of the study? The women in the two groups did not differ in body mass index (BMI) (28-30kg/m2) prior to dieting. After three weeks there was no significant difference in weight loss between the groups (LC group in total lost 1.88kg, ADA diet lost 1.76kg). There were no differences between the groups on the hunger questionnaire or food preoccupation at the beginning of the study, but there were some differences on the tests of food preoccupation in later testing. Women in the ADA group showed a consistent and faster response in matching non-food pairs than food pairs which improved with testing at one, two and three weeks (indicating a practice effect). Women in the LC group showed no difference in matching food and non-food pairs and no improvement in time scores with each weekly testing. Before dieting there were no differences in the performance of the number sequencing tests between the two diet groups. At week one, those women in the LC group recalled significantly fewer digits on the reversed number sequence test than those in the ADA group. Prior to dieting women in the LC group scored better on the short-term visual/spatial memory test than the ADA group, but there was difference in testing at one week when women in the ADA group did significantly better than the LC group. There was no difference in long-term memory. The vigilance tests were complex and involved no differences on some measures better response to targets in the LC groups compared to the ADA group, suggesting improved attention. On the Profile of Mood States Questionnaire, women in the ADA group showed greater confusion at the one- and two-week sessions. What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results? The researchers concluded that the two popular weight loss diets demonstrated no differences in weight loss over the three-week period. They noted that at one week (the period of no carbohydrate intake and low glycogen scores for the LC group) those on the LC diet showed impaired short-term memory in the visual/spatial and reversed number sequence tests than those in the ADA group. What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study? This research was designed to investigate the effects upon cognitive performance of low-carbohydrate diets compared to a more balanced low-calorie diet. However, the study does have important limitations: With only 19 participants, the study was extremely small and any differences seen between the groups may have occurred by chance only. As the women selected their own diet type rather than being randomly allocated one, there is the possibility of differences between the two groups may have actually accounted for some of the differences seen. A number of complex tests were performed, and there were variable effects seen on different measures. It is uncertain how representative these tests may be of the women’s general daily functioning and memory, i.e. the relevance that they would have to everyday life. It should be noted that the women on the LC diet did not perform worse than the ADA diet group on all measures, and that the women on the ADA diets demonstrated impaired attention and confusion on some measures. The study was only short, and a longer study would have given a more definite indication of the effects of the diets over time. In particular, it would be important to see whether a zero carbohydrate diet maintained for a period of greater than one week would have had greater effect on the cognitive tests. Despite the limited conclusions that can be made from this study, it highlights the need for further research to see whether low or no carbohydrate diets to put cognitive function at risk. (2 d ago)

• Genetics of obesity Genetics of obesity
12/15/2008
“Eating too much and putting on weight may be more to do with one’s state of mind rather than a metabolic imbalance,” The Independent reported today. It said that a study has found six new genes associated with obesity, five of which are active in the brain. This has lead scientists to believe that new treatments could involve changing people’s psychological rather than their physical desire to eat. This large, well-conducted study contributes greatly to understanding how genes affect body mass index (BMI). The fact that several of these genes were “highly expressed” in the brain tissue suggests that there may be a role of the brain in predisposing some people to obesity, however exactly how such a predisposition works is not yet clear. It should be pointed out that the variations identified in this research are common in the population, and each contributes a small amount to BMI. Where did the story come from? Dr Cristen J Willer from the University of Michigan and a large number of colleagues from the Genetic Investigation of ANthropomorphic Traits (GIANT) consortium, from universities in the US and Europe carried out this research. It was funded by the US National Institutes for Health, and many charities and pharmaceutical companies. The study was published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Nature Genetics . What kind of scientific study was this? This research was aimed at identifying genetic variations associated with BMI. It is known that a person’s weight is affected by environmental and genetic factors. Studies have suggested that 40-70% of the variation in BMI in the population is due to genetic factors, and it is believed that many different genes contribute to this effect. To date, variations in or near two genes called FTO and MC3R have been found to contribute a small amount to BMI variation, and the researchers in this study wanted to identify more. In this meta-analysis, the researchers pooled the results of a number of genome-wide analyses (GWAs), which are genetic case-control studies. GWAs look at small genetic variations called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) scattered throughout the DNA, and try to identify any SNPs that are more common in people who have the condition they are studying (in this case, a higher BMI) than in people who do not. The researchers obtained data from 15 GWAs, which included 32,387 people of European ancestry, and used statistical methods to pool all this data together. They identified all of the genetic variations that seemed to be associated with a higher BMI, and selected the 35 variants that showed the greatest effect. They then tested these 35 variants in a further 59,082 people and identified those variants that still showed an association with higher BMIs in this group. The researchers also looked at the relationship between these variants and characteristics including overweight (BMI≥25kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30kg/m2). The researchers also checked whether the genes in these associated regions were expressed in various tissues of the body. What were the results of the study? On pooling the results of the 15 GWAs, the researchers identified genetic variations in or near the FTO and MC3R genes that were associated with a higher BMI. This confirmed the findings of previous studies. People who had one copy of the FTO variation had a BMI that was on average 0.33 units higher than those who had no copies, and people who had one copy of the MC3R variation had BMIs 0.26 units higher. The researchers also identified genetic variations in six areas of the DNA that were associated with higher BMI. These variations were in or around the TMEM18, KCTD15, GNPDA2, SH2B1, MTCH2, and NEGR1 genes. Each individual variant was associated with an increase of between 0.06 units and 0.26 units of BMI in people who carried one copy. Individually, the eight variants increased the odds of being overweight by between 3% and 14%, and of being obese by between 3% and 25%. When the researchers looked at where the TMEM18, KCTD15, GNPDA2, SH2B1, MTCH2, NEGR1 genes were active in the body, all of them except MTCH2 were active at a high level in the brain. What interpretations did the researchers draw from these results? The researchers concluded that they had confirmed an association between the FTO and MC3R regions and BMI, and identified six new regions also associated with BMI. The genes in these regions that are likely to be causing the increase in BMI are mostly active in the brain, showing that the brain plays a role in “predisposition to obesity”. What does the NHS Knowledge Service make of this study? This large and well-conducted study identified several regions of the DNA that are associated with an increase in BMI. Confidence in the findings is increased by the fact that five of the new regions were also identified by another group in a separate study published in the same journal. There are a few important points to note when interpreting these findings: This type of study is used to identify regions or areas of the DNA that are associated with the trait in question, in this case a higher BMI. However, associating a variant with a trait does not necessarily mean that one causes the other, and most of the variants lie in pieces of DNA with no known function. The authors in this study identified the genes near to these variations that seemed likely to be involved, but more research will be needed to identify the variations that are actually causing the increase in BMI observed, and to confirm which genes they affect. BMI has what is known as “multifactorial” inheritance. This means that multiple factors are having an effect, both genetic and environmental, and a lot of different genes will each be contributing a small effect. Each of the variants found in this study contributes only a small amount to a person’s overall BMI. The eight variants identified in this study were estimated to account for about 0.8% of the variation in BMI seen in the populations tested – a relatively small amount. Therefore, there will be other genetic variants having an effect, as well as environmental factors such as diet and physical activity. These results come from populations with European ancestry and may not apply to populations with different ethnic backgrounds. This study contributes to the understanding of how genes affect BMI. In the long term, this may contribute to the development of treatments for reducing weight. However, the best methods to do this currently are a healthy diet and exercise. (2 d ago)

• Woman recovering after face transplant Woman recovering after face transplant
12/18/2008
Doctors at Cleveland Clinic replaced 80 percent of patient's face. (1 h ago)

• Battling your body's buggy invaders Battling your body's buggy invaders
12/17/2008
Your skin is crawling with tiny critters. Here's how to beat them when they mount an attack. (10 h ago)

• FDA orders suicide warning on epilepsy d... FDA orders suicide warning on epilepsy drugs
12/16/2008
Drugs used by millions of patients to control epileptic seizures must carry warnings about heightened risks of suicide, federal regulators said Tuesday. (1 d ago)

• Docs to get bonus pay for e-prescription... Docs to get bonus pay for e-prescriptions
12/15/2008
The push for paperless prescriptions is about to get a boost: Starting in January, doctors who e-prescribe can get bonus pay from Medicare. (2 d ago)

• Combo treatment halves prostate cancer d... Combo treatment halves prostate cancer deaths
12/15/2008
Treating advanced prostate cancer with radiation and hormone-blocking drugs cut the death rate in half in a study of Scandinavian men, researchers report. (2 d ago)

• Eating fruits, veggies cuts breast cance... Eating fruits, veggies cuts breast cancer risk
12/15/2008
Certain breast cancer survivors who load up on fruits and vegetables, eating far more than current U.S. guidelines, can slash their risk the tumors will come back by nearly a third, according to a U.S. study released on Monday. (2 d ago)

• Battling your body's buggy invaders Battling your body's buggy invaders
12/17/2008
Your skin is crawling with tiny critters. Here's how to beat them when they mount an attack. (10 h ago)

• EpiDerm's Skin Irritation Test Validated... EpiDerm's Skin Irritation Test Validated In EU
12/18/2008
MatTek Corporation today announced that the ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee (ESAC) endorsed the scientific validity of the Modified EpiDerm Skin Irritation Test (SIT) at its November meeting. ESAC concluded that the Modified EpiDerm SIT has sufficient accuracy and reliability for the prediction of skin irritating and non-irritating test substances. read more (1 h ago)

• The Cleveland Clinic's Face Transplant S... The Cleveland Clinic's Face Transplant Surgery Q&A
12/17/2008
In a 22-hour face transplant procedure, a team of eight surgeons replaced 80 percent of a trauma patient’s face – essentially transplanting the full face except her upper eyelids, forehead, lower lip, and chin. This is so far the largest and most complex face transplant in the world. The surgery integrated different functional components, such as nose and lower eyelids as well as different tissue types including, skin, muscles, bony structures, arteries veins and nerves. Approximately 500 square centimeters of tissue were transplanted onto the recipient. read more (5 h ago)

• Cleveland Clinic To Keep Face Transplant... Cleveland Clinic To Keep Face Transplant Patient ID Private
12/16/2008
Tomorrow the Cleveland Clinic will announce the details of the first total face transplant procedure conducted in USA. It was successfully completed today, but the clinic will keep the identity of the face transplant patient anonymous to respect patient and family privacy. read more (1 d ago)

• London to Host First Certified Power Yog... London to Host First Certified Power Yoga Teacher Training
12/18/2008
Fulham Yogashala, one of London’s premiere yoga studios, today announced that it will host the city’s only Certified Power Yoga Teacher Training programme beginning 1 March, 2009. The programme is structured for anyone looking to embark on a career as a yoga instructor, or for those keen to develop their practice and understanding of yoga. The programme is structured for anyone looking to embark on a career as a yoga instructor, or for those keen to develop their practice and understanding of yoga. read more (1 h ago)

• New Michigan Medical Marihuana Program W... New Michigan Medical Marihuana Program Web Site Launched
12/17/2008
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) today announced the launch of the Medical Marihuana Program (MMP) Web site, which is designed to inform residents and health professionals about the administrative rules and procedures pertaining to the use of medicinal marihuana. The MMP Web site, michigan.gov , provides comprehensive information on the Medical Marihuana Act, the proposed administrative rules and the requirements to apply to the program. The site also features frequently asked questions and program status updates. read more (8 h ago)

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• Why anxiety is linked to cardiovascular ... Why anxiety is linked to cardiovascular disease
12/15/2008
Poorer lifestyle habits may go a long way in explaining why people with depression or anxiety face a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, a study published Monday suggests. (2 d ago)

• Blood pressure spikes in elderly mar thi... Blood pressure spikes in elderly mar thinking
12/15/2008
For elderly people with elevated blood pressure, further spikes in blood pressure levels can affect their ability to think clearly, U.S. researchers said on Monday. (2 d ago)

• Have your cake — and eat it, too Have your cake — and eat it, too
12/15/2008
The holiday season is here and for those who overindulge, the guilt trips are sure to follow. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right strategy, you most certainly can have your cake and eat it, too. (2 d ago)

• Leaner nations bike, walk, use mass tran... Leaner nations bike, walk, use mass transit
12/15/2008
New research finds a link between "active transportation" — biking, walking or taking mass transit — and less obesity in 17 industrialized countries across Europe, North America and Australia. (2 d ago)

• Christmas Tree Terpene Allergies Christmas Tree Terpene Allergies
12/16/2008
Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Gabor IzsoThis is the third year I'm writing about allergies to... (1 d ago)

• FC2 (Female Condom 2), Approved by FDA P... FC2 (Female Condom 2), Approved by FDA Panel
12/16/2008
A new, cheaper version of the female condom has been endorsed for approval by the FDA advisory panel . The product, dubbed as FC2 or Female Condom 2 is expected to become available in the United States by mid-2009. FC2 is manufactured by the Chicago-based Female Health, Co . See full article . Related Entries: Female patients want female endoscopists - 03 August 2005 Female Coach Breaks Through the Glass Ceiling - 25 May 2006 Birth Control Methods - 09 June 2007 I Know There is a Line - Does the Female RoboSapien Cross It? - 30 June 2008 Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com. (1 d ago)

• Hydrocyanine Fluorescent Dyes to Detect ... Hydrocyanine Fluorescent Dyes to Detect Reactive Oxygen Species
12/16/2008
Researchers have developed new fluorescent probes called hydrocyanines that can be used to detect and measure the presence of reactive oxygen species - molecules implicated in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including cancer and atherosclerosis- in living cells, tissue samples and in vivo. The researchers have created six hydrocyanine dyes to date - hydro-Cy3, hydro-Cy5, hydro-Cy7, hydro-IR-676, hydro-IR-783 and hydro-ICG - but say that there are potentially 40 probes that could be created. The dyes vary in their ability to detect intracellular or extracellular reactive oxygen species and by their emission wavelength - from 560 to 830 nanometers. Fluorescing at higher wavelengths allows the hydrocyanine dyes to be used for deep tissue imaging in vivo, a capability that dihydroethidium (DHE), the current "gold standard" for imaging reactive oxygen species, does not have. The dyes also have other advantages over DHE. The details of the hydrocyanine synthesis process and experimental results on the use of these dyes in cells, tissues and mouse models were reported in the December 8 online version of the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition . Source Image : Confocal fluorescent images of rat aortic smooth muscle cells (a) incubated with hydro-Cy3, (b) treated with angiotensin II and incubated with hydro-Cy3, and (c) incubated with angiotensin II and TEMPOL before adding hydro-Cy3. Credit: Georgia Tech Image, Courtesy of Kousik Kundu See full article . Related Entries: Imaging studies and psychiatry - 18 October 2005 Living cells imaged with fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles - 25 June 2006 FDDNP: New UCLA Imaging Compound for Early Alzheimer's Detection - 30 December 2006 Incandesent Bulbs Banned From Sale After 2012 In U.S. - 03 February 2008 Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com. (1 d ago)

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