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Researchers identify mechanism responsible for inhibition of AMPK activity in the hypothalamus

In the complex chain of molecular events that underlie eating behaviors and body weight, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme has proven to be a critical link.

4 Jul 2012

Signs that a child is seriously ill: Interview with Professor Middleton

There are several signs that indicate that a child is seriously ill. These can be spotted by parents, teachers and carers as well as by me or any other doctor or nurse.

4 Jul 2012

Indonesia must work to empower women in order to improve maternal health standards

Though Indonesia is "widely seen as a development success story -- indeed, it is sometimes referred to as one of Asia's 'rising powers' ... in the area of maternal health, the successes have been modest and much remains to be done," Andrew Rosser, associate director of the Indo-Pacific Governance Research Centre at the University of Adelaide, writes in an Inside Indonesia opinion piece.

4 Jul 2012

Perinatal mortality risk in IVF reduced by single embryo transfer

A policy of single embryo transfer (SET) reduces the risk of perinatal mortality in infants born as a result of IVF and ICSI. The conclusion emerged from an analysis of more than 50,000 births recorded in the Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Technology Database between 2004 and 2008, where the introduction of an SET policy has been associated with a reduction in overall perinatal mortality for IVF and ICSI babies.

4 Jul 2012

Research highlights three factors that could determine outbreak of pandemic flu

A major collaboration between US research centers has highlighted three factors that could ultimately determine whether an outbreak of influenza becomes a serious epidemic that threatens national health. The research suggests that the numbers in current response plans could be out by a factor of two or more depending on the characteristics of the particular pandemic influenza.

3 Jul 2012

'Saving Mothers, Giving Life' initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality

In this post in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's "Impatient Optimists" blog, Jennifer James, founder of Mom Bloggers for Social Good, reports on the "Saving Mothers, Giving Life" (Saving Mothers) initiative, launched by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at a health conference in Norway in June.

3 Jul 2012

Philippines to spend nearly $12M on contraceptives to bolster family planning, reduce maternal mortality rate

The government of the Philippines plans to spend nearly $12 million on contraceptives this year in an effort to "save its 'failed' family planning program and drastically cut maternal deaths," according to the Department of Health, IRIN reports.

3 Jul 2012

Study demonstrates effectiveness of combination therapy for breast cancer cells in vitro

A study conducted at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) demonstrates an effective combination therapy for breast cancer cells in vitro.

3 Jul 2012

Critical Diagnostics showcases Presage ST2 Assay at AAHFN annual meeting

Critical Diagnostics, makers of the Presage ST2 Assay, participated in the annual meeting for the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses in Chicago, considered the premier meeting in heart failure nursing.

3 Jul 2012

Three-step clinical pathway for CAP reduces length of hospital stay

A three-step pathway helps to reduce the duration of intravenous antibiotic treatment in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia, show study findings published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

2 Jul 2012

Vitamin D–calcium combo reduces mortality in elderly

The results of a meta-analysis of individual patient data show that vitamin D supplementation with calcium reduces mortality rates in the elderly.

2 Jul 2012

Folic acid ‘may benefit diabetics’

Folic acid supplementation can significantly reduce homocysteine levels and may therefore offer an approach for lowering cardiovascular risk among patients with Type 2 diabetes, report researchers.

2 Jul 2012

Blocking bombesin/GRP receptor improves survival in sepsis animal models

Septic shock is the most severe outcome associated with pathogen infection in the bloodstream. It is a life-threatening condition invariably leading to multiple organ dysfunctions. Currently, septic shock is one of the most frequent causes of death in intensive care units worldwide.

30 Jun 2012

New drug for Type 2 diabetes results in less hypoglycaemia, less weight gain and perhaps less cardiovascular risk for patients

A new drug could offer significant advantages over existing treatments for Type 2 diabetes patients who don’t respond to metformin, the most commonly prescribed initial drug treatment for the disease. The new drug, linagliptin, results in significantly less weight gain than the most common second-line treatments currently used, and may even carry a smaller risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, according to an Article published Online First in The Lancet.

29 Jun 2012

Swine-flu deaths far greater than reported

The true number of deaths from the 2009 H1N1 “swine flu” pandemic may be 15 times higher than the number confirmed by laboratory testing and previously reported to the World Health Organization, study findings indicate.

28 Jun 2012

Statin effects may be gender-specific

The benefit of using statins may differ according to gender, show findings from a meta-analysis.

28 Jun 2012

Atkins diet ‘dangerous to heart health’

Women who follow an Atkins-style diet have a significantly increased risk for cardiovascular disease, experts warn.

28 Jun 2012

UCLA Heart Transplant Program performs 2,000th heart transplant surgery

The UCLA Heart Transplant Program performed its 2,000th heart transplant surgery earlier this month, becoming the first program in the western United States and only the second in the world to achieve this remarkable milestone.

28 Jun 2012

LUHS among select group of hospitals nationwide to improve breastfeeding rates

Loyola University Health System (LUHS) is among a select group of 90 hospitals nationwide that have been asked to participate in Best Fed Beginnings, a first-of-its-kind initiative to significantly improve breastfeeding rates in states where they are the lowest.

28 Jun 2012

Substituting short vehicle journeys for walks reduces death rates

A new study confirms that doing short journeys on foot rather than taking the car or motorbike would avoid the death of 108 men and 79 women a year in Catalonia alone. This would imply annual savings of more than 200 million euros.

28 Jun 2012