Medical Condition News

RSS

Continuous chest compressions during CPR improve survival rates during cardiac arrest

Maximizing the proportion of time spent performing chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) substantially improves survival in patients who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting, according to a multicenter clinical study that included UT Southwestern Medical Center.

29 Sep 2009

Researchers investigate the effects of age on suicidal behaviour

In older age groups, repeated suicide attempts constitute an increased risk for completed suicide in depressed women, while severe attempts constitute an increased risk for depressed men. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Psychiatry studied suicide attempts in 100 patients who committed suicide and in an age- and sex-matched control group, investigating the effects of age on suicidal behaviour, as a risk factor for accomplished suicide.

29 Sep 2009

Biochemistry professor to discuss controversies in dietary strategies in diabetes treatment

Richard Feinman, PhD, professor of biochemistry and of family medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, will speak at the annual conference of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) on October 2, 2009. EASD is holding its annual conference September 28 - October 2 in Vienna, Austria.

29 Sep 2009

The mysterious origin of Merkel cells

A new study resolves a 130-year-old mystery over the developmental origin of specialized skin cells involved in touch sensation. The findings will appear in the October 5, 2009 issue of the Journal of Cell Biology (online September 28).

29 Sep 2009

Radiation treatment after prostate cancer surgery eradicates recurrent cancer

The largest single-institution study of its kind has found few complications in prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy after surgery to remove the prostate. Men in this study received radiotherapy after a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test following surgery indicated their cancer had recurred.

29 Sep 2009

Leptin can determine osteoarthritis in obese patients

The link between obesity and osteoarthritis may be more than just the wear and tear on the skeleton caused by added weight.

29 Sep 2009

Winners of Paul Marks Prize 2009

Three young investigators who have taken significant steps toward advancing the understanding of cancer will be the recipients of this year's Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research, a prize awarded biennially since 2001 to scientists under the age of forty-six by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

29 Sep 2009

NovoCure initiates newly-diagnosed GBM clinical trial

NovoCure, Ltd., a privately held medical device company focused on developing the Novo-TTF device, a non-invasive portable medical device for the treatment of cancer, announced the completion of a new funding round today. Key investors in this round included Pfizer Inc, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation and Index Ventures.

29 Sep 2009

World Federation of Neurology awards UT Southwestern director the first Medal for Scientific Achievement

Dr. Roger Rosenberg, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been awarded the first Medal for Scientific Achievement by the World Federation of Neurology.

29 Sep 2009

Transient ischemic attack can trigger stroke

One out of every eight strokes is preceded by a "warning stroke," which is a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke, according to research published in the September 29, 2009, print issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

29 Sep 2009

Estrogen withdrawal may play a significant role in joint pain during breast cancer treatment

Aromatase inhibitors, the same drugs that have buoyed long-term survival rates among breast cancer patients, also carry side effects including joint pain so severe that many patients discontinue these lifesaving medicines. New University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine research, however, has uncovered patterns that may help clinicians identify and help women at risk of these symptoms sooner in order to increase their chances of sticking with their treatment regimen.

29 Sep 2009

Proton therapy center to treat pediatric and adult cancer patients

The development of a proton therapy center in the Pacific Northwest has taken a significant step forward with the signing of a letter of intent between the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) and ProCure Treatment Centers Inc. (ProCure). SCCA and ProCure announced the agreement today and are moving the project forward to bring this advanced form of radiation therapy to adult and pediatric cancer patients.

29 Sep 2009

Poor kidney function can affect brain activities

A new study published in the medical journal Neurology suggests that impaired kidney function is a risk factor for cognitive decline in old age.

29 Sep 2009

Social support can prevent depression in parents

The latest research from Family Relations shows that parents in low-income environments are more prone to depression when there is a lack of social support.

29 Sep 2009

Obesity due to leptin deficiency plays major role in knee osteoarthritis

In 2005 the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that globally 400 million adults were obese, defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater. WHO projects that by 2015 there will be more than 700 million obese adults worldwide. Obesity is considered to be one of the greatest risk factors for osteoarthritis, a progressive musculoskeletal disorder that is characterized by loss of joint cartilage.

29 Sep 2009

Hookworms can prevent asthma

A study conducted in Vietnam has added further weight to the view that parasitic gut worms, such as hookworm, could help in the prevention and treatment of asthma and other allergies.

29 Sep 2009

UCLA discovery raises hope for curing genetic disorders caused by nonsense mutations

UCLA scientists have identified two chemicals that convince cells to ignore premature signals to stop producing important proteins. Published in the Sept. 28 edition of the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the findings could lead to new medications for genetic diseases, such as cancer and muscular dystrophy, that are sparked by missing proteins.

29 Sep 2009

Hospital-at-home care favorable to traditional hospital care

Hospital-at-home care may be a practical alternative to traditional hospital inpatient care for patients with acutely decompensated (suddenly worsening) chronic heart failure, according to a report in the September 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

29 Sep 2009

Practical support important to achieve glycemic control in diabetic patients

For physicians treating patients with diabetes, practical support is important in improving glycemic control. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Public Health found that setting goals and pro-active follow-up helped patients achieve good glycemic control.

29 Sep 2009

Blood vessels in the retina may help predict risk of heart attack or stroke

For centuries eyes have been seen as windows to the soul. But medical researchers now believe the eyes may also offer vital clues to your risk of heart disease and stroke.

28 Sep 2009