MedWorm: University of Washington

Flipping a light switch in the cell: Quantum dots used for targeted neural activation

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Optical Society of America) By harnessing quantum dots researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new and vastly more targeted way to stimulate neurons in the brain. Being able to switch neurons on and off and monitor how they communicate with one another is crucial for understanding -- and, ultimately, treating -- a host of brain disorders. The research was published today in the Optical Society's open-access journal Biomedical Optics Express. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Marine metagenomics: Sequencing from scratch

Nature — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 482, 7384 (2012). doi:10.1038/482134b Although most microorganisms cannot currently be cultured, their genomes may soon be accessible.Until now, metagenomic analyses have been able to identify only dominant members of a microbial community or those sequenced previously. Virginia Armbrust and her group at the University of Washington in Seattle (Source: Nature)

Global Update: Did Malaria Kill 655,000 People in 2011 or Twice That?

NYT — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:30:07 +0100

The numbers are being quietly fought over in e-mails among malaria specialists at the World Health Organization and the University of Washington. (Source: NYT)

Treatment for tuberculosis can be guided by patients' genetics

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Determining TB treatment based on a patient's sequence at gene called LTA4H could improve outcomes. This gene controls the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances produced during an infection. Mutations leading to a tilt in either direction increases TB severity. Drugs helpful for a hot responder could be ineffective for cool responders. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Global Update: Did Malaria Kill 655,000 People in 2011 or Twice That?

NYT Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:42:46 +0100

The numbers are being quietly fought over in e-mails among malaria specialists at the World Health Organization and the University of Washington. (Source: NYT Health)

Malaria Kills 1.2 Million Annually, Double Previous Estimates

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Approximately 1.2 million humans die each year from malaria, a much higher figure than the previously estimated 600,000, researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, USA, reported in The Lancet this week. The authors added that the majority of deaths occur in children under the age of 5 years, while 42% occur in adults and older children. However, the huge international anti-malaria effort that has taken place over the last ten years is paying off. Malaria mortality has significantly dropped... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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[Editorial] New estimates of malaria deaths: concern and opportunity

LANCET — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This week we publish surprising and, on the face of it, disturbing findings. According to Christopher Murray and colleagues at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington in Seattle, there were 1·24 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 0·93–1·69 million) from malaria worldwide in 2010—around twice the figure of 655 000 estimated by WHO for the same year. How should the malaria community interpret this finding? Before we answer that question, we need to look beneath the surface of this striking overall mortality figure. (Source: LANCET)

Diet High in Processed Meat Linked to Increased Diabetes Risk in Populations With High Diabetes Rate

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:05:40 +0100

February 2, 2012 (University of Washington) — Diabetes risk is increased in men and women who eat a diet that is high in processed meats, according to a study published online this week in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Processed meats include hot dogs, lunch meat, sausages and canned meats. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Malaria deaths 'higher than expected'

NHS News Feed — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:42:00 +0100

Conclusion This study has looked at a lot of data and used systematic methods to examine trends in malaria mortality over the past 30 years. It shows that malaria in 2010 was the cause of death for 1.2 million individuals, including 714,000 deaths in children younger than five years and 524,000 in individuals aged five years or older. The results tend to show an increase in mortality from 1980 to peak levels in 2004, but since then a clear decline. The researchers say that the recent decrease in malaria mortality in Africa in particular is due to malaria control activities being increased, supported by international help. They say that support from international donors needs to increase further if malaria is to be eradicated. However, the primary aim of this study was to predict trends ove...

Malaria is twice as deadly as first thought after disease claims 1.2million lives in a year

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:20 +0100

More than 40 per cent of the malaria victims are older children and adults, challenging the belief that the vast majority of deaths occur among the under-fives, according to the University of Washington. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Emerging Sexual Health Issues Among Women Who Have Sex with Women

Current Infectious Disease Reports — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:13 +0100

Abstract Women who have sex with women (WSW) comprise a diverse group of people who evidence a spectrum of sexual identity, sexual behaviors, sexual practices, and risk behaviors. WSW are at risk of acquiring a diversity of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from current and prior partners, both male and female. Notably, human papillomavirus (HPV) is sexually transmitted between female partners, and Pap smear guidelines should be followed in this group. Bacterial vaginosis is common among WSW. WSW should not be presumed to be at low or no risk for STIs based on sexual orientation, and reporting of same sex behavior by women should not deter providers from considering and performing screening for STIs, including Chlamydia trachomatis, according to current guidelines. Eff...

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Patient-reported outcome instruments used to assess pain and functioning in studies of bisphosphonate treatment for bone metastases

Supportive Care in Cancer — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:11:22 +0100

Conclusions Although pain is an important outcome of trials examining treatment for bone metastases, the current review suggests that there is little consistency in PRO measurement across studies. Furthermore, presentation of measures often lacked clear description, information on measurement properties, citations, clarity regarding method of administration, and consistent instrument names. Recommendations are provided for instrument validation within the target population, assessment of content validity, use of PRO instruments recently developed for patients with bone metastases, clear description of instruments, and implementation of measures consistent with recommendations from instrument developers. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-21D...

Malaria kills nearly twice as many people than previously thought, but deaths declining rapidly

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation) Malaria is killing more people worldwide than previously thought -- 1.2 million -- but the number of deaths has fallen rapidly as efforts to combat the disease have ramped up, according to new research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. IHME researchers say that deaths from malaria have been missed by previous studies because of the assumption that the disease mainly kills children under age five. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Scientists coax shy microorganisms to stand out in a crowd

EurekAlert! - Biology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Scientists have advanced a method that allowed them to single out a marine microorganism and map its genome even though the organism made up less than 10 percent of a water sample teeming with many millions of individuals from dozens of identifiable groups of microbes. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Comprehensive Self-Management Reduces the Negative Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms on Sexual Functioning

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:08:53 +0100

Conclusions Severity of IBS symptoms at baseline did not differ between IBS women with or without sexual dysfunction. The CSM intervention can reduce the effect of IBS on sexual QOL. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s10620-012-2047-1Authors Margaret D. Eugenio, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356424, Seattle, WA 98195-6424, USASang-Eun Jun, College of Nursing, Keimyung University, 1000 Sindang-dong, Dalseo-qu, Daegu, 704-701 KoreaKevin C. Cain, Department of Biostatistics, Office for Nursing Research, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building, Box 357232, Seattle, WA 98195-7232, USAMonica E. Jarrett, Department of...

Ferroelectric switching discovered for first time in soft biological tissue

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) The walls of the aorta, the largest blood vessel carrying blood from the heart, exhibits a response to electric fields known to exist in inorganic and synthetic materials. The discovery could have implications for treating human heart disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Preserved habitat near national parks helps species conservation

EurekAlert! - Biology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) National parks help preserve species native to a particular region, but it appears that some species preservation is more successful if a significant portion of land adjacent to a park also is left as natural habitat. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Can PET-CT Imaging and Radiokinetic Analyses Provide Useful Clinical Information on Atypical Femoral Shaft Fracture in Osteoporotic Patients?

Current Osteoporosis Reports — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:50:58 +0100

Abstract Atypical femoral shaft fractures are associated with the extended usage of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates as therapy for osteoporosis. For such fractures, the positron emission tomography (PET) procedure, coupled with computerized tomography (CT), provides a potential imaging modality for defining aspects of the pathogenesis, site specificity, and possible prodromal abnormalities prior to fracture. PET-CT may assess the radiokinetic variables K1 (a putative marker for skeletal blood flow) and Ki (a putative marker for skeletal bone formation), and when combined with PET imaging modalities and CT skeletal site localization, may define the site of such radiokinetic findings. Further studies into the clinical usage of PET-CT in patients with atypical femoral sha...

Commentary in Nature: Can economy bear what oil prices have in store?

EurekAlert! - Biology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) The economic pain of a flattening oil supply will trump the environment as a reason to curb the use of fossil fuels, say two scientists, one from the University of Washington and one from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, in the Jan. 26 issue of the journal Nature. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Trauma and Burn Education: A Global Survey

World Journal of Surgery — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:55:25 +0100

Conclusions Trauma education and experience varies among medical students in different countries. Many critical concepts are not formally taught and practical experience with many basic procedures is often lacking. The present study confirms that the trauma care training received by medical students needs to be strengthened in countries at all economic levels. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00268-011-1419-6Authors David Zonies, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Box 325796, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USARonald V. Maier, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Box 325796, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USAIan Civil, Auckland City Hospital Trauma Services, Auckland, New ZealandAnas Eid, International Federation...

Year in review in Intensive Care Medicine 2011. II. Cardiovascular, infections, pneumonia and sepsis, critical care organization and outcome, education, ultrasonography, metabolism and coagulation

Intensive Care Medicine — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:42:24 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Year in Review 2011Pages 1-14DOI 10.1007/s00134-012-2467-6Authors Massimo Antonelli, Department of Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, ItalyMarc Bonten, Department of Medical Microbiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences, Primary Care University Medical Center, Utrecht, The NetherlandsJean Chastre, Reanimation medicale, Hopital Pitié Salpétrière, Paris, FranceGiuseppe Citerio, Neurointensive Care Unit, Ospedale S. Gerardo, Monza, ItalyGiorgio Conti, Department of Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, ItalyJ. Randall Curtis, Division...

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UCSF finishes 2nd to Johns Hopkins in 2011 NIH research funding, with $533M

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:44:16 +0100

UC San Francisco received $532.8 million in research funding last year from the National Insitutes of Health, placing it second to Johns Hopkins University, officials said Thursday. The two major biomedical research centers typically finish the year in that order or close to it, but UCSF boasts that it once again had the best NIH funding total of any public U.S. university, finishing ahead of University of Michigan ($467.4 million) and the University of Washington ($455.8 million). UCSF has ranked among the top institutions in NIH funding for decades... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Preschool Children With Psychiatric Disorders

Current Psychiatry Reports — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:57:08 +0100

Abstract The field of child and adolescent psychiatry is increasingly aware of the existence of psychiatric disorders in preschool-aged children. Concomitantly, there has been a greater understanding of both the effects of parenting on development as well as how a child’s brain is shaped by the environment. There has also been a strong trend toward the use of time-limited, evidence-based therapies in adults and school-aged children, but evidence has been limited regarding the use of interventions to treat psychiatric disorders in preschoolers. In recent years, multiple research groups have worked to create effective psychotherapies for use with preschool populations, and there are also novel applications of existing psychotherapies. This review examines the latest eviden...

Symptomatic and Palliative Care for Stroke Survivors

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:51:08 +0100

We present the current and established data to aid health care providers in symptomatic and palliative management of stroke survivors. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewsPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1966-4Authors Claire J. Creutzfeldt, Department of Neurology, University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, Box 359775, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USARobert G. Holloway, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USAMelanie Walker, Department of Neurology, University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, Box 359775, 325 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA Journal Journal of General Internal MedicineOnline ISSN 1525-1497Print ISSN 0884-8734 (Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine)

Homeless heavy drinkers imbibe less when housing allows alcohol

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) A study of a controversial housing project that allows chronically homeless people with severe alcohol problems to drink in their apartments found that during their first two years in the building residents cut their heavy drinking by 35 percent. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Neonatal ischemic brain injury: what every radiologist needs to know

Pediatric Radiology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:09:17 +0100

We present a pictorial review of neonatal ischemic brain injury and look at its pathophysiology, imaging features and differential diagnoses from a radiologist’s perspective. The concept of perinatal stroke is defined and its distinction from hypoxic-ischemic injury is emphasized. A brief review of recent imaging advances is included and a diagnostic approach to neonatal ischemic brain injury is suggested. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Pictorial EssayPages 1-14DOI 10.1007/s00247-011-2332-8Authors Chaitra A. Badve, Department of Radiology, Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington Medical Center, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USAParitosh C. Khanna, Department of Radiology, Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of Washington Medical Cen...

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'Open-Source' Robotic Surgery Platform Going To Top Medical Research Labs

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Robotics experts at the University of California, Santa Cruz and the University of Washington (UW) have completed a set of seven advanced robotic surgery systems for use by major medical research laboratories throughout the United States. After a round of final tests, five of the systems will be shipped to medical robotics researchers at Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Nebraska, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, while the other two systems will remain at UC Santa Cruz and UW... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Assessing HIV/AIDS Stigma in South India: Validation and Abridgement of the Berger HIV Stigma Scale

AIDS and Behavior — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:55:41 +0100

Abstract HIV-related stigma has been associated with depression, poor adherence, and nondisclosure of HIV-positive status, all of which can lead to increased transmission of HIV and poorer health outcomes for HIV-infected individuals. The Berger HIV Stigma scale has been used in multiple settings but never adapted and validated in India, home to the world’s second largest HIV-infected population. We assessed the reliability and validity of a Tamil translation of the original 40-item scale, and conducted confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses to assess cultural appropriateness and abbreviate the scale. Reliability and validity were high (alpha = 0.91; test–retest reliability ICC = 0.89). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a...

Association Between Use of Specific Drugs and Antiretroviral Adherence: Findings from MACH 14

AIDS and Behavior — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:55:39 +0100

Abstract To determine the association between individual substances of abuse and antiretroviral adherence, analyses require a large sample assessed using electronic data monitoring (EDM). In this analysis, EDM data from 1,636 participants in 12 US adherence-focused studies were analyzed to determine the associations between recent use of various substances and adherence during the preceding 4 weeks. In bivariate analyses comparing adherence among patients who had used a specific substance to those who had not, adherence was significantly lower among those who had recently used cocaine, other stimulants or heroin but not among those who had used cannabis or alcohol. In multivariate analyses controlling for sociodemographics, amount of alcohol use and recent use of any ...

Percutaneous drainage of intra-abdominal abscess in children with perforated appendicitis

Pediatric Radiology — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:54:41 +0100

Conclusion PCD can be effective for managing perforated appendicitis in children. Children with large and ill-defined abscess might be at increased risk for complication or recurrence. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00247-011-2337-3Authors Michael F. McNeeley, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USANghia Jack Vo, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USASomnath J. Prabhu, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USAJason Vergnani, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USADennis W. Shaw, Department of ...

Gut microbe networks differ from norm in obese people, systems biology approach reveals

NHGRI-Related News — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

From the University of Washington: For the first time, researchers have analyzed the multitude of microorganisms residing in the human gut as a complex, integrated biological system, rather than a set of separate species. Their approach has revealed patterns that correspond with excess body weight. The research was funded in part by the National Human Genome Research Institute. (Source: NHGRI-Related News)

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Surgical robots to provide open-source platform for medical robotics research

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Seven identical robots created and built at the UW will be flown to campuses across the country, where they will provide the first common research platform to develop the future of surgical robotics. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Case report: lethal fetal head injury and placental abruption in a pregnant trauma patient

Emergency Radiology — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:52:15 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s10140-011-1017-9Authors Claudia T. Sadro, Department of Radiology, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USAAndrea M. Zins, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USAKate Debiec, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USAJeffrey Robinson, Department of Radiology, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA Journal Emergency RadiologyOnline ISSN 1438-1435Print ISSN 1070-3004 (Source: Emergency Radiology)

Gut microbe networks differ from norm in obese people, systems biology approach reveals

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Scientists detected organizational shifts away from the normal lean state in the gut flora of people who were obese. The differences relate to how the microbial community interacts with the human gut environment, rather than variations in its core energy-use processes. Researchers made the discovery by studying the gut's massive collection of microorganisms as a complex, integrated biological system, rather than as a set of separate species, and by constructing computer models of genetic interplays and energy use in the microbial communities. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Partnership yields options for adapting to climate change on the Olympic Peninsula

EurekAlert! - Biology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(USDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station) Federal land managers on the Olympic Peninsula joined in an exceptional partnership with the Pacific Northwest Research Station and the University of Washington to develop a set of science-based options that will help them manage their forests for resiliency and sustainability in the face of a changing climate. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Aβ Imaging: feasible, pertinent, and vital to progress in Alzheimer’s disease

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:52 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory EditorialPages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00259-011-2045-0Authors Victor L. Villemagne, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, AustraliaWilliam E. Klunk, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USAChester A. Mathis, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USAChristopher C. Rowe, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Centre for PET, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, AustraliaDavid J. Brooks, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London and GE Healthcare, Medical Diagnostics, Amersham, UKBradley T. Hyman, Department of Neurology, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USAMilos D. Ikonomovic, Department of Neurology, University ...

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Genotype–phenotype correlation in interstitial 6q deletions: a report of 12 new cases

Neurogenetics — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

We report 12 individuals with overlapping, 200-kb to 16.4-Mb interstitial deletions within 6q15q22.33 characterized by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization to better correlate deletion regions with specific phenotypes. Four individuals have a PW-like phenotype, though only two have deletion of SIM1, the candidate gene for this feature. Therefore, other genes on 6q may contribute to this phenotype including multiple genes on 6q16 and our newly proposed candidate, the transcription cofactor gene VGLL2 on 6q22.2. Two individuals present with movement disorders as a major feature, and ataxia is present in a third. The 4.1-Mb 6q22.1q22.2 critical region for movement disorders includes the cerebellar-expressed candidate gene GOPC. Observed brain malformations include thick cor...

Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder Is Often Flawed

Scientific American Topic - Medical Technology — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0100

This past June renowned clinical psychologist Marsha M. Linehan of the University of Washington made a striking admission. Known for her pioneering work on borderline personality disorder (BPD), a severe and intractable psychiatric condition, 68-year-old Linehan announced that as an adolescent, she had been hospitalized for BPD. Suicidal and self-destructive, the teenage Linehan had slashed her limbs repeatedly with knives and other sharp objects and banged her head violently against the hospital walls. The hospital’s discharge summary in 1963 described her as “one of the most disturbed patients in the hospital.” Yet despite a second hospitalization, Linehan eventually improved and earned a Ph.D. from Chicago’s Loyola University in 1971. [More] (Source: Scientific A...

Laparoscopic Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: Defining Long-Term Clinical and Anatomic Outcomes

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:01:52 +0100

Conclusion Despite frequent radiologic recurrences after LPEHR, symptoms remain well controlled, patient satisfaction is high, and the need for reoperation is low. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory 2011 SSAT Plenary PresentationPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s11605-011-1743-zAuthors Brant K. Oelschlager, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USARebecca P. Petersen, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USAL. Michael Brunt, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USANathaniel J. Soper, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USABrett C. Sheppard,...

Year in review in Intensive Care Medicine 2011: I. Nephrology, epidemiology, nutrition and therapeutics, neurology, ethical and legal issues, experimentals

Intensive Care Medicine — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:01:13 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Year in Review 2011Pages 1-18DOI 10.1007/s00134-011-2447-2Authors Massimo Antonelli, Department of Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, ItalyMarc Bonten, Department of Medical Microbiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The NetherlandsJean Chastre, Reanimation Medicale, Hopital Pitié Salpétrière, Paris, FranceGiuseppe Citerio, Neurointensive Care Unit, Ospedale S. Gerardo, Monza, ItalyGiorgio Conti, Department of Intensive Care and Anesthesiology, Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo A. Gemelli, 8, 00168 Rome, ItalyJ. Randall Curti...

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New workhorse flaps in hand reconstruction

Hand — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:01:12 +0100

Abstract With the passage of time, certain hand surgery procedures are anecdotally dubbed “workhorse” techniques. These are procedures that are extremely reliable and have repeatedly demonstrated good results. However, with time, paradigms undergo shifts, and this is as true for hand surgery as any other field. In this article, we will describe the use of three new “workhorse” flaps that we have found to have reliable results in complex hand reconstruction: the pedicled radial forearm fascia flap for dorsal hand reconstruction, the free anterolateral thigh flap for mangled hand reconstruction, and the medial femoral condyle vascularized bone graft for scaphoid fracture nonunion reconstruction. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review Articles of topicsPages ...

Slide show: Top 10 fastest-growing minority-owned businesses

bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:40:27 +0100

The fastest-growing minority-owned businesses in Washington definitely move quickly: Only two of the top 10 this year were represented on the 2010 list. BizXchange, which showed up at No. 10 this year, was No. 5 last year, while Summit Imaging Inc., No. 2 on this year’s list, was No. 9 a year ago. A few of this year's top 10 were also recently recognized in the University of Washington Minority Business Awards, presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal and the UW Foster School's Business & Economic Development Center on Dec... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Biotechnology headlines)

Critical Analysis, Critical Care: Central Venous Pressure Monitoring: What's the Evidence?

The American Journal of Nursing — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Critical Analysis, Critical Care: Central Venous Pressure Monitoring: What's the Evidence? Am J Nurs. 2012 Jan;112(1):58-61 Authors: Kupchik N, Bridges E Abstract CVP isn't a reliable guide in making decisions about the use of fluid therapy to optimize perfusion.Editor's note: This is the first in a series of quarterly columns from nurses at the University of Washington that will examine in depth the research underlying critical care practices. PMID: 22222405 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Nursing)

Slide show: Top 10 fastest-growing minority-owned businesses

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:10:11 +0100

Prevalence and risk factors for colonic perforation during colonoscopy in hospitalized end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis

International Journal of Colorectal Disease — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:42:41 +0100

Conclusions There appeared no increased risk of colonic perforation during colonoscopy among inpatients who received HD in our study. Increasing age and female patients appeared to be associated with procedure-related colonic perforation. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00384-011-1400-8Authors Udayakumar Navaneethan, Digestive disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USASravanthi Parasa, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USAPreethi G. K. Venkatesh, Digestive disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USABo Shen, Digestive disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, ...

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Alere Wellbeing and University of Washington Host First Annual...

PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:31:00 +0100

Alere Wellbeing (formerly Free & Clear), the world’s largest provider of tobacco quitline services, announced today the success of the first annual International Quitline Institute (IQI) held in...(PRWeb December 28, 2011)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/12/prweb9059289.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)

Brain Insulin Signaling and Alzheimer's Disease: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Molecular Neurobiology — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:49:18 +0100

Abstract Insulin receptors in the brain are found in high densities in the hippocampus, a region that is fundamentally involved in the acquisition, consolidation, and recollection of new information. Using the intranasal method, which effectively bypasses the blood–brain barrier to deliver and target insulin directly from the nose to the brain, a series of experiments involving healthy humans has shown that increased central nervous system (CNS) insulin action enhances learning and memory processes associated with the hippocampus. Since Alzheimer's disease (AD) is linked to CNS insulin resistance, decreased expression of insulin and insulin receptor genes and attenuated permeation of blood-borne insulin across the blood–brain barrier, impaired brain insulin signaling c...

Chemotherapy response and recurrence-free survival in neoadjuvant breast cancer depends on biomarker profiles: results from the I-SPY 1 TRIAL (CALGB 150007/150012; ACRIN 6657)

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:42:11 +0100

Abstract Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer allows individual tumor response to be assessed depending on molecular subtype, and to judge the impact of response to therapy on recurrence-free survival (RFS). The multicenter I-SPY 1 TRIAL evaluated patients with ≥3 cm tumors by using early imaging and molecular signatures, with outcomes of pathologic complete response (pCR) and RFS. The current analysis was performed using data from patients who had molecular profiles and did not receive trastuzumab. The various molecular classifiers tested were highly correlated. Categorization of breast cancer by molecular signatures enhanced the ability of pCR to predict improvement in RFS compared to the population as a whole. In multivariate analysis, the molecular signatu...

Mutability and mutational spectrum of chromosome transmission fidelity genes

Chromosoma — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:54:52 +0100

Abstract It has been more than two decades since the original chromosome transmission fidelity (Ctf) screen of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was published. Since that time the spectrum of mutations known to cause Ctf and, more generally, chromosome instability (CIN) has expanded dramatically as a result of systematic screens across yeast mutant arrays. Here we describe a comprehensive summary of the original Ctf genetic screen and the cloning of the remaining complementation groups as efforts to expand our knowledge of the CIN gene repertoire and its mutability in a model eukaryote. At the time of the original screen, it was impossible to predict either the genes and processes that would be overrepresented in a pool of random mutants displaying a Ctf phenotype or what the entire...

Hot? Or not? The economics of red-hot chili peppers | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:03:35 +0100

Chilies that produce the hottest fruits grow best when they are given lots of waterOne of my passions as an evolutionary biologist is understanding the balance between different forms of particular traits expressed within a population, traits such as eye colour. I recently told you about a paper that looked at one such evolutionary trade-off in birds, but birds aren't the only living things where we can see this phenomenon. I was delighted to run across an elegant hot-off-the-presses study in chili peppers by a group from my alma mater, the University of Washington. Even though chili fruits are popular amongst humans for being hot, they didn't evolve this character to keep foodies and so-called "chili-heads" happy. Previous research indicates that chilis, Capsicum spp., evolved their chara...

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Hot? Or not? The economics of red-hot chili peppers | GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:03:00 +0100

Chilies that produce the hottest fruits grow best when they are given lots of waterOne of my passions as an evolutionary biologist is understanding the balance between different forms of particular traits expressed within a population, especially either-or traits such as eye colour. I recently told you about a paper that looked at one such evolutionary trade-off in birds, but birds aren't the only living things where we can see this phenomenon. I was delighted to run across an elegant hot-off-the-presses study in chili peppers by a group from my alma mater, the University of Washington. Even though chili fruits are popular amongst humans for being hot, they didn't evolve this character to keep foodies and so-called "chili-heads" happy. Previous research indicates that chilis, Capsicum spp....

Physical Activity Among Cambodian Americans: An Exploratory Study

Journal of Community Health — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:54:00 +0100

Abstract Available data indicate that Asian Americans as a group have lower levels of physical activity than non-Latino whites. However, few studies have focused on physical activity among Asian American sub-groups. Our objectives were to describe levels of physical activity, as well as individual and environmental correlates of physical activity among Cambodian Americans. We conducted a telephone survey of Cambodians living in three geographic areas (Central California, Northern California, and the Pacific Northwest) during 2010. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short version. Survey items addressed demographic characteristics, knowledge about the health benefits of physical activity, social norms and su...

Application of appropriate use criteria for stress myocardial perfusion imaging at two academic medical centers: Compliance and association with image findings

Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: At UWMC and VA, 69% and 89% of MPI studies, respectively, were classified as appropriate, 16% and 3% as inappropriate, and 15% and 8% as uncertain. All differences were significant, p < .001. At UWMC, 11% of appropriate studies and 10% of inappropriate or uncertain studies were abnormal (demonstrating myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction), p= .93; these analyses were not performed on VA studies.Implications for practice: Most studies at both sites were classified as appropriate. At UWMC, the likelihood of a study classified as appropriate demonstrating an abnormality was not significantly different from a study classified as uncertain or inappropriate. AUC are imperfect tools but are increasingly created and referenced; as such, it is vital that practicing nurse pra...

Stray showers of mercury getting into food chain

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:41:25 +0100

Poisonous metal released as a vapour by burning fuel, then falls back to Earth and gets absorbed by the aquatic ecosystemEarth is being showered with mercury that can land anywhere and enter the food chain, a study has shown. The poisonous metal is released as a vapour by burning fuel then falls back to Earth and is easily absorbed by the aquatic ecosystem. Thousands of tonnes of mercury vapour are pumped into the air each year. Scientists discovered that in time mercury is oxidised it can then be deposited back on Earth, either in rain or snow. Bacteria transform the oxidised mercury into methyl mercury, which easily enters the food chain. US scientist Dr Seth Lyman, who led the research while at the University of Washington Bothell, said: "Much of the emitted mercury is deposited far fro...

Superior Drug Combo For Difficult-To-Control Epilepsy

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A combination of two common drugs, lamotrigine and valproate, is more effective in treating difficult-to control epilepsy than other anti-epileptic regimens, according to a University of Washington report published online this week in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology. More than 3 million Americans have epilepsy, and about one million of these have a difficult-to-treat form... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Troubled Future In Development Assistance For Health As Deadline For Millennium Development Goals Nears

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Developed countries and funding agencies are putting the brakes on growth in development assistance for health, raising the possibility that developing countries will have an even harder time meeting the Millennium Development Goal deadline looming in 2015, according to new research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. Even as aid continued to grow, reaching $27.73 billion in 2011, significant cutbacks in the United States slowed the growth rate in development assistance to 4% between 2010 and 2011 - the slowest rate in a decade... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Exploring the Impacts of Safety Culture on Immigrants’ Vulnerability in Non-motorized Crashes: A Cross-sectional Study

Journal of Urban Health — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:53:48 +0100

We describe this process as safety assimilation. Using the pedestrian and cyclist crash database in New York City between 2001 and 2003, we examined the effects of foreign-born population, their countries of origin, and time of entry into the USA on census tract-level pedestrian and cyclist crashes. We find that neighborhoods with a higher concentration of immigrants, especially those from Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia, have more crashes. Our results also exhibit a pattern of the hypothesized safety assimilation process. The study suggests a higher level of vulnerability of immigrants to pedestrian and cyclist crashes. We propose that targeted policies and programs need to be developed for immigrants of different countries of origin. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1...

Development of a Surgical Capacity Index: Opportunities for Assessment and Improvement

World Journal of Surgery — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:53:42 +0100

Conclusions Pending pilot testing for reliability and validity, it appears that a systematic hospital surgical capacity index can identify areas for improvement and provide an objective measure for monitoring changes over time. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00268-011-1385-zAuthors Steve Kwon, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA 98195-6410, USAT. Peter Kingham, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USAThaim B. Kamara, Department of Surgery, Connaught Hospital, Freetown, Sierra LeoneLawrence Sherman, Department of Surgery, Firestone Hospital, Monrovia, LiberiaEileen Natuzzi, Department of Surgery, Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, CA, USACharles M...

UW Medical Center granted magnet status for excellence in nursing care

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington - Health Sciences/UW News, Community Relations & Marketing) The University of Washington Medical Center was recently granted Magnet Recognition Program status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for its excellence in nursing practice and patient care. This is the fifth consecutive time that UWMC has achieved this status, making it the only hospital in the country to have achieved this historic level of recognition. The Magnet award is the highest level of recognition for hospital nursing awarded by the ANCC. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Study finds superior drug combo for difficult-to-control epilepsy

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) About one-third of Americans with epilepsy do not have good seizure control. Researchers now have dispelled the myth that all drug treatments are equally ineffective for such patients. By examining 30 years of patient records at two Washington state insitutions for the developmentally disabled, researchers found a combination of two common drugs, lamotrigine and valproate, reduced seizure frequency by half, on average, compared to 32 other drug combinations. Adding a third drug provided no additional benefit. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Global health funding slows as deadline for Millennium Development Goals nears

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation) Developed countries and funding agencies are putting the brakes on growth in development assistance for health, raising the possibility that developing countries will have an even harder time meeting the Millennium Development Goal deadline looming in 2015, according to new research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Missed Opportunity To Transform Global HIV/AIDS Fight Reported By Tropical Disease Experts

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts are missing a major opportunity to significantly improve health conditions in poor countries by simply adding low-cost care for the many other chronic and disabling diseases routinely afflicting and often killing these same patients, according to a panel of disease experts who spoke at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH). "People want better health; they do not understand why we silo diseases," said Judd Walson, a global health and infectious disease expert at the University of Washington... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

How Salmonella Forms Evil Twins To Evade The Body's Defenses

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

An unusual regulatory mechanism that controls the swimmer/non-swimmer option in genetically identical Salmonella also impacts the bacteria's ability to cause infection. University of Washington scientists reported the discovery this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. As Salmonella divides into genetically identical clones, either of the two forms of the bacteria can emerge. Some individuals sport flagella - thin, whip-like projections that propel the bacterium. Others do not. When grown in a lab dish, both types appear... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Double lateral band transfer for treatment of traumatic hyperextension instability of the proximal interphalangeal joint: a report of two cases

Hand — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:11:53 +0100

We describe an extra-articular lateral band transfer technique that utilizes strips of both lateral bands and preserves the functional integrity of the flexor tendon sheath. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Surgery ArticlesPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11552-011-9382-0Authors Jason H. Ko, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 4245 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, USADavid M. Kalainov, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 675 N. St. Clair, Chicago, IL, USALawrence P. Hsu, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 675 N. St. Clair, Chicago, IL, USARobert C. Fang, Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hosp...

A randomized controlled trial of anorectal biofeedback for constipation

International Journal of Colorectal Disease — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:20:05 +0100

Conclusions While our sample was statistically underpowered, AB produced clinical improvements in constipation severity and QOL. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00384-011-1355-9Authors Stacey L. Hart, Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, CanadaJanet Waimin Lee, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USAJulia Berian, School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USATaryn R. Patterson, Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Durham, NC, USAAmanda del Rosario, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USAMadhulika G. Varma, Section of Colorectal Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA J...

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How Salmonella forms evil twins to evade the body's defenses

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) To swim or not? The same biological control that determines which capability genetically identical Salmonella will have impacts the virulence of the food pathogen. Swimmers do better in the gut, but non-motile Salmonella avoid triggering killer cells. An unusual protein turns on or off the manufacture of swimming apparatus in each new bacterium. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Johns Hopkins Awarded $16M to Launch New Genetics Research Identify Disease Cause- 12/6/11

Johns Hopkins Medicine News — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:57:23 +0100

The McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine at Johns Hopkins in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine has been named one of three Mendelian Disorders Genome Centers by the National Human Genome Research Institute and will receive $16 million over the next four years to identify causes of genetic disease. The new center will be called the Baylor-Hopkins Center for Mendelian Genomics; the other two centers will be at University of Washington and Yale University. (Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine News)

Cool Technology for Academic Medicine (with Shameless Emphasis on Radiology)

Academic Radiology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:35:05 +0100

This book is about the contemporary use of personal technology to accomplish many of the nonpatient care tasks of an academic physician. It was written by three radiologists in academic practice. The lead author, Michael Richardson, is a professor at the University of Washington who has been writing about computer applications in radiology for decades; the other authors are more junior faculty members who both trained under Richardson. They have all been lecturing on cool technologies at recent national meetings. I purchased the book from Amazon.com’s Kindle Store and read it on my iPad. However, it is available from other vendors and may be read on other platforms. (Source: Academic Radiology)

Histological study of graft failure in AlphaCor transplantation

International Ophthalmology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:42:51 +0100

We describe the case of a 77-year-old man who received multiple penetrating keratoplasties (PKPs) and subsequent placement of an AlphaCor artificial cornea. Examination showed total corneal infiltration as well as an AlphaCor that was partially dehisced from the host cornea. After explantation, the implant and adjacent host tissue underwent hematoxylin and eosin staining and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM). Histopathologic analysis of the specimens revealed infiltration of the skirt pores by reactive corneal fibroblasts. Although the AlphaCor implant is an established method of treating multiple failed PKPs, in this case, HR-SEM imaging strongly suggests that the strength of the interface between the implant and corneal tissue is highly dependent on collagen dep...

The “Latina Epidemiologic Paradox” Revisited: The Role of Birthplace and Acculturation in Predicting Infant Low Birth Weight for Latinas in Los Angeles, CA

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:51:57 +0100

Abstract The “Latina epidemiologic paradox” refers to the observation that despite socioeconomic disadvantages, Latina mothers in the United States (US) have a similar or lower risk for delivering an infant with low birth weight (LBW) compared to non-Latina White mothers. An analogous paradox may exist between foreign-born (FB) and US-born (USB) Latinas. Our goal was to assess differences in LBW in USB Latinas, FB Latinas, and non-Latina Whites in Los Angeles County in 2003 using birth records and survey data. Using logistic regression, we estimated associations between LBW and birthplace/ethnicity in a birth cohort and nested survey responder group and between LBW and acculturation in responders to a follow-up survey. USB Latinas and FB Latinas had a higher prevalence...

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Quinpirole elicits differential in vivo changes in the pre- and postsynaptic distributions of dopamine D2 receptors in mouse striatum: relation to cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor targeting

Psychopharmacology — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:47:46 +0100

Conclusions Our results provide in vivo evidence for agonist-induced D2R trafficking that is inversely related to CB1R distribution in postsynaptic neurons of Acb shell and in presynaptic axons in this region and in the CPu. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original InvestigationPages 1-13DOI 10.1007/s00213-011-2553-4Authors Diane A. Lane, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USAJune Chan, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USAMegan L. Fitzgerald, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USAChris S. Kearn, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USAKen Mackie, Depart...

Neuroscientists Find Greater Complexity In How We Perceive Motion

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

How we perceive motion is a significantly more complex process than previously thought, researchers at New York University's Center for Neural Science, Stanford University and the University of Washington have found. Their results, which appear in the journal Current Biology, show that the relationship between the brain and visual perception varies, depending on the type of motion we are viewing. Neuroscientists have posited that our perception of motion is derived from a relatively simple process - that is, it relies on a single cortical area in the brain... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Evaluating breast cancer risk projections for Hispanic women

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:59:09 +0100

Abstract For Hispanic women, the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT; “Gail Model”) combines 1990–1996 breast cancer incidence for Hispanic women with relative risks for breast cancer risk factors from non-Hispanic white (NHW) women. BCRAT risk projections have never been comprehensively evaluated for Hispanic women. We compared the relative risks and calibration of BCRAT risk projections for 6,353 Hispanic to 128,976 NHW postmenopausal participants aged 50 and older in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Calibration was assessed by the ratio of the number of breast cancers observed with that expected by the BCRAT (O/E). We re-evaluated calibration for an updated BCRAT that combined BCRAT relative risks with 1993–2007 breast cancer incidence that is contem...

Is the Higgs boson real? | Ian Sample

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0100

Rumours abound that Cern scientists have finally glimpsed the long-sought Higgs boson. We asked physicists to share their thoughts on the elusive entitySoon after Rolf-Dieter Heuer, the director general at Cern, emailed staff about next Tuesday's seminar on the most sought-after particle in modern times, rumours hit the physics blogs that the lab might finally have caught sight of the Higgs boson.I wrote last week that the heads of the two groups that work on the Atlas and CMS detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will give the talks. That in itself is telling – usually more junior researchers present updates on the search for the missing particle.Last month, scientists at the lab said that if the particle exists, it was most likely to have a mass somewhere between 114 and 141GeV ...

Patients With Type 2 Diabetes And Depression At Increased Risk Of Dementia

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Depression in patients with diabetes is associated with a substantively increased risk of development of dementia compared to those with diabetes alone, according to researchers from the University of Washington and Kaiser Permanente. The study, among the first (and largest to date) to examine all-cause dementia in diabetes patients with and without depression, appears on the current online issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Nurse-led Disease Management for Hypertension Control in a Diverse Urban Community: a Randomized Trial

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:36:04 +0100

CONCLUSIONS A nurse management intervention combining an in-person visit, periodic phone calls, and home blood pressure monitoring over 9 months was associated with a statistically significant reduction in systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressure compared to usual care in a high risk population. Home blood pressure monitoring alone was no more effective than usual care. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ResearchPages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1924-1Authors Paul L. Hebert, Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USAJane E. Sisk, Department of Health Evidence and Policy, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USALeah Tuzzio, Group Health Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USAJodi M. Cas...

Neuroscientists find greater complexity in how we perceive motion

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(New York University) How we perceive motion is a significantly more complex process than previously thought, researchers at NYU's Center for Neural Science, Stanford University and the University of Washington have found. Their results show that the relationship between the brain and visual perception varies, depending on the type of motion we are viewing. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Is circadian type associated with sleep duration in twins?

Sleep and Biological Rhythms — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractWe used the community‐based University of Washington Twin Registry to investigate the genetic association between circadian type and sleep duration. Habitual sleep duration was obtained by self‐report and circadian type was measured using a reduced 5‐item Horne–Östberg Morningness–Eveningness questionnaire. Univariate and bivariate genetic analyses were fit using structural equation models. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the overall and within‐pair effects of circadian type on sleep duration in total and monozygotic (MZ) restricted twin samples. We surveyed 1620 twins, mostly female (70%), from same‐sex pairs (1098 monozygotic, 522 dizygotic) with a mean age of 36 years (SD = 15). Among all twins, 23% were habitual short (<7 h/night), 68%...

Copy number variation in the domestic dog

Mammalian Genome — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:48:45 +0100

Abstract Differences in the content and organization of DNA, collectively referred to as structural variation, have emerged as a major source of genetic and phenotypic diversity within and between species. In addition, structural variation provides an important substrate for evolutionary innovations. Here, we review recent progress in characterizing patterns of canine structural variation within and between breeds, and in correlating copy number variants (CNVs) with phenotypes. Because of the extensive phenotypic diversity that exists within and between breeds and the tantalizing examples of canine CNVs that influence traits such as skin wrinkling in Shar-Pei, dorsal hair ridge in Rhodesian and Thai Ridgebacks, and short limbs in many breeds such as Dachshunds and Corgis, ...

Type 2 Diabetes in Childhood: Clinical Characteristics and Role of β-Cell Autoimmunity

Current Diabetes Reports — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:09:51 +0100

Abstract The global obesity epidemic has led to dramatic increases in the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among youth worldwide. In today’s clinical practice it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from T2DM as many children with T1DM are overweight at diagnosis. Numerous recent publications note a significant proportion of physician-diagnosed T2DM youth with evidence of pancreatic autoimmunity, exemplifying the challenges in distinguishing between T1DM and T2DM. The clinical implications of the phenomenon of antibody positivity in phenotypic T2DM youth, also referred to as “type 1.5 diabetes” (T1.5 DM), “double diabetes,” “latent autoimmune diabetes in youth” (LADY), and “hybrid diabete...

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Archaeologists find new evidence of animals being introduced to prehistoric Caribbean

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(North Carolina State University) An archaeological research team from North Carolina State University, the University of Washington and University of Florida has found one of the most diverse collections of prehistoric non-native animal remains in the Caribbean, on the tiny island of Carriacou. The find contributes to our understanding of culture in the region before the arrival of Columbus, and suggests Carriacou may have been more important than previously thought. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Hydroxyurea for recurrent surgery and radiation refractory high-grade meningioma

Journal of Neuro-Oncology — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:54:49 +0100

Abstract Hydroxyurea (HU), an orally administered chemotherapy, has become the de facto standard chemotherapeutic agent in patients with surgically and radiation refractory meningiomas based on a limited literature. A retrospective case series of 35 patients with recurrent WHO Grade 2 (n = 22) or 3 (n = 13) meningioma treated with HU following progression after surgery and radiotherapy was collated with primary study objectives of overall response rate, median and progression free survival (PFS) at 6-months. Thirty-five patients (25 women; 10 men: median age 63 years, range 34–86) with recurrent high-grade meningioma were treated with HU (1,000 mg/m2 orally divided twice per day; one cycle operationally defined as 4 weeks of daily HU). Pat...

40 percent of youths attempting suicide make first attempt before high school

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Suicidal behavior begins sooner than previously thought and is linked to higher scores of depression at the time of the attempts. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Health Literacy and Depression in the Context of Home Visitation

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:42:36 +0100

We examined differences in initial depression ratings for demographic subgroups and explored patterns of change in health literacy among depressed versus not-depressed parents. Correlation analysis showed that at each of four assessments better depression scores were consistently and positively correlated with use of information and services (r = 21–22, P < .001) and with self-management of personal and child health (r = 42–49, P < .001). Overall, parents made significant improvements in health literacy (P < .001). As expected, depressed parents demonstrated lower baseline health literacy scores than not-depressed parents; however, they achieved greater gains (P < .001). While depression is linked with lower pa...

Health Care of Underserved Populations: An Evidence-Based Approach (Misbah Keen MD)

Family Medicine Digital Resources Library (FMDRL) Recently Uploaded — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This resource is a Course Manual for the Underserved Pathway classroom offering, a non-clinical selective at the University of Washington School of Medicine. The resource first discusses the background and the needs that lead to the development of this course. We then provide the course objectives, training and evaluation methods as well as course materials for the entire course. (Source: Family Medicine Digital Resources Library (FMDRL) Recently Uploaded)

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Computerized Contact Lenses Could Enable In-Eye Augmented Reality

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:32:00 +0100

Over past 125 years, contact lenses have come a long way. What started off as relatively thick brown glass eye coverings first created by German ophthalmologist Adolf Fick has evolved into biosensor-laden polymer lenses that can measure eye movement, glucose concentrations in tears and intraocular pressure. Now a team of researchers is investigating whether the integration of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), circuitry and antennas into modified contact lenses can transform them into miniature augmented reality displays.University of Washington associate electrical engineering professor Babak Parviz and his colleagues are starting off modestly. In the Institute of Physics Publishing’s Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering on Tuesday (pdf) , they report having developed a contact...

With new bionic contact lens, text will be up close and personal

Physics Today News Picks — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

BBC: A group of researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle is developing a contact lens that can project images in front of the eye through the use of an embedded pixel array. Such a device has been challenging to create because it not only requires a suitable power source and mechanical and electrical integration of its micrometer-scale components but it also must be biocompatible. In addition, the human eye usually can focus only on objects at least a few centimeters away, whereas a contact lens rests on the eye’s surface. Nevertheless, the researchers have built a single-pixel prototype device, which they have successfully tested on rabbits. In humans, such lenses could have many uses, such as to relay information from navigation systems, enhance video gaming, or alert...

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Communities That Care Outcomes at Eighth Grade

Prevention Science — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:59:56 +0100

Abstract This paper presents a cost-benefit analysis of the Communities That Care (CTC) prevention system, a public health approach to reducing risk, enhancing protection, and reducing the prevalence of adolescent health and behavior problems community wide. The analysis is based on outcomes from a panel of students followed from Grade 5 through Grade 8 in a randomized controlled trial involving 24 communities in 7 states. Previous analyses have shown that CTC prevented the initiation of cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and delinquency by the end of 8th grade in CTC communities compared to controls. This paper estimates long-term monetary benefits associated with significant intervention effects on cigarette smoking and delinquency as compared to the cost of conducting the ...

Pre-Existing Hypertension Linked To Depression In Pregnant Women

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Women with a history of high blood pressure before getting pregnant have a higher risk of depression than women who develop pregnancy-related hypertension, according to a new study. "Depression during pregnancy is associated with postpartum depression, problems bonding with the baby, and overall, has a large and detrimental impact on both mom and baby," said lead author Wayne Katon, M.D., of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Carbon mitigation strategy uses wood for buildings first, bioenergy second

EurekAlert! - Biology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) New study is first to focus on the extra carbon savings that can be squeezed from trees when wood not suitable for long-term building materials is used for bioenergy: Depending on the process used, ethanol from woody biomass emits less greenhouse gas than an equivalent amount of gasoline, between 70 percent and a little over 100 percent less. In contrast, corn ethanol reduces greenhouse gas emissions 22 percent on average. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

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Correction to: “Severe hypertension in children and adolescents: pathophysiology and treatment”

Pediatric Nephrology — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:08:36 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorsPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00467-011-2055-yAuthors Joseph T. Flynn, Division of Nephrology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, M/S A-7931, Seattle, WA 48105, USAKjell Tullus, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH UK Journal Pediatric NephrologyOnline ISSN 1432-198XPrint ISSN 0931-041X (Source: Pediatric Nephrology)

Adverse events after screening and follow-up colonoscopy

Cancer Causes and Control — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:06:22 +0100

Conclusions The risks of serious adverse events following colonoscopy performed as part of screening are low but increase with age and are more likely after polypectomy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original paperPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s10552-011-9878-5Authors Carolyn M. Rutter, Group Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, Ste 1600, Seattle, WA 98101, USAEric Johnson, Group Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, Ste 1600, Seattle, WA 98101, USADiana L. Miglioretti, Group Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Avenue, Ste 1600, Seattle, WA 98101, USAMargaret T. Mandelson, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USAJohn Inadomi, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Was...

National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer’s Association guidelines for the neuropathologic assessment of Alzheimer’s disease: a practical approach

Acta Neuropathologica — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:51:38 +0100

We present a practical guide for the implementation of recently revised National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer’s Association guidelines for the neuropathologic assessment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Major revisions from previous consensus criteria are: (1) recognition that AD neuropathologic changes may occur in the apparent absence of cognitive impairment, (2) an “ABC” score for AD neuropathologic change that incorporates histopathologic assessments of amyloid β deposits (A), staging of neurofibrillary tangles (B), and scoring of neuritic plaques (C), and (3) more detailed approaches for assessing commonly co-morbid conditions such as Lewy body disease, vascular brain injury, hippocampal sclerosis, and TAR DNA binding protein (TDP)-43 immunoreactive inclusions. Recommenda...

Noncontrast Functional MRI of the Kidneys

Current Urology Reports — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:32:24 +0100

This article discusses the principles of these techniques, as well as their possible applications and limitations. This will introduce the readers to these novel imaging tools, which appear to have promising futures. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory New Techniques: Imaging (A Atala, Section Editor)Pages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11934-011-0229-6Authors Lorenzo Mannelli, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 1000 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USAJeffrey H. Maki, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 1000 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USASherif F. Osman, Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 1000 8th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104, USAHersh Chandarana, Department of Radiology, New York University, New York, NY, USADavid J. Lomas, Department of Radiology,...

Creation Of The Largest Human-Designed Protein Boosts Protein Engineering Efforts

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

If Guinness World Records had a category for the largest human-designed protein, then a team of Vanderbilt chemists would have just claimed it. They have designed and successfully synthesized a variant of a protein that nature uses to manufacture the essential amino acid histidine. It is more than twice the size of the previous record holder, a protein created by researchers at the University of Washington in 2003... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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What bacteria don't know can hurt them

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Bacteria enter a self-protective mode when they sense nutrients are low. Starving bacteria resist killing by nearly every antibiotic, even ones they have never been exposed to before. By keeping bacteria that have congregated into a biofilm from warning each other of nutrient shortages, scientists increased the infection-fighting effectiveness of currently available antibiotics. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Shape-Based Classification of 3D Facial Data to Support 22q11.2DS Craniofacial Research

Journal of Digital Imaging — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:49:06 +0100

Abstract 3D imaging systems are used to construct high-resolution meshes of patient’s heads that can be analyzed by computer algorithms. Our work starts with such 3D head meshes and produces both global and local descriptors of 3D shape. Since these descriptors are numeric feature vectors, they can be used in both classification and quantification of various different abnormalities. In this paper, we define these descriptors, describe our methodology for constructing them from 3D head meshes, and show through a set of classification experiments involving cases and controls for a genetic disorder called 22q11.2 deletion syndrome that they are suitable for use in craniofacial research studies. The main contributions of this work include: automatic generation of novel globa...

LGBT seniors face harder old age, national study finds

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Aging and health issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender baby boomers have been largely ignored by services, policies and research. These seniors face higher rates of disability, physical and mental distress and a lack of access to services, according to the first study on aging and health in these communities. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Intermittent hypoxia activates temporally coordinated transcriptional programs in visceral adipose tissue

Journal of Molecular Medicine — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:48:42 +0100

Abstract Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent disorder characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH) during sleep. OSA is strongly associated with obesity and dysregulation of metabolism—yet the molecular pathways linking the effects of IH on adipocyte biology remain unknown. We hypothesized that exposure to IH would activate distinct, time-dependent transcriptional programs in visceral adipose tissue of mice. We exposed 36 mice to IH or normoxia for up to 13 days. We transcriptionally profiled visceral fat tissue harvested from the animals and performed functional enrichment and network analysis on differentially expressed genes. We identified over 3,000 genes with significant expression patterns during the time course of IH exposure. The most enriched pathway...

Health professional advice for smoking and weight in adults with and without diabetes: findings from BRFSS

Journal of Behavioral Medicine — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:47:11 +0100

Abstract Health risk behaviors including smoking and weight-gain can cause and exacerbate chronic diseases like diabetes. Brief provider advice is an effective intervention to reduce risk from these behaviors. However, behavioral advice is provided more often to those who already have a chronic illness when compared with those who are at risk. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the frequency of provider advice for smoking cessation and weight loss varies between overweight or obese smokers with and without diabetes. BRFSS data from a subset of overweight and obese smokers with (n = 848) and without (n = 6,279) diabetes were analyzed to determine differences in reported provider advice. Overweight and obese smokers with diabetes reported re...

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The safety of biologic mesh for laparoscopic repair of large, complicated hiatal hernia

Surgical Endoscopy — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:46:58 +0100

Conclusions Use of biologic mesh for laparoscopic repair of large, complicated hiatal hernias appears safe. There were no major complications related to the mesh, and overall satisfaction with the operation was very good. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00464-011-2045-yAuthors Eelco B. Wassenaar, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Box 356410, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98115, USAFernando Mier, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Box 356410, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98115, USAHuseyin Sinan, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Box 356410, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98115, USARebecca P. Petersen, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Box 356410, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seat...

Coping With Death and Dying on a Neurology Inpatient Service: Death Rounds as an Educational Initiative for Residents [Special Article]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Death Rounds afford an opportunity for physicians-in-training to process as a group their feelings, intense emotions, and insecurities while learning from the dying process. In our inpatient neurology service, most residents found it a rewarding and valuable experience. (Source: Archives of Neurology)

Birdbooker Report 196 | @GrrlScientist

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 12:00:24 +0100

Books, books, beautiful books! This is a list of biology, ecology, environment, natural history and animal books that are (or will soon be) available to occupy your bookshelves (or your library's bookshelves) and your thoughts.Books to the ceiling, Books to the sky,My pile of books is a mile high.How I love them! How I need them!I'll have a long beard by the time I read them. ~ Arnold Lobel [1933-1987] author of many popular children's books. Compiled by Ian "Birdbooker" Paulsen, the Birdbooker Report is a weekly report listing the wide variety of nature, natural history, ecology, animal behaviour, science and history books that have been newly released or republished in North America and in the UK. The books listed here were received by Ian during the previous week, courtesy of various pu...

Early, intensive therapy for type 1 diabetes prevented kidney disease in long-term study

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Maintaining good glucose control early in the course of type 1 diabetes could lessen the long-term risk of kidney disease, as measured by a common test of kidney function. This finding comes from more than two decades of research on preventing life-shortening complications of type 1 diabetes. The project draws on continuous studies over 28 years of 1,441 participants with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The beneficial effect was only evident more than 10 years after the initial trial intervention was completed. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Neurological Disorder Impacts Brain Cells Differently

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

In a paper published in the November 9 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and University of Washington describe in deeper detail the pathology of a devastating neurological disorder, but also reveal new cellular targets for possibly slowing its development. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is an inherited neurological disorder in which cells in the cerebellum and brainstem degenerate, resulting in progressive loss of physical coordination and possible blindness... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Rendezvous: OCCAM

Dragonfly — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:45:23 +0100

Internally produced pocket guides, websites, posters, and intranets; all are used to disseminate institution-specific protocols and algorithms used in clinical practice. Some information is unique to one format and some information is out-of-date, so where’s the authoritative source for finding this vital information? Come join us on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 1pm Pacific time (Noon Alaska, 2pm Mountain) during our free monthly webcast at http://webmeeting.nih.gov/rendezvous to meet OCCAM (Online Clinical Care Algorithms & Messages), a web app designed specifically for UW Medicine that collects this information in a single, mobile-optimized format. Amy Harper, Clinical Librarian at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library, will discuss how the idea for OCCAM...

The Power Of Foldit Gamers' Strategies Revealed

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers studying the nature of crowds playing Foldit called some strategies "shocking" in how well they mimicked some of the methods already used by protein scientists. Gamers made headlines in September for unraveling the structure of a protein central to research on AIDS. In a paper published online at the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, University of Washington researchers reveal the creative power of Foldit players' strategies and compare them to the best-known scientist-developed methods... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Psychosocial Care in Cancer

Current Psychiatry Reports — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:04:18 +0100

Abstract Psychosocial care for cancer patients historically has been overlooked as an aspect of quality clinical care. However, several organizations have recently made strong recommendations for inclusion of psychosocial care across the continuum of treatment, from diagnosis, through treatment, into survivorship, and in the palliative stages of care. The evidence base for screening, diagnosis, and effective treatment of psychosocial issues in the context of cancer care is growing. Recent highly relevant research covering major topics in psycho-oncology, including distress, delivery of care, psychoneuroimmunology, and cognitive deficits related to cancer, is reviewed in this article. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory MEDICOPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS (WJ KATON, SECTION ED...

Neurological disorder impacts brain cells differently

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of California - San Diego) In a paper published in the Nov. 9 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and University of Washington describe in deeper detail the pathology of a devastating neurological disorder, but also reveal new cellular targets for possibly slowing its development. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Genetic variants associated with the white blood cell count in 13,923 subjects in the eMERGE Network

Human Genetics — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:15:31 +0100

Abstract White blood cell count (WBC) is unique among identified inflammatory predictors of chronic disease in that it is routinely measured in asymptomatic patients in the course of routine patient care. We led a genome-wide association analysis to identify variants associated with WBC levels in 13,923 subjects in the electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network. We identified two regions of interest that were each unique to subjects of genetically determined ancestry to the African continent (AA) or to the European continent (EA). WBC varies among different ancestry groups. Despite being ancestry specific, these regions were identifiable in the combined analysis. In AA subjects, the region surrounding the Duffy antigen/chemokine receptor gene (DARC) on 1q21 e...

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Branched-chain amino acid levels are associated with improvement in insulin resistance with weight loss

Diabetologia — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:59:57 +0100

Conclusions/interpretation A cluster of metabolites comprising BCAAs and related analytes predicts improvement in HOMA-IR independent of the amount of weight lost. These results may help identify individuals most likely to benefit from moderate weight loss and elucidate novel mechanisms of IR in obesity. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s00125-011-2356-5Authors S. H. Shah, Department of Medicine, DUMC, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3445, Durham, NC 27710, USAD. R. Crosslin, Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USAC. S. Haynes, Center for Human Genetics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USAS. Nelson, Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USAC. B. Turer, Depa...

New Medication Effectively Treats Underlying Cause Of Cystic Fibrosis

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A new study has confirmed that the drug, ivacaftor (VX-770), significantly improves lung function in some people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The results of the phase III clinical trial study, "A CFTR Potentiator in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and the G551D Mutation," led by Bonnie W. Ramsey, MD of Seattle Children's Research Institute and the University of Washington, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Ivacaftor, also known as VX-770, was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals with financial support from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Measuring fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis: creating a crosswalk between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form

Quality of Life Research — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:54:37 +0100

Conclusions Cross-walk tables allow data from studies using different measures of fatigue to be combined to achieve larger sample sizes and to compare results. These tables are valid for group-level analyses with sample sizes of 150 or greater. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0040-3Authors Vanessa K. Noonan, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356490, Seattle, WA 98195, USAKaron F. Cook, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356490, Seattle, WA 98195, USAAlyssa M. Bamer, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356490, Seattle, WA 98195, USASeung W. Choi, Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ch...

Health Care of Underserved Populations: an Evidence-Based Approach! (Misbah Keen MD)

Family Medicine Digital Resources Library (FMDRL) Recently Uploaded — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Adverse reactions and events related to musculoskeletal allografts: reviewed by the World Health Organisation Project NOTIFY

International Orthopaedics — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:58:44 +0100

Conclusions Considering the high quality standards achieved in many countries, the best approach for further improvement in the safety of allografts is through a systematic reporting of all serious adverse reactions and events in the context of a global biovigilance programme. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00264-011-1391-7Authors M. Hinsenkamp, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Hôpital Erasme, Brussels University, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, BelgiumL. Muylle, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem and Antwerp University, Antwerp, BelgiumT. Eastlund, Division of Transfusion Medicine, Dept. of Pathology, University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USAD. Fehily, Italian National Trans...

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Garrod's Fourth Inborn Error Of Metabolism: Modern Genetics Answers Age-Old Question

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Fifty years after participating in studies of pentosuria, an inherited disorder once mistaken for diabetes, 15 families again welcomed medical geneticists into their lives. Their willingness to have their DNA analyzed with advanced genomics technologies has solved a mystery more than a hundred years old. Researchers from the University of Washington, Israel, and Switzerland reported the solution in the Oct. 31 Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New Automated Tools To Track Deaths And To Better Monitor Trends In Diseases And Health Programs

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0100

New research by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington shows that innovative and improved methods for analyzing verbal autopsies - a method of determining individuals' causes of death in countries without a complete vital registration system - are fast, effective, and inexpensive, and could be invaluable for countries struggling to understand disease trends... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study shows new medication effectively treats underlying cause of cystic fibrosis

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Seattle Children's) A new study has confirmed that the drug, ivacaftor (VX-770), significantly improves lung function in some people with cystic fibrosis. The results of the phase III clinical trial study, "A CFTR Potentiator in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis and the G551D Mutation," led by Bonnie W. Ramsey, MD of Seattle Children's Research Institute and the University of Washington, were published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

eScience webcast: Locations in the Pacific Northwest Region

Dragonfly — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:38:39 +0100

Join your colleagues on Friday, November 18th from 11am-12:30pm (Pacific time) for the Medical Library Association (MLA) webcast Connecting E-science and Team Science: The Changing Nature of Research. The topics that will be covered include an introduction and review of eScience, understanding research and researchers, collaborative science (or ‘the science of team science’), and concluding with librarian involvement as connectors and facilitators. The Pacific Northwest Region (PNR) will host the webcast at the University of Washington Health Sciences Library, Lab C. If you will join us here in Seattle for the webcast at UW please register at http://tinyurl.com/PNRWebcastReg. PNR is also pleased to announce funding for 3 other locations to host the webcast in the Pacific No...

Comprehensive evaluation of endoscopic fundoplication using the EsophyXTM device

Surgical Endoscopy — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:53:27 +0100

Conclusion EF with EsophyXTM is associated with significant reduction in heartburn and abnormal acid exposure at 6 months, although the majority of patients did not experience normalization of their pH studies and remained on PPI therapy. The procedure has an acceptable safety profile, but the question remains as to whether it is effective enough to warrant a place in the armamentarium for the treatment of GERD. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00464-011-1989-2Authors Rebecca P. Petersen, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 N.E. Pacific St, 356410, Seattle, WA 98195, USALaura Filippa, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, 1959 N.E. Pacific St, 356410, Seattle, WA 98195, USAEelco B. Wassenaar, Department of Surgery,...

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Quality of life after treatment of laryngeal carcinoma: a single centre cross-sectional study.

Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Overall, QOL in our patients was good. This study highlights the aspects of QOL most affected by various treatments for laryngeal cancer and identifies areas in which therapeutic intervention may be focused. It also provides information to guide clinicians when assisting patients to make informed decisions regarding treatment of their head and neck cancer. PMID: 22041234 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England)

NIH Clinical Alert on Treatment for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

What's New on JEFFLINE — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:53:19 +0100

This study, called PANTHER-IPF (Prednisone, Azathioprine, and N-acetylcysteine: A Study that Evaluates Response in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) was designed and conducted by the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Clinical Research Network, funded by the NHLBI. The PANTHER-IPF study was designed to evaluate whether this commonly used triple-therapy regimen could slow disease progression and improve lung function in people with moderate IPF. PANTHER-IPF was the first study in IPF comparing the effectiveness of this combined treatment to a placebo for all three drugs. Each participant had a one in three chance of being randomized to receive the triple drug regimen, NAC alone, or placebo for a period of up to 60 weeks. “We will continue to analyze the data to try to understand why this part...

IHME develops fast, affordable ways for countries to better identify causes of death in populations

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation) New research by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington shows that innovative and improved methods for analyzing verbal autopsies - a method of determining individuals' causes of death in countries without a complete vital registration system - are fast, effective, and inexpensive, and could be invaluable for countries struggling to understand disease trends. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Modern genetics answers age-old question on Garrod's fourth inborn error of metabolism

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Fifty years after participating in studies of pentosuria, an inherited disorder once mistaken for diabetes, 15 families again welcomed medical geneticists into their lives. Their willingness to have their DNA analyzed with genomics technologies has solved a 100-year mystery. The findings may help elucidate when and how human mutations appear and are carried over generations and with migration of humans. Pentosuria occurs almost exclusively in Ashkenazi Jews. The findings suggest it occurs in about 1 in 3,330 people of this ancestry. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

cJUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation mediates islet amyloid-induced beta cell apoptosis in cultured human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic mouse islets

Diabetologia — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:45:56 +0100

Conclusions/interpretation Islet amyloid formation induces JNK activation, which upregulates predominantly pro-apoptotic signals in both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, resulting in beta cell apoptosis. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00125-011-2338-7Authors S. L. Subramanian, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USAR. L. Hull, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USAS. Zraika, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Depart...

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Common genetic variants differentially influence the transition from clinically defined states of fasting glucose metabolism

Diabetologia — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:45:51 +0100

Conclusions/interpretation Common genetic risk variants at GCK, SLC30A8, IGF2BP2 and MTNR1B influence to different extents the development of IFG and the transition from IFG to type 2 diabetes. Our findings may have implications for understanding the genetic contribution of these variants to the development of IFG and type 2 diabetes. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00125-011-2353-8Authors G. A. Walford, Center for Human Genetic Research, Simches Research Building—CPZN 5.250, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USAT. Green, Center for Human Genetic Research, Simches Research Building—CPZN 5.250, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02114, USAB. Neale, Center for Huma...

Linking of mutations in 12 genes to ovarian cancer may lead to more effective prevention

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) More patients with ovarian cancer carry predisposing mutations, and in more genes, than previously thought. A rapid method for screening genomes has located 12 genes for ovary, fallopian tube and peritoneum cancers. More than one-fifth arose in women with a family history, but relying on family history would have missed one-third of cases. The sequencing method could become applicable to patient testing for a broad range of breast, colon, pancreatic and melanoma gene mutations. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Re: Readmissions in the Postoperative Period Following Urinary Diversion

The Journal of Urology — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

J. L. Gore, J. Lai and S. M. Gilbert; Urologic Diseases in America Project Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington (Source: The Journal of Urology)

The effect of an anterior biteplate on dental and skeletal Class II correction using headgears: a cephalometric study

Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:44:59 +0100

Conclusion – The maxillary anterior BP with labial bow is an effective appliance for reducing overbite and retracting incisors but provides no additional AP dental or skeletal benefit over HG treatment. (Source: Orthodontics and Craniofacial Research)

Housing, health care contribute most to rising costs of living in Washington

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) It costs 8 percent more on average than it did two years ago for Washington residents to make ends meet, according to a new report from a University of Washington research group. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Air pollution and health: bridging the gap from sources to health outcomes: conference summary

Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:46:11 +0100

Abstract “Air Pollution and Health: Bridging the Gap from Sources to Health Outcomes,” an international specialty conference sponsored by the American Association for Aerosol Research, was held to address key uncertainties in our understanding of adverse health effects related to air pollution and to integrate and disseminate results from recent scientific studies that cut across a range of air pollution-related disciplines. The Conference addressed the science of air pollution and health within a multipollutant framework (herein “multipollutant” refers to gases and particulate matter mass, components, and physical properties), focusing on five key science areas: sources, atmospheric sciences, exposure, dose, and health effects. Eight key policy-relevant science qu...

Study Is One Of First To Help Identify Women At Risk For Pain After Repeat Cesarean Delivery

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 in Chicago is perhaps the first to evaluate pain associated with surgical incisions or scars before repeat cesarean (CS) procedures, and the data could lead to improved care for a rapidly growing and unique group of patients. According to lead researcher Ruth Landau, M.D., from the University of Washington, Seattle, 1.4 million cesareans are performed annually in the U.S., of which 30 percent are repeat procedures... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

How Circadian Clock Sets Itself May Affect Jet Lag Severity

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

It's no secret that long-distance, west-to-east air travel - Seattle to Paris, for example - can raise havoc with a person's sleep and waking patterns, and that the effects are substantially less pronounced when traveling in the opposite direction. Now researchers, including a University of Washington biologist, have found hints that differing molecular processes in an area of the brain known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus might play a significant role in those jet lag differences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Testing Among Cambodian American Men and Women

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:47:55 +0100

Abstract Cambodian Americans have an elevated risk of liver cancer. This health disparity is attributable to high rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Our study examined factors associated with HBV testing among Cambodian men and women. A population-based survey was conducted in the Seattle area. The Health Behavior Framework guided our survey instrument development. We attempted to interview a man and a woman in each household. The sample included 300 men and 367 women. About one-half of the male (45%) and female (54%) respondents had been tested for HBV. Two factors were independently associated with testing among men and women: a doctor had recommended testing and had asked a doctor for testing. Knowing that someone who looks and feels healthy can spread HBV was ...

Perinatal Outcomes of Southeast Asians with Pregnancies Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus or Preeclampsia

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:47:53 +0100

Abstract To examine risks for adverse perinatal outcomes among Southeast Asian women with pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or preeclampsia. Perinatal outcomes of singleton births of Cambodian (3,489), Laotian (2,038), Vietnamese (11,605), Japanese (3,083) and non-Hispanic White women (33,088) were analyzed using Washington state linked birth certificate and hospitalization discharge records (1993–2006). Both Cambodian (aOR = 1.68) and Laotian (aOR = 1.71) women with GDM had increased odds of macrosomia when compared with Japanese women with GDM. Southeast Asian women with GDM had reduced odds of macrosomia when compared with White women. Southeast Asian women with preeclampsia had increased odds for preterm delivery when c...

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Utility of a Summative Scale Based on the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Screener to Identify CSHCN with Special Dental Care Needs

Maternal and Child Health Journal — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:08:38 +0100

Abstract Our objective was to determine if a summative scale reflecting the number of positive criteria on the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Screener is useful in identifying subgroups of CSHCN at risk for poorer oral health and unmet dental care needs and who should be considered to have special dental care needs. Data were analyzed for a population-based sample of 91,642 US children <18 years from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health. The independent variable of interest was the summative number of positive CSHCN Screener criteria. Dependent variables were parent-perceived condition of child’s teeth, toothache, cavities, broken teeth, bleeding gums in the previous 6 months, and unmet dental care needs in the past 12 months....

Turning slash piles into soil benefit

EurekAlert! - Biology — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) A student start-up wins "innovation" grant from National Science Foundation for converting forest refuse into biochar, for sale to organic gardeners and others. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

A novel approach of homozygous haplotype sharing identifies candidate genes in autism spectrum disorder

Human Genetics — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:49:52 +0100

We present a large scale analysis to identify candidate genes which may contain low-frequency recessive variation contributing to ASD while taking into account the potential contribution of population differences to the genetic heterogeneity of ASD. Our strategy, homozygous haplotype (HH) mapping, aims to detect homozygous segments of identical haplotype structure that are shared at a higher frequency amongst ASD patients compared to parental controls. The analysis was performed on 1,402 Autism Genome Project trios genotyped for 1 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified 25 known and 1,218 novel ASD candidate genes in the discovery analysis including CADM2, ABHD14A, CHRFAM7A, GRIK2, GRM3, EPHA3, FGF10, KCND2, PDZK1, IMMP2L and FOXP2. Furthermore, 10 of the previou...

Differences in jet lag severity could be rooted in how circadian clock sets itself

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) Researchers have found hints that differing molecular processes in one area of the brain might play a significant role in the differences of jet lag severity between long-distance west-to-east travel and east-to-west travel. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Researchers discover genetic drivers of advanced PCa progression

Modern Medicine — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:13:17 +0100

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington, Seattle have discovered a number of potential key drivers?recurrent genetic mistakes?common to advanced prostate cancer that may contribute to disease progression. (Source: Modern Medicine)

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Kidney Disease Patients Receiving Dialysis Substantially Earlier

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:00:00 +0100

It has become increasingly clear that patients in the United States are starting dialysis at higher and higher levels of kidney function. A team of researchers, led by Dr. Ann O'Hare, University of Washington associate professor of medicine and affiliate investigator at Group Health Research Institute, set out recently to find out what this means for patients, and how much earlier patients are starting dialysis compared with past practices... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Biochemistry without boundaries

Nature — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Nature. doi:10.1038/478S5a Author: Edmond Henri Fischer Biochemist at the University of Washington in Seattle, he won a share of the 1992 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning reversible phosphorylation: a regulatory mechanism that activates and deactivates enzymes in the vast majority of living cells. Fischer was born in Shanghai, China, in 1920. (Source: Nature)

College students limit technology use during crunch time

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Washington) A new University of Washington study found college students -- only weeks away from final exams and in the library -- tend to pare use of electronics. It's their way to manage technology that permeates their lives. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Approximately 100,000 HIV Infections Averted In India Over Last 5 Years

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:00:00 +0100

An estimated 100,000 HIV infections have been prevented over five years, according to the initial phase of an Indian campaign for the prevention of HIV (called Avahan). Although in the more heavily populated southern states, the campaign was considerably more effective compared to the remote northern states. The discoveries are published in a report written by Dr Marie Ng, Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA, and University of Hong Kong, China, and Professor Lalit Dandona, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India, and team... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Gig.U Is Now in Session

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0100

The U.S. notoriously lags other countries when it comes to Internet speed. One recent report from Web analyst Akamai Technologies puts us in 14th place, far behind front-runner South Korea and also trailing Hong Kong, Japan and Romania, among other countries. The sticking point over faster broadband has been: Who will pay for it? Telecommunications companies have been leery of investing in infrastructure unless they are certain of demand for extra speed. American consumers, for their part, have been content to direct much of their Internet use to e-mail and social networks, which operate perfectly well at normal broadband speeds, and they have not been willing to pay a premium for speedier service.The exception lies at the seat of learning. Universities and research institutes are always l...

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Maternal Early Life Risk Factors for Offspring Birth Weight: Findings from the Add Health Study

Prevention Science — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:05:28 +0100

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the pathways that link mothers’ early life socio economic status (SES) and mothers’ experience of childhood maltreatment with birth weight among their later born offspring. Data were drawn from a nationally representative longitudinal survey of school-aged respondents, initially enrolled during adolescence in Wave I (1994–1995) and Wave II (1996) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and followed-up in adulthood in Wave III (2001–2002). Data on offspring birth weight were obtained from nulliparous females (N = 1,897) who had given birth between Waves II and III. Analyses used structural equation modeling to examine the extent to which early life maternal risk predicted offspring birth weight, and de...

Infants As Young As 15 Months Display A Sense Of Fairness, Altruism

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

A new study presents the first evidence that a basic sense of fairness and altruism appears in infancy. Babies as young as 15 months perceived the difference between equal and unequal distribution of food, and their awareness of equal rations was linked to their willingness to share a toy. "Our findings show that these norms of fairness and altruism are more rapidly acquired than we thought," said Jessica Sommerville, a University of Washington associate professor of psychology who led the study... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Chronic dialysis for kidney disease patients now started substantially earlier

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Group Health Research Institute) It has become increasingly clear that patients in the United States are starting dialysis at higher and higher levels of kidney function. A team of researchers, led by Dr. Ann O'Hare, University of Washington associate professor of medicine and affiliate investigator at Group Health Research Institute found that over a decade, patients have been starting dialysis approximately five months earlier on average. The study is published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Babies know difference between right and wrong when they are just 15 months old

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:00:48 +0100

Infants who show a good understanding of what is fair and unfair are also more like to share their possessions with others, according to research from the University of Washington. (Source: the Mail online | Health)