MedWorm: Washington University

Is it early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment? Doctors left baffled by new guidelines

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:21:21 +0100

Doctors are struggling to diagnose whether patients have dementia or not under a revised definition of the condition 'mild cognitive impairment', a report from Washington University has warned. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Mild Alzheimer's Might In Fact Be Mild Cognitive Impairment

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:00:00 +0100

New revised criteria could mean that a considerable number of patients currently diagnosed with mild or very mild Alzheimer's, might in fact be reclassified as having MCI (mild cognitive impairment), John C. Morris, M.D., of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, wrote in Archives of Neurology. The Alzheimer's Association, along with the NIA (National Institute of Aging) revised the criteria for MCI after convening a work group. The new criteria have considerably widened the meaning of functional independence, Dr. Morris explained... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Genes Linked To Alzheimer's Are The Same For Early- And Late-Onset

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

The same gene mutations linked to inherited, early-onset Alzheimer's disease have been found in people with the more common late-onset form of the illness. The discovery by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis may lead doctors and researchers to change the way Alzheimer's disease is classified. They reported their findings in the online journal PLoS One (Public Library of Science)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mom's Love Good For Child's Brain

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

School-age children whose mothers nurtured them early in life have brains with a larger hippocampus, a key structure important to learning, memory and response to stress. The new research, by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is the first to show that changes in this critical region of children's brain anatomy are linked to a mother's nurturing. Their research is published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Same genes linked to early- and late-onset Alzheimer's

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) The same gene mutations linked to inherited, early-onset Alzheimer's disease have been found in people with the more common late-onset form of the illness. The discovery by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis may lead doctors and researchers to change the way Alzheimer's disease is classified. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

News Beyond Our Pages

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Previous research on reslizumab, an anti–IL-5 mAb, in asthmatic patients did not provide a clear clinical benefit; however, improvements were noted in small studies in subgroups of patients with eosinophilic asthma. Castro et al (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011;184:1125-32) investigated reslizumab's effectiveness in 106 patients with uncontrolled asthma with eosinophilia exclusively. The primary outcome (asthma control questionnaire) was not significantly improved. However, the authors found that airway function improved and sputum and blood eosinophilia decreased in the reslizumab-treated group. Moreover, they reported a novel finding. Patients with nasal polyposis had a statistically significant improvement in asthma control compared with those without polyposis. Thus there might be a s...

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A Parent's Nurturing Results In Larger Hippocampus In Children

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:00:00 +0100

A recent study by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Early Edition, states that children whose mothers showed them love and affection from the very beginning have brains with a larger hippocampus, which is a key part of the brain involved with memory, stress response, and learning. The hippocampus is a very important element of the brain... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The Risks of Blood Transfusion in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Response to Dr. Paul E. Marik

Neurocritical Care — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:11:09 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Response to Letter to the EditorPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s12028-012-9674-4Authors Peter Le Roux, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USAMichael Diringer, Neurology/Neurosurgery ICU, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA Journal Neurocritical CareOnline ISSN 1556-0961Print ISSN 1541-6933 (Source: Neurocritical Care)

TESPI (Thrombolysis in Elderly Stroke Patients in Italy): a randomized controlled trial of alteplase (rt‐PA) versus standard treatment in acute ischaemic stroke in patients aged more than 80 years where thrombolysis is initiated within three hours after stroke onset

International Journal of Stroke — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article describes the design of the Thrombolysis in Elderly Stroke Patients in Italy (TESPI) trial planned to fill the lack of controlled data on i.v. thrombolysis in this age category of stroke patients.AimsTo collect efficacy and safety data on i.v. alteplase (rt‐PA) in patients aged more than 80 years, to demonstrate that the treatment of these patients within three hours of symptoms onset of an acute ischaemic stroke with i.v. rt‐PA, compared to patients receiving standard treatment (according to the national guidelines), will result in an improved clinical outcome with a favourable benefit/risk ratio.DesignTESPI is a prospective, multicenter, national, open‐label, controlled (non‐treated group as control), randomized, parallel group trial with blinded evaluation of outcom...

Podcast: Implementing a Hybrid PET/MR System

Diagnostic Imaging — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Pamela Woodard, MD, of the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, discusses the challenges and benefits of being an early adopter of this technology. (Source: Diagnostic Imaging)

Mutations Tied To Aggressive Childhood Brain Tumors Revealed By Cancer Sequencing Initiative

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers studying a rare, lethal childhood tumor of the brainstem discovered that nearly 80 percent of the tumors have mutations in genes not previously tied to cancer. Early evidence suggests the alterations play a unique role in other aggressive pediatric brain tumors as well. The findings from the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) offer important insight into a poorly understood tumor that kills more than 90 percent of patients within two years... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Mom's love good for child's brain

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) School-age children whose mothers nurtured them early in life have brains with a larger hippocampus, a key structure important to learning, memory and response to stress. The new research, by child psychiatrists and neuroscientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is the first to show that changes in this key region of children's brain anatomy are linked to a mother's nurturing. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Low frequency oscillations of response time explain parent ratings of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:42:36 +0100

Abstract Greater intra-subject variability (ISV) in response time is a heritable endophenotype of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Spontaneous low frequency oscillations (LFO: 0.01–0.1 Hz) observed in brain functional magnetic resonance signals might account for such behavioral variability. Recently, we demonstrated that ISV in response time (RT) explained ratings of ADHD symptoms. Building on this finding, here we hypothesized that LFO in RT time series would explain these ratings, both independently and in addition to RT coefficient of variation (CV). To measure RT LFO, we applied Morlet wavelet transform to the previously collected RT data. Our community sample consisted of 98 children (including 66 boys, mean age 9.9 ± 1.4 years), ...

“Cancer Kills 1, Self; Wounds 3”

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:55:23 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Healing Arts: Materia MedicaPages 1-1DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1978-0Authors Adam Possner, General Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty Associates, George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 2-105 South, Washington, DC 20037, USA Journal Journal of General Internal MedicineOnline ISSN 1525-1497Print ISSN 0884-8734 (Source: Journal of General Internal Medicine)

Visual nudge improves accuracy of mammogram readings

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University in St. Louis) False negatives and positives plague the reading of mammograms, limiting their usefulness. Cindy Grimm, a computer scientist at Washington University in St. Louis, and colleagues have shown the accuracy of novice readers can be improved by nudging them visually to follow the scanpath of an expert radiologist. The "nudge" is a brief change in the brightness or warmth in the image in the peripheral field of view. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Bucket-handle meniscal tear in a 5-year-old child

Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:34:47 +0100

Abstract Bucket-handle meniscus tears are a common athletic injury that occur frequently in the adult population but are extremely rare in young children. A 5-year-old male patient presented with left knee pain after a minor fall to the ground. Complaints of pain with full weight-bearing, locking of the joint during walking, a significant limp, 45° flexion contracture of the knee, and an inability to bring the leg into full extension were noted during examination. MRI showed a large bucket-handle medial meniscal tear. The patient made a full recovery after undergoing arthroscopic repair surgery. Level of evidence Case report, Level IV. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory KneePages 1-3DOI 10.1007/s00167-012-1893-xAuthors Kevin G. Shea, University of Utah Sc...

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Construction begins on Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center

bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:54:53 +0100

Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have broken ground on the new Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center in south St. Louis County. The $27.5 million Siteman Cancer Center satellite is a joint project of Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and BJC Healthcare. The structure will be a single-story, 36,674-square-foot building with a brick veneer, covered drop-off area and 166 parking spots.Construction is expected to be finished by early 2013. The facility, located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Interstate 55 and Butler Hill Road, will provide outpatient cancer care, including consultations, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and clinical trials... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)

George Washington Hospital to Become Home of First Multi-Specialty Training Center in the Nation in Late Summer 2012; Invests in Two Da Vinci Si's

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:56:00 +0100

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The George Washington University Hospital, the regional leader for Robotic Surgery and the home to one of the largest robotic programs in the nation, will be the home to the region's first multi-specialty robotic training center in late summer 2012. The hospital also recently added two daVinci Si robots to its product line making it the first hospital in the Washington/Baltimore area with two daVinci Si systems with dual console capability and complete with fluorescence imaging and skills simulation for surgeon training. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Pork, the surprise remedy for a nosebleed

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0100

Researchers document the use of pork strips for treating nosebleedsA new medical study recommends a method called "nasal packing with strips of cured pork" as an effective way to treat uncontrollable nosebleeds.Ian Humphreys, Sonal Saraiya, Walter Belenky and James Dworkin, at Detroit Medical Centre in Michigan, treated a girl who had a rare hereditary disorder that brings prolongued bleeding. Publishing in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology and Laryngology, they pack the essential details into two sentences:"Cured salted pork crafted as a nasal tampon and packed within the nasal vaults successfully stopped nasal hemorrhage promptly, effectively, and without sequelae … To our knowledge, this represents the first description of nasal packing with strips of cured pork for treatment of life-t...

Should Everyone Be Required to Have Health Insurance?

WSJ.com: Health — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:43:52 +0100

Yes, says Karen Davenport of George Washington University, because it's the key to making health care more affordable and accessible. No, says Michael F. Cannon from the Cato Institute, because it will make health care more costly and scarce. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

On being a pathologist—passing on the torch of knowledge

Human Pathology — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:03:59 +0100

Ours was a family that valued education. My father, Herman Moe Roth, was an engineer and physicist. Before marriage, my mother, Blanche Brown, was a high school English teacher in Canadian, Oklahoma, a small rural town in the southeastern part of the state. She had studied at Washington University in St. Louis for a year and then completed her education at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. My father obtained his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. He earned his PhD in astrophysics at the Mendenhall Laboratory of Physics of Ohio State University in Columbus during the great depression. He was the only surviving boy among 7 children and used to joke that he got the education and his sisters each got a dowry. Before World War ...

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Statins and Anti-Inflammatory Therapies for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Current Treatment Options in Neurology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:07:21 +0100

Opinion statement Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) induces a potent inflammatory cascade that contributes to endothelial dysfunction, imbalance of vasoactive substances (excess endothelin, depletion of nitric oxide), and arterial vasospasm. This process results in delayed cerebral ischemia, a major cause of neurologic disability in those surviving the initial hemorrhage. The only therapy shown to be effective in improving neurologic outcomes after SAH is a calcium-channel antagonist, nimodipine (although it achieved this result without reducing vasospasm). A number of novel therapies have been explored to inhibit the development of vasospasm and reduce the burden of ischemia and cerebral infarction. Statins are promising candidates, as they block multiple aspects o...

Why We Are So Fond Of Fat: Receptor For Tasting Fat Identified In Humans

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

Why do we like fatty foods so much? We can blame our taste buds. Our tongues apparently recognize and have an affinity for fat, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. They have found that variations in a gene can make people more or less sensitive to the taste of fat. The study is the first to identify a human receptor that can taste fat and suggests that some people may be more sensitive to the presence of fat in foods. The study is available online in the Journal of Lipid Research... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sweet, sour, salt, savoury, bitter AND fat: Scientists discover that tongue has 'sixth sense' for lipids

the Mail online | Health — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:23:49 +0100

The Washington University School of Medicine researchers found that obese people’s cravings for fatty food may be related to their levels of a receptor called CD36. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Phase II trial of temsirolimus in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:57:39 +0100

Abstract Preclinical models suggested that activating mutations of the PIK3CA gene are associated with sensitivity to inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In breast cancers, PIK3CA mutations are associated with estrogen receptor (ER) positivity. We therefore performed an open-label single arm phase II study of the rapamycin analog, temsirolimus, at a dose of 25 mg weekly, in women with pretreated breast cancers that were positive for ER, PR, or HER2. Archived formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tumor was collected for immunohistochemical evaluation of components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and PIK3CA mutation analysis. Thirty-one patients were enrolled. There were no major objective responses; however, three patients had stable disease for over 24 ...

Potential Approaches To Combat Aggressive Leukemia Identified By Cancer Sequencing Project

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project discovers genetic connection linking 2 cancers that is likely to expand treatments for patients who currently have poor prognoses Researchers have discovered that a subtype of leukemia characterized by a poor prognosis is fueled by mutations in pathways distinctly different from a seemingly similar leukemia associated with a much better outcome. The findings from the St... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Gene Identified As A New Target For Treatment Of Aggressive Childhood Eye Tumor

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project findings help solve mystery of retinoblastoma's rapid growth in work that also yields a new treatment target and possible therapy New findings from the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) have helped identify the mechanism that makes the childhood eye tumor retinoblastoma so aggressive. The discovery explains why the tumor develops so rapidly while other cancers can take years or even decades to form... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Leukemia Relapse May Be Influenced By Chemotherapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

The chemotherapy drugs required to push a common form of adult leukemia into remission may contribute to DNA damage that can lead to a relapse of the disease in some patients, findings of a new study suggest. The research, by a team of physicians and scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is published in the advance online edition of Nature. For patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), initial treatment with chemotherapy is essential for putting the cancer into remission. Without it, most patients would die within several months... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Receptor for Tasting Fat Identified in Humans

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:06:27 +0100

January 12, 2012 (Washington University in St. Louis) — Why do we like fatty foods so much? We can blame our taste buds. Our tongues apparently recognize and have an affinity for fat, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. They have found that variations in a gene can make people more or less sensitive to the taste of fat. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Receptor for tasting fat identified in humans

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

(Washington University School of Medicine) Why do we like fatty foods so much? We can blame our taste buds. In the first study to identify a human receptor that can taste fat, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report that our tongues recognize and have an affinity for fat and that variations in a gene can make people more or less sensitive to the taste of fat in foods. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Chemotherapy may influence leukemia relapse

NHGRI-Related News — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

From the Washington University in St. Louis: The chemotherapy drugs required to push a common form of adult leukemia into remission may contribute to DNA damage that can lead to a relapse of the disease in some patients, findings of a new study suggest. The research, by a team of physicians and scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is published Jan. 11 in the advance online edition of Nature. The research was funded in part by the National Human Genome Research Institute. (Source: NHGRI-Related News)

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Reversible Obstructive Hydrocephalus from Hypertensive Encephalopathy

Neurocritical Care — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:56:58 +0100

Conclusion It is imperative to recognize such cases where hypertension causes edema within the posterior fossa resulting in secondary hydrocephalus. Focusing management on lowering blood pressure avoids unnecessary or prolonged CSF diversion. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Practical PearlPages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s12028-011-9663-zAuthors Abhay Kumar, Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8111, St. Louis, MO 63110, USASalah G. Keyrouz, Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USAJon T. Willie, Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USARajat Dhar, Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Eucli...

Mass Prostate Cancer Screenings Don't Reduce Deaths

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Ivanhoe Newswire)- New research from Washington University School of Medicine indicates that a screening for prostate cancer may be one thing you can scratch off your to-do list. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital launches data website for genome project

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has launched a freely available website for published research results from the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital -- Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP). The PCGP is the largest effort to date aimed at sequencing the entire genomes of both normal and cancer cells from pediatric cancer patients, comparing differences in the DNA to identify genetic mistakes that lead to childhood cancers. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Cancer sequencing project identifies potential approaches to combat aggressive leukemia

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) Researchers have discovered that a subtype of leukemia characterized by a poor prognosis is fueled by mutations in pathways distinctly different from a seemingly similar leukemia associated with a much better outcome. The findings from the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital -- Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project highlight a possible new strategy for treating patients with this more aggressive cancer. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Gene identified as a new target for treatment of aggressive childhood eye tumor

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(St. Jude Children's Research Hospital) New findings from the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project have helped identify the mechanism that makes the childhood eye tumor retinoblastoma so aggressive. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

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Chemotherapy may influence leukemia relapse

EurekAlert! - Cancer — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) The chemotherapy drugs required to push a common form of adult leukemia into remission may contribute to DNA damage that can lead to a relapse of the disease in some patients, findings of a new study suggest. (Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer)

Neurodevelopment: Culprit in deafness

Nature — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Nature 481, 7380 (2012). doi:10.1038/481117c Age-related hearing loss often results from damage to the outer hair cells in a highly specialized component of the inner ear called the organ of Corti. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, looked at how the development of these cells is regulated and (Source: Nature)

Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Have Opposite Effects on Hepatic Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein-Triglyceride Kinetics.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Subclinical thyroid disease affects hepatic VLDL-TG but not VLDL-apoB-100 metabolism: subclinical hypothyroidism increases, whereas subclinical hyperthyroidism decreases, hepatic VLDL-TG secretion rate compared with the euthyroid state. Plasma VLDL-TG concentration is greater in subclinical hypothyroid than euthyroid and hyperthyroid subjects, due to greater secretion of large, TG-rich VLDL particles from the liver. PMID: 22238397 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism)

The cell of origin of cranial Ewing's sarcoma: the dilemma persists

Acta Neurochirurgica — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:01:17 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Letter to the EditorPages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s00701-011-1263-3Authors Pravin Salunke, Department of Neurosurgery, PGIMER, Sector 12, Chandigarh, IndiaKirti Gupta, Department of Histopathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, IndiaJ Pfeifer, Department of Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA Journal Acta NeurochirurgicaOnline ISSN 0942-0940Print ISSN 0001-6268 (Source: Acta Neurochirurgica)

Ideal New Anti-Malaria Target Revealed In Parasite Protein Structure

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0100

Scientists have cracked the structure of a protein that is vital to the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the one that causes the most deadly form of malaria. They suggest the protein, a key enzyme in the generation of cell membranes, could be an ideal target for anti-malaria drugs, particularly as the protein is not present in humans. The study was led by the Department of Biology at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, and a report on it appears as the "Paper of the Week" in the 6 January issue of The Journal of Biological Chemistry... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Decreased functional brain connectivity in individuals with early-treated phenylketonuria: evidence from resting state fMRI

Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:34:50 +0100

Abstract Previous histological and neuroimaging studies have documented structural abnormalities in the white matter of the brain in individuals with early-treated phenylketonuria (ETPKU). It remains unclear, however, the extent to which the function of the brain’s interconnections are impacted by this condition. Presently, we utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate the synchronization of neural signals (i.e., functional connectivity) among brain regions comprising the default mode network (DMN) in a sample of 11 individuals with ETPKU and 11 age- and gender-matched neurologically intact controls. The DMN is a group of interconnected brain regions that are known to be generally more active during rest than during task performance. Data analysis ...

Discovery Of Protein Essential To Survival Of Malaria Parasite Is Ideal Target For An Anti-Malarial Drug

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A biology lab at Washington University has just cracked the structure and function of a protein that plays a key role in the life of a parasite that killed 655,000 people in 2010. The protein is an enzyme that Plasmodium falciparum, the protozoan that causes the most lethal form of malaria, uses to make cell membrane. The protozoan cannot survive without this enzyme, but even though the enzyme has many lookalikes in other organisms, people do not make it. Together these characteristics make the enzyme an ideal target for new antimalarial drugs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

GW researcher and colleagues identify environmental exposure to organochlorines may impact male reproduction

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(George Washington University Medical Center) Melissa Perry, Sc.D., M.H.S., professor and chair of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the GW School of Public Health and Health Services and adjunct associate professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, led an observational study indicating that environmental exposure to organochlorine chemicals, including polychlorinated biphenyls and p,p'-DDE (the main metabolite of the insecticide DDT) can affect male reproduction. The research was published online on Dec. 21, 2011, in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Exercise Engagement as a Moderator of the Effects of APOE Genotype on Amyloid Deposition [Original Contribution]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Collectively, these results suggest that cognitively normal sedentary APOE 4–positive individuals may be at augmented risk for cerebral amyloid deposition. (Source: Archives of Neurology)

Effects of Age and Amyloid Deposition on A{beta} Dynamics in the Human Central Nervous System [Original Contribution]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions A reduction in the linear increase in the Aβ levels in CSF samples that is associated with amyloid deposition and a decreased CSF Aβ diurnal pattern associated with increasing age disrupt the normal physiology of Aβ dynamics and may contribute to AD. (Source: Archives of Neurology)

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Yearly Prostate Cancer Screening Does Not Lower Total Number Of Deaths

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Mass prostate cancer screenings do not lower total number of deaths from prostate cancer, researchers from Washington University School of Medicine at St. Louis reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. They added that mass routine screenings do not even reduce numbers of deaths among males in their fifties and sixties, as well as patients with underlying health conditions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Study: $1 Spent on Smoking Cessation Saves $3 in Health Costs

RWJF News Digest - Public Health — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

A program that helped low-income Massachusetts residents stop smoking saved three dollars for every dollar spent. That’s the conclusion of a study from George Washington University published online today in the journal PLoS One. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)

Mass prostate cancer screening doesn't reduce deaths

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) There's new evidence that annual prostate cancer screening does not reduce deaths from the disease, even among men in their 50s and 60s and those with underlying health conditions, according to new research led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Scientists characterize protein essential to survival of malaria parasite

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University in St. Louis) A biology lab at Washington University in St. Louis has successfully cracked the structure of an enzyme made by Plasmodium falciparum, the parasitical protozoan that causes the most lethal form of malaria. Plasmodium cannot live without the enzyme, which is uses to make cell membrane. Because people don't make this enzyme, it is an ideal target for an anti-malarial drug. Such a drug might kill Plasmodium but have minimal side effects for people. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Structure of a Potential Antimalarial Drug Target Revealed♦ [Enzymology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

♦ See referenced article, J. Biol. Chem. 2012, 287, 1426–1434 Each year, 300 million people are stricken by malaria, and over 1 million people die from it. Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe cases of the illness. As drug-resistant strains of the parasite emerge, there is an urgent need to identify new biochemical targets for developing antimalarial therapeutics. Phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase (PfPMT) catalyzes the methylation of phosphoethanolamine to phosphocholine in P. falciparum. Because mammals do not make phosphocholine, which the parasite needs to make phosphatidylcholine for membrane biogenesis, PfPMT is critical for the parasite's survival and can be a potential drug target. In this Paper of the Week, Joseph M. Jez at Washington University and colleagues descr...

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Kidney cancer diagnoses on the rise in younger patients

Modern Medicine — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The mean age of renal cancer diagnoses has decreased in the United States over the last 15 years, the authors of a study from Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis have found. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Canine models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their use in therapeutic strategies

Mammalian Genome — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:02:40 +0100

Abstract Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder in which the loss of dystrophin causes progressive degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscle. Potential therapies that carry substantial risk, such as gene- and cell-based approaches, must first be tested in animal models, notably the mdx mouse and several dystrophin-deficient breeds of dogs, including golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD). Affected dogs have a more severe phenotype, in keeping with that of DMD, so may better predict disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. Various phenotypic tests have been developed to characterize disease progression in the GRMD model. These biomarkers range from measures of strength and joint contractures to magnetic resonance imaging. Some of these...

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 ...

Protein gives clue to hearing loss

NHS News Feed — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:45:00 +0100

Conclusion This research provides important new information about the role that the FGF20 protein plays in the development of the outer hair cells in the ears of mice. As the majority of age-related deafness is caused by damage or loss to these cells, the findings may provide a new target for future research focused on improving our understanding of this type of deafness in humans. While this is a useful scientific development, there are limitations. We cannot be certain, for instance, that FGF20 plays exactly the same role in the development of the human hair cells as it does in mice. Ideally, further research would look into FGF20 using human cells to see if similar results are found. It might also be worth examining the genetics of people who are born deaf in order to understand furth...

New Clues To Human Deafness Found In Mice

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Providing clues to deafness, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a gene that is required for proper development of the mouse inner ear. In humans, this gene, known as FGF20, is located in a portion of the genome that has been associated with inherited deafness in otherwise healthy families. "When we inactivated FGF20 in mice, we saw they were alive and healthy," says senior author David M. Ornitz, MD, PhD, the Alumni Endowed Professor of Developmental Biology. "But then we figured out that they had absolutely no ability to hear... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Scientists discover FGF20 gene linked to age-related deafness

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:56:46 +0100

When researchers at Washington University School of Medicine took out the FGF20 gene in mice, the animals appeared perfectly healthy, but could not hear at all. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma induces bone marrow mobilization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells which promote primary tumor growth

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:47:58 +0100

Conclusions MDSC are important mediators of tumor-induced immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer. Inhibiting MDSC accumulation with zoledronic acid improves the host anti-tumor response in animal studies suggesting that efforts to block MDSC may represent a novel treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original articlePages 1-13DOI 10.1007/s00262-011-1178-0Authors Matthew R. Porembka, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USAJonathan B. Mitchem, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USABrian A. Belt, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 66...

Parkinson's Disease And Survival - Factors That Have An Impact

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

A report in the January issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, reveals that demographics and clinical factors seem to be linked to survival in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), and that the presence of dementia is linked to a substantial increase in mortality. Background information in the article says that even though Parkinson disease is a common neurodegenerative disease amongst elderly people, the data on the survival rates of Parkinson's patients is contradictory. Allison W. Willis, M.D., from Washington University School of Medicine, St... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Using algorithmic practice maps to teach emergency preparedness skills to nurses.

Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This article describes the design of the algorithmic practice maps underlying this course and provides a replicable structure for those interested in developing similar offerings for nurses. PMID: 22214415 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing)

Commentary on “Posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction during robotic assisted radical prostatectomy: Results from a phase II randomized clinical trial.” Sutherland DE, Linder B, Guzman AM, Hong M, Frazier HA II, Engel JD, Bianco FJ Jr., Department of Urology, George Washington University, Washington, DC: J Urol 2011;185:1262–7

Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Posterior rhabdosphincter reconstruction following radical prostatectomy was designed to improve early urinary continence. We executed a randomized clinical trial to test this conjecture in men undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. (Source: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations)

The Society of Urologic Oncology's reply to the US Preventative Services Task Force's recommendation on PSA testing

Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently published its preliminary recommendation against PSA testing. There have been a variety of highly vocal critics and supporters of this recommendation whose opinions have appeared in the lay press, blogs, etc. The Society of Urologic Oncology requested a committee chaired by Gerald Andriole of Washington University (St. Louis), and consisting of Peter Albertsen (University of Connecticut), Peter Carroll (UCSK), Eric Klein (Cleveland Clinic) and myself (Edward Messing) (with input from other SUO members) to write a reply to the Task Force's recommendation. The following letter was submitted to the USPSTF's website, responding to their request for such comments. November 8, 2011 (Source: Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Origi...

Key Genetic Error Found In Family Of Blood Cancers

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists have uncovered a critical genetic mutation in some patients with myelodysplastic syndromes - a group of blood cancers that can progress to a fatal form of leukemia. The research team at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis also found evidence that patients with the mutation are more likely to develop acute leukemia. While this finding needs to be confirmed in additional patients, the study raises the prospect that a genetic test could one day more accurately diagnose the disorder and predict the course of the disease... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Small Biopsy Specimens Reliably Indicate p16 Expression Status of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and Neck Pathology — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:49:47 +0100

Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV)—related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is associated with favorable patient survival. Tumor HPV status at primary diagnosis is critical for proper management, and p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) has emerged as a reliable, single, surrogate marker. It is not known, however, if small biopsy specimens are completely adequate for p16 evaluation. From a database of oropharyngeal SCC for which p16 IHC and histologic typing were already performed, all patients (32) who had available in-house primary tumor biopsy specimens and also subsequent surgical resections were analyzed. p16 IHC was performed along with histologic typing into: Type 1 keratinizing SCC, Type 2 nonkeratinizing SCC with maturation, and Type 3 nonkeratinizing SCC....

Experiments Explain Why Almost All Multicellular Organisms Begin Life As A Single Cell

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Any multicellular animal, from a blue whale to a human being, poses a special difficulty for the theory of evolution. Most of the cells in its body will die without reproducing, and only a privileged few will pass their genes to the next generation. How could the extreme degree of cooperation multicellular existence requires ever evolve? Why aren't all creatures unicellular individualists determined to pass on their own genes? Joan Strassmann, PhD, and David Queller, PhD, a husband and wife team of evolutionary biologists at Washington University in St... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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ZnT-1 protects HL-1 cells from simulated ischemia–reperfusion through activation of Ras–ERK signaling

Journal of Molecular Medicine — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:37:47 +0100

Abstract Activation of ERK signaling may promote cardioprotection from ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. ZnT-1, a protein that confers resistance from zinc toxicity, was found to interact with Raf-1 kinase through its C-terminal domain, leading to downstream activation of ERK. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of ZnT-1 in cultured murine cardiomyocytes (HL-1 cells) that were exposed to simulated-I/R. Cellular injury was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and by staining for pro-apoptotic caspase activation. Overexpression of ZnT-1 markedly reduced LDH release and caspase activation following I/R. Knockdown of endogenous ZnT-1 augmented the I/R-induced release of LDH and increased caspase activation following I/R. Phospho-ERK levels were signif...

The more things change the more they stay the same: a case report of neurology residency experiences

Journal of Neurology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:43:13 +0100

This study compared the neurology residency training experience for a single neurology resident at the University of Pennsylvania from the years 2002–2005. The prevalence of encounters seen during this residency was compared to the prevalence of neurological disorders typically observed by ambulatory neurologists in the United States (US). A total of 1,333 patients were evaluated during this residency. Ischemic stroke/transient ischemic accident, epilepsy, metabolic encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis were the most common neurological disorders observed. The four most common reasons for an outpatient visit to a neurologist (i.e., headache/migraine, epilepsy, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy) typically account for approximately 49–55% of...

Key Genetic Mutations In Family Of Blood Cancers

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0100

A study published online in Nature Genetics reveals that scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have uncovered a critical genetic mutation in some patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, which is are blood cancers that can progress to a fatal form of leukemia. The researchers also established that patients with the mutation are evidently more likely to develop acute leukemia... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Inhibitory effects of Rap1GAP overexpression on proliferation and migration of endothelial cells via ERK and Akt pathways

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:45:03 +0100

Summary Rap1 is expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Rap1-GTPase activating protein (Rap1GAP), with its specific target, Rap1, has been shown to be important in the regulation of many physiological and certain pathological processes. In this study, we investigated the effect of Rap1GAP expression on endothelial cell function, or, more specifically, proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. HUVECs were transfected with pcDNA3.1 (empty vector), pcDNA3.1 containing Flag-tagged-Rap1GAP or Myc-tagged-Rap1N17. The proliferation, migration and tube formation were examined and compared among the 3 groups. Expression of Rap1, Rap1GAP, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phospho-ERK, Akt, phosphor-Akt was detected by Western blotting. The re...

Lead levels in drinking water spike when copper and lead pipes joined

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

(Washington University in St. Louis) Lead pipes once used routinely in municipal water distribution systems are a well-recognized source of dangerous lead contamination, but new research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that the partial replacement of these pipes can make the problem worse. The research shows that joining old lead pipes with new copper lines using brass fittings spurs galvanic corrosion that can dramatically increase the amount of lead released into drinking water supplies. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Key genetic error found in family of blood cancers

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

(Washington University School of Medicine) Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have uncovered a critical genetic mutation in some patients with myelodysplastic syndromes -- a group of blood cancers that can progress to a fatal form of leukemia. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Conditional deletion of calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand causes deafness in mice

Mammalian Genome — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:43:18 +0100

Abstract Calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand (Caml) is a ubiquitously expressed cytoplasmic protein that is involved in multiple signaling and developmental pathways. An observation in our laboratory of a protein–protein interaction between Caml and the cytoplasmic region of Cadherin23 led us to speculate that Caml might be important in the inner ear and play a role in the development and/or function of hair cells. To address this question, we generated a mouse line in which Caml expression was eliminated in Atoh1-expressing cells of the inner ear upon administration of tamoxifen. Tamoxifen was administered immediately after birth to neonates to assess the effect of loss of Caml in the inner ear during postnatal development. Hearing in treated animals was tested by audi...

Fine mapping of a QTL on chromosome 13 for submaximal exercise capacity training response: the HERITAGE Family Study

European Journal of Applied Physiology — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:32:30 +0100

Abstract Although regular exercise improves submaximal aerobic capacity, there is large variability in its response to exercise training. While this variation is thought to be partly due to genetic differences, relatively little is known about the causal genes. Submaximal aerobic capacity traits in the current report include the responses of oxygen consumption (ΔVO260), power output (ΔWORK60), and cardiac output (ΔQ60) at 60% of VO2max to a standardized 20-week endurance exercise training program. Genome-wide linkage analysis in 475 HERITAGE Family Study Caucasians identified a locus on chromosome 13q for ΔVO260 (LOD = 3.11). Follow-up fine mapping involved a dense marker panel of over 1,800 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a 7.9-Mb region (21.1–29.1...

High Levels Of Tau Protein Linked To Poor Recovery After Brain Injury

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:00:00 +0100

High levels of tau protein in fluid bathing the brain are linked to poor recovery after head trauma, according to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy. "We are particularly interested in finding ways to predict prognosis after traumatic brain injury," says senior author David L. Brody, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology at Washington University... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

High levels of tau protein linked to poor recovery after brain injury

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) High levels of tau protein in fluid bathing the brain are linked to poor recovery after head trauma, according to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico in Milan, Italy. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Challenges to Quality Assurance and Improvement Efforts in Behavioral Health Organizations: A Qualitative Assessment

Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:16:44 +0100

Abstract Behavioral health organizations have been increasingly required to implement plans to monitor and improve service quality. This qualitative study explores challenges that quality assurance and improvement (QA/I) personnel experience in performing their job in those practice settings. Sixteen QA/I personnel from different agencies in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., were interviewed face-to-face using a semi-structured instrument to capture challenges and a questionnaire to capture participant and agency characteristics. Data analysis followed a grounded theory approach. Challenges involved agency resources, agency buy-in, personnel training, competing demands, shifting standards, authority, and research capacity. Further research is needed to assess these challenges g...

Between Candidate Genes and Whole Genomes: Time for Alternative Approaches in Blood Pressure Genetics

Current Hypertension Reports — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:33:17 +0100

Abstract Blood pressure has a significant genetic component, but less than 3% of the observed variance has been attributed to genetic variants identified to date. Candidate gene studies of rare, monogenic hypertensive syndromes have conclusively implicated several genes altering renal sodium balance, and studies of essential hypertension have inconsistently implicated over 50 genes in pathways affecting renal sodium balance and other functions. Genome-wide linkage scans have replicated numerous quantitative trait loci throughout the genome, and over 50 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been replicated in multiple genome-wide association studies. These studies provide considerable evidence that epistasis and other interactions play a role in the genetic architectu...

GW researcher awarded NIH grant to identify molecular mechanisms to predict neurological and psychiatric diseases

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(George Washington University Medical Center) Anthony-Samuel LaMantia, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology and Director of the GW Institute for Neuroscience in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences has been awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health to identify molecular mechanisms that define embryonic olfactory epithelium stem cells. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Multi-person Sex among a Sample of Adolescent Female Urban Health Clinic Patients

Journal of Urban Health — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:23:15 +0100

Abstract Adolescent sexual activity involving three or more people is an emerging public health concern. The goal of this exploratory, cross-sectional study was to describe the prevalence, correlates, and context of multiple-person sex among a sample of adolescent females seeking health care from an urban clinic. Because sex involving multiple people may either be consensual (i.e., “three-ways” or “group sex”) or forced (i.e., “gang rape”), we use the term “multi-person sex” (MPS) to encompass these experiences. Subjects were 328 females, ages 14–20 years old, who utilized a Boston-area community- or school-based health clinic between April and December of 2006, and completed an anonymous survey using computer-assisted self-interview software. Overall...

Washington University Genome Institute gets $114 million

bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:09:17 +0100

Washington University’s Genome Institute said it received a $114 million grant to continue its research to unravel the genetic basis of cancer, decipher the genetic differences among humans around the globe and explore the DNA of microbial genes that naturally coexist with human genes. The four-year grant comes from the National Human Genome Research Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The university’s Genome Institute is one of only three large federally funded genome centers in the United States... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Physician Practices headlines)

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Assessment of technical and biological parameters of volumetric quantitative computed tomography of the foot: a phantom study

Osteoporosis International — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:09:43 +0100

Conclusion This study demonstrated that variations in kilovoltage peak and table height can be controlled using a calibration phantom scanned at the same energy and height as a foot phantom; however, error due to soft tissue thickness and location of bones within a foot cannot be controlled using a calibration phantom alone. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00198-011-1851-3Authors K. E. Smith, Electronic Radiology Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 South Kingshighway Boulevard, Campus Box 8131, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAB. R. Whiting, Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAG. G. Reiker, Electronic Radiology Laboratory, Mallinckrodt Insti...

Medicaid patients reduce hospitalizations with WellDoc

mobihealthnews — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:44:40 +0100

At the mHealth Summit today George Washington University Center’s Dr. Richard Katz presented findings of a demonstration program called DC HealthConnect. The program tested WellDoc’s mobile health program DiabetesManager during a 12-month period. The results: DiabetesManager reduced ER visits and hospital stays by 58 percent on average compared to the previous year — when they [...] (Source: mobihealthnews)

Parametric and non‐parametric confidence intervals of the probability of identifying early disease stage given sensitivity to full disease and specificity with three ordinal diagnostic groups

Statistics in Medicine — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In practice, there exist many disease processes with three ordinal disease classes, that is, the non‐diseased stage, the early disease stage, and the fully diseased stage. Because early disease stage is likely the best time window for treatment interventions, it is important to have diagnostic tests that have good diagnostic ability to discriminate the early disease stage from the other two stages. In this paper, we present both parametric and non‐parametric approaches for confidence interval estimation of probability of detecting early disease stage given the true classification rates for non‐diseased group and diseased group, namely, the specificity and the sensitivity to full disease. We analyze a data set on the clinical diagnosis of early‐stage Alzheimer's disease from the neu...

Wash. U. gets $8 million to help people breath easier

bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 19:10:34 +0100

St. Louis, ranked this year as an allergy capital, may get some welcome relief, thanks to the work of some local scientists. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has landed an $8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the role of the barrier functions of the skin, gut and airway in asthma and allergic diseases. Understanding the role of the epithelial cells in these tissues may help prevent and treat respiratory illnesses in the future, Washington U. researchers say... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Hospitals headlines)

New Research Finds Obesity Negatively Impacts Income, Especially For Women

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

A new report from The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services' Department of Health Policy (GW) uncovered an overall wage differential between those of normal weight and those who are obese, especially when it comes to women. The research, released today, demonstrates the impact obesity may have on a person's paycheck... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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New Research Finds Obesity Negatively Impacts Income, Especially for Women

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:19:38 +0100

December 1, 2011 (Newswise) — A new report from The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services’ Department of Health Policy (GW) uncovered an overall wage differential between those of normal weight and those who are obese, especially when it comes to women. The research, released today, demonstrates the impact obesity may have on a person’s paycheck. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

GW Professor Receives Nearly $3 Million From NIH To Explore Genetic And Environmental Connections To Childhood Obesity

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:52:20 +0100

November 28, 2011 (George Washington University) — Jody Ganiban to Study Adopted Children to Identify Various Risk, Prevention and Intervention Factors. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Including service learning in the undergraduate communication sciences and disorders curriculum: benefits, challenges, and strategies for success.

American Journal of Audiology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Teaching an SL course can present challenges to both faculty and students; nonetheless, incorporating SL into the undergraduate CSD curriculum is an excellent way of enriching the academic experience and improving critical-thinking skills of young students. SL provides hands-on opportunities for students to apply what they are learning in their CSD classes to real-world contexts, gain a better understanding of course content through engagement in real situations, and integrate information from a variety of courses in and outside of their major. PMID: 22158635 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Audiology)

Radiation necrosis following treatment of high grade glioma—a review of the literature and current understanding

Acta Neurochirurgica — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:43:59 +0100

Abstract Radiation therapy is an integral part of the standard treatment paradigm for malignant gliomas, with proven efficacy in randomized control trials. Radiation treatment is not without risk however, and radiation injury occurs in a certain proportion of patients. Difficulties in differentiating recurrence from radiation injury complicate the treatment course and can compromise care. These complexities are compounded by the recent distinction of two types of radiation injury: pseudoprogression and radiation necrosis, which are likely the result of radiation injury to the tumor and normal tissue, respectively. A thorough understanding of radiation-induced injury offers insights to guide further therapies. We detail the current knowledge of the mechanisms of radiation i...

Update in Palliative Care - 2011

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:21:31 +0100

We presented 20 at the annual SGIM update session, and discuss 11 in this paper. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ReviewsPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11606-011-1929-9Authors Patricia F. Harris, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2020 Zonal Avenue, IRD 310, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USARobert M. Arnold, Institute for Doctor-Patient Communication Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAUrsula K. Braun, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USAErik Fromme, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USARahwa Ghermay, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USAStephanie Harman, Department of Medicine, Stanford Un...

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In Toddlers, No Difference Found Between Intermittent And Daily Wheezing Treatment

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Pediatricians often treat young children who have frequent bouts of wheezing with a daily dose of an inhaled steroid to keep asthma symptoms at bay. But results of a recent study are likely to change that. A group of pediatric asthma researchers nationwide, including at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, found that daily inhaled steroid treatment was no different from preventing wheezing episodes than treating the child with higher doses of the drug at the first signs of a respiratory tract infection... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Spread Of Aggressive Uveal Melanoma Cells May Be Slowed By Seizure Drug

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A drug commonly used to treat seizures appears to make eye tumors less likely to grow if they spread to other parts of the body, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Their findings are available online in the journal Clinical Cancer Research. Uveal melanoma, the second most common form of melanoma, can be very aggressive and spread, or metastasize, from the eye to other organs, especially the liver... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Medial pectoral nerve to axillary nerve neurotization following traumatic brachial plexus injuries: indications and clinical outcomes

Hand — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:23:53 +0100

We report an eight-case series, single-surgeon experience of patients with upper trunk brachial plexus injuries who underwent MPN to axillary nerve (AXN) transfer from 2001–2007 for shoulder stability and abduction. Results The mean patient age was 31.5 (range, 19–51 years). The mean follow-up for all patients was 22.25 ± 7.4 months. Surgery was performed at a mean of 5.8 ± 2.9 months post-injury. On initial evaluation, all eight patients had no deltoid function (M0). Of the eight patients examined postoperatively, we observed excellent recovery in four, good recovery in two, fair recovery in one, and poor functional recovery in the remaining patient. Discussion MPN to AXN neurotization is a valid surgical option in t...

The Human Epigenome Browser at Washington University

Nature Methods — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Xin Zhou, Brett Maricque, Mingchao Xie, Daofeng Li, Vasavi Sundaram, Eric A Martin, Brian C Koebbe, Cydney Nielsen, Martin Hirst, Peggy Farnham, Robert M Kuhn, Jingchun Zhu, Ivan Smirnov, W James Kent, David Haussler, Pamela A F Madden, Joseph F Costello & Ting Wang (Source: Nature Methods)

Sclerosis drug could slow eye cancer growth

Pharmaceutical Technology — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

A drug used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a form of motor neurone disease, has been shown to make eye tumours less likely to grow if they spread to other parts of the body, a study conducted at the Washington University School of Medicine i… (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)

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Daily wheezing treatment no different from intermittent in toddlers

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) Pediatricians often treat young children who have frequent bouts of wheezing with a daily dose of an inhaled steroid to keep asthma symptoms at bay. But results of a recent study are likely to change that. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Drug may slow spread of deadly eye cancer

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) A drug commonly used to treat seizures appears to make eye tumors less likely to grow if they spread to other parts of the body, according to researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Stuttering Associated With Gene Mutations In Cell Recycling

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have obtained new evidence that at least some persistent stuttering is caused by mutations in a gene governing not speech, but a metabolic pathway involved in recycling old cell parts. Beyond a simple association, the study provides the first evidence that mutations affecting cellular recycling centers called lysosomes actually play a role in causing some people to stutter. "This was extremely unexpected," says senior author Stuart A. Kornfeld, MD, the David C. and Betty Farrell Professor of Medicine... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Re: Usefulness of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Rise as a Marker of Prostate Cancer in Men Treated With Dutasteride: Lessons From the REDUCE Study

The Journal of Urology — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

M. Marberger, S. J. Freedland, G. L. Andriole, M. Emberton, C. Pettaway, F. Montorsi, C. Teloken, R. S. Rittmaster, M. C. Somerville and R. Castro Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom, Vita Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy, Federal University of Health Sciences and Santa Casa Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Durham VA Medical Center and Duke University, Durham and GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, and Oncology Research and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania (Source: The Journal of Urology)

Improving Obesity Management in Adult Primary Care

Hospital Management — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The white paper, presented by the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance Research Team, at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, summarises central themes for improving the integration of ob… (Source: Hospital Management)

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Would you wear a bionic contact lens to read emails? | Open thread

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:02:26 +0100

Developers at Washington University are close to creating a contact lens that projects text and images before our eyesFans of the Terminator franchise may be thrilled but others may be confused over just what a bionic contact lens adds to humanity. According to the developers at Washington University, users could view floating emails and text messages as well as augment their sight with computer-generated images. They say it has been successfully tested on animals (presumably those with email accounts) and when problems such as finding a decent power source are ironed out it could be ready for market.Is this what the world has been waiting for – or is technology bringing us a load of pointless new kit? What, given a top team of boffins and a whopping budget, would be the innovation of th...

Nerve Cells Key To Making Sense Of Our Senses

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

The human brain is bombarded with a cacophony of information from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin. Now a team of scientists at the University of Rochester, Washington University in St. Louis, and Baylor College of Medicine has unraveled how the brain manages to process those complex, rapidly changing, and often conflicting sensory signals to make sense of our world. The answer lies in a relatively simple computation performed by single nerve cells, an operation that can be described mathematically as a straightforward weighted average... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

New service brings power of genomics to patient care

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) Physicians can now take advantage of a new genetics test -- one of the first of its kind to be offered in the United States -- that can help determine the best treatment for cancer patients. Genomics and Pathology Services at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is now offering a test for mutations in 28 genes associated with cancer. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Surprising pathway implicated in stuttering

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have obtained new evidence that at least some persistent stuttering is caused by mutations in a gene governing not speech, but a metabolic pathway involved in recycling old cell parts. Beyond a simple association, the study provides the first evidence that mutations affecting cellular recycling centers called lysosomes actually play a role in causing some people to stutter. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Depression and Mortality in End-Stage Renal Disease

Current Psychiatry Reports — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:07:08 +0100

Abstract End-stage renal disease is growing in prevalence and incidence. With technical advancements, patients are living longer on hemodialysis. Depression is the most prevalent comorbid psychiatric condition, estimated at about 25% of end-stage renal disease samples. The identification and assessment of depression are confounded by the overlap between depression symptomatology and uremia. Several recent studies have employed time-varying models and identified a significant association between depression and mortality. Due to the high prevalence of depression and the potential impact on survival, well-constructed investigations are warranted. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory MEDICOPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS (WJ KATON, SECTION EDITOR)Pages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11920-011-0248...

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Protecting Intestine From Radiation Injury With Probiotic

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that taking a probiotic before radiation therapy can protect the intestine from damage - at least in mice. The new study suggests that taking a probiotic also may help cancer patients avoid intestinal injury, a common problem in those receiving radiation therapy for abdominal cancers. The research is published online in the journal Gut. Radiation therapy often is used to treat prostate, cervical, bladder, endometrial and other abdominal cancers... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sleep quality and asthma control and quality of life in non-severe and severe asthma

Sleep and Breathing — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 07:36:34 +0100

Conclusions These results suggest that poor sleep quality is associated with poor asthma control and quality of life among asthmatics and cannot be explained by comorbid GERD and nighttime asthma disturbances. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11325-011-0616-8Authors Faith S. Luyster, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA, USAMihaela Teodorescu, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USAEugene Bleecker, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USAWilliam Busse, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison, WI, USAWilliam Calhoun, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USAMario Castro, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis,...

Nerve cells key to making sense of our senses

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Rochester) The human brain is bombarded with a cacophony of information from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin. Now a team of scientists at the University of Rochester, Washington University in St. Louis, and Baylor College of Medicine has unraveled how the brain manages to process those complex, rapidly changing, and often conflicting sensory signals to make sense of our world. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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...

Palliative care outcomes in surgical oncology patients with advanced malignancies: a mixed methods approach

Quality of Life Research — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:29:33 +0100

Conclusions It is unclear whether lower pain perceptions despite greater symptom distress were clinically meaningful; however, when coupled with the patients’ perceptions of their increased resources and alternatives for pain control, one begins to see the value of an integrated PPCS. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s11136-011-0065-7Authors Gwenyth R. Wallen, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Building 10, Room 2B14, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USAKaren Baker, Pain and Palliative Care Service, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 10 Center Drive, 2-1733 MSC 1517, Bethesda, MD 20892, USAMarilyn Stolar, United BioSource Corporation, 430 Bedford Street, Suite 300, Lexington, MA 02420, USAClaiborne Miller-Davis, Nationa...

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Probiotic protects intestines in mice from radiation injury

AuntMinnie.com Headlines — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown (more) (Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines)

The predictive value of physical examination findings in patients with suspected acute heart failure syndrome

Internal and Emergency Medicine — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 06:58:46 +0100

The objective of the study was to determine the predictive value of physical examination findings for pulmonary edema and elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with suspected AHFS. This was a secondary analysis of a previously reported prospective study of jugular vein ultrasonography in patients with suspected AHFS. Charts were reviewed for physical examination findings, which were then compared to pulmonary edema on chest radiography (CXR) read by radiologists blinded to clinical information and BNP levels measured at presentation. The predictive value of every sign and combination of signs for pulmonary edema on CXR or an elevated BNP was poor. Since physical examination findings alone are not predictive of pulmonary edema or an elevated BNP, clinicians shou...

Drug Clears Chronic Urinary Infections in Mice

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:06:52 +0100

November 16, 2011 (Washington University in St. Louis) — An experimental treatment for urinary tract infections has easily passed its first test in animals, alleviating weeks-long infections in mice in as little as six hours. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Health Insurance Non-Benefit Expenditures Unnecessarily Excessive

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

The U.S. remains on track to spend twice as much for health care as for food, yet millions are without insurance or uninsured. "Health insurance premiums also continue to rise on average another 9 percent in 2011," says Merton Bernstein, JD, leading health insurance expert and the Walter D. Coles Professor of Law Emeritus at Washington University in St. Louis. "Medical care costs can change direction if policy makers stop whistling past a significant contributor non-benefit costs... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Drug Clears Chronic Urinary Infections In Mice

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

An experimental treatment for urinary tract infections has easily passed its first test in animals, alleviating weeks-long infections in mice in as little as six hours. "This drug can block the spread of the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections far better than any other previously reported compound," says senior author Scott J. Hultgren, PhD, the Helen L Stoever Professor of Molecular Microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "If it has similar effects in humans, the potential applications would be very exciting... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Alcohol Not Recommended For Girls With Family History Of Breast Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Adding to research linking alcohol to breast cancer risk, a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that adolescent girls with a family history of breast disease - either cancer or the benign lesions that can become cancer - have a higher risk of developing benign breast disease as young women than other girls. And unlike girls without a family history, this already-elevated risk rises with increasing alcohol consumption... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Probiotic protects intestine from radiation injury

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that taking a probiotic before radiation therapy can protect the intestine from damage -- at least in mice. Their study suggests that taking a probiotic also may help cancer patients avoid intestinal injury, a common problem in those receiving radiation therapy for abdominal cancers. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Drug clears chronic urinary infections in mice

EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) An experimental treatment for urinary tract infections has easily passed its first test in animals, alleviating weeks-long infections in mice in as little as six hours. (Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases)

Girls with family history of breast disease should avoid alcohol

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) Adding to research linking alcohol to breast cancer risk, a new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis shows that adolescent girls with a family history of breast disease -- either cancer or the benign lesions that can become cancer -- have a higher risk of developing benign breast disease as young women than other girls. And unlike girls without a family history, this already-elevated risk rises with increasing alcohol consumption. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

WashU Students Provide TEVA Some Healthy Love

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:56:16 +0100

Each year I get the opportunity to watch students from across the country pitch fabulous stock pitches at the MII Undergraduate Investment Conference. This year, Jeff Lin, Richard Markel, Philip Thomas and Alik Ulmasov came from the Washington University Student Investment Fund and pitched Teva Pharmaceuticals. Recently, I had a chat with Philip Thomas and Richard Markel, and here’s what they had to say about Teva Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TEVA). What does Teva Pharmaceutical Industries do? Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NASDAQ:TEVA) is the largest generic drug manufacturer worldwide. The company’s success has been born from their ability to secure production rights and, capitalizing on enormous economies of scale, to produce consistently high-quality pharmaceuti...

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Cold intolerance after brachial plexus nerve injury

Hand — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:45:47 +0100

Conclusions Patients with brachial plexus nerve injury reported substantial cold intolerance which was associated with the McGill pain rating index, upper extremity disability, and time since injury. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Surgery ArticlesPages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11552-011-9370-4Authors Christine B. Novak, Hand Program, Toronto Western Hospital, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst St., EW 2-422, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, CanadaDimitri J. Anastakis, Hand Program, Toronto Western Hospital, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University of Toronto, 399 Bathurst St., EW 2-422, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, CanadaDorcas E. Beaton, Mobility Program Clinical Research Unit, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, CanadaSusa...

Is There a High-Risk Subtype of Depression in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease?

Current Psychiatry Reports — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:49:31 +0100

Abstract Depression is a risk factor for cardiac morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease, especially in those with a recent history of acute coronary syndrome. To improve risk stratification and treatment planning, it would be useful to identify the characteristics or subtypes of depression that are associated with the highest risk of cardiac events. This paper reviews the evidence concerning several putative depression subtypes and symptom patterns that may be associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality in cardiac patients, including single-episode major depressive disorder, depression that emerges after a cardiac event, somatic symptoms of depression, and treatment-resistant depression. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory MEDICOPSY...

Genome-wide association study identifies 5q21 and 9p24.1 (KDM4C) loci associated with alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Journal of Neural Transmission — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:46:41 +0100

In conclusion, we identified several loci associated with AWS. These findings offer the potential for new insights into the pathogenesis of AD and AWS. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Basic Neurosciences, Genetics and Immunology - Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00702-011-0729-zAuthors Ke-Sheng Wang, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70259, Lamb Hall, Johnson City, TN 37614-1700, USAXuefeng Liu, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, PO Box 70259, Lamb Hall, Johnson City, TN 37614-1700, USAQunyuan Zhang, Division of Statistical Genomics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USALong-Yang Wu, Department of...

Lack of Association of Cadherin Expression and Histopathologic Type, Metastasis, or Patient Outcome in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Tissue Microarray Study

Head and Neck Pathology — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:58:34 +0100

Abstract Altered cadherin expression is important for metastasis in many carcinomas including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We evaluated E- and N-cadherin expression specifically in oropharyngeal SCC and correlated this with clinical and pathologic features. Oropharyngeal SCC patients with clinical follow up information were identified from clinician databases from 1996 through 2007 and tissue microarrays created. Tumors had been previously typed histopathologically as keratinizing, non-keratinizing, or non-keratinizing with maturation, and had known p16 and human papillomavirus status, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the microarrays, and staining was evaluated for presence and intensity (0 = negative, 1 = weak, 2 ...

The role of MOF in the ionizing radiation response is conserved in Drosophila melanogaster

Chromosoma — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:51:22 +0100

We report that Drosophila mof mutations in males and females, as well as mof knockdown in SL-2 cells, reduce post-irradiation survival. MOF depletion in SL-2 cells also results in an elevated frequency of metaphases with chromosomal aberrations, suggesting that MOF is involved in DDR. Mutation in Drosophila mof also results in a defective mitotic checkpoint, enhanced apoptosis, and a defective p53 response post-irradiation. In addition, IR exposure enhanced H4K16ac levels in Drosophila as it also does in mammals. These results are the first to demonstrate a requirement for MOF in the whole animal IR response and suggest that the role of MOF in the response to IR is conserved between Drosophila and mammals. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticlePages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s...

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Structural Water in Carbonated Hydroxylapatite and Fluorapatite: Confirmation by Solid State 2H NMR

Calcified Tissue International — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:09:44 +0100

Abstract Water is well recognized as an important component in bone, typically regarded as a constituent of collagen, a pore-filling fluid in bone, and an adsorbed species on the surface of bone crystallites. The possible siting and role of water within the structure of the apatite crystallites have not been fully explored. In our experiments, carbonated hydroxyl- and fluorapatites were prepared in D2O and characterized by elemental analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Two hydroxylapatites and two fluorapatites, with widely different amounts of carbonate were analyzed by solid state 2H NMR spectroscopy using the quadrupole echo pulse sequence, and each spectrum showed one single line as well as a low-intensit...

Low Vitamin D Common In Spine Surgery Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:00:00 +0100

A new study indicates that many patients undergoing spine surgery have low levels of vitamin D, which may delay their recovery. In a study of 313 patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery, orthopaedic surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that more than half had inadequate levels of vitamin D, including one-fourth who were more severely deficient. The researchers report their findings today at the 26th Annual Meeting of the North American Spine Society. The study was chosen as one of the meeting's best papers... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Scientists Stop Cerebral Palsy-Like Brain Damage In Mice

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0100

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that a protein may help prevent the kind of brain damage that occurs in babies with cerebral palsy. Using a mouse model that mimics the devastating condition in newborns, the researchers found that high levels of the protective protein, Nmnat1, substantially reduce damage that develops when the brain is deprived of oxygen and blood flow. The finding offers a potential new strategy for treating cerebral palsy as well as strokes, and perhaps Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Low vitamin D common in spine surgery patients

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Washington University School of Medicine) A new study indicates that many patients undergoing spine surgery have low levels of vitamin D, which may delay their recovery. Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, and patients with a deficiency can have difficulty producing new bone, which can, in turn, interfere with healing following spine surgery. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

New evidence for the earliest modern humans in Europe

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Washington University in St. Louis) The timing, process and archeology of the peopling of Europe by early modern humans have been actively debated for more than a century. Reassessment of the anatomy and dating of a fragmentary upper jaw with three teeth from Kent's Cavern in southern England has shed new light on these issues. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Scientists prevent cerebral palsy-like brain damage in mice

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

(Washington University School of Medicine) Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that a protein may help prevent the kind of brain damage that occurs in babies with cerebral palsy. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Regulation of Retinoblastoma Protein (Rb) by p21 Is Critical for Adaptation to Massive Small Bowel Resection

Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:53:23 +0100

Conclusion Rb is specifically required for resection-induced adaptation. Restoration of adaptation in p21-null mice by lowering Rb expression suggests a crucial mechanistic role for Rb in the regulation of intestinal adaptation by p21. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory 2011 SSAT Plenary PresentationPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11605-011-1747-8Authors Jennifer A. Leinicke, Division of Pediatric Surgery, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USAShannon Longshore, Division of Pediatric Surgery, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USADerek Wakeman, Division of Pediatric Surgery, St. Louis Children’...

Management of excluded bile ducts in paediatric orthotopic liver transplant recipients of technical variant allografts

HPB: official journal of the International Hepato Pancreat Biliary Association — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 09:46:50 +0100

We present four cases and describe an algorithm to correct these complications.Methods: A retrospective review of the paediatric orthotopic liver transplantation database (2000–2010) at Washington University in St. Louis/St. Louis Children's Hospital was conducted.Results: Sixty‐eight patients (55%) received technical variant allografts. Four complications of excluded segmental bile ducts were identified. Percutaneous cholangiography provided diagnostic confirmation and stabilization with external biliary drainage. All patients required interval surgical revision of their hepaticojejunostomy for definitive drainage. Indwelling biliary stents aided intra‐operative localization of the excluded ducts. All allografts were salvaged.Discussion: Aggressive diagnosis, percutaneous d...

GW-MFA enlists EHRs, telemedicine for Middle East service members

Healthcare IT News — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:13:39 +0100

The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates is using WebChart EHR from Medical Informatics Engineering to collect, track and manage medical information gathered from field physicals on eight U.S. military bases throughoutArea Support Group Kuwait.  In phase one of the project, implemented in January, MIE developed a Web-based system to help GW-MFA physicians in the Middle East easily and quickly record and manage medical information. Patient encounters are also documented in the field and shared with physicians at GW-MFA. Display on Best Hospitals page: No read more (Source: Healthcare IT News)

Plants feel the force

EurekAlert! - Biology — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Washington University in St. Louis) At the bottom of plants' ability to sense touch, gravity or a nearby trellis are mechanosensitive channels, pores through the cells' plasma membrane that are opened and closed by the deformation of the membrane. Elisabeth Haswell, Ph.D., a biologist at Washington University in St. Louis, is studying the roles these channels play in Arabdopsis plants by growing mutant plants that lack one or more of the 10 possible channel proteins in this species. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

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Neuroscience: Switch the pain for an itch

Nature — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Nature 478, 7369 (2011). doi:10.1038/478288b Itchiness is a common side effect of morphine use. Zhou-Feng Chen at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and his colleagues demonstrate that itchiness is caused by a different morphine receptor from that involved in pain relief.The drug binds to a receptor called MOR, (Source: Nature)

Ritalin's Affects On Attention Revealed By Brain Scans

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0100

Scientists have developed a way to evaluate new treatments for some forms of attention deficit disorder. Working in mice, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that they can use brain scans to quickly test whether drugs increase levels of a brain chemical known as dopamine. In a study published last year, the same group found that raising dopamine levels in mice alleviates attention deficits caused by neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition that affects more than 100,000 people in the United States... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Perceived Repentance, A Critical Element In Re-Establishing Trust After A Transgression

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

The scene has become all too familiar - the disgraced politician, chastened business leader or shamed celebrity standing before a podium offering up their apologies as the news cameras flash. "Sorry" may be the hardest word to say, but does simply owning up to misdeeds do anything toward regaining trust after a transgression or are words, as some say, cheap? According to a recent paper by researchers at USC, Washington University in St. Louis, Singapore Management University and the University of Miami, it depends on the how the audience perceives the apology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A phase I study of subcutaneously administered aflibercept (VEGF trap) in a new formulation in patients with advanced solid tumors

Investigational New Drugs — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:47:58 +0100

Summary Targeting angiogenesis is a valid anti-cancer strategy. Aflibercept is designed to sequester circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by preventing VEGF from binding to its receptors. This phase I study was to evaluate a new formulation of subcutaneously administered aflibercept in patients with advanced solid tumors. Here we report our experience with the toxicity, pharmacokinetic profile and efficacy of the new 100 mg/mL subcutaneous (SC) formulation of aflibercept administered at a dose of at 4 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory PHASE I STUDIESPages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s10637-011-9753-yAuthors Andrea Wang-Gillam, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8056, St. Louis, MO 63110...

Researchers Block Morphine's Itchy Side Effect

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Itching is one of the most prevalent side effects of powerful, pain-killing drugs like morphine, oxycodone and other opioids. The opiate-associated itch is so common that even women who get epidurals for labor pain often complain of itching. For many years, scientists have scratched their own heads about why drugs that so effectively suppress pain also induce itch. Now in mice, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown they can control opioid-induced itching without interfering with a drug's ability to relieve pain... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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GW's Graham Receives Award from American Academy of Family Physicians

RWJF News Digest - Quality/Equality — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Dr. Robert Graham, research professor in the department of Health Policy at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, and the national program director of the Aligning forces for Quality Care (AF4Q) program, has received the John G. Walsh Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). (Source: RWJF News Digest - Quality/Equality)

Comparison of laparoscopic skills performance between single-site access (SSA) devices and an independent-port SSA approach

Surgical Endoscopy — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:51:40 +0100

Conclusions Compared with an IP-SSA laparoscopic setup, AD-SSAs are associated with longer task performance times in a trainer box model, independently of the level of training. Task performance was similar across the different SSA devices. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00464-011-1941-5Authors Matthew R. Schill, Department of Surgery and Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAJ. Esteban Varela, Department of Surgery and Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAMargaret M. Frisella, Department of Surgery and Institute for Minimally Invasi...

Researchers block morphine's itchy side effect

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

(Washington University School of Medicine) Itching is one of the most prevalent side effects of powerful, pain-killing drugs like morphine, oxycodone and other opioids. Now in mice, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown they can control opioid-induced itching without interfering with a drug's ability to relieve pain. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Brain scans reveal drugs' effects on attention

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

(Washington University School of Medicine) Scientists have developed a way to evaluate new treatments for some forms of attention deficit disorder. Working in mice, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis showed that they can use brain scans to quickly test whether drugs increase levels of a brain chemical known as dopamine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Measuring the Impact of Apnea and Obesity on Circadian Activity Patterns Using Functional Linear Modeling of Actigraphy Data

Journal of Circadian Rhythms — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Compared with analysis using summary measures (e.g., average activity over 24 hours, total sleep time), Functional Data Analysis (FDA) is a novel statistical framework that more efficiently analyzes information from actigraphy data. FDA has the potential to reposition the focus of actigraphy data from general sleep assessment to rigorous analyses of circadian activity rhythms. (Source: Journal of Circadian Rhythms)

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Heart of science

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

Nature. doi:10.1038/478S10a Author: Ferid Murad Biochemist at the George Washington University in Washington, DC, he shared the 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery that nitric oxide acts as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system, prompting blood vessels to relax. Murad was born in Whiting, Indiana in 1936. His American mother was only 17 years old when she eloped with his father, an Albanian immigrant. His parents ran a restaurant, where he and his two brothers worked. Murad used to memorize customers' orders and mentally tally their bills, which he believed trained his memory and maths skills. (Source: Nature)

Predicting Road Test Performance in Drivers with Dementia

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionA screening battery that could be performed in less than 10 minutes predicted with good accuracy failure rate for the on‐road driving test in this sample of older drivers with dementia. A probability of failure calculator is provided from a logistic regression model that may be useful for clinicians in their decision to refer impaired older adults for further testing. More studies are needed in larger community‐based samples, along with discussions with patients, families, and clinicians, with regard to acceptable levels of test uncertainty. (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

Urban Farming: A Non-Traditional Intervention for HIV-Related Distress

AIDS and Behavior — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:52:15 +0100

Abstract As individuals with HIV are living longer with less morbidity, developing interventions that address co-morbidities are essential. Psychological distress symptoms fluctuate throughout HIV infection and interrupt self-care practices. This pilot study was conducted to test the implementation of a clinic-recruited sample to participate in a community-based urban farming intervention, and assess the efficacy of reducing psychological distress symptoms. While the changes were not statistically significant, participants reported less distress symptoms, improved overall general health, and reduced frequency of illicit drug use. These findings support the development of a larger scale study to examine the impact of this nontraditional intervention. Content Type Journa...

"Non-invasive" cultivar? Buyer beware.

BioScience Press Releases — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:44:52 +0100

Cultivars of popular ornamental woody plants that are being sold in the United States as non-invasive are probably anything but, according to an analysis by botanical researchers published in the October issue of BioScience. Tiffany M. Knight of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and her coauthors at the Chicago Botanic Garden write that the claims of environmental safety are in most cases based on misleading demographic evidence that greatly underestimates the plants' invasive potential. What is more, the offspring of cultivars do not usually "breed true" and may be more fecund than their parents, especially if they cross with plants from nearby feral populations. Many invasive plants were once ornamental cultivars, because the characteristics that the "green" industry looks f...