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Changes in X chromosome may lead to mental retardation

Various mutations of a small part of the X chromosome may lead to mental retardation, intellectual disability. – University of Adelaide geneticist Dr Jozef Gecz and a team of Belgium and UK scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in discovering the causes of intellectual disability. Dr Gecz, a senior researcher who is based at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, has collaborated with an international research team to reveal that various mutations of a small part of the X chromosome lead to mental retardation.

Polycarbonate plastic bottles harmful for hot liquids

When it comes to Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure from polycarbonate plastic bottles, it?s not whether the container is new or old but the liquid?s temperature that has the most impact on how much BPA is released, according to University of Cincinnati (UC) scientists. – Liquid’s temperature that has the most impact on how much Bisphenol A (BPA) is released from polycarbonate plastic bottles, and it does not matter whether the container is new or old, revealed by researchers from the University of Cincinnati (UC).

European influenza viruses resistant to tamiflu, oseltamivir

Preliminary results from a survey of antiviral drug susceptibility among seasonal influenza viruses circulating in Europe has revealed that some of the A (H1N1) viruses in circulation this winter are resistant to the antiviral drug, oseltamivir (also know by the brand name Tamiflu). – Preliminary surveillance into antiviral drug susceptibility against seasonal flu viruses currently circulating in Europe has revealed that some of the A (H1N1) viruses (13%) have shown resistance to the antiviral drug, oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These viruses however, remain sensitive to the antivirals, zanamivir and amantadine.

Deep brain stimulation may improve memory

Hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may evoke detailed autobiographical memories. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, which is used to treat Parkinson?s disease and other movement disorders, is now being studied for its potential to treat a variety of conditions. – A new study found that hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery performed in the treatment of a patient with morbid obesity unexpectedly evoked detailed autobiographical memories.

Secondhand smoke affect cystic fibrosis lung disease

Any exposure to secondhand smoke adversely affects both cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of lung function in individuals with cystic fibrosis CF. Variations in the gene that causes CF (CFTR) and a CF-modifier gene (TGF?1) amplify the negative effects of secondhand smoke exposure. – Exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with adverse effects on lung function among persons with cystic fibrosis, with this effect being worse for persons with certain gene variations, according to a study in the January 30 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

7000 pediatric emergency visits linked to cough and cold medication

CDC study estimates 7,000 pediatric emergency departments visits linked to cough and cold medication. Unsupervised ingestion accounts for 66 percent of incidents. – An estimated 7,000 children ages 11 and younger are treated in hospital emergency departments each year because of cough and cold medications, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately two-thirds of those incidents were due to unsupervised ingestion (i.e., children taking the medication without a parent’s knowledge).

OTC eardrops may cause hearing loss

Over-the-counter eardrops may cause hearing loss or damage. The Montreal Children?s Hospital of the MUHC recommends these products be used with extreme caution. – A new study, led by researchers at The Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) of the MUHC, has revealed that certain over-the-counter earwax softeners can cause severe inflammation and damage to the eardrum and inner ear. The results of the study, recently published in The Laryngoscope, suggest that use of these medications should be discouraged.

Snoring may lead to chronic bronchitis

This prospective study observed that snoring is associated with chronic bronchitis, and findings provide support for the hypothesis that snoring influences the development of chronic bronchitis. – Snoring is more prevalent in patients with chronic bronchitis than in persons without it. Few studies have examined the effect of snoring on chronic bronchitis. Frequent snoring appears to be associated with the development of chronic bronchitis, according to a report in the January 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Allergan confirms fatality not caused by Botox cosmetic

Allergan, Inc. responds to Public Citizen’s allegation regarding a fatality following BOTOX(R) Cosmetic Treatment. – In response to public reports suggesting a causal link between a BOTOX(R) Cosmetic treatment in 2003 and a fatality, Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN) provided further assurance to patients and the public about BOTOX(R) Cosmetic and BOTOX(R) (Botulinum Toxin Type A).

Camera in a pill finds early signs of esophageal cancer

Camera in a pill offers cheaper device that could find warning signs of esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the United States. – What if swallowing a pill with a camera could detect the earliest signs of cancer? The tiny camera is designed to take high-quality, color pictures in confined spaces. Such a device could find warning signs of esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the United States.