Kidney Disease

Nephrology is a branch of internal medicine and pediatrics dealing with the study of the function and diseases of the kidney. The word nephrology is derived from the Greek word nephros, which means “kidney,” and the suffix -ology, signifying “study of.”

Hypertension susceptibility gene STK39 identified

University of Maryland researchers identify common gene variant linked to high blood pressure. STK39 gene produces protein involved in regulating how kidneys process salt. – Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a common gene variant that appears to influence people’s risk of developing high blood pressure, according to the results of a study being published online Dec. 29, 2008 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

A universal mechanism of aging is identified

New evidence may explain why it is that we lose not only our youthful looks, but also our youthful pattern of gene activity with age. – Researchers have discovered that DNA damage decreases a cell’s ability to regulate which genes are turned on and off in particular settings. This mechanism, which applies both to fungus and to us, might represent a universal culprit for aging.

Vitamin C injections slow tumor growth

High-dose injections of vitamin C may reduce tumor weight and growth rate by about 50 percent of brain, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, – High-dose injections of vitamin C, also known as ascorbate or ascorbic acid, reduced tumor weight and growth rate by about 50 percent in mouse models of brain, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) report in the August 5, 2008, issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Hearing loss common in diabetes patients

Hearing loss is nearly twice as common among diabetic adults than their healthy counterparts, according to a new study by NIDDK. – Hearing loss is about twice as common in adults with diabetes compared to those who do not have the disease, according to a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

High blood pressure patients advised to use home monitors

High blood pressure is notoriously difficult to treat to goal ? many patients fail to reach target levels despite treatment, and studies show home monitoring can help. – People with hypertension should routinely monitor their blood pressure at home to help manage the disease, according to a new joint scientific statement from the American Heart Association, American Society of Hypertension and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses’ Association.

March as Kidney Disease Awareness Month in US

The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to recognize March as National Kidney Disease Awareness Month. Recent research funded by the National Institute of Health put the number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in the United States at 26 million. – The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) is pleased to recognize March as National Kidney Disease Awareness Month. Recent research funded by the National Institute of Health put the number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in the United States at 26 million. AAKP recognizes National Kidney Disease Awareness Month with several planned educational programs and events.

Influenza vaccination for children 6 months through 18 years of age

CDC’s Advisory Committee Recommends Influenza Vaccination for Children 6 months through 18 years of age. – A panel of immunization experts voted to expand the recommended ages for annual influenza vaccination of children to include all children from 6 months through 18 years of age. The previous recommendation was for vaccination of children from 6 months to 59 months of age.

Software helps diagnosing diabetic patients earlier

This research could potentially identify over half a million people who are undiagnosed or at increased risk of developing the condition. – Researchers have developed software which could potentially identify over 600,000 people who are undiagnosed or at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. The software can highlight people whose higher blood glucose levels have not been followed up.

Laser to detect potential diseases via breath

By blasting a person’s breath with laser light, scientists have shown that they can detect molecules that may be markers for diseases like asthma or cancer. – By blasting a person’s breath with laser light, scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Colorado at Boulder have shown that they can detect molecules that may be markers for diseases like asthma or cancer.

Aircraft noise raises blood pressure even whilst sleeping

Acute effects of night-time noise exposure on blood pressure in populations living near airports – Effects of noise exposure on elevated subsequent BP measurements were clearly shown. The effect size of the noise level appears to be independent of the noise source. – Night-time noise from aircraft or traffic can increase a person’s blood pressure even if it does not wake them, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. Scientists from Imperial College London and other European institutions monitored 140 sleeping volunteers in their homes near London Heathrow and three other major European airports.

Health Newstrack