vCJD prion protein found in a patient with haemophilia at post mortem

Evidence of infection with the agent (abnormal prion protein) that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) has been found at post mortem in the spleen of a person with haemophilia. – The patient, who was over 70 years old, died of a condition unrelated to vCJD and had shown no symptoms of vCJD or any other neurological condition prior to his death. The vCJD abnormal prion protein was only identified during post mortem research tests.

2 doses of flu vaccine needed against bird flu pandemic

New study determines double flu jab needed against bird flu pandemic. Scientists recommend stockpiling influenza vaccine. – An international study led by University of Leicester researchers has determined that vaccination will be the best way to protect people in the event of the next influenza pandemic ? but that each person would need two doses.

Malaria cases rising in UK

A huge rise in the numbers of UK residents travelling to malaria endemic areas, combined with a failure to use prevention measures, has significantly increased cases of imported falciparum malaria in the UK over the past 20 years. – Over the past 20 years, cases of imported falciparum malaria in the UK have significantly increased due to rise in the numbers of UK residents travelling to malaria endemic areas, combined with a failure to use prevention measures.

Non earlobe body piercing raises complications

One in 10 adults in England has a body piercing but many do not see an expert when adorning sensitive areas such as their tongues and genitals. – One in ten adults in England have had a piercing somewhere other than their ear lobe, with a quarter experiencing complications, and one in 100 piercings resulting in a hospital admission.

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.

Older people exposed to aircraft noise may face hospitalization from heart problems

Older people exposed to aircraft noise may face greater risk of hospitalization from heart problems – Older people exposed to aircraft noise, especially at high levels, may face increased risk of being hospitalized for cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that, on average, zip codes with 10-decibel higher aircraft noise had a 3.5% higher cardiovascular hospital admission rate.

BRAIN – $100m to find new ways to treat, cure, and prevent brain disorders

Barack Obama launched a plan to map the human brain, in an attempt to find vital clues for treating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders. – US President Barack Obama unveiled a bold new research initiative designed to revolutionize understanding of the human brain. Launched with approximately $100 million in the President’s Fiscal Year 2014 Budget, the BRAIN (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) Initiative ultimately aims to help researchers find new ways to treat, cure, and even prevent brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury.

Mercury exposure in pregnant women connected to ADHD in children

Low-level mercury exposure in pregnant women connected to ADHD risk in children — Researchers advise women to consider both benefits and risks of eating fish while pregnant – ADHD or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects approximately ten percent of children worldwide, yet its causes are not well understood. Now, a study led by Susan Korrick, MD, MPH, of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), and Sharon Sagiv, PhD, MPH, of Boston University School of Public Health, and published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, links low-level prenatal mercury exposure with a greater risk of ADHD-related behaviors.

Health Newstrack