TV prescription drug ads minimize risk information

Prescription drug ads on television still do not present a fair balance of information, especially when it comes to the risk of side effects. – A new University of Georgia study finds that most of prescription drug ads on television still do not present a fair balance of information, especially when it comes to the risk of side effects.

Impact of Gastroesophageal reflux disease on survival

In this population-based study, reflux symptoms were not associated with worse survival. The vast majority of heartburn sufferers can be reassured of the benign nature of their condition. – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), often known as acid reflux, is a common problem that has been associated with cancers, asthma, recurrent aspiration and pulmonary fibrosis. A new study published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology examines whether GERD sufferers may have shorter lifespans than those without the disease.

New strategies work to put cancer on the firing line

Cancer cells are our own cells gone awry. That means our immune system doesn?t always see cancer as a horrific invader. – Dr. Yukai He wants to put cancer in the bull’s eye. “Cancer really comes from us,” the Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center immunologist says of the scary reality that cancer cells are our own cells gone awry. That means our immune system doesn’t always see cancer as a horrific invader.

MRI for better assessment of liver fibrosis

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis remains a major public health problem worldwide. While the majority of complications from chronic liver disease result from progressive hepatic fibrosis, the available diagnostic tests used in clinical practice are not sensitive or specific enough to detect occult liver injury at early or intermediate stages. – MRI imagery is emerging as a non-invasive way to determine the existence and extent of hepatic fibrosis. It could eventually help the development of pharmacologic strategies to combat the condition.

Older surgical patients at greater risk for developing cognitive problems

Patients over the age of 60 who have elective surgeries such as joint replacements, hysterectomies and other non-emergency, inpatient procedures, are at an increased risk for long-term cognitive problems, according to a new study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers. – Duke University Medical Center researchers reveal that the patients over the age of 60 who have elective surgeries such as joint replacements, hysterectomies and other non-emergency, inpatient procedures, are at an increased risk for long-term cognitive problems.

Siglec-8 protein a possible key to allergy and asthma control

Activating a protein found on some immune cells seems to halt the cells? typical job of spewing out substances that launch allergic reactions, a study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests. – Johns Hopkins researchers suggests in a study that activating a protein found on some immune cells seems to halt the cells’ typical job of spewing out substances that launch allergic reactions.

Obesity linked to decreased seatbelt use

Vanderbilt University psychologist reveals that obese people are less likely to use their seatbelts than the rest of the population, adding to the public health risks associated with this rapidly growing problem. – Obese people are less likely to use their seatbelts than the rest of the population, adding to the public health risks associated with this rapidly growing problem.

Catathrenia can be successfully treated with CPAP

New Study in the Journal SLEEP Finds that Catathrenia Can be Successfully Treated with CPAP. – Catathrenia, or sleep related groaning, is an uncommon feature of a sleep-related breathing disorder that can be successfully treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Children’s sleep duration can influence their weight, behavior

Children?s sleep duration differs according to the time of day, week, and year, and can influence their weight, behavior, revealed in a study published in the January 1 issue of the journal SLEEP. – The duration of a child’s sleep can vary, depending on the time of day, week and year. Further, children who don’t get enough nightly sleep are more likely to be overweight and have behavioral problems.

Zolpidem – an effective treatment for insomnia

New Study in the Journal SLEEP Finds that a Short-Term Dose of Zolpidem is an Effective Treatment for Insomnia. – Zolpidem extended-release 12.5 mg, taken three to seven nights per week for up to six months, provided sustained and significant improvements in sleep onset and maintenance, and also improved next-day concentration and morning sleepiness in people with insomnia.

Health Newstrack