Protein may trigger insulin production in diabetic patients

University of Florida researchers have coaxed liver and pancreatic cells within diabetic mice into churning out insulin by injecting the animals with a naturally occurring protein called Pdx1, opening up a new research avenue that someday could lead to safer treatments for type 1 diabetes. Pdx1 activates the genes controlling the development of the pancreas cells that make and release insulin to maintain safe levels of glucose in the body. – If the human body were a stage, then proteins would rank among the lead actors in the play we call “Life.” These large biological molecules hold many starring roles, and their lines are dictated by information encoded in our genes. They are production powerhouses, regulating the basic processes of living and controlling countless functions. Many are enzymes that produce or use energy. Others regulate genes.

Compstatin – new drug for vision loss, macular degeneration

UF scientists are testing the safety of experimental drug Compstatin for vision loss in macular degeneration patients. – University of Florida UF scientists are testing the safety of experimental drug Compstatin for vision loss in macular degeneration patients. In a first-of-its-kind safety research study, University of Florida researchers have injected an anti-inflammatory compound into the eye of a person with a sight-robbing disease.

Infants with birthmarks received less oxygen in womb

Evaluation of the placenta provides some important insights into pathophysiologic changes that take place during the prenatal and intrapartum process. – A hemangioma is a benign tumor of cells that line blood vessels, appearing during the first few weeks of life as a large birthmark or lesion. A study published in Pediatric Dermatology reveals that a disturbance of oxygen depletion was found in placentas of babies who developed infantile hemangioma (IH).

New ultrasound technique sharpens view of liver tumors

A high-energy form of ultrasound imaging developed by researchers at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering produces pictures of liver tumors that are better than those made with traditional ultrasound. – A new high-energy form of ultrasound imaging developed by researchers at Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering produces pictures of liver tumors that are better than those made with traditional ultrasound, according to results of a clinical study.

Colonoscopy fears overcome when patients support patients

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers found that patients who received telephone mentoring from a trained “peer coach” were two times more likely to keep their first colonoscopy appointment than those who received an educational brochure about the procedure in the mail or received no peer or literature support. – Patients who have had a colonoscopy can play a life-saving role by encouraging other patients to follow through with their own colorectal cancer screenings, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. These peer coaches can provide important information to combat myths and fears that serve as barriers to colonoscopy ? issues patients say their doctors often fail to address.

More teen women battling heart disease

At the age of 18, most young women are embarking on adulthood without a care in the world?health included. But experts at UC say that shouldn?t always be the case. – University of Cincinnati UC experts urge women to watch for warning signs associated with heart disease, a condition that is becoming more common, especially among women.

Stress may condition heart to survive heart attack

University of Cincinnati researchers reveal that people who experience brief periods of blocked blood flow may be better conditioned to survive a full-blown heart attack later. – People who experience brief periods of blocked blood flow may be better conditioned to survive a full-blown heart attack later, according to new research from the University of Cincinnati (UC).

Osteoarthritis risk linked to shorter index finger

University of Nottingham researchers revealed that people whose index finger is shorter than their ring finger are at higher risk of osteoarthritis. – People whose index finger is shorter than their ring finger are at higher risk of osteoarthritis, a new University of Nottingham study has found.

Education programs lead to better health in heart patients

University of Michigan researchers revealed that heart patients find education programs lead to better health. – Older women heart patients benefit from educational programs as a supplement to clinical care to help significantly lower cardiac symptoms, lose weight and increase physical activity, a new study shows.

Exercise improves symptoms in arthritis patients

If adults with arthritis attend exercise program, they may expect improvements in symptoms, self-efficacy for arthritis management, and upper and lower extremity function. – Patients with arthritis tend to be less fit than their peers who don’t have this condition. Studies have shown, however, that they can safely participate in exercise programs to increase their fitness, strength and psychosocial status and that health providers recommend that arthritis patients participate in exercise.