Stenting is a procedure in which a cylindrical structure (stent) is placed into a hollow tubular organ to provide artificial support and maintain the patency of the opening. Although it is most often used for cardiovascular functioning, it is also utilized to manage obstructions in cancer patients.
Breastfeeding for up to 6 months after birth can reduce their risk of developing asthma-related symptoms in early childhood and may prevent asthma – Children who had never been breastfed had an increased risk of wheezing, shortness of breath, dry cough and persistent phlegm during their first 4 years, compared to children who were breastfed for more than 6 months, revealed by researchers.
Soy/milk protein dietary supplements linked to lower blood pressure – Milk and soy protein supplements were associated with lower systolic blood pressure compared to refined carbohydrate dietary supplements. The study’s results suggest that partly replacing refined carbohydrates with foods or drinks high in soy or milk protein may help prevent and treat high blood pressure, said Jiang He, M.D., Ph.D., lead researcher of the study in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Study of twins suggests genetic component of autism spectrum disorders may be moderate — Environmental component may be substantial – Shared environmental factors ? experiences and exposures common to both twin individuals ? accounted for 55% of strict autism and 58% of more broadly defined autism spectrum disorders (ASD), revealed by researchers. Genetic heritability accounted for 37% of autism and 38% of ASD.
Massage eases low back pain in randomized controlled trial — Annals of Internal Medicine trial compared massage types at Group Health – The hour-long massage treatments (structural and relaxation massage) help people with back pain to function even after six months, reported in a new research. People who have persistent back pain may want to consider massage as an option.
Nearly half of women with advanced breast cancer in the US not receiving life-saving treatment – UT MD Anderson research finds use of post-mastectomy radiation therapy static despite evidence-based guidelines of its benefits – Forty-five percent of women with advanced breast cancer in the U.S. did not receive postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) despite the publication of evidence-based guidelines outlining PMRT as a potentially lifesaving treatment, according to new research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The study, published in the July issue of Cancer, found that PMRT use rates for women with advanced breast cancer have remained static since 1999.
Study compares 2 types of botulinum toxin for cosmetic use – Botulinum toxin, a protein long considered harmful, is now known as a neuromodulator (a chemical that affects nerve impulses) that has cosmetic and medical uses. Not all varieties of botulinum toxin seem to be equally effective in reducing crow’s feet wrinkles, according to a report published by Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets may reduce both tumor growth rates and cancer risk – Eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may reduce the risk of cancer and slow the growth of tumors already present, according to a study published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. The study was conducted in mice, but the scientists involved agree that the strong biological findings are definitive enough that an effect in humans can be considered.
Can stress increase the risk of multiple sclerosis? – Contrary to earlier reports, a new study finds that stress does not appear to increase a person’s risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The research is published in the May_31, 2011, print issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Low vitamin D levels seen as multiple sclerosis risk for African-Americans, UCSF study finds – Vitamin D levels in the blood are lower in African Americans who have the disease, compared to African Americans who do not, revealed by researchers exploring the connection between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis in African Americans.
Children who sleep less are more likely to be overweight — Longitudinal analysis of sleep in relation to BMI and body fat in children: the FLAME study – Young children who do not get enough sleep are at increased risk of becoming overweight, even after taking account of lifestyle factors, finds a study published on bmj. Sleep is an important determinant of future body composition in young children. Researchers recommend that appropriate sleep habits should be encouraged in all children as a public health measure, and call for more studies to determine whether more sleep or better sleeping patterns impact favourably on body weight and other health outcomes.
Autism changes molecular structure of the brain, UCLA study finds — Discovery points to a common cause for multifaceted disease – A new UCLA study is the first to reveal how the autism disorder makes its mark at the molecular level, resulting in an autistic brain that differs dramatically in structure from a healthy one.
Getting along with co-workers may prolong life, researchers find — But support from the boss has no effect on mortality – People who have a good peer support system at work may live longer than people who don’t have such a support system, according research published by the American Psychological Association.
