Stem cell therapy trials to mend shattered bones

Researchers are hoping to develop the first treatment for broken bones using a patient’s own stem cells. – Scientists are developing a revolutionary way to mend damaged bones and cartilage using a patient’s own stem cells.

Stem cells may aid stroke recovery

Human embryonic stem cell-based therapies have the potential to help treat stroke disease. – Neural cells derived from human embryonic stem cells helped repair stroke-related damage in the brains of rats and led to improvements in their physical abilities, according to a new study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.

Plastic surgeons using laser for wrinkle removal, acne scarring, tattoo removal

Cosmetic surgeons are starting to use a new generation of laser that goes deeper than standard lasers, reducing wrinkles and tightening the skin. – UT Southwestern Medical Center plastic surgeons are among a handful in the US deploying a new type of laser that goes deeper into the skin to help reduce wrinkles, tighten surface structures and treat pigmentation differences.

DCIS patients overestimate breast cancer risks

Many women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) have inaccurate perceptions of their breast cancer risks, according to a study published online February 12 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. – Many women with newly diagnosed DCIS have inaccurate perceptions of the breast cancer risks that they face, and anxiety is particularly associated with these inaccurate perceptions.

Botox cosmetic alternatives for wrinkles

With the recent announcement by the United States Food and Drug Administration that there is an ongoing safety review of Botox Cosmetic (botulinum toxin type A), customers are looking for alternatives to treat frown lines between the brows. – Facial plastic surgeon Dr. D.J. Verret of Innovations Facial Plastic Surgery, Texas, USA, reported certain botox alternatives like temporary fillers such as hyaluronic acid can erase the lines by filling in the depression, or Surgiwire procedure can repair skin wrinkles and lines.

Corneal transplant success depends on donor’s health

Corneal grafts with eye tissue obtained from donors dying in the hospital or with cancer may have an increased risk of postsurgical endophthalmitis, possibly due to donor-to-host microbial transmission. Together with donor screening and processing, improvements in microbiological control may reduce infection associated with corneal transplant. – Corneal grafts obtained from donors dying in the hospital or with cancer may be associated with an increased risk of infection for the recipient, according to a report in the February issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Baxter’s multiple-dose vial Heparin causing allergy

Baxter’s Multiple-dose Vial Heparin Linked to Severe Allergic Reactions. FDA advises health care practitioners to switch suppliers and limit use of drug until problem identified. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that Baxter Healthcare Corporation has temporarily stopped manufacturing multiple-dose vials of the injectable blood-thinning drug heparin due to reports of serious allergic reactions and hypotension (low blood pressure) in patients who receive high “bolus” doses of the drug.

1 in 20 breast cancer web pages features inaccuracies

Review of online breast cancer information encourages healthy skepticism for consumers; Quality criteria does not determine accuracy of web site. Web site quality criteria failed to detect online health information errors during a study by UT researchers Elmer Bernstam, M.D., and his wife, Funda Meric-Bernstam, M.D. – In an extended analysis of Web pages dedicated to disseminating breast cancer information, researchers at two University of Texas institutions in Houston have determined that while most breast cancer data found online was accurate, one in 20 breast cancer Web pages featured inaccuracies and sites displaying complementary and alternative medicine were 15 times more likely to contain false or misleading health information.

Vitamin B12, folate deficiency raises dementia risk

Changes in folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine associated with incident dementia. – Folate deficiency is associated with a tripling in the risk of developing dementia among elderly people, suggests research published ahead of print in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.

Chronic drinking can lead to pneumonia after surgery

Consistent alcohol consumption can impair immunity functions following surgery. Study authors recommend that patients considering surgery control their drinking habits, and also be very honest with their doctors about their drinking habits, prior to surgery. – People who drink often have immune-function problems following surgery. For example, patients who consume alcohol long-term have a two- to five-fold greater chance of post-operation infection complications. A new rodent study has found that chronic consumption ? in this case, the equivalent of prolonged moderate drinking ? can result in a more severe form of pneumonia following surgery.

Health Newstrack