Panda cub back with mother Sep 3, 2008
They also noted that there were no signs of abnormalities or bacteria in the cub because of the hand-rearing process. We are encouraged by Lun Lun s positive response to the reintroductions and their first few hours back together, the zoo said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
‘She had cancer, and I didn’t’: Family history of disease leads to genetic testing Sep 3, 2008
She, too, tested positive for the gene abnormality. Other family members then were tested. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
5 things you didn't know about ... Werner syndrome Sep 3, 2008
A diagnosis usually is based on signs and symptoms, although a simple blood test that reveals abnormalities in blood sugar and cholesterol would support a diagnosis. Molecular genetic testing for the WRN gene, which is associated with Werner syndrome, is available on a research basis. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Harsh soaps blamed for allergies Sep 3, 2008
Professor Callard said: "Despite its popularity over the past 20 years there is very little supporting evidence for the "hygiene hypothesis". "In contrast, there is mounting evidence from both studies of rare genetic conditions and our lab work to support an important role for abnormalities in the outer protective layer of the skin in allowing allergic sensitization. " Professor John Harper, who also worked on the study, said people had nothing to fear from normal standards of hygiene - the... (Yahoo News -- Allergies and Asthma)
Study confirms colorectal cancer screening should start at age 50 Sep 3, 2008
If a polyp or abnormality is found, patients may require a regular colonoscopy for further evaluation. Right-sided adenomas cannot be viewed using a sigmoidoscopy. (EurekAlert!)
McCain fought money for teen pregnancy programs Sep 2, 2008
Palin's fifth child, a son named Trig, was born in April with Down syndrome, a genetic abnormality that impedes physical, intellectual and language development. Conservatives supportive of Palin as McCain's running mate have praised her choice to deliver Trig even after the family learned about his condition during prenatal testing. (International Herald Tribune)
LETTERS: NCT, Sept. 1, 2008 Sep 2, 2008
My guess is that most are because some test showed an extreme abnormality or severe deformity not able to be seen or tested for earlier in the pregnancy. My wife, a pediatrician, is far more qualified than I to enumerate all the possible scenarios, not the least of which is the fetus completely missing part of the brain. (North County Times)
Obesity 'linked to birth defects' Sep 2, 2008
They included spina bifida, heart defects, some genital and bowel abnormalities and small or missing toes, fingers, arms or legs. Researchers stress the risk of having a baby with birth defects is low, even for obese women. (Yahoo News -- Fertility & Pregnancy)
Islanders declare victory over US bombers Sep 2, 2008
Local and international support groups have claimed for many years that the bombing and the storing of ammunition presented serious health problems for the islanders; higher than average cancer figures, heart abnormalities and childhood asthma were cited by protesters. The US navy waged a public relations campaign to try to counter the hostile publicity. (Yahoo News -- Puerto Rico)
The first autism disease genes Sep 2, 2008
In approximately 10% of cases, autism is associated with a recognized cause, such as Fragile X Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis or diverse chromosomal abnormalities (mean observed rates between 5-10%), but in a vast majority of cases, no known causes are associated with autism (see figure) ... 168 multiplex families, another exciting discovery led to the detection of sub-microscopic chromosomal abnormalities (Autism Genome Project, 2007): Copy Number Variant analysis (CNV) highlighted the role of a... (EurekAlert!)
Risks and benefits of antipsychotics in children and adolescents Sep 2, 2008
The incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), abnormalities in the motor system secondary to antipsychotic use, is known to be higher in younger patients than in adult patients (Findling, 2001). These side effects, more common with old antipsychotics than with new-generation antipsychotics, lead to problems participating in normal educational and social activities. (EurekAlert!)
TRANSCEND(TM) Trial Results Presented at European Society of Cardiology Congress and Published in The Lancet Sep 1, 2008
The most frequently reported reasons for discontinuation were hypotensive symptoms, syncope, cough, diarrhea, angioedema and renal abnormalities. (1) TRANSCEND included 5,926 patients from 40 countries who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease (patients older than 55 years, who have had myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, stroke or transient ischaemic attacks or suffer from diabetes mellitus and additional risk factors) and intolerant to widely-prescribed ACE... (PR Newswire)
Schools start cancer vaccinations Sep 1, 2008
Dr Clare McKenzie, a consultant gynaecologist at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, said the injections would mean fewer women having to go through uncomfortable examinations for cervical abnormalities. She told BBC Scotland: "This is a really exciting step to have discovered the cause of a cancer, to have identified what causes it and then to find a vaccine to eradicate it. "Here in Tayside we will see up to 30 cases of new cervical cancer a year. (BBC News -- UK)
Brain imaging links chronic insomnia to reversible cognitive deficits without changes in behavior Sep 1, 2008
Results from post-treatment neuroimaging shows that cognitive abnormalities recovered for insomnia patients who received sleep therapy, but not for those assigned to a wait-list group. Participants in the sleep therapy group also generated more words on the verbal fluency tasks after treatment than members of the wait-list group, although the results did not achieve statistical significance. (EurekAlert!)
TGen and Washington University researchers discover new approach to treating endometrial cancer Sep 1, 2008
" Goodfellow agreed, "The discovery that endometrial cancer cells die when treated with an FGFR2 inhibitor - even when they carry other genetic abnormalities common in uterine cancers - suggests anti-FGFR2 therapies have great potential ... "Our collaborative group's strong ties with the NCI's Gynecologic Oncology Group will allow us to rapidly take our findings from the lab to patients.'' Endometrial cancer, which invades the inner wall of the uterus, is the most common gynecological cancer in... (EurekAlert!)
Supreme Court defines who's an idiot Aug 31, 2008
"Mere abnormality of mind or partial delusion, irresistible impulse or compulsive behaviour of a psychopath affords no protection under Section 84," the SC added, affirming the earlier court orders convicting Gond for the murder. Related Stories. (India Times, India)
Computed Tomograpahy - CT Scan Aug 31, 2008
CT can also perform the imaging of the head and brain to detect tumors, blood clots, blood vessel defects and other abnormalities, including the nerves and muscles of the eye. Source. (Suite101.com)
Overview of Hypothyroidism Aug 31, 2008
However, if this gland is hypoactive (hypothyroidism) or hyperactive (hyperthyroidism), a variety of abnormalities may occur. The following is an overview of the causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of hypothyroidism. (Suite101.com)
The point of return Aug 30, 2008
In the "Little Sisters" program, the girls worked three days a week with children whose "disabilities" ranged from Down syndrome to abnormalities of appearance such as being albino that would warrant no such labeling here. The kindergartners from the community whom they helped two days a week would squeal "toes, toes" to request the song that teaches body parts. (Boston Globe)
Gene Found For Rare And Deadly Chidhood Cancer Neuroblastoma Aug 29, 2008
Scientists already knew that abnormalities in ALK were linked to lymphoma and lung cancer, where it triggers the translocation of DNA between chromosomes to make new cancer-causing genes. In this study, it appears that ALK gene mutations also trigger the production of neuroblastoma cells. (Medical News Today)
Two-Headed Baby Dies, Parents Couldn't Afford Care Aug 29, 2008
Babies born with physical abnormalities in Bangladesh and India are often hailed as living gods. last October was believed by villagers to be a reincarnation of the four-armed Hindu goddess of wealth. (Fox News)
Low Levels Of Brain Chemical May Lead To Obesity Aug 29, 2008
These include Wilms tumor, a tumor of the kidneys; aniridia, absence of the iris, in the eye; genital and urinary tract abnormalities; and mental retardation. WAGR syndrome occurs in one out of every 500,000 to 1 million persons. (Science Daily)
Chinese citizens, news media come to defense of accused police killer Aug 28, 2008
"Yang Jia's abnormal behavior is a measure of abnormality in our own society," said an editorial last month in the Pearl River Evening News, adding that putting Yang to death quickly would stir up a public already skeptical about how the case was handled. Another editorial last month in The Beijing News called for Yang's appointed lawyer, Xie Youming, to drop the case because he's a legal adviser for Shanghai's Zhabei district, which oversees the police station where the attack occurred. (Boston Globe)
Second N.J. Teen Football Player Dies This Week Aug 28, 2008
"It can be from a fatal irregular heart rhythm, an abnormality of the heart muscle, a problem with the structure of the heart or how the heart is working, or how the electrical condition of the heart is working," Myerson said. "The thing is, it's usually unusual, so when it does happen, it's tragic.". (Fox News)
'No alcohol in pregnancy' advised Aug 28, 2008
" FOETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME Abnormal facial features Reduced growth Central nervous system abnormalities Impaired learning and memory skills Behavioural problems such as hyperactivity Jane Brewin, chief executive of the baby charity Tommy's, agreed, saying: "There is no proven safe level of alcohol to drink during pregnancy because any amount can pass through the placenta to the baby. " There is no consistent evidence that low to moderate consumption of alcohol during pregnancy has any adverse... (Yahoo News -- Alcohol and Alcoholism)
Study backs safety of MMR vaccine Aug 28, 2008
PDDs are a range of conditions first seen in childhood that include abnormalities in language development, communication abilities and social interactions, and a rigid, repetitive pattern of behaviours and interests. These children were compared with 4,469 children of the same sex and similar age who were registered with the same GP surgeries but did not have autism or PDDs. (Yahoo News -- Autism)
HEALTH BLOG: Digging into the latest cancer studies Aug 28, 2008
One reason: It's difficult to interpret the significance of mild abnormalities discovered by chance. For example, she said, most of the abnormalities picked up by the Dutch study had no effect on health and needed no followup. (USA Today -- Money)
Study suggests missing gene may impair appetite control Aug 28, 2008
Scientists suspected that people within the group had abnormalities with the gene, and they believe a larger segment of the population has the same problem. The missing gene may explain why some people can't seem to control their eating or lose weight, says Jack Yanovski, head of the Unit on Growth and Obesity at NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (USA Today)
Gait Dysfunction Common in Cognitive Impairment Aug 28, 2008
The investigators note that disability scores among individuals with mild cognitive impairment were worse for those with any gait abnormalities than without gait abnormalities. Verghese's group proposes that "assessment of gait in older adults may provide a window on brain function that complements current definitions of mild cognitive impairment and usefully predicts dementia.". (MEDLINEplus)
Antenatal Magnesium Sulfate for Neuroprotection before Preterm Birth? Aug 28, 2008
Preterm infants are at increased risk for serious, lifelong neurologic abnormalities such as cerebral palsy. 1,2 As the survival of preterm infants has improved with advances in perinatal care,2 the occurrence of cerebral palsy has increased further, since infants who would previously have died now survive with their cerebral pathology. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Endoscopic ultrasound highly accurate in evaluating ambiguous radiographic findings of the pancreas Aug 28, 2008
EUS can be used to evaluate an abnormality below the surface such as a growth that was detected at a prior endoscopy or by X-ray ... Tissue samples, using a fine needle aspiration technique (FNA), can be obtained in real time with EUS guidance should an abnormality be seen. (EurekAlert!)
Paisley and McGuinness mark new era Aug 27, 2008
"Tony Blair, who paid tribute to his predecessor Sir John Major for initiating the peace process, said: "Normal life and normal politics can seem a small ambition to anyone who has not lived through the abnormality of a society living on the edge - and for many years Northern Ireland was such a society. "Look back and we see centuries marked by conflict, hardship, even hatred among the people of these islands; look forward and we see the chance to shake off those heavy chains of history.". (Yahoo News -- Northern Ireland Conflict)
Chemical pollutants likely culprits in rising birth defects Aug 27, 2008
A review of scientific studies revealed contaminants such as solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides are linked to birth defects such as heart abnormalities, oral clefts (lip and/or palate) and neural tube defects (incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord and/or protective coverings of these organs). Exposure to plasticizers (used in consumer products) is linked to feminization of baby boys. (Anchorage Daily News)
Alcohol Consumption Can Cause Too Much Cell Death, Fetal Abnormalities Aug 27, 2008
Consequently, the telltale facial abnormalities in a newborn also may foretell problems with learning, memory, vision, hearing and more ... Early and reliable identification of FAS-related facial abnormalities can help to manage problems. (Science Daily)
ADHD medication VYVANSE now available in 6 dosage strengths at US pharmacies Aug 27, 2008
Tell the doctor about any heart conditions, including structural abnormalities, that you, your child, or a family member, may have. Inform the doctor immediately if you or your child develops symptoms that suggest heart problems, such as chest pain or fainting. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
New Hope For Stroke Patients: Reversing Stroke Damage By Jumpstarting Growth Of Nerve Fibers Aug 26, 2008
6, 2006) A new study examines the usefulness of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), a process of scanning and mapping the brain, in establishing the relationship between abnormalities in the cardiovascular. (Aug. (Science Daily)
Gene That Causes Childhood Cancer Neuroblastoma Is Found Aug 26, 2008
Although the normal role of the ALK gene is not well understood, other researchers had previously found that abnormalities in ALK raise a patient's risk for lymphoma and lung cancer. "We were the first to identify mutations in ALK," said Moss;, adding that in lymphoma and lung cancer, ALK acts through translocation, a different mechanism that involves an exchange of DNA between chromosomes to produce a new cancer-causing fusion gene. (Science Daily)
Going eye tech Aug 26, 2008
Miller has a retinal scanner at his High Country Optical practice which, in addition to flagging vision-threatening abnormalities such as ocular cysts, retinal tears or macular degeneration, can detect possible high blood pressure, a dangerous level of cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis or cancer. Each abnormality evidences itself in a different way on the retina. (Durango Herald)
Obesity 'linked to birth defects' Aug 26, 2008
They included spina bifida, heart defects, some genital and bowel abnormalities and small or missing toes, fingers, arms or legs. Researchers stress the risk of having a baby with birth defects is low, even for obese women. (Yahoo News -- Fertility & Pregnancy)
Islanders declare victory over US bombers Aug 26, 2008
Local and international support groups have claimed for many years that the bombing and the storing of ammunition presented serious health problems for the islanders; higher than average cancer figures, heart abnormalities and childhood asthma were cited by protesters. The US navy waged a public relations campaign to try to counter the hostile publicity. (Yahoo News -- Puerto Rico)
Heart Function Normal After Early Steroid Exposure Aug 26, 2008
Prolonged follow-up for cardiac abnormalities, they point out, is recommended for children born premature and treated with steroids. The results of animal studies show that the consequences of neonatal steroid therapy on the heart's structure may emerge only in adulthood. (MEDLINEplus)
Brain Damage Risk Linked to Migraine Frequency Aug 26, 2008
Patients who had more than three migraine attacks per month also showed significantly more abnormalities than did those who had less than three attacks per month, the report indicates ... To more fully understand the causes and consequences of brain damage in migraine patients, more neuroimaging will be required to quantify brain abnormalities over time and under various conditions, such as before, after and during migraine attacks, the investigators point out. (MEDLINEplus)
Normalizing tumor vessels to improve cancer therapy Aug 26, 2008
Now, Vascular Biology researchers have discovered an explanation for these abnormalities that could, down the road, improve chemotherapy drug delivery. Their findings were published in the August 12 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (EurekAlert!)
Student athletes sometimes need specialized physicals Aug 26, 2008
And many examinations fail to detect the cardiac abnormalities that are the biggest cause of athlete deaths, critics say ... "Pre-participation screening by [family] history and physical examination alone does not have sufficient sensitivity to guarantee detection of all cardiovascular abnormalities linked to sudden death in young athletes," it says ... Stephanie Lacey, a University of Florida pediatric cardiologist who practices at Wolfson, said, "We definitely pick up kids every year because... (Florida Times-Union)
In a heartbeat Aug 25, 2008
The researchers' recent pilot project screened roughly 400 athletes with an echocardiogram, which produces an ultrasound picture of the heart and can pinpoint abnormalities better than a routine sports physical. The tests c ost about $400 each. (Boston Globe)
Almost Half of Working America Plagued by Medical Debt Aug 25, 2008
- 47% of all uninsured or underinsured working-age Americans reported deficiencies in health care that included delays in getting needed medical tests, duplication of expensive medical tests, and delayed results even when tests indicated abnormalities, compared to only 26% of adequately insured Americans reporting similar inefficiencies in medical care. The nation s current economic slump, including skyrocketing food and gas prices, declining home values, and stagnant incomes, poses serious risk... (MedHeadlines)
Tiny Antennae Trigger Neural Stem Cells Aug 25, 2008
When the Yale team deleted genes needed to form primary cilia, they discovered that mice developed significant brain abnormalities including hydrocephalus. They also found that the absence of primary cilia on neural stem cells disrupted the ability of sonic hedgehog to signal neural stem cells to initiate creation of new neurons in the brain. (Science Daily)
Biliary Tract Obstruction Aug 24, 2008
Such abnormalities in turn lead to a series of other problems. Anatomy of the Biliary Tree. (Suite101.com)
Harsh soaps blamed for allergies Aug 24, 2008
Professor Callard said: "Despite its popularity over the past 20 years there is very little supporting evidence for the "hygiene hypothesis". "In contrast, there is mounting evidence from both studies of rare genetic conditions and our lab work to support an important role for abnormalities in the outer protective layer of the skin in allowing allergic sensitization. " Professor John Harper, who also worked on the study, said people had nothing to fear from normal standards of hygiene - the... (Yahoo News -- Allergies and Asthma)
UC Davis researchers define characteristics, treatment options for XXYY syndrome Aug 24, 2008
4 percent had cardiac abnormalities such as congenital heart defects and mitral valve prolapse, 87. 6 percent had dental problems such as severe dental caries and malocclusion, 15 percent had seizures and 59. (EurekAlert!)
Tech.view: Hazard in a bottle Aug 23, 2008
Since then, over 100 scientific studies have linked low doses of BPA to prostate and breast cancer, reproductive abnormalities, accelerated puberty in females, low sperm count in males, neurological effects similar to ADHD, diabetes and even obesity. The effects have their biggest impact during early stages of development. (The Economist)
Jade wants to live for her kids Aug 23, 2008
"The blood drained from me as my doctor said, 'We have looked again at your biopsy, and there are severe abnormalities. You need to fly home immediately'. I looked at the phone in disbelief as he said, 'You have cancer, Jade, it's real and it's serious'. I collapsed to the floor, thinking, 'My boys. Oh my God, I'm going to die'.". Her consultant, Dr. Ann Coxon, said: "She ha 00004000 s serious second stage cancer and needs surgery as soon as possible. The cancer is in an advanced stage and... (Times of India)
Behind the screen Aug 23, 2008
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show cervical cancer deaths in Australia a year dropped from four to two per 100,000 women in the 20 to 69 age group, between 1991, when the the pap smear program was introduced - it detects treatable pre-cancerous abnormalities as well as cancer - and 2005. But more than 700 high-grade abnormalities are found per 100,000 women screened ... Occasionally, treating these abnormalities can scar the cervix and lead to infertility or... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Removing Tumors Through The Nose: Neurosurgeon Uses Smaller Openings To Reach The Brain Aug 22, 2008
"It's not necessary to expose a large surface of the brain in order to access a small abnormality," said Duckworth, an assistant professor, neurological surgery, at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Less-invasive brain surgery can result in decreased pain and shorter hospital stays. (Science Daily)
Brain Changes Seen in Former Anorexics Aug 22, 2008
As they put it, "The volumetric analysis of brain structure supports the reversibility of structural brain abnormalities after weight recovery.". Similarly, since cognitive function was linked to menstrual status, they surmise that mental performance should improve with the return of normal periods. (MEDLINEplus)
Male Infertility Fix Works for Men over 40 Aug 22, 2008
"A detailed evaluation may uncover other (less common) abnormalities that would be associated with a poor outcome after surgery.". SOURCE: Urology, July 2008. (MEDLINEplus)
Fat can also be fit! Aug 21, 2008
In a second study, researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, assessed body weight and cardiometabolic abnormalities (including high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol) in 5,440 individuals participating in the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys between 1999 and 2004. Participants were considered metabolically healthy if they had none or one abnormality and metabolically abnormal if they had two or more... (India Times, India)
Pancreatic clinic opens in Somerset Aug 21, 2008
A large number of patients problems are related to benign conditions, including stones or abnormalities that occurred during development. About 50 percent require surgery. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Tubbs Jones Likely Had No Warning of Aneurysm Aug 21, 2008
The wall may have been previously weakened by disease, injury or an abnormality present at birth. Aneurysms also may be caused or made worse by high blood pressure and can lead to strokes. (Fox News)
Codeine use while breastfeeding may be dangerous Aug 21, 2008
Women with this genetic abnormality who take codeine while breastfeeding then expose infants to high, possibly even toxic levels of morphine through their breast milk ... Mothers with the genetic abnormality may experience similar symptoms themselves. (CTV.ca)
Parents a problem for infant ear tests Aug 21, 2008
Risk factors include a baby baby born before 38 weeks or weighing less than 1500 grams, having cranio-facial abnormalities, spending five days or more on a ventilator, a family history of childhood hearing loss, or a mother having had rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes and bacterial meningitis. The study, published in the Journal Of Paediatrics And Child Health, found many parents did not return for follow-up testing. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Last Night's TV: No prizes for the pedigree chumps Aug 20, 2008
George the pug, a hairy collage of physical abnormalities, demonstrated the point nicely. Pugs are supposed to have tightly curled tails, but breed for that and you get twisted spines thrown into the mix for free. (Independent)
Yoda the Cat Astounds With Four Ears Aug 20, 2008
A genetic abnormality gave Yoda, of Downers Grove, Ill ... The abnormality can cause hearing impairments, though Rock said several veterinarians have given Yoda a clean bill of health. (Fox News)
Inside the brain Aug 20, 2008
The lump they found was a cavernoma, an abnormality in one of the veins in her brain. It had to come out, not only because it was triggering fits but because it could haemorrhage. (BBC News -- Science)
Can Facial Structures, Brain Abnormalities Reveal Formula For Detection Of Autism? Aug 20, 2008
Can Facial Structures, Brain Abnormalities Reveal Formula For Detection Of Autism ... Can Facial Structures, Brain Abnormalities Reveal Formula For Detection Of Autism ... Once we have created a formula, we can pre-screen children by performing a quick, non-invasive scan of each child s face and brain to check for abnormalities. (Science Daily)
