Genetic Tests On Lung Cancer May Someday Guide Treatment

January 29, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

Lung cancers are not all the same. Part of the difference is in the cancer’s genetics.

“There can be genes that predict that you’re more likely to respond to chemotherapy. Genes that predict a greater risk of spread to other parts of the body,” explains Dr. Jane Raymond, a cancer specialist at Allegheny General Hospital.

Of the two major types of lung cancer, small cell and non-small cell, the more common is non-small cell. Surgical removal of the tumor is often standard, but what about chemotherapy and radiation? [Read more...]

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More Men ‘Have Oral Cancer Virus’

January 28, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is more common among men than women, leading to an increased risk for men of head and neck cancers, a US study suggests.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study assessed around 5,500 people aged 14 to 69.

Around 10% of men had oral HPV, compared with 3.6% of women.

HPV causes the majority of cervical cancers, as well as genital and anal – and head and neck cancers.

Smoking and drinking are significant known risk factors for head and neck cancers. But oral HPV infection increases cancer risk by around 50%, according to the research team from Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. [Read more...]

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Your Personal Fashion Style

January 27, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

The thought that should be put into the gift is the important factor which goes a long way toward making someone feels that they are special and valued. Well, in choosing jewelry is no different than choosing a wardrobe. However, most important is stick within your comfort zone and your personal fashion style. Thus, if your wife likes heart shapes then giving her a heart shape anniversary diamond rings on your wedding anniversary can mean much more to her. Remember guys, jewelry that celebrates each other’s individuality as well as the life that you have made together was priceless, no matter what the actual cost is.

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Rare Kidney Disease Shows How Salt, Potassium Levels Are Moderated

January 27, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a principal risk factor for heart disease and affects 1 billion people. At least half of them are estimated to be salt-sensitive; their blood pressure rises with sodium intake. New research released today shows important aspects of how sodium and potassium are regulated in the kidney.

The work, posted online by Nature, also offers insight on how one form of familial high blood pressure disease is inherited. Nephrology researchers in the School of Medicine at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio are co-authors.

Disease includes high potassium levels, low pH

The study explores the mechanisms of a rare, inherited kidney disease called pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII). This disease is marked by hypertension, higher-than-normal levels of potassium, and low pH, acidic body fluids. [Read more...]

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Are You Tired All The Time?

January 26, 2012 by ·

Renewing your energy is possible, once you learn to combat common causes of fatigue.

Culprit: A Vitamin or Mineral Deficiency

Having low levels of iron or vitamin D or B12 can make you feel tired, anxious, and weak, says Irene Park, a nurse practitioner in New York City. Many experts believe that a significant percentage of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D. “And lower levels of vitamin D can cause muscle weakness and pain,” says Keenan. Also, if you’re a woman of reproductive age, you’re statistically at greater risk for iron-deficiency anemia. [Read more...]

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Genes Which Time Menopause Identified

January 25, 2012 by ·

Researchers have identified 13 new regions of genes, which can help in predicting the onset of menopause.

These genes shed light on the biological pathways involved in reproductive lifespan and will provide insights into conditions connected to menopause, such as breast cancer and heart disease.

Menopause is a major hormonal change that affects most women when they are in their early 50s. The timing of menopause can have a huge impact on fertility, as well as influencing the risk of a range of common diseases such as breast cancer. It has been known for some time that genetic factors influenced the onset of menopause, however until recently very few genes had been identified. [Read more...]

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Soon, Blood Test May Identify Those Likely To Get Alzheimer’s Disease

January 23, 2012 by ·

Kiwi researchers are on the verge of developing a blood test, which would help in early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

According to team leader, Professor Cliff Abrahams, treatments for the disease would perhaps be developed in the near future, but to be useful, they would need to be administered while the disease was in its early stages, before causing considerable brain damage.

A blood test that could identify biomarkers for those at risk would contribute to an early diagnosis and aid treatment, Stuff.co.nz reported.

“The expectation is that when such treatments do come on stream — and it is just a matter of time — we will want to be able to give people whatever treatment is developed as early as possible,” said Abrahams. [Read more...]

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