Stroke :: Incidence of stroke decreases over last 50 years
The incidence of stroke in the US over the past 50 years has declined, although the severity of stroke has not, according to a study in the December 27 issue of JAMA.
Heart Disease
Liver :: Liver X Receptor’s role in glucose metabolism and fat synthesis
In a new study, scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have described for the first time a glucose-activated sensor that acts as a switch to decrease production of endogenous glucose in the liver, and increase conversion of glucose to fat for storage in adipose tissue. This dual action makes the sensor, Liver X Receptor, a potential target for new therapies aimed at obesity and diabetes. The research may also have implications for heart disease and stroke.
Gene :: Studying genetic traits of India-born populations in US
Researchers conducting genetic analysis of India-born individuals in the US may have begun to shed light on the genetic variations of the diverse population of India.
Heart Disease :: Adult stem cells reduce tissue damage in cardiovascular diseases
Xabier L?pez Aranguren, a biologist and biochemist at the University of Navarra, has studied in his doctoral dissertation the use of adult stem cells in order to palliate damage to the tissues affected by cardiovascular diseases, which are one of the leading causes of death in the Western world. The results of his research have recently been published in the journal Blood.
Heart Disease :: Blood transfusions raise heart patients’ infection risk
Blood transfusions save the lives of millions of heart surgery patients and others each year. But a new study suggests that patients who receive transfusions during heart bypass surgery have a higher risk of developing potentially dangerous infections, and dying, after their operation.
Colorectal Cancer :: Estrogen study provides new impetus for development of colon cancer drugs
The female hormone estrogen may hold important clues for scientists working on new therapies for colon cancer, a study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers suggests.
Diabetes :: Less sugary drinks during childhood may cut disease risk
Symptoms of heart disease and diabetes usually seen in adults are increasingly being found in adolescents according to a longitudinal study, which suggests that reducing the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages during childhood may lessen the risk of chronic disease in later life.
Childhood Obesity :: Australians support mandatory fitness testing to combat childhood obesity
Almost four in five Australians (78 percent) support mandatory fitness testing for school children to combat childhood obesity, according to a new public opinion poll by Research Australia.
Heart Disease :: Coronary bypass surgery treats clogged arteries
DR. MICHAEL REARDON, heart surgeon at the METHODIST DEBAKEY HEART CENTER: “Last week, the FDA hosted a panel to discuss the safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting stents, popular devices that are used to treat clogged arteries.
Heart Failure :: MYO-VAD – Promise for Treatment of Heart Failure
Biophan Technologies, Inc., a developer of next-generation medical technology, in conjunction with MYOTECH, LLC, recently presented results of animal studies that indicate the potential of the MYO-VAD, a cardiac support system to significantly improve the treatment of heart failure. The MYO-VAD restores cardiac output on an arrested or weak heart. The device can be implanted in approximately three minutes.