Previous Medical News
2009/12/19
1. Kids' Swine flu shots recalled; not strong enough (CDC, 12/15/09)
Hundreds of thousands of swine flu shots for children have been recalled because tests indicate the vaccine doses lost some strength. The shots, made by Sanofi Pasteur, were distributed across the country last month and most have already been used, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 800,000 pre-filled syringes that were recalled are for young children, ages 6 months to nearly 3 years.
2. Champagne is as good for the heart as cocoa (British Journal of Nutrition, 12/09)
Champagne has the same health benefits as previously found in red wine. It contains polyphenol antioxidants, which are believed to reduce the effects of cell-damaging free radicals in the body. In particular, these antioxidants slow down the removal of nitric oxide from the blood, lowering blood pressure and therefore reducing the risk of heart problems and strokes.
3. For a Lighter Hangover, Avoid Darker Drinks: Bourbon hangover worse than vodka (Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 3/10)
If those who tend to overdo it stick to lighter-colored beverages, they might feel a little better the next day. Darker liquors like bourbon contain more toxic properties that provoke more painful hangovers than lighter choices such as vodka. The materials used in the alcohol fermenting process -- grains and wood casks -- produce small amounts of toxic byproducts
Known as "congeners," these complex organic molecules include acetone, fusel oil and tannins, and are present in much higher quantities among darker liquors than lighter ones.
4. Scientists crack 'entire genetic code' of cancer: Genetic Map Reveals Mutations From Cancer (Nature, 12/16/09)
Scientists have unlocked the entire genetic code of two of the most common cancers - skin and lung. Not only will the cancer maps pave the way for blood tests to spot tumors far earlier, they will also yield new drug targets. The first genetic maps of lung cancer and melanoma reveal the pivotal role of smoking and sunlight in triggering these two deadly forms of cancer by producing mutations in the genetic code.
5. High-dose vitamin C may boost women's cataract risk (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 12/09)
Women who take high-dose vitamin C supplements may be increasing their risk of age-related cataracts. Among nearly 24,600 adult women followed for more than 8 years, those who reported regular or occasional vitamin C supplementation of about 1000 milligrams per serving were about 25 percent more likely than those who did not take supplements to have age-related cataracts removed. Women who took extra vitamin C for 10 years or longer; or in combination with being 65 years and older, or taking hormone replacement or corticosteroid medications had even greater risk.
6. Alzheimer's protein may be early risk factor (Archives of Neurology, 12/09)
Imaging tests (PET Scans) may be able to detect the early signs of Alzheimer's disease long before it begins to affect memory. For the time that people who during life are known to have amyloid plaques in the brain -- the plaques of Alzheimer's disease -- have a very high risk of developing dementia in just a few years.
7. Herb Milk thistle may limit liver damage from chemotherapy (Cancer, 12/14/09)
Milk thistle, an herb used since ancient times to treat liver ailments may help reduce the liver damage caused by some cancer drugs.
8. Antibody tests boost celiac disease diagnoses (Pediatrics, 12/09)
The availability of antibody testing to diagnose celiac disease has led to a substantial increase in the number of cases detected among children. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder caused by an abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley -- as well as in many everyday items like medicines and vitamins. The disease damages structures in the lining of the small intestine called villi, which then impairs the body's absorption of nutrients. Symptoms include: chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss, chronic abdominal pain, acid reflux, vomiting and constipation. Blood tests are now available that detect certain antibodies produced in people with the disorder. These tests have allowed more and more people who have "atypical" celiac symptoms to be referred for definitive testing with an intestinal biopsy -- where a small piece of tissue is removed from the small intestine to check for damage to the villi. The blood test has been available since 1997. tTG (tissue transglutaminase) testing measures two antibodies called gliadin and reticulin. If both are positive the test is 90% accurate. About 4% of cases don’t produce these antibodies. Treatment for celiac disease is maintaining a life-long gluten free diet.
9. Doctor who treated Tiger Woods reportedly under investigation (New York Times, 12/15/09)
Dr. Anthony Galea of Canada, who has treated many professional athletes, including NFL players and Olympic medalists, is now under criminal investigation for allegedly providing athletes with performance-enhancing drugs. Investigation has shown that in the past, one of his rehab patients included one Tiger Woods. Galea was arrested in Toronto by Canadian police. During a crossing between the United States and Canada in September, inspectors found human growth hormone and the drug Actovegin in his medical bag; use, sale, and import of Actovegin is illegal in the United States. Galea is also under investigation by Canadian authorities for allegedly smuggling and dealing in illegal drugs, as well as participating in a criminal conspiracy. Actovegin, which is essentially calf’s blood extract, has been used in the treatment of circulatory disorders but has not been approved for sale in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration.
10. Trouble seeing? You're not alone (Archives of Ophthalmology, 12/09)
Significantly more Americans are nearsighted today than in the early 1970s. Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is when the eyes focus incorrectly to make distant objects appear blurred. This common problem can be treated by corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses or refractive surgery. The percentage has increased from 25% to 42% of the adult population. Risk factors include genetic and being born prematurely. Less time outdoors has also been suggested as a possible cause.
11. Medical therapy has benefits in neck artery disease (Archives of Neurology, 12/09)
According to a new study, for people found to have a symptomless buildup of plaque in their neck arteries, intensive medical therapy, not surgery, should be tried first. Surgery or stenting should only be performed in patients with microemboli. Intensive medical therapy, including aggressive control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, appears to reduce rates of stroke, heart attack, death and need for surgery.
12. Looking young may mean living longer (BMJ, 12/14/09)
Looking young apparently means a longer life. People who look younger than their years also live longer. These investigators additionally found a possible biological explanation: people who looked younger also tended to have longer telomeres, a key DNA component that is linked to aging.
13. Life Expectancy in U.S. Hits New High (CDC, 12/16/09)
Life expectancy in the US has hit a new high while deaths are at an all-time low. The average life expectancy in the US has reached almost 78 years. Women can expect to live to 80 years on average, while men to just over 75. Fewer deaths from heart disease, stroke and cancer are said to be driving the trend.
14. Eating crusts 'protects against bowel cancer' (European Journal of Cancer Prevention)
Scientists have discovered an antioxidant, released during the baking process, that prevents changes in the body that can lead to bowel cancer. The antioxidant, called pronyl-lysine, only develops as a result of a chemical reaction during cooking and is eight times more abundant in the crust than the rest of a loaf.
15. Coffee, Tea Might Stave Off Diabetes (Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 14/28, 2009)
Coffee and tea consumption, with or without caffeine, may decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
16. Marriage wards off blues, just don't end it (WHO, 12/15/09)
Marriage really is good for you, with a major international study finding it reduces the risks of depression and anxiety, but these disorders are more likely to plague people once the relationship is over. The study involved 34,493 people across 15 countries.
17. Looks may buy happiness, but only in the city (Journal of Personal Relationships, 12/09)
Happiness for city women is quite dependent upon physical appearance. But in the country, looks don’t count for much in terms of overall life satisfaction and happiness.
18. Combo drug therapies best for helping smokers quit (Archives of Internal Medicine, Dec. 14/28, 2009)
Nearly one in five smokers offered help in kicking the habit while visiting their doctor's office for a check-up will make a serious attempt to quit. The most effective smoking cessation drug therapy was a combination of bupropion SR (a sustained-release form of Zyban) and nicotine lozenges. Chantix was not tested.
19. For Babies' Sake, Pregnancy Spacing Matters (Contraception, 12/09)
You might want to wait at least six months before getting pregnant again, and more than 11 months could be even better. When the interval between pregnancies was less than six months, the chances of the baby dying, being born prematurely, having birth defects or having a low birth weight were significantly higher than among those who waited more than 11 months between pregnancies.
20. Federal Survey: Teen Marijuana Use Up; Meth Use, Smoking Down (University of Michigan, 12/15/09)
A decade-long decline in teens' use of pot has stalled and some teen attitudes on how harmful marijuana can be may be softening. The national debate over medical use of marijuana could be making the drugs seem safer to teenagers.
21. Breast Growth in Boys Might Be Linked to Plastics Chemical (Pediatrics, 1/10)
Common chemicals found in plastic toys and elsewhere could contribute to the abnormal growth of breasts in boys. This research adds fuel to the debate over these chemicals, called phthalates, whose safety has been questioned by some scientists. The chemical industry claims these ubiquitous manmade chemicals, which are used to soften plastics and stabilize fragrances, are safe.
22. Recall: Procter & Gamble recalls Vicks DayQuil capsules (Procter & Gamble, 12/18/09)
Procter & Gamble Co. is recalling 700,000 packs of Vicks DayQuil capsules because they are not childproof. The affected products do not contain child-resistant packaging, despite labeling claims on the box. The issue only affects DayQuil Cold & Flu 24-Count LiquiCaps Bonus Pack. Consumers can contact the company at 1-800-251-3374 for a refund or replacement coupon. Vicks formula contains four drug ingredients: acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan, a cough supressant; doxylamine, an antihistamine and pseudoephrine, a decongestant.
