|
Health Buzz
By Pamela Berry
Clarion-Ledger
22 November 2005
The latest information about health, medicine and research from around the globe.
STEM CELLS
Treat heart attack tissue
Researchers report the successful use of stem cells to treat heart attack tissue damage in pigs - a breakthrough that is paving the way for human trials.
In just two months, stem cells harvested from another pig's bone marrow and injected into the animal's damaged heart restored heart function and repaired damaged heart muscle up to 75 percent.
Two patients already have been enrolled at Johns Hopkins to participate in a Phase I clinical trial of the therapy, which will test the safety of injecting adult stem cells at varying amounts in patients who have recently suffered a heart attack. A total of 48 patients will participate in the study. Results are not expected until mid-2006, the researchers said.
CELL PHONE USE
Quadruples car crash risk
Drivers distracted by cell phone conversations quadruple their risk of a serious accident, according to new research from Australia.
The University of Sydney study also found hands-free mobile phones are no safer than handheld mobile phones while driving.
Researchers analyzed data on 456 drivers who owned or used mobile phones and had been in a traffic crash resulting in injuries requiring hospitalization.
Researchers found cell phone use occurring in the 10 minutes prior to a crash was linked to a quadrupled risk of having an accident. The researchers also found similar results for the interval of up to five minutes before a crash.
ALZHEIMER'S PATIENTS
Often have vision overlooked
One in three nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease is not getting their vision corrected so they can see clearly, a new study finds.
Dr. James M. Koch, department of internal medicine resident at St. Louis University, said many nursing home residents are losing out on stimulation by not being able to see the television, read books or interact appropriately.
Koch interviewed nearly 100 patients and found that one-third were not using or did not have glasses strong enough to correct their eyesight.
He recommends labeling eyewear so it can be returned to its owner if misplaced, having a spare pair to replace missing glasses and ensuring all nursing home residents receive at least biannual eye exams.
- Compiled by Pamela Berry
|
