Author Archives: yun

Rare brain tumor responds to targeted tumor treatment with ‘unprecedented’ success

Papillary craniopharyngiomas (PCPs) are a rare type of brain tumor that cause substantial morbidity for patients. While surgery and radiation are often used to treat PCPs, incomplete removal of the tumor and toxicity from radiation can leave patients with life-long health challenges after treatment, including neuroendocrine dysfunction or vision or memory loss. Investigators from the […]

Some Cats Have Disabilities, but Can They Have Down Syndrome?

Some cats exhibit behaviors or have physical features that remind humans of Down Syndrome, but can cats have Down Syndrome? Source: Getty Images Like any good pet parent, you want to ensure that your cat or dog gets the best possible quality of life. Frequently, animals with disabilities or special needs are the last to […]

Do the Benefits of Dog Ownership on Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Extend to US Military Veterans?

A study published in Scientific Reports finds that dog ownership reduces the risk of cardiometabolic disease among US military veterans. Study: Dog ownership may promote cardiometabolic health in U.S. military veterans. Image Credit: MAKSYM CHUB/Shutterstock.com Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. PTSD has been found to […]

The evolving cancer genome

Metastatic disease causes most deaths from cancer but how the cancer genome evolves during the progression from primary to secondary disease remains an important unanswered question. Reporting in Nature, Martínez-Jiménez et al. re-analyzed whole-genome sequences from 7,108 tumors across 23 cancer types comprising untreated primary tumors and (unmatched) treated secondary tumors. Their results showed that […]

We Need More Awareness and Research on Benign Breast Conditions

The U.S. still lags in research on benign breast disease—like cysts, scar tissue and tumors—because it’s seen as “a woman’s disease.” Most women have benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions. These conditions are not life-threatening, but some are linked with a higher risk of getting breast cancer later on. (Andres R / Getty Images) Paulette Kennedy did […]

Chronic hypertension in pregnancy

Chronic hypertension (CHTN) is a condition in which elevated blood pressure (BP) predates pregnancy or is first diagnosed in pregnancy before 20 weeks’ gestation.1,2 It affects approximately 2% or more of pregnant patients, depending on diagnostic criteria,3,4 and is associated with increased short- and longterm adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.1,2,5-9 The American College of Obstetricians […]

Is Constipation Associated with Hypertension and Cardiovascular Events in Older Australian Adults?

In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, scientists investigated the association between constipation and cardiovascular events such as angina, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack, and stroke, as well as hypertension among a representative population of elderly hospitalized patients in Australia. Study: Association of constipation with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular events in elderly Australian […]

Genetic Mutation Could Identify Individuals at Risk of Cardiovascular Death Among Patients with Rare Disease

The syndrome can manifest itself in many ways, including seizures, the inability to form words or phrases, and hearing problems. About one in four children with the syndrome also develop cardiovascular problems, including cardiomyopathy.   Previous research suggests some patients who have 1p36 deletion syndrome lack a gene called PRDM16. This gene produces a protein […]

Protein That Helps Treat Cardiovascular Disease May Also Aid in Kidney Disease

A new study from Aarhus University demonstrates that a protein known for treating cardiovascular diseases also affects a mechanism in the kidney that reabsorbs proteins. This finding could lead to new treatment options for chronic kidney disease. The new study is published in Kidney International in an article titled, “Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 targets […]