Autism Linked To Environmental Factors

According to a report done on autism, environmental factors may contribute to autism.

 For the study researchers focused on the environmental factors that babies and fetuses are exposed to.  They argued that the increase in autism cases in California could not be explained by changes in doctors' diagnoses.

For example:
In 1990 there were 205 new cases of autism; 6.2 of  every10,000 children born were autistic.
In 2006, there were 3,000 new cases and 42.5 of every 10,000 were autistic.
Medical experts suspected changes in diagnoses or migration tom the state.

They analyzed 17 years of state data that tracks developmental disability. They also used birth records and census bureau data to calculate the rate of autism and diagnosis.

The result:
Migration to the state of California had no effect.
Changes in how and when doctors diagnose the disorder and when officials file reports can explain less than half of the cases.


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Clinical Trials Information

The National Library Of Medicine and Clinicaltrials.gov have made it possible for the general public to obtain data and to research clinical trials studies on most conditions.

Here are details of specific trials. They are up to date at time of reading this post. You may go directly to the website as well.

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• AIDS
• Cancer 
• Prostate cancer

To access other diseases and conditions, go to their website and do a search.
Clinicaltrials.gov

Second Mastectomy- A Preventative Measure

More women are deciding to have their second breast removed to prevent cancer developing again.

According to a study, it could be a  preventative measure to protect their health and save their lives

Researchers studied 542 women with breast cancer and identified three factors which put them at risk of developing cancer in the second breast.

• More than one tumor in the same breast at time of diagnosis
• A high score in the Gail model
• Cancer begins in the milk producing glands rather than the milk ducts, then invading surrounding tissue

The women in the study who had all three risk factors had both breasts removed between 2000 and 2007. Researchers believe that these women are good candidates for removal of the second breast to protect their health and save their lives. Read More

Surgical Checklist Can Reduce Complications

A simple surgical checklist could make surgery safer than ever, the checklist mentioned by the World Health Organization(WHO)as a 'safe surgery' tool will decrease mortality and complications.

Researchers found that the simple surgical checklist can reduce complications and deaths after major surgery.

The study took place in the following cities:

• Toronto, Canada
• London, UK
• Auckland, Newzealand
• Seattle, USA
• Jordan
• India
• Manilla, Philippines
• Tanzania

Data was collected from 7688 patients: 3733 before the checklist was initiated and 3955 after completion of the checklist.  Hospitals in both high and low income settings  participated.

Result:

1. The reductions in complications were of equal magnitude in both settings.
2. Major complications rate fell from 11% to 7%
3. Inpatient deaths fell by by more than 40%

The checklist in question, is a three-step process, initiated before anaesthesia, then prior to the skin incision and completed before the patient leaves the OR.

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Hospitals responded well to the results of the study, Many around the world are expected to implement its use making major surgery safer than ever.

Elderly Not Affected By Intensity of Exercise

Researchers wanted to evaluate the different intensities of aerobic exercise on the elderly with mild cognitive impairment.

According to the result of study the intensity of aerobics had no effect on the participants.

The randomized study involved 48 patients in residential homes for the elderly.

They were placed in one of three groups:
1-Performed aerobics exercise at 40% heart rate reserve
2-Performed aerobic exercise at 60% heart rate reserve
3-Performed recreational activities.

Their functional ability and cognitive level were assessed:
1-Before the intervention
2-At the end the study (3 months)
3-Three months later

On completion of the study, all patients in the aerobic training improved marginally.

There were no differences regarding cognitive level and functional ability among those in the aerobic training program and those who performed recreational activites.

The study was published in the Clinical Rehabilitation in May, 2012