In The News This Week … Oct. 29–Nov. 4, 2006: Wine, Curry, SIDS, Breast CA, Anti-Smoking Ads, Sneezing, & Hearts

In Praise of Wine

Research published online on November 1 in Nature reports the exciting news that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and grapes, extends the lifespan of various mice species, allowing them to enjoy a healthier old age and a high-calorie diet. Increased longevity, healthier longevity, and a high-calorie diet?! What more could we ask for!?

In Praise of Curry

A paper published online on October 30 in Arthritis & Rheumatism reports that curcumin, an extract of the curry spice turmeric, can prevent joint inflammation in rats, and authors conclude that further evaluation of the use of turmeric dietary supplements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis should be pursued.

Meanwhile, a study published in the November 1 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology says that curcumin is also good for the mind. Researchers found that Asians aged 60-93 who ate curry "occasionally" and "often or very often" had significantly better Mini-Mental State Examination scores than did subjects who "never or rarely" consumed curry.

SIDS

A small study published in the November 1 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association has found evidence that SIDS may be caused by brain stem abnormalities, which impact the way the brain uses the neurotransmitter serotonin. Also see the news item from July 5, 2008.

Breast CA

A report published online on November 1 in the Journal of Medical Genetics has found that risk of breast cancer is not only influenced by the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes, but also by modifier genes. This means that women with close relatives with breast CA, even if they do not have the main BRCA1/BRCA2 genes, are still at a higher than average risk of developing the disease.

Anti-Smoking Ads

Unfortunately, though not surprising to many, findings published online on October 31 in the American Journal of Public Health indicate that youth-directed TV ads aimed at smoking prevention, which are produced by tobacco companies, "had no beneficial outcomes for youths." What's more, "Exposure to tobacco company parent-targeted advertising may have harmful effects on youth, especially among youths in grades 10 and 12." (Our italics.)

Sneezing

In news that's sure to gross out many, The Journal of Infectious Diseases has published an article that says that many people carry Staphylococcus aureus in their noses, and large amounts of this bacteria and others are released into the air with every sneeze! They also note that while colds do not alter bacterial dispersal, having respiratory allergies multiplies the effect of dispersing the bug. According to researchers, S. aureus is among the most important pathogens in today's hospital setting.

Help for Hearts

Some good news for heart failure patients! According to an article published in the November 2 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, in a study of 15 patients with severe heart failure at one center, the use of a left ventricular assist device and drug therapy resulted in "sustained reversal of severe heart failure secondary to nonischemic cardiomyopathy … in selected patients."

Meanwhile, another study, which looked at statin therapy for chronic heart failure, which was published in the November 1 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, concluded, "Among adults diagnosed with heart failure who had no prior statin use, incident statin use was independently associated with lower risks of death and hospitalization among patients with or without coronary heart disease."

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