Charity News from Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003Illustrator Berkeley Breathed Teams Up with The HSUS to Promote AdoptionsThe Humane Society of the United States | When fans of the comic strip "Bloom County" and its illustrator, Berkeley Breathed, line up for a copy of his latest book, "Flawed Dogs," (Little, Brown and Company; 0-316-71359-7; $18.95) they're getting more than a good laugh. Enzyme Revealed That is Key to Fungus's Ability to Breach Immune System Duke University Medical Center | A newly discovered mechanism by which an infectious fungus evades the immune system could lead to novel methods to fight the fungus and other disease-causing microbes, according to Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators at Duke University. Pharmacists Play Key Role in Patient Safety Duke University Medical Center | The traditional image of a pharmacist is someone who compounds and dispenses medications in a retail setting. That image, as well as the pharmacist's role in health care, is changing. Newer Formulation of Heparin Improves Outcomes for Suspected Heart Attack Patients Duke University Medical Center | A newer formulation of the blood thinner heparin appears to improve outcomes with fewer complications, when combined with a platelet receptor blocking drug and invasive management, for patients who come to the ER with a suspected heart attack. Drug Proven to Benefit Heart Attack Victims Vastly Underused Duke University Medical Center | Researchers from a Duke University Medical Center-led patient registry have found that almost two-thirds of patients did not receive a class of clot-inhibiting drugs within the first 24 hours of symptoms, despite proof that the drugs save lives. Stents open arteries, but keep costs down American Heart Association | Stents, which prop open narrowed arteries, are initially more expensive than balloon angioplasty alone, but they prove durable and cost-effective with time, according to research reported in today's rapid access issue of Circulation. A heart-strengthening pace: brisk but comfortable American Heart Association | The pace that feels right probably is. When it comes to fitness, a brisk, comfortable walking pace strengthens the heart, researchers reported today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2003. Global Report on Nutrition's Role in Cancer Prevention Will Adopt New Approach American Institute for Cancer Research | The World Cancer Research Fund International announced that an upcoming global report on nutrition, physical activity and cancer prevention will employ an innovative method to review the scientific evidence as objectively as possible. Emory Scientists Link Atrial Fibrillation with Decrease in Nitrous Oxide: Finding Could Hold Key to Increased Risk of Stroke Emory University | Emory research presented today offers a possible explanation for one of the most serious, and sometimes deadly, complications associated with the heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation (AF) -- stroke. Emory Scientists Find Oral Tetrahydrobiopterin Can Reduce High Blood Pressure and Improve Endothelial Function Emory University | According to the American Heart Association (AHA), one in four U.S. adults has hypertension (HTN). Without adequate treatment, HTN can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure. Multi-hospital angioplasty improvement effort reduces deaths and complications, yields valuable risk data University of Michigan Health System | Angioplasty patients in Michigan are getting far better care — and suffering far fewer complications — than they used to, thanks to a cooperative quality improvement project involving local hospitals and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. High heart disease risk for lupus patients may be linked to rapid death of blood vessel lining cells University of Michigan Health System | Mass suicide by protective cells that line every blood vessel in the body may be to blame for the increased risk of heart and vascular disease faced by patients with the autoimmune disease known as lupus, new research suggests. A little electrical boost may help many heart failure patients American Heart Association | An electrical device that can strengthen the heart's pumping power shows promise as a new treatment for heart failure – a disease that affects some 4.9 million Americans, researchers reported today. Poor neighborhood linked to poor heart attack survival American Heart Association | Living in a low-income neighborhood increases the risk of death after a heart attack. Patients living in neighborhoods with a high percentage of residents living below the poverty line had a death rate after heart attack 30% higher. Growth factor grows stem cells that help heal hearts American Heart Association | A drug that stimulates bone marrow to produce stem cells helped regenerate damaged heart muscle in one of the first studies of its kind. The drug, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), treats some forms of cancer. Air pollution, even at "safe" levels, is bad for the heart American Heart Association | Urban air pollution is linked to increased rates of death from cardiovascular disease, according to a study presented today. The researchers conducted the study in the greater Athens area from 1992 to 1997. Men's social isolation linked to higher heart disease risk American Heart Association | In a study examining factors that influence successful aging, researchers found that among a group of men in their 70s, social isolation was linked to increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and fibrinogen in the blood. Hospital work shifts influence survival from cardiac arrest American Heart Association | The odds of surviving cardiac arrest in the hospital are lower during the night shift, according to one of the largest studies of its kind. Hospitals may be less prepared to identify and respond to cardiac arrest during the night shift.
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