25, October 2014

New test makes early detection of insulin disease in infants possible

A study that appeared in the Journal of Pediatrics reveals a new clinical test developed by researchers from the University of Manchester in Britain for detection of a rare insulin disease in infants (congenital hyperinsulinism). ‘We have discovered a new clinical test which can identify congenital hyperinsulinism in some patients with no known genetic cause of the disease,’ said lead researcher Karen Cosgrove.

Congenital hyperinsulinism is a rare disorder that deprives a baby’s brain of blood sugar. It may lead to brain damage and even death if it is not identified at an early stage. The condition occurs when pancreatic specialised cells secrete excess levels of insulin that causes frequent episodes of low sugar level. The new test measures a pair of hormones called incretins that are released by specialised cells in the gut when food is passing through. These hormones normally convey the cells in the pancreas to release more insulin to regulate sugar levels in our blood. If the child’s body releases too much incretin hormones, the pancreas will release too much insulin causing low blood sugar levels.

For the study, genes and hormones were analysed in 13 children with congenital hyperinsulisnism at the Manchester Children’s Hospital.  ‘Although we are the first researchers to report high incretin hormone levels in patients with congenital hyperinsulinism, further studies are needed to see if our test works on a larger group of patients,’ Cosgrove noted. Current treatment of the disease includes drugs to reduce insulin release but in the most serious cases the pancreas is removed.

‘In future the test may influence how these children are treated medically, perhaps even avoiding the need to have their pancreas removed,’ Cosgrove pointed out.

Source: www.thehealthsite.com

25.10.2014

Now, electronic ‘EyeCane’ that allows the blind to ‘see’

A new Electronic travel aids (ETA), the ‘EyeCane,’ has been developed that is tactile and provide auditory cues that can enhance the mobility of blind users. The new ETA developed by a team of researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, expanded the world of its users, allowing them to better estimate distance, navigate their environment, and avoid obstacles.  

Recent improvements have streamlined the device so its size and weight of less than 100 grams and could be easily held and pointed at different targets, while increasing battery life. The authors conducted a series of experiments to evaluate the usefulness of the device for both blind and blindfolded sighted individuals. The aim of the first experiment was to see if the device could help in distance estimation.  

The results have shown that even after less than five minutes of training, participants were able to complete the tasks successfully. This short training was required, as it made the device much more user friendly. White Canes were cumbersome and provided low-tech assistance to the visually impaired. The study was published inRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience.  

Source: www.thehealthsite.com

25.10.2014

Today will never come again. Be a friend.Encourage someone.Take time to care.Let your words heal, and not wound