APEX reveals glowing stellar nurseries

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The region, called RCW120, is about 4200 light years from Earth, towards the constellation of Scorpius. A hot, massive star in its centre is emitting huge amounts of ultraviolet radiation, which ionises the surrounding gas, stripping the electrons from hydrogen atoms and producing the characteristic red glow of so-called H-alpha emission.

An ideal therapy for peptic ulcer disease

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Since the discovery of the etiological role of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) in peptic ulcer disease, its eradication became the main objective of therapy, and several treatment regimens were developed. Currently, triple therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin remains the best therapeutic option. Despite its efficacy, 10% to 20% of the patients present with treatment failure, demanding alternative therapeutic regimes with variable success rates. The development of effective salvage treatments is of paramount importance in this situation.

Cell-coated stent as effective as drug-coated ones but needs less meds

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A stent that entices artery-lining cells to coat it works as well or better than drug-eluting stents in keeping arteries open in coronary heart disease patients, according to two research studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2008.

The new endothelial progenitor cell-capturing (EPC) stent is coated with an antibody that binds endothelial progenitor cells circulating in the blood. A number of smaller, randomized studies have shown that the stent is effective in carefully selected patients.

Staying active may lower health risks for large, retired athletes

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The larger body size of professional football players doesn't increase risk of cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis after they retire, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2008.

Compared to other men, retired National Football League (NFL) players had a significantly lower prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, sedentary lifestyles and metabolic syndrome. However, the NFL retirees had a higher prevalence of elevated cholesterol and impaired fasting glucose that could lead to diabetes.

The bonsai effect: Wounded plants make jasmonates, inhibiting cell division, stunting growth

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Is sildenafil safe in cirrhosis patients?

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Sildenafil is valuable in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension in patients with end-stage liver disease through inhibition of the type-5 phosphodiesterase. The type-5 phosphodiesterase is also present in human mesenteric arteries. The effect of sildenafil on splanchnic blood flow and portal hypertension remains essentially unknown.

The research team led by Otto Clemmesen from Denmark addresses this question and this will be be published on October 28; 2008 in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.

Does HBV infection induce acute cellular DNA damage?

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Eukaryotic cells employ multiple strategies of checkpoint signaling and DNA repair mechanisms to monitor and repair damaged DNA. There are two branches of the checkpoint response pathway, ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) pathway and ATM-Rad3-related (ATR) pathway. Virus replication presents the host cells with large amounts of exogenous genetic material, including DNA ends and unusual structures. Therefore, infected cells recognize viral replication as a DNA damage stress and elicit DNA damage signal transduction, which ultimately

Possible association between CP and LC of alcoholic etiology

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Chronic alcoholism is a well-known etiologic factor associated with chronic and irreversible pancreatic and liver disorders. There is a correlation between increased ethanol consumption through many years and the risk of developing chronic pancreatitis (CP). An excessive consumption of alcohol is also associated with liver cirrhosis (LC), again with a correlation between increased ethanol consumption and the risk of LC. In clinical practice, the coincidence of both diseases, LC and CP, is rare. Furthermore, these two diseases do not share risk factors apart from alcohol consumption.

Previous abortions and exercise: Do they affect pregnancy?

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Women who have had two or more induced abortions have a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia by 60 %. It is not currently understood to what degree physical activity during pregnancy protects against pre-eclampsia, compared to previous studies. This is shown in two new studies from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) that use data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa).

White vans go green

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As if the drivers of mini vans and utility vehicles needed any more encouragement to drive fast between jobs, US researchers have designed a new rear spoiler for bluff-backed vehicles that can reduce drag and lift significantly. Writing in the International Journal of Vehicle Design, the team describes how the new spoiler could improve fuel consumption as well as vehicle handling.