Monthly Archives: December 2013

Wayne State discovers potential treatment for skin and corneal wound healing in diabetics

Diabetes Mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder that affects nearly 170 million people worldwide, is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia that disrupts carbohydrate fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or both. DM can cause long-term damage, dysfunction and even failure of various organs.

New ways to repair wounds and reduce impact of aging on the skin

Scientists at King's College London have, for the first time, identified the unique properties of two different types of cells, known as fibroblasts, in the skin - one required for hair growth and the other responsible for repairing skin wounds. The research could pave the way for treatments aimed at repairing injured skin and reducing the impact of ageing on skin function.

Effectiveness of influenza vaccines may be significantly improved by brief laser-light treatment

Pretreating the site of intradermal vaccination - vaccine delivered into the skin rather than to muscles beneath the skin - with a particular wavelength of laser light may substantially improve vaccine effectiveness without the adverse effects of chemical additives currently used to boost vaccine efficacy.

Cancer mutation likely trigger of scleroderma

Johns Hopkins scientists have found evidence that cancer triggers the autoimmune disease scleroderma, which causes thickening and hardening of the skin and widespread organ damage.A report on the discovery, published in the Dec. 5 issue of Science, also suggests that a normal immune system is critical for preventing the development of common types of cancer.

Clinical trial tests insecticide-treated underwear to ward off body lice in shelters

Providing insecticide-treated underwear to people in homeless shelters was effective in eliminating body lice infestations, but the effect did not last and resistance to insecticide resistance increased, according to the results of a clinical trial by Samir Benkouiten, M.P.H., of Aix Marseille Université, France, and colleagues.

Assessing autonomic nerve functions in patients with spinal cord injury

Neurological functions following spinal cord injury have generally been assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale. However, the scale primarily evaluates motor function, and little attention has been given to autonomic nerve functions, such as defecation, sweating or skin response.

Highly effective treatment for excessive scars

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery assembles evidence on laser therapy for scar prevention and treatmentCurrent laser therapy approaches are effective for treating excessive scars resulting from abnormal wound healing, concludes a special topic paper in the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons...