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Treatable Hormonal Condition Sometimes Overlooked In Infertility Patients
A condition known as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or CAH, is easily treatable but frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to infertility and other "perplexing symptoms," the New York Times reports. CAH is a hormone deficiency that leads to excess production of androgens, which can hinder ovulation in women and cause low sperm count in men. It also can cause short stature, body odor, acne, irregular menstruation and excessive hair growth. The condition can be diagnosed through a blood test and treated with small doses of the steroid dexamethasone, which can reverse symptoms in three months to two-and-one-half years.According to Maria New, a leading authority on CAH and a professor of pediatrics and human genetics at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the disease occurs in one in every 100 people in the general population. It is more common among certain ethnic groups, occurring in one in 27 Ashkenazi Jews and one in 40 Hispanics. Not everyone with the condition has symptoms or needs to be treated. The most severe form of the disease, classic CAH, can result in ambiguous genitalia in girls, while the milder nonclassical form sometimes produce no symptoms, the Times reports.Many fertility clinics do not test for the disease or only test after attempting other treatments. Some obstetricians are unaware of CAH and its effect on fertility, according to Zev Rosenwaks, director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell hospital. CAH also can be confused with polycystic ovarian syndrome -- which has some similar symptoms -- or early puberty in younger patients (Tarkan, New York Times, 7/7).
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Why Do People With Down Syndrome Have Less Cancer?
Most cancers are rare in people with Down syndrome, whose overall cancer mortality is below 10 percent of that in the general population. Since they have an extra copy of chromosome 21, it"s been proposed that people with Down syndrome may be getting an extra dose of one or more cancer-protective genes. The late cancer researcher Judah Folkman, MD, founder of the Vascular Biology Program at Children"s Hospital Boston, popularized the notion that they might be benefiting from a gene that blocks angiogenesis, the development of blood vessels essential for cancer"s growth, since their incidence of other angiogenesis-related diseases like macular degeneration is also lower. A study from Children"s confirms this idea in mice and human cells and identifies specific new therapeutic targets for treating cancer.
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The Mystery Of Why HIV Patients Are More Susceptible To TB Infection Solved By Harvard Scientists
A team of Harvard scientists has taken an important first step toward the development of new treatments to help people with HIV battle Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection. In their report, appearing in the July 2009 print issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology they describe how HIV interferes with the cellular and molecular mechanisms used by the lungs to fight TB infection. This information is crucial for researchers developing treatments to help people with HIV prevent or recover from TB infection.
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Leading U.S. Expert Offers Ten Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Mental Health Problems In Elderly

As people age, the potential exists for those years to be the most rewarding and fulfilling time of their lives. However, major illness, retirement, the death of a spouse, and a shrinking circle of friends all may, in some cases, contribute to increased levels of stress and depression in the elderly. For that reason the chief of geropsychiatry for the Los Angeles Jewish Home - the largest single- provider of senior residential housing in the western United States - is offering seniors and their loved ones 10 warning signs that may trigger the need for assistance with mental health issues. "Though many seniors have developed positive coping skills and emotional maturity, others may experience Alzheimer"s disease, addictions, anxiety disorders and depression," said Dr. Nitin Nanda of the Home. "Deteriorating physical health can quickly change a happy retirement into a period of confusion, fear and chronic pain. When disabilities occur later in life, individuals who were involved in working, socializing and traveling may suddenly face lower incomes, reduced mobility, and dependence on caregivers and assistive devices. These changes can have a dramatic effect on seniors" mental and emotional well-being." As a result of this growing need in the country the Home has unveiled the Auerbach Behavioral Health Unit dedicated to treating depression and other acute psychiatric needs in seniors. The 10-bed voluntary unit incorporates the Jewish Home"s nationally acclaimed model of comprehensive, high-quality treatment by attending to the needs of the whole person - mind, body and sprit. Here are Dr. Nanda"s ten signs that show a senior you care about might need help: 1. Depressed mood or sadness lasting more than two weeks. 2. Feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, hopelessness, helplessness. 3. Decreased ability to think, concentrate or make decisions. 4. Repeated thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts. 5. Social withdrawal, change in activity level, loss of interest in hobbies. Irritability, quarrelsomeness. 6. Loss or increase in appetite or weight change. 7. Sleep changes such as insomnia or sleeping more than usual. 8. Change in appearance or standard of dress. 9. Aches, pains and other physical problems that cannot otherwise be explained. 10. Alcohol, drug abuse and/or misuse. "Depression and other types of mental health issues can be sensitively and successfully treated," Dr. Nanda said. "However, it is critical to recognize the need in a timely way and be aware of the various signs." Dr. Nanda said if a problem is suspected, an individual should: -- Talk with your physician, explain how you feel, and describe what is not normal for you. Have a list of all medications and vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements. -- Talk to a trusted friend, family member or spiritual advisor. -- Don"t be shy or embarrassed. Explain how you feel. Remind your doctors and pharmacist about your medical history. -- Ask for instructions in writing. Founded in 1912, the world-renowned Los Angeles Jewish Home is one of the foremost multi-level senior-living communities in the United States and the largest single- provider of senior housing in Los Angeles. In total, the Home annually serves more than 1,700 seniors through its extraordinary continuum of services. Each year, more than 1,200 women and men are cared for in-residence on two village campuses, with services including independent-living "Neighborhood Home" accommodations, residential care, skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitative care, acute psychiatric care, and Alzheimer"s disease and dementia care. Another 500 seniors are served through the Home"s community-based programs, which includes Skirball Hospice and community clinics. The Home is a nonprofit organization that relies upon donations from individuals, corporations and foundations to continue its remarkable work. Los Angeles Jewish Home


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