Health 

Plastic Surgeries Continue To Grow, Despite Sluggish Economy, USA - 13.8 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2011, a 5% increase on the year before, according to a new report issued by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The authors added that by the end of 2011, the number of total plastic surgeries had grown for 24 consecutive months. These figures include both minimally-invasive and surgical procedures. The ASPS informs that 5.5 additional reconstructive procedures were carried out in 2011, also a 5% increase on the previous year. ASPS President Malcolm Z. Roth, MD., said: "While the rate of economic recovery in the U.S... Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 PST

Chemotherapy Works Better With Short Fasting Periods - According to a study published in Science Translational Medicine, part of the Science family of journals, chemotherapy drugs are more effective when combined with cycles of short, severe fasting. Furthermore, fasting on its own was shown to be effective at treating most of the cancers tested in animals, including human cancer cells. The researchers discovered that 5 out of 8 types of cancer in rodents responded to fasting alone. Fasting, like chemotherapy, delayed the growth and spread of tumors... Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 PST

First-Trimester Induced Abortion Not Associated With Increased Risk Of Psychiatric Readmission - Research published in the February issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, reveals that for women with a history of a treated mental disorder, who had their first induced abortion within the first-trimester of pregnancy, are not at a higher risk of readmission to psychiatric facilities. Background information in the article states: "Diverging results exist as to whether induced abortions negatively influence mental health, and there is a paucity of sound studies on the topic... Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:00:00 PST

New Treatment For Chronic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury - Chronic neuropathic pain following a spinal cord injury is common and very difficult to treat, but a new therapeutic strategy requiring a one-time injection into the spinal column has potential to improve patient outcomes. This cutting-edge pain management strategy is described in an article published in Journal of Neurotrauma, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. The article is available free online,* along with a related article on pain following spinal cord injury... Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Highlighting A Rare Subset Of Diseases Involving The Lymphatic System - A clinically challenging and under-studied subset of diseases affecting the lymphatic system and grouped under the disease spectrum lymphangiomatosis and Gorham's disease is the focus of a special issue of Lymphatic Research and Biology, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.. The issue is available free online.* Guest Editor, and Journal Associate Editor Francine Blei MD, MBA, St... Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Exercise Benefits Advanced Cancer Patients With Reduced Muscle Mass - Many patients with advanced cancer suffer from cachexia, a condition also called body-wasting or wasting syndrome, which causes significant weight loss, extreme fatigue and reduces quality of life. New research from Concordia University and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) has found that patients with severe cancer-related fatigue have less muscle mass and strength versus patients who are less impaired. Published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, the findings open the door for future interventions that may improve the lives of these patients... Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST