Washington, Nov 11: Researchers from Emory University School of Medicine suggest that analysing daily rhythms in the activity of cells that line blood vessels may help explain why heart attacks and strokes often occur during early morning hours.

According to Dr Ibhar Al Mheid, a postdoctoral cardiology researcher at Emory, endothelial cells serve as the interface between the blood and the arteries, controlling arterial tone and helping to prevent clots that lead to strokes and heart attacks.

The researchers sought to determine the circadian pattern of both endothelial function -- the ability of blood vessels to relax -- and the abundance of the progenitor cells.

Washington, Nov 10 : Access to appropriate care, patient adherence, distrust of the medical profession, delayed asthma diagnosis, culture, lifestyle choices and genetic discrepancies, are some of the barriers in managing asthma, according to experts.

Allergists detailed factors that act as barriers in asthma care at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Seattle.

Washington, Nov 10 : A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers has suggested that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) - and, in particular, the low nighttime oxygen saturation of the blood it causes - may be a risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD).

OSA is a condition that disrupts breathing during sleep and is associated with obesity. The new study identified OSA as one of two traits that increase the risk of SCD. The other is age - patients who are 60 years old or older.

Washington, Nov 10 : Chronic use of the asthma drug corticosteroid may have some serious impact on bones, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Seattle.

The results came after an analysis of large population databases by researchers led by Dr. Rebecca Green, assistant professor, paediatric endocrinology and diabetes, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Washington, Nov 10 : Young women who survive breast cancer often face problems related with sexual intimacy in their relationships, and prefer using sexual enhancement products to combat them, according to an Indiana University study.

Titled "Young Female Breast Cancer Survivors: Their sexual function and interest in sexual enhancement products and services," the study was led by Debby Herbenick, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at IU Bloomington''s School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Washington, November 10 : A new study has revealed that influenza vaccination can help reduce the risk of blood clots forming in veins by 26 percent

“Our study suggests for the first time that vaccination against influenza may reduce the risk of venous thrombotic embolism (VTE),” said Dr. Joseph Emmerich, lead author of the study and professor of vascular medicine at the University Paris Descartes and head of the INSERM Lab 765, which investigates thrombosis.

“This protective effect was more pronounced before the age of 52 years,” he said while presenting the findings at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions
2008.