July 18, 2013 The so-called trust hormone, oxytocin, may not improve the symptoms of children with autism, a large study led by researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has found. Professor Mark Dadds, of the UNSW School of Psychology, says previous research suggested that oxytocin -- a hormone with powerful effects on brain activity linked to the formation of social bonds -- could have benefits for children with the disorder. "Many parents of children with autism are already obtaining and using oxytocin nasal spray with their child, and clinical trials of the spray's effects are underway all over the world. Oxytocin has been touted as a possible new treatment, but its effects may be limited," Professor Dadds says. Autism is a complex condition of unknown cause in which children exhibit reduced interest in other people, impaired social communication skills and repetitive behaviours. To determine its suitability as a general treatment Professor Dadds' team conducted a randomised controlled clinical trial of 38 boys aged between seven and 16 years of age with autism. Half were given a nasal spray of oxytocin on four consecutive days. The study has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Autism and … Continue reading →

NIOSH warns heat stroke is a medical emergency, call 911. UPI/Stephen Shaver License photo WASHINGTON, July 18 (UPI) -- With another day of oppressive, humid, sticky heat in the Northeast and Midwest, U.S. government officials warn outdoor workers of the risk of heat stress. Officials at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Division of Safety Research said heat stress from the high temperatures combined with high humidity can result in a heat index of 100 or more F causing heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. "Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers and others," OSHA said "Workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are age 65 or older, are overweight, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be affected by extreme heat." Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: -- Heavy sweating. -- Extreme weakness or fatigue. -- Dizziness, confusion. -- Nausea. More: Triple figure heat index can cause heat stress, heat stroke … Continue reading →

Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center has received national recognition from the American Stroke Association for excellence in stroke care. The Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and Target: Stroke Honor Roll designation are awarded to hospitals that have implemented a set of stroke treatment standards and protocols. To receive the Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, St. Francis achieved 85 percent or higher adherence to all award indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month intervals and achieved 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 reporting initiatives to measure quality of care. These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients. In addition, St. Francis Medical Center has also been recognized as a recipient of the Target: Stroke Honor Roll, for improving stroke care. In a three month period, at least 50 percent of the hospitals eligible stroke patients have received a key clot-busting medicine called tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, within 60 minutes of arriving at the hospital (known as door-to-needle time). Since January 1, St. Francis has … Continue reading →