CANT ELIMINATE BUT ONLY MINIMISE RISKS

/////////////////////////...RTRS=Kids with Autism May Have Gene That Causes Muscle Weakness
LibrariesMedical News

KeywordsAUTISM, GENE, GENETIC, MUSCLE, CHILDREN, MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE, NEUROLOGY, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY, AAN
Contact InformationAvailable for logged-in reporters only
DescriptionSome kids with autism may have a genetic defect that affects the muscles, according to research that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 12–19, 2008.
Newswise — Some kids with autism may have a genetic defect that affects the muscles, according to research that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 12–19, 2008.
The study looked at 37 children with autism spectrum disorders who were evaluated for mitochondrial disease, which causes muscle weakness and prevents a child from being able to participate in physical activities and sports. Mitochondrial disease occurs when genetic mutations affect the mitochondria, or the part of the cell that releases energy.
A total of 24 of the children, or 65 percent, had defects in the process by which cells produce and synthesize energy in the muscles, or oxidative phosphorylation defects in the skeletal muscles.
“Most children with autism spectrum disorders do not have recognizable abnormalities when you look at genetic tests, imaging, and metabolic tests,” said study author John Shoffner, MD, owner of Medical Neurogenetics, LLC in Atlanta, GA, and member of the American Academy of Neurology. “But a subset ofthese children does have significant defects in this area. Identifying this defect is important for understanding how genes that produce autism spectrum disorders impact the function of the mitochondria.”


/////////////////////..........Septic tanks 'home to dengue mosquitoes' Puerto Rican scientists have found the first evidence in Latin America of septic tanks being habitats for dengue-causing mosquitoes.



///////////////////.........Joint Commission Recommends Ways to Prevent Medication Errors in Kids
An alert from the Joint Commission recommends new efforts by hospitals to prevent pediatric medication errors.
Among the recommendations, released online:
All pediatric patients should be weighed in kilograms at admission. Except in emergencies, no high-risk drugs should be administered to patients who have not been weighed.
Use oral syringes to give oral medications to prevent inadvertent intravenous administration.
Clearly differentiate drugs that have been repackaged for children so they won't be confused with adult formulations.
If possible, use commercially available drugs that are formulated for pediatric patients.
The alert cited a recent Pediatrics study, which found a mean rate of 11 adverse drug events per 100 patients in a random chart review at 12 children's hospitals. Nearly one-quarter were considered preventable, and nearly all caused temporary harm, most often pruritis and nausea.


///////////////........First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. -- Epictetus



/////////////////.....dr weil=Five Fast-Food Suggestions

Even if you are diligent about packing healthful foods when traveling, or finding restaurants with nutritious choices when eating out, there may be times when your healthy dining options are limited. While we suggest you avoid eating fast food entirely, if you must, please keep the following in mind when ordering:
No matter how hungry you are, you are better off ordering a small amount of food and making up for it with healthier foods later. Don't super-size or add on items.
Opt out of cheese and mayonnaise, both of which can add unnecessary calories and fat. Instead, pile on lettuce, tomato and other vegetables, if possible.
Avoid anything deep-fried. From chicken to potatoes to onions, deep-fried foods contain altered fats that are detrimental to the body.
If you order a salad, choose the low-fat dressing, and add sparingly. One serving of full-fat dressing can be equal to the amount of fat in a cheeseburger!
Finally, ask to see a list of the nutritional content of menu items. Some restaurants have them posted - if they don't, ask for them, and ask yourself if you really want to eat there!

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