News Briefs Around the Nation, Restless Leg Syndrome, Drug-resistant Tuberculosis, Probiotics May Help

by Susan T. Williams

 

Restless Leg Syndrome Linked To Genetic Variations

Recent independent studies reported in several medical journals have found a link between Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and a variation in certain genes, indicating that the disorder is indeed biologically based. RLS is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often occurring at night and preventing sleep. The New England Journal of Medicine and Nature Genetics, among others, have published findings by researchers which discuss a common gene variation among sufferers of RLS. They also found that the variation was associated with lower iron levels.

One study found variations in three areas of the genome that were responsible for a 50% increase in the risk for the syndrome. These gene variations may be carried by up to 65% of adults, indicating that the disorder may be more common than initially believed.

Drug-resistant Tuberculosis Levels Increase Worldwide

The World Health Organization has reported that a dangerous form of drug-resistant tuberculosis has reached its highest levels ever, causing approximately 500,000 new cases each year, mostly in parts of the former Soviet Union. The highest rate recorded was in Azerbaijan, where 22.3% of all new tuberculosis cases were multi-drug resistant. Similar rates were found in Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Experts attribute the high incidence in those regions to poverty, congestion, alcoholism, and stress.

An even more serious form of the disease, known as extensively drug-resistant TB, has been detected in 45 nations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 111 cases of multi-drug resistant TB and three cases of extensively drug-resistant TB in the U.S. in 2006.

Probiotics May Help Soothe Colic in Babies

Many adults are aware of the benefits of probiotics, live bacteria that are added to foods such as yogurt, which aid digestion and other healthy functions. Now there is evidence that probiotics may be beneficial to babies as well.

A research study published in the journal Pediatrics showed that 95% of colicky babies who were given probiotic drops cried dramatically less after one month. Most of the babies improved within one week of beginning treatment. Lactobacillus reuteri, the specific probiotic that was used in the study, is available without a prescription.

Red Cross is fined $4.6 million by the FDA

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration fined the Red Cross another $4.6 million for the distribution of "unsuitable blood products" which had to be recalled and indicate a breach in safety protocols. This recent fine is in addition to nearly $15 million in previous FDA penalties for "persistent and serious violations" of blood-safety laws and regulations.

Red Cross officials are increasing supervision at blood drives and consolidating processing facilities in an effort to meet the FDA's safety standards. They also noted that the fine would be paid through operating fees charged to those who get blood units, such as hospitals, and not from donations.

Obituaries:

For Those Who Fought a Valiant Fight

Vanita

Vanita I. Nelson, 74, of Shawnee, KS; passed away Saturday, March 1, 2008. Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at the Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the Monticello United Methodist Church, 23860 W. 75th St., Shawnee, KS.

Graveside services followed at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, 75th St. and K-7. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City, P.O. Box 25853, Overland Park, KS 66225 or the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, 5445 Parallel Pkwy., Kansas City, KS 66104. Vanita was born May 15, 1933 in Syracuse, KS to C.K. and Cecile (Vincent) Minter. On June 10, 1951, she married Meyer E. Nelson in Garden City, KS. During their marriage, Vanita and Meyer lived in Waynesville, Missouri, Wichita and Hutchinson, Kansas, and for the last 37 years in the Kansas City area.

Mrs. Nelson graduated in 1980 from Johnson County Community College as a Certified Medical Transcriptionist, a field she worked in for many years.

After being diagnosed over 25 years ago with Lyme Disease, she and Meyer co-founded the Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City, which named her President Emerita in 2003.

Always active in church activities, Mrs. Nelson was named Deacon Emerita of White Church Christian Church in Kansas City, KS in 2004.

Mrs. Nelson is survived by her husband of 56 years, Meyer, her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Jim Rice and her precious pets, Bridget and Molly B, all of Shawnee, KS. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters-in-law, Ken & Geneva Minter of Garden City, Jack & Daphine Minter of Lubbock, TX, and Bob & Peggy Minter of Holcomb, KS and her sisters, Marie Messerly and Bev Dreiling, both of Garden City. She leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, “adopted” children and many, many friends. Mrs. Nelson was a truly strong and devoted woman who will be missed greatly by all who had the privilege to know and love her during her lifetime.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to:

Lyme Association of Greater Kansas City,

P.O. Box

Overland Park