Researchers found a strong association between leg length discrepancies of two centimeters or more and an increased risk of knee arthritis by up to 70 percent. Simple adjustments, such as special shoes or exercises, could help prevent or slow progression of osteoarthritis in millions of people.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for diagnosing and treating heart valve disease, covering common disorders such as mitral valve prolapse and aortic stenosis. It also addresses rare ailments, provides advice on evaluating and treating adults, teens, and pregnant women with defective valves.
A large clinical trial found that amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, did not prevent the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis but slowed it in the carotid arteries. Amlodipine significantly reduced angina pectoris and related procedures like bypass surgery.
Penn physicians developed clinical guidelines for herbal therapies, emphasizing the importance of understanding herbal agents' properties and potential risks. The guidelines caution against using certain herbal products, especially those with toxic effects, and recommend discussing risks and benefits with patients.
A recent study found that almost three in five smokers who undergo heart surgery continue to smoke after their procedure. Researchers examined 1,829 individuals who had bypass surgery or angioplasty and found that younger patients, African Americans, and those with a prior history of heart attack were more likely to be 'die-hard' smokers.
Researchers at Virginia Tech successfully cultivated pharmaceutical-producing tobacco, with the goal of producing human proteins for use in pharmaceuticals. The high-density plant cultivation method produced encouraging data and demonstrated flexibility in tobacco varieties.
Researchers at Emory University found that vitamin E supplementation decreased autoantibodies associated with oxidation of lipoproteins in healthy women. The study suggests that antioxidants like vitamin E may help attenuate oxidation and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
The Johns Hopkins University engineering graduate student created a website to address questions on the impact of climate change on public health and policy makers' responses. The site provides research tools, links to experts, and raw data for researchers.
The study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, with risks rising from 35% for non-obese men to 46% for severely obese individuals. The expected lifetime costs of heart disease are also higher for obese individuals, ranging from $6,000 for mildly obese men to $16,400 for severely obes...
A survey of preschoolers found that those from smoke-free homes were less likely to want to smoke later in life. Children who saw pictures of smoking characters like Joe Camel incorrectly associated them with smoking, highlighting the influence of early exposure on attitudes towards smoking.
Research shows that caregivers with Alzheimer's disease are more likely to develop a high metabolic syndrome level, which increases the risk of heart attack and other health complications. Interventions such as exercise, psychological uplifts, and improved diet may help reduce stress and mitigate this risk.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) can predict the development of heart disease in women with high accuracy. The test measures calcification in coronary arteries and aorta, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis.
Research found that men and women have distinct reactions to stressors, including disagreements and skill challenges. Husbands tend to respond more strongly to perceived threats to their status and power, while wives are more reactive to interpersonal conflicts and quality of interaction.
Sandia National Laboratories and Compaq have developed a system that sorts a terabyte of data in under 50 minutes, three times faster than the previous record. This achievement demonstrates the potential for fast and cost-effective data sorting, which can be used to identify patterns in large datasets.
Adding beta-blocker metoprolol to standard treatment for heart failure increases survival by about 35 percent, according to a large international study. The study, called Metoprolol CR/XL Randomized Intervention Trial in Heart Failure (Merit-HF), was conducted in the US and 13 other countries.
Researchers have developed a neurotrophic electrode that can be implanted in the brain to help paralyzed patients communicate through a computer. The system uses neural signals to drive a cursor on a screen, allowing patients to interact with their environment.
A study found that a gene called apolipoprotein E (apo)E influences blood cholesterol levels and predicts how much those levels are affected by weight gain, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. People with the apoE-2 variant have a beneficial cholesterol profile, but risk factors like smoking and obesity can negate this benefit.
A new study reveals that more than half of children consume excessive amounts of fat, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that most children exceeded the recommended levels of total fat intake and also had inadequate consumption of desirable monounsaturated fats.
Drs. Jeremy Sugarman and Larry Burk argue that conventional clinicians have an ethical obligation to consider alternative medicine therapies, prioritizing patient autonomy, safety, and effectiveness. They emphasize the importance of respecting patients' choices while providing informed guidance.
A study has found that environmental stimuli can trigger neurochemical changes in the brain similar to those caused by cocaine use, leading to overwhelming cravings in recovering addicts. Dr. Leonard Howell's research suggests that a medication targeting the serotonin system may prevent such cravings.
A pilot study found that patient costs for care using perfusion imaging were almost half that of conventional treatment, with a threefold reduction in total hospital stay. This strategy can give emergency room physicians greater confidence in their decision-making, while also identifying patients who need further treatment.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of stroke in individuals aged 45-64. Those who were more active at work had a 49% lower risk, while those with high levels of sports activity had a 23% reduced risk.
The University of Florida is part of a virtual Astrobiology Institute studying the origin and evolution of life in the galaxy. Chemists are searching for universal DNA features that could be found in potential Martian life, which may help overcome the difficulty of recognizing non-terrestrial life.
The NYU Computer Lab's ReaCT-ILP laboratory is working on eliminating the programming bottleneck in embedded systems by developing an optimizing compiler that regulates instruction timing. This technology, known as EPIC computing, aims to increase information processing power and precision in smart devices.
A new analysis of PURSUIT data reveals women in Latin America and Eastern Europe receive less aggressive cardiac treatment and have higher incidence of heart disease deaths compared to men in similar regions. In contrast, women and men in North America and Western Europe receive comparable treatment and outcomes.
Researchers found that elevated blood pressure is a strong predictor of changes in brain structure and related cognitive functioning. All participants showed declines in mental abilities over time, with higher blood pressures associated with greater declines, particularly for visual-spatial ability and speed of performance.
A University of Colorado at Boulder study found that rats who exercised regularly before stress exposure were protected against its suppressive effect on immune response. Regular exercise in moderation can help buffer the negative effects of stress on the immune system, according to the researcher.
A new University of Michigan study investigates the impact of tobacco litigation on public health policy, concluding that courts are not well-suited for adopting policy changes. The authors argue that building a moral and political case is essential to achieve tobacco control goals through legislative and regulatory processes.
Researchers at UCSF have found that DHEA can reverse the effects of Endothelin-1, a peptide elevated in most heart diseases, by dilating coronary arteries and increasing endothelial cell function. This study provides scientific credence to DHEA's potential benefits on cardiovascular health.
A new study finds that Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is effective in reducing angina in individuals with coronary artery disease. EECP, a non-invasive therapy, has been proven to improve exercise tolerance and reduce angina attacks, offering relief for patients who suffer from this condition.
A NASA-led panel aims to create a road map for science communication, considering new technologies and their impact. The Research/Road Map group will focus on adding value to scientific research and communicating findings to the public.
Researchers found that famous faces activate both sides of the brain, whereas unfamiliar faces only activate the right side. This suggests that paying attention to a person's name and face can improve memory recall.
The Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft is taking precautions to withstand the November 17 Leonid meteor storm, which could pose a risk due to its close proximity to the comet's wake. NASA technicians are adjusting the spacecraft's orientation and instruments to minimize damage from the massive cloud of Leonid particles.
Patients with congestive heart failure who exercised had higher survival rates after four years compared to those who did not, with a 92% versus 64% rate of survival. The study's findings support the potential benefits of exercise for patients with this condition and underscore the need for further research.
A study by Jane E. Freedman found that purple grape juice inhibits platelet aggregation, reducing blood clotting risk and improving cardiovascular health. The flavonoid quercetin was also shown to have antioxidant properties, preventing the inactivation of nitric oxide.
A study of 3359 twin pairs found that genes play a significant role in two behaviors contributing to compulsive gambling, with familial factors explaining 62% of the behavior. The researchers estimate that about half of these behaviors are genetically mediated, highlighting the importance of inherited factors in vulnerability to gambling.
Researchers found that administering the drug immediately improves patient outcomes and may alleviate the need for transfer to larger hospitals. The study's results support earlier use of eptifibatide in smaller community hospitals treating heart attack patients with unstable angina.
A study by U-M epidemiologists found that Americans living in cities with greater income disparities are more likely to die than those in cities with lower disparities. Researchers also examined the characteristics of individuals using emergency contraceptive pills and proposed a plan to improve home care efficiency.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will study the potential connection between pesticide exposure during the Persian Gulf War and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. The three-year project aims to investigate neurochemical changes in mice exposed to insecticides, which could provide insights into the disease.
Researchers found that low SES patients experience worse quality of life after treatment despite aggressive cardiac procedures. They require significant lifestyle changes, physical rehabilitation, and medication management, which can be inaccessible or misunderstood by this group.
A Georgia Tech study found that sensory neurons in animal limbs play a critical role in determining what information is received and what behaviors result. Researchers successfully transplanted female feeding claws onto males, demonstrating novel input processing by the brain.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has established a new adjunct organization to coordinate nuclear nonproliferation programs, research, and policy work in the region. The center aims to promote collaboration among stakeholders for proliferation prevention and arms control policy.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center demonstrated a gene-diet interaction that affects cholesterol absorption in humans. The study found that individuals with the apo A-IV-2 gene variant absorbed less cholesterol than those without the variant, particularly on diets high in polyunsaturated fat.
A team of scientists reached a supercomputing milestone by simulating metallic magnetism at 1.002 Teraflops on a Cray T3E supercomputer. The achievement showcases the power and capabilities of parallel computers, enabling the study of larger systems and new phenomena.
The Wistar Institute has received a three-year grant to recruit and equip laboratories of new scientific investigators in regeneration, signal transduction, and brain tumor research. The institute is grateful for the support, which will help transform its programs and attract high-quality scientists.
A new surgical procedure that repairs the mitral valve may help extend and improve lives of people with severe CHF, offering an alternative to heart transplantation. The operation has shown promising results, with one-year survival rates reaching 80% and two-year survival rates at 70%.
A new study suggests that even moderate physical exertions can lead to dangerous shortages in blood supply to the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack. The research found that routine daily activities such as driving, housework, and yard work can trigger ischemia, a condition characterized by a sudden stoppage of blood flow.
Researchers found that Ritalin reduces activation in the cerebellum and basal ganglia while increasing activation in novel areas of the brain, improving working memory in ADHD patients. This study provides new clues for developing more specific drug treatment for individuals with ADHD.
A study suggests that changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure may increase the risk of heart attack in men. Research found a significant association between extreme weather conditions and fatal and nonfatal heart attacks, particularly among those with previous heart attacks.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that genetic techniques for matching patients with marrow donors can eliminate guesswork and improve survival rates. The study of 300 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia showed that even single mismatches in key genes don't affect long-term survival.
Marion Nestle reviews the history of olestra's approval, highlighting the FDA's decision to approve the fat substitute while requiring warning labels. She calls for changes in the regulatory system to move towards alliances with industries, increasing FDA research authority and funding.
A two-year study found that environmental stressors, such as unemployment and lack of health insurance, contribute to high blood pressure in young African-American males. An intervention team's efforts led to a 50% blood pressure control rate and a 75% decrease in emergency room visits.
The article discusses various public health issues, including tobacco control, food industry manipulation, and violence prevention. It highlights the importance of vaccination coverage estimation using parental recall, medical records, and other methods to prevent diseases such as tuberculosis.
Eleven German research centers are extending their funding by two years, totaling over DM 30 million, to develop innovative biomolecular recognition systems, biomedicine applications, and industrial solutions. This initiative supports the technology transfer from universities to regional companies.
Researchers found that combining abciximab with two low-dose boluses of reteplase provided complete blood flow to up to 35% more patients than using abciximab alone or in combination with a single dose of reteplase. This new strategy may represent an exciting new step in treating most heart attacks.
The ASU geology team is collecting and analyzing data from the Galileo spacecraft, which shows strong evidence of a liquid ocean under Europa's surface. The images transmitted by the spacecraft reveal terrain types similar to an iceberg found on Earth near Europa's surface.
Researchers found that injecting methotrexate significantly improved patient health and reduced costs for those with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The study involved 52 patients, with 73% switching to injection treatment due to dissatisfaction with oral method side effects.
A recent study found that high levels of inflammation can impede the effectiveness of clot-busting treatment after a heart attack. Individuals with elevated C-reactive protein levels had slower responses to thrombolytic therapy, resulting in delayed revascularization and increased damage to the heart.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study suggests that consuming vitamin E and other antioxidants may help reduce the risk of knee arthritis. Middle-aged and older individuals who follow a diet rich in these compounds, such as green vegetables and tomatoes, may experience a 30% lower risk of developing osteoarthritis.
According to the study, American children now spend less than an hour per week reading and almost no time engaging in unstructured outdoor play. Meanwhile, TV viewing has become a significant part of their daily routine, with nearly a quarter of their free time spent watching television.