The study will track brain development in two age groups: infants up to four years old and children aged five to 18. By correlating anatomical measurements with cognitive skills, researchers aim to establish a normal growth curve for the brain. This will provide a basis for comparison to children with developmental or neurologic problems.
Two unique cases of West Nile virus infection reported in Neurology, showing deceptive symptoms initially misdiagnosed as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Both patients eventually fully recovered, but highlight the need for greater awareness and testing for the mosquito-borne virus.
A study by the San Francisco Department of Public Health found that anonymous HIV screening of jail inmates offers an opportunity to track the epidemic in at-risk groups. The study detected a higher number of STDs than typically picked up in screening programs outside the jail setting.
A new study published at the CINP meeting found that treating patients with schizophrenia with Risperdal resulted in a daily savings of $2.80 US per patient, corresponding to an annual saving of $1,022 US. This cost-effectiveness analysis may translate into significant figures given the high prevalence of schizophrenia worldwide.
Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago are exploring a novel approach to measuring sleepiness using pupil size, which could revolutionize the diagnosis of sleep disorders. The study aims to establish pupillometry as an objective measure of excessive daytime sleepiness and potentially improve treatment outcomes.
A University of Washington researcher found that climbers using supplemental oxygen on Mount Everest had a 3% death rate during descent, compared to an 8.3% death rate for those not using oxygen. A similar pattern emerged on K2, where none of the successful climbers who used supplemental oxygen died during descent.
Scientists have developed a new way to detect and quantify various types of radiation damage to DNA, including clusters of oxidized bases and abasic sites. The test could help assess radiation risks for astronauts, improve cancer therapy, and distinguish between normal living and low-level radiation-induced damage.
Researchers found that women carry lower levels of HIV in their blood than men, especially during early phases of infection, but have the same risk as men of developing AIDS. Current guidelines may lead to more men being eligible for treatment due to lower viral load thresholds.
A preliminary study found that combining Agenerase with low-dose ritonavir increases amprenavir plasma levels, potentially improving treatment goals. The study, conducted on PI-experienced patients, showed a significant increase in amprenavir concentrations when ritonavir was added.
Researchers at NIAID explore a new approach to HIV treatment involving cyclic therapy, which may reduce HAART duration and costs. Preliminary findings suggest that patients can maintain minimal viral loads and adequate CD4+ T cells during intermittent therapy.
A UT Southwestern study shows that vitamin E can help reduce inflammation caused by white blood cells, which is a significant factor in diabetic vascular disease. The study found that increasing vitamin E intake reduced monocyte activity and promoted less inflammation and free radicals in type II diabetics.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University found a natural ceramic structure in the Queen conch shell that can be mimicked to create load-bearing, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant ceramics. The shell's unique microarchitecture allows it to distribute loads effectively, making it strong and fracture resistant.
A study of 286 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found that treatment response to Aricept was not predicted by ApoE4 genotype or gender. Patients treated with Aricept showed significant improvements in global function and cognition, while those on placebo experienced decline.
Researchers observed a bright X-ray flare from a brown dwarf, LP 944-20, which lasted nearly two hours and had an energy comparable to small solar flares. The flare's origin is believed to be in twisted magnetic fields beneath the surface of the brown dwarf, providing strong hints about the existence of turbulent magnetized hot material.
Researchers use MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect Alzheimer's disease by measuring chemical markers in the brain. The study found that this technique can distinguish patients with Alzheimer's from those without the disease and identify patterns of damage consistent with the disease.