A study found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) scans are significantly better than traditional risk factors in categorizing heart disease risk. Combining EBCT with risk factors improved the ability to assess an individual's heart disease risk, making it a useful tool for early treatment and prevention.
Researchers have identified a family of proteins that bind to human sperm, which may help explain why sperm that haven't passed through the epididymis fertilize eggs poorly. The discovery could lead to identifying potential targets for male contraception, including a contraceptive vaccine.
Research by Injury Prevention found that toughened glassware in bars led to a 60% higher injury rate among staff compared to annealed glassware. The study also showed that the toughened glasses tended to break spontaneously, leading to multiple injuries.
A UMass exercise scientist is conducting research into how aging affects upper-body motion and balance while walking. The study will examine age-related changes in the upper half of the body and develop models for environment perception as people walk.
A phase II clinical trial of ENBREL (etanercept) in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has shown promising results. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ENBREL to treat moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a new indication for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
The Phase I/II study of NUVANCE in adult patients with moderate asthma demonstrated the potential of IL-4 inhibition to improve lung function and control asthma symptoms. Dr. Jonathan Corren and Dr. Jan Agosti presented results at the AAAAI Annual Meeting.
Researchers have identified a crucial molecule, DC-SIGN, that enables the AIDS virus to hijack dendritic cells, transporting it to immune system tissues where it infects T-lymphocytes. This breakthrough offers new avenues for developing treatments and potentially vaccines to prevent HIV infection.
Researchers propose a coordinated model for DNA repair, recombination and replication processes in cell division, revealing a link between DNA replication and recombination. The study uses E. coli as a model organism to understand the role of primosome assembly proteins in restarting replication.
A study found that mothers with alcohol and drug problems tend to be more punitive towards their children, using aggressive disciplinary strategies. This research highlights the need for interventions that address not only individual substance abuse but also family dynamics.
A study by UB neurosurgeons found that cigarette smoking is associated with larger brain aneurysms, which can lead to life-threatening complications. The research, published in the journal Neurosurgery, showed that smokers were more likely to develop large aneurysms than non-smokers.
A high dose of estrogen administered soon after a stroke can prevent substantial brain damage in laboratory animals, with a 60% decrease in brain cell death. The study builds on observations that postmenopausal women who take estrogen replacement therapy are more likely to survive stroke.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Stellenbosch isolated six chemical compounds with antimicrobial activity in chewing sticks used in Namibia, demonstrating their effectiveness in removing plaque and massaging gums.
A study published in Sexually Transmitted Infections reports that over one in five women attending genitourinary medicine clinics have experienced sexual assault. Long-term distress is common among these survivors, with those who disclosed their experience to multiple people reporting more severe emotional impact.
A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has determined the atomic structure of cytochrome P450cam, an enzyme that performs several important chemical jobs in the body. The research could lead to new cancer therapies, pollution cleanup, and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
Research suggests that home screening kits for Chlamydia, a common sexually transmitted infection, could be a useful tool in preventing lifelong infertility. The study found that men and women aged 18-35 were willing to participate in urine test kits, with higher participation rates among those from Avon than London.
A new study published in the American Heart Association finds that eating legumes, such as beans and peas, at least four times a week can lower the risk of heart disease by 19%. The study examined data from over 11,000 men and women and found that frequent bean-eaters had a 9% reduced risk for all forms of cardiovascular disease.
Middle-aged and elderly marijuana smokers increase their risk of a heart attack by more than four and a half times during the first hour after smoking, according to a recent study. The study found that the risk of a heart attack is highest in the first hour after use, but drops significantly after two hours.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have discovered a defensive molecular mechanism launched by the body to protect against oxygen deprivation on the heart. HIF and VEGF, two angiogenesis genes, are activated in response to ischemia or infarction, attempting to increase decreasing blood flow.
A preliminary study found that 38% of HIV-positive people in low-income hotels took over 90% of their medication, adhering well to combination anti-viral therapy. The researchers also discovered a close relationship between medication adherence and viral suppression, with levels of HIV doubling for every 10% of missed pills.