A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that beta-endorphin levels are heritable and can predict an individual's risk of developing alcoholism. The research suggests that the hormone may be used as a biomarker to identify specific individuals at high genetic risk.
Despite evidence supporting aspirin's effectiveness in preventing future heart problems, low usage rates were found among patients with coronary artery disease. The study, published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, highlights the need for optimal use of life-saving medications.
Researchers found that HPTE inhibited testosterone production in developing and adult Leydig cells, with longer treatment times causing greater inhibition. The study suggests that understanding the effects of endocrine disruptors like HPTE may lead to new molecular targets for male contraceptives.
The trial found that eptifibatide significantly reduced deaths and heart attacks by 40% within the first 48 hours of use. This represents a substantial improvement over the current standard treatment, abciximab, which costs $1,500 compared to $400 for eptifibatide.
A systematic program implementing advance directives in six Ontario, Canada nursing homes reduced hospitalizations by an average of $1,200 per patient. Satisfaction levels with care were unchanged, while mortality rates remained similar between the treatment and control groups.
Researchers discussed various molecular pathways that lead to cancer, including cellular senescence and oncogenic signaling. The symposium addressed the role of genetic instability and signaling pathways in cancer progression.
A simple blood test identified patients who benefited markedly from glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet inhibitor drugs, showing a 50% improvement in risk of death and second heart attack. Patients with high troponin T levels were found to be at increased risk and benefit most from these drugs.
Research found that frequent family dinners lead to better diet quality in adolescents, including more fruits and veggies, and fewer unhealthy foods. Health professionals can support this trend by encouraging family meals as a way to improve the dietary habits of older children and adolescents.
A new study of 309 older women found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) did not slow the progression of heart disease. HRT lowered cholesterol, but this benefit did not translate to a measurable impact on artery narrowing.
Researchers found that MK-801 blocks the sensitizing effects of alcohol, making it a potential treatment for addiction. Behavioral sensitization is a phenomenon where repeated exposure to alcohol increases its rewarding effects, leading to overconsumption and addiction.
Researchers found that aberrant cytosine methylation and chromatin condensation can silence maspin gene expression, allowing tumors to grow and spread. The discovery provides critical information on the regulatory mechanisms of maspin, paving the way for potential cancer therapies.
Researchers found high ambient solar radiation associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of cortical cataracts and a 4.0-fold increased risk of mixed cataracts. Simple preventive strategies like avoiding exposure at mid-day may help reduce cataract prevalence, the study concludes.
Researchers found that aggressive treatment strategies, such as re-administration of clot-busters and emergency revascularization procedures, can reduce mortality rates almost threefold. However, many patients continue to receive conservative therapy despite these newer therapies being available.
The VHA initiative has dramatically improved stroke treatment times, reducing hospital CT scan interpretation from 219 to 115 minutes. This significant reduction in time has enabled more patients to receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) within the three-hour window, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used a modified cold virus to deliver a nitric oxide-producing gene to key liver cells in rats, reversing portal hypertension. This approach may eventually prove feasible for humans suffering from liver cirrhosis.
Researchers found that an experimental pain drug, kappa-opioid, provides effective pain relief to female rats, but has no effect on males. The study suggests a fundamental difference in brain responses between genders, which may lead to the development of more effective and non-addictive pain treatments for women.
The Association of American Geographers will hold its 96th annual meeting in Pittsburgh, April 4-8, 2000, featuring research presentations on topics such as war atrocities, urban heat islands, and divorce decisions. The event is expected to draw over 3,800 geographers.
Researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have demonstrated that computer crash simulation software can successfully predict the likelihood and severity of injuries to children from airbag activation. The study found that airbags pose a significant risk to restrained children, particularly in high-severity crashes.
A study found that metallothionein levels increase in the brain in response to alcohol consumption, suggesting a potential protective role. Higher MT levels may explain different levels of alcohol-related toxicity in individuals.
A study by the Center for Advancing Health found that approximately 40% of the US population takes at least one vitamin or mineral supplement. The most commonly reported ingredients are vitamin C, B12, and E, but participants also used over 300 nonvitamin products posing serious health risks.
A clinical trial revealed that regular aspirin was as effective as sibrafiban in preventing blood clots, while high-dose sibrafiban showed increased risk of death and second heart attacks. Aspirin's minimal risks make it a hard-to-beat option.