According to Roger J. Pomerantz, M.D., physicians should treat HIV-infected individuals when their CD4 lymphocyte count is below 350 or their HIV RNA level exceeds 50,000, rather than immediately upon diagnosis.
Researchers found that taking chlorophyllin three times a day reduced aflatoxin-DNA damage by 55 percent among residents of Qidong, China. The study suggests that chlorophyllin may act as an 'interceptor molecule' to block the absorption of aflatoxins and carcinogens in the diet.
Pediatricians and family doctors are concerned about the high cost of new vaccines, insurance delays, and unequal access to these life-saving shots. The survey found that many doctors are hesitant to recommend the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine due to its financial burden.
Scientists at RTI in North Carolina have developed a high-efficiency thermocouple device that can make something hotter or colder over 20,000 times faster than current devices. This innovation has the potential to convert heat into electrical energy more efficiently and could lead to affordable plug-in modules for widespread use.
The Vienna centre of excellence in biomedicine is researching into the genetic causes of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatism and arteriosclerosis. The centre brings together leading university institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and start-ups to achieve rapid transfers of research results from the laboratory to patients.
A meta-analysis of 2897 participants found short-acting methylphenidate effective for ADD, but with side effects such as decreased appetite and insomnia. Prescription rates in British Columbia increased rapidly compared to the US, with higher rates in lower socioeconomic quintiles.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have identified four genes in the Anopheles gambiae mosquito that code for odorant receptors similar to those found in fruit flies. These genes are only expressed in the antennae and maxillary palps, indicating that mosquitoes use a conserved chemosensory system to track human body odor.
A longitudinal study by Dr. Alan Booth and Dr. Paul R. Amato found that parental marital discord impacts offspring marriages, including the degree of matrimonial happiness or conflict. The transmission of poor interpersonal behaviors from parents can result in lower quality marriages among children.
Researchers have discovered that an octopus's brain operates like a general in command of troops, issuing orders to independent peripheral nervous systems. This decentralized control enables the octopus to perform complex tasks with high maneuverability and flexibility.
A study by René Verreault and colleagues found that past vaccine exposure was associated with a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used multivariate logistic regressions to compare vaccinated and non-vaccinated subjects, adjusting for age, sex, and education.
A study published in Neurology found that electrical brain stimulation increased 'on' motor function by 29 percent and improved 'off' motor function by 38 percent in Parkinson's patients. The treatment reduced the severity of fluctuations in motor symptoms, allowing patients to complete tasks faster and improve their overall mobility.
Researchers genetically engineered mice to overexpress the HIF-1α gene in skin cells, resulting in a 70% increase in capillaries and normal-like blood vessels. The study suggests that HIF-1α harnesses VEGF expression in a way that could be beneficial therapeutically for conditions like ischemic tissue and recalcitrant wounds.
Scientists discovered a bacteria, Clostridium novyi, that thrives in oxygen-poor environments and destroys tumor cells. In mouse models, the bacteria was combined with chemotherapy to achieve dramatic results, completely destroying over half of the treated tumors within 24 hours.
The Starshine Satellite Project involves students from Pakistan, New Zealand, Brazil, and India polishing thousands of mirrors to help calibrate The Fence, the Navy's space surveillance network. Once launched, students will be able to track the satellite's movement as it passes across the skies.
The TRMM satellite is continuing to collect data on various climate and weather questions, including the formation of snowflakes and raindrops inside clouds. Microscopic dust and soot particles are found to interfere with rain formation in 'dirty' clouds.
Researchers found that Antarctic plants can repair themselves after exposure to harmful UV radiation, with effective DNA repair mechanisms at low temperatures. However, the team expects a rise in temperature to lead to a shift in vegetation composition, with rapidly growing grasses and mosses replacing lichens.
The Utrecht spectrograph uses a prism to disperse light, resulting in faster pictures with reduced light loss. Researchers used it to study proteins from muscle tissue and discovered unexpected chemical reactions triggered by illumination.
The amyloid beta protein found in plaques stimulates the production of toxic substances that attract new surrounding cells, causing brain cell death. Astrocytes, normally involved in maintaining brain structure, slow down these processes and protect against inflammation.
Researchers analyzed topographic maps and meteorites to determine that water circulated in the upper part of Mars' crust within the last billion years. This finding suggests that water may still be present near the surface, with evidence of recent gullies forming in high-latitude regions.
A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University is developing computer simulated models to predict the performance of new implant designs before they are implanted into patients. They aim to uncover how damage occurs in plastic used in total joint replacements and identify potential design concerns.
Researchers used a new method to study sediment sediments, revealing a short-lived change in the earth's magnetic field. They found that bacteria formed magnetic material in an organically rich layer in the eastern Mediterranean.
Researchers at Rotterdam University Hospital develop genetically engineered T cells to target kidney cancer. The therapy combines the cellular immune system with the humoral immune system, offering a promising treatment option for patients with metastases.
The new guidelines recommend increasing use of single antiepileptic drugs before combination therapies, while also addressing special needs for women and older adults. Estimated 2.3 million Americans have epilepsy, with half being female.
A study by University of Warwick researchers found that English football games are characterized by fewer high-scoring matches compared to the rest of the world. In contrast, top division matches globally exhibit a much higher frequency of high scores, suggesting a significant difference in the level of excitement between the two.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a potential non-toxic cancer treatment using a wormwood derivative. The compound, artemisinin, selectively targets breast cancer cells by exploiting their high iron concentrations.
A study published by Dr. Dean Shibata found that people's brains use both rational and emotional parts when making personal decisions. When asked to choose between options, the ventromedial frontal lobe showed increased activity in the brain.
In the Iron Age, local identity was centered around ancestral burial sites, but shifted to family and settlement ties as people began to settle and cultivate land. This change had significant implications for community cohesion and collective identity.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that maternal separation causes the death of brain cells. However, researchers discovered that fluoxetine, a type of Prozac, can reverse these changes and promote cell growth in the dentate gyrus of rats.
Researchers found intranasal corticosteroids more effective than antihistamines for seasonal allergies, especially in patients with severe disease. The study suggests revising guidelines to recommend regular use of steroids for severe cases and as-needed use for mild cases.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center revealed the architecture of MAO B's active site and membrane binding sites, enabling improved drug design with increased specificity and fewer side effects. The study also highlights potential applications in treating depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study found that 71% of adult cancer patients knew they might not benefit directly from participating in clinical trials, while less than 40% recognized potential risks or discomfort. Despite this, patients were highly satisfied with the informed consent process and reported no pressure from physicians.
Researchers suggest a new approach to managing abnormal cervical smears, recommending a 'wait and see' period of at least 6 months for women infected with high-risk human papillomavirus. This strategy aims to prevent overtreatment by allowing the virus to clear before further action is taken.
A decade-long study suggests forest management can influence carbon uptake, but factors such as tree species and age confound the process. The researchers' findings validate a new method for measuring carbon dioxide levels, highlighting the need for careful consideration of forest management strategies.
Ships transport over 10 billion tonnes of ballast water annually, releasing foreign marine plants and animals into ecosystems. Researchers in the Newcastle University-led project investigate various treatment methods to dispose of ballast water at ports.
A phase II study found that DiaPep277 treatment maintained insulin production in patients with early type 1 diabetes. The treatment also reduced the need for insulin therapy and altered immune response patterns.
Researchers at NIAID and NCI discovered a quick and simple method to assess drug efficacy by measuring viral load after just one week of therapy. This approach has the potential to prevent HIV drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers create self-assembled nanofibers resembling collagen fibrils in real bone, enabling mineralization and promoting cell attachment. The synthetic nanofibers offer potential applications in bone fractures, tissue regeneration, and electronics.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that only 3.1 percent of North Carolinians are talking on cell phones while driving at any given time. The prevalence rate varied by region, with higher rates in the Piedmont and lower rates in the mountains and coastal plain.
A study found that depressed patients are more than twice as likely to die or be readmitted for cardiac causes after CABG surgery. Depression is also associated with a significant independent risk of adverse cardiac events.
A new study found that early assessment of HIV-1 antiretroviral drug efficacy can predict long-term effectiveness. Patients with a continuous decline of HIV-1 concentrations within 0.72 log by day 6 after treatment initiation are likely to experience poor long-term responses.
Researchers at Stanford and UCSF have identified osteopontin as a key gene in the progression of multiple sclerosis, with findings suggesting its expression levels are related to disease severity. The study also revealed that osteopontin-deficient mice experienced significantly less severe symptoms and higher remission rates.
Researchers have determined the atomic structure of the Arp2/3 complex, a protein responsible for initiating actin filament growth in moving cells. This discovery provides insights into cellular movement mechanisms and has implications for understanding various biological processes, including immune responses and neural development.
Researchers found that DiaPep277 modulates the immune system to prevent autoimmune diabetes progression. The study showed significant increases in C-peptide levels and reductions in insulin requirements among patients receiving DiaPep277.
Researchers at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School and Peptor Ltd. successfully arrested the progression of Type I diabetes in newly diagnosed patients using DiaPep277, an experimental drug that alters immune cell behavior.
A new study published in The Lancet reveals that pegvisomant normalized IGF-I concentrations in 97% of patients with acromegaly after 12 months of treatment. Patients experienced improved symptoms and a better quality of life, highlighting the potential benefits of this innovative drug.
Researchers at Ohio State University found a link between major stressors during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. The study, which included over 200 mothers, showed that stress levels for mothers of autistic children were nearly twice those of other mothers.
A woman convicted of murdering three children by suffocation shares her perspective on how intense grief and a desire for control led to her actions. The authors argue that empathy from professionals could have prevented these tragedies.
Researchers found that people who felt a sense of purpose in life were more likely to experience well-being and less fearful of death. In contrast, extrinsically religious participants tended to fear death and avoid thinking about it. The study suggests the need for intrinsic motivation through spiritual nurturing and self-reflection.
A new suite of experiments will be delivered to the International Space Station by Space Shuttle Endeavour, broadening scientific research onboard the orbiting space laboratory. The experiments are expected to lead to insights in various fields such as bone disorder treatments, plant growth, and cancer cell formation.
A recent study by the American Academy of Periodontology found that 48% of teeth receiving periodontal surgery improved prognosis, while only 12% in non-surgical treatment groups did. The study emphasized the importance of individual teeth assessment for optimal results.
Researchers created a tiny computer using DNA molecules and enzymes, performing a billion operations per second with high accuracy. The device can be programmed to perform simple tasks and may pave the way for future computers that can operate within the human body.
A new study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that women with higher educational attainment have less calcification of the arteries, indicating a lower risk of developing heart disease. The analysis of 308 postmenopausal women revealed an inverse linear trend between calcium deposits and education level.
A study of 633 HIV-positive participants found that sociodemographic factors significantly affect their nutritional adequacy. Gay men, those with higher household incomes and educational attainment, were more likely to meet the Recommended Daily Allowances for nutrients. In contrast, individuals with lower incomes, fewer children at ho...
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that obese women converted carbohydrates to fat at a faster rate than lean women. This increased conversion was observed even when both groups were overfed with carbohydrate-rich diets, suggesting an intrinsic genetic potential for de novo lipogenesis.
The UCLA Basic Plasma Science Facility has been awarded a $4.8 million grant to conduct controlled experiments on plasma, a fourth state of matter. The Large Plasma Device (LAPD) machine allows physicists to create and analyze superheated, energized gas, with potential applications in fusion energy, computer chips, and waste destruction.
Severe periodontal disease poses significant threats to pregnant diabetics, exacerbating the condition and pregnancy outcomes. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends routine periodontal exams for pregnant diabetic women.
The novel depicts institutional and domestic abuse against children, including Oliver's mistreatment in a workhouse and Nancy's abuse by her pimp Bill Sykes. Dickens identifies recognized parental risk factors for abuse, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health problems, which are now acknowledged by modern research.
Researchers found that astronauts' endogenous circadian pacemaker (ECP) loses its influence after about 90 days in space, leading to reduced sleep quality and duration. This could jeopardize performance on longer missions like those to Mars.
Researchers at UCSD and VA San Diego Healthcare System discovered a natural antibiotic peptide called cathelicidin, which inhibits microbe growth and plays a crucial role in mammalian innate immunity. The study provides hope for developing new treatments and a blood test to identify individuals susceptible to bacterial infections.
A questionnaire surveyed junior doctors in two London teaching hospitals and found that nearly all were aware of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) but many lacked knowledge on its use. The study highlights the need for improved education on PEP among medical professionals to prevent occupationally acquired HIV infections.