Researchers identified unique genes in a virulent GAS strain that were imported from bacteriophages, contributing to its high infectivity. The study provides new insights into the evolution of bacterial virulence and potential targets for novel treatments.
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development features articles on life satisfaction following spinal cord and traumatic brain injury, as well as a study on foot models for ulcer-prevention treatment. A preliminary study on genetically engineered spinal cord implants also highlights potential improvements in bladder structure af...
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults over 50 be screened for colorectal cancer using methods like the fecal occult blood test or flexible sigmoidoscopy. The Task Force also notes that clot-busting drugs and angioplasty are underused in certain patient groups, particularly women and specific types of heart at...
Researchers found that adenylyl cyclase activity levels were more sensitive to recent alcohol consumption in subjects with a family history of alcoholism. Chronic marijuana users had substantially higher adenylyl cyclase activity levels, suggesting possible abnormal metabolism or product of marijuana use.
A study finds that a lack of physical activity disrupts normal homeostatic mechanisms, leading to an increased risk of chronic conditions. The research highlights the importance of physical activity in preventing common chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders.
The U-M Depression Center will expand outreach activities, automate treatment reporting, and coordinate care through trained specialists to improve depression treatment. The gift also enables the development of strategies for improving treatment adherence, a key factor in successful treatment outcomes.
A new assessment method using a patient questionnaire and computer-generated risk score has been developed to identify people at high risk of colorectal cancer. The system was tested on 2268 patients with adverse colorectal symptoms, detecting nearly all cancers (99%) by investigating just over half (57%) of the patients referred.
A recent study by the American Physiological Society found that non-coffee drinkers experience a greater ergogenic benefit from caffeine consumption compared to regular users. Caffeine's effect on physical productivity was also examined, revealing no significant increase in performance for sustained coffee drinkers.
A recent study reveals that Houston gets more lightning than surrounding areas, with a higher frequency of cloud-to-ground flashes in the summer months. The city's unique combination of urban heat island effects and air pollution may be responsible for this increased activity.
A study by Catherine Cornbleth found that high school students in upstate New York expressed complex views on America, with many perceiving it as a nation with both realistic and hopeful aspects. The students' images were shaped by sources such as school, personal experience, and family.
The American College of Physicians recommends screening adults over 50 for colorectal cancer. The Task Force identified two screening methods that have been shown to reduce death from colorectal cancer: the fecal occult blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
A team of Los Alamos researchers suggests using a consensus sequence of the HIV-1 virus as a basis for vaccines, rather than geographically specific strains. This approach aims to target common vulnerabilities in multiple strains of the virus.
Researchers discover 3-bromopyruvate selectively kills liver cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The compound, which blocks energy production in cells, may offer a promising alternative to existing treatments for liver cancer.
Researchers found that cardiopulmonary bypass surgery can cause impaired memory and attention, which persist beyond the first couple of weeks. The study suggests that brain systems supporting attention may be particularly vulnerable during major surgeries.
A recent study reveals that mutations in the FBN1 gene can cause Marfan syndrome by disrupting an exonic splicing enhancer, leading to exon skipping and compromised fibrillin protein activity. This understanding may help explain other human diseases associated with exon skipping.
Researchers have identified G9a as a chromatin-modifying enzyme essential for normal development. Studies show that G9a deficiency leads to severe developmental growth retardation and increased programmed cell death, highlighting the enzyme's critical role in regulating gene expression during embryogenesis.
The infant mortality rate has trended downward since 1983, with a significant drop between 1999 and the current year. Additionally, children are more likely to have a working parent, and reading to them is on the rise.
A new study suggests that growth hormone therapy can significantly enhance human thymic function and increase the production of new T cells in HIV-infected patients. This could potentially help preserve and restore their immune systems. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.
Scientists have improved weather and climate forecast models by using new Terra data to measure albedo, revealing regional variability in the Sahara Desert and Arabian Peninsula. This correlation will help fine-tune weather and climate models, enabling more accurate predictions.
Researchers found that adding hormone-suppression therapy to radiotherapy for advanced prostate cancer significantly improved five-year disease-free survival rates. The study involved 415 patients, with those receiving combined therapy showing a substantial increase in overall survival rates.
Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 adult patients starting HAART, finding that those with more advanced disease had a higher risk of progression to AIDS or death. Early initiation of treatment was associated with reduced mortality rates, particularly for those with lower CD4 counts.
Researchers have identified a new signaling pathway in the brain that may be connected to movement disorders. FGF14 was found to regulate nerve cell function and is involved in the basal ganglia, which are affected by Parkinson's disease.
A new study found that 96% of HIV-positive MSM with STIs had received healthcare in the previous six months, highlighting the need for regular screening and effective risk reduction messages. The study also revealed high rates of co-infections with HSV-2 and syphilis among HIV-infected men.
Dartmouth Medical School (DMS) has developed innovative ambulatory teaching models that improve preceptor productivity while maintaining or increasing learner competence. The school also established a centralized office for community-based education and research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research finds that two-thirds of adolescent girls in Zimbabwe are involved with older men due to economic need, increasing risk of HIV. The study suggests promoting economic self-sufficiency through education and vocational training can help reverse the epidemic.
The 'Evacuation Management Decision Support System' (EMDSS) aims to help public officials balance public safety and evacuation costs. The system will factor in diverse elements such as time constraints, event uncertainty, and economic impact on evacuated areas.
The Aquarius mission will provide global maps of salt concentration on the ocean surface, allowing scientists to closely monitor ocean circulation and heat transport. The mission will help advance understanding of ocean-atmosphere interactions and potentially inform strategies to mitigate the impacts of natural events.
A team of researchers found that a deficiency in the SCD-1 enzyme can counteract leptin's effects on weight gain, increasing energy expenditure and promoting fat burning. This discovery suggests a potential novel strategy for treating obesity and fatty liver diseases.
Only 19% of physicians report screening new patients for domestic violence, despite its prevalence. However, once identified, physicians are more likely to intervene with counseling and follow-up care.
A recent study by Emory University Health Sciences Center found that lower levels of social capital are associated with higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases. The research, which analyzed data from 48 US states, discovered that social capital is a significant predictor of infectious diseases including AIDS and STDs.
Researchers at McGill University are studying sex-associated pain in women, focusing on the issue of pain itself rather than its physical or psychological causes. They recommend a combination of cognitive behavioral pain management and physical therapy for relief.
Research found that men exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) before age 20 had a lower chance of having a baby boy, with a 35% difference. The study's lead author proposes that dioxin-like compounds may negatively impact the viability of Y-chromosome carrying sperm or XY-fertilised eggs.
Researchers have developed a new drug called O-nitrosoethanol (ENO) that appears to improve oxygenation in newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension, a potentially life-threatening disorder. The study showed improved oxygenation without adverse side effects, offering hope for treating other diseases of improper oxygenation.
A recent study identified stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) as a key enzyme involved in fat storage, specifically in the liver. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat tissue, represses SCD-1 levels, leading to decreased fat accumulation and increased energy expenditure.
A new study confirms high cholesterol as a significant risk factor for stroke death in women, particularly those under 55. Cholesterol levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke death across all age groups.
A study of 12,804 SAH cases found that mortality rates decreased with increasing hospital volume, with highest-volume hospitals having 32% lower mortality. Longer stays and higher costs were also associated with higher-volume hospitals.
A study of 65 women who experienced stillbirth found that those who saw their dead baby were more likely to develop depression and anxiety. Women who did not see their stillborn child had lower rates of mental health issues, suggesting that forcing mothers to confront their loss may be counterproductive.
A study published in Brain, Behavior and Immunity found that individuals experiencing cardiac reactors showed a greater immunologic response to stress, as measured by lymphocyte redistribution. This response may play a role in inflammatory diseases and heart attack.
Researchers found atazanavir significantly lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute suggest administering an injection of fresh T cells after chemotherapy or irradiation to increase anti-tumor effect. This approach could potentially reduce collateral damage and improve treatment outcomes for various cancers.
A study of 150 high school students found that anxiety was a prevalent issue among teens, with those experiencing more anxiety spending less time with friends and engaging in unhealthy behaviors. The researchers used hand-held computers to collect data, providing valuable insights into the adolescent mind.
A Franco-Senegalese research team has demonstrated the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy in Africa, contrary to previous doubts. The 18-month pilot scheme showed strong adherence and high patient respect for prescriptions, with improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers are using nature's existing engineering networks to develop more efficient and sustainable methods for engineering organisms. This approach allows for the introduction of desirable traits without stressing the organism, making it a promising area of research for biosensors, enzyme development, and future medical applications.
A retrospective study of 222 patients with HIV found that women experienced higher rates of neurologic complications and lipodystrophy after two years of HAART therapy. The study's findings suggest that while women may respond similarly to treatment as men, they experience more side effects.
Researchers found that the snake uses a novel 'loop and pull' behavior to consume large crabs, overcoming limitations imposed by limb loss and body form changes. The behavior was recorded in a dark room with infrared video cameras and verified through observations of wild snakes consuming oversized prey.
A Syracuse University study found that the LSTA generated an average of 17% increase in new funding for libraries from state and non-governmental sources. This increase held even when adjusted for a strong economy, demonstrating the positive impact of federal spending on revenue.
The new treatment guidelines emphasize the use of CD4 cell counts as a primary indicator for starting therapy, rather than plasma HIV RNA levels. The guidelines also highlight the importance of patient adherence and regular monitoring of viral load and CD4 cell counts to ensure successful treatment.
A new NSF grant aims to evaluate the costly impacts of corrosion on water quality, drinking water tastes and odors, and home plumbing. Researchers will focus on economic, consumer, and biochemical dimensions of potable water infrastructure corrosion.
The study discovered a novel gene, ADAM33, linked to asthma susceptibility and airway changes in asthmatic patients. This gene is involved in generating bronchial hyperresponsiveness and may underlie abnormalities in asthmatic airway function.
Researchers found that viral infections in infancy can cause long-term changes in the body's anti-viral system, leading to chronic respiratory inflammation and distress. Mice infected with paramyxoviral virus developed airway hyperreactivity and mucus-producing cells, symptoms similar to asthma.
A new study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists can increase heart rate and blood pressure in animals, suggesting potential risks for diabetes treatment. The findings may impact the use of these agents in humans with Type II diabetes.
The Marine Corps has developed an automated suite of tools called the Coherent Analytical Computing Environment (CACE) to help simplify complex mission planning. The CACE Decision Support Suite can produce four weeks' worth of flight schedules in just 15 minutes, reducing the time spent on scheduling from hours to minutes.
Researchers discover tropical snake that tears apart and swallows soft-shelled crabs in pieces, unlike most snakes that swallow prey whole. This unique feeding behavior allows the snake to consume larger prey, and has implications for understanding vertebrate behavior.
Researchers found that HIV-infected patients with viral suppression interrupted treatment for an average of nine months without experiencing infections or illnesses. Patients with lower virus levels and stronger immune systems responded favorably to the interruption.
A recent study found that patients undergoing arthroscopic lavage or debridement for osteoarthritis of the knee did not experience greater pain relief or improved function compared to those receiving placebo surgery. The researchers suggest that the same therapeutic benefits may be achieved through non-invasive treatment methods.
Researchers found that the scale of interaction and dispersal is crucial to maintaining biodiversity in bacterial communities. Localizing these interactions helps preserve genetic diversity, allowing weaker competitors to persist over time.
A panel of experts reviewed the feasibility of caloric restriction in humans, considering its effects on physiology, genetics, and psychosocial health. The research aims to establish whether CR can provide benefits similar to those observed in lab animals.
A new study published in Pediatrics recommends screening for medical problems and addressing treatment barriers when treating overweight children. Healthcare providers face challenges such as parental resistance, patient lack of motivation, and insufficient support services, hindering effective treatment.
A new kind of cruise missile engine, called a scramjet, has been tested to achieve Mach 6.5 speeds in simulated hypersonic conditions, outperforming traditional ramjets. The engine is being developed for use in the HyFly joint DARPA/ONR Flight Demo program, aiming to launch missiles at speeds up to Mach 6 and ranges of 600 nautical miles.
NIAID-funded studies explore dual protease inhibitors, herpes simplex virus 2 risk factor for HIV infection in India, and anti-HIV antibodies' influence on HIV evolution. The conference also features the world's largest preventive HIV vaccine trial.