Two studies found high discordance between local laboratory tests and central testing facilities, raising concerns about patient eligibility for trastuzumab trials. These discrepancies could lead to unnecessary costs and cardiotoxicity. Trials have since modified their criteria to require central laboratory testing to confirm HER2 status.
Researchers found that most articles reporting new treatment results only used the most favorable statistic. Only 18 out of 359 articles reported 'absolute-risk reduction', and none reported 'number needed to treat'. Complete reporting is crucial for informed patient decisions.
Kodali and Nivens have developed a series of commercial lubricants, Agri-Pure 500, made from modified vegetable oils that overcome gelation and degradation issues. The oils can be used in environmentally sensitive areas and as base oils for hydraulic fluid and crankcase oil.
A new report by Dartmouth and VA researchers has introduced simple, low-tech risk charts that place cancer mortality in context. These charts show the 10-year chance of dying from various causes, such as heart disease, stroke, or breast cancer, side-by-side for men and women of different ages and smoking statuses.
Climate change is projected to increase extreme weather events, displacing millions and fueling conflict in low-lying countries. Biogeographical redistribution of pathogens and organisms via globalization poses a growing threat to global security.
Researchers at Stanford University Medical Center have identified genes needed by cancerous liver cells but ignored or used at different levels by normal liver cells. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments and screening tests for liver cancer in Asian populations, who are 10 times more likely to develop the disease due ...
Researchers observed supernova remnants in two neighboring galaxies, providing new insight into gas shocked by blast waves and material structure between stars. The findings expand our understanding of a star's long-term evolution and how elements are redistributed into interstellar space.
A study found that 39 out of 147 research presentations received prominent newspaper coverage, despite being preliminary findings. The publications record for these presentations was almost identical to the overall publication rate, highlighting the need for scientists to emphasize limitations when interviewed by media.
Harden McConnell, a renowned Stanford University chemist, has been awarded the 2002 Welch Award for his pioneering discoveries about cell membranes. His work has provided new insights into how the body regulates cholesterol and activates its immune system.
A study by University of Virginia researchers reveals that journals and authors are protected by various measures, including court rulings, state shield laws, and constitutional provisions. This protection helps prevent corporate power and pressure from tainting peer review.
A new approach to designing smart structures has been developed, using embedded systems with microprocessors and sensors. The system allows for scalability without increasing weight, power consumption, or cost, making it a promising solution for industries such as aerospace and automotive.
Researchers discover that metals like iron are essential for the synthesis of a biological matrix in ocean mussels. This finding could lead to the development of powerful adhesives and antifouling coatings.
Research suggests that preeclampsia may decrease the risk of preterm delivery when a woman smokes, but negative effects persist even without clinical preeclampsia. Abnormal implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus may also continue to affect pregnancy outcomes.
Research suggests a link between mild vitamin C deficiency and increased blood vessel stiffness in pregnant rats, potentially exacerbating preeclampsia risk. Pregnant women with a history of preeclampsia face an elevated chance of developing the disorder again in subsequent pregnancies.
Breast cancer researchers found that registry data accuracy is higher for hospital-based services than ambulatory services, suggesting registries can improve cancer care quality. Additionally, a study suggests blocking growth factor receptors may suppress regional metastases but not distant lung metastases.
Researchers found that 6-month-old hearing infants consistently preferred American Sign Language to pantomime. The infants spent more time looking at ASL than pantomime, even when given the freedom to look elsewhere. This study expands on previous findings of infants' sensitivity to spoken language and may indicate a universal preferen...
Recent medical press releases have been found to often exaggerate results, fail to acknowledge study limitations, and lack transparency. The authors suggest that journals can improve the quality of press releases through enhanced editorial oversight and standardized presentation formats.
A retrospective study of 21,232 farmers in Xuanwei, China found that switching from unvented to vented stoves resulted in a 41% reduction in lung cancer risk for men and 46% for women. Indoor air pollution levels decreased by 65% with the new stove installations.
Spending on prescription drugs grew by 16.9% in 2001, with 56.8% of the increase attributed to higher prices and use of more expensive medications. The average wholesale price rose by $85.42 to $592.05. In contrast, the company forecasts a 15.9% annual spending growth rate for 2002, driven by new generics and moderation in utilization.
Scientists found that climate change from greenhouse gases may greatly slow ozone recovery due to increased water vapor and temperature changes in the upper atmosphere. Ozone levels are expected to reach their lowest point by around 2006, according to NASA research.
Researchers at Rutgers University have created a new approach to increase protein content in corn without using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The discovery has the potential to improve nutritional health in Third World countries where corn is a staple food.