A new US policy has reduced gaming in heart transplant waiting lists, but the competition for scarce organs still exists. The researchers found that before the rule change, heart transplant centers in competitive areas were more likely to list patients in the sickest category.
A recent study found that over half of patients with heart failure could benefit from implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), but Medicare's current guidelines exclude them. ICDs can prevent sudden cardiac death by monitoring heart rhythm and shocking the heart back into a normal pace.
A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that poor diet and physical inactivity are projected to overtake tobacco as the leading cause of death in the US. The study analyzed data from 2000 mortality reports and identified that approximately 400,000 deaths were attributed to poor diet and physical inactivity.
The STARR program improves patient knowledge of exercise and diet goals by 56.7%, while also increasing exercise and diet compliance to 67%. The program shows positive trends in weight loss, stress, blood pressure, diabetes control, and lipid goals.
A study by NASA and NOAA researchers reveals new climate patterns in the North Pacific Ocean, which differ from the traditional Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) pattern. The findings suggest that a single index like PDO is incomplete for characterizing the state of the North Pacific climate system.
A study by USGS researchers associates drought patterns in the US with multi-decade variations in North Pacific and North Atlantic sea surface temperatures. The research found that positive AMO (warm North Atlantic) and negative PDO (cool North Pacific) are linked to large-scale droughts, affecting regional weather patterns.
A new clip device has shown promising results in repairing faulty heart valves through a less invasive cath lab procedure. The device, developed by Evalve Inc., uses the edge-to-edge technique to repair or replace the mitral valve without open-heart surgery.
Researchers at McGill University have identified 209 proteins involved in the cellular uptake process, shedding light on protein interactions and disease mechanisms. The study provides a comprehensive molecular inventory of clathrin-coated vesicles, with broad implications for various fields in biology and medicine.
A new analysis found that Atacand(R) improved NYHA functional class in a broad spectrum of CHF patients, with 35.4% showing improvement and 9% worsening. The medication also reduced the development of atrial fibrillation and Type II diabetes mellitus in these patients.
Researchers found that 36% of infants were hospitalized, while 64% received treatment outside the hospital. Despite guideline non-adherence, infant mortality rates remained low.
A study of over 15,000 insured patients found that less than half were taking beta blockers regularly after a heart attack. The researchers highlight the importance of long-term adherence to the drug for its benefits.
A large Finnish study found that moderate to high coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Drinking 3-4 cups of coffee per day was linked to a 29% reduced risk for women and a 27% lower risk for men.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) has awarded scholarships to 91 minority and underrepresented scientists participating in its Annual Meeting. The AACR offers several award programs, including the Minority Scholar Awards, which support early-career scientists from traditionally underrepresented groups.
A recent UCSF study found that pediatricians' clinical judgment may be more effective than strict adherence to guidelines in managing febrile illnesses in infants. The study analyzed data from 3,066 infants and found that experienced clinicians using clinical judgment may reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improve treatment outcomes.
Lehigh engineering professor Shalinee Kishore aims to bring modern telecommunications to rural Pennsylvania through a five-year grant. She plans to develop and implement a plan to improve the county's wireless communications infrastructure, enabling residents to access high-speed Internet and lower-speed voice services.
Researchers found a speed limit to neural network synchronization, set by network connectivity. The analysis revealed that even strong interactions cannot achieve faster synchronization than an upper limit. This could severely limit the speed of information processing in the brain.
A team at Washington University in St. Louis has created a three-minute video capturing the unique interaction between water and three different oils when mixed using a magnetic stir bar. The resulting vortices, or funnels, display distinct characteristics due to their varying viscosities, showcasing the fluid dynamics phenomenon.
A recent study found that sumatriptan nasal spray provides good to excellent headache relief in over three-quarters of children with chronic migraines. The off-label use of the medication has been shown to be effective and safe for treating this condition, especially when other treatments have failed.
The study found that astronauts lost bone at a rate of 0.8-0.9 percent per month, with trabecular bone loss being more significant than cortical bone loss. The researchers used three-dimensional x-ray computed tomography to quantify bone loss in the hip and estimate changes in hip bone strength.
A study from the University of Washington found that nationally certified teachers outperform non-certified teachers in math and reading tests, with a 7% advantage. This benefit is especially pronounced for younger and lower-income students, who see gains of up to 12% in reading scores.
A recent study published by the NIH found that implantable defibrillators significantly reduce deaths in patients with moderate to severe heart failure. The study, which included over 2,500 participants, showed that implanted defibrillator therapy reduced deaths by 22%, while amiodarone therapy did not have a significant impact.
Researchers found an irregularly shaped cluster of nerve cells in the hypothalamus of the sheep brain associated with female mate preference. The study provides clues to the processes involved in development and regulation of heterosexual and homosexual behavior.
Researchers infused decorin into spinal cord injury sites in rats, reducing inflammation and scar formation by 80-95%. This allowed nerve fibers to regrow across the injury site within four days.
The PAVE study found that biventricular pacing improved cardiac function and functional capacity in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation undergoing ablate and pace therapy. In contrast, the DINAMIT study showed no overall mortality benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy in patients following a recent acute...
Researchers found evidence of human herpesvirus 6 in tissues of 25 out of 35 children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare condition affecting bones and multiple organ systems. The study suggests the virus interacts with an underlying predisposition to the disease, potentially leading to new treatments and diagnostic tests.
Researchers have developed a novel technique that allows them to visualize three genes at once in embryos, body tissues, or even single cells. This improved FISH method combines existing technologies to illuminate gene activity, enabling scientists to study embryonic development and birth defects in greater detail.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully reprogrammed human fat cells to become adult stem cells capable of forming bone, cartilage, and other cell types, providing a promising new approach for treating diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Researchers investigated using lytic bacteriophage to reduce spore contamination in soil, finding a significant reduction with minimal toxicity. The approach is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional decontamination methods.
A study by Queen's University researchers found that taste and odour-causing algae have increased in 90% of lakes in the Muskoka-Haliburton region since the early 1800s. The increase is attributed to climate change and acidic deposition, with significant rises over the past two decades.
The device captures aerosol particles with an electrical field, charging and trapping them to destroy bioagents. Smart nanoparticles catalyze oxidation to completely deactivate organisms.
A twin study found a possible connection between depression and heart disease, with decreased heart rate variability (HRV) being a key factor. The study suggests that treating clinical depression, including minor forms, may help reduce the risk of heart disease by normalizing HRV.
Researchers found that patients who lost consciousness for at least 12 hours were less likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder compared to those who remained conscious. The study, which examined 46 inpatients with traumatic brain injuries, suggests that losing consciousness may be a protective factor against developing PTSD.
Researchers analyzed over 13,000 live term births to assess the effect of medical abortion on subsequent pregnancy's birth weight. The study found that women who had undergone a medically induced abortion had lower rates of Low Birth Weight compared to those with no abortion history.
The SCD-HeFT trial showed that implantable cardiac defibrillators can reduce total mortality in patients with moderate to severe congestive heart failure. Patients who received an ICD had a three-year mortality rate of 17.1%, compared to 22.3% for those receiving placebo and 24% for those receiving amiodarone.
During the winter holiday period, heart attack patients admitted to U.S. hospitals have higher mortality rates and are less likely to receive effective treatments such as aspirin and beta blockers. The researchers believe that the U.S. healthcare system is not adequately staffed during the holidays, leading to reduced treatment options.
A large study found that parents who lost a child are 50% more likely to develop multiple sclerosis than those who did not lose a child. The study suggests that psychological stress may play a role in the development of MS.
Long-term Tai Chi practice promotes balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, while reducing the risk of falls in elders. Benefits have also been reported for cardiovascular and respiratory function, as well as pain, stress, and anxiety.
The Maize Genomics Consortium developed a cost-effective approach to sequence the maize genome, reducing its effective size by six-fold. The method uses methyl-filtration and high-Cot selection, targeting overlapping fractions of the genome enriched for genes.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) stability plays a crucial role in determining disease severity in nervous system mutations, according to researchers at Baylor College of Medicine. Aberrant mRNA forms are usually eliminated through nonsense-mediated decay, but some escape and lead to defective protein production.
A nine-year study estimates that alcohol-related emergency department visits have exceeded 68.6 million between 1992 and 2000, accounting for 7.9% of total ED visits. The study also reveals a rising trend in ED visits for males and blacks with certain diagnoses.
Researchers identified a critical protein, NADPH oxidase 3 (Nox3), essential for otoconia development and balance. The discovery may aid in regenerating otoconia and treating balance-related disorders.
A breakthrough in fertility preservation allows women to store their ovarian tissue before cancer treatment, which can be transplanted years later to restore reproductive function. The technique shows promise but also raises concerns about safety and effectiveness, prompting calls for further research.
Researchers at Duke University found that the brain can switch to automatic mode when learning new skills, reducing cognitive effort. By analyzing fMRI data, they discovered that the cortex rapidly recovers prior responses, allowing for efficient decision-making and reduced neural activity.
A study analyzing SPORTIF III and V trials found that ximelagatran is at least as effective as warfarin in preventing strokes and systemic embolic events in men and women with atrial fibrillation. The analysis also showed lower bleeding rates for ximelagatran, particularly among women.
Researchers developed a topical vaccine that induces high levels of anti-ricin immune responses in mice, with 70% survival rate upon lethal challenge. The vaccine candidate offers a viable alternative delivery route for ricin poisoning treatment.
Researchers develop a novel treatment to stimulate natural cartilage tissue growth in knee joint defects, providing a potential solution for osteoarthritis treatment. The hyaluronan-based polymer creates a protective cap and enables new cartilage tissue to grow, filling the defect and promoting healing.
A study by Yale University found that diets rich in fat and animal protein may increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, also discovered a reduced risk associated with high consumption of fruits and vegetables.
A global assessment of sea turtle bycatch in longline fisheries revealed four primary hotspots in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic, and Mediterranean Sea. The study estimates that 1.4 billion hooks were set globally in 2000, catching at least 200,000 loggerheads and 50,000 leatherbacks.
Researchers studied 35 men with CHF who did not use nitrates. Sildenafil improved erectile dysfunction and reduced depression in the group that took it for six weeks, without causing dangerous drops in blood pressure.
A Northwestern University study found that death rate after hospital discharge increased up to 72 percent for patients with DNR orders. Despite this, the researchers suggest that shorter lengths of stay can be achieved without compromising patient health through improvements in therapies and end-of-life care.
A study of 32,372 patients found that coronary artery aneurysms are associated with a high 5-year mortality rate of 29.1%. Experts emphasize the need for aggressive monitoring and modification of coronary risk factors for all patients with angiographic evidence of aneurysms, regardless of size.
A new test can detect cirrhosis of the liver in its early stages, using changes in sugar production to identify the condition. The test has been shown to be accurate and could lead to earlier detection of liver cancer, improving treatment outcomes.
A study of 5,924 participants aged 43 to 84 found that dry eye developed in 13.3% over a five-year period, with significant associations with age, allergy or diabetes, and poorer health. Certain medications and lifestyle factors also showed protective effects.
Duke University Medical Center researchers found a significant correlation between hospitals' adherence to national guidelines for treating potential heart attacks and improved patient outcomes. Hospitals in the top 25 percentile of adherence had a mortality rate of 4.17 percent, compared to 6.33 percent at lagging hospitals.
Dr. Marrack recognized for significant contributions to T cell research, including understanding of autoimmune diseases and vaccine development. The L'ORÉAL-UNESCO For Women In Science Award aims to support women in science and inspire the younger generation.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that 22 patients had vertebral fractures, with 45% going undiagnosed. Vertebral fractures often indicate osteoporosis, a common disease in the elderly that can be easily treated with drugs.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that state-mandated continuing medical education (CME) programs for physicians have little association with improved heart attack care outcomes. However, CME-required states showed a significant increase in the use of branded thrombolytic therapies, which may be influenced by ...
The average desktop system requires 10 times its weight in fossil fuels and chemicals to manufacture, with a total of 1.8 tonnes of materials used per computer. The study highlights the need to extend the useful life of existing equipment to reduce waste and mitigate environmental impacts.
A study of 11,645 patients in community hospitals found that only 18.7% were transferred to tertiary facilities with invasive care capabilities within 48 hours, highlighting a crucial weakness in cardiac care delivery. Non-transferred patients were more likely to have comorbidities and receive suboptimal medications.
Scientists have confirmed that baker's yeast underwent complete genome duplication, resulting in the creation of thousands of new genes. This phenomenon allowed for rapid adaptation to new environments and evolution of new functions.