New research suggests that Herceptin may be cost-effective for certain sub-groups of patients with early breast cancer, but its use as adjuvant therapy could impose a significant financial burden on healthcare systems. The study estimates that the cost of providing Herceptin treatment in Belgium would be around €25.5 million per year.
A new cell transplantation technique has successfully restored insulin production in diabetic patients by injecting donor islet cells into the portal vein. The procedure, which uses a steroid-free protocol and sandwich closure method, showed promising results with all 13 patients producing insulin without major complications.
The updated practice parameter provides new definitions for acute, subacute, chronic, and recurrent sinusitis, as well as guidelines for diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics should be used judiciously, and referral to an allergist/immunologist is recommended for patients with chronic or recurrent sinusitis.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new therapeutic target for drugs to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases. By targeting dendritic cells, the researchers hope to stop faulty immune responses at an upstream level.
A study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that businesswomen wearing tight skirts were perceived as less competent than their neutrally dressed counterparts. The research suggests women in high status occupations must resist the temptation to emphasize their sex appeal to gain respect from colleagues.
A new study has shown that transmitting full-field digital mammography images over the internet can be done without compromising accuracy or security. The study, which included 1,314 diagnostic screening mammograms, demonstrated the feasibility of regional interpretation centers to improve breast cancer screening access and accuracy.
A new CT-guided injection treatment has been found to be highly effective in treating palmar hyperhidrosis, a condition that affects up to three out of every 100 people in the US. The procedure involves injecting medication into nerve tracts and nodes, resulting in immediate successful results for 47 out of 50 patients.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a DNA identification tool that can accurately identify species from animal tissue samples, with an error rate as low as 4%. The study uses a comprehensive catalog of species and analyzes tissue samples from marine organisms to quantify its effectiveness.
A study of over 662 US patients found that acetaminophen-related acute liver failure increased from 28% to 51% between 1998 and 2003. Unintentional overdoses, often due to combination medication use, led to more severe disease and worse outcomes.
A new model developed by Hyun Jung Cho predicts the key factors and provides quantitative results to protect wetlands, addressing global concerns in ecological restoration. The model can be used for other coastal SAV habitats with local light requirements substituted.
Researchers at Public University of Navarre develop innovative left-handed metamaterials for miniaturized mobile devices, enabling reduced size and improved signal control. The breakthrough technology uses Split Ring Resonators to achieve extremely low losses and has potential applications in wireless communication systems.
The RAPID-CHF trial found that ultrafiltration therapy was safe and effective for patients with acute decompensated heart failure, removing more fluid and improving symptoms compared to standard treatment with intravenous diuretics. A larger trial is underway to compare its effectiveness.
Brandeis University physicists Meyer and Redfield have been honored by the American Physical Society for their pioneering contributions to liquid crystals and biological physics. Their research has led to significant advancements in technologies such as LCD displays, with over 50,000 new liquid crystal materials developed.
Two landmark papers unveiled significant breakthroughs in preventing amputations in diabetes patients. Novel Negative Pressure Wound Therapy technology has been shown to simplify complex wounds, while powerful antibiotics have demonstrated comparable efficacy when administered once daily.
Researchers at UCSD found that selectively inactivating the IKK beta gene in airway membrane-lining cells significantly reduces inflammation, mucus production, and scarring. This discovery suggests a potential targeted treatment for asthma sufferers.
A new HRCT technique shows that cat allergen exposure can lead to persistent inflammation in small airways, increasing the risk of severe asthma attacks. The study's findings highlight the importance of targeting these regions with treatments.
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that women with similar levels of heart disease as men reported milder symptoms and perceived their disease as severe less often. Researchers suggest this may contribute to differences in heart care delivery between genders.
Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that robotic treadmill training increases activity in the brain responsible for muscle movement and motor learning after 12 weeks. The study suggests that rehabilitation strategies can be designed to engage critical areas of the brain necessary for walking.
A new UCLA study suggests that colonoscopy results do not reassure Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) patients, contradicting previous beliefs. The study found limited diagnostic value of colonoscopy in diagnosing IBS for patients under age 50.
A study found that Ack1 is a key driver of tumor growth in prostate cancer, and its inhibition can slow tumor formation. The researchers also discovered an experimental drug called geldanamycin that can inhibit Ack1 activity by interfering with its molecular interactions.
Research reveals that patients with Hepatitis C are using more healthcare resources, including increased hospitalizations, physician visits, and costs due to disease progression. The study highlights the urgent need for better HCV treatment decisions as the patient population ages.
Research reveals a novel role of serotonin transporters in controlling left-right asymmetry, with implications for embryonic development and potential side effects of certain antidepressant medications. The study also highlights the importance of dynamic serotonin movement within cells.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that US Medicare patients with heart failure have a lower risk of dying within 30 days compared to their Canadian counterparts. However, the difference in long-term survival rates is negligible. The study suggests that the American system may excel at acute care, while the Canadian sy...
MIT researchers have developed a way to test the mechanical properties of almost 600 different materials in a matter of days. This breakthrough could lead to faster identification of dental implants and tank armor with improved resistance.
Hospitalization rates for infectious diseases have increased significantly among older adults in the US, with notable rises in septicemia, postoperative infections, and other conditions. This trend is likely linked to the aging of the population, which will lead to a projected increase in hospitalizations among older adults.
A four-year study found a sharp decline in HRT prescribing after the Million Women Study's publication, whereas an earlier study had little effect. Widespread media coverage is believed to have played a significant role in this change.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $13.3 million to develop and improve the Globus Toolkit, a widely-used open-source software for distributed computer systems. The grant will support scientists and engineers at the University of Chicago and USC/ISI in enhancing the software's capabilities.
Occupational exposure to pigs significantly increases the risk of developing swine influenza infection, according to a new study. The risk is particularly high for farmers, veterinarians, and meat processing workers, who may be more likely to contract the virus due to their close contact with pigs.
Researchers found that higher levels of inflammatory markers Lp-PLA2 and CRP were associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. The study included 12,762 middle-aged men and women, and found that individuals with high levels of both markers were at the highest risk.
A gene variant in Complement Factor H is associated with an increased risk of soft drusen, a precursor to advanced age-related macular degeneration. The study found that the CFH variant contributes to the development of soft drusen but does not determine who will progress to advanced AMD.
A study using virtual colonoscopy with computer-aided detection (CAD) found that CAD improved the performance of virtual colonoscopy by reducing perceptual error in interpreting large numbers of images. The technology detected polyps in 89.3% and 85.4% of patients with polyps 10mm and 8mm or larger, respectively.
A new technology called tomosynthesis has been shown to decrease false-positive screening mammography findings by half, allowing for more accurate detection of early breast cancers. In a study of 98 women, tomosynthesis was found to be as good as or better than diagnostic mammography in 88% of cases.
Neuroscientists at Thomas Jefferson University have found that glucosamine can significantly delay the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and improve movement in animal models. The anti-inflammatory effects of glucosamine may be useful in conjunction with existing treatments to help patients manage MS-related debilitating effects.
A new blood test has been developed to identify individuals at high risk for ischemic stroke in middle-aged adults. The PLAC test measures Lp-PLA2 and CRP levels, finding an 11-fold increased risk of stroke associated with elevated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and C-Reactive Protein.
A new study by Ohio State University found that most people can't correctly identify the purpose of a public building just by looking at its form. The researchers used photographs of city halls, libraries, art museums, and live theaters to test this principle, with participants guessing correctly only 32% of the time.
Researchers propose an alternative mode for characterizing and quantifying information, focusing on individual perception and attention. Their theory outperforms existing methods in capturing human bias toward surprising locations, with potential applications in data mining and understanding complex environments.
A new study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that bupropion significantly reduced methamphetamine cravings and diminished the 'high' associated with its use. The research suggests that bupropion prevents methamphetamine from entering brain cells, reducing feelings of euphoria.
A study of carotid artery stenting found that the procedure significantly improved cognitive speed and memory function in patients with impaired brain perfusion. The results suggest that stenting may offer benefits beyond reduced stroke risk for these patients.
A study found that women's travel distance to a radiation facility significantly impacted the use of Breast-Conserving Surgery (BCSR). The odds of receiving BCSR fell by 50% for every 5-mile increase in distance. Socioeconomic factors, such as lack of insurance and ethnicity, also negatively affected BCSR usage.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that men with high blood pressure after undergoing a facelift had a significantly lower incidence of hematoma. To minimize this risk, patients should have their blood pressure controlled before surgery and manage it with their primary care physician.
A study found that exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants like CB-153 and DDE is significantly associated with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes among fishermen and their wives. The results show that those with higher blood levels of these pollutants have a higher risk of developing the disease.
New research suggests that smoking after cancer diagnosis can lead to poorer treatment outcomes, with up to one-half of patients continuing to smoke or relapsing. Tobacco use is now recognized as a critical variable in clinical trial results, and addressing it through cessation efforts can improve success rates and quality of life.
A study published in JAMA Network found that US Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure had significantly better 30-day mortality rates compared to Canadian patients. However, one-year mortality rates were similar between the two groups.
The ESC has issued a policy statement on reperfusion therapy for STEMI treatment, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and timely initiation of therapy. The statement recommends prioritizing primary PCI and thrombolytic treatment within three hours of symptom onset.
A recent NIH study found a strong association between progressive aphasia syndrome and a specific prion gene variant, suggesting that the disease may be linked to genetic variations in the prion protein. The findings have significant implications for understanding the causes of this rare neurological disorder.
Research by Victoria O. Chan reveals that 68% of intramuscular injections do not reach the muscle due to excessive fat tissue. The study suggests a longer needle length may improve success rates for patients with obesity.
Studies found that depressed heart patients are more likely to miss medication doses, with 14% of depressed patients not taking their meds as prescribed. Elevated stress hormones also linked to depression in heart disease patients.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a standardized method for synthesizing bulk nanowires, allowing for the exploration of next steps in semiconductor miniaturization. The new technology produces ten-times more nanowires than previous methods and sets parameters for standardization.
Seven Australian scientists have been awarded $1m Pfizer Australia Research Fellowships to explore critical fields like brain stem cell activity, HIV, and neuropsychiatric disorders. The grants will support research into the genetic inheritance of glaucoma and the replication of HIV pathogens.
Patients who quit smoking around cancer diagnosis have improved disease outcomes, better QOL, and prolonged survival compared to continuing smokers. Targeted interventions combining behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy show promise in addressing individual barriers to cessation.
Scientists at Freie Universität Berlin identify a new intermediate state in the Kok cycle, crucial for molecular oxygen formation. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of photosynthesis and has implications for more efficient solar cells.
Researchers use high-resolution transmission electron microscope to study interactions at solid-liquid interfaces, observing density fluctuations and atom ordering in liquid aluminium. The findings suggest that crystals can induce the ordering of atoms in liquids, even in metal-ceramic systems at high temperatures.
A new study found that brain structure associated with fear inhibition is also linked to personality traits like extraversion and neuroticism. The researchers used a standard personality test in combination with brain imaging to analyze the link between the brain region and extinction memory.
Researchers found that progressive loss of two types of hypothalamic neurons, Pomc and Agrp, leads to altered food intake patterns in mice. This discovery provides a potentially informative model for studying human age-related obesity and the regulation of energy homeostasis.
Researchers found that the amygdala becomes increasingly hyperactive when patients look at threatening faces, correlating with social phobia symptoms. The study suggests functional magnetic resonance imaging could predict clinical symptom severity and monitor treatment effectiveness.
Researchers found that human cells without securin protein can recover from widespread chromosome losses over time, suggesting compensatory mechanisms at play. This discovery has implications for cancer treatment, as mathematical models often assume cell populations cannot recover from chromosomal instability.
Chronic major depressive episodes are associated with older age, lower education and income, medical illnesses, and lack of private insurance. African Americans and patients in primary care settings experience more chronicity.
Researchers at U-M found that focused radiation combined with chemotherapy significantly improves survival rates for liver cancer patients. The new method delivers an intensive punch directly to tumors while limiting exposure to normal tissue.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study volunteers' brains, finding high levels of activity in the posterior parietal cortex. Participants felt their waist shrink by up to 28% after a vibrating device stimulated their wrist tendon, suggesting the brain creates a map of body size through integrating signals from ...
A new study published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that a nicotine vaccine was safe and well-tolerated in helping smokers quit. The vaccine, which works by producing antibodies that bind to nicotine, showed impressive results with 38% of participants quitting for at least 30 days.