A study published in PLoS Medicine found that a computer monitoring system can alter doctors' behavior, making them more likely to stop prescriptions or order further tests when alerted to potential problems. This could lead to significant reductions in adverse drug events and hospital costs.
The European Society of Cardiology reports a growing problem of child obesity in Europe, with overweight and overt obesity affecting nearly all countries. Scientific evidence shows that this early onset is linked to increased risk factors such as high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
A study of 3779 patients found women were 20% less likely to undergo an exercise test or angiography due to suspected coronary obstruction. Despite proven coronary disease, women received less aggressive treatment and were twice as likely to die or suffer a heart attack compared to men.
The Cardiac Insufficiency BIsoprolol Study III suggests starting patients on bisoprolol may reduce the risk of death, especially in the first year of treatment. The study found no significant differences in efficacy or tolerability between bisoprolol and ACE inhibitor initiation strategies.
A study identified osteopontin as a protein more prevalent in lungs of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The protein increased cell proliferation and movement involved in lung fibrosis, offering potential new treatment targets.
The updated guidelines focus on prolonging life, reducing morbidity, and improving quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure. New neurohormonal antagonists, ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics are key components of therapy.
The PREAMI study found that perindopril significantly reduces the risk of death, hospitalization for heart failure, and cardiac remodelling in elderly patients after acute myocardial infarction. Perindopril reduced these outcomes by 59% and cardiac remodelling by 64%, with consistent benefits across predefined subgroups.
A team of researchers has developed an antiviral inhibitor that is active against several coronaviruses, including those causing the common cold and SARS. The compound targets the main protease enzyme, which is crucial for viral replication, and shows promise as a potential treatment for coronavirus-related diseases.
Researchers found increased serotonin receptor binding in women who recovered from bulimia-type anorexia nervosa, but not restricting-type. This suggests altered serotonin pathways may contribute to anxiety symptoms and eating disorders.
Endovascular stent grafting successfully treats abdominal and thoracic aneurysms and type B aortic dissections. The procedure has been shown to reduce mortality rates compared to surgery in certain cases.
The study found a strong social gradient in metabolic syndrome, with individuals from lower socio-economic positions having a higher risk of the condition. Despite healthier lifestyles among those with higher education levels, the risk was still significantly lower for those with higher education.
Increased physical activity reduces coronary heart disease and cardiac mortality rates by 30-40% compared to inactive individuals. Exercise training also improves endothelial function, reducing atherosclerosis and plaque formation, and can even extend life expectancy in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
Long-term data shows that road salt is accumulating in ground water and aquifers, causing year-round increases in freshwater salinity. This has detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, even in rural areas with low road density.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine genetic counseling for women with a family history of breast cancer or Ashkenazi Jewish descent. A new study found that tiotropium, an inhaled bronchodilator, reduces COPD flare-ups and hospitalizations compared to a placebo.
A Swedish research team has identified a protease that degrades the LHCII protein, which is responsible for the green color of leaves. This discovery sheds light on the plant's recycling process and how it prepares for winter.
A study found that expectations about pain can significantly affect its intensity. Participants who expected lower levels of pain reported a 28% decrease in pain ratings compared to those who expected higher levels. This suggests that the brain plays a crucial role in shaping the perception of pain.
A European multi-centre study found that eating fish oil did little to reduce the risk of heart rhythm problems, cardiac arrest or arrhythmia in patients with an increased risk. The Study on Omega-3 Fatty acids and ventricular Arrhythmia (SOFA) investigated the effect of taking fish oil capsules on life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia i...
A new European consensus definition of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) reveals a high prevalence, with 38% of men and 36% of women affected. The MetS is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality rates, particularly in diabetic women, highlighting gender-specific risk factors.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research using zebrafish, a small tropical fish. Studies have proven that zebrafish can be used to test high numbers of possible drug therapies and may lead to new cancer therapies.
A telemonitoring system tracks patients' vital parameters at home, enabling early detection of hemodynamic imbalance and prompt intervention. The study found improved health outcomes and reduced hospital re-admissions in patients with chronic heart failure.
Researchers have captured a molecular movie of the sperm's fusion with the egg's coating, revealing a tightly regulated process that enables fertilization. The study found that calcium release triggers membrane fusion, and loose SNARE formations precede the final tight configuration.
The study found that adolescents and young adults involved in competitive sports had a two and a half times higher risk of sudden death. ECG screening identified vulnerable young people, reducing sports-related sudden death from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Researchers have discovered ever-changing clusters of debris in Saturn's A ring, with cluster cores ranging from 7 feet to 43 feet in size. The clusters are periodically torn apart by gravitational tides and reassembled into new configurations.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine identified unique patterns of immune cells in breast cancer patients' lymph nodes that predict clinical outcome and can identify tumor spread. The study found that immune changes within these lymph nodes predicted clinical outcome even better than their tumor invasion status.
A study of Euro Heart Survey data reveals significant gender disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease. Women tend to be older, have more comorbidities, and are less likely to receive certain treatments.
The ESSENTIAL trial found that low-dose oral enoximone therapy improved exercise capacity and reduced hospitalization rates in patients with advanced heart failure. However, the study also showed no significant difference in mortality rates between the enoximone and placebo groups.
The EuroAction project demonstrates a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors through a family-based, behavioural approach. Patients and partners achieved improvements in lifestyle, cardiovascular risk factors, and medication use, including increased physical activity and healthier diets.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) has been found to be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, helping patients manage daily routines and relationships to prevent mania and depression. The study suggests that IPSRT is particularly beneficial for individuals with more regular social routines and better physical health.
Historical records show salinity concentrations increasing in groundwater and aquifers due to urbanization and deicer use. High chloride levels can induce mortality in aquatic animals and alter plant composition.
A new vaccine made of a sugar-like molecule called beta-glucan protected rodents from fatal fungal infections by triggering the production of anti-beta-glucan antibodies. The vaccine, combining beta-glucan with diptheria toxin, showed promising results in rodent trials.
A study monitored 2640 competitive athletes with arrhythmias, finding that 62 reported cardiac arrests and 38 were resuscitated. Illicit drugs, particularly anabolic steroids, increase the risk of lethal arrhythmias in athletes. Monitoring and treatment are crucial for young athletes and elite competitors.
The IMAGINE study found that adding an ACE inhibitor within seven days of CABG surgery does not improve current optimal treatment for low-risk patients without a clear indication. The trial, led by Canadian and international researchers, aimed to investigate the benefits of early post-surgical intervention with quinapril.
A Dutch study found that end-of-life decisions for children are common, involving medical professionals and families. The study's findings emphasize the need for clear communication about end-of-life care for minors.
Acute heart failure is a significant concern, affecting approximately 30% of acute coronary syndrome patients, with female patients showing higher prevalence rates. Hospitalizations for heart failure are comparable to myocardial infarctions, with high mortality rates during hospitalization and follow-up.
The article highlights the significant disparity in cardiovascular disease (CVD) knowledge and treatment among European women. Women are more likely to develop CVD ten years after men, but it is also more lethal when it occurs suddenly, such as one year after a heart attack.
The OASIS-5/MICHELANGELO study found fondaparinux to be as effective as enoxaparin in preventing heart attacks and death at nine days after an event, but demonstrated a dramatic reduction in major bleeding. Patients also had a lower mortality rate at six months.
The US Task Force does not recommend routine screening for breast cancer gene mutations in women without a specific family medical history. However, they do suggest screening for women with a history of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, young-onset breast cancer, or multiple relatives with breast and ovarian cancer.
Researchers found that the 'immune profile' of axillary lymph nodes can independently predict breast cancer recurrence. The study showed that immune cell numbers and composition in these nodes correlated with disease-free survival, outperforming other clinical parameters.
The University of Liverpool is leading a major €17 million European tissue engineering project, funded by the European Commission. The project aims to develop cost-effective methods for generating precise tissue types specific to individual patients.
Resynchronization therapy has shown efficacy in a specific subgroup of patients with heart failure, improving hemodynamic benefits, exercise tolerance, quality of life, and mortality. However, controversies surround its role in narrow QRS, atrial fibrillation, or right ventricular failure, as well as patient selection, due to high costs.
Transcatheter occlusion of PFO and left atrial appendage eliminates key sources of cardiac embolism, preventing strokes. Alternative to blood thinning therapy, this procedure is safe and effective in preventing stroke, with a lower recurrence rate compared to standard treatment.
The metabolic syndrome is frequently present in middle-aged subjects, coinciding with adverse cardiovascular changes, including inflammation, thickening of the heart, and atherosclerosis. Every additional component of MS increases the likelihood of cardiovascular damage.
A study using satellite observations found increased photosynthesis and growing season length in Canadian tundra, while forests declined in photosynthetic activity. The decline is linked to long-term warming and drying, challenging initial predictions of predictable forest changes.
The Cribier-Edwards Percutaneous valve offers a less invasive solution for patients with fibro-calcific native aortic valves, reducing mortality rates associated with untreated disease. Recent developments include custom retrograde delivery systems and larger valve sizes, improving procedure success rates.
Scientists have found that parts of the D ring have relocated and dimmed, indicating very short evolutionary lifetimes. The Cassini mission has also revealed a spiral structure in the F ring, which may be caused by moons crossing the ring and spreading particles around.
Researchers from Norway found that treating patients with high doses of B vitamins after a heart attack does not prevent recurrent heart disease or stroke. In fact, high doses of B vitamins may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly among those with impaired renal function.
A new study demonstrates that improved patient selection methods lead to significantly better therapy outcomes for patients with suspected neurally-mediated syncope. The study used implantable loop recorders and found a lower recurrence rate in patients who received pacemaker therapy.
A new study found that telephone-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (T-CBT) significantly improved depression symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The treatment was more effective than supportive emotion-focused therapy (T-SEFT) and showed lasting gains.
A new study has shown that fondaparinux, a synthetic drug, is as effective as traditional therapy in preventing heart attacks and ischemia while reducing major bleeding risks. Patients with acute coronary syndromes who received fondaparinux had lower mortality rates at one month and six months compared to those receiving enoxaparin.
Regular aerobic exercise training is safe and beneficial for cardiac patients, even those with reduced left ventricular function. Appropriate screening and controlled exercise intensity are crucial to minimize risk. Athletes with coronary artery disease can participate in low-intensity competitive sports under supervision.
University of Oregon chemist Jim Hutchison has developed a method to rapidly generate diverse libraries of functionalized gold particles with cores of 11 gold atoms. The new synthesis technique offers great promise for research and development at the nanoscale.
The study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of continuous telemonitoring of multiple disease-relevant parameters in patients with chronic heart failure. The results show that treatment can be adjusted before deterioration, leading to a gain in feeling of security and reduced hospital re-admissions.
A study found that coronary calcium scans can predict heart disease in healthy men, particularly those between 40-50 years old. The scans detected coronary calcium in approximately 20% of the men, and they were 11.8 times more likely to suffer a cardiac event than those without deposits.
A study found that preschoolers' attitudes towards tobacco and alcohol use are shaped by their parents' behavior and media exposure. Children who saw PG-13 or R-rated movies were more likely to choose wine or beer, while those with parents who drank monthly were three times as likely to buy it.
A new study published in the JAMA Network found that clopidogrel pretreatment significantly reduced the odds of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke following PCI by 46% compared to treatment at the time of PCI. Pretreatment also resulted in a 41% reduction in cardiovascular death from randomization through 30 days.
Researchers have discovered the closest living descendant of the extinct giant deer, a species that once roamed the UK. The fallow deer was found to share key characteristics with the ancient animal, including flattened antlers and similar skull and teeth features.
The Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) found that newer antihypertensive drugs, such as amlodipine and perindopril, were more effective than standard diuretic or ß-blocker therapy in reducing blood pressure and preventing major cardiovascular events. The study showed a significant reduction in stroke events and fewer cas...
Scientists at EMBL and IRB-PCB found that disrupted genes in stem cells can lead to deadly tumors. The study shows that specific molecules control cell division and differentiation, and their disruption can result in cancer.
Melanoma cells can efficiently spread due to reactivation of dormant Slug gene, which enables swift travel through the body. This discovery sheds light on why melanoma metastasizes at an earlier stage than other cancers.
A study by Professor Peter Openshaw suggests a link between reduced childhood infections and increased asthma prevalence, highlighting the importance of early exposure to dirt. The 'hygiene hypothesis' proposes that a lack of environmental factors can lead to immune system imbalances, making individuals more susceptible to diseases.