The 2nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable emphasizes the need for global awareness and action on osteoporosis. The participants urge individuals to engage in bone-friendly lifestyles and healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge about osteoporosis, while governments are encouraged to recognize it as a health priority.
A recent study found that osteoporosis is widely underdiagnosed and undertreated, with many patients stopping their prescribed medication prematurely. Low trauma fractures are often an indication of osteoporosis, but patients may not receive adequate screening or education on managing the condition.
The study found that black patients had a significantly lower response rate to chemotherapy treatments compared to white patients. However, they also showed less severe toxicity and longer survival rates. Genetic differences in metabolism of chemotherapy drugs may play a role in these racial differences.
Researchers found that injecting mice with gene therapy containing myostatin propeptide accelerated muscle regeneration and reduced fibrosis after injury. This approach could significantly reduce recovery time for athletes and lead to more complete functional recovery.
A new study by Dr. Ramalingam found that adding the drug vorinostat to standard chemotherapy improved outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with partial responses in 11 patients and disease stabilization in 7 more. The recommended dose of 400mg daily for two weeks was well-tolerated.
A study found that ramelteon, a new sleep medication, does not instigate the same cognitive effects as other commonly prescribed sleep aids. The research suggests that ramelteon is unlikely to promote benzodiazepine-type dependence and may be a safer alternative for treating insomnia.
Researchers have found a promising new treatment for children with metastatic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) that is resistant to imatinib. The therapy, sunitinib, has shown significant decreases in tumor-related activity and complete remission in some patients.
Research suggests that infant bone growth and maternal vitamin D levels during pregnancy have a significant impact on future fracture risk. Children born to mothers with lower vitamin D levels tend to have weaker bones, while higher levels may improve bone density.
A study found that patients with advanced liver, gallbladder, and bile duct cancers who developed a skin rash while treated with lapatinib lived for an average of 10 months, compared to five months for those without the rash. The treatment was well-tolerated, with two patients experiencing partial responses to treatment.
A new time-of-flight PET scanner with LYSO detector crystals improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces variability in patient images. This technology enables more accurate detection of small lesions and better lesion characterization, leading to improved cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A new three-drug regimen combining Taxotere with standard chemotherapy reduces mortality by nearly 30 percent in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The study, conducted at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, showed improved survival rates with this treatment approach.
A study of 31 young men in inner London found that engaging in unhealthy masculine behaviors can harm health, while positive behaviors like sport can have a positive impact. The research calls for greater understanding of attitudes to masculinity in health promotion.
Studies have shown that glycerrhetinic acid and glycerrhizic acid, found in liquorice, preferentially accumulate in the liver and can target tumors effectively. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes with reduced toxic effects on other parts of the body.
A new model predicts osteoporosis risk by integrating age, height, weight, and other factors, identifying susceptible individuals for targeted treatment. Researchers also found that obesity accelerates bone loss, contradicting prior assumptions, and that certain medications like SSRIs may increase fracture risk.
Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center report a significant extension of survival in advanced lung cancer patients treated with bortezomib plus standard care. The median overall survival was 11 months, with one-year survival at 46%, offering promising results for this patient population.
A five-year update from the IRIS Study Group shows excellent results for people with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) treated with Gleevec, a targeted cancer therapy. Overall survival rates reach 89% at five years, with fewer than 1% of patients progressing to accelerated or blast crisis phases.
A study found that annual rates of hip fracture among Swiss female nursing home residents decreased by 1.3% per year during the 1990s. This decrease was linked to improved prescription of calcium and vitamin D, as well as enhanced preventative care regarding risk factors for falls.
Early breast cancer patients switching from tamoxifen to Aromasin experience a 17% lower chance of dying and a 25% lower risk of breast cancer recurrence. The study's findings also suggest long-term safety benefits, with no clinically meaningful changes in the side effect profile.
A study of 57 women with metastatic breast cancer found that low-income African-American women experienced higher levels of symptom distress and lower quality of life compared to other racial and economic groups. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored care approaches to improve outcomes for these patients.
Researchers used gene therapy to treat ovarian cancer in a mouse model, achieving complete inhibition of tumor growth in some mice and significant inhibition in others. The treatment offers a promising alternative to harsh current treatments for this deadly disease.
Researchers developed gene therapy using manganese superoxide dismutase to protect mice from radiation damage. The treatment showed no changes in body weight, little bone-marrow damage, and longer lifespan in mice exposed to varying doses of whole-body radiation.
Research suggests strontium ranelate strengthens bone architecture for at least five years, reducing fracture risk. Bisphosphonates remain effective for extended periods, but may pose risks to young patients with osteoporosis.
A study led by Michael C. Heinrich, M.D., found that patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) responded differently to Sunitinib depending on their tumor's genetic abnormality. The research highlights the importance of personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
Studies reveal that age-related changes in bone geometry and architecture can lead to increased fracture risk. Researchers found that older women experience a decrease in dense spongy tissue and an increase in cortical bone thickness, but not overall bone density.
A new study confirms that, despite an increase in hospice care, many terminally ill cancer patients continue to receive aggressive treatment in the last days of life. The study found that while hospice use increased steadily over time, it was often not used for symptom relief and building relationships.
Obesity disrupts hormone signaling pathways and leads to metabolic changes that worsen liver disease. Researchers recommend weight loss, insulin-sensitizing drugs, or increased dosages of combination therapy to improve treatment outcomes for hepatitis C patients.
The authors of a commentary propose developing educational messages about genetic testing to address misunderstandings and societal fears. This could involve collaboration between professional organizations, patient advocacy groups, and the public at large to improve the interpretation of test results.
A randomized trial involving 250 patients with advanced prostate cancer found that high-dose calcitriol (DN-101) significantly reduced venous and arterial thromboses compared to a placebo. This unexpected benefit offers an avenue of investigation for improved safety in various cancers.
The ASCO and ESMO have released a consensus statement outlining 10 essential components of quality cancer care, aiming to address inequalities in healthcare systems worldwide. The document highlights the importance of informed consent, multidisciplinary care teams, and access to innovative treatments for patients diagnosed with cancer.
Researchers used adeno-associated virus to insert genes for interleukin-4 (IL-4) or interleukin-10 (IL-10) into insulin-producing beta cells, preventing hyperglycemia in non-obese diabetic mice. Gene therapy shows promise as a viable method for preventing type 1 diabetes in genetically at-risk individuals.
The study found total hip and knee replacement surgery to be safe with low post-operative complications, while patient satisfaction levels remained high at 85-90%. However, disparities in utilization exist across race and gender lines.
A study found that obese teenagers have larger and heavier hearts, with impaired function, which cannot be explained by high blood pressure alone. The research suggests that childhood obesity can lead to long-term consequences on heart disease risk.
A Canadian study found that farm kids are at a higher risk of fatal injuries due to accidents on the farm. The researchers identified three main ways these injuries occur and proposed prevention strategies, including improved supervision and safer equipment.
African American smokers show greater brain activation in response to smoking cues compared to Caucasian smokers. The study suggests that metabolism of nicotine may be slower in African Americans, contributing to lower success rates in smoking cessation.
A study found that exercise alone can reverse negative effects of inactivity on cardiovascular health, with moderate intensity exercise showing significant benefits. The research suggests that even a small amount of physical activity can reduce risks for developing conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
A new study found that a clot-busting drug can revive cardiac arrest patients with a 26% success rate, compared to 12% for standard therapy. The treatment, tenecteplase, was administered to 50 patients who didn't respond to standard therapy and showed improved overall survival.
A study by Yale University School of Medicine found that door-to-balloon time matters for all patients, regardless of time to presentation. The results show a significant decrease in mortality rates when patients receive rapid treatment, even if they arrive late.
The exhibition showcases leading research projects supported by the National Science Foundation, covering topics such as water supply, ecological observation, and genomics of maize. The Coalition for National Science Funding aims to increase investment in NSF's programs to address scientific and economic challenges.
A Duke University study found that hearing loss contributes to a decline in quality of life, particularly among the elderly. The study also revealed that approximately six million people in the US use hearing aids, but 35-50% of users are not satisfied with their devices.
Five US university students have won travel scholarships to present their glass-related research in India at the International Symposium on Non-Oxide and Optical Glasses. The recipients, from Lehigh University and Rutgers University, will discuss topics including giant photocontraction effects and optical properties of glasses.
Lehigh University has been awarded a $1.8 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to improve its bioscience education and research programs. The grant will support the creation of new courses, research experiences, and infrastructure, including a Computational Biology Lab.
Advances in HIV care have yielded a total survival benefit of 2.8 million years in the US, saving an additional 137,000 years of life through mother-to-child transmission prevention. The study found that HIV therapies have transformed the disease from a rapidly fatal condition to a controllable one.
A study of 93 women at Ohio State University Medical Center found no correlation between the frequency of sexual intercourse and the onset of labor. Women who were sexually active during the final weeks of their pregnancies carried their babies an average of 39.9 weeks, compared to 39.3 weeks among those who abstained from sex.
A new study analyzed national surveillance data and found that widespread adoption of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) led to at least 3 million years of life saved in the US. The study suggests that reducing barriers to care, such as pre-test counseling, could lead to even greater benefits.
Researchers found that withdrawal contributes to compulsive drug consumption in addicts, creating a vicious cycle. A previously unknown source of drug craving was also identified through Pavlovian conditioning.
A team of scientists from Ohio State University has discovered a massive crater, hidden beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet, which could date back to the Permian-Triassic extinction event. The crater is estimated to be four times wider than the Chicxulub meteor that may have killed the dinosaurs.
Researchers identify a previously unrecognized link between mid-latitude climate dynamics and tropical African climate, leading to exceptionally high organic carbon burial. The study suggests that changes in atmospheric pressure systems and surface winds drive variations in precipitation and runoff patterns.
A survey found that many people do not look at food labels or understand the calorie information they contain, which may limit the effectiveness of nutrition labeling legislation in combating obesity. A high-fiber diet was also found to be associated with normal body fat stores and standard weight for height in adults.
Researchers genetically removed checkpoint proteins in nematode worms, resulting in a 15-30% increase in lifespan. This discovery suggests that these proteins have a dual function in both dividing and non-dividing cells, influencing both aging and cancer.
Researchers have found that pairing Tarceva with Celebrex significantly increases response rates in lung cancer patients, offering a potential breakthrough in treating the disease. The combination therapy has shown to increase response rates by about three-fold, with some patients experiencing responses for up to 93 weeks.
The study found that nearly 9 in 10 amputations performed are instigated by an infection. Poor circulation was not the primary cause of amputation but rather determined its level, highlighting the importance of preventing infection to prevent severe outcomes.
Scientists have discovered a rubble-pile asteroid, Itokawa, with a sea otter-like shape, consisting of loosely packed and porous rubble. The asteroid's structure provides critical information on its early evolution and potential threats to Earth.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded $86.4 million to 50 US universities to enhance undergraduate science education and promote diversity in the sciences. The grants will support programs that develop novel courses, provide hands-on research experiences, and increase science literacy among non-science majors.
The International Society for Influenza and other Respiratory Diseases has launched a new journal, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, with renowned influenza expert Alan Hampson at the helm. The journal aims to bring together international knowledge and expertise in combating the global threat of an influenza pandemic.
Researchers used RNA interference to silence genes regulating muscle cell formation and osteogenic signals. The study found that turning off these inhibitors increased the cells' bone-forming potential, with 60% of mice developing radiologically detectable bone after implantation.
Researchers have discovered a connection between a protein that prevents cancer in humans and lifespan in nematode worms, suggesting that this protein may determine how long we live. The 'checkpoint proteins' also appear to play a role in cell division and could be used to develop new strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A Romanian study reveals that children born after an abortion ban had significantly better educational outcomes, finishing high school and working in advanced jobs. The study attributes this positive effect to changes in the composition of women having children, particularly among urban and educated mothers.
The 2007 Nieman Fellowship in Global Health Reporting is awarded to David Kohn, Harro Albrecht, and Kondwani Munthali for a year of study at Harvard School of Public Health. After completing their studies, the fellows will embark on four-month journalistic field work in developing countries.
Researchers found that developmental red flags, such as poor eye contact and language delay, can be identified at 14 months and worsen by 24 months. Early intervention could improve outcomes for children with autism.
A Florida State University researcher is creating unmanned ground vehicles to patrol areas without putting soldiers in harm's way. The Center for Intelligent Systems, Control, and Robotics is also working on algorithms that enable autonomous devices, such as wheelchairs and self-parking cars.