Researchers at Ohio State University have created a vast repository of casual conversations, labeling every syllable and sound. The Buckeye Speech Corpus offers a unique resource for scientists studying communication, speech sciences, linguistics, and more.
A study of 2,000 US physicians found that their personal religious and spiritual characteristics influence their approach to discussing spirituality with patients. Differences in attitude and behavior reflect varying levels of religiosity among physicians.
The hospital's pediatric radiologists use 64-slice CT scanners with 2D and 3D images to evaluate pediatric trauma cases, providing a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This superior imaging method improves patient outcomes by helping surgeons decide whether to perform surgery or monitor the patient closely.
A new MRI-guided technique has been shown to treat fibroids in women 60% faster than traditional methods, enabling more patients to receive treatment. The study found that the procedure allowed up to 127 sonications during a three-hour treatment, resulting in marked symptom improvements for most patients.
A study published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry found that multiracial adolescents are more likely to engage in violent behavior, substance abuse, and smoking compared to white, black, or Asian-American youth. Perceived racial discrimination in school and home neighborhoods contributes to these problems.
Researchers found that a vaccine combined with short-term antibiotic treatment can protect nonhuman primates from inhalational anthrax. The study suggests that this combination may be crucial for successful defense against large-scale anthrax attacks, minimizing the risk of adverse events and improving public health management.
According to the study, underage drinkers and pathological drinkers collectively spent at least $48.3 billion on alcohol in 2001, accounting for nearly one-third of total consumer expenditures. The majority of adult drinkers who developed abuse or dependence began drinking before age 21.
OHSU researchers found that beta amyloid can be found both inside and outside of brain cell mitochondria in Alzheimer's mice, suggesting a key role in the disease. Mitochondrial oxidative damage may contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's by producing hydrogen peroxide.
Researchers used HOXB4 to expand hematopoietic stem cells in monkeys, greatly improving their engraftment after radiation damage. The treatment could accelerate the recovery of patients with failed hematopoietic systems by expanding limited numbers of stem cells, such as those found in cord blood.
A study by University of Arizona researchers found that biotech cotton produces similar yields to traditional cotton with fewer pesticides used. The study, which examined 81 commercial cotton fields in Arizona, revealed that growers using Bt cotton needed fewer applications of broad-spectrum insecticides.
A study of male Vietnam veterans and their identical twins found that those with PTSD had higher scores on neurologic tests, indicating subtle brain abnormalities. These findings suggest a dysfunction in the cerebral cortex, which could increase PTSD risk or reduce recovery likelihood.
Researchers used mathematical modeling to simulate worldwide outbreaks and concluded that restrictions on air travel would achieve very little in controlling the spread of a new flu virus. Local measures such as vaccines and antiviral drugs could be more effective in controlling the spread of the virus.
A survey of 314 pairs of parents and children aged 5-14 years found that many mothers are misinformed about the extent of their children's potential access to household guns. Despite discussing gun safety with their children, some parents reported that their children knew where the guns were stored or had handled firearms.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that breast cancer survivors with persistent fatigue have higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine proteins in their blood. Behavioral interventions like tai chi and yoga may help alleviate the fatigue, which affects about a third of breast cancer survivors for years after treatment.
A new study suggests that renal biopsy can help patients avoid kidney removal by identifying benign tumors that don't require surgery. The procedure is safe and effective, with only minor complications reported in the 407 biopsies performed.
Researchers found CT angiography to be highly accurate in detecting high-grade artery stenosis, with excellent visualization of vessels and accurate identification of stenoses. The study emphasizes the importance of combining MD-CTA and vascular ultrasound for surgical planning and therapy.
A three-year study of pediatric residents found that working 80 hours per week led to less fatigue and better patient care. Reduced work hours had the most pronounced effect on first-year residents, who reported fewer issues with patient care, communication, and procedures.
Researchers found that juvenile birds, like chukar partridges, use a form of locomotion called 'wing-assisted incline running' (WAIR) to climb steep slopes. This behavior may have been crucial for the evolution of flight in birds, as it would have provided an advantage when pursuing prey or escaping predators.
Researchers developed a peptide, D6R, that blocks lethal toxins of anthrax by inhibiting furin activity. The peptide has shown promising therapeutic potential against various bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Ebola, without invoking a cytokine response.
Researchers argue that medical journals' reliance on pharmaceutical advertising compromises their credibility, as advertisements often prioritize profitable drugs over others. They propose that journals consider alternative revenue sources to maintain objectivity.
Researchers discovered that prostaglandin E2 activates the pairing of EP1R with beta2AR receptors, reducing their ability to cause muscle relaxation. This may explain why some asthma treatments fail for individuals with elevated PGE2 levels.
A study of 152 patients with diabetes found that taking sertraline significantly reduced the risk of depression recurrence. After one year, 65.8% of patients remained in remission compared to 47.9% on placebo.
A new study found that using a low radiation dose of 30 mAs can achieve high technical success rates for interventional procedures such as biopsies and catheter placements. The study showed that with minimal image quality, procedures can still be successfully performed.
Researchers investigated whether older adults' lower IQ scores are due to aging or sensory deficits. The study found that even subtle perception deficits, such as reduced spatial contrast sensitivity, can significantly impact performance on intelligence tests.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new formula to predict blood needs in heart surgery, focusing on patient age, weight, and kidney function. The simplified scoring system identifies risk factors for transfusion, aiming to reduce hospital resources and staff time.
A recent study found that extending localizer radiographs and extra axial images beyond defined levels increases radiation exposure. Limiting these areas can significantly reduce radiation dose while maintaining diagnostic quality. The researchers discovered that a total of 562 extra images were acquired in the studied examinations.
A recent study found that an intranasal influenza vaccine was significantly more effective in protecting young children against flu infection than traditional injections. The vaccine, known as CAIV-T, was 55% more effective in reducing influenza-like illness in children.
Researchers have identified a biological marker that predicts persistent fatigue in breast cancer survivors, attributed to inflammation. The biomarker combines immune response elements, including interleukin-6 receptor and T cells with CD69 protein.
A national survey found that approximately 134,071 US adolescents have type 2 diabetes, with 39,005 having the condition and 2,769,736 having impaired fasting glucose levels. The study suggests a significant public health concern among this age group due to the high conversion rate from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center argue that medical journals should ban drug advertisements due to their potential influence on prescribing practices. The authors found that pharmaceutical ads in top medical journals reach a targeted audience and generate high returns for drug companies.
Patients with advanced COPD and rapid lung function decline are 10 times more likely to die than those with normal lung function. The study found that 25% of the population fell into the high-mortality category, with 40 times higher hospitalization rates for those in advanced stages.
The study found that more than 60% of patients experienced a change in their treatment plan due to biopsy results, while as many as 75 unnecessary kidney removals were potentially avoided. The image-guided biopsy technique showed higher success rates compared to old techniques, allowing for better tissue sampling and accurate diagnosis.
Researchers identify EP1R as a key player in failed asthma treatments, revealing its interaction with beta2-adrenergic receptors. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing selective drugs to treat severe asthma in individuals who don't respond to current therapies.
A study found that HDL from CETP-deficient individuals promotes enhanced cholesterol efflux from macrophages through an apoE- and ABCG1-dependent pathway. This finding raises hope for using a CETP inhibitor to elevate HDL levels and reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis.
Researchers found that follow-up PET scans showed persistent tumor activity in seven out of eleven RFA treatments. This suggests that FDG-PET is a more accurate method for evaluating tumor destruction than CT alone.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that people in the US tend to underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, leading to inaccurate obesity rates. The research suggests that Southern states have the highest levels of obesity, with Texas and Mississippi topping the list for men and women.
Researchers are developing a minimally invasive procedure to treat herniated disks, eliminating the need for incision. The new approach uses X-ray guidance to insert a needle directly into the disk, removing the problematic nucleus and providing relief from pressure on nearby nerves and inflammation.
The PACT software provides a framework that protects metadata while enabling semantic interoperation and sharing of information. It automatically regulates access to data, preserving security while allowing permitted access.
Researchers have developed a technique using iron oxide nanoparticles to group together in cancerous tumors, creating masses detectable by MRI machines. This method has the potential to replace traditional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy with fewer side effects.
A Penn State study found that perfectionist fathers can reinforce negative eating habits in their sons and daughters, which can lead to anorexia and other clinical illnesses. The researchers suggest that treating maladaptive eating disorders requires a focus on the patient's relational network, including communication with parents.
A study of over 2,700 children found that maternal mental health problems, substance abuse, and domestic violence can contribute to behavioral issues in children. As the number of reported difficulties increases, so does the risk of aggression, anxiety, depression, inattention, and hyperactivity in kids.
A small study of bronchial thermoplasty found significant improvement in airway responsiveness and symptom-free days among 16 asthma patients. The procedure, which reduces airway smooth muscle mass, was well-tolerated with transient side effects.
A study of 80 moderately obese patients found that laparoscopic gastric banding led to a significant average weight loss of 21.6 percent, compared to 5.5 percent in the nonsurgical group. Lifestyle modification can also achieve up to 10 percent weight loss.
Researchers found that freezing kidney tumors using percutaneous cryoablation destroyed 95% of tumors in short-term follow-up. The treatment is performed through small skin nicks and can be done under general anesthesia, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
A study of 157 women with acute pelvic pain found that both CT scans and ultrasounds were highly sensitive and accurate in diagnosing the condition. The researchers concluded that patients are unlikely being over-imaged, and that both imaging techniques can be used effectively in emergency settings.
UCSB researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding proteases by developing a general combinatorial approach to identify optimal substrates. This technology has the potential to regulate protein function, enabling the development of pharmaceuticals that control protease activity. With nearly all protease targets expec...
A study of 103 countries found an estimated 3.2 million stillbirths worldwide each year, with rates ranging from 5 per 1000 in rich countries to 32 per 1000 in south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The true figure is likely higher due to under-reporting.
A new study finds that MRI cystography is an accurate and safe alternative to conventional X-ray cystography for diagnosing ureteral reflux. The researchers discovered that MRI can detect scarring of the kidneys and loss of kidney tissue, related to the extent of kidney damage from VUR, better than conventional X-ray cystography.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that seasonal childhood anaemia in West Africa is associated with the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype. The research suggests a link between this genetic variation and the development of anaemia during periods of high malaria prevalence.
Researchers found that schools with rigid tracking, unchallenging curricula, and punitive policies are more likely to have students drop out. The study highlights the importance of modeling within-school interactions in understanding how social divisions affect student outcomes.
A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) workshop has led to the creation of a shared framework for artificial intelligence in machines. This agreement enables machines to interpret commands with near human common sense, potentially transforming manufacturing processes.
A new study finds that blue-throated male lizards exhibit true altruism through cooperative partnerships to protect territories. Genetic analysis reveals the complex interaction of multiple genes controlling this behavior, offering insights into the evolution of altruistic cooperation.
A Université de Montréal study found that boys identified as hyperactive, fearless, and not prosocial at age six are 6 times more likely to join a deviant peer group. Family adversity also increases the risk of early gang affiliation.
A new study found that lead exposure affects executive function in children with ADHD, particularly those with certain genetic variations. The research suggests that boys are more vulnerable to the negative effects of lead exposure on attentional flexibility.
Researchers found that medication may delay the onset of psychosis in schizophrenia patients, leading to improved treatment outcomes and reduced symptoms. The study suggests that early recognition and treatment can help prevent or delay the development of full-blown psychosis in individuals with prodromal symptoms.
A recent study has found that children living within 75 meters of a major road are at a 50% greater risk of having had asthma symptoms in the past year. The research also showed that higher traffic volumes on roads were related to increased rates of asthma, with risk decreasing further away from the road.
A recent study published in American Journal of Roentgenology found that higher strength MRI can detect shoulder cartilage tears with high accuracy, allowing doctors to diagnose and treat the condition without surgery. This non-invasive approach has significant benefits for patients, especially athletes who are prone to such injuries.
Despite positive changes, reducing neonatal deaths and improving newborn health in high-mortality countries remains a significant challenge. The Lancet Neonatal Series emphasizes the need for governments, partners, and donors to work together to develop country action plans and invest strategically in maternal, neonatal, and child care.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University reveals that low-dose melatonin taken in the afternoon can help most people with winter depression whose bodily rhythms are out of sync. The treatment was found to be effective for those who were naturally 'night owls', while morning larks responded better to taking melatonin in the morning.
A cost-effectiveness study found that six out of eight newborn screening tests were not only cost-effective but also cost-saving. The tests identified rare disorders such as hypothyroidism and phenylketonuria, which can have significant impacts on children's health and development.
Researchers found that melatonin improved sleep efficiency during non-natural sleep periods, but not during natural sleep cycles. The study used 36 healthy young adults who took melatonin supplements to aid sleep at irregular times.
Research reveals that human T cells lack expression of certain 'Siglec' molecules, which regulate T cell activation in nonhuman primates. This absence may contribute to the disparity in disease susceptibility between humans and great apes. The study highlights the potential for Siglecs to act as a 'brake' on T cell activation.
A 30-year study published in the journal Diabetes found that type 1 diabetics showed improved mortality and morbidity rates for certain complications, but cardiovascular disease rates remained unchanged. The study suggests that focusing solely on blood-glucose control is insufficient to prevent long-term complications of type 1 diabetes.
Adolescents who play sports tend to have better eating habits and nutrient intake compared to their non-sporting peers. In contrast, nearly half of children and young adults with diabetes fail to meet daily nutritional requirements, posing a significant challenge for disease management.
A new study reveals that combined contrast enhanced MRI (CCE-MRI) closely matches the staging of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using conventional pathology. CCE-MRI offers a safer alternative to invasive liver biopsy, directly visualizing fibrosis and detecting liver cancers simultaneously.
Researchers evaluated 92 patients with bladder cancers using MDCT and found 87 tumors, regardless of whether contrast was used. They also discovered that new CT technology can scan rapidly enough to evaluate the bladder fully, potentially obviating the need for invasive cystoscopy.
A new study finds that using PET and CT scans together during radiation therapy planning reduces errors due to patient motion, allowing for more accurate targeting of cancer cells. This approach may lead to more effective treatment with lower side effects.
A study found that patients with HIV-HBV coinfection can successfully undergo liver transplantation without progression of viral disease, even in the setting of lamivudine resistance. Controlling HBV is crucial for survival, and ongoing monitoring will be essential to minimize liver-related complications.
Researchers will investigate the biological processes linking exercise with disease in children, examining how exercise impacts growth, development, and immune function. The goal is to develop effective exercise programs to lower obesity rates and improve health outcomes for children with chronic diseases.
A McMaster University study found that employees are more willing to share knowledge with trusted colleagues who treat them fairly. The reluctance to share knowledge leads to a contagious tendency to hide important information, causing productivity to suffer.
Research found that mothers with prenatal cocaine exposure reported high symptoms of depression and behavioral problems in children. However, these issues were more closely linked to maternal depression than the prenatal exposure itself.
Researchers discovered a single base pair change in the aquaporin-2 protein gene, leading to improper distribution and resulting in up to 30 times more urine being produced. This study provides new insights into congenital progressive hydronephrosis, a condition that can lead to kidney failure and death if left untreated.
A study analyzed MRIs of 24 patients with ischemic stroke to identify signs at increased risk for skull hemorrhaging. The researchers found that patients with parenchymal enhancement or hyperintense MCA sign may be at higher risk for developing hemorrhagic complications after tPA treatment.