A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that more than 78 percent of living right liver donors experienced post-operative complications, with most being minor but some life-threatening. The modified Clavien system was used to classify the severity of complications, with Grade I being minor and Grade V resulting in death.
A new study found that both newer atypical and older conventional antipsychotics are associated with increased mortality in older adults with dementia. The risk appears to be highest for conventional antipsychotics.
A systematic review of khat use and mental illness suggests a potential association between the stimulant plant and psychiatric disorders. However, the causal link remains unclear, with common psychological problems exacerbated by khat use but no clear evidence of a causal relationship.
The study demonstrated that genotyping can optimize Quinamed dosing for improved tolerance and antitumor activity. Patients with slow acetylator genotypes showed evidence of anticancer activity in various tumor types, including prostate, ovarian, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
A study projects that climate change and land conversion will imperil 950 to 1800 bird species by 2100, with tropical birds being particularly vulnerable due to their small ranges. The protection of tropical forests is crucial in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
Researchers found that female teen steroid users were more likely to engage in other high-risk behaviors, including substance abuse, sexual activity before age 13, and mental health issues. The study suggests that anabolic steroid use is a marker for high-risk girls who need targeted interventions.
A clinical study showed Diachrome significantly improved glycemic control in patients with poorly controlled blood sugar levels, reducing A1C by 0.54% and fasting glucose by 9.8 mg/dL. The greatest improvement was seen in those with the poorest glycemic control, who experienced an additional absolute A1C decrease of 1.76%.
A study analyzing self-administered questionnaires from 8,080 urban teen students found associations between persistent sadness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Lifetime history of sexual assault was reported by 9.6% of females and 5.4% of males, while dating violence in the past year was associated with female suicide attempts.
A USC study found that sex-specific genomic profiling can predict clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. The study, led by Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz, identified molecular markers that differ between men and women, providing new insights into personalized chemotherapy treatments.
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found a link between low brain enzyme levels and aggressive behavior in healthy men. The research used positron emission tomography scanning to measure brain activity and completed a standard personality questionnaire to assess personalities.
A University of Alberta study found a link between parental divorce and increased methylphenidate use in Canadian children. The research used data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, which showed a higher percentage of children taking the drug after their parents' divorce.
A study in London found that introducing financial incentives for physicians improved support for smoking cessation and reduced smoking prevalence among people with diabetes who smoke. The introduction of pay-for-performance incentives has the potential to improve quality of care for these patients.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are developing tools to adapt urban landscapes to heat islands, aiming to increase human comfort and reduce harmful carbon emissions. The SCORCHIO project will provide a detailed picture of how urban 'heat islands' impact temperatures during hot months.
Researchers are working together to identify the cause of Devil Facial Tumour Disease and develop a test to detect infected animals. The integrated team will use various techniques to search for infectious agents and markers, with the goal of stopping the disease in its tracks.
Researchers at Penn State developed a novel approach to extend the life of marine microbial fuel cells by providing bacteria with chitin, found in crustacean shells. The addition increased power production and allowed for longer-term remote operation, making it suitable for ocean sediments.
A new study demonstrates the value of PET/CT in diagnosing and monitoring Crohn's disease, offering a non-invasive alternative to invasive endoscopy. The scan can accurately identify active disease and detect severe lesions, reducing the need for costly and side-effect-ridden treatments.
Women with early-stage breast cancer who reported hot flashes while on tamoxifen therapy had a lower risk of recurrent breast cancer than those without hot flashes. Hot flashes were a stronger predictor of outcome than age or hormone receptor status.
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) has updated its policy to align with the World Health Organization's Clinical Trials Platform. The revised policy now requires registration in a primary registry that participates in the WHO ICTRP for all trials beginning enrollment on or after July 1, 2008.
Thomas Hsu, a University of Houston civil engineering professor, has been recognized for his work on the 'Universal Element Tester,' a device capable of testing reinforced concrete under varied controlled forces. The UET allows engineers to predict seismic behavior and design cost-effective structures.
A new study examines how consumers in different cultural backgrounds categorize products. Researchers found that individuals from collectivist societies pay more attention to context when making decisions, while those from individualistic societies focus solely on product features.
The Revlimid data presented at ASCO demonstrates a greater one-year survival advantage for patients receiving low dose dexamethasone compared to those receiving the standard high dose of the steroid. In all age ranges, patients benefit from Revlimid with the low dose dexamethasone, showing improved survival rates.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed microcavity plasma lamps that produce bright light with high efficiency, surpassing traditional incandescent and fluorescent lighting. The panels are lightweight, thin, and can be packed into a single panel containing over 250,000 individual lamps.
Research reveals that online research largely replaces in-dealership price negotiations and test drives. Online information sources have become the most widely used, substituting traditional sources such as Consumer Reports. This shift implies a better-informed buyer who is ready to negotiate.
University of Leeds scientists have found a link between reduced oxygen in the brain and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that even after full recovery from stroke, patients may still be vulnerable to the build-up of toxic chemicals that cause the disease.
For people with temporal lobe epilepsy, epilepsy surgery can eliminate seizures in 60-85% and improve quality of life, but also lead to memory problems in 25-40%. Quality of life scores remain stable for those with seizures only.
Researchers studied hypothyroidism's impact on brain metabolism and found a correlation between the condition and decreased metabolic activity in specific brain regions. These changes remain detectable even after thyroid hormone replacement therapy, suggesting a complex relationship between physical health and mental well-being.
HIV scientists discovered that cells use small sacs known as exosomes to export proteins, including the virus's major protein Gag. This means HIV can leave infected cells and infect new ones, raising hopes for new treatment options.
The Sorafenib HCC Assessment Randomized Protocol (SHARP) Trial demonstrated Nexavar's effectiveness in extending overall survival by 44% compared to placebo. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer, responsible for about 90% of primary malignant liver tumors in adults.
Research on statin effectiveness found to be influenced by funding source, with results favoring sponsored products. Additionally, a study on breast cancer cell survival discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) acts as an internal autocrine survival factor through its receptor VEGFR1.
A University of Michigan study found that 86% of patients with follicular lymphoma survived after 8 years of treatment with Bexxar, a radioimmunotherapy drug. This success rate compares favorably to state-of-the-art chemotherapy regimens, making Bexxar an attractive option for patients.
A new study reveals the alterations in spore coat and germ cell wall that accompany transformation from a spore to a vegetative cell. Researchers used AFM to show the breakdown of spore coat structures, allowing a bacterium to emerge and reenter the replicating mode.
Researchers will make measurements of thick clouds and surface of Venus, comparing atmosphere with past data, using MASCS instrument. The mission also tests instrument performance before Mercury arrival and explores mineral composition, gas distribution, and water-ice at Mercury's poles.
A study of 829 patients with refractory multiple myeloma found that autologous bone marrow transplantation did not improve survival rates. However, a subgroup of patients who showed a response to chemotherapy treatment experienced a slight increase in life expectancy, raising questions about the role of transplantation in this group.
Researchers at Rambam Health Care Campus in Israel have found that PET/CT imaging can accurately diagnose and localize vascular graft-related infections. The study shows promise as a single-step, noninvasive technique for complex patients, potentially sparing unnecessary high-risk operations.
Researchers unveiled the world's first simultaneous PET/MR images of the human brain, offering unprecedented imaging capabilities for neurological studies. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the assessment of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, epilepsy, depression, and schizophrenia.
A study by Prashant Malaviya reveals that ad repetition can improve product evaluation through item-specific and relational elaboration. However, expertise-related consumers may perform relational elaboration without repetition, making it less effective for industry-specific trade publications.
Research identifies genetic variations that predispose some men to suicidal thoughts during depression treatment, highlighting the need for tailored care. The study analyzed DNA of over 1,400 patients and found two specific SNPs associated with increased risk in men, but not women.
A new study by Dr. Lisa Strohschein found a significantly higher risk of Ritalin use among children whose parents divorce compared to those whose parents stay together. The research suggests that parental divorce may act as a stressful life event, leading to adjustment problems and increased ADHD symptoms.
A study published by the American College of Physicians found that antipsychotic medication can increase the risk of death in older people with dementia. This conclusion was drawn from a review of existing research and data, highlighting the importance of carefully weighing treatment options for individuals with this condition.
A study by Klaus Wertenbroch and colleagues found that people spend less in real terms when using foreign currencies with lower face values, and more when using higher face values. This occurs because consumers evaluate transactions based on nominal differences rather than real purchasing power.
Research highlights the association between acanthosis nigricans and type 2 diabetes risk factors in children and adults. Additionally, a study suggests that electronic medical records do not necessarily ensure high-quality diabetes care, highlighting the need for workflow redesign to improve patient health.
A study published at SNM's 54th Annual Meeting found that PET/CT imaging detected more sites of disease and identified women whose disease was likely to progress. The technique influenced treatment decisions in 59% of women with recurrent ovarian cancer, improving management outcomes.
A survey of European parents found that cows' milk allergy affects not only the child but also the entire family unit, causing stress, guilt, and sleep deprivation. The condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems, making it challenging for families to cope.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully tracked human neural stem cells transplanted into the brains of rats, which migrated towards damaged areas and matured into functional neurons. The study used iron particles to track the cells in real-time, paving the way for potential human clinical trials.
A Northwestern University researcher has found that old memory traces in the prefrontal cortex may trigger chronic pain. The discovery led to a new drug, D-Cycloserine, which controls persistent nerve pain by targeting the emotional suffering of pain.
Leonard Nunney's research team will develop a nationwide map of different subspecies of Xylella and an effective monitoring system to catch foreign forms. They aim to understand the genetic basis of host specificity, crucial for preventing further damage to California's grape, peach, and almond industries.
A new study from the Journal of Consumer Research found that people tend to feel ambivalent even when all the evidence is positive due to anticipating conflict. The researchers discovered that the more information consumers are given, the less likely they are to suspect conflicting information.
Researchers used laser tweezers to measure the forces exerted by a virus's motor as it pushes DNA into its capsid. The study found that positively charged ions play a critical role in overcoming electrostatic repulsion, allowing the virus to inject genetic material into bacterial cells.
Researchers from University of Pennsylvania and Philips team demonstrate improved image quality and shorter patient scan times with advanced molecular imaging technology. The study, released at SNM's 54th Annual Meeting, shows that TOF/PET imaging can achieve better quality images in less time, benefiting patients and doctors.
Researchers found a new treatment combination that induced complete remission in 33% of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. The therapy, using Bortezomid and Dexamethasone, showed high efficacy and tolerability, setting the stage for further clinical trials to reduce previous medication cycles.
Axitinib produced tumor regression or stable disease in almost 75% of patients with advanced thyroid cancer, according to a phase-2 trial. The study also found that axitinib prevented tumor growth and had a favorable side effect profile.
Research suggests that low doses of ecstasy may harm verbal memory function, particularly in areas involving serotonin. A study found that individuals who started using ecstasy at a young age showed decreased verbal memory performance compared to those who never used the drug.
University of Missouri-Columbia professors identify new mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease research. They plan to study the effects of A-beta protein and inflammation, with hopes for treatments that modify cellular responses.
A study of nearly 200 statin-drug comparisons found that funding source greatly impacts results, with industry-funded trials more likely to favor the test drug. The analysis also revealed a lack of clinical measures of outcome, such as heart attacks or mortality, in many trials.
Scientists developed a new technique to discriminate between small earthquakes and mine blasts, achieving a success rate of 97%. Researchers also created the most detailed 3D model of the Hayward Fault System in Northern California, revealing that it poses the greatest risk for major quakes in the next 30 years.
Researchers identified a brain molecule, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), that increases amyloid beta levels in response to stress. Blocking CRF with a drug may provide a new way to decrease amyloid beta and delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Research suggests that young women are at risk for bone loss if they follow extreme diets and engage in rigorous exercise. Women may need to consume more calories to support bone health, as low energy availability can impair bone formation.
A study by pediatric researcher Robert H. DuRant found that over 70% of families surveyed did not store their firearms safely in the home. The study emphasizes the importance of storing guns safely to prevent accidents and suicide, particularly among children. Experts recommend removing guns from homes or using gun locks when not in use.
A study warns that climate change and deforestation will lead to significant declines in global bird diversity over the next century. According to the research, even under optimistic scenarios, at least 400 bird species are projected to become imperiled by 2050 due to reductions in their geographic ranges.
Robin Santra, an assistant physicist at Argonne National Laboratory, has been awarded the first-ever Young Scientist Prize for Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics. He was recognized for his contributions to the discovery of hole-orbital alignment in atomic ions generated in strong laser fields.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $8 million to 16 researchers investigating infectious diseases, including HIV, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Plasmodium falciparum. The awards aim to support multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the interaction between humans and pathogens.
Beta-amyloid accumulation is linked to brain dysfunction even in normal elderly individuals, according to a study. Researchers used PIB PET scans to detect early pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease and demonstrated its potential for identifying those in need of treatment.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified cancer stem cells in colorectal tumors, which can propagate and maintain the growth of the tumor. These stem cells have been found to be responsible for the spread of cancer to distant sites and are likely to be responsible when tumors resurface or spread.
The ASCE panel's report confirms the city's vulnerability to hurricanes and recommends steps to reduce damage. The panel estimates that New Orleans residents' pre-Katrina risk was 1,000-fold higher than considered minimally acceptable.
A study published in Neurology found that moderate strengthening exercises can slow the progression of ALS by 12%, maintaining function and quality of life. The research suggests individualized rehabilitation programs can help people with ALS maintain independence for longer.
A trial found that circulating tumor cells in the blood of patients with metastatic prostate cancer can predict how well they will respond to chemotherapy. Patients with more than five tumor cells per blood sample had a worse prognosis, while those whose CTC number went down fared better.
Researchers found that percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) significantly reduces tumor volume and alleviates symptoms in patients with radioiodine-ineffective bone metastasis from thyroid cancer. PEI's effectiveness was also linked to improved quality of life for selected patients.
Researchers identify two distinct cognitive processes underlying consumer behavior: promotion-focused and prevention-focused individuals. Promotion-focused consumers seek time-saving products and perceive a safe environment, while prevention-focused consumers focus on negative outcomes and respond better to unambiguous advertising.
A study from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that African-American men radically underestimate the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis after a needle biopsy for suspected prostate cancer. This underestimation can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
A new computer modeling study suggests geoengineering schemes could cool the planet within a few decades, but failure or cancellation could lead to catastrophic temperature spikes. The research highlights the need for careful consideration of these strategies.
A new treatment, Sorafenib, has been shown to increase overall survival by over 40% in patients with advanced liver cancer. The study, SHARP, involved 602 patients and found that Sorafenib delays tumor progression and improves survival.
Researchers have confirmed that arsenic trioxide significantly improves patient survival in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. Nearly 600 patients participated in a six-year phase III study, showing improved disease-free rates and longer survival compared to standard chemotherapy alone.
Four-year data from two large clinical trials found that trastuzumab significantly improves disease-free survival and overall survival rates in women with HER2-positive breast cancer. The study showed a 52% decrease in the risk of disease recurrence and a 35% reduction in mortality rates compared to chemotherapy alone.
The NWO Spinoza prize is awarded to Dutch researchers who make groundbreaking contributions to their field. This year's winners are Prof. Deirdre Curtin (law), Prof. Marcel Dicke (ecological entomology), Prof. Leo Kouwenhoven (physics), and Prof. Wil Roebroeks (archaeology), each receiving €1.5 million.
Australian magpie-larks' synchronized duets signal strength and cooperation, eliciting more aggressive responses from rival males. The study found that coordinated displays are crucial for assessing coalition quality and defending territories.
A study of middle school students found that physical fitness gains made during the school year were lost after summer break. The study suggests that exercise interventions should be sustained throughout the year to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
Indiana University neuroscientists Olaf Sporns and Christopher Honey found that the brain's spontaneous activity is shaped by its wiring diagram. Their computational model of a macaque monkey's brain shows how fluctuations in activity emerge from chaotic neural interactions, revealing rich temporal structure at multiple time scales.
Research finds that habits of use create a substantial advantage for an incumbent, but only when achieving a specific goal, limiting the impact on consumer choice.
A national survey of US high school girls found that those reporting anabolic steroid use had more health-harming behaviors, including smoking and taking diet pills. They were also more likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression and suicidal thoughts.
Northeastern University researchers have discovered a novel method for studying the DNA binding of small molecules, which may aid in rational drug design targeting cancer and other diseases. The team used single DNA molecule stretching to investigate ethidium and ruthenium complexes, achieving unprecedented detail.
Researchers developed a novel imaging technique combining CT and PET scans to detect 'high-risk' plaque that causes heart attacks and strokes. The approach provides detailed information about the size of plaque, inflammation, and potential risks, offering new insights into atherosclerosis.
Researchers developed a 3D fusion technique combining CT angiography and nuclear imaging scans to improve the accuracy of diagnosing coronary artery disease. This technology significantly enhances diagnosis and could be used in the future with molecular imaging agents to detect and guide treatment.