The Phase 2b study demonstrated that Albuferon achieved at least comparable efficacy and safety to peginterferon alfa-2a with a dosing regimen requiring half as many injections. Additionally, Albuferon showed less impairment of health-related quality of life on treatment.
A clinical trial of 312 adolescents found that bupropion plus counseling helped them quit smoking, with higher success rates at higher medication doses. After six weeks, 10.7% and 14.5% of teens in the 150mg and 300mg groups had quit, respectively.
A new study found that early BMI rebound age is associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors and may signal potential heart disease risk as early as age 7. The study of 308 children showed that earlier BMI rebound age correlates with a greater likelihood to become obese adults, particularly girls.
Using CPR combined with bystander use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) significantly increases the chances of surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study found that when bystanders provided CPR and attached an AED, survival increased to 36 percent – approximately four times that of CPR alone.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered that migrating adult sparrows possess an internal navigational map, enabling them to find their way after being thrown off course by thousands of miles. In contrast, juvenile birds, lacking experience, use only a compass to orient themselves southward and struggle to adjust their flight plan.
Researchers found that computer-aided detection (CAD) combined with multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) improves radiologists' ability to detect solid lung nodules. CAD successfully matched 91.3% of nodules detected in both exams, and reduced reading time for radiologists.
A study published in Neurology found that people with high blood pressure and chest pains lose their memories faster than those without these conditions. Vascular factors such as high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats were associated with a more rapid decline in cognitive tests.
A study by Damon Centola and Michael Macy found that social networks with fewer 'degrees of separation' are less effective in spreading behavioral change. This has implications for health care policy and the treatment of epidemics.
A new analysis shows that as plant species go extinct, natural habitats become less productive and contain fewer total plants. This situation could ultimately compromise the benefits that humans get from nature. The study found that ecosystems with fewer species produce up to 50 percent less plant biomass than those with more natural d...
A study of over 3,000 breastfed infants found that having the FADS2 gene variant increased intelligence by an average of nearly 7 IQ points. The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may account for these differences in intelligence due to the presence of certain fatty acids.
Researchers have identified a molecule, osteopontin-c, that appears more accurate than existing biomarkers in predicting which breast cancers will develop into advanced forms. The discovery could one day influence therapy decisions and prevent patients from undergoing aggressive treatments.
A definitive study reveals that placing automated external defibrillators in public spaces can save up to 522 lives annually in the US and Canada. The widespread deployment of battery-powered devices has been shown to more than double survival rates among victims of sudden cardiac death.
Researchers have identified a sex-ratio meiotic drive system in Drosophila simulans, with an X-linked distorter gene that creates skewed female litters and an autosomal suppressor gene that counteracts this effect. The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sex ratio distortion.
A five-year study of electronic health records from 15 VA hospitals found significant variations in high blood pressure return-to-normal rates between winter and summer. The average difference was 7.76 percent, suggesting that seasonal factors such as weight gain and exercise may influence blood pressure.
A study found that asking open-ended questions and probing for abuse by healthcare providers can increase disclosure of experiences with domestic violence. Effective provider-patient communication, including empathy and voicing concern, are crucial in stopping domestic violence.
The Phase 2b trial shows that Albuferon significantly reduces missed work days and improves health-related quality of life compared to peginterferon alfa-2a. Patients in the Albuferon treatment groups reported fewer days of missed work and less impairment of physical and mental health.
A new study by OHSU researchers has found that children carrying the apoE4 gene already exhibit reduced cognitive function. They used a virtual reality test to assess spatial learning and memory in 7- to 10-year-olds with and without the gene.
Research in Zanzibar, Tanzania found a remarkable fall in children dying from malaria, with deaths among the islands' children dropping to a quarter of the previous level. The achievement follows the introduction of improved treatment and the implementation of widespread use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
A study analyzing data from over 4,900 mothers found that children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy had increased conduct problems, attention and impulsivity issues. The association remained even after controlling for other variables, suggesting prenatal alcohol exposure may cause childhood conduct problems through environm...
A study published in The Lancet found that fenofibrate reduces the frequency of first laser treatment for macular oedema and proliferative DR by 31% and 30%, respectively. These findings suggest additional mechanisms of benefit beyond lipid-lowering effects, potentially additive to blood glucose and blood pressure control.
A recent study found that women with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) had a higher risk of mortality and required more hospitalization compared to men. After adjusting for other factors, the gender gap disappeared, suggesting that women may be sicker by the time they receive ICDs.
Researchers found that breastfed babies had a lower average body mass index (BMI) and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL or 'good' cholesterol) levels in adulthood. These protective factors against cardiovascular disease were observed even after accounting for personal and maternal demographic risk factors.
Researchers at Ohio State University have successfully used TRAP to preserve the genetic diversity of ornamental geranium collections. The study resulted in a significant reduction of the collection size from approximately 800 plants to around 200, making it more manageable for breeders and researchers.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found no link between diabetes treatment and survival rates after a heart attack. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,700 patients, suggests that commonly used medications for managing blood sugar levels do not reduce the likelihood of survival after a heart attack.
A new analysis from Northwestern University found that consistently high levels of physical activity in young adulthood can stabilize body mass index (BMI) over 20 years. Participants who reported at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity a day gained 14 pounds less over 20 years than those with low activity levels.
A two-year study at PSU found that cooperative learning activities outperformed traditional classroom teaching methods in improving learning outcomes and developing higher-level skills. Students reported improved teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities, while instructors noted increased student participation.
Researchers found that adding stents to clot-busting therapy after the optimal treatment window ends doesn't provide significant long-term benefits. The study, which looked at 951 patients, also revealed higher medical costs associated with delayed angioplasty.
Researchers used C. elegans to study sex differences in brain function, finding that hermaphrodites prefer buttery smells while males prefer fresh vegetables. The team's genetic modification revealed that even few neurons can influence behavior, challenging the idea that all sex differences result from neuron-specific differences.
Researchers developed a new modified comorbidity index to predict post-liver-transplant survival, considering comorbidities such as coronary disease, diabetes, and COPD. This index predicted survival as well or better than other models using recipient characteristics.
A study suggests that urban children with asthma, even mild cases, require more frequent check-ups than current guidelines recommend. This is due to unpredictable symptoms that can worsen over time, especially in inner-city kids.
A recent study elucidates the relationship between environmental stress and cancer by revealing how stress-inducing agents reduce SIRT1 enzyme activity, leading to increased cell survival. By targeting this process, researchers aim to develop new treatments that increase SENP1 activity to promote programmed cell death in cancer cells.
A study by UC Irvine researchers has found that boosting the amounts of a marijuana-like brain transmitter called anandamide produces antidepressant effects in test rats. The drug URB597, which blocks anandamide degradation, was administered to chronically stressed rats and showed promising results.
Researchers found that ABO-incompatible infant heart transplantation is as safe as transplantation with compatible blood group types. The study suggests that this procedure could significantly reduce the number of infants who die while waiting for a donor heart, with mortality rates potentially decreasing by up to 20%.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation progress more rapidly with Alzheimer's disease. Treating these conditions may also slow memory loss in AD patients.
A Mayo Clinic study found that modest weight gain in lean, healthy young adults impairs blood vessel function, but shedding the weight restores proper functioning. Visceral fat is a key predictor of this disorder, also known as endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
A new study published in EMBO Reports found that the order of authors on a scientific paper significantly affects perceived contribution and credit. Middle authors tend to receive less recognition and credit compared to those listed at the beginning or end of the list.
Researchers found that the earliest birds primarily made their livings on the ground rather than in trees. By analyzing toe claws of 249 species and fossilized ancestors, they concluded that early birds foraged predominantly on the ground.
A recent study integrates lipid metabolic profiling with gene expression analysis, demonstrating the synergistic power of combining metabolic profiling with proprietary microarray analysis methods. The results show that Por can be considered an enzyme critical for proper functioning of lipid mobilization in the mouse liver.
A simplified step-care protocol for treating high blood pressure was more effective than guidelines-based practice in helping people reduce their blood pressure. The Simplified Treatment Intervention to Control Hypertension (STITCH) trial found that 65% of patients reached the target blood pressure level with STITCH-care, compared to 5...
A study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that approximately 15% of teens receiving routine outpatient medical care had positive results on a substance abuse screening test. The study highlights the importance of efficient office-based systems for substance abuse screening and therapeutic interventions.
Researchers Timothy Chang and Peter Tolias will receive the award for their patent on a liquid dispensing system that enables rapid, low-cost testing of body fluids. The SmartPin device uses tiny electronic sensors to dispense precise amounts of fluid without contamination.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that advanced CT scans can accurately detect blockages in heart arteries, with a reliability rate of 90% matching those of invasive catheterization. The technology has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease, saving lives and preventing heart att...
The University of California - Los Angeles School of Dentistry has received a $1,876,920 NIH grant to develop an innovative tool for rapid and reliable assessments of the stress response to trauma as evidenced in saliva. This technology aims to unite healthcare providers in delivering comprehensive care to patients with facial trauma.
A new crop simulation model can predict the timing, quality, and weight of sweet corn crops, addressing seasonal production limitations and perishability issues. The model has significant promise for improving sweet corn production, with potential applications for producers, technical consultants, and the agricultural industry.
Researchers found that genes influencing risk for psychoactive drug abuse or dependence vary between illicit and licit substances, with caffeine addiction appearing to be genetically independent. Heritability estimates suggest that genetic factors account for over 70% of risk for cocaine, cannabis, and nicotine dependence.
A new study found an association between statin use and reduced cognitive decline in elderly African Americans, with the strongest effect seen in those who discontinued use. The research suggests that the relationship between statins and cognitive decline is more complex than previously thought.
A study found that black patients living in poorer neighborhoods were less likely to be placed on transplant waiting lists than white patients. Community poverty was a significant factor, rather than distance from transplant centers.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that inheriting two genetic mutations for epilepsy can actually reduce seizure frequency and severity. This discovery could lead to new gene-directed therapies for treating epilepsy.
Edmund H. Sonnenblick, a renowned NY cardiologist, received the national Research Achievement Award posthumously from the American Heart Association. His groundbreaking work helped redefine the human heart as a self-renewing organ, significantly advancing understanding of cardiac muscle structure and function.
Researchers found that each year as people age, the time it takes for their heart muscles to squeeze and relax grows longer. The actual amount of blood pumped out by the heart fell by 8 milliliters per year. This decline occurred despite an increase in another standard measure of heart function.
Ralph L. Sacco, a Florida neurologist, received the American Heart Association's Chairman's Award for his leadership in creating Power To End Stroke, a nationwide educational campaign aimed at raising stroke awareness among African Americans. The program has reached every state in the continental US and made measurable progress in spre...
Researchers have developed two molecular analogues of curcumin that demonstrate enhanced tumor suppressive properties against colorectal cancer. These new compounds have shown improved bioavailability and potency compared to natural curcumin.
A team of researchers from Wake Forest University has discovered a previously undetected chemical process within the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin that converts nitrite salt to the vasodilator nitric oxide. This reaction mechanism could have far-reaching implications for treating cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that older adults' ability to engage multisensory attention remains intact with age. Despite previous research suggesting otherwise, the study showed that older adults can speed up and slow down their brain's processing of relevant information, similar to younger adults.
A North Carolina team of doctors and nurses has created a model to provide faster treatment for heart attack patients. The RACE project uses caregivers from 65 hospitals and emergency medical teams throughout the state to diagnose and treat heart attacks more quickly, with median times improving by 22%.
Researchers found that inositol and IP6 protected human skin cells from UVB radiation damage and increased the potency of radiation therapy against cancer cells. The antioxidants may also offer protection against accidents or incidents involving nuclear material, such as dirty bombs.
A study found that college students who consume alcohol mixed with energy drinks are twice as likely to be hurt, require medical attention, or ride with an intoxicated driver compared to those who don't. The researchers also discovered that these students are more likely to take advantage of others sexually.
Darwin Labarthe, a renowned epidemiologist and educator, has been recognized by the American Heart Association for 40 years of mentoring young physicians and research fellows. He directed the training of over 885 participants during the annual seminar's 33-year existence.
A statewide program in North Carolina significantly improved the rate of coronary reperfusion for heart attack patients, reducing median door-in to door-out times by up to 49 minutes. While clinical outcomes remained unchanged, the study demonstrates that coordination of care can improve quality of care.
A recent study found that expanded criteria non-beating-heart kidney transplants from ECD donors are not suitable for elderly patients with ESRD. The risk of graft loss and death was significantly higher in these patients compared to brain-dead SCD donors.