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Science News Archive September 2010 - Page 10


Page 10 of 27

War on cancer produces collateral damage to the heart

This special issue examines the ways cancer treatment affects cardiovascular function and overall survival, highlighting key challenges and potential strategies for minimizing collateral damage. Key findings include the need for cardiac outcomes data and evidence-based practice guidelines to mitigate heart-related complications.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateSep 21, 2010

The Joy of sets: For ants and trees, multiple partners are a boon

A University of Florida study reveals that trees with sequential ant partners produce more offspring than those with lifelong associations. The research shows that even 'cheating' ants can be beneficial by causing trees to produce seeds before being killed, and another ant species defends the tree but later allows it to reproduce.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2010

OHSU research suggests compound administered during some bone marrow transplants elevates risks

Research at OHSU's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute suggests that G-CSF, a hormone stimulating stem cell growth, can reactivate human cytomegalovirus in bone marrow recipients, increasing their risk of infection. The study highlights the need for factoring in the risks associated with G-CSF use during transplants.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateSep 21, 2010

Community-based treatment of malaria, pneumonia could save lives, BU study finds

A BU study shows that empowering community health workers with a rapid diagnostic test and antibiotics can significantly increase the proportion of appropriately timed antibiotic treatments for non-severe pneumonia and decrease inappropriate use of anti-malarials. The study found a five-fold increase in timely treatment of pneumonia.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 21, 2010

Hormone oxytocin improves social cognition but only in less socially proficient individuals

Researchers found that oxytocin selectively improves social cognitive abilities in less socially proficient individuals but has little effect on those who are more socially proficient. The study suggests oxytocin may hold potential for treating social deficits in people with disorders marked by deficits in social functioning.

Imatinib treatment interruption shows no benefit for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer

A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that imatinib treatment interruption after 3 years results in rapid relapse and low progression-free survival. Patients who stopped treatment experienced significant tumour growth and poor overall survival, highlighting the need for continuous treatment to maintain cancer control.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 21, 2010

New study links political connections to corporate corruption

A new study from the journal Financial Management found that politically connected firms enjoy higher leverage, lower taxes, and regulatory protection. This study highlights the benefits of having government ties for corporate success, suggesting distortions in public resource allocation are common globally.

SourceWiley·JournalFinancial Management·DateSep 21, 2010

In pregnancy, a large waistline and high triglycerides: Early screen for gestational diabetes

A study published in CMAJ found that an increased waistline and high triglyceride levels during the first trimester are linked to higher glucose intolerance levels later in pregnancy. Researchers suggest that measuring waist girth in combination with triglyceride concentrations may be useful for early screening of gestational diabetes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 20, 2010