A study published in Archives of Surgery found that obese patients are at a significantly higher risk of developing surgical site infections after colectomy. The study also showed that these infections result in increased costs, lengthier hospital stays, and a higher rate of hospital readmissions. As pay-for-performance models penalize...
A study by Henrik Hagtvedt found that incomplete typeface logos can create interest and spark innovation perception, but also lead to unclear communication and untrustworthiness. The results suggest that firms should avoid such logos when trust is critical, but may be effective for promotion-focused consumers.
The new technique enables 3D mapping of crystal structures inside nanomaterials with nanometer resolution, allowing for the study of their special properties and behavior under different conditions. This has significant implications for understanding and optimizing material properties in various applications.
A telemedicine intervention in ICUs was associated with lower hospital and ICU mortality, lower rates of preventable complications, and shorter hospital and ICU lengths of stay. The study found that the tele-ICU team improved best clinical practice adherence for critical care procedures, leading to better patient outcomes.
A new study using brain scans reveals that simple line drawings can activate similar patterns of brain activity as color photographs when viewing natural scenes. This suggests that the brain uses abstract representations to categorize scenes and doesn't need features like texture and color to tell a beach from a street scene.
Research suggests that linezolid is a more effective treatment than vancomycin for ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by MRSA. Linezolid showed higher clinical and microbiologic success rates, with cure rates being higher at the end of treatment.
A new decision aid aims to improve communication between families and clinicians about end-of-life care for patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The study found that the decision aid reduced uncertainty and improved agreement between surrogates and healthcare providers about patient outcomes.
The grant will help provide funding for the hospital's La Van program, which provides free transportation for low-income patients coming to routine prenatal appointments. This supports efforts to connect those in need of services to providers who participate in accountable community health care programs.
A study of 508 children found a strong association between childhood excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and obesity, asthma, anxiety, and depression. Waist circumference was also significantly associated with EDS, suggesting metabolic factors play a role.
A new study by Stanford researchers found that most seaports lack a plan to adapt to climate change, threatening their infrastructure. Rising sea levels and frequent violent storms will take a significant toll on ports worldwide.
Researchers found potential tools for controlling cytokine storm in children with juvenile arthritis and autoimmune diseases. The study identified two important molecules that control the severity of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), a life-threatening condition.
Researchers at Schepens Eye Research Institute successfully regenerate large areas of damaged retinas and improve visual function using IPS cells derived from skin. The study holds promise for future treatments and cures for diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers found that increased host antioxidant defense enzyme activity reduced asthma risk, while high levels of a specific enzyme decreased the risk. The study suggests regulating the body's antioxidant defense system may play an important role in preventing asthma.
Researchers investigated snake venom's surface tension and viscosity, discovering that these properties facilitate the venom's entry into wounds. The team found that snakes developed optimal fang groove geometry and a special property of their venom to allow for efficient delivery of deadly poison.
Researchers discover that celecoxib triggers liver cancer cell death by inhibiting a key protein, and combining it with chemotherapy drugs boosts effectiveness. The study suggests the possibility of a new treatment approach for liver cancer, which has a low five-year survival rate.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School have identified a new cell type that can sense and respond to the dengue virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing vaccines and treatments for the disease, which currently lacks effective therapies.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have found a new biomarker related to the immune system that can predict breast cancer recurrence. The five-gene signature shows over 85% accuracy in predicting relapse-free survival.
A new study found that bacterial infection alone is not a reliable indicator of poor lung function in adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Instead, early childhood factors such as body mass index and nutritional status appear to play a significant role in determining lung function later in life.
A study of 1,078 doctors found that younger doctors prescribed more cardiovascular drugs but did not significantly improve patients' major CV risk factors. Older doctors were more likely to recommend lifestyle changes and provide accurate clinical data.
Planarian flatworms can regenerate their entire body from a small piece of tissue due to the critical role of an ancient gene called notum. Notum determines whether a head or tail will regrow at amputation sites, enabling the worms to restore missing body parts.
A recent mumps outbreak in Ontario, Canada highlights the importance of two doses of mumps vaccine to prevent outbreaks. Researchers found that people born between 1985 and 1991 are more susceptible to mumps, particularly among males in this age group.
Scientists have discovered that high levels of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are associated with better long-term recovery after a stroke. The study found that patients who exercised more actively, with physiotherapy and physical exercise, demonstrated better recovery after a stroke.
Researchers found improved hypertension control in Canada, with increased awareness and treatment rates among community-dwelling adults. Despite this progress, one-third of Canadians with hypertension still have uncontrolled blood pressure.
A study by Queensland University of Technology found that anxiety and depression are linked to risk-taking in young drivers, with women being more likely to exhibit this behavior. The research suggests that identifying young drivers at risk of psychological distress could help target them with specific road safety countermeasures.
A study of 122 Spanish university students found a clear association between binge drinking and poorer verbal declarative memory, even after controlling for other confounding variables. The research suggests that heavy episodic drinking may affect the brain's hippocampus, leading to impaired learning and memory abilities.
A human gene implicated in leukemia also acts to prevent cancer of the liver by producing an enzyme called Shp2, which protects hepatocytes from toxic damage. Conversely, this same enzyme is a known factor in the development of several types of leukemia.
Researchers have identified stem cell population that can reverse nerve cell loss in individuals with Parkinson disease. Protein-based human iPS cells efficiently generate functional dopamine neurons and treat a rat model of the disease.
Researchers analyzed patient data from over 44 million enrollees to find no link between ADHD medication use and increased risk of sudden death, heart attack, or stroke. The study suggests that ADHD drugs are safe from a cardiovascular perspective for children and adolescents.
Researchers found a composite index, Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), to be a better predictor of cardiac arrest than individual vital signs. The study suggests that MEWS, which includes variables with poor predictive power, is still more accurate than single vital signs in identifying patients at risk of cardiac arrest.
Among patients referred by non-dermatologists, only one-fifth had a malignant primary lesion, while nearly half of all skin cancers discovered were not the referral lesion. Dermatologists found additional incidental malignant lesions, highlighting the importance of focused education on skin cancer detection.
Researchers describe a new species of land crab that documents the first crab extinction during the human era, likely caused by the arrival of humans to the Hawaiian Islands. The loss of the crab had a significant impact on the ecology of the islands.
A study from Johns Hopkins researchers found a link between a gene variation and infertility in women, with the altered gene affecting cholesterol regulation and pregnancy hormone production. The discovery may lead to a treatment for this condition, as a cholesterol medication shown to work in mice could potentially restore fertility.
A University of Oklahoma graduate student is testing materials to address fluorosis, a widespread health issue in the Rift Valley. The goal is to develop effective and sustainable solutions that meet the World Health Organization standard.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that individuals with a family history of Type I alcoholism are more sensitive to alcohol's stimulating effects, which may lead to increased consumption and a higher risk of developing alcoholism. The researchers also discovered that these individuals experience im...
A recent clinical trial found that nasal steroid sprays do not significantly improve symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction. The study enrolled patients with either otitis media with effusion or negative middle ear pressure and randomly assigned them to receive either a steroid spray or a placebo.
A miniature ventilation system with a simple nasal mask can help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) become more active. Advanced COPD patients improved their distance walked by an average of 38 meters, comparable to full pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
A study found that earlier springs can enhance xylem growth in black spruce, but colder summers can negate this effect. The research suggests that the amplitude of summer warming temperatures plays a crucial role in wood production.
A new study identifies the ion channel TRPA1 as the molecular sensor responsible for detecting weak acids in animals. This detection mechanism can trigger cell death and is why animals avoid weak acids, which are found in substances like vinegar and fermented foods.
A recent study by Queen's University researchers reveals that the Arctic coastline is experiencing ecologically unprecedented impacts from global climate change. The team found that saltwater surges caused by rising sea levels have led to widespread die-off of coastal shrubs and dramatic changes in aquatic life.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that more than half of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease before age 60 are initially misdiagnosed due to atypical symptoms. Researchers found that 53% of those with no memory problems were incorrectly diagnosed, highlighting the need for biomarkers to improve diagnosis and treatment.
A recent meta-analysis of 40,000 critically ill patients found no statistically significant difference in hospital mortality between those who received ICU telemonitoring and those who did not. The study suggests that telemonitoring may not be an effective solution for addressing the shortage of intensivist physicians.
Researchers found that clot-busting drugs did not improve survival rates and may even worsen outcomes in patients with stable blood pressure. The study suggests thrombolytic agents should not be recommended for patients with normal blood pressure, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study found COPD patients exercising at 60-70% of their maximum during Wii Fit workouts, comparable to low-intensity calisthenics. The lower extremity exercises approximated 70-80% of the pair's maximum, while upper extremity exercises were around 50-60%.
Researchers developed CD4 aptamer-siRNA chimeras that inhibit HIV infection in primary cells and humanized mice. These agents protect against vaginal transmission of HIV when applied vaginally to humanized mice.
Researchers at Texas AgriLife Research have identified a key molecular mechanism regulating plant stem cell development, which could lead to increased fruit, seed, and leaf production. By understanding how microRNAs interact with RNA silencing proteins, scientists can engineer plants to produce more biomass.
A new experimental vaccine has shown promising results in protecting horses against the deadly Hendra virus, according to CSIRO scientists. The vaccine's successful development could help prevent the spread of the disease from flying foxes to horses and ultimately to people.
Researchers found that even those with low faecal haemoglobin concentrations are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Higher initial faecal haemoglobin concentration is linked to a greater likelihood of developing the disease.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery found that propranolol therapy improved the size and quality of head and neck hemangiomas in children. The medication was effective in reducing tumor size, flattening lesions, and changing their color, even in cases where previous treatments were unsuccessful.
Researchers found that zebrafish fin regeneration relies on multiple cell types, each retaining its original identity, rather than a single pluripotent stem cell. This discovery has implications for regenerative medicine in humans.
A study found that clinicians under-addressed all seven end-of-life topics with their patients, with four items rarely discussed and three sometimes addressed. The researchers hope the findings will inform the development of practical skills to improve clinician-patient communication about end-of-life care.
A Durham University-led study reveals that some less deprived coalfield areas are faring relatively well in terms of health, suggesting that regeneration efforts and resilience of local communities may be helpful. The research emphasizes the need for increased government assistance, particularly in poorer, predominantly rural coalfield...
Researchers found that the rate of hand contamination among graduating students is 100 times lower than health workers caring for patients with MRSA, likely due to a lower prevalence of MRSA in graduates. Handshakes may remove pathogens acquired earlier, providing reassurance to individuals who shake hands regularly.
Researchers found that inhaling small amounts of hydrogen reduces hyperoxic lung injury, inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs. Hydrogen also induces activation of heme-oxygenase (HO-1), an enzyme that protects lung cells from damage.
A novel therapy that stimulates the nerve controlling diaphragm has been shown to improve breathing patterns, reduce blood oxygenation levels, and lower heart rate in patients with both heart failure and central sleep apnea. This treatment offers a promising alternative to existing therapies like CPAP for patients with heart failure.
A new virtual reality application delivers exposure therapy for PTSD by immersing soldiers in simulated trauma-relevant environments. The system has shown encouraging clinical results, with 80% of patients experiencing clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends a single, co-ordinated European system to oversee the evaluation and approval of medical devices. The current system has been criticized for its lack of rigor in testing standards, unlike the US where trials must show clinical impact.
Recent analysis of children and adolescents with FASD reveals significant volume reductions in deep gray matter structures. These findings suggest that the brain's relay stations, responsible for efficient communication between regions, are disproportionately affected by alcohol exposure during fetal development.
A study by MIT researchers found that remanufacturing products can be more energy-efficient in some cases, but new technology often cancels out savings. The team looked at life-cycle analysis and found that many remanufactured products are less energy-efficient due to newer versions being more efficient.
A study of 266 healthy adults aged 70-88 found that driving errors, such as failing to check blind spots and speeding, increased with age. The results have implications for skill-based driving tests and training for older drivers.
A mathematical model developed by scientists shows that ecosystems remain relatively stable despite constant changes in species populations, highlighting the ecosystem's role as a self-contained entity. This finding suggests that preserving entire ecosystems may be more crucial than protecting specific endangered species.