The Common Drug Review introduced in 2003 standardized the process for public drug plans, covering 39% of Canada's $31 billion in forecasted drug costs. The review led to a significant decrease in drug listings, with smaller provinces experiencing earlier access to new drugs.
Researchers studied the relaxation dynamics of 2D nanoparticle systems, which exhibit unusual slow relaxation and aging effects due to their unique structures. The study used a novel approach to measure surface pressure in two directions, revealing complex relaxation mechanisms.
A recent study found that smoking a single cigarette can lead to a significant reduction in airway inflammation markers, emphasizing the negative impact of even one cigarette. Researchers developed a computer-aided model predicting smoking cessation success by treatment type, showing nicotine replacement therapy is most effective.
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found daily smoking and low mastery to be significant risk factors for repeat episodes of depression. High levels of mastery appeared to be protective against further depression.
Researchers found a strong association between tanning bed use and an increased risk for three common skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The study tracked 73,494 nurses who used tanning beds during high school and college, finding that more frequent exposure led to higher risks.
Collective phenomena in nanoscale structures have applications in light generation, optical sensing and information processing. Researchers explore these effects to engineer novel devices with custom-designed optical, electronic and mechanical characteristics.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a protein that defends against cancer also plays a key role in steroids' anti-inflammatory action. Targeting this protein could lead to new drugs without steroid side effects. The study suggests some cancer patients may not need steroid treatment due to genetic mutations.
Researchers found that specific genetic variants in Staph surface proteins create stronger bonds with human blood proteins, leading to infection. The study aims to develop techniques to prevent these infections by understanding the initial step of biofilm formation.
A new long-term study reveals that heart transplantation is a safe and effective therapy, with survival rates improving by over 20% since its introduction in 1980. The study found that younger patients have better outcomes, while age negatively impacts survival rates.
Researchers will combine neuroscience and engineering to repair spinal injuries and hearing loss using gene therapy, flexible electronics, optical imaging, and human-machine interfaces. The partnership aims to bring new treatments to the clinic and alleviate human suffering caused by neurological disabilities.
A study published in Nature Genetics finds that both males and females up-regulate X chromosome gene expression to equalize the dosage imbalance caused by having only one copy of the X chromosome. This confirms a longstanding hypothesis and provides new insights into how cells manage genetic imbalances.
USDA researchers have identified over 3,000 stem rust-resistant wheat landraces and are retesting them to verify their resistance. These landraces hold the key to combating severe losses due to stem rust, a disease affecting worldwide wheat cultivation areas.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and Purdue University have shown that gallium nitride (GaN) is non-toxic and biocompatible, making it a promising material for biomedical implants. The material was found to be stable in environments mimicking the human body and bonded effectively with cells when coated with peptides.
A study by Spanish researchers found that plain, sloping roofs can collect up to 50% more rainwater than flat roofs, resulting in higher quality water. The collected water can be used for various purposes, including watering streets and gardens, washing floors or vehicles, and filling cisterns.
The study found that ancient oceans contained lethal sulfide, making vast areas of seafloor inhospitable to animals. The discovery suggests that poisonous oceans delayed the emergence of animal life on Earth.
Washington State University researchers have developed a new animal model to study depression by stimulating a brain region associated with primary emotions in rats. The model reveals behaviors linked to depression, including reduced positive affect and increased agitation.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that yoga and intensive stretching classes both showed significant improvements in back-related function and symptoms for adults with chronic low back pain. Both forms of exercise were effective in reducing pain medication use, with benefits lasting at least six months.
A new three-dimensional model of measles virus helps explain unaccounted observations in its life cycle. The study found matrix protein forms helical tubes around the viral genome and nucleocapsid, regulating replication and genome movement.
Researchers found that morning UV exposure increases skin cancer risk by 500% compared to afternoon exposure. The study's findings imply that restricting sunbathing or tanning booth visits to morning hours could help prevent skin cancer in humans.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered significant security gaps in Amazon Web Services, including the ability to take over administrative rights and access customer data through XML signature wrapping and cross-site scripting attacks.
Dr. Gail Besner continues her research on HB-EGF for treating neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a leading cause of surgical death in premature infants. Recent data suggest that HB-EGF may improve intestinal function after NEC treatment.
A novel mouse model has identified a molecular signaling pathway underlying preterm labor, which may lead to new strategies for combating the major global health issue in humans. The study suggests that inhibiting mTORC1 signaling with rapamycin could prevent premature aging and birth.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that teens who consume high amounts of carbonated non-diet soft drinks are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,800 Boston teenagers, discovered a significant association between heavy soft drink consumption and violence perpetration.
A recent study found that high fluid intake is associated with a 24% reduced risk for bladder cancer among male participants. The association was strongest among younger men and may be due to the flushing out of potential carcinogens by fluids.
Research suggests that adding ascorbate to hot dogs reduces N-nitroso compounds, potentially linked to colon cancer. However, colon cancer incidence rates have not changed since 1978.
The new sensor uses a transparent film of single-walled carbon nanotubes that can stretch up to twice its original length in any direction without permanent deformation. It can detect pressure ranging from a firm pinch to elephant-like pressure, making it suitable for medical applications and prosthetic limbs.
Research suggests that emotional distress during simulation education can impair medical students' learning, leading to increased cognitive load and decreased pass rates. Simulation training programs, such as ACLS resident simulation training, have also been found not to impact real patient outcomes.
A new study by University of Georgia researchers found that fertilizer runoff and excess carbon dioxide in coastal waters increase acidity, compromising shell-forming abilities of oysters and other marine creatures. The findings highlight the need to manage fertilizer use and limit fossil fuel consumption to mitigate future damage.
New research reveals that rotavirus vaccination has limited impact on deaths in middle-income countries, with most fatalities occurring in low-income nations like India and Africa. Introducing effective vaccines in these countries could substantially reduce global deaths attributable to diarrheal disease.
A study analyzed financial payments made by orthopedic device manufacturers to orthopedic surgeons from 2007 to 2010. The findings show a reduction in total payments and funds distributed after payment disclosure was required, as well as an increase in the proportion of consultants with academic affiliations.
A team of researchers has identified a non-classical form of Fetal and Neonatal Immune Thrombocytopenia (FNIT) that causes excessive platelet activation and blood clot formation in the placenta, leading to miscarriage. The condition can be prevented with intravenous IgG and anti-FcRn therapies.
The FASEB MARC Program announced 17 travel awards totaling $28,050 to support scholars' teaching and mentoring skills. The program aims to increase underrepresented scientists in leadership positions, impacting the nation's health research needs.
Researchers identified additional gene mutations that worsen polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and contribute to early and severe symptoms in affected children. Genetic testing may help identify children at risk for this condition, enabling early intervention and therapy development.
A new report by the University of Delaware finds that sharing agreements among local TV stations lead to a loss of diversity and localism, as well as job losses. In eight American television markets, the agreements resulted in a significant number of stations using the same anchors, reporters, scripts, and graphics.
Biologists at UC San Diego have unraveled the complete chain of biochemical reactions that controls auxin synthesis, a hormone regulating plant growth. The discovery enables agricultural scientists to develop new ways to enhance or manipulate auxin production for improved crop yields.
A study of 100 patients with periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) found that left-handed individuals are significantly more likely to have bilateral limb movements, a key indicator of PLMD. This suggests a higher risk of sleep disorders in left-handed people compared to right-handed individuals.
A recent British study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science may revolutionize the way healthcare professionals assess glaucoma risk. The study used a new method to measure intraocular pressure, correcting for corneal biomechanics, and found accurate measurements of eye pressure with improved accuracy.
A recent study has identified a potential link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that cancer-causing strains of HPV were strongly associated with CVD, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
Scientists discover miniscule metal nanoparticles naturally occurring in silver articles, jewelry, and utensils, revealing a dynamic behavior that changes over time. This finding challenges traditional views on nanoparticle toxicity and suggests humans have been exposed to these particles for millennia.
Collagen crosslinking treatment using riboflavin (vitamin B) has improved vision in nearly 70% of patients with keratoconus, according to a recent three-year clinical trial. The treatment addresses the underlying causes of the disease and provides a permanent solution.
A recent study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science found a strong association between physical fitness and reduced glaucoma risk. The research discovered that moderate physical activity can lower the risk of low ocular perfusion pressure, a key factor in glaucoma development.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic variation in Staph bacteria that increases its ability to form bonds with fibronectin, leading to infections in implanted cardiac devices. This discovery has implications for preventing biofilm-related infections and could lead to new protocols for assessing risk.
A study found that a specific dietary pattern, characterized by high red meat and fish intake, sugar-sweetened beverages, and low coffee and whole grain consumption, may increase a woman's risk for colorectal cancer. This pattern was associated with higher levels of C-peptide in the blood, which can promote cell growth and multiplication.
Research studies report cases of near-lethal and lethal silicone use, with one study finding a patient's death and two others' hospitalization due to respiratory and nerve damage. Silicone embolism syndrome has been linked to as high as 33% fatality rate.
A study of young adults found that smoking a single cigarette increases airway tissue concentration of nitric oxide by 26%, while decreasing fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels by 15.6%. This reduction can significantly impair health in this age group.
The city of Detroit has been found to have one of the highest mortality rates in the US for non-small cell lung cancer, with significantly lower survival rates compared to other cities. The study, presented at CHEST 2011, suggests that differences in healthcare access and tumor stage may be contributing factors.
Scientists studied how fluids travel through nanoscale channels and found that methyl alcohol diffused much faster in one direction due to the shape of the pores. The discovery has far-reaching implications for novel microscopic materials, including nanotubes and drug delivery systems.
Researchers have identified a non-classical form of fetal immune thrombocytopenia that can lead to miscarriage and habitual abortion. The condition is characterized by excessive platelet activation and blood clot formation in the placenta. New treatments targeting this condition have been suggested, offering hope for women affected by it.
Exposure to BPA in the womb is associated with behavior and emotional problems in young girls, according to a Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study. Higher gestational BPA concentrations were linked to more hyperactive, aggressive, anxious, and depressed behavior in girls, while boys showed no significant association.
A Mayo Clinic study suggests that patients taking the age-related macular degeneration drug ranibizumab may experience increased intraocular pressure, a potential risk factor for glaucoma. The research found that a subset of patients had higher-than-normal eye pressure, regardless of pre-existing risk factors.
A new Medicare payment system may unfairly penalize dialysis clinics that provide care to patients with complex medical and social issues. The study found that patient characteristics, particularly adherence to prescribed treatments, significantly impact a facility's achievement of the pay-for-performance measure.
A new model estimates that the probability of a woman with screen-detected breast cancer surviving is likely below 10%, contradicting previous claims. The study's findings suggest that the benefit of screening mammography may be lower than previously thought.
Rural women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer due to limited access to healthcare facilities and high costs. To address this issue, researchers recommend improving the accessibility of free breast cancer screening programs in rural areas.
Historical data analysis reveals significant increase in forest fires in Valencia province starting from the 1970s. The shift can be attributed to depopulation, land use changes, and increased flammable vegetation. Fires are now more frequent and larger, posing challenges for long-term management.
Researchers investigated how initial free volume distribution impacts plasticity in metallic glasses (MGs). They found that a large amount of randomly distributed free volume leads to more potential sites for shear band initiation and branching, resulting in increased plasticity. However, too much free volume can also cause failure by ...
Researchers found that small vesicles called exosome-like vesicles (ELVs) are involved in transporting signals through urine and interacting with primary cilia in the kidneys. This discovery may help understand how gene mutations cause autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD), a condition that often leads to kidney failure.
The American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI) has inducted 21 new Fellows, with nearly triple the number elected last year. The growing field of medical informatics is expanding its reach and recognizing top professionals.
A new study finds that women who undergo advanced post-mastectomy breast reconstruction experience significant gains in psychological, social, and sexual wellbeing just three weeks after surgery. However, physical wellbeing at the abdominal location may not improve until later.
A new trial suggests that a Foley catheter is as successful in inducing labor as the widely used hormone-like gel prostaglandin E2, but with lower rates of infection and complications. The study found similar vaginal delivery rates and reduced risks of caesarean section, operative deliveries for fetal distress, and neonatal admissions.
A study presented at CHEST 2011 found that sleeping less than 8 hours a night may be linked to weight gain in teens. Teen males who slept 7 hours or less on weekdays had an average BMI that was 3.8 percent higher than those who slept more than 7 hours.