The study found a significantly lower quality of life in patients who received high-dose radiation therapy (74 Gy) compared to those receiving standard dose (60 Gy). IMRT was associated with a lower decline in QOL compared to 3-D CRT, even a year after treatment.
A study of over 2,200 children's hospital visits reveals racial and ethnic disparities in pain management and length of stay for abdominal pain. Black and Hispanic children were less likely to receive analgesics, while black patients had shorter hospital stays compared to white children.
A Loyola Medicine study found that the i-STAT point-of-care device is not accurate enough to determine troponin levels without a corrective term. Fingerstick testing can accurately qualify troponin levels as negative, borderline or positive.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a theoretical framework to understand and predict the conductive properties of polymeric semiconductors. Their model reveals that the entangled structure of polymers, which allows them to bend, also impedes their ability to conduct electricity.
Cancer-killing natural killer (NK) cells are controlled by the epigenetic process involving enzyme MYSM1, which regulates gene expression and cell maturation. The study paves the way for developing more effective immunotherapies against cancer.
Researchers have created a transparent, elastic OLED that can be repeatedly stretched, folded and twisted at room temperature while still retaining its original shape. The new material has potential applications in smartphones, clothing, lighting, medical tools and more.
Research reveals that high 'bad' cholesterol levels stimulate production of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, which promote inflammation and atherosclerosis. The study opens up a potential new approach to preventing heart attack and stroke by focusing on interactions between cholesterol and these cells.
The updated guidelines offer recommendations for vaccination of household pet cats, shelter house cats, and cats in breeding catteries based on risk assessment. The new protocols prioritize comprehensive physical examinations and consultation to determine each cat's specific vaccination requirements.
A $451,000 US grant will fund research on the Chaman Fault in Western Pakistan to improve earthquake prediction and mitigation. The study aims to determine fault movement speed and activity levels to reduce casualties and economic losses.
Researchers found that hyperlink films follow conventional social patterns, with an average of 31.4 characters important for plot development, similar to the size of an affinity group in contemporary society. This challenges the idea that these films can create a more complex and interconnected world.
A clinical trial aims to determine the optimal timing of delivery for preterm pregnancies complicated by poor fetal growth. The study compares three groups and shows better-than-expected health outcomes for the babies, with low mortality rates and minimal severe health issues.
A new study published by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong link between exposure to diesel exhaust and increased asthma severity in children. The research suggests that neutralizing the protein IL-17A could be a useful potential therapeutic strategy to counteract the effects of traffic-related air pollution.
Research suggests that young children may struggle to remember overlapping elements of events, such as time and place, until later childhood. This has significant implications for learning in school and the reliability of testimony in court cases.
The SUPREN research group has developed a method to produce acetals from glycerol, which improves the properties of biodiesel. The new process shows higher efficiency and lower costs compared to traditional methods, making it a promising solution for reducing environmental impact.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs was associated with impaired fine motor skills in children at age 6 months. However, breastfeeding by mothers taking these medications was not linked to adverse development in children up to 36 months old.
A parental survey to measure vaccine hesitancy was linked to children's underimmunization rates. Parents with higher survey scores were more likely to have underimmunized children, highlighting the potential for such surveys as a predictive tool.
A secondary analysis of the historic RTOG 9202 prostate cancer trial found no additional benefits with long-term hormonal therapy compared to short-term therapy in intermediate-risk patients. The study suggests that administering less treatment can reduce side effects and healthcare costs without compromising survival rates.
Researchers found that bacteria deviate from the 'just in time' principle for protein production, adapting dynamically to environmental conditions. They use strategies to optimize protein production, which can be useful in fighting pathogens.
A new family of non-precious metal catalysts developed by the UNIST research team exhibits better performance than platinum in oxygen-reduction reaction, offering a solution for widespread commercialization of fuel cell technology. The catalysts show high electrocatalytic activity and superior long-term durability.
Typhoon Pabuk strengthened as it moved north through the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing an infrared image that showed powerful thunderstorms east of its center. The storm was expected to turn northeast and bring rain and gusty winds to eastern Japan.
Seventy-five percent of participants reported being bullied by a sibling, and 85% reported bullying a sibling. Sibling bullying is often viewed as normative, with victims and perpetrators evaluating instances differently.
A multidisciplinary team at UT Arlington is developing a smart rehabilitation system that can adapt and personalize therapy programs based on a patient's needs. The iRehab system uses multisensory data to produce the best possible rehabilitation program guidelines for patients, improving treatment effectiveness.
A study found that avoiding specific regions of the brain during whole-brain radiotherapy prevents memory loss in patients. Limiting radiation to the hippocampus, a sensitive area for memory function, preserved memory function for up to six months after treatment.
Researchers have developed a wastewater treatment device that uses spinning CDs coated with zinc oxide nanorods to break down organic pollutants in sewage. The device can treat contaminated water at an impressive rate of 150 mL per minute, making it a promising solution for small-scale water purification.
Researchers found no evidence of an increased risk for specific major birth defects in mothers who received the flu shot. However, there was a slight increase in preterm delivery rates among vaccinated women during certain seasons.
A CDC and Massachusetts General Hospital study finds that pretravel consultations and preventive medications can save money for both payers and most travelers. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 travelers to West Africa and found that the costs associated with contracting malaria outweighed the costs of preventive care.
According to Swedish Research Council study, humans have musical talent due to synchronized group movement, which enhances sound perception in nature. This behavior has survival value, producing dopamine, leading to rhythmic movements and eventually music.
Mobile devices could increase access to pulse oximetry, a crucial tool for monitoring blood oxygen levels, by providing an affordable and effective alternative to traditional equipment. This technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes, particularly in resource-poor settings where timely intervention can be life-saving.
A new study found that children with specific heart birth defects are at a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis, a serious bacterial infection. The risk is especially high in those with heart defects associated with cyanosis and cardiac surgery within the past six months.
Peter Barrance, a senior research scientist at Kessler Foundation, received the 2013 Clinical Biomechanics Award for his study on tibiofemoral contact location changes associated with lateral heel wedging. The study used weight-bearing MRI and was funded by NIDRR.
Researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoological Society of London capture images of golden eagle attacking a young sika deer on camera trap. The event, which occurred six years ago, is extremely rare and has no impact on deer populations.
Bacteria use TamA protein to channel protein domains across the outer membrane, overcoming additional barrier for nutrient and toxin transport. This process is crucial for infections by pathogens like Yersinia, Salmonella, and Cholera.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a secure system to protect wireless implantable medical devices from unauthorized access. The technology uses the patient's unique heartbeat as a password, which can only be accessed through touch with a programmer device. This provides a secure way to monitor patients and prevent potential...
Researchers found that patients diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease who received brain imaging test results had better clinical outcomes, including superior executive function and memory abilities. The study suggests that earlier diagnosis can lead to significant benefits, potentially saving healthcare dollars.
A multidisciplinary team has identified the function of an enzyme and its biochemical pathway in a marine bacterium, using computational methods combined with laboratory techniques. This breakthrough sheds light on protein-coding genes and offers insights into the role of orthologous enzymes in similar pathways.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed spring-like fibers to engineer cardiac tissue that can pump more like the real thing. The new fibers show improved elasticity and contraction force compared to straight fibers, holding promise for repairing damaged heart tissue.
Typhoon Usagi made landfall in Guangdong Province on September 22 with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph, displacing over 310,000 residents and causing widespread destruction. Heavy rainfall rates reached up to 6.7 inches per hour along China's coast.
A complete genomic analysis of sorghum reveals its potential for alternative uses beyond grain production. Researchers hope to apply the findings to other feedstocks like miscanthus and sugarcane, while improving drought-resistant lines for food and fuel applications.
Researchers use X-ray facility to replicate high-pressure conditions, finding fractures nucleate at the onset of olivine-to-spinel transition. This discovery confirms earlier experimental work and provides strongest evidence yet that phase transformations trigger deep earthquakes.
The Sangre por Salud Biobank is a collaboration among Mayo Clinic, Mountain Park Health Center, and Arizona State University to support studies in obesity, metabolism and diabetes in the Latino population. The biobank aims to enroll 2,000 participants over four years, with a special emphasis on cardiometabolic risk and obesity.
The American College of Physicians recommends weight loss and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as initial treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. ACP also suggests mandibular advancement devices as an alternative for patients who prefer it or have trouble with CPAP.
A new study found that even long-term abstinence from cocaine does not result in a complete normalization of brain circuitry. Former cocaine users showed differences in reward processing and impulsivity compared to healthy controls, indicating pre-existing risk factors for addiction.
Researchers found that donors prioritize fatalities over those affected when deciding how much to donate. However, a simple change in terminology can reverse this bias, prioritizing the number of homeless individuals. By diverting attention from fatalities to survivors, aid can be allocated more effectively.
A team of researchers has carried out the first detailed measurements of a unique kind of magnetism found in herbertsmithite. The study reveals a signature in the material's optical conductivity that supports theoretical predictions about the influence of magnetism on electrons.
Researchers discovered that BAR domain proteins induce strong clustering of phosphoinositides, generating extremely stable protein-lipid scaffolds on the membrane. These scaffolds may contribute to diverse cellular processes by creating lipid phase boundaries and trapping membrane-associated receptor and cargo molecules.
A UMass Amherst study found that daytime naps improve memory and visual-spatial task performance in preschool children. Children who napped did significantly better on a test after a nap and the next day compared to those who didn't nap.
A new study from the University of Missouri identifies escapism, social interaction, and rewards as key risk factors for addictive video game use among adults. The research suggests that individuals who play games to escape daily life or to socialize with others are more likely to develop problematic gaming behaviors.
Researchers used blue whale earplugs to extract and analyze chemicals, hormones, and stress levels, enabling the study of lifetime chemical exposures and hormone profiles. The new method provides valuable information on human impact on individual whales and marine ecosystems.
Residents enrolled in managed care had more nursing home-based primary care visits and nurse practitioner visits, reducing hospital transfers. Survival rates did not differ between groups, but intensive primary care services may improve end-of-life care affordability.
The University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine has uncovered the role of ORMDL3 in asthma, linking it to inflammatory cell recruitment and airway inflammation. The study found that silencing or over-expressing ORMDL3 in eosinophils reduces inflammation by decreasing integrin expression.
AUC Davis survey of 1,601 gun dealers found nearly unanimous support for denying gun purchases to individuals with prior convictions and serious mental illness. The survey also revealed strong support for existing policies denying handgun purchases to individuals convicted of aggravated assault or domestic violence.
Researchers at LSU will utilize the SuperMIC cluster for various projects, including discovery of new drugs and modeling coastal processes. The project aims to train the next generation of researchers in high-performance computing and prepare students for the future.
A new study found that 92% of new moms reported at least one breastfeeding concern three days after birth, with infant feeding issues being the most common. The study suggests a two-pronged approach to support breastfeeding mothers, including strengthening protective factors and ensuring professional lactation support.
A recent analysis of hospital trust policies found significant shortcomings in post mortem exam procedures, with many failing to explain the law behind consent or outline clear processes for obtaining consent. The study highlights the need for adequate guidance to ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect after death.
A crowdsourcing project, Galaxy Zoo 2, has produced a 10 times larger galaxy catalog than any previous one. Over 16 million galaxy classifications were gathered, representing about 57 million computer clicks, and over 300,000 galaxies were included in the catalog.
A new study predicts a northward shift of Earth's wind and rain belts, making the Middle East, American West, and Amazonia drier. This redistribution is based on historical climate patterns during the last ice age, when warming led to changes in ocean currents and temperature contrasts between hemispheres.
Researchers found Medicare heart attack expenses increased by 16.5% overall, with significant growth in post-hospital care costs, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient care. Mortality rates declined from 36% to 31.7% during this period.
The round goby's rapid colonization of the upper Danube has led to a decline in native fish species such as barbel and European chub. The species' adaptability and dominance of food webs have resulted in a 'novel ecosystem,' with previously unknown combinations of species.
A new study reveals a direct correlation between ancient reef abundance and decapod crustacean diversity. Modern reef decline may lead to a 50% decrease in crustacean species, affecting human food sources and marine ecosystems. The study's findings suggest that reefs promote the evolution of diverse crustacean populations.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz directly observe magnetization dynamics in magnetic nanowires, discovering oscillating domain wall velocities. The study's findings have important implications for the development of ultra-fast rotating sensors and new information storage mediums.
Researchers at CU-Boulder demonstrated that brains use a pointer system similar to computers to understand novel situations. The brain's connections between the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia play a key role in processing sentences with unfamiliar words.
Researchers found that modifying rice crops to resist herbicide triggers gives weedy neighbors a fitness boost, enabling them to grow faster and produce more offspring. The study suggests this method could be used to enhance crop yields, but raises concerns about potential problems with weedy relatives.
A mathematical model accurately matches the historical record on the emergence of complex states in ancient societies. Simulated warfare drives the formation of large-scale complex societies.
Researchers found that Siberian hamsters' seasonal timekeeping is influenced by DNA methylation, which regulates reproductive competency. Exposure to short daylight periods decreases DNA methylation in the hypothalamus, stimulating a gene that shuts down reproduction.
Researchers have found no significant evidence of an increased risk of birth defects in babies born to mothers who received the H1N1 influenza vaccine during pregnancy. The study, which followed over 1,000 pregnant women across the US and Canada, also found that vaccinated women were more likely to deliver earlier, but only slightly so.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have found that a specific diet immediately before spawning significantly impacts the fatty acid content of red drum eggs. This discovery could lead to improved survival rates and reduced resource usage in fish farming, benefiting both the environment and the state of Texas.
Researchers develop new technique to find coherent ocean eddies, equivalent to black holes, which can moderate the negative impact of melting sea ice. These 'eddy-black holes' can also transport warm and salty water, influencing climate change and ocean currents.
A new University of Notre Dame study reveals the molecular genetic and physiological basis for metabolic diseases related to circadian function. The research found that a specific gene, Id2, plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism and circadian control of feeding and locomotor activity.
A study found that frequent bedsharing between mothers and infants was associated with longer breastfeeding durations. However, researchers also warned about the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) related to bedsharing.
A new study found that neighborhoods with more banks and fewer fast food outlets have lower obesity rates among high school students. The research suggests that the retail environment plays a complex role in shaping health outcomes.
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have uncovered a new mechanism by which influenza viruses infect cells, utilizing the protein neuraminidase instead of hemagglutinin. This discovery may have implications for developing immunity against the flu and could lead to new treatments.
A systematic questionnaire has been devised and evaluated to identify pre-school children with an increased risk of long-term post-traumatic disorders within a few days of an accident. The questionnaire recorded high accuracy, identifying 85% of children who would later develop PTSD.
Researchers at Tecnalia developed a new approach to improve web page search results by analyzing image content. The method relies on the subject matter of web pages inferred from images and analyzed by search engines to decide relevance.
Researchers have developed a novel molecular probe detectable by PET imaging, providing the first non-invasive visualization of myelin integrity in the entire spinal cord. The discovery brings new hope for accurate diagnosis and prognosis, allowing clinicians to monitor disease progression and evaluate therapy efficacy.
A Stanford University study projects a significant increase in severe thunderstorms across the US, with an estimated 40% rise in eastern US storms by late 21st century. The research suggests global warming will drive more days with high convective available potential energy and sufficient wind shear to form severe thunderstorms.
A clinical trial found that a booster dose of the new meningitis B vaccine at 40 months of age can overcome waning immunity induced by infant vaccination, showing high antibody levels in 89%–100% of children against most strains.
A two-item questionnaire, including PHQ-9 and PHQ-2, effectively screened for depression in radiation therapy patients. The study found that these questions were as useful as the entire PHQ-9 in identifying depression, with an area under the curve of approximately 0.83.
Severe sepsis increased by about 10% per year, affecting about 1 in 11,000 women; many cases occur in women with no known risk factors, highlighting the need for improved detection of sepsis.
Researchers have developed a new implantable device that reduces symptoms of central sleep apnea by 56% and improves sleepiness and quality of life. The device, which stimulates the diaphragm to breathe during sleep, has shown significant promise in treating this condition.
Researchers found that reducing radiation dose to stem-cell niches surrounding hippocampus preserves memory without increased risk of relapse. This technique, if validated, will help maintain quality of life for brain cancer patients.
Researchers are working on a new treatment approach to block kidney and lung damage, as well as pain associated with sickle cell disease. The study aims to explore the therapeutic possibilities of endothelin antagonists, which selectively block the endothelin A receptor, and bosentan, which blocks both A and B receptors.
A recent 12-country study found that binge-eating disorder is associated with substantial lifelong impairments, including depression, anxiety disorders, and work disability. The study suggests that early detection and treatment of eating disorders during adolescence may help prevent subsequent mental and physical disorders.
Scientists validate a proposed system for detecting preclinical Alzheimer's disease in cognitively normal elderly individuals, finding that it is common and associated with future mental decline and mortality. The new findings offer reason for encouragement, showing that the system can predict which individuals will develop symptoms of...
The Rim Fire has made significant progress in containment, currently standing at 84%. Officials estimate full containment will be achieved on October 1, 2013. The fire has burned approximately 402 square miles and destroyed numerous structures, with total damages estimated at $122 million.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered a repurposed FDA-approved drug that can halt the growth of and eliminate brain tumor cells from adult human patients. The treatment targets a specific mutation in the IDH1 gene, which is found in 70-80% of lower-grade gliomas.
Researchers from UT Arlington used mathematical modeling to simulate foreign-body reactions to implants, finding results consistent with lab tests. The model aims to improve biocompatibility and identify optimal treatments for severe inflammation and fibrotic capsule formation.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that married patients with cancer live longer than unmarried patients, with cancers diagnosed at an earlier stage. Social support from spouses is thought to be driving this improvement in survival rates.
Research links male violence with drinking in public places and female violence with quiet evenings at home. The study suggests that certain drinking contexts can trigger partner aggression.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine studied 589 adults and found no association between marijuana frequency and health status, healthcare utilization, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or medical diagnoses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that blood transfusions were needed in less than 3% of pediatric non-cardiac surgeries. In many cases, unnecessary testing and supply waste occurred due to precautionary measures. The study suggests that surgeons should assess each patient's specific needs for blood screening instead...
A new study suggests that managed-care residents with advanced dementia are more likely to have a do-not-hospitalize order in place and fewer hospital transfers for acute illness. This research found no appreciable difference in survival outcomes between the managed care and fee-for-service groups.
Green energy development, lifelong education, and entrepreneurship are top priorities for emerging economy nations, according to US expert Jerry Hultin. Investments in these areas can drive economic breakthroughs and promote sustainable growth.
EcoHealth Alliance has been awarded a three-year, $2 million grant by the US Agency for International Development to address land use alteration as a significant driver of disease emergence and climate change in Asia. The project aims to capture the value of ecosystems in mitigating disease emergence and enhance carbon storage.
A UC Santa Barbara research team has demonstrated a nanomechanical transducer that provides strong and coherent coupling between microwave signals and optical photons. This breakthrough enables the translation of electrical quantum states to optical quantum states, paving the way for secure communication and quantum teleportation.
A new study published in CANCER journal found that many newly diagnosed older breast cancer patients experience difficulty with daily tasks. The research suggests that therapy to improve physical function could benefit these patients, particularly African-American women who are four times more likely to have functional disability.
A global analysis of Kawasaki disease cases found a seasonal occurrence shared by regions across the Northern hemisphere, with peak cases in winter months. The study suggests that large-scale wind currents may play a role in transmitting the suspected infectious agent.
Researchers found that mild hypothermia improved behavioral scores and increased surviving neurons in rats with TBI. The treatment also reduced harmful protein levels linked to brain injury and cognitive dysfunction.
A large European study suggests men with type 1 diabetes have better blood sugar control than women, especially in older age groups. Women tend to have higher HbA1c levels due to lower hemoglobin levels, which could explain the difference.
A large study found that married cancer patients live markedly longer and are more likely to receive appropriate therapy compared to unmarried patients. Social support from spouses plays a critical role in improving outcomes for these patients.
A shorter course of androgen suppression therapy prior to radiation therapy yields favorable outcomes and fewer adverse effects for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients. The study confirmed a disease-specific-survival rate of 95 percent when patients received fewer weeks of neoadjuvant total androgen suppression.
The American College of Physicians recommends treating obstructive sleep apnea with weight loss and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy as initial treatment. For patients who do not tolerate or comply with CPAP, a mandibular advancement device (MAD) is an alternative therapy option.
A simple two-question survey was found to be as accurate as a nine-question screening test in detecting major depression among cancer patients. The survey, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire, assesses a patient's interest in activities and feelings of hopelessness over the past two weeks.