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Science News for June 16, 2017


New relapse prediction tool reduces cost of rheumatoid arthritis treatment

A new relapse prediction tool has been developed to reduce the cost of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. The tool, which combines two measurements to predict the risk of relapse in patients with RA, allows for successful dose reduction of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), resulting in significant cost savings.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 16, 2017

Education a top priority

A public opinion survey conducted across eight Western European countries found that 80% of respondents support increasing spending on education, while only 20% back defense policy. Respondents prioritize general school education and vocational training, with 62% demanding more funding in these sectors.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of European Social Policy·DateJun 16, 2017

Education for people with RMDS and employers can improve ability to work

An educational programme implemented by the Galician Rheumatology League improved employees' self-confidence in their work capacity and awareness of solvable limitations. The programme also helped employers understand specific needs of people with RMDs, making necessary adaptations to keep them at work.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 16, 2017

Genes explain higher prevalence of CVD in chronic IMID patients

A study found that chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases are linked to a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients. The research identified specific genetic patterns associated with cardiovascular disease risk across different chronic IMID patient groups, which could lead to the development of more efficient preve...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 16, 2017

Bacteria free themselves with molecular 'speargun'

Researchers discovered that the pathogen Francisella tularensis uses a nano-machine called type VI secretion system (T6SS) to disrupt digestive vesicles and escape into the cytosol, allowing it to rapidly replicate. This efficient defense mechanism is crucial for the bacterium's success in an infection.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2017

Nickel for thought: Compound shows potential for high-temperature superconductivity

A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has identified a nickel oxide compound with promising properties for high-temperature superconductivity. The compound, a metallic trilayer nickelate, successfully synthesized single crystals that resemble cuprate materials, a crucial step towards solving the field's defining problem.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 16, 2017

Genes and the environment? Factors, patterns that lead to childhood obesity risk

Researchers identify a three-way interaction between genetics, body mass index, and parent-child communication patterns in predicting restrictive feeding practices that contribute to childhood obesity. Genetic variations affect emotion regulation, influencing parents' responses to children's negative emotions.

Shaking Schroedinger's cat

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that quasimeasurements, a new type of measurement interaction, cause the quantum Zeno effect and anti-Zeno effect. The disturbance from these measurements shifts the energy levels of the atom, leading to faster or slower decay rates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 16, 2017

New approach to unlock the genetic potential of plant cell wall

The study provides detailed information about the genetics of crop plants, enabling breeders to identify key genes responsible for cell wall properties. By linking this data to specific changes in genetic information, researchers can make targeted improvements to support agricultural industries and biofuel production.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2017

Viral vectors for gene transfer travel longer distances in the brain than thought

Researchers found that artificial viruses can infect brain cells and surrounding tissues beyond the injection site, influencing the immune response. The study's findings could improve the selection of suitable viral 'gene transporters' for custom therapies, offering a glimmer of hope for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalHistochemistry and Cell Biology·DateJun 16, 2017

New effective treatments for psoriatic arthritis patients

Two new drug classes, tofacitinib and guselkumab, have shown significant improvements in treating psoriatic arthritis. Tofacitinib demonstrated superiority over placebo in ACR20 response rates and HAQ-DI score at 3 months, while guselkumab improved joint symptoms, physical function, and quality of life in patients with active PsA.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 16, 2017

Among farmworkers, immigrants are less likely to use SNAP

A new study from UC Davis researchers found that immigrant farmworkers are less likely to use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) compared to their US-born counterparts. The analysis of comprehensive data on farmworker households showed a significant increase in SNAP participation among citizens, while immigrants and H...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Immigrant and Minority Health·DateJun 16, 2017

Gout hospitalization exacerbated by failure to prescribe recommended urate-lowering treatment

A Swedish study found a significant increase in gout hospitalizations between 2000 and 2012, with only one-fourth of patients receiving recommended urate-lowering treatment. In contrast, a UK study showed that nurse-provided patient education and support significantly improved adherence to ULT, leading to better patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 16, 2017