A six-year UK study identified 12 major complications from epidural pain relief, including epidural abscesses and meningitis. Researchers call for a national database to track these complications and identify risk factors.
A study of 445 MS patients found that 29% prioritize medical treatment, while 19% seek socio-economic support, including household adaptations and transport provision. The researchers developed an MS satisfaction tool to assess quality of care and identify gaps in provision.
The partnership aims to promote high-quality scientific knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, addressing key questions on climate change and polar science. The journal will cover topics such as glacier mass balance, sea ice interactions, and palaeoclimate reconstruction.
A review article argues that migratory birds are not the primary source of H5N1 virus dispersal. Human commercial activities, particularly poultry trade, are the major factors behind the global spread of the virus. The study suggests that strict health control and better animal welfare measures can help prevent disease transmission.
Research reveals that nearly one in three women experience painful sex a year after childbirth and over half have at least one sex-related health problem. Asian women were more likely to report health problems than white women, while Afro-Caribbean women displayed similar levels of ill health.
A study of 55 patients found that 91% reported feeling hampered by headaches daily, and 37% experienced tension-type headaches several times a month. The total cost of all headache disorders in Denmark is approximately €74 million per million inhabitants per year.
Urologists are urging transport companies and family doctors to develop strict guidelines for staff with kidney stones, as sudden attacks can cause debilitating pain and pose safety risks. The authors have devised their own guidelines, but stress the need for governing bodies to create formal ones.
Research reveals that reindeer males use their inflated air sacs to produce unique, high-pitched rutting calls that signal their fighting ability and attractiveness to females. This adaptation allows males to conserve energy while deterring rivals and attracting mates.
A study of 24 couples found that nine reported positive changes in their lives after the experience, including increased closeness and practical adjustments. Meanwhile, ten couples felt fearful and threatened by the uncertainty of their partner's health, while five others failed to make meaningful changes.
Researchers discovered that plant nectar contains secondary compounds, including nicotine, which repel pollinators and attract 'nectar thieves'. This finding suggests that plants may produce nectar to increase genetic diversity by attracting more visitors despite the potential risk of poisoning insects.
A dietary supplement called poly-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) has been found to protect brine shrimp from infection by antibiotic-resistant Vibrio campbellii bacteria. PHB is a naturally-occurring compound that can be produced on an industrial scale, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics in the fish farming industry.
Research in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, South Africa, reveals that elephants' preference for marula fruits poses a risk to female Marula trees, which are more susceptible to damage and death. The study suggests that evolution may have favored the development of trees with better resprouting abilities to counter this selective pressure.
A new key review by Gotelli and McGill provides an overview of the current status of neutral models in ecology, highlighting their role relative to older ecological models. The paper demonstrates parallels in theory development between neutral models and null models, shedding light on community patterns and species interactions.
A stable social structure in badgers can help control the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB), ecologists have found. The study found that movement of individuals between groups is instrumental in driving disease dynamics at the population level.
A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that two-thirds of nursing students believe it's wrong to lie to patients, compared to 33% in 1983. The profile of nursing students has also changed significantly over 22 years, with older students, more diversity in educational attainments and life experiences.
A new study suggests that pre-dive intake of antioxidants Vitamin C and E can reduce alterations in cardiovascular function. This intervention showed a positive effect on vascular endothelial function, while other cardiac changes were unaffected.
The Scandinavian Journal of Economics has published a special issue celebrating the rise of political economics, an interdisciplinary field that combines public choice, rational choice, and macroeconomics to study government policy. Key findings include models exploring the evolution of economic institutions, efficiency aspects of poli...
Research by Jorgen Johnsson and Fredrik Sundström found that naive fish benefited from the skills of pre-trained group mates despite having outdated knowledge on predation risk. Social learning improved foraging success, suggesting it can be a beneficial strategy even in uncertain environments.
A study published in BJU International found that a topical anaesthetic spray delayed ejaculation by five times as long, with participants experiencing an average delay of four minutes. The TEMPE spray, containing lidocaine and prilocaine, showed promising results in delaying premature ejaculation.
A study found that providing regular acupressure treatment sessions twice a day for five days a week significantly reduced verbal and physical attacks, wandering, and agitation levels in dementia patients. The benefits were seen after four weeks of treatment, but agitation levels rose again once the treatment ended.
A study found that switching patients to more affordable cholesterol and blood pressure medications saved the UK's National Health Service £26,000 annually. The switch was made without adverse events and was successful for the majority of patients.
Researchers found that ski pistes above tree line have fewer species and lower bird numbers compared to natural grassland at similar altitudes. Ecologists warn of potentially serious threat to wildlife habitat conservation in the Alps.
A study of 46,993 patients found that hospital death rates ranged from 10% to 28%, with nursing staff levels and care map use associated with lower mortality rates. The study suggests that hospitals can reduce deaths by employing more registered nurses and implementing routine care maps or protocols.
A survey of 129 men with testicular cancer found that 24% chose to bank their sperm before treatment, despite high costs and relatively low usage. Single men were twice as likely to bank their sperm, and those who did had better fertility outcomes after treatment.
The production of frankincense is declining in the Horn of Africa due to intensive tapping, which diverts carbohydrates from reproductive organs. The study suggests that less intensive tapping procedures and rest periods are needed to ensure sustainable production.
The vaquita, the smallest living cetacean, is critically endangered due to accidental mortality in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are underway to reduce bycatch and protect the species, but progress has been slow. The Mexican Government has taken steps to protect the vaquita's habitat and compensate affected fishermen.
Current UK agri-environment schemes have worked well for rare and localised species but struggled to reverse declines of more widespread bird species. A new study suggests that tailored habitat management to regional differences could be key to success.
A multi-study review found that low impact aerobic exercise significantly reduced fatigue in adults with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Effective interventions included supervised exercise classes and home-based programmes, lasting up to 12 weeks.
The new journal aims to bridge the gap between economics and real-world issues by publishing readable yet rigorous articles. Oxonomics will provide an outlet for undergraduate and graduate students to publish their research alongside established academics and policymakers.
A study of nearly two million patients found that 60% of Scottish surgeries prescribed homeopathic or herbal remedies, with children under 16 being particularly targeted. The researchers call for a critical review of this trend, highlighting the lack of scientific evidence supporting these therapies.
Climate change may cause large infrequent disturbances in Africa, leading to devastating environmental and societal impacts. Historical data suggests that such events can have a lasting effect, with examples like the Maasai 'Emutai' period showing catastrophic consequences.
A survey of over 700 family doctors found that nearly two-thirds provide PSA tests on request, despite lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness. The study highlights the need for better training and targeted guidance to influence testing patterns and improve patient outcomes.
A study of over 2,000 kidney transplant patients in the Netherlands found that obese individuals were twice as likely to die within the first year or experience graft failure. This is attributed to a higher incidence of infections and fatal heart conditions among obese patients.
A study found female budgerigars pair with males that sound like them, receiving more assistance during nesting. Males that mimic similar calls are also less aggressive and provide better support to females.
A review in the Journal of Internal Medicine estimates that 50 million people acquired zoonotic diseases between 2000 and 2005, resulting in up to 78,000 deaths. The Dengue virus and Japanese Encephalitis Virus are among the most common zoonotic killers.
Research highlights low self-esteem and social exclusion as major problems for ventilator-dependent children, who often create their own lifestyles and have a good quality of life despite health issues. Greater support is needed to address their aspirations and achieve good quality of life experiences.
A recent study found that 79% of carers rely on humour to manage their emotions, while 30% report a decline in emotional well-being due to caregiving. The research highlights the need for holistic support, focusing on carers' emotional needs.
A US study finds no link between rock climbing and increased osteoarthritis risk, despite increased bone density in climbers' fingers and hands. Climbing style intensity is a significant predictor of bone strength, with bouldering and sport climbing styles correlating with stronger bones.
The honey bee genome sequencing project has generated exciting results, providing new insights into diverse topics in honey bee biology, including neurobiology and caste determination. The project's findings have also shed light on disease-resistant pathways and metabolic adaptations to an all-floral diet.
Research found that healthcare professionals are hesitant to report child physical abuse due to fear of misidentification and confrontation with families. The study suggests that education, training, and support are needed to address this issue and improve reporting rates.
Recent studies on PTSD are shedding light on its underlying causes, including the role of trauma, genetics, and neural circuitry. The condition affects approximately 5% of men and 10% of women, with a higher likelihood in children of trauma survivors.
Research published in the Journal of Foodservice found that hospital food can lose up to 86% of its Vitamin C content as it progresses from production to consumption, highlighting the need for improved cooking methods and nutritional assessment.
A new study estimates that up to 73 million sharks are killed annually for their valuable fins, exceeding UN reports by three times. The shark fin trade's high demand and lack of regulation threaten slow-to-produce shark populations.
Researchers have developed a technique to isolate bacteria that interact with ice, leading to the discovery of species with properties such as Ice Recrystallisation Inhibition (IRI) and temperature-modifying abilities. These findings hold potential for applications in industries like snow-making and waste-water purification.
A study by Hans-Werner Sinn suggests that Germany's export boom is causing structural changes away from labor-intensive sectors towards capital-intensive export sectors, leading to high value-added exports but declining jobs. The country needs fundamental reforms to make its labor market more flexible.
Researchers found that 58% of older hospital patients had problems eating, with difficulties opening food, using cutlery, and finding comfortable eating positions. The study highlights the need for greater support, fewer interruptions, and more sensitive care at mealtimes to prevent malnutrition and promote healthy recovery.
In a head-to-head trial comparing vardenafil and sildenafil, men with ED favored vardenafil for its superiority in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. The study found that 38.9% preferred vardenafil over sildenafil.
Children with very low birth weights tend to score lower on quality of life scales, particularly in cognitive functions and social function. Long stays in neonatal intensive care units are also associated with reduced social function.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology shows that short bursts of intense exercise can produce similar results to traditional endurance training. This type of high-intensity interval training may be a viable option for individuals with limited time, improving muscle health and performance despite lower overall training volume.
A recent study found that South Asian men experience more urinary problems than their white counterparts, including difficulties storing urine and urinating frequently. Despite this, they are less likely to seek medical attention or advice for these symptoms.