The May 2008 issue of Reproductive Health Matters explores the gendered dimensions of disaster in conflict and crisis settings. The article highlights the urgent need for a new humanitarian paradigm that prioritizes the needs and solutions of displaced communities, led by women, to survive and rebuild.
A unique case study found a 115-year-old woman had an essentially normal brain with little evidence of Alzheimer's disease. The findings question the inevitability of cognitive decline in elderly individuals and suggest potential for preserving brain function.
Bioscience Hypotheses is a new journal focused on stimulating innovation through radical hypotheses. The journal aims to publish papers that deliver new insight into biology and provide testable conclusions.
The partnership aims to spread Chinese scientific knowledge on petroleum exploration to a wider audience, facilitating communication between Chinese and international experts. The journal's strict peer-review process and high rejection rate ensure the publication of high-quality research.
Researchers found that hemineglect patients can unconsciously process symbols presented on the left side, even if they cannot consciously perceive them. This suggests that the brain extracts meaning from neglected information, but patients cannot make conscious use of it.
A study published in Cortex found that children who can read but struggle with spelling are more likely to be right-handed. This subgroup of poor spellers was also found to have better hand skills, suggesting a possible link between phonetic skills and handedness.
A new study by Dr. Martha Turner and colleagues found that patients with confabulation, a condition where memories are distorted after brain damage, all shared damage to the inferior medial prefrontal cortex. This discovery sheds light on how the human brain controls memory and distinguishes true from false recollections.
A new form of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be as effective as older forms in treating depression, but without the cognitive side effects. The study used a 'ultrabrief pulse' and found that 73% of patients responded, compared to 65% with traditional ECT.
Researchers identified associations between genetic variants in genes controlling affiliative behaviors and social deficits in autistic children. The strongest findings implicate the prolactin gene, oxytocin receptor gene, and prolactin receptor gene.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a nutrition education program resulted in a benefit-to-cost ratio of $9.59 per $1, indicating significant cost-effectiveness. The program improved quality-of-life outcomes worth over $49 million, suggesting a substantial investment in public health.
Researchers found that mice lacking a specific receptor display hyperactivity and lack inhibitory interneurons, a common deficit in schizophrenia. This study provides a potential animal model for developing new treatments for psychiatric disorders.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to match treatments for patients with generalized anxiety disorder. The researchers found that approximately two-thirds of patients experienced relief from their anxiety symptoms after treatment.
Researchers found that antidepressant medications increased natural killer cell activity in HIV-infected women with and without depression. The study suggests a potential link between antidepressant treatment and improved innate immunity, which could delay HIV disease progression.
Researchers in the Netherlands used Luminol to detect traces of blood on surfaces in their haemodialysis unit, highlighting infection risks. The results suggest that Luminol can be used as part of a hospital infection control regimen to monitor cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Geothermics shifts under Elsevier's leadership to promote geothermal resources as a sustainable energy source. The journal will continue to publish leading peer-reviewed research and critical technical reference studies in geothermal science and technology.
A commentary in Biological Psychiatry highlights attacks on medical researchers conducting non-human primate research, emphasizing their vital role in psychiatric disorder treatment. The authors condemn these acts and advocate for public action to protect scientists.
Aeolian Research is a new quarterly journal launching January 2009, covering fundamental studies of wind physics and deposition of sediment. The journal aims to provide a single platform for aeolian process research, bringing together experts from various fields.
A new report suggests that switching from a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to a non-SSRI antidepressant may be more effective for treating symptoms of major depressive disorder. However, the effectiveness and tolerability of this approach varied depending on the individual.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that significant others generally play a positive and supportive role in diet changes, with some facilitating the change through their own dietary habits or providing motivation. However, these positive roles varied widely in terms of impact on changers' experie...
A new study using fMRI found that people with depression show increased activation in the anterior cingulate region when anticipating reward, indicating a conflict between processing rewards and punishments. This finding suggests that depression may not be solely the absence of pleasure, but rather an experience of emotional pain or fr...
A study found reduced gray matter density in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex of combat-exposed veterans with PTSD, but not their identical twins. The researchers suggest that stress exposure may cause this damage, leading to emotional consequences.
Researchers examined two emotion regulation strategies: reappraisal and suppression. Reappraisal reduced negative emotions and activated prefrontal cortex, while suppression increased amygdala activity. These findings suggest reappraisal as a more successful coping strategy.
A symposium in the journal SURGERY explores how surgeons can turn research ideas into commercially viable products that benefit patients and generate financial returns. The symposium emphasizes the importance of collaboration between surgeons and industry, while navigating issues such as conflict of interest.
Researchers discovered a new genetic link between the MEGF10 gene and schizophrenia, finding that a variant of the gene is associated with increased heritability risk. The study also found that the MEGF10 gene is expressed more extensively in post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with schizophrenia.
A new study found that clozapine was approximately twice as effective as high-dose olanzapine in treating adolescents with schizophrenia. Both medications produced significant weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, but clozapine showed greater symptom reduction for positive and negative symptoms.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that mothers' brains show distinct activation patterns when identifying their own infant's cries versus those of other infants. This unique response is thought to be biologically meaningful for successful infant care.
A meta-analysis of 34 clinical trials found venlafaxine (SNRI) outperformed SSRIs in treating depression, resulting in a 5.9% increased remission rate. This translates to the need for doctors to treat 17 patients with venlafaxine to achieve one patient's benefit.
A new study finds that ketamine's antidepressant effects are mediated by its ability to increase AMPA receptor stimulation, suggesting drugs enhancing this function may have rapid antidepressant properties. Researchers now aim to develop AMPA-boosting drugs without ketamine's side effects.
The Elsevier Foundation has awarded grants to thirteen institutions worldwide to promote innovation in developing countries and the academic workplace. The awards support initiatives that improve access to scientific information, develop information resources, and balance childcare responsibilities for early-career scholars.
The Journal of the Korean Statistical Society will be published by Elsevier starting from 2008, with an international editorial board and increased availability on ScienceDirect. The journal publishes original research articles on statistics and probability theory, as well as innovative applications and current topics.
A recent article in Developmental and Comparative Immunology reveals that plants possess elements of specificity and responsiveness to disease-causing agents, similar to animal immunity. The study suggests that the plant immune surveillance genes diversify at a rate stimulated by pathogen presence, shedding new light on plant immunity.
Recent studies have compared carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in high-risk patients, yielding comparable results. However, its role in 'low-risk' patients remains unclear, with ongoing trials needed to determine the best approach.
A new study found that low-income mothers prefer receiving nutrition information on the web rather than through a video game or printed pamphlet. The study suggests that websites are a smart strategy for certain groups, particularly in increasing nutrition literacy.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the RGS4 gene predict antipsychotic treatment response in schizophrenia patients, with varying predictive power across different ethnic groups. The research highlights the potential for pharmacogenomics to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have discovered new treatment mechanisms for schizophrenia, targeting the dopamine D2 receptor and novel neurotransmitters like N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and serotonin. These approaches aim to complement existing treatments and offer new hope for patients with schizophrenia.
The Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering aims to cover the fields of natural gas exploration, production, processing and transmission. The journal will provide a niche in the economy, technology and integration of disparate disciplines.
A recent study has linked lower mental health scores to an increased risk of major amputations in diabetic veterans. The research, published in General Hospital Psychiatry, suggests that addressing mental health functioning is crucial in preventing amputation risk.
The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors is a top advance, driving progress in microelectronics and materials science. Materials science studies materials used in devices and technologies, including polymers, semiconductors, and metals.
Researchers found that green tea polyphenols protect dopamine neurons and inhibit the ROS-NO pathway, which contributes to cell death in Parkinson's disease. The study suggests green tea polyphenols may be developed into a safe and easily administrable drug for Parkinson's disease treatment.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that paliperidone extended-release tablets were effective in treating schizophrenia symptoms, with improvements seen in social functioning. The treatment's long half life and extended release formulation offer practical advantages over existing treatments.
The PREVENT study found that nearly 80% of patients with recurrent major depressive disorder achieved an adequate therapeutic response to venlafaxine extended-release or fluoxetine, with almost none relapsing after 6 months. The results suggest a subgroup of depressed patients may benefit from early and sustained treatment.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that erythropoietin, a natural human hormone, may have antidepressant properties. The study found that erythropoietin regulated emotional responses and had neuroprotective effects on neural function, supporting its potential as a treatment strategy for depression.
Researchers identified six courses of mental health, with poorer outcomes associated with smaller birth weight and delayed developmental milestones. The study suggests a 'fetal programming' model for depression and anxiety, where prenatal stress may result in permanent maladaptive changes to the developing fetal brain.
Researchers found a significant decline in commercial cigarette purchases among adolescents, while social sources increased. This decrease was linked to reduced smoking rates, suggesting that limiting access to cigarettes may be an effective strategy for curbing youth smoking.
A study found that antidepressant non-responders with depression show a significantly better response to lithium augmentation if they carry at least one C-allele, suggesting a potential genetic predictor for treatment response. The GSK3B gene variation may be a key molecular switch related to the clinical effectiveness of lithium.
A new study shows transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to be an effective, non-drug treatment for major depression, with response and remission rates approximately twice those of sham TMS. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients with mild side effects.
The November issue of Reproductive Health Matters reports a decline in global maternal mortality rates, with significant reductions in North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania. However, sub-Saharan Africa's maternal death rate has increased despite declining access to quality healthcare.
A panel of experts proposes a definition of recovery as a voluntarily maintained lifestyle characterized by sobriety, personal health, and citizenship. The proposed definition includes classification of duration of sobriety and recognition of the importance of personal health and citizenship in achieving true recovery.
Elsevier has partnered with IRTCES and WASER to enhance the International Journal of Sediment Research's global presence through ScienceDirect, providing a platform for sedimentation engineering and water management research. The journal will offer certification and wider dissemination to a global audience.
Researchers found that darkness amplifies the impact of social stress on anxiety levels, with a startle response boosted in healthy volunteers. The study suggests that stress can alter nervous system function and contribute to anxiety disorders.