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University of Helsinki


Clot or bleeding?

The CLUE Working Group conducted two systematic reviews to address thrombosis and hemorrhage risks after urological cancer operations and other forms of urological surgery. The studies found that anticoagulant prophylaxis is justified in high-risk patients, but not necessarily in low-risk procedures.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEuropean Urology·DateMar 23, 2017

Minitablets help medicate picky cats

Researchers developed minitablets with synthetic flavourings and coatings to enhance palatability, making it easier for cats to take medication. The study found that amino acids and vitamin B-based flavours were promising options, but further research is needed.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Veterinary Journal·DateMar 22, 2017

Breathtaking gene discovery in Dalmatian dogs

Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a novel gene associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Dalmatian dogs. The gene study found that the disorder results from a defect in an anillin protein which binds to actin, leading to abnormal regeneration capacity of the bronchiolar epithelium.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 14, 2017

Antibiotic use for travelers' diarrhea favors particularly resistant super bacteria

A recent study found that antibiotic use among travelers increases the risk of contracting antibiotic-resistant ESBL intestinal bacteria. In fact, up to 80% of those taking antibiotics brought the most resistant strains back home with them. The use of antibiotics while traveling selects for the broadest spectrum of resistance.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalTravel Medicine and Infectious Disease·DateFeb 9, 2017

Bacteriophages cure bacterial infections

Phage therapy, which uses viruses to kill bacteria, has shown no adverse effects in clinical trials and holds promise for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Researchers plan to use phages against E. coli in the gut or MRSA on the skin, with a goal of establishing a central repository for phages.

A common heart problem caused by cancer therapy avoided blood vessel treatment

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that gene therapy stimulating blood vessel growth in the heart can alleviate cardiac atrophy caused by doxorubicin. The study found that this treatment prevented blood vessel rarefaction in mouse hearts, providing a potential solution for protecting patients from cardiotoxicity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Weather forecasts for the past

A new study has found that features in animal teeth can detect unfavourable weather conditions, such as long dry periods or heavy rains. This method, known as reverse engineering, allows researchers to infer annual rainfall and average temperatures from fossil records, providing valuable information about past environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016

Canine hyperactivity reflected in the blood count

Researchers found significant links between hyperactivity, lower blood phospholipid levels, and a negative correlation with tryptophan metabolites in hyperactive dogs. This study suggests that intestinal health impacts canine behavior and provides new clues for studying behavioral disorders.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBehavioral and Brain Functions·DateOct 4, 2016

Unique health survey of Finnish cats reveals common and breed-specific illnesses

A unique health survey of Finnish cats has identified common health issues such as mouth, skin, and kidney problems, as well as nearly 60 breed-specific illnesses. The study provides valuable information for preventing disease and developing breeding programs, highlighting the importance of genetic research and improving cat welfare.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateSep 1, 2016

Mapping the exotic matter inside neutron stars

A team of physicists has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the internal composition of neutron stars. They used thermal perturbation theory to determine the thermodynamic properties of dense quark matter under extreme conditions, shedding light on its potential presence inside these stars.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 2, 2016

Sleep loss detrimental to blood vessels

Researchers found that sleep loss reduces gene expression involved in cholesterol transport, leading to lower levels of good cholesterol. The study also discovered that sleep-deprived individuals have fewer high-density HDL lipoproteins, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 22, 2016

'Wrong' scale used to evaluate results of brain surgery

Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that the modified Rankin Scale is poorly suited to evaluating neurosurgical treatment results. A one-year follow-up study revealed that 24% of patients with no complications showed decreased function on the scale, while 28% with complications received identical or better scores.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateApr 15, 2016

Nanoparticles can grow in cubic shape

Scientists at the University of Helsinki and Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully grown iron nanoparticles in a cubic shape. The researchers used a mathematical model to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, which is thermodynamically unexpected.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 4, 2016

Antibiotics for appendicitis -- yes and no

A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials suggests that antibiotics can be used as primary treatment for mild appendicitis, reducing surgeries by 92% within the first month. However, recurrence rates remain high at 23% and long-term follow-up is needed to determine effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBJS·DateMar 18, 2016