A study found that liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography can predict severe portal hypertension in patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. The technique is less invasive than traditional methods like HVPG measurement and shows promise for non-invasive diagnosis.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that older and lower-income patients with SLE are less likely to see a rheumatologist. Despite access to healthcare through Medicare and Medicaid, these patients face additional barriers to accessing specialized care.
A study found that Medicaid patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) travel longer distances to see specialists, including rheumatologists. This indicates potential barriers in accessing comprehensive medical services closer to their residences.
A study associates DRB1 shared epitope genotypes with increased risk of death in RA patients, particularly those who died young without clinical evidence of heart disease, highlighting the importance of genetic factors on mortality
The study found a significant increase in arthritis prevalence from 36.8 million to 46.1 million adults between 1997 and 2003. Medical expenditures for prescription drugs almost doubled during this period, while inpatient expenditures declined, resulting in stable total medical care spending for individuals with arthritis.
A Duke University team develops a method to measure DNA mechanical properties upon irradiation, revealing unraveling of the double helix and crosslinking of bases. This work establishes a relationship between DNA nanomechanics and damage, paving the way for DNA diagnostics.
A meta-analysis of studies found that controlling for socioeconomic factors reduced racial disparities in colorectal cancer survival. Lower socioeconomic status is linked to poorer health outcomes and reduced access to healthcare.
A new study finds that virtual colonoscopy with removal of lesions 6 mm or greater is the most cost-effective colon cancer screening test. The study reveals that targeting smaller lesions has little impact on reducing CRC incidence and increases financial costs, while also leading to adverse events.
A new certification, CCDP, has been introduced to treat patients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This change aims to integrate addiction and mental health treatment, addressing the interactive relationship between the two disorders.
An interdisciplinary team predicts the scent intensity of lily-of-the-valley fragrance components using a computer model of their olfactory receptors. The study confirms that electronic surface structures determine the interaction between scented molecules and human scent receptors.
Researchers used dGEMRIC MRI to measure GAG distribution and correlate it with indentation stiffness. The study found a significant relationship between the dGEMRIC index and mechanical stiffness, suggesting its potential as a predictive measure of cartilage stiffness in osteoarthritis patients.
A recent study found that one-third of ovarian cancer patients in the US fail to receive recommended comprehensive surgical treatment. Factors associated with undertreatment include age, race, and insurance status. The study highlights the need for increased access to specialized care from gynecologic oncologists.
A new study found that Hispanic women are diagnosed with more advanced and aggressive breast cancers at a significantly younger age than non-Hispanic women, even when controlling for healthcare access. The research suggests that biological or genetic factors may be driving these racial differences in disease presentation.
Recent studies have found that the antiretroviral drug AZT causes genetic damage that may increase future cancer risk. Animal studies demonstrated increased rates of tumors and gene changes associated with human cancer, while human studies observed mutations and chromosomal damage in newborns exposed to NRTIs in utero.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have successfully produced genetically engineered spider silk protein using genetic engineering, revealing crucial insights into the spinning process. The study found that the interaction between hydrophilic and lipophilic properties of the proteins plays a key role in thread formation.
A 4-step process can be completed quickly and efficiently to assess potential living liver donors. Despite challenges, the process results in a significant proportion of donors undergoing successful transplantation, emphasizing the importance of careful workup and informed consent.
Endoscopic ligation is cost-effective for cirrhotic patients if quality-adjusted life years are considered. Ligation prevents more deaths and episodes, but is not as cost-effective when only life-years are considered.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to predict advanced fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using routine clinical and laboratory values. The study found that age, hyperglycemia, body mass index, platelet count, albumin, and AST/ALT ratio were independent indicators of advanced liver fibrosis.
A study found that leisure-time physical activity is associated with a lower risk of work-related repetitive strain injury. The researchers analyzed data from the Canadian Community Health Survey and discovered that being physically active during free time can protect against this type of injury.
A new study estimates that 6.9 million US adults have arthritis-attributable work limitation (AAWL), with 1 in 20 working age adults reporting AAWL, and 1 in 3 among those with arthritis. Adults with AAWL have poor physical health and function, including high body mass index, joint pain, and frequent doctor's office visits.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that arthritis pain is processed in brain areas associated with emotions and fear. The medial pain system, including the cingulate cortex and amygdala, was activated during arthritic pain, suggesting a stronger emotional impact than experimental pain.
A newly identified immunosuppressive protein, decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), is expressed in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and protects them from apoptosis. DcR3's expression is increased by TNFα, contributing to the excessive growth of synovial tissue in RA.
A study found that only one quarter of general surgeons refer eligible patients for breast reconstruction consultations, resulting in low rates of the procedure in the US. Factors such as surgeon attitudes and patient knowledge play a significant role in referral practices.
A new study found that triple negative breast cancers are more common among young, poor minority women, particularly African American and Hispanic women. The tumors are also associated with later diagnosis and shorter survival rates, with African American women having the poorest five-year survival rate.
A team of researchers led by Kyung Byung Yoon found that manually applying microcrystals to a substrate yields superior results compared to self-assembly methods. The manual process allows for denser packing and more regular orientation of microcrystals, making it preferable in the overlapping range of 0.5 to 3 µm.
Research suggests that patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms have better survival chances if treated at hospitals with high volumes of these cases. Large centres of excellence can prevent bad outcomes, including death, through specialized care. A minimum of 43 performed surgeries is required for significant success rates.
A new study reports that zolpidem, an insomnia drug, temporarily improved brain function in a patient with akinetic mutism. The patient was able to communicate and perform basic functions after receiving the drug for insomnia. PET scans revealed increased brain activity in areas involved in motivation and cognitive processing.
A new study reveals that expert centers with extensive experience in managing cancer are more cost-effective over time, providing significantly longer quality-adjusted survival compared to less experienced medical centers. High-volume multidisciplinary centers also show better outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.
African-American men face significant barriers to timely diagnosis and screening due to constrained healthcare access, distrust of physicians, and socioeconomic disadvantages. The study reveals that knowledge about prostate cancer is comparable to that of white men, but lack of trust in medical care leads to irregular interactions and ...
Researchers at Rice University discovered that gold nanorods can spontaneously self-assemble into ring-shaped structures within seconds. The rings are made of tiny gold rods and form due to the condensation of water droplets onto a solution of the rods in a nonpolar solvent.
The CATIE study found that treatment needs to be targeted and individualized for patients with schizophrenia. More intensive psychosocial therapies are needed to make meaningful gains in work, home, and community functioning.
The study found that survival rates for patients with hepatitis B who need liver transplants are similar between those with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the higher likelihood of transplantation, 5-year survival rates were comparable between the two groups. The findings suggest that antiviral therapy may have bene...
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is an accurate predictor of liver disease survival, particularly useful in allocating organs for transplants. However, efforts to refine its accuracy are needed to further improve patient outcomes.
Hormel was recognized for its outstanding achievements in food safety investments, including the development of high pressure processing technology, and pioneering efforts to ensure humane animal treatment. The award honors food companies that protect consumer health and improve satisfaction.
A study found that lactulose improved cognitive function and health-related quality-of-life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with advanced liver disease. The treatment showed significant improvement in emotional behavior, movement, mobility, sleep/rest, and recreational activities.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that patients with rheumatic diseases experience increased psychological distress and depression, particularly due to appearance concerns. The results suggest that targeting appearance concerns can improve mood and reduce the impact of the disease on mental health.
A study found that obesity increases risk of infection and dislocations in women after total hip replacements. Obese women also reported lower functional outcomes and satisfaction due to a higher incidence of complications. The study suggests that surgeons should counsel obese female patients before surgery.
A study found that anti-ribosomal P antibodies, associated with SLE, induce depressive behavior in mice by interacting with the limbic system. Fluoxetine treatment reversed this effect, but haloperidol had no significant impact.
Patients with RA have double the risk of death from cancer compared to the general population. However, RA patients do not have an increased risk of developing cancer. A long-term study found a 40% increase in mortality among those who suffered both RA and cancer.
Children with cancer are vulnerable to bone fragility, exacerbated by sedentary behaviors and treatment side effects. Early management through exercise and bisphosphonates can mitigate this risk.
A study found that pharmaceutical industry-sponsored breast cancer trials are more likely to report positive results than non-sponsored studies. These trials also tend to use single-arm designs, targeting patients with advanced disease, which may not answer questions about optimal treatment outcomes.
Japanese scientists produce peanut-shaped nanoparticles comprising two different sulfur-containing substances, palladium sulfide and cobalt sulfide. The unique structure gives rise to different physical and chemical properties.
Recent IOM recommendations lack evidence to support claims of a drug safety crisis. A new editorial questions the science behind these reforms, citing a study on the benefits of reduced approval times over safety concerns.
Researchers found that honeydew honeys have greater antioxidant properties than nectar honeys due to their high polyphenol content and other chemical characteristics. The study suggests that honeydew honeys could be a valuable source of natural antioxidants for health benefits.
Carbon nanotubes successfully deliver RNA fragments that shut off genes for HIV-specific receptors on human T-cells. This approach significantly slows down HIV infection by blocking the virus's entry points.
Research by Ellie Parker and Adrian Furnham found that viewers are less able to recall advertised products during programmes with high sexual content. Women were particularly put off by sexual content, while men recalled brands more effectively.
Drinking spearmint tea can reduce androgen levels in women with hirsutism. A recent study found that consuming two cups of spearmint tea daily for five days lowered androgen levels in women with mild symptoms.
A team of researchers has designed a biochip platform using a novel 'daisy' molecule that enables efficient gene expression and protein production without living cells. The system allows for the patterning of genes on silicon surfaces, enabling selective trapping of specific proteins with high spatial resolution.
Emerging research in breast cancer management includes advanced imaging technologies like 3D mammography and MRI, as well as novel vaccines that stimulate the immune system to attack tumors. This new approach aims to alter current screening and treatment paradigms, improving patient care.
A new study reveals that breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen who switch to an aromatase inhibitor within three years experience significant improvements in survival rates. The treatment demonstrates a clear survival benefit without an increased risk of death from other causes.