Want to stop smoking? See a specialist!
A study of over 10,000 people found that seeing a specialist increased quit rates by three times compared to self-trying. Buying nicotine patches or gum did not improve success rates.
Wiley
Radiation therapy to treat uterine cancer linked with increased risk of bladder cancer later in life
A recent study published in BJU International found that radiation therapy used to treat uterine cancer may increase the risk of developing bladder cancer. Patients treated with pelvic radiation therapy had a twice-higher incidence and nearly three times higher death rate from bladder cancer compared to those without radiation.
New classification system to improve scheduling of emergency surgery highlighted in BJS issue
A new classification system for emergency operations has been implemented in Finland, allowing for fair and efficient management of a large volume of such surgeries. The system has objectively measurable benefits, including decreased nighttime emergency operations without compromising elective surgeries.
Exercise counters the physiological effects of Christmas excess
A daily bout of exercise significantly reduces detrimental health impacts from short-term overeating and inactivity. Exercise prevents unhealthy metabolic changes and disrupted nutritional balance, even when consuming thousands of calories more than burned.
Study results inform discussions regarding US policy on lung transplantation in children
A new analysis found that children aged 6 to 11 years on the waiting list have similar mortality rates to older candidates, contradicting earlier data suggesting higher death rates. The study helps inform ongoing discussions about potential changes to the US lung allocation policy.
Antivirals for HCV improve kidney and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients
Researchers found that HCV antiviral therapy reduces risks of kidney disease, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients. The study also linked diabetes with chronic HCV infection, suggesting a potential association between the two conditions.
Liver transplant survival rates lower in black than white pediatric patients
Research reveals racial disparities in pediatric liver transplant survival, with higher graft and patient survival rates among white children. Socioeconomic differences also contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for further investigation and intervention.
Disability, distress in RA patients cut in half over last 20 years
Researchers found that anxiety, depressed mood, and physical disability among RA patients decreased by half over the past two decades. Improved treatment options, including early therapy intervention and biologics, have led to reduced disease activity and better daily living for these patients.
Can big cats co-exist? Study challenges lion threat to cheetah cubs
A new study refutes the theory that lions are a major predator of cheetah cubs and finds that big cats can coexist in protected areas. Cheetah cub survival rates were found to be higher in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park than previously thought.
Shortage of rheumatologists -- In some US regions closest doctor may be 200 miles away
A novel study reveals a severe shortage of rheumatologists in smaller micropolitan US regions, where patients often have to travel over 200 miles for care. The research highlights the need for interventions to increase the supply of rheumatologists in underserved areas.
Certain symptom clusters experienced after surgery for esophageal cancer predict poor prognosis
A new study found that esophageal cancer patients who experience certain symptom clusters after surgery have a higher risk of dying from their disease. The research identified three distinct symptom clusters, including fatigue and pain, reflux and cough, and eating difficulties, which are associated with increased mortality risk.
Cannabis use among teens is on the rise in some developing countries
A recent study found that cannabis use among adolescents is stable or increasing in developing countries, unlike richer nations where it's declining. The research suggests that socioeconomic factors may play a role in shaping cannabis use patterns among young people.
Human error most common cause of birth asphyxia
A 15-year study found human error is the most common cause of infant asphyxiation at birth in Norway, with 50% attributed to poor fetal monitoring. The study suggests training for midwives and obstetricians, along with high-quality audits, could help reduce compensation claims after birth asphyxia.
Could deceased heart attack victims expand donor pool?
Researchers in the UK found that organs from selected DCD donors with pre-hospital cardiac arrest had no significant impact on graft or transplant recipient survival compared to other deceased donors. The study suggests using these organs could boost the donor pool without adverse outcomes for liver transplant recipients.
Nail gun injuries on the rise
A new study found that nail gun injuries are increasingly common, especially among young males in work settings. The researchers also noted that public consumers are at risk of injury from these devices.
Young breast cancer patients with poorer financial status may experience delays in seeking care
Researchers found that women with fewer financial resources are more likely to delay seeking medical attention for breast abnormalities, leading to potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that reducing copays and other 'hidden' costs may improve timeliness of diagnosis in this population.
@Toxicology in the Twittersphere: More than just 140 characters
A study found that Twitter is used by individuals and organizations involved in clinical toxicology and poison control to share information on diagnosis, management, and conferences. The audit yielded 51 relevant accounts with an average of 1,084 followers.
Women have greater shortness of breath than men when exercising
A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that women exhibit greater shortness of breath when exercising compared to men. The study suggests that this disparity is caused by a stronger electrical activation of the respiratory muscles, specifically the diaphragm, needed to compensate for smaller lungs and airways.
Calcium and vitamin D improve bone density in patients taking antiepileptic drugs
A recent clinical trial found that calcium and vitamin D supplementation improves bone density in patients with epilepsy who take chronic antiepileptic drugs. The results suggest that risedronate may help prevent new vertebral fractures when combined with these supplements.
Japanese superfood prevents flu infection
Scientists have identified Lactobacillus brevis from a traditional Japanese pickle as having protective effects against influenza virus infection in mice. The bacteria's unique properties, including exopolysaccharides, are thought to enhance immune system function and eradicate virus-infected cells.
Pleasure and pain brain signals disrupted in fibromyalgia patients
Research suggests that fibromyalgia is associated with disrupted brain signals for reward and punishment, contributing to hyperalgesia. Fibromyalgia patients exhibit altered brain responses to pain anticipation and relief, which may explain the heightened sensitivity to pain and lack of effectiveness of pain medications.
Better use of lighting in hospital rooms may improve patients' health
Researchers found that hospital patients were exposed to low levels of light, leading to poor sleep and increased fatigue. The study suggests that altering lighting patterns to mimic natural daylight could improve patient outcomes.
Estrogen protects women with NASH from severe liver fibrosis
Research published in Hepatology suggests that estrogen has a protective effect against the development of severe liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study found that men and post-menopausal women have similar risks of developing severe fibrosis compared to pre-menopausal women.
Regular cocaine and cannabis use may trigger addictive behaviors
Research reveals that regular cannabis users exhibit increased impulsive behavior, impaired critical thinking skills, and reduced executive function, while cocaine users show heightened impulsivity and decreased impulse control. Long-term use of both substances may trigger addictive behaviors due to altered brain function.
Measuring segments of genetic material may help predict and monitor recurrence after thyroid cancer
Researchers have discovered that tumors with specific microRNA segments are more likely to recur after surgery. Elevated blood levels of these genetic markers may also indicate a higher risk of recurrence. The findings suggest a potential for using microRNA profiles to classify thyroid tumors and monitor cancer progression.
Headaches in lupus patients not linked to disease activity study says
A new study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that headaches in lupus patients are not linked to disease activity or specific autoantibodies. The study of over 1,700 lupus patients showed that nearly all headache episodes resolved on their own without treatment.
Brief exposure to performance-enhancing drugs may be permanently 'remembered' by muscles
A new study suggests that brief exposure to anabolic steroids can lead to long-lasting performance-enhancing effects in muscle tissue. After a period of inactivity, the muscles of steroid users recover faster and gain more mass than those of non-users, potentially altering the exclusion time for doping offenders.
Exercise during pregnancy improves vascular function of offspring into adulthood
A recent study published in Experimental Physiology has found that exercise during pregnancy significantly alters the vascular smooth muscle of offspring into adulthood. This research suggests that maternal exercise may have long-lasting implications for cardiovascular disease susceptibility in children born to exercise-trained mothers.
1 in 10 women drink a little alcohol while pregnant
A study of 66,111 pregnant women in Norway found that those with negative affectivity were more likely to engage in light alcohol use and binge drinking. This increased risk was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for further research into this issue.
Alcohol-related violence: Is 'glassing' the big issue?
A study found that 'glassing' incidents account for only 9% of alcohol-related assault injuries, mostly occurring in homes. The paper highlights the need to address social norms and emerging drinker issues through grassroots strategies and regulatory reforms.
Muscles and meth: Drug analog identified in 'craze' workout supplement
Scientists identified high amounts of N,α-DEPEA in Craze, a widely sold US and international workout supplement. The compound has not been safely tested for human consumption and may have stimulant and addictive qualities.
Adolescent's weight, socioeconomic status may affect cancer later in life
Research from Israel found that overweight adolescents twice as likely develop esophageal cancer and those with lower socioeconomic status experience higher gastric cancer risk. Weight and education level also impact gastric cancer development.
Updated systemic sclerosis criteria improve disease classification
The 2013 classification criteria for systemic sclerosis are more sensitive than the 1980 measures, enabling earlier identification and treatment of this autoimmune disease. The new criteria improve the classification of systemic sclerosis by clustering items and simplifying the weighting of different criteria.
Rare research into false killer whales reveals anti-predator partnerships
A 17-year study off New Zealand's coast found all 61 false killer whales were linked in a single social network and associated with bottlenose dolphins for up to 5 years. These partnerships may provide mutual protection against predators through increased detection ability.
Alcoholism treatment before, after liver transplantation reduces relapse
Liver transplant recipients who receive substance abuse treatment before and after transplantation have lower alcohol relapse rates than those untreated or only treated prior to transplantation. Continued alcohol abuse post-transplantation also decreases graft survival and increases organ scarring.
Study reveals differences in post-operative complications
Research highlights disparities in post-surgical risks among older minority patients, with black patients facing nearly three times the risk as white counterparts. Pre-existing medical conditions significantly contribute to these differences.
Recommendations guide physicians in treatment of systemic juvenile arthritis
The American College of Rheumatology has released new guidelines for the treatment of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The update includes over 1,200 clinical scenarios and covers various medication options, including biologics. The new recommendations aim to enhance care for children with this disabling disease.
Clinical trial strives to provide optimal care during high-risk pregnancies
A clinical trial aims to determine the optimal timing of delivery for preterm pregnancies complicated by poor fetal growth. The study compares three groups and shows better-than-expected health outcomes for the babies, with low mortality rates and minimal severe health issues.
Partner violence linked to specific drinking environments
Research links male violence with drinking in public places and female violence with quiet evenings at home. The study suggests that certain drinking contexts can trigger partner aggression.
Functional disability high among newly diagnosed older breast cancer patients
A new study published in CANCER journal found that many newly diagnosed older breast cancer patients experience difficulty with daily tasks. The research suggests that therapy to improve physical function could benefit these patients, particularly African-American women who are four times more likely to have functional disability.
The brain cannot be fooled by artificial sweeteners
A new study found that artificial sweeteners are less effective at reducing calorie intake because they don't provide the same energy reward as sugars. The brain prefers sugars over artificial sweeteners due to the release of dopamine, a chemical necessary for reward signalling.
Sensory illusion study provides new insight for body representation brain disorders
Researchers create sensory illusion where subjects believe an artificial finger is their own, finding that brain uses muscle signals alone to build body representation. The discovery provides insight into clinical conditions like stroke, schizophrenia, and phantom limb syndrome.
Yellow peril: Are banana farms contaminating Costa Rica's crocs?
Research in Costa Rica found that pesticide use in banana plantations is contaminating protected conservation areas, affecting spectacled caiman species. The study highlights the need for improved regulatory infrastructure to mitigate pesticide damage to aquatic ecosystems.
Paracetamol improves exercise endurance in the heat
A study published in Experimental Physiology found that paracetamol can improve exercise endurance in the heat by reducing body temperature. This improvement allows individuals to exercise for longer periods without overheating. The researchers hope to investigate the specific mechanisms by which paracetamol achieves this effect.
Women have higher rate of spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus
A study found that women had higher rates of spontaneous viral clearance, with an average time to clearance of 16.5 weeks. The gene IL28B and HCV genotype 1 were also independent predictors of spontaneous clearance in females.
Is bigger really better when it comes to size of labor wards?
New research reveals that large labor wards with 3,000 to 3,999 deliveries annually have lower obstetric injury claims and higher approval rates compared to smaller units. The study found that greater availability of in-house obstetricians and auxiliary specialists contributes to better patient outcomes.
Study uncovers value of mammogram screening for younger women
A new analysis reveals that regular mammograms before age 50 significantly reduce breast cancer deaths in younger women. The study analyzed data from invasive breast cancers diagnosed between 1990 and 1999, finding that only 13% of cases occurred in women aged 70 or older.
Good asthma control during pregnancy is vital says new review
Good asthma control is crucial during pregnancy to prevent adverse effects on maternal and fetal outcomes. Studies suggest that poor asthma control can lead to increased risks of hypertension, caesarean section, and low birth weight.
Sleep deprivation increases food purchasing the next day
A new study found that sleep deprivation leads to increased food purchasing the following day, with participants buying more calories and grams of food. Additionally, ghrelin levels were higher after total sleep deprivation, but this increase did not correlate with food purchasing behavior.
Risk to consumers from fungal toxins in shellfish should be monitored
Research reveals that contaminated bivalve molluscs contain toxins at higher levels than the surrounding environment, posing a risk to human health.