Spotted hyenas adapt to changing human food sources during the 55-day Abye Tsome (Lent) fast, shifting from scavenging to hunting, with donkey hairs found in their droppings increasing significantly during Lent
New research reveals that rainfall has a greater impact on China's agriculture than rising temperatures. The study, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, found that maize is sensitive to warming but not as affected by rainfall variability as previously thought.
Research suggests that bioenergy crop expansion can harm farmland bird populations like the Skylark. However, integrating small natural areas into landscapes with diverse crop types and maintaining low field sizes may help conserve these species.
Research confirms that childhood onset temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with significant cognitive and developmental deficiencies. As patients age, extensive brain structural abnormalities persist, including ventricular expansion and cortical thickness changes.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released updated guidelines for the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The new recommendations aim to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has endorsed six standardized measures to determine rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. These measures are sensitive to change, can discriminate between low, moderate, and high disease activity states, and include remission criteria, making them feasible to perform in a clinical setting.
A new study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that middle-of-the-night PCIs do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of procedures performed the next day by the same operator. The researchers identified no significant difference in complication rates or outcomes between PCIs performed durin...
A new study finds that emergency dispatchers experience high levels of peritraumatic distress and symptoms of PTSD after handling potentially traumatic calls. The research highlights the need for prevention and intervention support for these workers.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who discontinue statin therapy are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other causes. A population-based study found that RA patients should be advised to maintain medication compliance to reduce mortality risk.
A new study found that encouraging patients to monitor their daily alcohol intake, typically through keeping a record, is the most effective piece of advice in reducing drinking. This simple task raises awareness of behavior and helps individuals stay within set limits, leading to significant reductions in consumption.
A study published by the World Health Organization estimates that 20.1 million individuals were infected with hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 1 and 2 in 2005. This resulted in 3.4 million symptomatic cases, 70,000 deaths, and 3,000 stillbirths, primarily affecting countries in Asia and Africa.
A study published in Hepatology found that diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) with the inhibitory control test and treating it with lactulose is cost-effective, preventing car accidents and reducing societal costs. The treatment prevents motor vehicle collisions and saves up to $3.6 million over a 5-year period.
A new study reveals that only four percent of young women with cancer preserve their fertility during treatments. Women from specific socio-demographic groups are more likely to receive counseling and take action.
A study found that seven out of eight people who contacted a telenurse helpline followed their self-care advice, with satisfaction and confidence playing key roles. The researchers believe this confirms nurse triage helplines as a cost-effective method for addressing self-care needs.
A study by ecologists in New Zealand found that a 1170 km2 marine sanctuary significantly improved survival of Hector's dolphins, one of the rarest dolphin species. The research revealed a 5.4% increase in survival rates since the Marine Protected Area was designated in 1988.
Scientists analyze bones from 80 sailors buried in Royal Naval Hospitals to reveal their diet was mainly salt beef, sea biscuits, and beer; a 'naval average' diet was consistent across theaters
Research finds Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing protein-3 (PNPLA3) and glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) genetic variants contribute to fatty liver disease in obese children, explaining up to 39% of hepatic fat content.
A new study found that liver cancer patients are less likely to die on the wait list than non-HCC candidates, with HCC patients having substantially lower odds of waitlist removal for death or deterioration. The researchers argue that exception points currently allotted for HCC should be lowered.
A new study suggests that antidepressants, specifically duloxetine, can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis pain. The analysis of FDA-approved studies found that duloxetine provides significant advantages over traditional treatments, including fewer side effects.
A study found that many women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) felt confused and conflicted about their diagnosis, receiving conflicting messages from medical staff. The research highlights the need for clear communication and tailored support to help women understand this complex breast condition.
Research found that selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants may increase the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension by 60%, with one SSRI associated with an 81% increase. Women should consult their doctor if concerned, as discontinuation can lead to depressive relapses and post-partum depression.
A new study published in The Milbank Quarterly found that US cancer screening services are less cost-effective than those in the Netherlands, despite conducting three to four times more screenings. Despite similar mortality rates, practical cost savings depend on how preventive services are implemented.
Patients with relapsing onset MS who consumed alcohol, wine, coffee and fish took four to seven years longer to reach a walking aid than those who did not consume these items. In contrast, patients with progressive onset MS showed no significant differences in disease progression rates based on lifestyle factors.
A team of ecologists found that Central European meadows and long-grazed grasslands are the most species-rich areas on Earth, with some regions boasting over 942 plant species per hectare. The study's findings predict a total of 219,204 species globally, remarkably close to current estimates of 275,000 species.
A new study reveals that children exposed to passive smoke have a nearly double risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood compared to non-exposed children. Childhood exposure was found to be a stronger risk factor for COPD and related symptoms than adult exposure.
A scale measuring harm risk from invasive research placebos was successfully tested by 43 independent clinicians. Agreement varied among assessors, with those in academic posts showing higher scores.
A new analysis suggests that circumcision before a male's first sexual intercourse may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Men who were circumcised had a 15% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to uncircumcised men, with reduced risks for both less aggressive and more aggressive cancers.
The draft TPPA threatens progressive public health policies by shifting the balance of power in favour of transnational corporate interests. The agreement aims to set a 'gold standard' for removing barriers to the global alcohol and tobacco industries, posing minimal impediments to global strategies.
The journal will publish all future articles under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License, allowing non-commercial use and citation. This conversion enables wider dissemination of biomedical research and accelerates discovery.
Scientists discovered that silver nanoparticles effectively kill hard-to-treat yeast infections, including oral thrush and dental stomatitis. The nanoparticles' stability in liquid medium makes them a potential strategy for developing alternative treatments.
Research suggests the SRY gene, which directs male development, promotes aggression and a fight-or-flight response to stress in men. In contrast, women primarily adopt a less aggressive tend-and-befriend response to stress, influenced by oestrogen and internal opiates.
A new study reveals that induction of labor without maternal or fetal indications increases the risk of cesarean section, neonatal complications, and postpartum issues. Women with unnecessary inductions are more likely to need epidural anesthesia and experience severe perineal tears.
Tick populations are spreading across Canada due to changing temperatures, posing a significant risk of Lyme disease. The study predicts that 80% of eastern Canada will be at risk by 2020, with warmer temperatures allowing ticks to colonize new areas.
The American College of Rheumatology has released the first classification criteria for polymyalgia rheumatica, aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment. The new criteria define key disease features that help identify patients with this condition.
A large study found that postmenopausal women with higher trans fat intake have an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Aspirin use was shown to reduce this risk. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, highlights the importance of following a diet low in trans fats and adding an aspirin regimen to help women reduce their stroke risk.
Researchers found that induced hyperammonaemia significantly increases daytime sleepiness in patients with cirrhosis. Higher blood ammonia levels reduce the ability of cirrhotic patients to produce restorative sleep. This study suggests that reducing daytime sleepiness may result in improved sleep at night.
Osteoporosis experts advocate for shorter intervals between DXA scans for high-risk women, patients with low bone mineral density, and those receiving osteoporosis medication. This approach can prevent debilitating fractures and reduce healthcare costs.
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation confirms that ultrasound-based transient elastography is an effective diagnostic tool for detecting cirrhosis caused by recurrent hepatitis C following liver transplantation. The non-invasive technology offers quick and painless assessment, with high sensitivity and specificity estimates.
A new study found that patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have not responded to interferon treatments experience significant long-term benefits when switching to imatinib. Up to 93% of patients survive at least eight years, compared to only three to six years prior to imatinib.
Research reveals that individuals with substance use disorders achieve higher abstinence rates when accessing drug-free recovery housing and day-treatment programs following detox. Participants who received housing showed a 37% abstinence rate, while those receiving housing plus treatment had a 50% abstinence rate.
Researchers have analyzed ancient manuscripts from 9th-10th century Iraq to reconstruct the climate of the past. The study reveals abnormal weather patterns, including droughts and floods, as well as rare cold events such as hailstorms and snowfall in Baghdad.
A new study reveals that secondhand smoke results in graft rejection in transplant patients, with a specific enzyme's expression being key to the process. Researchers found that SHS suppressed an enzyme produced by innate immune cells, hindering long-term islet allograft survival.
Researchers found that Parkinson's disease patients who took dopamine therapy showed improved creative skills, including drawing, painting, poetry, and sculpture. However, the study also revealed a lack of correlation between creative thinking scores and impulsivity measures.
A recent review highlights the growing concern of counterfeit medicines being sold online and turning up in legitimate supply chains. The study found that nearly 75 billion dollars worth of fake drugs are sold globally each year, putting millions of lives at risk.
A recent study found that young people in England do not possess the necessary knowledge to adhere to government guidelines for responsible alcohol consumption. The researchers examined students' knowledge and beliefs about safe drinking habits and found that most respondents had incorrect or inaccurate estimates of unit content.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have identified a new maize hybrid that produces ethanol from biomass, potentially offering a more sustainable feedstock for biofuel production. The hybrid grows larger and accumulates more stalk sugars than conventional grain hybrids, increasing ethanol output.
Research published in Arthritis Care & Research found that women with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus tend to have fewer children than desired due to increased infertility rates. The study also revealed that concerns about caring for children and genetic transmission of the disease may contribute to this trend.
Research found that stroke patients experienced persistent eating difficulties and remained at nutritional risk three months after their stroke. Despite improvements in physical functions, most patients' eating abilities remained unchanged or deteriorated.
A study highlights the urgent need to increase organ donations from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups due to disparities in access and waiting times. BME patients face longer waits for transplants due to differences in tissue types and blood groups.
A new study published in CANCER found that many older lung cancer patients receive radiation therapy without extending their lifespan. Researchers analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare registry to determine if additional radiation therapy after surgery improves survival rates.