Researchers in Canada have developed a technique to produce large quantities of endoderm cells from human pluripotent stem cells, overcoming a key hurdle in regenerative medicine. The method allows for significant increases in effective cell production, enabling the potential for regenerative treatments for diabetes and liver disease.
A study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that liver transplant candidates prioritize 'best quality' organs over those with a higher risk of failure. The study found that patients prefer to have an equal or dominant role in deciding organ acceptance, and presenting organ quality as 'average quality' can increase risk tolerance.
Recent studies have uncovered significant limitations in liver cancer screening for patients with cirrhosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostic procedures. Most patients with cirrhosis prefer surveillance over non-screening, and ultrasonographic screening at different intervals did not improve detection of small liver cancers.
A study found that green tea flavonoid EGCG inhibits the entry of hepatitis C virus into liver cells, suggesting a potential antiviral strategy to prevent reinfection following liver transplantation. The researchers investigated the effect of EGCG on HCV in preventing attachment and spread within liver cells.
Research in Global Change Biology reveals Antarctic mosses' slow growth rates (0.2-3.5mm/year) and their age, dating back to the heroic era of exploration. Climate change affects plant life, making Antarctica's driest continent an even harsher environment.
Researchers found a 100-fold weakening in coastal ecosystems' ability to sequester carbon since European settlement, coinciding with industrial expansion and nitrogen deposition. Estuaries, natural global carbon sinks, are at risk of diminishing their ability to mitigate climate change.
A new Norwegian study reveals that extending pub and bar closing hours by one hour leads to a 20% increase in violent cases on weekends. The findings suggest that reducing trading hours also decreases violence by the same magnitude.
Researchers have identified six yeast-killing peptides that target Malassezia sympodialis without harming human skin cells. These peptides could provide a potential new treatment for atopic eczema, increasing patients' quality of life. Further study is needed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Repeatedly taking slightly too much paracetamol over time can lead to a dangerous staggered overdose. Patients with staggered overdoses often have low levels of paracetamol in their blood despite being at high risk of liver failure and death, according to Dr Kenneth Simpson.
A recent trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing functional disability and depressive symptoms in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia. The study also found CBT to be safe and superior to disease management education, improving daily functioning and overall wellbeing.
A Swedish study found that babies who started eating fish before nine months are less likely to suffer from pre-school wheeze. However, children who were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the first week of life or whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy faced an increased risk, particularly of multiple-trigger wheeze.
A recent study found that South Asian patients are almost three times as likely to require repeat angioplasty and urgent treatment compared to White European counterparts. Despite higher rates of social deprivation and younger age at onset, the two groups showed similar long-term death rates.
The new journal, Food and Energy Security, aims to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed articles on agricultural crop and forest productivity to improve global food and energy security. The journal will be published under Wiley Open Access and is open to submissions now.
The study found that newly qualified nurses, midwives, and AHPs reported increased clinical skills development and confidence after completing the online course. However, mentors needed more training and time to provide support, with many respondents reporting a lack of time for both students and mentors.
A new stent design has been linked to shortening and deformity in some patients, leading to serious complications. Researchers and clinicians are investigating the issue and working on new recommendations for its use.
A special issue of Arthritis Care & Research provides over 250 patient outcomes measures for assessing adult pain, including tools for measuring sleep, fatigue, physical function, and depression. The updates aim to improve the care of patients with rheumatic conditions.
A comprehensive training program for healthcare staff significantly reduced adverse events, including birth trauma, by more than half. The two-year study also showed improved staff perceptions of safety, patient satisfaction, and documentation rates.
Researchers found that trees can increase their carbon intake during cloudy conditions due to even light distribution among leaves. This process helps forests maintain high productivity despite reduced sunlight.
A recent study has found that PROMETAT, a popular but controversial treatment for methamphetamine addiction, is no more effective than placebo in reducing methamphetamine use. The study, funded by the company behind the treatment, Hythiam, suggests that the program may not be an effective solution for those struggling with addiction.
Researchers used new technologies to collect near-real-time data on vaccination side effects in Scotland, revealing no significant safety issues with the 2009-10 swine flu vaccine. The study adds to evidence supporting the safety of vaccination campaigns and could inform future studies using web-based technology.
A new report by the Royal Society of Canada advocates for decriminalizing assisted dying in Canada to address inadequate end-of-life planning and care. The report found that most Canadians want to die at home but few do, highlighting the need for better planning and policies.
Researchers found that patients with epilepsy on long-term antiepileptic drugs, especially phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproic acid, are at increased risk for developing atherosclerosis. The study suggests that newer AEDs like lamotrigine may minimize metabolic disturbances and reduce this risk.
A longitudinal study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found a strong association between poor sleep habits and the risk of developing fibromyalgia in women. The study, which followed over 12,000 women for ten years, found that women with severe sleep problems were at increased risk of developing fibromyalgia.
A study in twins found a significant association between trichloroethylene exposure and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, with a more than 6-fold increased risk. The study also suggested a lag time of up to 40 years between exposure and symptom onset.
A new study found a significant association between adolescent alcohol consumption and increased risk of benign breast disease among girls with a family history of breast cancer. Consuming more alcohol was linked to a higher risk, particularly in those with rapid height growth spurts.
A new study by Dr. Murray Rudd reveals a high level of consensus among conservation scientists about the impending loss of biological diversity. The survey found that 99.5% of responders believed a serious loss was likely or very likely, with tropical coral ecosystems perceived as the most seriously affected.
A new study found that more than 80% of lupus patients with end-stage renal disease opt for hemodialysis, while those without insurance or employed are less likely to choose peritoneal dialysis. The study highlights the impact of socioeconomic factors on kidney replacement therapy choices among lupus patients.
A review of 1,181 women from five countries found that many struggled with returning to work due to unrealistic expectations, lack of support, and physical appearance judgments. Employers must educate themselves and provide better support and policies to tackle the culture of ignorance.
A four-country study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that verbal intervention was the favoured technique for dealing with aggressive episodes involving young offenders. The research team also recommended continuous education, sufficient resources, and further studies to improve practices.
Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed a technique to reprogram stem cells into a more primitive state, increasing their survival rates and therapeutic efficacy. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment outcomes for conditions such as degenerative diseases and blood supply disorders.
A recent study found that women having a coronary angioplasty (PCI) procedure have more health issues compared to men. However, the study did not find that they had a higher mortality rate after the procedure.
Researchers have found evidence that meninges, a membrane surrounding the central nervous system, contains self-renewing stem cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for spinal cord injuries and degenerative brain disorders, as these stem cells can proliferate and form glial scars after injury.
Patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) treated by a specialized hospital team had significantly lower risks of subsequent vascular events. The study found that the team's co-ordinated care, including nurse-led counselling and fast-track surgery, led to a substantial reduction in stroke risk during the first three months.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found that statin therapy did not slow the progression of atherosclerosis in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, patients with more severe SLE may benefit from preventative statin therapy. The study also showed that atorvastatin was safe and well-tolerated.
A recent study found that teenage girls and senior students suffered high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a major earthquake. The research suggests that young people, particularly those aged 16+, require prompt psychological support to avoid long-term mental health problems.
A new study found that binge eating disorder affects both men and women equally in terms of clinical impact, but men are underrepresented in research. The study's lead author emphasized the need for increased awareness among male sufferers to encourage seeking treatment.
A new study finds that women who undergo advanced post-mastectomy breast reconstruction experience significant gains in psychological, social, and sexual wellbeing just three weeks after surgery. However, physical wellbeing at the abdominal location may not improve until later.
Research suggests African Americans have a higher burden of multiple large-joint osteoarthritis, with significant racial differences in OA phenotypes. The study found that African Americans are more likely to have knee OA and have a greater risk of joint involvement, particularly hip and spine OA.
A study found that US adolescents are heavily exposed to alcohol brand references in popular music, often associated with a luxury lifestyle. The researchers suggest that frequent exposure may contribute to early initiation and maintenance of substance use among adolescents.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation reveals that women who undergo a kidney transplant can successfully carry a pregnancy with a live birth rate of 73.5%. However, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm delivery are common, especially among those pregnant within two years of the transplant.
Researchers developed a ten-point Aggressive Behaviour Risk Assessment Tool (ABRAT) to predict violent hospital patients, with high accuracy rates. The study found that patients over 70 and males were more likely to become violent, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study published in Social Science Quarterly suggests that a preference for physically formidable leaders may have evolved to ensure survival in ancient human history. The research found a statistically significant association between height and perceived leadership capability and interest in running for office.
A new analysis found that coughing is more common in patients with advanced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and predicts rapid disease progression. The study suggests that patients who cough may have a worse prognosis, benefiting from closer monitoring and aggressive treatments.
Researchers have gained insights into the synchronised mass nesting of female olive ridley sea turtles, shedding light on their reproductive behaviour and population dynamics. The study's findings suggest that this small population in French Guiana has increased its nest number three-fold over the past decade, but also makes them more ...
Research suggests that shift work in teenagers may increase the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, a central nervous system autoimmune inflammatory disorder. Disruption of the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns are believed to contribute to this increased risk.
A new study found that heart-related treatments may improve wellbeing in some COPD patients, who often experience poor physical and mental quality of life. The research discovered a significant correlation between patients' quality of life scores and their heart rate variability.
Research published in Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that current definitions for miscarriage diagnosis can lead to incorrect diagnoses. The studies also revealed a 20% variation in gestational sac sizes reported by different clinicians, which can cause false conclusions about pregnancy growth.
A Canadian study revealed that warning signs can significantly reduce deer-vehicle collisions, with drivers altering their speed after passing the signs. The study showed a notable decrease in collision rates once signs were placed in key locations, highlighting the effectiveness of selective implementation.
A study found that whistleblowing can lead to overwhelming distress, nightmares, and loss of confidence among nurses. The research highlights the need for healthcare organizations to provide ongoing care and support for whistleblowers.
A young scientist has won a $10,000 award for her research on regenerating eyes using stem cells from hair follicles. Her study showed an 80% rate of differentiation in mouse eyes following a cell transplant, highlighting the promising therapeutic potential of these cells.