A new global approach reveals that climate change played a major role in causing mass extinction of mammals in the late quaternary era. The study shows that continents with larger 'climate footprints' experienced more extinctions, supporting the idea that past climate changes contributed to global extinctions.
A study comparing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for varicose veins found that RFA caused less post-operative pain. Both groups showed similar improvements in clinical and quality of life scores at six weeks after surgery.
Research found that patients who discontinued OAB medication were more bothered by symptoms and had a medical diagnosis for conditions like incontinence. Smoking and certain health issues also increased the likelihood of stopping medication.
Daily probiotic cheese consumption boosts natural and acquired immunity in older adults by activating NK blood cells and increasing phagocytic activity. The study aims to thwart immunosenescence, an age-related deterioration of the immune system that increases susceptibility to infections and cancer.
The study found elevated concentrations of lead, arsenic, and other chemicals in New Orleans' soil and flood sediments, particularly in disadvantaged areas. The research highlights the need for long-term monitoring programs to establish baseline concentrations and distributions of contaminants in the environment.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) may be a safer alternative to excimer laser surgery for moderate to high levels of short-sightedness. Patients who underwent IOL treatment reported better spectacle-corrected vision and contrast sensitivity, as well as higher patient satisfaction.
Exercise programs improved anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia, while changes in physical health outcomes were not significant. Regular exercise is recommended for those with schizophrenia, just like the general population.
A new study found that caffeine can help shift workers make fewer mistakes and improve their performance in tasks such as driving and neuropsychological tests. The researchers reviewed data from 13 trials studying the effects of caffeine on shift work and found a significant reduction in errors made by participants.
Rotavirus vaccination effectively reduces cases of severe rotavirus disease by 72-93% and all cases of diarrhoea by 76-67%. The vaccines are not associated with increased serious adverse events.
A study of 121 older adults in Los Angeles ALFs found that 65% had clinically significant sleeping problems, associated with lower quality of life and increased depression. Poor sleep was also linked to a worsening of health-related quality of life and more symptoms of depression over time.
Scientists have developed technology to screen newborns for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a lethal disease caused by gene mutations. Effective screening may allow parents to access proactive treatments before symptoms become irreversible.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that spouses of dementia sufferers have a significantly increased risk of developing dementia themselves. The risk is six times higher for those whose spouse develops dementia, particularly men.
A recent study found that women taking hormonal contraceptives were at highest risk for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), while those using non-hormonal contraceptives had the lowest risk. The researchers also discovered a significant association between smoking status and total sexual function scores.
Dr Essi Viding, a UK-based developmental psychologist, has been named the winner of the 2010 British Academy Wiley Prize. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of psychology, specifically her research on the causes of violent antisocial behaviour in children and adolescents.
Researchers found liver transplant recipients develop premature immune senescence due to chronic immune stress. The study suggests that accelerated T-cell aging contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in established liver graft recipients.
Researchers found a combination of antibiotics to be an effective treatment for Chlamydia-induced reactive arthritis, with significant improvements seen in patients receiving a 6-month course of combination antibiotics. The results suggest potential for eradication of the persistent infection and improvement in clinical sequelae.
Research found an association between leisure time physical exercise and a future risk of developing fibromyalgia. Women who exercised regularly had a lower risk of developing the condition compared to inactive women. High BMI is also identified as an independent risk factor for future development of FM.
Researchers found African-Americans were less likely to have a varus thrust but more likely to have a valgus thrust than Caucasians. This disparity may help explain differences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) involvement at the knee.
Researchers found a high prevalence of complications in alcoholic cirrhosis patients at the time of diagnosis, with ascites and variceal bleeding being strong predictors of mortality. The study also showed that these complications do not follow a predictable sequence and cannot be used to determine the clinical course of the disease.
Recent studies suggest that cigarette smoking and high fructose corn syrup consumption exacerbate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in overweight individuals. Modifying these risk factors may improve patient outcomes for those with NAFLD, who are at risk of disease progression.
A new study reveals that Caucasian teenagers are more likely to experience negative outcomes from family changes, including delinquent behavior and early sexual activity. African-American peers are less affected by economic hardship, which can mitigate the trauma caused by family changes.
A retrospective study found that complete revascularization significantly improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), with a 3-year mortality rate of 6.6% compared to 14.8% in those with incomplete revascularization. The study also revealed that advanced medical therapy may contribute to improved mortality rates.
Research published in Social Science Quarterly finds that young men from lower-income families and with poor grades are more likely to join the military, citing enhanced life chances. The study suggests that military service may help minimize social inequalities and provide a positive turning point for those at risk.
A new standardized testing method for cranberry products reveals the effectiveness of urinary tract infection (UTI) treatments. The BL-DMAC method accurately quantifies PAC levels in products, ensuring accurate labeling and consumer selection.
A new study warns of the dramatic rise in psychotropic medications for children, with up to eight million children taking one or more drugs. The authors caution that there is little evidence available to warrant the widespread use of these medications for children.
A study of over 800 epileptic patients found that individual susceptibility, AED type, and physician skills are key factors determining adverse effects. Despite high polytherapy rates, no major difference was observed in adverse effect frequency between monotherapy and polytherapy groups.
Scientists have discovered lingering oil from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill is still being ingested by wildlife in Prince William Sound. The study used biomarkers to reveal long-term exposure to oil in harlequin ducks, demonstrating that consequences of oil spills can last for decades.
A single dose of aspirin (900-1000mg) significantly reduces migraine headache pain in over half of people, with added metoclopramide improving nausea and vomiting symptoms. Aspirin plus metoclopramide is a reasonable option for acute migraine attacks, but may not be effective enough for some.
Policies restricting smoking in public have been shown to decrease the number of people who experience heart attacks and improve overall health indicators. The findings are based on a comprehensive review of 50 studies that monitored the impact of legislative bans on secondhand smoke exposure.
Researchers discover mechanism underlying female sexual arousal, finding that stimulating pelvic nerve increases blood flow and enhances effects of prototype drug UK-414,495. This breakthrough could lead to development of treatments for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), a condition affecting up to 40% of women.
Researchers successfully trained northern quolls to associate the taste of toxic cane toads with nausea, allowing them to survive up to five times longer in areas infested with these invasives. This approach could provide a vital new weapon in the fight against invasive species.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review reveals a shortage of quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) against malaria. The method has been widely used since the 1950s, but its protective effect cannot be quantified due to limited studies.
A global study of nearly 10,000 women with early breast cancer found significant variations in treatment approaches across nine countries. Women with T1 tumours were more likely to receive breast-conserving surgery, while those with T2 tumours underwent mastectomies at varying rates.
African-American male youths are disproportionately represented in US prisons due to early-life conditions and educational system limitations. Implementing practices like parental engagement, teaching motor skills, and community mentorship can help counteract these challenges and promote a sense of acceptance and responsibility.
A leading hospitalist argues that hospital medicine can address fundamental problems in payment and delivery systems, improving access for millions of uninsured Americans. Hospitalists will be key in shaping the future of the American healthcare system, focusing on quality, safety, and efficiency.
Two transplant centers report successful paired donor exchanges for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in ABO-incompatible cases. The program allows for compatible but unrelated donors to donate, enabling recipients to undergo LDLT with high success rates.
Professor Citrome's new theory of evidence-based flying aims to apply medical decision-making principles to frequent flying, analyzing flight delays and upgrade rates. By incorporating factors like airline competition, food service, and passenger loyalty, he hopes to develop a more precise predictive model for optimal flying decisions.
Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy in joint fluid may be beneficial for treating late-stage human osteoarthritis by regenerating damaged cartilage tissue. Estrogen and testosterone were shown to influence the expression of genes in chondrogenic progenitor cells, which are present in arthritic tissue.
A 52-year follow-up study found that higher serum uric acid levels increase gout risk in women, with the risk being 46 times higher among those above 8mg/dl. Other factors such as age, obesity, and hypertension also contribute to the risk of developing gout.
A new article by Dr. Robert A. Baron and Rebecca A. Henry demonstrates that sustained intense practice can improve cognitive thinking levels and lead to true excellence. Entrepreneurs can acquire capacities that aid in starting or running a venture through principles like preparation, repetition, and self-reflection.
Researchers from Texas A&M University show that group brainstorming exercises can lead to fixation on only one idea or possibility, blocking out other ideas and possibilities. Taking a break after brainstorming can help prevent this phenomenon and encourage problem solving.
A recent study found that standard hepatitis C therapy is less effective in urban minority patients compared to clinical trials, with lower sustained viral response rates. Researchers attribute this disparity to the complex interaction of genetic variations, environmental factors, and health behaviors in these populations.
A study found that sirolimus-based immunosuppression significantly increases survival rates for post-transplant liver cancer patients, while radiofrequency ablation shows promise for very early-stage HCC treatment.
The article reviews Massachusetts healthcare reform, which has successfully implemented an individual mandate since 2006. The state's program greatly expanded coverage and access to health services while reducing the fear of insurers dropping coverage.
A study found that hand and feet massages provided consolation to 18 bereaved relatives, reducing feelings of loneliness and empty space. The massages helped participants balance grief with adapting to life after loss, promoting physical touch and closeness.
A new study in the journal Political Insight suggests that older adults can play a pivotal role in their communities through dedicated volunteering and participation. The researchers argue that promoting lifelong learning and community action among older people can help them feel less overwhelmed and isolated, and may even lead to bett...
A recent study found that undiagnosed children with autistic traits display repetitive behaviors and social interaction impairments comparable to clinically diagnosed children. This highlights the need for expanded support services for these children, as they are often overlooked due to a gender bias in diagnosis.
A recent study found that deep brain stimulation significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with refractory partial and secondarily generalized seizures, with a 56% reduction in seizure frequency by 2 years. The benefits of stimulation persisted long-term, with improved responder rates.
Researchers successfully created genetically engineered mosquitoes that can deliver a malaria vaccine through blood feeding, raising hopes for a new strategy in disease control. The study, led by Associate Professor Shigeto Yoshida, targeted the saliva gland of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes and induced protective immune responses.
Researchers at University Clinic in Leuven, Belgium successfully treated premature infants with constricted aortas using bailout stenting. The procedure resulted in better surgical outcomes and improved hemodynamic stability for patients.