Articles tagged with Databases
A new study by UCSF doctors suggests that publicly available overall readmission rates may overestimate unplanned readmissions by up to 25 percent. The team found that 'all cause' readmission rates do not distinguish between planned and unplanned surgeries, potentially leading to misinformation about hospital quality.
A Stanford study reveals that an invasive heart test is being dramatically overused, particularly among patients who recently underwent similar tests. The study found that the procedure, left ventriculography, was performed as an add-on during coronary angiograms at a rate of 81.8% in some cases, despite less-invasive methods available.
The US Pharmacopeial Convention's new database highlights olive oil, milk, and honey as top adulterated ingredients. Food fraud, a collective term for substitution or misrepresentation of food products for economic gain, poses significant risks to consumers.
The Plant Metabolic Network has launched four new online databases for corn, soybeans, wine grapes, and cassava, providing a comprehensive view of their biochemical pathways. The databases will aid researchers in increasing crop production, developing biofuels, and exploring novel medicines.
The IMEx Consortium provides a single interface for querying experimental interaction data, making it easier to understand an organism's interactome. With over 100 million curated binary pairs, scientists can identify supported protein interactions and compare new results with publicly available data.
A recent study found that stemmed metal-on-metal (MOM) hip replacements fail at much higher rates than other types, especially in women and those with larger head sizes. The authors call for a ban on the use of stemmed MOM implants due to poor implant survival.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics have developed two computer programs that can create 3D characters in mere seconds. The software uses databases of pre-made models to simplify the creation process, allowing users to assemble and animate their own custom characters.
A new research study has found that jellyfish populations have increased in some regions but decreased or fluctuated in others, contradicting previous theories. The study's lead researcher hopes to shed light on the issue by analyzing a global database of jellyfish data since 1750.
Researchers found that unrelated individuals may be mistaken for genetic relatives due to population-specific genetic differences. This is particularly concerning for individuals of Asian or Native American descent, where false familial identification is more likely.
The Mission-Focused Autonomy (MFA) program utilizes collaborative tools to share information from government databases, supporting law enforcement efforts on foreign nationals intent on harming national security. MFA speeds up decision-making by providing timely and accurate information, enabling more effective allocation of assets.
A German-based project, reBiND, rescues and archives biodiversity data at risk of being lost due to lack of documentation or outdated digital storage systems. The project uses the Biological Collections Access Services (BioCASe) software package to transform data into XML files and make them accessible globally through the GBIF network.
Researchers Rudolf Ahlswede and Harout Aydinian analyze a security-control model for statistical databases, proposing an optimal collection of SUM queries to prevent compromise of confidential information. Query restriction is one approach used to limit the amount of data that can be retrieved by users.
A recent review of re-identification attacks on health data found that existing de-identification methods are effective in protecting individual identities. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed 14 relevant studies and found no convincing evidence of a weakness in current de-identification methods.
Tel Aviv University researcher Prof. Tova Milo has developed a method to automatically optimize 'crowd-sourcing' of online data, flagging questionable input and alerting moderators to potentially offensive commentary. The technology improves the quality of information and saves valuable man-hours.
The PomBase database provides a comprehensive resource for studying fission yeast and its relevance to human diseases. The database contains counterparts of over 300 human disease genes, enabling researchers to study mechanisms involved in cell growth and division.
SMU scientists are collecting water samples in UNHCR camps, analyzing them in the lab, and training workers to test water supplies. The team will develop a worldwide database to identify contaminants and track water quality over time, addressing issues such as iodide and fluoride contamination.
The Chem-TCM database, developed by King's College London researchers, provides a comprehensive tool for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to explore age-old remedies. The database features four major parts, including chemical identification and predicted activity against Western therapeutic targets.
A new $750,000 NSF-funded project is developing a searchable database to track water quality impacts from Marcellus Shale activity. The database will consolidate and update water data collected by various stakeholders, facilitating knowledge generation and community engagement.
A new study finds that health and forensic DNA databases are growing to mirror racial disparities in arrest practices and incarceration rates. Underrepresented groups, such as African Americans and Latinos, face more severe disparities in forensic DNA databases compared to health DNA databases.
A new study led by San Francisco State University's Daniel Bernardi aims to track rumors and identify those with the power to become weapons in counterinsurgency operations. The team will develop a database of rumors that could undermine efforts in Afghanistan.
Research presented at the American Dietetic Association's Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo shows that potatoes provide significantly better nutritional value per dollar than other raw vegetables. Potatoes are the lowest cost source of dietary potassium, with a medium-sized potato containing more potassium than a banana.
A new translation app can help English speakers understand foreign-language food menus, allowing individuals with medical restrictions to make informed decisions. The app uses a method called n-gram consolidation to improve accuracy and reduce memory requirements, enabling real-time translations without internet connectivity.
A national database called WATERiD will provide accurate predictions of when underground water and wastewater pipes might fail. The database, launched on Sept. 1, aims to create a single point for utilities to access relevant information and accelerate decision-making.
The most precise estimate of Earth's species total is based on a novel analytical technique that narrows previous estimates. The study predicts approximately 8.7 million species, with 91% of marine and 86% of land species remaining undiscovered. This new understanding is crucial for conservation efforts and ecosystems services.
The project, called VertNet, aims to make online storage of vertebrate collections from around the world more accessible. This will enable academic researchers and citizen scientists to search and explore the vast collections more easily.
A clinician-scientist team, led by Joseph M. Miano and Craig Benson, has created a model resource that identifies and outlines the function of common mutations in the human genome. They believe this information will help guide the development of new prevention and treatment options for diseases.
A systematic review found that nurse-led relaxation classes, birth preparation classes, and clinician feedback can decrease caesarean sections in low-risk pregnancies. However, prenatal education, computer patient decision-aids, and insurance reform have not shown significant effects on reducing cesarean section rates.
Researchers have discovered potential regulatory networks in glioblastoma using microRNAs and transcription factors. The study identified 54 feed-forward loops with functions important to carcinogenesis and unique functions specific to each FFL.
Researchers have developed a novel method to embed microchips in ornamental shrubs, allowing for efficient tracking and monitoring. The new technique has been successfully tested on rose cultivars, demonstrating its potential for improving plant health and productivity.
The TRY global database provides 3 million traits for 69,000 plant species, enabling more accurate predictions of ecosystem changes under climate change. This will revolutionize biodiversity research by accounting for variation among species in their traits.
A new global plant database, led by University of Minnesota researchers, offers trait data for 69,000 plant species, enabling more realistic models of terrestrial biodiversity. The database promises to support a paradigm shift in Earth system sciences and improve carbon cycle predictions.
Researchers analyzed data from BC MS Clinics' database and BC Perinatal Database Registry to compare pregnancy outcomes in women with MS to those without the disease. Babies born to mothers with MS did not have significantly different gestational age or birth weight, but mothers with greater disability had slightly elevated risk of adv...
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified the linchpin protein MICU1, which drives mitochondria's calcium uptake. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes.
23andMe has built one of the world's largest databases with over 100,000 individuals' genetic data, facilitating rapid recruitment for genome-wide association studies. The company's novel research approach has led to new genetic associations for common traits and rare diseases.
A comprehensive analysis of human geophagy reveals that eating dirt is a widespread behavior that provides protection against intestinal parasites and pathogens. The study found that people are more likely to consume earth during vulnerable life stages or in environments with high levels of foodborne microbes.
The use of clot-busting drug rtPA for acute ischemic stroke patients in the US increased significantly between 2005 and 2009, with treatment rates doubling from 1.8% to 3.4%.
A new, global database of large dams and reservoirs has been created to inform sustainable river-flow management. The Global Reservoir and Dam database (GRanD) contains information on 6,862 dams and their associated reservoirs, providing a holistic view of entire river basins.
A study published in The Service Industries Journal found that public Spanish universities outperform private ones in providing internal research support services, including infrastructure and staff. This leads to improved research results and attracts top talent from around the world.
Researchers found 63% of certified stroke centers are in states with state-based certification programs, compared to 13% in states without such programs. Stroke center size was also linked to certification type, with smaller hospitals certified by state programs.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a database of 2.6 million possible zeolite structures, which could improve catalytic applications and enable the discovery of new materials with unique properties. The database was created using computational methods and has been made publicly available.
A new software system called Virtual Grower helps calculate heating costs in greenhouse operations by analyzing temperature settings, heating systems, and construction decisions. The program uses a weather database to predict heating costs and allows users to define unique design characteristics and heating schedules.
Research using primary care records reveals that GPs often take more than a month to record an ovarian cancer diagnosis after receiving notification from specialists. In fact, one in ten cases took over four weeks, while 11% of records showed incorrect or premature diagnoses.
A study published in Neurology found that men who eat berries regularly have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins from berries, were associated with a reduced risk in both men and women.
A new online database has brought together documentary evidence of theatres and society in early-modern London, highlighting examples of violence, kidnapping, and rioting at theatres. The Early Modern London Theatres (EMLoT) database contains transcribed documents relating to eight theatres north of the Thames.
A study published in JAMA found no significant difference in 1-year angiographic patency between radial artery and saphenous vein grafts, contradicting previous assumptions that arterial grafts are superior.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed new methods to identify diagnostic markers for allergic disorders by analyzing medical databases. These methods could reduce the need for animal trials and personalize medication, leading to more efficient clinical studies.
Researchers have developed a new approach to searching online educational resources, enabling users to access specific prospectuses, curricula and tests easily. The approach uses focused crawling, web content classification and information extraction to pull out relevant information from the web.
A new study reveals that moderately and morbidly obese drivers face significantly higher risks of death and non-survival in severe auto accidents. The research found that underweight and normal-weight drivers also had a higher risk of dying from severe crashes compared to slightly overweight drivers.
Bees perceive the world differently than humans, with variations in hue that are invisible to us. The Floral Reflectance Database (FReD) provides data on flower colours as seen by bees, addressing existing gaps in records.
A new technique developed at ORNL allows supercomputers to sift through massive molecular databases and identify potential drug candidates. This breakthrough could lead to diverse and innovative classes of drugs by processing millions of molecules a day.
A team of researchers has used a large database to create a new map of Great Britain, dividing the country into smaller regions based on human interactions. The analysis reveals unexpected patterns, such as a 'western crescent' centered on high-tech activities and Wales being well-integrated with its English neighbors.
A study of retracted papers found US scientists were responsible for a third of all retractions, with one in three cases linked to data fabrication or falsification. Researchers from Asian nations also contributed significantly to the problem.
The ESA GlobSnow project uses satellites to map snow cover and volume globally, especially in the northern hemisphere. This provides almost real-time data on snow cover and depth, aiding in flood forecasting and climate research.
A Colorado liability insurance database revealed that wrong-site and wrong-patient procedures continued to occur after nationwide steps to prevent them. The study found that non-surgical disciplines also contribute to patient injuries related to wrong-site procedures.
Researchers warn of 'dire' funding situation for biological research databases, highlighting the need for long-term sustainability. A study reviews business models and suggests a global change in funding policies is necessary to support cyberinfrastructure.
The Census of Marine Life has completed a ten-year initiative to describe ocean life distribution and diversity, with UAF scientists contributing significantly. New species have been discovered in the Arctic Ocean and coastal regions, shedding light on climate change impacts.
Researchers explored new techniques for 3D imaging and analysis of rocks, fossils, and other materials. These advances have improved our understanding of geological processes and the potential zones of weakness in volcanoes.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications developed a computer program to provide rice farmers with accurate forecasts and recommendations. The Rice Development Advisory program combines climate, soil, and weather data to help farmers plan planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
Sam Houston State University will study the use and effectiveness of the national Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) database to connect crimes to a single firearm. The research aims to identify best practices for improving the system's effectiveness and understand why some law enforcement agencies do not use it.
A new computational method, ChIP Enrichment Analysis (ChEA), helps streamline gene expression experiment analysis and identifies potential drug targets. The database integrates results from ChIP-seq and ChIP-chip experiments, providing a better understanding of transcription factor regulation and disease development.