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Inner electrons behave differently in aromatic hydrocarbons

A new study investigates the Auger effect in aromatic hydrocarbons, revealing that molecules with pi electrons have a lower double ionization threshold. This finding favors Auger decay over saturated hydrocarbons, with potential applications in cancer treatment and atomic identification.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateApr 11, 2019

Cancer: Central role of cell 'skeleton' discovered

Research shows that branched actin transmits information to cells about their environment and regulates growth, a mechanism that can be targeted to fight certain types of cancer. Inhibiting branched actin formation prevents the growth of melanoma cells, offering new therapeutic options.

SourceCNRS·JournalCell Research·DateApr 10, 2019

Sah: Medical guidelines may be biased, overly aggressive

A recent commentary suggests that treatment guidelines recommended by medical specialist organizations are more likely to lead to overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and increased healthcare costs. The authors argue that specialty bias and fee-for-service compensation models contribute to this issue.

SourceCornell University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 5, 2019

UMN researchers study effect of chronic opioid therapy on pain and survival in sickle cell disease

Researchers found that chronic morphine treatment decreased survival in control mice, but not in sickle mice with sickle cell disease. Chronic opioid therapy also caused hyperalgesia, a condition of increased pain sensitivity, in sickle mice. The study suggests that opioids may still be effective for managing pain in SCD patients despi...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalBlood Advances·DateApr 2, 2019

BJC press notice

A recent study by Cancer Research UK reveals that African-American cancer patients with inherited red blood cell conditions are 20% more likely to experience serious adverse events. This disparity may be attributed to the rigors of therapy and the disproportionately higher incidence of these disorders in the African-American population.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 19, 2019

Discovery of how organs form helps researchers to develop future diabetes treatments

A new study reveals that the development of progenitor cells depends on protein quantity and interaction with other cells. Cells with high P120ctn expression remain in the central part of the pancreas, while those with low expression migrate to the peripheral area, where they acquire their final fate.

Challenges in cardiovascular risk prediction and stratification in women

The article highlights the challenges in predicting and stratifying cardiovascular risk in women due to sex-specific factors, traditional risk models' flaws, and inadequate representation of women in CVD research. This has led to a persistent gap in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of ischemic heart disease in women.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateFeb 28, 2019

Heart disease in pregnancy: A special look at peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a disorder where heart failure develops during or after pregnancy. Recent studies suggest angiogenic imbalance plays a key role, with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1) and prolactin being important factors. The latest IPAC study recommendations are also referenced.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateFeb 28, 2019

Radiation contamination at a crematorium

A recent study reports radiation contamination at an Arizona crematorium following treatment of a patient with a radioactive drug. The contamination was detected on equipment and in the operator's urine, raising concerns about potential health effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2019

Nanomachines are taught to fight cancer

New DNA-based nanomachines can selectively target malignant cells, breaking down vital genes and inducing apoptotic death. The design allows for better interaction with folded RNA molecules, but further experiments are needed to improve specificity.

SourceITMO University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 7, 2019

Engineering a cancer-fighting virus

Researchers engineered a virus that selectively targets and kills cancer cells, surpassing another viral treatment currently in use. The modified adenovirus, dl355, replicates more efficiently in cancer cells than normal cells, resulting in higher cancer cell kill rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalOncology Reports·DateJan 29, 2019