Articles tagged with Open Access
A study of 4254 Canadian schoolchildren found a direct association between BMI and satisfaction with their body shape, with girls happier when thin and boys unhappy when too skinny or fat. Poor body satisfaction was more common among rural girls from low-income families.
In Brazilian folk religion Candomblé, animal sacrifice plays a crucial role in the believers' requests and desires, believed to 'feed' supernatural deities known as orishas. The practice is fundamental to many religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Researchers have discovered that the juice of 'cull' watermelons can be efficiently fermented into ethanol, producing approximately 220 L/ha. This process also yields valuable nutrients like lycopene and L-citrulline.
A new prognostic marker for human breast cancer has been identified, with elevated GLI1 protein levels associated with poor overall survival. The study found a positive correlation between GLI1 expression and tumor stage, lymph node status, and unfavorable prognosis.
A study of 7,689 admissions found that early intensive care unit admission significantly reduces mortality in critically ill patients with haematological malignancy. Factors associated with increased risk of death include bone marrow transplantation and severe sepsis.
A new study reveals that impaired axonal transport in neurons is a key factor in the development of prion diseases. The research shows that clinical symptoms correlate with reduced axonal transport in specific brain centers, providing new insights into the disease.
The PLOS Medicine journal has made all 1500 ghostwriting documents publicly available, revealing a coordinated campaign by Wyeth and medical writing companies to promote hormone drugs. The editors call for action to eradicate ghost-writing, including retraction of papers and investigation by academic institutions.
Researchers found 44 genes up-regulated in CKD patients, including 11 involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were also detected, suggesting a vicious circle of respiration dysregulation that contributes to CKD.
Researchers found moderate to perfect agreement between nurses' and doctors' ART recommendations, suggesting increased investment in training non-physician clinicians to deliver therapy. This shift could fill a gap in rural areas where physicians are scarce, improving access to HIV/AIDS treatment.
A study found that persistently present levels of unmetabolized folic acid in the population indicate that mandatory fortification may result in an excessive effect. Most Irish people already get enough folic acid from voluntarily fortified foods, suggesting mandatory policies may be unnecessary.
A recent analysis published in PLOS Medicine found that twenty-five years of healthcare reforms in Mexico have increased access to medical care, but at the cost of inefficiency and inadequate addressing of health inequities. The study highlights the need for comprehensive reform to improve the Mexican healthcare system.
A recent study emphasizes the importance of evaluating eHealth interventions to improve the quality and safety of healthcare. Aziz Sheikh and Lorraine Catwell from The University of Edinburgh highlight the need for continuous systemic evaluation of eHealth solutions to address potential risks and challenges.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are twice as likely to receive mental health treatment as heterosexuals. The researchers attribute this disparity to higher exposure to discrimination and violence, as well as societal pathologizing of homosexuality.
A study published in BMC Medical Research Methodology found that general practitioners (GPs) are reluctant to participate in medical research due to administrative challenges. The researchers discovered that non-medical staff often handle first contact with surgeries, making it difficult for doctors to engage with the study.
Researchers have discovered that three Thai orchids use a wide range of fungi to absorb carbon from the soil instead of producing their own organic carbon. The study highlights the complex relationships between plants and fungi in tropical forests, emphasizing the need for further research on these interactions.
Research finds that debt can increase the risk of being medically obese, as it limits leisure time activities and affects food choices. The study of over 9000 people shows a significant association between debt and obesity, independent of income, education, and occupation.
A new study identifies criteria for detecting prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a condition characterized by enduring distress and dysfunction after a loss. The criteria, supported by experts, may help clinicians diagnose PGD and provide targeted treatments.
Researchers found that increased IgM excretion in diabetic nephropathy patients is associated with higher mortality from cardiovascular causes and faster disease progression. This biomarker may offer a new approach to manage the condition.
Researchers have identified a four-gene region on chromosome 6 that affects cattle carcass weight, known as the CW-2 genotype. This discovery could accelerate the breeding of meatier cattle by identifying genetic markers for selection.
A study of nearly 25,000 coronary artery bypass graft patients found that receiving blood from another person increased post-operative infection rates by two-fold. Hospital variation in transfusion practices was also significant, accounting for 30% of the variation.
A study published in Critical Care found that 86% of nine-year-old students performed CPR correctly four months after receiving basic life support training. The researchers concluded that children's performance would improve over time with periodic retraining, and that CPR education can be effectively implemented in primary schools.
Researchers found that abnormal findings on ultrasound can predict future stroke and cardiovascular ischemic events in TIA patients. The study supports the routine use of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in addition to extracranial Doppler ultrasonography for risk assessment.
Researchers created a genetic linkage map for the saltwater crocodile, facilitating genome scans to identify genes affecting complex traits. The map provides a scaffold for genome sequence assembly and will aid in understanding reptilian molecular evolution.
Researchers warn that antiviral treatment for the elderly may not reduce mortality and could lead to increased resistance. Age-prioritized use of antivirals is suggested as a more efficient way to treat patients.
A recent study found that trade liberalization in Central America has led to a significant increase in the availability and affordability of processed, high-fat, and high-sugar foods. This has contributed to a growing burden of diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.
A new study published in BMC Medical Ethics found that the purpose and type of information collection were more important than the individual's condition in determining consent choices. Participants preferred more control over the use of their personal information, especially when it linked to profit or personal details.
A recent study suggests that chimps respond to faces in a similar manner to humans, capturing attention more effectively than other objects. Reaction times improved when the target appeared behind the image of a chimpanzee face.
Genetic analysis reveals Australian Aborigines originated from south Asia, tracing back to Indian populations with exclusive mutations. This discovery supports archeological evidence of human occupation in Australia dating back to approximately 45 thousand years ago.
A study found that 41% of minimally conscious state patients were misdiagnosed as vegetative state, highlighting the need for standardized assessments. The use of a sensitive neurobehavioral scale can help reduce diagnostic errors and uncertainty.
Researchers have identified a suite of genes involved in controlling the extreme survival mechanism of Arctic springtails against freezing temperatures. These genes are activated during cold-induced dehydration and play roles in trehalose production, heat shock proteins, and tissue remodeling.
A study at a UK hospital found that smokers who break the rules are more addicted and less likely to believe in second-hand smoke protection. Researchers suggest screening staff for smoking behaviors and offering evidence-based workplace interventions to improve compliance and quit rates.
A study of 231 men found that only 1% of child pornography consumers went on to commit a hands-on sex offense. The researchers suggest that the motivation and recidivism rates differ between child pornography consumption and physical assault.
A study published in BMC Biology found that erythropoietin boosts brainpower in healthy young mice, improving sequential learning and memory components. The growth factor showed superior performance in associative, operant, and discriminant learning tasks.
Researchers used magnetic pulses to stimulate the dorsal premotor cortex, improving skill learning in volunteers. The study found that excitatory stimulation enhanced motor consolidation of new skills.
Researchers found that inbred bumblebee colonies suffer from decreased growth rates, lower offspring production, and reduced colony survival. The presence of diploid males, produced at the expense of female workers, has a detrimental effect on colony fitness.
Researchers have discovered nine novel poison molecules in the venom of the Scorpiops jendeki scorpion, expanding knowledge of scorpion venoms. The study found ten known types of poisons with diverse modes of action, offering a rich resource for drug development.
Researchers found that most pairs of black-legged kittiwakes avoid inbreeding more often than chance, suggesting they can detect relatives in large populations. Inbred pairs produced fewer hatching eggs and chicks with lower survival rates.
Researchers found breast cancer incidence fell 13.2% nationwide, with greater reductions among women in urban (-13.8%) versus rural (-7.5%) areas. The decline may be linked to HT discontinuation, which was more pronounced in rich/urban areas.
A study found that high soy intake was associated with improved lung function and a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in smokers. Flavonoids in soy may help protect against tobacco carcinogens, but more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism.
Researchers have produced video footage of a male nematode worm preparing to mate with a hermaphrodite, showcasing the complex process. The study revealed that the male uses acetylcholine to regulate tail muscles for an exploratory embrace, and then searches for the vulva before mating commences.
Researchers found increased mRNA levels of PN-1, a prostasin inhibitor, in colorectal tissue samples from patients with mild/moderate dysplasia and severe dysplasia before colorectal cancer. Elevated PN-1 levels coincide with the acquisition of malignant properties in colorectal tissue.
A recent study found that American over-65s scored significantly better than their English counterparts in a memory and awareness test. Higher levels of education and lower levels of depressive symptoms in the US may have contributed to this difference, while aggressive cardiovascular disease treatment in England could be a factor.
Researchers used MRI to compare brains of 38 people with dyslexia to a typical brain model, revealing differences in the right cerebellar declive and lentiform nucleus associated with varying language performance. These findings suggest different neuro-cognitive pathologies underlying dyslexia subtypes.
Researchers found that Money spiders infected with Rickettsia bacteria have reduced long-distance dispersal, suggesting an adaptive modification by the bacteria to promote transmission. Treating the spiders with antibiotics increased their ballooning frequency.
A new software program uses mathematical modeling to prescribe optimal light exposure for avoiding jet lag, resulting in quicker re-synchronization and improved performance. The method considers background light levels and time zones traveled, providing personalized recommendations for bright light intervention.
A small study found that people believe bottled water has health benefits, but are unsure of the extent. Convenience and taste were more influential factors for participants when choosing bottled water.
A Canadian study found that living in areas with more fast-food outlets and convenience stores than supermarkets has been associated with obesity. The proximity of these unhealthy environments is a significant risk factor for weight gain.
Researchers have discovered that human fallopian tube mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into muscle, fat, cartilage, and bone cell lines, offering a new source for regenerative medicine. The study found that these cells are abundant in fertile women's reproductive years and can be easily isolated and expanded in vitro.
Research suggests that estrogens acting through their receptors affect the dopamine transporter, which may explain trends in timing of women's susceptibility to these diseases. Estrogen levels vary significantly at different life stages, and women are more likely to experience neurological disease onset or exacerbation during these times.
A study published in BMC Family Practice found that most people lack basic knowledge of human anatomy. Approximately half of the participants correctly identified the location of major organs, highlighting potential problems in doctor-patient communication and diagnosis.
In Drosophila montana, males try to prolong copulation to increase their chances of fathering offspring. The researchers found that when females were prevented from dislodging the copulating male, matings lasted one-and-a-half times longer.
Researchers found that young mice are resistant to proteoglycan-induced arthritis, but become susceptible with age due to immunological senescence and impaired immune regulation. This study sheds light on the complex mechanisms underlying age-related changes in arthritis susceptibility.
A comprehensive investigation into sea urchins' axial complex has shown that various internal organs are structurally linked. The study uses high-resolution imaging to analyze specimens from multiple orders, providing a re-evaluation of published studies spanning two centuries.
Researchers discovered sedatives and hypnotics are associated with a four-fold increase in suicide risk among the elderly. The study found that even after adjusting for mental disorders, sedative treatment was linked to an almost fourteen-fold increase in suicide risk.
Researchers found that mobile health clinics decrease both the incidence and economic burden of preventable diseases, saving $36 in combined emergency department costs for every $1 invested. The model also showed a net profit to the healthcare system due to reduced costs and increased value of life years saved.
Researchers have developed a simple and scalable method to finish non-structural gaps in genome assemblies using 454 sequencing. The technique enables the targeting of class III gaps that are difficult to close with traditional cloning methods, with potential applications for other genomes.
Researchers have discovered that crustaceans use resilin springs to simplify brain control of limb movements, allowing for more efficient energy storage and reduced nervous system activity. This unique mechanism enables crabs and crayfish to coordinate their limb movements at an impressive 20 times per second.
A new species of malaria parasite, Plasmodium gaboni, has been discovered in chimpanzees in Central Africa. The parasite is closely related to the human malaria agent Plasmodium falciparum and sequencing its nuclear genome may help discover new potential drug targets.
A nationwide study found filicide offenders have fewer previous criminal offenses and are more likely to be employed than homicidal controls, contradicting the idea that they are mentally disordered. They also exhibit emotional problems and suicidal behavior, highlighting the need for adequate support.
Research suggests that even perceiving one's neighborhood as unsafe can be hazardous for elder health, leading to mobility disability. The study found a strong correlation between perceived danger and actual violent crime rates.