News on open-access publishing and its reach. Covers journal launches, open-access agreements, and research made freely available.
Researchers found that stimulation of inner ear balance organs affects brain blood flow in opposition to changes in blood pressure. The study may lead to new treatment options for conditions such as aging-related vestibular loss and orthostatic intolerance.
The Switch programme, a family-, school-, and community-based intervention, promotes children's fruit and vegetable consumption and lowers 'screen time'. Researchers found modest but significant results in reducing screen time and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in the experimental group.
Stem cell biology faces challenges in defining molecular characteristics, with potency and self-renewal not exclusive to stem cells. A new perspective suggests considering 'stemness' as a system property, rather than individual cell traits, which may lead to improved understanding of cancer stem cells.
A study found that minimal training can significantly improve first responders' speed and effectiveness when inserting laryngeal masks during life-saving CPR or mouth-to-mouth. Regular refresher courses are recommended to maintain skills, as proficiency declines after six months of non-use.
A recent study published in Critical Care found that severe trauma patients who receive old red blood cells are twice as likely to die. The study, which analyzed data from 202 patients, suggests that using fresher red blood cells may reduce mortality rates and complications.
A recent study published in BMC Emergency Medicine found that 60% of unintended incidents in the emergency department are caused by human failures. The majority of these events were attributed to departments outside the emergency department, such as laboratories.
New research shows that binge drinking inhibits production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, impairing immune system activation. The study found that alcohol suppresses TLR4's signaling, leading to a prolonged risk of infection
Researchers found a strong association between teenage birth rates and state-level measures of religiosity in the US. Conservative religious beliefs are strongly predicted to influence teen birth rates, even after controlling for income differences.
Researchers define 'gut feelings' experienced by GPs as two types: sense of alarm and reassurance. The former involves feeling uneasy about possible adverse outcomes, while the latter means feeling secure despite uncertainty. This definition aims to facilitate future research on the effectiveness of 'gut-compass'.
A Norwegian study found associations between acne, high chocolate and chip intake, and low vegetable consumption in both males and females. Mental health problems were also strongly linked to acne, even when diet was introduced into the statistical model.
A study found increased risks of breast cancer in women from the most exposed zone and an excess of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue neoplasms in all but the least exposed zone. Researchers analyzed medical records of over 36,000 individuals exposed to dioxin after a 1976 industrial accident.
The GRADE framework has been criticized for its reliability, with Brian Kavanagh arguing that it lacks evidence-based support. International collaborations are crucial in evaluating eHealth, as highlighted in two related articles by Mohammed Ansari and David Bates, who recommend increasing knowledge generation and data exchange.
Research reveals that parasitic worm infections are prevalent in Northern Rwanda, with those infected more likely to be underweight. The study also found a link between parasite infections and anemia, but not significant growth stunting.
Researchers found that idiomatic sentences activated the right middle temporal gyrus and right medial frontal gyrus, indicating a more complex understanding process. The left hemisphere's role in suppressing literal meaning was not specifically activated, but limbic regions involved emotional responses were.
Research suggests that living close to noisy roads increases the risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The study found modest exposure effects at lower noise levels, but more marked effects among younger and middle-aged populations.
Researchers found that elderly individuals have a slower response time when identifying faces, with one component of the brain's reaction being less sensitive to faces. This suggests that age-related decline affects face processing abilities.
Researchers found patients with upper GI complaints visited GPs twice as often and received double the number of prescriptions. High contact frequency was most strongly associated with upper GI symptoms, rather than psychological co-morbidity.
A 'surviving sepsis' program improved patient outcomes by increasing compliance with guidelines and reducing in-hospital mortality. The study found a significant improvement in intensive care unit patients, with a notable 45% risk reduction for death.
Researchers discovered that genetic differences exist more within Central Asian ethnic groups than between them, indicating a constructed social system rather than common ancestry. This challenges traditional notions of ethnicity and highlights the importance of analyzing genetic data in understanding ethnological issues.
A survey of 374 radiologists found that increased use of radiological imaging is driven by new technology, patient informedness, and lower physician tolerances for uncertainty. This can lead to unnecessary investigations, radiation exposure, and healthcare costs.
Researchers have identified pathways that control partial pancreatic regeneration induced by sodium tungstate treatment, revealing its anti-diabetic effects.
A new diagnostic test, urine LAM-ELISA, was tested on 291 Tanzanian patients suspected of having TB and found to have a disappointing sensitivity of 50.7%. The specificity of the test was also low at 87.8%, raising concerns about its reliability as a standalone diagnostic tool.
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.
Researchers define global conservation priorities for endangered carnivores considering socioeconomic and life-history factors. The study identifies 41 ecoregions worldwide as key areas for cost-effective conservation investments.
Research suggests that red light can impact alertness at night via pathways other than the circadian system, contradicting previous assumptions about blue light's dominance. The study found that moderate levels of red light increase alertness in individuals, making it a viable alternative to blue light for improving nighttime alertness.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.