Articles tagged with Open Access
A recent survey found that two out of 18 northwest England hospitals lacked a written chemical emergency plan and three A&E departments had no staff trained in chemical decontamination. The study highlights major gaps in preparedness for chemical incidents, calling for national guidelines to be set and enforced.
A study discovered three-finger toxins in a rare rattlesnake subspecies, while a novel toxin gene was found through gene fusion. This discovery reveals the complexity of snake venom composition and its potential for developing new therapeutic agents.
Researchers found that monkeys and college students perform approximate mental addition with remarkable similarity. This cognitive ability likely reflects an evolutionary link between humans and nonhuman primates.
A new study published in BMC Medicine suggests that patients with chronic patellofemoral syndrome may not benefit from arthroscopic surgery, instead finding relief through therapeutic exercise. The randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of arthroscopy and exercise in reducing knee pain and improving mobility.
A survey of medical staff in Turkey found that a majority condoned physical violence against wives, with inadequate training and knowledge gaps in reporting domestic violence. Healthcare workers reported being aware of clinical signs but lacked detailed understanding of legal procedures and proper interventions.
A study in PLOS Medicine found that Somali combatants' excessive use of khat, a stimulant with amphetamine-like effects, is prevalent across southern and central Somalia. The study also revealed high levels of cannabis and other drug use among combatants, posing significant challenges for post-conflict reintegration programs.
Researchers characterized gene expression patterns in Kawasaki disease patients, identifying innate immune mechanisms and proinflammatory responses. The study supports the use of gene-expression profiles to generate biomarkers for other systemic inflammatory illnesses, improving diagnosis and treatment options.
Researchers have found that exposure to a common household chemical, butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), can cause genomic changes in the mammary gland of rats. The study suggests that this could potentially lead to breast cancer, highlighting the need for further research.
A review of six knee osteoarthritis treatment guidelines found significant differences in recommended treatments, with a focus on acetaminophen, NSAIDs, and exercise. The study highlights the need for more detailed educational interventions to improve guideline applicability.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that health education regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dengue fever is inadequate in Cambodia. The study suggests that these educational programs are accorded low priority, leading to poor resource allocation and lack of effective messaging.
Researchers found that reducing FoxP2 levels impaired zebra finch song development, showing a critical role for the gene in vocal learning. This similarity with humans suggests shared molecular substrates for vocal learning across species.
A study found that a specific polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor gene is associated with lung disease progression in cystic fibrosis. Patients with the BclI GG genotype showed more pronounced deterioration in lung function, suggesting they may benefit from inhaled steroids.
Two studies published in BMC Genomics have identified over 1,400 genes involved in grape ripening and revealed the first biochemical evidence of reactive oxygen species accumulation during color transition. The findings provide a powerful new resource for understanding fruit ripening control in non-climacteric plants.
A new predictive model of disease spread has been developed using actual travel and census data from over 3,000 urban areas in 220 countries. The model provides predictions of outbreak likelihood and potential spread, with simulations that fit the actual SARS virus pattern in 2002.
A qualitative study found critical failures in South Africa's Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, including inadequate HIV testing and lack of nevirapine administration. The research highlights the need for strengthened HIV testing and a revised antiretroviral drug regimen to improve uptake.
SAGE and Hindawi will launch a suite of Gold Open Access journals, strengthening their portfolios in science, technology, and medicine. The partnership aims to widen access to important scholarly research.
Researchers used neuroimaging to study how the brain processes sounds in noisy environments, finding that the left hemisphere plays a key role. The study revealed that the brain's left hemisphere is responsible for distinguishing between signals and noise, enabling us to focus on specific sounds amidst competing noises.
A gene in male cichlid fish produces yellow pigment cells on oval spots, attracting female fish. The fish engage in an exotic oral mating behavior, where males deposit sperm in the females' mouths after she picks up eggs.
Researchers discovered a novel type of stem cell in menstrual blood that can rapidly replicate and develop into various cell types, including heart, liver, and lung cells. This breakthrough could lead to innovative treatments for damaged tissues and diseases such as diabetes and liver failure.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that people with schizophrenia are more likely to develop a ruptured appendix, with a 46.7% rate compared to 25.1% of the general population. The research highlights disparities in healthcare provision for mental illness and physical disease.
A recent study on Turkey's 2006 bird flu outbreak emphasizes the need for well-coordinated emergency response plans and clear responsibilities among healthcare workers. The research found that poor access to healthcare and poverty contributed significantly to the spread of the virus.
Researchers identified a genetic link between schizophrenia and a faulty brain mechanism, affecting startle response. Mice with increased fatty acid binding protein (Fabp7) showed impaired prepulse inhibition, similar to human schizophrenia patients.
A study using high-speed videography and neural recordings reveals that cortical neurons' firing patterns can predict the texture identification decisions of rats. The findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying tactile sensory discrimination.
Researchers at University of California San Diego propose alternative fragile breakage model to explain genomic rearrangements. The study reveals the existence of rearrangement hotspots in mammalian genomes, supporting a major advance in the debate over this topic.
Researchers developed a top-down analytical approach to understand schizophrenia's symptom inconsistencies, linking them to instability in attractor neural networks. The study suggests that decreased excitatory NMDA-mediated synaptically activated receptor conductances contribute to attention difficulties and reduced emotions.
A study found that athletes frequently take supplements without knowledge of their actual effects, leading to potential health risks. The research team recommends that education about supplement use become a required part of sport coach accreditation.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that oxytocin increases generosity in humans, particularly when considering another person's feelings. The hormone has a dramatically larger effect on generosity compared to trust, with participants offering 80% more money when given oxytocin.
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that eight weeks of antibiotic treatment can reverse local immunosuppression in patients with Buruli ulcer. This reversal leads to an active inflammatory response, which ultimately results in tissue repair and the restoration of normal immune function.
Visceral leishmaniasis has seen a significant rise in admissions at Médecins Sans Frontières treatment center in Somalia, highlighting the need for improved healthcare access. The true magnitude of the problem is likely unknown due to underreporting, and effective interventions will be limited without safe access to populations.
Researchers discovered Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted worm, endemic in southern Yunnan province, China, with 11.7% of the population infected. The parasite mainly affects healthy individuals, but can be fatal for those with weakened immune systems.
Researchers discovered neurons in monkeys' prefrontal cortex respond to specific Arabic numerals and shapes, similar to children's activation patterns. This suggests the brain builds on existing numerical precursor systems to acquire symbolic numerical abilities.
Research found that genetic variation affects sensitivity to the smell of sweat, with one gene (OR11H7P) associated with smelling sweat. Environmental factors also play a role in individual differences in olfactory acuity.
A study published in PLoS Biology investigates how bacterial cell colonies develop and self-organize to address environmental challenges. The research reveals that bacterial cells can coordinate their growth and movement to improve access to nutrients and facilitate efficient escape from crowded areas.
A survey of Quebec residents found that most young women would accept an HPV vaccine if it was offered for free, with 91% agreeing to vaccination. However, acceptance dropped sharply when the vaccine's cost was mentioned, highlighting concerns about access to healthcare services.
Researchers found that avian influenza viruses can infect children's cells more easily than adults' due to the widespread distribution of sialic acid receptors in children's lower respiratory tract. This may explain why avian H5N1 viruses can infect human upper respiratory tracts despite lacking traditional receptors.
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that ancient fish, specifically Australian lungfish, had retinas with visual pigments similar to those of early four-legged vertebrates. This suggests these creatures may have seen their new environment in full color when they first emerged onto land.
A study in BMC Medicine critiques university ranking systems for being misleading and invalid, citing discrepancies between top lists from Shanghai and Times Higher Education. The authors argue that such flaws can harm science and education, highlighting the need for global collaboration to standardize data.
A BMC Medical Education study reveals that newly qualified doctors in the UK feel better prepared for their first clinical posts since 2000. The research suggests that updated medical school curricula and teaching methods are having a positive impact on doctors' perceptions of their readiness.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that traditional family circumstances and workplace inequality contribute to long-term sick leave among Swedish women. Women reported high physical and mental demands at work, lack of flexibility, and bullying as factors affecting their health.
A new study reveals that over 30 US states require specific consent for HIV testing, potentially limiting the implementation of CDC's 2006 recommendations. Researchers found that nearly half of these states also require pre-test counseling and disclosure of transmission information to patients.
A Norwegian study found that teenagers in Norway increased in height and weight between 1966-69 and 1995-97. The study also revealed a shift in the distribution of body mass index (BMI), with more underweight adolescents than previously thought.
A virtual bazaar called PAZAR has been established to share gene regulation data, allowing researchers to access information without charge. This open-access database aggregates data on transcription factor and regulatory sequences, enabling the development of novel cancer therapies and stem cell treatments.
Scientists have found distinct gene expression signatures in the umbilical cords of premature infants who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a fatal lung disorder. These signatures were associated with chromatin remodelling and histone acetylation pathways, providing a potential proxy for predicting disease risk.
A study published in International Journal of Mental Health Systems highlights the long-term effects of war on mental health. The research suggests that grassroots community approaches are effective in coping with disasters and promoting collective well-being.
Research suggests that dilaton effects could reduce the abundance of stable dark matter particles like neutralinos by a factor of ten. This finding has implications for supersymmetric searches in colliders and challenges standard cosmology theories.
Research published in BMC Evolutionary Biology shows that a snake's intended prey affects the type and evolution of toxins in their venom. The study found that sea snakes have less diverse toxins due to their shared feeding behavior and diet.
Research reveals lymph nodes facilitate neuroinvasion of prions at low doses, accelerating infection after node removal. The study's findings have important implications for developing new prevention and treatment strategies for prion diseases.
A study found that Dutch GPs unnecessarily prescribe antibiotics for respiratory tract infections based on arbitrary diagnostic labelling and patient symptoms. The over-prescription of antibiotics poses significant risks due to resistance and costs.
A study suggests that teenage girls' friendships play a crucial role in protecting them from abuse in dating relationships. The 'circle' of friends sets social norms and values, acts as a safety net, and helps girls navigate uncertain situations. Strong friendship circles reduce uncertainty and protect against abuse.
A study found that a third of spam messages advertise health products, including prescription drugs and natural health products. Researchers successfully purchased several controlled substances through these messages.
A study published in BMC Evolutionary Biology found that some protozoa are globally dispersed, while others are geographically restricted, suggesting a moderate degree of endemicity. The analysis used a new fast-evolving DNA marker to reveal higher biodiversity than previously thought.
Genomic imprinting evolved in a stepwise, adaptive way, with genes becoming imprinted as needed. The study provides important clues about the evolution of imprinting, despite its complex nature.
The World Antimalarial Resistance Network (WARN) aims to provide a globally co-ordinated effort to tackle malaria. The network will facilitate worldwide monitoring and characterisation of drug resistance, including clinical efficacy, in vitro response, molecular markers, and pharmacological properties.
Research published in Critical Care found that mobile phones can cause electromagnetic interference (EMI) on critical care equipment such as ventilators and pacemakers. The study recorded almost 50 EMI incidents, with the second generation GPRS signal causing the highest number of incidents at over 60%.
Research reveals a key mechanism by which gene expression is modified in response to addictive drugs, identifying a splicing factor as a critical regulator. This study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of addiction and offers promising avenues for developing novel treatments.
Researchers found that flies have a complex immune system regulated by AP-1 and STAT transcription factors, which edit and repress the immune response to prevent 'friendly fire'. This mechanism is evolutionarily conserved to maintain balanced immune responses.
A study published in Critical Care suggests that large burns can lead to cardiac problems, inflammatory responses, and hypermetabolic states. Effective treatments may focus on addressing these multiple aspects, including inflammation and organ function.
A Taiwanese study suggests that Four-Agents Decoction, an 800-year-old traditional Chinese herbal formula, may exhibit a beneficial effect on primary dysmenorrhea after extended treatment. However, the study did not detect significant pain reduction in the initial cycle. The authors recommend further research with larger sample sizes a...
Research suggests women with a history of gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. A study of over 37,000 mothers who gave birth in Jerusalem between 1964 and 1976 found five cases of pancreatic cancer among those with gestational diabetes.
Research suggests that children can safely consume fat as part of a healthy diet, contrary to concerns over obesity. Children's bodies are more efficient at burning fat relative to energy expenditure due to their high growth rates and higher protein synthesis needs.