Articles tagged with Open Access
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 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 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.
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.
Heat wave duration significantly impacts hospital admissions for fluid and electrolyte balance disorders, acute renal failure, and breathing issues. While individual hot days may have minor effects, prolonged heat waves can lead to increased health risks, particularly among the elderly.
Nile tilapia significantly reduced Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus mosquito populations by over 94%. The sustainable method provides a win-win situation for Kenyans, offering food and income while controlling malaria.
A study of diabetic patients from three North West London Primary Care Trusts found that those from ethnic minorities receive lower quality care, with poorer diabetes control and treatment outcomes. The researchers attribute this to patient factors, such as poor understanding of the disease, rather than institutional racism.
A study of US medical residents found that nearly half of them incorrectly answered questions about diagnosing and managing tuberculosis (TB). The residents showed particular difficulty in answering questions related to latent TB, the progression from latent to active disease, and interpreting diagnostic tests for patients with active TB.
Researchers have identified a potential biomarker, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), to predict acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill children. The study found that uNGAL levels increased 48 hours before a jump in serum creatinine levels, suggesting its potential as an early warning system for AKI preven...
A recent study published in Human Resources for Health found that international health volunteers have a positive impact on capacity building and resource allocation in low-income countries. However, junior and inexperienced NGO volunteers often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in these settings.
Research reveals air pollution particles can trigger inflammation in blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Exposure to particulate matter increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the mastodon has been sequenced, increasing the age limit for paleogenomic analyses by almost a complete glacial cycle. The study reveals that mammoths are more closely related to Asian than African elephants, with divergence times similar to those of humans, chimpanzees, and gorillas.
Scientists from PLOS Biology overturned the previously held belief that pterosaurs fed by skimming, revealing that drag forces would have imposed too great an energetic cost. The findings suggest that even smaller pterosaurs lacked necessary adaptations for skim-feeding, explaining its rarity in modern birds.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers discovered parietal neurons that respond with increasing activity as the number of items in a display is varied, suggesting an accumulator neuron role. This finding supports computer models separating summing and numerical identification processes.
A recent study published in Critical Care found that decreasing nurse staffing levels in intensive care units increases the risk of serious infections. Over a four-year period, researchers discovered that patients were more likely to develop ventilator-associated pneumonia six days or more after being placed on a ventilator when there ...
Research finds cryptic species hiding in plain sight across all major branches of the animal kingdom, defying geographical and taxonomic expectations. DNA analysis reveals genetic divergence among similar-looking animals, highlighting a significant underestimation of global biodiversity.
A study analyzing 138 bird species reveals that maximum flight speed is not solely determined by aerodynamic scaling rules. The authors found that flight speed also reflects the evolutionary history of the species, with species from the same group tending to fly at similar speeds.
A Canadian study found that paracetamol overdose rates decreased significantly between 1995 and 2004, with a notable drop in hospitalizations among young women and Aboriginal populations. The lack of package size restrictions in Canada contributed to this decline, contrasting with the UK's successful implementation of smaller pack sizes.
A study of over 3 million Italians found that men over 65 pay more for prescriptions than women, with costs escalating sharply after age 65. The research model developed in the study can help policymakers better allocate resources for prescription costs.
Rats who received help in the past were more likely to help another unknown partner, demonstrating generalized reciprocal cooperation. This finding suggests that evolutionary explanations for cooperation in animals may be broader than previously thought, potentially involving cultural and anonymous experiences.
Wide-scale communal use of insecticide-treated bed nets would provide considerable benefit to vulnerable groups, particularly adults and older children. This approach is supported by malaria transmission models suggesting a significant reduction in mosquito-borne disease transmission.
A survey of 2,250 people in Rwanda found a lower prevalence of blindness than expected. The study, published in PLoS Medicine, suggests that the country has made significant progress in addressing avoidable blindness in the post-conflict period.
The study reveals a novel anti-apoptotic signaling pathway disrupted by PINK1 mutations, suggesting a potential target for therapeutic intervention in Parkinson's disease. Increasing evidence links single-copy mutations in PINK1 to the development of later-onset PD.
Researchers identify complex regulatory network controlling epithelial stem cell proliferation in mouse incisors. Spatial differences in gene expression levels contribute to characteristic asymmetry of rodent incisors.
Researchers found that mothers' brains respond more quickly and robustly to ultrasonic calls of mouse pups, enabling them to detect and discriminate between sounds. This improvement in brain function is associated with the ability to recognize behaviorally significant sounds, such as those made by their young.
Researchers employ a module-based systems theory approach to explore the design principles of signal transduction and transport receptors. The study reveals that endocytosis and other receptor/ligand properties can be described by just a few control parameters, including avidity and consumption.
AZoJono has introduced a revenue share scheme that pays authors and peer reviewers up to $500 and $100-$500 respectively. This open-access model has led to high-quality Nanotech science being disseminated globally, with over 350,000 monthly visitor sessions.
Researchers created a dynamic model to understand cellular signaling pathways in C. elegans, revealing gaps in current understanding and potential for future exploration of biological systems. The model can predict how cells respond to gene mutations and signals, saving laboratory time and resources.
Despite challenges such as password issues and internet outages, African postgraduate doctors are making regular use of online medical literature. Textbooks remain a central source of information for many, but 66% have used the Internet for health information in the last week.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation that increases muscle mass and enhances racing performance in whippets, similar to humans. Whippets with one mutated copy of the myostatin gene are more muscular and fast, while those with two mutated copies have excessive muscle and poor athletic performance.
A low-tech operation called symphysiotomy, performed under local anesthesia, can increase the size of the pelvic outlet and permit vaginal delivery of the baby. This procedure has been largely abandoned in developed countries due to its simplicity and effectiveness in addressing maternal mortality in Africa.
Researchers predicted 3D structures for yeast proteins using de novo methods and integrated with biological data, providing a global view of protein relationships. The study assigned domains to families of evolutionarily related proteins, generating testable hypotheses about their mechanisms of action.
Research by Nicholas Foulkes and colleagues found that peripheral clocks require cortisol to generate daily rhythms of cell proliferation. Constant levels of cortisol can restore normal cell-division rhythms in cortisol-deficient strains.
Research suggests that a video of an extinct woodpecker in Arkansas may be a case of mistaken identity, as it closely resembles another native species. The analysis compares the footage with fresh recordings of the Pileated Woodpecker, revealing similarities in wing movement and plumage
Researchers estimate malaria transmission to be much higher than previously thought, ranging from 1-3,000, with serious implications for disease control. The study suggests that targeting the most frequently bitten individuals could lead to local elimination of malaria.
A team of researchers investigated the mechanism of phage DNA packaging, directly testing the connector rotation hypothesis. They found that it is unlikely to be the correct mechanism, and instead suggest a nonrotating model where ATPases compress and extend alternately, drawing in the DNA.
The winners of the BioMed Central Research Awards have made significant contributions to both human health and scientific understanding. Dr. Lalit Dandona's work on HIV in India reveals major differences from official estimates, while Flavio R Zolessi's research on retinal ganglion cells sheds light on neuronal differentiation.
A new study uses visual immunoprecipitation to reveal the regulation of microtubule dynamics via coordinated changes in protein interactions. Microtubules become dynamic during mitosis due to the release of a destabilizer molecule.
Researchers describe two structural forms of human RECQ1 helicase, which regulate its dual enzymatic activity. The larger complex is associated with DNA strand annealing, while the smaller form carries out DNA unwinding.
A novel compound, tazopsine, isolated from a Madagascan plant has shown activity against the liver stages of human and mouse malaria. Its semisynthetic derivative, NCP-tazopsine, completely protected mice from malaria parasites, suggesting a promising new candidate for anti-malarial prophylaxis.
Researchers used structural biology techniques to probe the molecular mechanisms of the major drug efflux pump in E. coli, AcrB. The study confirms that AcrB is split into three subunits with differently shaped substrate transport channels.
A world health insurance scheme could address shared responsibility and progressive realization issues, providing a framework for rich states to assist poor states. The proposed model is based on the Global Fund's success in securing long-term funding for health interventions.
A study published in PLoS Medicine identified four clinical features that can predict the likelihood of death in severely malnourished children. These signs include slow heart rate, weak pulse volume, depressed level of consciousness, and delayed capillary refilling time. The researchers proposed using these indicators to identify high...
The new MidWest Tier 2 Center will receive data from the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, enabling physicists to analyze and extract scientific results. The center will utilize grid computing techniques and collaborate with institutions worldwide to process vast amounts of data.
PLoS ONE is launched by the Public Library of Science, a new open-access journal that employs pre- and post-publication peer review. The first issue features 100 peer-reviewed articles covering various topics, including evolution, rabies control, mimicry, and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that hyaluronate application may reverse skin atrophy, which is more common in older individuals due to the gradual loss of epidermis and dermis. The study found that hyaluronate fragments restore skin thickness and suggest a potential therapeutic approach for this condition.
A study of 2737 medical residents found that extended work shifts are associated with increased reporting of medical errors, adverse patient events, and attentional failures. Doctors working long shifts reported a seven-fold higher risk of adverse patient events compared to those who didn't work extended hours.
A new global malaria map is being developed to address the lack of accurate information on malaria endemicity, which will enable targeted treatment and resource allocation. The Malaria Atlas Project uses statistical approaches to fill in gaps in data and create a comprehensive map of malaria risk worldwide.
Researchers are creating a global map of malaria risk to identify populations most at risk and predict disease impact. The Malaria Atlas Project will use satellite data, population censuses, and electronic information to create a detailed map of malaria transmission in Africa.
A new study analyzed 413 complete influenza genomes from New York State, showing genetically distinct viral strains circulate across the state and exchange genes through reassortment. Adaptive evolution in influenza virus is strongly affected by chance events, making predicting future patterns more difficult.
Between 2002 and 2030, life expectancy is expected to increase globally, with fewer child deaths under 5 years old. However, HIV/AIDS deaths are projected to rise, while tobacco-related diseases surpass them in prevalence.
The iPLEDGE program, an internet-based system, aims to prevent birth defects caused by isotretinoin by verifying pregnancy prevention measures. By ensuring that patients provide documentary proof of non-pregnancy and contraceptive use, the program significantly reduces the risk of birth defects associated with isotretinoin treatment.
Researchers used fruit flies to study the genetic basis of species differences, finding that small changes in control regions of genes can result in morphological differences and potentially even the creation of a new species. The study highlights the importance of regulatory sequences in gene evolution.
Researchers developed radioimmunotherapy to target and kill HIV-infected cells using antibodies. By injecting radioactive antibodies into mice with deficient immune systems, the treatment successfully reduced HIV-infected cell numbers and showed promise for eradicating the virus.
A group of advocacy organizations recommends educating health professionals about decision-making, evidence evaluation, and responsible promotion practices. They aim to reduce the influence of pharmaceutical marketing on healthcare outcomes.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic change causing aHUS, a chronic disease that causes kidney failure and can be inherited. The mutation affects the factor H protein, which is crucial for controlling the complement system, and may lead to poor transplant outcomes.
A new study suggests that dementia will become increasingly common as life expectancy rises, particularly among older women. The researchers found that a higher level of education was associated with only a slightly lower risk of dementia before death.