Articles tagged with Europe
Cardiovascular outcomes trials are considered a high-risk venture due to long treatment periods and large sample sizes required to demonstrate incremental risk reduction. Simplifying randomized controlled trials could bring new therapies to market sooner, mitigating the impact of exclusivity loss and reducing development costs.
A new trial found that hydroxychloroquine does not reduce pain, disability, or joint stiffness in patients with primary hand osteoarthritis. The study suggests that this medication should no longer be prescribed for this condition, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options.
A dose reduction strategy for TNF inhibitors can maintain good clinical response in RA patients even when the dose is reduced by one-third. Reducing the dose by two-thirds results in more flares, but these subsided when the higher dose was restarted.
A study by EULAR found that inspiratory muscle training (IMT) significantly improves lung strength and efficiency in AS patients, outperforming conventional treatment. After just eight weeks of IMT, patients showed improvements in chest expansion, aerobic capacity, resting pulmonary function, and ventilator efficiency.
A systematic review of 15 randomized controlled trials found that biologics significantly reduce accumulated missed workdays and improve work productivity among patients with rheumatic diseases. This suggests a potential economic benefit to treating these conditions.
Fatigue remains a debilitating problem for RA patients, with healthcare professionals often failing to measure it. New guidelines recommend validated fatigue measurements to improve patient outcomes. In contrast, treatment aimed at achieving disease remission is unlikely to be effective in addressing fatigue.
A new method has identified children with rheumatic disease who are eligible for a life-saving vaccine. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective even in patients taking immunosuppression treatment.
Early RA patients exhibit cardiomyopathy, reduced vascular function, and increased cardiovascular mortality. Cardiac MRI revealed aortic stiffness, left ventricular volumes, and geometry changes indicative of cardiac abnormalities.
Researchers have discovered remains of the hazel dormouse in the Lezetxiki cave site on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the Upper Pleistocene period. The find confirms that the species had a wider distribution than previously thought, with Lezetxiki being the southernmost point in Europe where dormouse remains have been found.
Researchers found that low birth weight, having older siblings, and hospitalizations due to infections between ages 5-16 can predict ankylosing spondylitis. These environmental factors have been linked to other diseases, such as autoimmune conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
A large population study found an increased risk of developing Psoriatic Arthritis among psoriasis patients exposed to physical trauma, particularly bone and joint traumas. The study suggests further investigation into the complex factors leading to arthritis in psoriasis patients may lead to modified risk.
Researchers found a unique bacterial signature in the colon of people with systemic sclerosis, which may contribute to clinical symptoms and be used for diagnosis. The study suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria could be a feature of SSc.
Research reveals that NSAIDs can inhibit ovulation in women with mild musculoskeletal pain, affecting their ability to conceive. The study found that after just 10 days of treatment, progesterone levels decreased significantly across all treatment groups.
The tREACH trial found that combination DMARDs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine) improve measures of disease activity and functional ability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests an earlier decrease in disease severity and improvements in functional ability compared to monotherapy.
A study found that RA patients with moderate disease activity are at risk of needing joint surgery, challenging existing treatment guidelines. The findings suggest updating disease activity cut-off points to allow moderate-disease-activity patients to receive biologics.
The study confirms massive migrations led to huge changes in the European gene-pool, conferring admixture on modern populations. Genetic analysis reveals a new perception of family, property, and personhood emerged during this period, influencing language families and later developments in the Bronze Age.
Research suggests that gay and bisexual men in homophobic countries are less likely to know about HIV, use condoms, but face a higher potential risk of infection as technology increases access to sexual contact
A new study suggests that EU forests have the potential to supply significantly more woody biomass than currently used, but this comes with trade-offs for biodiversity and other ecosystem services. The findings highlight the need for careful planning to balance wood production with protection of biodiversity.
The EU has invested €9.5 million in the Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research Infrastructure (ACTRIS-2), expanding its network of ground-based observatories to study aerosols, clouds, and trace gases. TROPOS coordinates remote sensing and operates a European Calibration Centre for Aerosol Physics in Leipzig.
A new study reveals that the rise of the Rocky Mountains predisposed North American mammals to adapt to a cold, dry world during the Grande Coupure event. This led to better survival rates compared to European mammal species, which were overrun by Asian mammals already adapted to colder conditions.
Researchers at Michigan State University have found that Varroa mites can mimic the scent of honeybees to infiltrate hives. The study revealed that the parasites are able to adapt quickly, changing their surface chemicals within days to evade detection by bees.
In the ATREUS trial, 41.2% of patients treated with trabectedin in second line showed improved survival and median progression-free survival at 12 weeks. The study adds to scarce evidence-based science in this disease, warranting further investigation.
The EU Clinical Trials Regulation aims to improve cancer research in Europe, but its implementation poses challenges for researchers and Member States. The regulation includes provisions such as a one-time-consent for patient data and tissue use, creating a single registration portal, and data transparency.
A study of paracetamol use in seven European countries reveals a six-times higher risk of liver failure in Ireland and a two-fold higher risk in the UK. The highest rates of overdose-related liver failure were found in these two English-speaking countries, suggesting potential differences in self-poisoning practices.
The US market offers less effective sunscreens compared to European counterparts, which have approved eight superior formulations for better protection against UV-A and -B rays. Manufacturers are waiting for FDA approval since 2002, hindering product availability.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 found that cognitive impairment is common in elderly heart failure patients, occurring in three-quarters of patients. The study also showed that cognitive impairment predicts a worse prognosis, with an increased risk of all-cause death and heart failure readmission.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 reveals moderate to severe depression is associated with a 5-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Patients with moderate to severe depression had an 80% lower mortality risk compared to those without or mild depression.
Springer announces a partnership with IMISCOE to publish their open-access journal Comparative Migration Studies and book series IMISCOE Research Series. The journal offers a unique comparative perspective on the science of migration and diversity, publishing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research.
EuroPCR 2015 highlighted the benefits of mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke, showing significant improvement in outcomes for one-third of patients who qualify for the procedure. The meeting also showcased advancements in coronary interventions, including chronic total occlusions and stent thrombosis.
Joint recommendations from the Heart Failure Association, European Society of Emergency Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine emphasize urgent diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure. The guidelines outline tests, treatments, and management strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity.
The harlequin ladybird's arrival in Britain has led to declines in seven native ladybird species due to its predatory behavior. Research on the invasive species has provided new insights into biological invasions and their impact on ecosystems.
The EU has funded a new initiative to enhance collaboration in polar research, bringing together 22 institutions to develop an integrated European polar research programme. The programme aims to create a suite of research proposals directly relevant to European society and its economy.
Researchers discovered that almost two-thirds (64%) modern European men belong to just three young paternal lineages. The study used DNA sequences from the Y chromosomes of 334 men from 17 populations and found a widespread, recent male-specific population expansion during the Bronze Age.
Recent clinical trials demonstrate significant improvements in neurological function with clot retrieval therapies, increasing recovery rates to 40-50%. However, implementation into practice requires concentrated effort from multiple parties, including training and education.
The European Clinical Consensus Conference concludes that research into renal denervation for high blood pressure should not be abandoned until high-quality research is completed according to agreed-upon standards. The group also emphasizes the need for standardization in treatments, populations, methods, and adherence measures.
A team of UK scientists studied how changes in the stratosphere affect surface-level jet streams, storm tracks, and weather. The research highlights a series of global weather phenomena resulting from the 'coupling' between the stratosphere and troposphere, such as extreme temperatures over eastern North America.
Analysis of SWEDEHEART registry data reveals substantial secondary prevention potential in women, particularly for lipid and blood pressure control. Women experience higher rates of cardiac readmission and lower rates of risk factor control compared to men, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A study of thousands of human bones reveals a gradual decline in leg bone strength as Europeans adopted agriculture and settled down, while arm bone strength remained steady. Researchers found that lifestyle changes, such as reduced mobility, were more significant contributors to the shift than urbanization or nutrition.
A large cohort study found that even short duration and low intensity exercise has a negative correlation with mortality rate in the elderly. The risk of death decreased by 57% in those with higher levels of physical activity compared to those with lower levels.
A screening study of over 2,000 elite athletes revealed a surprisingly high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, including life-threatening heart problems. The study found that 7.3% of athletes had some form of cardiovascular abnormality, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments and screenings in elite athletes.
A study published at the EuroPRevent congress found that employees in busy workplaces often do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, with only 6% achieving 10,000 steps per day. The research highlights the need for workplace health promotion policies to be more effectively applied to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Research suggests single motherhood before age 50 is associated with poorer health in later life, particularly in countries with weak social support safety nets. Single mothers tend to be younger, less well-off, and less educated than dual-parent households.
A survey of over 50,000 children aged 8-12 across 15 countries reveals that children's happiness differs significantly depending on their geographical location and lifestyle. In Northern European countries, children are dissatisfied with their appearance and self-confidence, while those in African countries tend to be happier with scho...
Botanists have discovered 17 new species of Eugenia plants in Madagascar, with the finds shedding light on the genus's distribution and ecological patterns. The discovery highlights the country's rich biodiversity, with many plant families yielding new species annually.
A new study published in the journal Addiction reveals that almost 5% of the world's adult population has an alcohol use disorder and more than 20% smoke tobacco. The report highlights regional differences in addictive behaviors, with Eastern Europe having the highest rates of smoking and heavy drinking.
Amparo Acker-Palmer aims to decipher molecular signaling pathways regulating the neurovascular interface, which could lead to new approaches for treating dementia and mental illness. Her team uses genetically altered mice and zebrafish to visualize dynamic events of cell-to-cell communication at the neurovascular interface.
A new population genetics model reveals a previously unknown bottleneck in the Finnish population between 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. This event likely reduced the population size significantly and resulted in fewer genetic differences among its offspring.
A new study has found that myopia, or short-sightedness, is becoming more common across Europe, affecting around a quarter of the population. The correlation between education levels and short-sightedness has also been identified, with those completing higher education at increased risk.
A study of European trees found that they have increased their water-use efficiency by 14% for broadleaf and 22% for coniferous species since the 20th century. However, despite this adaptation, forest transpiration rates have still risen by 5% over the same period due to a warmer environment and longer growing seasons.
A large Ontario-based study reveals that some immigrants and refugees have a 1.5 to 2 times greater risk of psychotic disorders than the general population, with specific groups from Caribbean and East Africa/South Asia showing significantly higher rates.
The European Menopause and Andropause Society recommends non-hormonal management of menopausal vasomotor symptoms through lifestyle modifications and behavioral interventions. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and gabapentin may be effective alternatives to estrogen-based therapies, but evidence is limited for other approaches.
Queen's University Belfast is at the forefront of a major European push to combat increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. The SAFEcrypto project, led by Professor Máire O'Neill, will focus on three main areas: protecting information passed via satellites, public-safety communications systems, and safeguarding data privacy.
A new hydrogeochemical modelling approach reveals the specific methane generation process in Europe for the first time. The formation of biogenic shale gas in Sweden's crust is relatively young, dating back to deglaciation around 12,000 years ago.
A new test has been developed to predict sudden cardiac death in hemodialysis patients, combining nuclear medicine, C-reactive protein, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Patients with 2 or 3 abnormal measures were at a significantly increased risk of cardiac death.
A statistical analysis of data from 20 industrial countries reveals that housing market pricing cycles have become longer over the last four decades. Longer down phases can lead to dire consequences on national and international economies.
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) is part of the CANCER-ID consortium, a €22.7 million project exploring blood-based biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
A leading public health doctor argues that calorie counts should be mandatory on all alcoholic drinks to address obesity concerns. The Royal Society for Public Health supports this move, as a recent survey found that many consumers are unaware of the calorie content in common drinks.
A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution suggests that technological innovations in hunting weapons may not have been a driving force behind the colonization of Europe by anatomically modern humans. The researchers found that stone tools used by humans around 40,000 years ago appeared in Europe earlier than previously th...
A prospective multicentre observational study examined the relationship between polygamy and cardiovascular health. Men with multiple wives had a higher risk of coronary artery disease, left main disease, and multivessel disease, with risks increasing by up to 4-fold.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have challenged a popular theory that North America was first settled by Upper Paleolithic people from Europe via an ice bridge. The team found inconsistencies in the recovery and ownership of the ship that discovered the alleged evidence, as well as discrepancies in photographs and records.