Articles tagged with Europe
A study found that children born after mothers received chemotherapy during pregnancy had normal cognitive and cardiac development, but those born preterm were more likely to experience developmental delays. Researchers recommend continuing cancer treatment during pregnancy unless preterm delivery can be prevented.
Researchers found that invasive species like the European green crab may have a major advantage when starting at the upstream edge of their range, particularly in environments with strong prevailing directions of water or wind currents. This can help inform control efforts and conservation strategies for native species.
A recent study found that mutations in the SF3B1 gene are associated with a milder form of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and better overall survival rates. The researchers also discovered a close relationship between the mutated gene and the presence of ring sideroblasts, abnormal precursors to red blood cells, which can cause anaemia.
A study comparing 6,597 patients across four European countries found substantial differences in treatment approaches for rectal cancer. The use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy varied greatly between countries, despite comparable stages of disease.
A major UK trial found that giving radiotherapy between or during chemotherapy cycles significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurring in the breast or chest wall. The treatment, known as synchronous chemoradiation, has minimal adverse side-effects and no detrimental effect on quality of life.
Research from the University of Edinburgh and Warwick University finds that powerful lobby groups in Europe are threatening public acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food. This has resulted in greater restriction of plant biotechnology research and development, hindering efforts to address global hunger and climate change.
A study found that elderly breast cancer patients are more likely to die from age-related conditions rather than the disease itself, highlighting shortcomings in patient care. Researchers argue that these patients are being under-treated due to a false perception of their prognosis.
Researchers sequenced the genome of a man who was an Aboriginal Australian, showing they are direct descendants of the first people to arrive on the continent 50,000 years ago. This challenges the prevailing theory of human migration, suggesting that Aboriginal Australians migrated to Australia earlier than previously thought.
The study demonstrates that Aboriginal Australians descend directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. The results show that modern day Aboriginal Australians are the direct descendants of the first people who arrived in Australia as early as 50,000 years ago.
Researchers have sequenced the Aboriginal Australian genome, demonstrating that they descended directly from an early human expansion into Asia around 70,000 years ago. This study provides new insights into the dispersal of the first humans to leave Africa and re-writes the story of their journey to Australia.
A study by an international consortium has identified five new genes associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The research, published in PLOS Genetics, found that these genetic variants contribute to the development of CAD and heart attacks, particularly in South Asian populations.
Three European medical oncologists, Johann de Bono, Rafael Rosell, and Hans Jörg Senn, have been recognized by ESMO for their groundbreaking work in prostate cancer management, lung cancer treatment, and breast cancer care. The awards celebrate their commitment to improving cancer research and clinical practice.
A new study reveals that warming seas are changing the composition of fish communities in the northeast Atlantic, with southerly species dominating and colder species declining. The analysis of data from over a million fish across 28 years shows a significant increase in warm-water species and a decrease in cold-adapted species.
The 24th ECNP Congress presented landmark studies on the burden of mental disorders in Europe, early intervention in schizophrenia, and sex differences in mental disorders. The event emphasized the need for increased funding and better treatment allocation to address these challenges.
A major shift in European fish stocks is already underway due to rapidly rising temperatures, with some species' losses being others' gains. The study found that over 72% of common fish species have changed in abundance related to warming trends, with three out of four species increasing in numbers.
ELIXIR will provide sustainable infrastructure for managing biological information in Europe, securing public access to genes, proteins, and complex networks. The initiative aims to support life science research and its translation to medicine and the environment.
A European review of child organ donations highlights legal, ethical and cultural barriers across countries. The shortage of deceased donors from children is exacerbated by incompatible organ size and low donation rates.
A recent study argues that existing financial protection measures are insufficient and advocates for new indicators to identify those unable to afford healthcare. The findings highlight the need for improved measurement of financial protection in health systems to better support vulnerable populations.
A landmark study reveals that mental disorders have become Europe's largest health challenge, affecting 514 million people. The study highlights a significant treatment gap and calls for increased funding and improved care to address the critical challenges facing mental and neurological disorders.
Crowd-sourcing efforts identified key disease-causing genes in the E. coli O104:H4 strain, which carries a high number of genes involved in disease. The outbreak, affecting over 16 countries, has been linked to contaminated beansprouts and resulted in thousands of cases and multiple deaths.
Researchers recruited participants from Germany and Portugal to rate pictures of a composite face, finding that the average face perceived as 'typical European' differed significantly between the two groups. The study's findings have implications for racial profiling and suggest that people may use mental shortcuts when thinking about ...
A study published in Phytopathology identifies California as the source of the devastating tree-killing fungus Seiridium cardinale. The pathogen has infected and killed up to 95% of native trees worldwide, including junipers and cedars.
The ESC Congress 2011 in Paris saw a record-breaking attendance of 32,946 participants, with a focus on the quality of scientific content and new clinical guidelines. The congress highlighted significant findings on apixaban, dual antiplatelet therapy, and the importance of registries for cardiovascular disease prevention.
The Minimum Information about a Bioactive Entity (MIABE) standard aims to capture more information about bioactive compounds, enabling better analysis and design. By adopting this standard, researchers can analyze large datasets from various drug discovery programs, leading to improved understanding of successful drugs.
Results from a study presented at ESC Congress 2011 show that TAVI implantation in low-risk patients achieved 100% procedural success and zero deaths within one month, matching conventional surgery outcomes. The study analyzed data from 177 patients with low logistic Euroscore (<20%) who underwent Edwards prosthesis implantation.
After TAVI, patients experience improved hemodynamic values, including reduced valve gradients and increased effective orifice area. The study also found sustained reduction in end-diastolic septal wall thickness and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction at 12 months post-implantation.
The study found that almost 40% of patients have no underlying disease associated with atrial fibrillation, and symptoms vary greatly among patients. Symptoms include palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness, and many patients seek a drug-free lifestyle after ablation.
Patients receiving optimal medical therapy after a heart attack experience an 18% reduced risk of mortality compared to those not on the full treatment regimen. A broader use of coronary angiography and revascularization could further improve outcomes.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that new generation drug eluting stents reduced the risk of clinically meaningful restenosis by 38% and stent thrombosis by 50% compared to older generation stents. The study included data from over 90,000 patients and showed improved outcomes with thinner struts and more biocompatible polymers.
The ESC pilot registry in heart failure reflects improvement in chronic disease management, with high rates of guideline-recommended treatments. However, outcomes for acute heart failure remain poor, with high mortality and morbidity rates.
The European Society of Cardiology promotes primary PCI as the best reperfusion therapy for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and triage can significantly reduce mortality rates.
The study found a very high hospitalization rate during pregnancy, with 338 patients hospitalized (26% of all pregnancies) and 203 cardiac cases. Maternal death occurred in 13 patients (1%) and fetal death in 59 cases (4.5%). The authors suggest that further analysis and larger numbers are needed to identify the underlying causes of hi...
A new sub-analysis of the EMPHASIS-HF study showed significant reductions in death and hospitalization for five pre-defined high-risk patient sub-groups with chronic heart failure treated with eplerenone in addition to standard therapy. The benefits were observed across various subgroups, including those with diabetes, kidney impairmen...
A prospective cohort study found that post-myocardial infarction snus quitters had a significantly lower risk of total mortality compared to current users. The association was independent of smoking habits and partly explained by changes in lifestyle variables.
A recent study found that cigarette smoking has a greater impact on arterial health in women compared to men, with increased risk of atherosclerosis and carotid artery thickening. This association holds true even after adjusting for other factors such as age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that cycling at high intensity for short periods significantly reduces all-cause mortality. Men who cycled fast survived 5.3 years longer, while women did so by 3.9 years. The study suggests increasing daily vigorous physical activity may help combat cardiovascular disease.
A new trial by the European Society of Cardiology suggests that remote follow-up of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients could be a safe alternative to traditional in-clinic visits. The study found that remote monitoring resulted in fewer inappropriate therapies and similar outcomes compared to conventional follow-up.
A recent study found that the rate of TAVI success is similar between male and female patients, despite increased iliac complications among females. However, female patients had a higher one-year survival estimate (76%) compared to males (65%). Male gender was also identified as a strong predictor of one-year mortality after TAVI.
European women outlive men by an average of 6 years, with a higher proportion dying from cardiovascular diseases, while smoking and drinking habits contribute to the gender gap in life expectancy
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that watching a funny movie can positively impact vascular function, expanding blood vessels and improving cardiovascular health. The research suggests that incorporating laughter into daily life may be beneficial in preventing heart disease.
Researchers found a significant correlation between pericardial fat thickness and coronary arterial remodeling in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with higher pericardial fat thickness were more likely to have non-calcified plaque and positive remodeling, which are related to acute coronary syndrome.
Researchers found that inhibiting microRNA-100, a regulatory RNA molecule, can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in animals with peripheral artery disease. This could lead to potential therapeutic applications for cardiovascular diseases.
Critically ill heart failure patients supported with short-term VADs before urgent transplantation had higher incidence of surgical bleeding, longer bypass times and primary graft failure rates compared to those receiving conventional therapy. Routine VAD implantation in stable patients may compromise transplant outcomes.
A study presented at the ESC Congress 2011 found that high job demands coupled with low job control are associated with increased risk of heart disease and mortality. Working long hours is also detrimental to health, leading to decreased cognitive function and higher risks of coronary heart disease.
A German team has developed a new non-invasive method to identify heart failure using an electronic nose, which can detect the condition with 89% sensitivity and 88% specificity. The study screened over 250 patients and found that the method was effective in distinguishing between different stages of heart failure.
The PERMIT-CARE trial demonstrates that MitraClip treatment improves NYHA functional class and reverse left ventricular remodeling in approximately 70% of patients. The study shows that FMR reduction with MitraClip is feasible, safe, and leads to substantial improvement in heart failure patients who do not respond to CRT.
A study of 663 advanced heart failure patients found that echocardiographic response (left ventricular reverse remodeling) was a better predictor of long-term mortality than clinical response. Echocardiographic response was independently associated with superior survival, with patients showing good response having a lower risk of death.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched an updated version of its HeartScore application, which provides a more accurate estimate of cardiovascular disease risk. The new tool includes features such as a 'fast track' calculator and a 'risk age' function to help clinicians quickly understand patient exposure to CVD risk.
The number of patients with cardiac problems during pregnancy is increasing, and careful screening for heart disease is crucial. New ESC guidelines recommend regular screenings, appropriate risk assessment, and counseling to minimize complications and ensure fetal and maternal health.
The new guidelines aim to improve lipid management in patients with cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, should be the first step in managing lipids.
Dutch company Dura Vermeer has developed a floating house technology using light plastic foam and composite materials, allowing for larger structures without losing buoyancy. The innovation has potential to help countries affected by climate change and rising sea levels, such as small island-states.
Researchers found that higher disorder in complex networks accelerates synchronisation, contradicting previous theories. This observation holds true for various real-life networks, including air-transport and social networks.
A study published in the European Physical Journal B demonstrates that embryo development follows hydrodynamic principles, where cells flow like a fluid, resulting in the formation of the head. This challenges previous theories suggesting chemical gradients drive cell movement, providing new insights for regenerative medicine.
Empa researchers found significant discrepancies in greenhouse gas emissions reports, particularly from Western European countries. The study reveals that countries like Italy and the Netherlands underreported their HFC-23 emissions, while others like France and Germany reported accurate figures.
Residents of US, Lithuania, and Russia view romantic love through different lenses. While 'being together' is a common requirement, expressions of 'comfort/love' and 'friendship' are more prevalent in the US than Eastern Europe. Americans take longer to fall in love, with over 90% reporting it within a month compared to 58% in the US.
A new study has recovered and analyzed the oldest fossil evidence of fingernails in modern primates, confirming that small body size led to nail development. The discovery provides direct evidence for the evolution of nails in primates and sheds light on the origins of human-like characteristics.
EU companies expect global R&D investments to grow by 5% annually, with a significant focus on emerging economies like China and India. Innovation is seen as key to commercial success and job creation, with 27% of annual sales coming from innovative products introduced in the past three years.
A consortium of universities, small companies, and bigger players in the energy sector has developed a novel approach to reviving biofuels. The project focuses on redesigning engines to adapt to non-conventional fuels, resulting in less noisy and longer-lasting engines.
UK PubMed Central will be led by EMBL-EBI for the next five years, providing access to over 2 million full-text biomedical research articles. The service aims to build a gold-standard digital repository for the biomedical literature, benefiting researchers worldwide.
The PATH B program provides a comprehensive educational resource for patients with chronic hepatitis B, improving understanding of the disease and enhancing patient-physician dialogue. The program aims to increase patient engagement in disease management, resulting in better quality of life.