PRESS-NEWS.org - Press Release Distribution
PRESS RELEASES DISTRIBUTION

Inflammatory markers linked with an increased risk of premature death in adults with COPD

2015-03-16
(Press-News.org) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is characterized by a state of inflammation. A new Respirology study has identified certain inflammatory markers that can be used to predict which patients are at the highest risk of dying prematurely.

In a national sample of 1144 US adults who were followed from 1988 to 2006, those with obstructive lung function had higher levels of white blood cell count and fibrinogen as well as a higher percentage of elevated C-reactive protein than participants with normal lung function. White blood cell count and concentrations of elevated C-reactive protein were weakly associated with an increased risk of dying during follow-up. Elevated concentrations of fibrinogen were modestly linked with an increased risk of dying.

INFORMATION:



ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Finger lengths may indicate risk of schizophrenia in males

2015-03-16
Research suggests that the ratio of the lengths of the index finger and the ring finger in males may be predictive of a variety of disorders related to disturbed hormonal balance. When the index finger is shorter than the ring finger, this results in a small 2D:4D ratio, pointing to a high exposure to testosterone in the uterus. In a new study of 103 male patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 100 matched healthy male individuals, investigators found that the 2D:4D ratio may be an effective predictor of schizophrenia--there were significant differences between schizophrenia ...

Can mechanisms used during hibernation help animals colonize new habitats?

2015-03-16
Heterothermy, the ability of some animals to lower their metabolism and body temperature, is traditionally seen as an effective adaptation to predictable seasonal bottlenecks of unproductive cold periods. A new review suggests that the use of heterothermy may have been used as a response to acute emergency situations in animals that colonized Madagascar. Land mammals from Africa may have colonized Madagascar by rafting on drifting vegetation, and heterothermy may have facilitated survival on rafts and after colonization. Furthermore, delayed childbirth and prolonged sperm ...

Sufficient sleep is important for healthy sexual desire

2015-03-16
In a study of 171 women, those who obtained more sleep on a given night experienced greater sexual desire the next day. Reflecting sleep's impact on sexual desire, each additional hour of sleep increased the likelihood of sexual activity with a partner by 14%. Sleep was also important for genital arousal, such that women who slept longer on average experienced fewer problems with vaginal arousal than women who obtained less sleep. "The influence of sleep on sexual desire and arousal has received little attention in the field, but these findings indicate that insufficient ...

For some kids, Easter egg hunts can lead to skin problems

2015-03-16
Some children and adults are allergic to nickel and develop rashes when they come in contact with it. They also may react to foods--including peanuts, chocolate, oats, and processed American cheese--that contain a significant amount of nickel. A new Pediatric Dermatology study presents 4 clinical cases of hypersensitivity in children due to chocolate consumption at Easter. They all developed dermatitis flares approximately 48 to 96 hours after the holiday and admitted to binging on chocolate during their Easter Egg hunts. INFORMATION: ...

Minimally invasive spinal fusion: Less pain, faster recovery, smaller scar

Minimally invasive spinal fusion:  Less pain, faster recovery, smaller scar
2015-03-16
MAYWOOD, Ill. (March 16, 2015) - A minimally invasive spinal fusion back surgery results in less blood loss, less postoperative pain, smaller incisions, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery and return to work. Rather than cutting through paraspinal (back) muscles, the surgeon spreads and dilates the muscles to obtain access to the lumbar (lower back) spine. One such operation is called a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF). It's a complex procedure with a steep learning curve, said Loyola University Medical Center spine surgeon ...

New targets for rabies prevention and treatment

2015-03-16
Researchers have identified genes that may be involved in determining whether an individual is sensitive or resistant to rabies virus infection. Through a screening method involving mouse embryonic stem cells, the investigators uncovered 63 genes, some with roles in the immune response, that represent potential targets for prevention or treatment. The wide variety of functions of the genes that were identified points to numerous interactions between the host and the virus at all stages of infection. "Our study is the first to show that libraries of mutant stem cells ...

The dangers of reintroducing lions and other carnivores for ecotourism

2015-03-16
Ecotourism has motivated efforts to reintroduce lions to landscapes where they were not previously common. A new analysis conducted after 4 lions were reintroduced into the fenced Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, reveals that lions might compete with humans in winter, spring, and autumn and with endemic herbivores in all seasons but winter. Despite the use of fencing to limit conflicts, communities that reintroduce carnivores continually balance the rewards associated with ecotourism and the risks to human safety and species conservation. The findings are published ...

Universal public drug plan could save money for Canada

2015-03-16
Contrary to common public perception, Canadian taxpayers could save billions by the introduction of a universal public drug plan to provide prescriptions to all Canadians, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). Canada is the only developed country with universal health insurance that does not also offer universal prescription drug coverage. "A long-time barrier to the implementation of universal prescription drug coverage in Canada has been the perception that it would necessitate substantial tax increases," writes Dr. Steven ...

Universal public drug coverage would save Canada billions

2015-03-16
Canada could save $7.3 billion annually with universal public coverage of medically necessary prescription drugs. Canada is the only developed country with a universal health care system that does not include prescription drug coverage. New research from the University of British Columbia and University of Toronto, published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal , shows that universal public drug coverage, also known as universal pharmacare, is within reach for Canada even in times of government fiscal constraint. "It's a win-win," said Steve Morgan, ...

Consistency is the key to success in bread baking and biology

2015-03-16
ANN ARBOR--Whether you're baking bread or building an organism, the key to success is consistently adding ingredients in the correct order and in the right amounts, according to a new genetic study by University of Michigan researchers. Using the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Patricia Wittkopp and her colleagues developed a novel way to disentangle the effects of random genetic mutations and natural selection on the evolution of gene expression. Their findings are scheduled for online publication in the journal Nature on March 16. "These results tell us that ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

Parental monitoring is linked to fewer teen conduct problems despite genetic risk

From stadiums to cyberspace: How the metaverse will redefine sports fandom 

The hidden rule behind ignition — An analytic law governing multi-shock implosions for ultrahigh compression

Can AI help us predict earthquakes?

Teaching models to cope with messy medical data

Significant interest in vegan pet diets revealed by largest surveys to date

A new method for the synthesis of giant fullerenes

National team works to curb costly infrastructure corrosion

A ‘magic bullet’ for polycystic kidney disease in the making

Biochar boosts clean energy output from food waste in novel two-stage digestion system

Seismic sensors used to identify types of aircraft flying over Alaska

The Lancet: Experts warn global rise in ultra-processed foods poses major public health threat; call for worldwide policy reform

Health impacts of eating disorders complex and long-lasting

Ape ancestors and Neanderthals likely kissed, new analysis finds

Ancient bogs reveal 15,000-year climate secret, say scientists

Study shows investing in engaging healthcare teams is essential for improving patient experience

New pika research finds troubling signs for the iconic Rocky Mountain animal

Seismic data can identify aircraft by type

Just cutting down doesn’t cut it when it comes to the impact of smoking on your health

Gene silencing may slow down bladder cancer

Most people with a genetic condition that causes significantly high cholesterol go undiagnosed, Mayo Clinic study finds

The importance of standardized international scores for intensive care

Almost half of Oregon elk population carries advantageous genetic variant against CWD, study shows

Colorectal cancer screenings remain low for people ages 45 to 49 despite guideline change

Artificial Intelligence may help save lives in ICUs

Uncovering how cells build tissues and organs

Bigger datasets aren’t always better

AI at the heart of new SFU gel-free ECG system for faster diagnoses

“Cellular Big Brother”: 3D model with human cells allows real-time observation of brain metastases and paves the way for new treatments

Teaching large language models how to absorb new knowledge

[Press-News.org] Inflammatory markers linked with an increased risk of premature death in adults with COPD