News about 2018

Endometriosis: Risk of Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis increased

A new Neurology & Urodynamics study has demonstrated a link between endometriosis and a subsequent diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC).

In this study, researchers aimed to determine the risk of BPS/IC among women with endometriosis compared to the general population during a 3-year period following the diagnosis. The study is the largest nationwide population-based study, investigating the relationship between endometriosis and subsequent risk of developing BPS/IC.

Chlamydia: Certain vaginal bacteria increased the risk

The presence of specific types of vaginal bacteria may be associated with an increased risk for chlamydia infection, finds a small, but well powered study published online in Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Pediatric X-ray Imaging Safety a Shared Responsibility

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released final guidance encouraging manufacturers to consider radiation safety of pediatric populations in the design of x-ray imaging devices. But pediatric X-ray imaging safety does not rest solely on the shoulders of manufacturers. Medical professionals and caregivers also have an important role to play, a study suggests.

TPB Assess Predictors of Intention to Prescribe Sick Leave in PCPs

A new study identifies predictors of intentions in providing sickness leave using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). However, intentions alone may be insufficient to determine behaviour due to an intention-behaviour gap, according to researchers.

E-cigarettes: Unique and potentially damaging immune responses triggered

E-cigarettes appear to trigger unique immune responses as well as the same ones that cigarettes trigger that can lead to lung disease, according to new research published online in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

'Heart-on-a-chip': Drug Testing speedened

Testing new clinical drugs' effect on heart tissue could become quicker and more straightforward, thanks to new research. The study sets out a new, faster method for manufacturing a 'heart-on-a-chip,' which can be used to test the reaction of heart tissue to external stimuli.

About 25% of U.S. Stillbirths were Potentially Preventable

About 1 in every 160 pregnancies in the United States ends in stillbirth . A new study suggests many of these tragedies are "potentially" avoidable, with better prenatal and obstetric care , that stillbirth rate might improve. The study was published in the  Obstetrics and Gynecology.

College branding makes beer more salient

Major beer companies have rolled out marketing campaigns and products that pair beer with university colors, mascots, and logos. The research published in Psychological Science shows that such campaigns may enhance the motivational significance of marketed beer brands, especially for students who identify strongly with their university. The researchers conclude that this effect could potentially increase underage students' alcohol consumption.

Saliva used to Investigate Prevalence of Synthetic Opioids

A research team developed a new laboratory test for synthetic opioids and heroin using saliva and to investigate the prevalence of these drugs among prisoners and arrestees.

Genomics Reveals Key Role of Macrophages in Systemic Sclerosis

A new international study, published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases (ARD), has made an important discovery about the key role of macrophages, a type of immune cell, in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a chronic autoimmune disease which currently has no cure.

Tooth Loss Contribute to Musculoskeletal Frailty in Seniors

New research published in Geriatrics & Gerontology International has found that tooth loss may contribute to musculoskeletal frailty in the old people ( age>50) with fewer than 20 teeth being at greatest risk.

Tracing Cell Death Pathway Points to Drug Targets

University of Pittsburgh scientists are unlocking the complexities of a recently discovered cell death process that plays a key role in health and disease, and new findings link their discovery to asthma, kidney injury, and brain trauma. The results, reported today in the journal Cell, are the early steps toward drug development that could transform emergency and critical care treatment.