Drug decreases blood vessel stiffness in older people
A new drug breaks down collagen bonds in blood vessels, reducing stiffness in older individuals. This could be a treatment for high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetes complications.
Science News for September 3, 2001
Need for health care services versus ability to pay
A study of 2170 Ontario respondents found that healthcare expenditures were related more to self-reported health status than income. The results suggest that the utilization of physicians' services in Ontario is based on need rather than income. The findings contradict common assumptions about healthcare financing.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 3, 2001
Study: The rate of clots forming inside stents is three times higher than generally appreciated
A new study has found that the rate of clots forming inside stents is three times higher than generally appreciated, with a 3.5% risk for patients with acute coronary syndromes. This finding may prompt cardiologists to rethink their approach to stent placement and consider alternative treatments to lower this risk.
Annals of Internal Medicine, Tip Sheet, September 4, 2001
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that African-American patients receive fewer heart procedures than white patients, despite having a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers suggest various factors, including patient education and physician attitudes, may contribute to these disparities.
Stem cells guided down blood's developmental pathway
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully directed undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells to become primitive types of blood cells, which later develop into mature blood cells. This breakthrough technology holds promise for creating novel sources of blood cells for transfusion and transplant therapies.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2001
Straightening out koala kinks
A koala scoliosis study reveals that the condition takes different forms in marsupials compared to humans. The research, conducted by Emily Milbourne, aims to describe the normal anatomy of koalas and investigate the causes of scoliotic animals.
The difficult task of preventing falls among the elderly
A recent randomized controlled trial suggests that preventing falls among elderly people remains a challenging task. Despite improvements in adherence to interventions, injuries and subsequent harm persist. Researchers emphasize the need for continued research and practice to address this critical public health issue.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 3, 2001
Use of complementary and alternative care does not mean unhappiness with conventional care
A nationwide survey of over 800 adults found that patients who use both traditional and CAM therapies view their healthcare providers as part of a larger team. More than half of respondents believed CAM therapies were more helpful for certain conditions, but had equal trust in physicians as practitioners.
New data support the safety and tolerability of the novel oral anticoagulant Exanta® for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation
Exanta demonstrated improved safety and tolerability compared to warfarin in treating patients with medium to high risk for stroke and systemic embolism. The phase III SPORTIF programme enrolled over 6,200 patients and showed promising results. Exanta is being investigated as a simpler alternative to warfarin treatment.
Eating disorders affecting younger girls
A study found that 12% of girls aged 12-14 experienced binge-eating episodes, while 7% engaged in self-induced vomiting to lose weight. Researchers recommend screening for eating disturbances among girls with higher body mass indexes.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 3, 2001