A UCSF professor argues that paying doctors and hospitals to improve performance has little impact on care quality. He suggests that health insurers must consider the complexity of the system before deciding whether pay-for-performance works.
A new study found that psychosocial stimulation led to beneficial effects on cognitive and educational tests in children with stunted growth. In contrast, a food supplement alone was insufficient to sustain benefits. The study suggests that early childhood stimulation is crucial for improving the development of undernourished children.
A new study finds that a drug combination against AIDS-related infections also prevents malaria in children. The combination, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TS), was found to be highly effective in preventing malaria, reducing the incidence by 99.5%, and also reduced gastrointestinal illnesses.
Researchers have developed a new approach to cardiac resynchronization therapy that uses a minimally invasive method to place pacing leads. The technique, which involves puncturing the heart's pericardium to insert the lead, shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for patients with heart failure.
Researchers found that individuals carrying CDKN2A mutations have a significantly higher risk of developing melanoma by age 50 (14%), 70 (24%), and 80 (28%). Genetic testing is unlikely to identify many mutation carriers due to the modest impact of these mutations on population incidence.
A study of nearly 2500 HIV-infected adults in the US found that 26% experienced perceived discrimination, with physicians being a major contributor. This discrimination led to reduced access to care and lower ratings for medical quality, highlighting the need for addressing these issues.
Researchers have found a dose-response relationship between IMRT volume and oral mucositis severity in head and neck cancer patients. Constricting IMRT dose can lessen toxic effects of treatment, reducing side effects for patients.
A study characterized the clinical predictors of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations among high-risk individuals of European and African ancestry. Researchers found that early age at diagnosis and family history were associated with an increased likelihood of carrying a deleterious mutation.
The number of bariatric surgical procedures in the US has increased substantially, with gastric bypass accounting for over 80% of all procedures. Length of stay decreased, but sociodemographic disparities persist, highlighting the need for equal access to bariatric surgery regardless of sex and socioeconomic status.
Researchers have developed a nanoparticle that can identify brain tumor cells and selectively target them for radiation therapy. The particles, called functional metallofullerenes, have shown promise in preliminary experiments and may one day benefit patients with advanced brain tumors.
Mark A. Johnson, a Yale professor of physical chemistry, has been awarded the 2006 Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy for his research on water's microscopic scale applications and solvation of protons and hydroxide anions.
Treating four or more brain tumors with radiosurgery is safe and effective, translating to a survival benefit of up to 18 months for some patients. The study's findings suggest that tumor volume rather than the number of brain metastases should be used as a criterion for radiosurgery.
Researchers at UK and ChemPharma aim to develop an effective treatment for inclusion in the Strategic National Stockpile by creating orally administered dosage formulations. The project, funded by $1,204,374 over 21 months, seeks to improve distribution and administration of radioprotective drugs during mass exposure situations.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel method for proofreading and error-correction in nanomaterials, utilizing catalytic DNA to detect and remove incorrect particles. This approach mimics nature's accuracy mechanisms in protein synthesis and holds promise for precise control over nanoparticle assembly.
Researchers developed special vibration-isolating seats to manage increased vibration risks, while monitoring potential damage to the aircraft. The findings support the installation of larger observation windows despite increased vibration concerns.
The study aims to determine the window of time when smoking delays bone healing and identify ways to prevent it. Researchers hope to develop treatments that speed up healing in persistent smokers and those with bone injuries.
Toxoplasmosis, a parasite carried by domestic cats, is linked to mental health issues like schizophrenia and reduced average intelligence. Indoor cats and stopping stray feeding are recommended to prevent transmission.
Scientists investigate bacterial adhesion to iron oxide surfaces using dual-strategy approach, combining protein pinpointing and random mutagenesis. The goal is to understand genetic, biochemical, and regulatory processes controlling cell attachment, with potential applications for environmental remediation and metal biotransformation.
A study of Medicare patients found a significant increase in bariatric surgery death rates among those aged 65 and older. The risk was highest among men and those with lower surgeon volume, highlighting the need for balanced care in high-risk populations.
A study of 42 African-American patients aged 50 and older with type 2 diabetes found that those who responded passively to racism tended to have poorer self-rated health, while those who responded actively had better health outcomes. Medical professionals are urged to be more aware of their patients' experiences of racism.
The MECP2 gene, responsible for Rett syndrome, plays a multifunctional role in RNA processing, including transcriptional repression and splicing regulation. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding the disease and developing targeted therapies.
Researchers have found that combining the monoclonal antibody C225 with photodynamic therapy in a mouse model of ovarian cancer resulted in substantial tumor reduction and improved survival rates compared to single-agent treatments. This innovative approach may provide new hope for women diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer.
African American women face unique genetic challenges in breast cancer screening due to limited data on mutations. Research confirms that genetic testing models work just as well for African Americans as they do for other populations, but the spectrum of mutations is vastly different.
A fatty acid found in milk, CLA, has been shown to inhibit the COX-2 protein, playing a significant role in many inflammatory diseases. Researchers believe that consuming dairy products daily may elicit an effect due to the small amount of anti-inflammatory CLA present.
Researchers argue that one-size-fits-all treatment guidelines for abusive men are ineffective and recommend tailoring interventions to each individual's background and motivations. The new approach aims to address underlying issues such as anger control and childhood traumas to prevent reoffending.
Children undergoing steroid treatment for childhood leukemia are at increased risk of contracting a more severe form of chicken pox, which may result in death. The study found that 54 out of 110 patients with chicken pox experienced severe disease, including two deaths.
Researchers discovered that endothelial cells lack the transport protein used by tumours to eject foreign molecules, making them vulnerable to anti-cancer drug GSAO. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment strategies against various tumour types.
Researchers developed criteria to evaluate CT scans for cancer-free lymph nodes, showing a 94% accuracy rate. Patients who met the criteria were spared from unnecessary surgery, reducing recovery time and complications.
A research team at the University of Montreal has developed a cancer-curing therapy using T-lymphocytes, which recognize and destroy abnormal cells. The treatment targets specific antigens found on cancer cells, producing interferon gamma and perforine/granzyme to eradicate tumors without causing side effects.
A study found that second-generation antipsychotics increase the risk of death in elderly Alzheimer's patients. Alternative treatments, such as behavioral interventions and antidepressants, have proven effective in some cases.
The PRISON II trial found that CYPHER Stent patients experienced lower rates of in-stent restenosis and target vessel failure compared to bare metal stents. This study provides new clinical evidence for the use of CYPHER Stent in complex patient cases.
Bariatric surgery procedures have increased significantly since 1998, with a notable shift towards wealthier households and private insurance. Despite this growth, disparities persist in receiving bariatric surgery, particularly among men, those with public insurance, and lower-income individuals.
A meta-analysis of 15 trials found that atypical antipsychotics increased the risk of death in dementia patients by 1.54 times compared to placebo. The study suggests that clinicians should use antipsychotics cautiously and consider alternative treatments.
Researchers found major increases in chlorophyll a concentration in six lakes on Baffin Island, indicating dramatic changes in ecosystem function. This increase occurred approximately 150 years ago, coinciding with the start of the Industrial Revolution and increased human impact on global atmospheric chemistry.
A clinical trial has found that a new treatment regimen combining radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy significantly increases the probability of survival for patients with recurrent squamous-cell head and neck cancer. The study showed improved one-year and two-year survival rates compared to standard chemotherapy treatment, ...
A new study finds that a lower dose of orlistat can help overweight individuals lose weight and improve their health. The medication, supported by over 100 clinical studies, demonstrated significant weight loss and reductions in cholesterol and blood pressure.
A meta-analysis of atypical antipsychotic drug trials found that patients randomized to these medications had a significantly increased risk of death compared to placebo, with an odds ratio of 1.54. This suggests that antipsychotic drugs should be used with caution in elderly patients with dementia.
The SAPPHIRE and US carotid feasibility trials demonstrated the durability of carotid stenting, showing low incidence of stroke and comparable target lesion revascularization (TLR) rates between CAS and CEA. Emboli protection with ANGIOGUARD also showed effectiveness in preventing major strokes during carotid stenting.
Researchers have identified the PrPC protein as a crucial component in the neuronal metabolism of calcium, shedding new light on the cause of mad cow disease. The study found that prions damage perineuronal nests, leading to neuronal death and disease progression.
Research reveals that accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides depletes key memory proteins in specific brain regions, worsening disease progression. Increasing Fyn activity further exacerbates this effect, highlighting a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer's treatment.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of bariatric procedures found that the average percentage of excess weight loss after operation was 61 percent, with significant increases in rates of hospital admission. Patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery had a doubling of hospitalization rates compared to those before ...
A new study found that radiation therapy can effectively control primary tumors and spare vision in patients with uveal melanoma. The procedure involves plaque radiotherapy, which delivers radiation to the eye tumor via a small metal shield containing radioactive seeds.
A recent study examined mortality and complications within 30 days following radical prostatectomy in 11,010 men who underwent the surgery between 1990 and 1999. The study found that age was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality, but the absolute risk of death was low even among men ages 70 to 79.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified a key component blocking stem cell growth and developed a system to expand cord blood stem cells, potentially treating adult patients with leukemia. The discovery may lead to clinical trials within the next year.
The University of Georgia has received a $3.5 million CDC grant to establish a center focused on reducing health disparities through effective communication and marketing strategies. The center will conduct research studies on how low-income individuals respond to health risks and develop culturally appropriate risk messages.
The study aims to identify factors that protect students from violence-related behaviors and those that predict academic success. It will collect data through surveys, behavioral ratings, interviews, and focus groups to better understand student behaviors.
A recent study found that single men with bone metastases are less likely to seek multiple radiation treatments, potentially due to lack of social support. The study suggests clinicians should be sensitive to the greater likelihood of negative outcomes in single male patients.