Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have observed a non-invasive MR imaging healing mechanism for asymptomatic carotid plaque rupture. The study, published in Circulation, shows that not all plaque ruptures are symptomatic and highlights the importance of monitoring vulnerable plaques.
New research suggests that Tutankhamen fathered twins, based on analysis of the mummified remains found in his tomb. The study, led by Professor Robert Connolly, confirms that the two foetuses are likely to be twins and were born to the teenage Pharaoh.
Robotic navigation systems, such as Sensei and Niobe, enhance catheter-based procedures by minimizing fluoroscopy times and radiation exposure. These systems have shown promising results in isolating pulmonary vein antra and ablation of atrial arrhythmias.
A study found that low-birth-weight children are more likely to experience externalizing and internalizing psychiatric problems, as well as attention problems in urban communities. Early interventions may improve attention skills and lead to better outcomes later.
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found 27% of college students exhibit symptoms of tanning dependence, similar to substance addictions. Thinness and cigarette smoking are linked to higher rates of tanning dependence, suggesting potential avenues for prevention.
A team of academics argues that academic health centers (AHCs) can lead the development of best practices for establishing a data sharing culture. AHCs are urged to adopt seven recommendations, including recognizing data sharing contributions and educating staff on responsible data sharing.
Antipsychotics have shown efficacy in treating psychotic disorders and other conditions in children and adolescents, but concerns about metabolic side effects and long-term safety remain. Studies have found increased risk of weight gain, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycaemia with certain antipsychotics.
A substudy of the IBIS II trial found no significant differences in cognitive assessments between postmenopausal women receiving anastrozole and placebo, but noted more endocrine symptoms such as hot flushes in the anastrozole group.
Researchers found that serotonin transporter binding potential values were higher in fall and winter, suggesting a link between lower serotonin levels and seasonal mood changes. The study suggests that variations in brain serotonin levels may explain why people feel happier on sunny days and more sluggish during the dark winter season.
The transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) technique offers a direct and antegrade approach to the aortic valve, minimizing manipulation in the aortic arch and reducing stroke risk. This method is performed as an off-pump procedure, utilizing high-quality imaging and fluoroscopic visualization.
The carotid artery's intima-media thickness (IMT) is a valuable research tool that can predict cardiovascular events. Measuring IMT using non-invasive ultrasound allows for monitoring over time and assessing the impact of risk factor interventions.
Recent trials show intermittent HIV treatment increases risk of infections and death. A large-scale survey links 'burnout' to suicidal thoughts in med students, but finds it reversible. Whistleblower-initiated legal action against Medicare fraud has increased significantly since the 1990s.
A study found that older adults who slept more during rehabilitation had less functional recovery and took longer to recover. The study suggests that interventions to improve sleep patterns may promote functional recovery in older adults.
Research at the University of Chicago shows that playing sports or watching them improves language skills for discussing their sport. The brain's motor areas are activated when listening to conversations about a sport, even if there's no intention to act.
The CoreValve ReValving System has shown high procedural success and excellent long-term outcomes in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis. Procedural success rates reached 91%, with significant improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and mortality rates.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that family-focused therapy, combined with medication, significantly reduces depressive symptoms in adolescents with bipolar disorder. The treatment was shown to lead to faster recovery from depressive episodes and improved quality of life.
Researchers are exploring new biomarkers to detect myocardial infarction, which could lead to faster diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes. Currently, cardiac troponin is the gold standard for diagnosing myocardial necrosis, but its limitations include delayed detection and low sensitivity to ischemia.
A study found that African-Americans have a lower prevalence of periodic limb movements during sleep, which is linked to a higher rate of insomnia complaints. The overall prevalence of PLMS is 7.6 percent, with a lower prevalence in African-Americans and a higher prevalence in Caucasians.
A majority of US East coast hospitals distribute formula sample packs, contrary to major medical organization recommendations. The practice is changing significantly, with a rise in hospitals eliminating the packs and a decrease in distribution rates over the past few decades.
Research highlights the importance of diet, statins, and genetic factors in cholesterol regulation and cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that low HDL-C levels are strongly associated with an increased risk of CAD, and genetic mutations can affect HDL-C production.
The LEADERS study demonstrated that Biosensors DES is non-inferior to Cypher DES in terms of clinical events, stent thrombosis rates and angiographic follow-up data. The trial included a broad range of patients with symptomatic coronary disease, reflecting routine clinical practice.
A study published in Sleep found that heavy snoring is an independent risk factor for early carotid atherosclerosis. The prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis increases significantly with the severity of snoring, affecting up to 64% of heavy snorers.
A study found that older adults with insomnia are less sensitive to changes in skin temperature, making it harder for them to detect when their body is too hot or cold. Warming the skin can facilitate sleep onset despite this decreased sensitivity.
A comprehensive study of hip and knee replacement surgeries in England found that one in seventy-five patients require revision after three years. The research suggests that different patterns may emerge over a longer follow-up period, emphasizing the need for further research to evaluate surgical procedures and types of implants.
The World Cancer Declaration aims to tackle the growing cancer crisis in developing countries with 11 cancer-busting targets for 2020. The plan focuses on significant drops in tobacco consumption, obesity and alcohol intake, as well as universal vaccination programs and proper pain medication.
New research reveals that wolves prioritize seafood, specifically salmon, over deer when available. The study shows that wolves reduce deer hunting activity and focus on fishing during autumn when salmon is abundant.
A recent study found that children born to older fathers are at higher risk of developing bipolar disorder. The study, which analyzed data from over 13,000 patients with bipolar disorder, suggests that advancing paternal age may be associated with an increased risk of complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
A Harvard Medical School study found that direct-to-consumer advertising has a modest effect on prescription rates for some drugs, but none at all for others. The researchers compared sales of three specific drugs in English-speaking Canada and Quebec, where residents were less exposed to ads, and found no significant difference in pre...
A new study by UCLA sociologists found that even a single job displacement has a lasting impact on workers' inclination to volunteer and participate in various social and community groups. Workers who experienced involuntary displacement were 35% less likely to be involved in their communities than those who never experienced a job loss.
Drug-eluting stents should be avoided in patients with diabetes, short lesions, or large vessel sizes due to high restenosis risk. Extended dual antiplatelet therapy also poses bleeding complications, making bare metal stents a safer option for some patients
The TRANSCEND study enrolled nearly 6,000 people worldwide who are intolerant to ACE inhibitors and found that telmisartan reduced the outcome of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke by a significant 13% compared to placebo. Fewer patients receiving telmisartan were hospitalized for any cardiovascular reason.
Recent studies on DES have shown mixed results, with some suggesting increased risk of late thrombosis but no impact on mortality or myocardial infarction. However, other data indicate benefits in terms of reduced reinterventions and improved outcomes for high-risk patients.
The TRANSCEND study found that telmisartan modestly reduced the outcome of cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure. Additionally, fewer patients receiving telmisartan were hospitalized for any cardiovascular reason compared to placebo.
A study published in Nature describes the use of DNA analysis to pinpoint the geographic origins of individuals from a sample of Europeans. The research revealed striking genetic maps of Europe, allowing for precise classification of individuals by region.
A randomized trial found that fluvastatin XL reduced myocardial ischemia and cardiovascular death in high-risk patients undergoing elective vascular surgery. The study showed a significant reduction in the incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality, with a number needed to treat of 12.5 patients.
Recent guidelines reject CABG as initial treatment strategy for most patients with multi-vessel disease, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. A multidisciplinary approach involving a surgeon is recommended to ensure patients receive balanced advice.
A randomized controlled trial found that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduced mortality and hospital admission for cardiovascular reasons in patients with chronic heart failure. The study involved 357 Italian cardiology sites, with 3494 patients receiving PUFA supplements and 3481 receiving placebo.
The ECNP consensus statement on bipolar depression highlights the disease's significant impact on functioning, social relationships, and employment. Early onset of bipolar disorder is associated with a severe burden of disease, particularly during acute depressive episodes.
Diabetic patients face accelerated atherosclerosis, increased risk of restenosis and late mortality when undergoing PCI. DES has been associated with mortality benefit in patients with multivessel disease, but results are mixed for diabetic patients.
The BEAUTIFUL study shows ivabradine significantly reduces hospitalization for fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction by 36% and coronary revascularisation by 30% in high-heart-rate patients. Ivabradine is safe and well-tolerated, even when used with other cardiovascular drugs.
Genetic testing has significantly improved the detection of individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death in athletes. This technology enables informed decision-making regarding care and training continuation among athletes. However, its use in asymptomatic genetic carriers with normal phenotypes is a topic of controversy.
Researchers have discovered two new genes that increase the risk of developing childhood inflammatory bowel disease. The study found a compelling candidate, TNFRSF6B, which is involved in tumor necrosis factor signaling and may provide a target for drug development.
Cardiac computed tomography (CTA) is reliable for excluding coronary artery disease but lacks hemodynamic relevance and poses radiation risks. Fundamental insights into CAD suggest a graded prognosis according to ischemia severity, making revascularization unnecessary in some cases.
Recent advancements in cardiac imaging have led to the detection of impairments in cellular processes that precede changes in morphology and function. These early stages can be identified through various imaging techniques such as PET, nuclear imaging, MRI, ultrasound, and optical imaging.
The introduction of handheld echocardiography machines promises to revolutionize cardiac diagnosis and treatment. These portable devices will enable doctors to quickly assess heart valves and pumping power, potentially saving lives in emergency situations.
The field of non-invasive cardiac imaging has evolved significantly, with various techniques such as echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and computed tomography available. However, clinicians face challenges in choosing the most suitable modality due to a plethora of options.
The LEADERS study found that a biolimus-eluting stent with a biodegradable polymer is as safe and effective as a sirolimus-eluting stent with a durable polymer, reducing the risk of restenosis. The results suggest that this new generation of drug-eluting stents may offer improved long-term safety and effectiveness.
A trial of intensified versus standard medical therapy in elderly patients with congestive heart failure found that increased medication doses did not improve outcomes for older adults. In contrast, younger patients showed lower death rates and fewer hospitalizations with intensified therapy.
A new study led by the University of Leicester found that men's sex hormones, particularly estradiol and estrone, are associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors such as high total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. This suggests that natural endogenous estrogens may play a role in increasing heart disease risk in men.
The adult brain's capacity for neurogenesis is closely tied to stress and depression, with research showing that chronic stress can inhibit new cell growth in the hippocampus. However, antidepressant treatment has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for treating major depressive disorders.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover a master switch in the brain that controls both appetite and fertility. Variations in the TORC1 gene may contribute to obesity and infertility, and could be regulated with a novel drug. The study also reveals that leptin plays a crucial role in regulating these processes.
Regular exercise training can create ambiguity with cardiac pathologic conditions, highlighting the need for thorough screening strategies. Pre-participation cardiovascular screening has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death in young competitive athletes by up to 89% in Italy.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have deciphered the structure of telomerase, an enzyme playing a major role in nearly all human cancers. This achievement paves the way for new cancer treatments and anti-aging therapies by understanding how to deactivate telomerase.
The study found that ivabradine reduced coronary secondary outcomes, including fatal and non-fatal heart attacks by 36% and coronary revascularisation by 30%, in patients with a heart rate of above 70 bpm. Elevated heart rate was also identified as a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular death and disease.
A positive exercise test indicates an increased risk of cardiac events, especially in athletes with underlying coronary artery disease. The test is crucial for evaluating high-risk athletes over 35 years old and those with known cardiac abnormalities.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are developing new sensory devices to help people with Parkinson's disease and stroke patients control their movements. The devices will provide sensory information through eyes, ears, or touch, allowing the brain to learn to guide movements in a more controlled way.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a vulnerable step in the hepatitis C virus' reproduction process that can be effectively targeted with an obsolete antihistamine. The novel technique used microfluidic chips to screen over 1,200 drug candidates and identified clemizole as a promising lead.
The TRANSCEND study found that telmisartan modestly reduced cardiovascular events and hospitalizations for heart-related issues in patients with vascular disease or high-risk diabetes. The drug also had a lower rate of permanent discontinuation due to hypotension, according to the randomized controlled trial.
A population of 4,450 athletes showed no evidence of HCM, with only 12 cardiac abnormalities detected. Routine echocardiography is not necessary in large population screening programs for young athletes with HCM.
Researchers estimate global sea level rise could be double or triple current predictions over the next century, with possible rises of up to a third of an inch per year. The study uses lessons learned from the demise of the last great North American ice sheet to inform its findings.