A recent study led by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that diflunisal successfully reduced neurological decline and preserved quality of life in patients with familial transthyretin amyloidosis. This repurposed generic drug demonstrates an effective alternative to liver transplantation for this devastating disease.
Tropical Cyclone Bruce is experiencing strong effects of wind shear and cooling ocean waters, leading to its rapid weakening. The NASA Aqua satellite captured images of the storm on December 24, showing a low-level center exposed to outside winds and rapidly decaying.
Younger women with aggressive tumors and higher recurrence risks are less likely to receive radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery, according to a nationwide database analysis. Factors affecting non-compliance among younger women include family structures and region of residence.
A 2-year study found diflunisal reduced neurological impairment and preserved quality of life in familial amyloid polyneuropathy patients compared to placebo. The treatment showed potential benefit in a phase 1 study and is well-tolerated by patients.
A study published in JAMA Network found that prolonged exposure therapy significantly improved PTSD symptoms and depression in adolescent girls with a history of sexual abuse. The therapy was more effective than supportive counseling, with participants showing greater improvement in general functioning.
A recent meta-analysis suggests that antidepressants are not effective in treating bipolar disorder. The study found no significant difference in response rates or remission for patients using antidepressants compared to placebo.
A study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduced headache frequency and disability in children with chronic migraine. CBT was more effective than headache education, with 86% of participants experiencing a 50% or greater reduction in headache days.
A six-year study found prolonged exposure-A to be more effective than supportive counseling in reducing PTSD and depression symptom severity in adolescent girls who have experienced sexual abuse. The therapy, modified for the developmental stage of adolescents, showed improved overall functioning and long-term benefits.
The proportion of opioid treatment programs offering on-site testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) decreased substantially between 2000 and 2011, despite guidelines recommending routine opt-out HIV testing. For-profit opioid treatment programs were more likely to experience this decline.
Activating P300 protein facilitates DNA repair in hippocampal neurons, potentially treating neurodegenerative disorders. Researchers propose novel object recognition tasks as a therapeutic complement to classical drug-based therapy.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that Kinect-based virtual reality training can improve upper limb motor function in subacute stroke patients. The training also promotes brain reorganization, specifically targeting the contralateral sensorimotor cortex.
A study found that using antidepressant nortriptyline for 15 weeks did not improve symptoms of idiopathic gastroparesis. Researchers concluded that tricyclic antidepressants may not be an effective strategy for treating this disease.