A study by Dr. Timothy R. Smith and colleagues found that over three-fourths of US neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine, ordering extra tests and procedures to mitigate malpractice risks. Rates were highest in states with high-risk liability environments, where neurosurgeons reported stopping procedures due to fear of lawsuits.
The American College of Physicians marks its centennial year with a focus on the role of internal medicine in healthcare systems, professional satisfaction, and cost control. The journal also explores the challenges of sharing clinical trial data, highlighting the need for a consistent approach to balance benefits and risks.
The 2015 Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Rudolf Zechner for their pioneering work on harnessing bacterial immunity to develop genome editing technology, known as CRISPR-Cas9. The prize also recognizes Zechner's contributions to understanding lipid metabolism and its role in various diseases.
Professor Warburton's book, Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, surveys current issues in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The book provides overviews of recent progress in stem cell research, including progenitor cell therapies for organ systems.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully used CRISPR to precisely and efficiently alter human stem cells, showcasing its potential for treatment and disease research. The findings suggest that CRISPR may be a useful tool for editing genes in human-induced pluripotent stem cells with minimal risk of off-target effects.
Researchers develop a new approach to customize nuclear medicine treatment for cancer, using targeted alpha therapy with customized radiolabeled antibody cocktails. This method has great potential for treating various diseases, including those with disseminated tumor cells.
The Biogerontology Research Foundation will present new economic longevity research at the second Big Data Science in Medicine congress in Oxford. The research, recently published in Psychology Research and Behavior Management, details an extensive survey of International Employee Benefits Association members.
An article in Breastfeeding Medicine suggests that bed-sharing restrictions may hinder breastfeeding frequency and exclusivity. The AAP's recommendations have been criticized for being unrealistic and potentially detrimental to breastfeeding outcomes.
Dr. Weltge received the John A. Rupke Legacy Award for his national leadership in emergency medicine, education, and research. He is a well-recognized leader at UTHealth Medical School, where he joined faculty in 1989 as the first board-certified emergency physician.
A study found that programming electronic health records to make generic drugs the default choice increases generic medication prescribing rates, leading to cost savings and reduced healthcare spending. The intervention was effective in both ambulatory clinics and did not require additional effort from physicians.
A new study from University of Alberta researcher Sunita Vohra examines the use of alternative therapies among pediatric cardiac patients in Canada. The study found that 64% of patients at Stollery Children's Hospital reported using complementary and alternative medicine products, with most having no regrets about their choices.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a new pathway that connects the brain to increased blood pressure, involving the unusual steroid ouabain. This discovery offers potential new approaches for treating high blood pressure and heart failure.
A team of researchers from InSilico Medicine has successfully mapped the molecular pathway for myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) cancer progression. The study identifies several proliferation and invasion-related pathways that are key to MDSC's immune-suppressive effects, opening up new avenues for therapy targeting these cells.
The new peer-reviewed open access journal will publish original manuscripts on disease prevention, health promotion, and public health policymaking. It aims to broaden understanding by including a wider selection of geographic and population-specific studies.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has announced the 2014-2016 Wagner-Torizuka Fellowship recipients, which provide two-year fellowships to support Japanese physicians in early stages of their careers. The fellows focus on functional imaging using modalities such as PET/CT and SPECT/CT to elucidate pathophysiology of...
Two experts denounce clinical trials of highly implausible treatments, citing dubious science and lack of evidence. They advocate for science-based medicine, urging patients to exercise critical thinking when evaluating treatment options.
A study by UCLA and RAND Health found that providing futile treatment in the ICU sets off a chain reaction, delaying critical care for other ill patients. The study shows that on 16% of days when ICUs were full, one patient received futile treatment, causing others to wait longer for admission.
The article highlights the importance of recognizing Ebola virus infection and isolating patients in hospitals worldwide. Despite concerns about transmission, experts argue that developed countries' effective hospital infection control practices minimize the risk of further spread.
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine is a new open-access journal publishing peer-reviewed articles on cardiovascular disease diagnosis, treatment, and pathogenesis. The journal provides unrestricted access to current information for clinicians and medical educators worldwide.
Rita Charon, a general internist and narratologist at Columbia University, has received the 2014 Gene D. Cohen Research Award in Creativity and Aging. Her work focuses on narrative medicine practice, reflective clinical practice, and health care team effectiveness.
Researchers found that L-carnitine administration improved axon area, myelin sheath area, and numerical density of myelinated axons, suggesting neuroprotective effects on sciatic nerve crush injury in rats. These findings indicate potential benefits of L-carnitine for treating nerve damage.
The article highlights female underrepresentation in academic medicine, citing a 53% proportion of women entering medical school. The lack of women in clinical academia is linked to implicit bias, affecting research agendas and future clinical practice.
Dr. Bruce Reider has been recognized for his extensive contributions to sports medicine education and research. He is a prominent figure in the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), serving as editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Executive Editor of the Medical Publishing Group.
Dr. Steven P. Arnoczky, a prominent sports medicine researcher, has been inducted into the AOSSM Hall of Fame for his extensive contributions to the field. He is recognized for his numerous awards and publications, including over 185 scientific articles and 150 abstracts.
Timothy N. Taft, M.D. is being inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's (AOSSM) Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to sports medicine education and research. He has served as a long-time professor at UNC and team physician for numerous international teams.
The UCLA Center for East–West Medicine has published a document to help students, educators, and practitioners evaluate and digest Chinese medical texts with greater sensitivity and comprehension. The 15-page document addresses translation-specific issues, technical terminology, and cultural perspective to promote accurate translations.
The 2014 SNMMI Annual Meeting showcased over 100 scientific sessions, 750 oral presentations, and 1,155 posters on molecular imaging technologies, clinical applications, and translational research. The meeting also featured notable lectures and awards, including the Henry N. Wagner Jr. Lectureship and the Benedict Cassen Prize.
SLU's Center for World Health and Medicine has received a $3.13 million sub-grant from PATH to explore new treatments for pediatric diarrhea, which kills about 600,000 young children worldwide each year. The grant aims to repurpose drugs for childhood diarrhea that pharmaceutical companies had developed as therapy for hypertension.
Siegel's work on PET has led to a major advance in nuclear medicine science, with a focus on evidence-based clinical trials and widespread acceptance of imaging studies. He is recognized for his visionary leadership in developing scientific methodology.
Researchers from Penn Medicine will present on the latest insights into Parkinson's disease, including new animal models that recapitulate alpha-synuclein pathologies. The findings highlight the complexity of the disease and potential avenues for treatment.
Associate Professor David Newman is a world leader in aviation medicine, receiving the 2014 John Paul Stapp Award for his work in aerospace biomechanics. He has made significant contributions to the field of aviation safety, focusing on pilot fitness and aviation-related health issues.
The Lancet and The Lancet Respiratory Medicine publish review articles on outdoor air pollution, asthma genetics, and preschool wheeze diagnosis to improve asthma control, prognosis, and personalized treatment approaches.
Dr. Huma Q. Rana received the 2014 Richard King Trainee Award for her manuscript on Parkinson Disease Risk in GBA Mutation Carriers. The award recognizes outstanding research in genetics and genomics, supporting trainees' careers and promoting high-quality publications.
A new study from Loyola Medicine found that only 10.3 percent of US children ages 6 to 18 are at risk for inadequate or deficient vitamin D levels under the Institute of Medicine guidelines. Children who are overweight, female, non-white, and between 14 and 18 years old are more likely to be at risk.
New data reveals that 82% of Division 1 NCAA football players return to play after ACL surgery, with motivation and skill playing key roles. Sophomores and juniors show the highest return rates, at approximately 90%, while scholarship players average around 87.6% recovery.
A new study found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea who received care from board-certified sleep medicine physicians and accredited sleep centers were two times more likely to be adherent to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. Patient satisfaction was also associated with physician certification.
Researchers genetically engineered T cells to resist HIV infection by inducing the CCR5-delta-32 mutation. The study showed promising results with reduced viral loads and persistent modified cells in patients.
A new assessment tool published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine provides a framework for effective hospital medicine groups. The tool outlines 47 characteristics organized under ten principles, aiming to improve patient care and hospital operations across the US.
A new focused ultrasound exam has been shown to accurately identify athletes with undetected cardiovascular conditions, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death. The Early Screening for Cardiovascular Abnormalities With Preparticipation Echocardiography (ESCAPE) protocol could become the sports medicine physical of the future.
A large Danish study found that anticoagulant medicine significantly reduces the risk of serious brain damage or death due to a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, which followed over 11,000 patients, also showed that mortality within 30 days is lower for those receiving treatment.
Less than 15% of internal medicine residency programs have a formal curriculum addressing cost-conscious care, despite a national consensus on the issue. The study found that western US programs and university-based programs were more likely to adopt such curricula.
A new approach to palliative care has been shown to reduce emergency room visits and improve overall care for high-risk geriatric patients. The customized care model, matched to their changing needs at home, also reduces healthcare costs.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a gene-based method for selecting warfarin doses has no added benefit over standard dosing methods. However, African Americans patients showed better outcomes with non-genetic strategy, highlighting the need for further research on personalized medicine approaches.
Researchers found that Prevotella copri was more abundant in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis than healthy individuals or those with chronic, treated rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests a possible link between the growth of this intestinal bacteria and the onset of autoimmune attacks on the joints.
Elsevier has added Annals of Medicine and Surgery to its portfolio, publishing original research articles and review pieces for medical trainees. The online-only, open-access journal aims to engage and develop talents of those in medical training.
A study by BUSM found that the majority of family medicine residency program directors believe complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is essential for resident training, but few have specific learning goals or adequate evaluation methods in place. The study also highlighted significant differences between strong and weak CAM/IM p...
Carl Nathan, MD, receives $20,000 prize for discoveries in immunology; monograph published in Molecular Medicine explores inspiration and purpose in scientific inquiry. The Anthony Cerami Award aims to document innovations and discoveries in medicine and healthcare.
Researchers at Cardiff University have teamed up with Peking University in China to test traditional Chinese medicine's health benefits and explore its potential when combined with chemotherapy. The study found that a traditional Chinese formula can block the spread of cancer cells and improve patient outcomes.
Scientists have made breakthroughs in delivering medicines to the brain via the nose, with improved liposomes and polymers allowing for more efficient transport of active substances. The new method could lead to reduced side effects and improved treatment outcomes for patients with neurological diseases.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that combining acupuncture or counselling with usual care can significantly reduce depression symptoms in patients with recurring depression. The study also showed a reduction in serious pneumococcal infections, highlighting the importance of vaccination in reducing these diseases.
A Loyola Medicine study found that the i-STAT point-of-care device is not accurate enough to determine troponin levels without a corrective term. Fingerstick testing can accurately qualify troponin levels as negative, borderline or positive.
A study found that 11% of ICU patients received treatments perceived by physicians as 'futile', with high costs and poor outcomes. The majority of patients received appropriate care, but many were given aggressive therapies without expected benefits.
A Penn Medicine study reveals that survivorship care plans, such as the online LIVESTRONG Care Plan, fill a knowledge gap for cancer patients and improve health outcomes. The plans provide essential information on follow-up screenings, late effects of treatment, and lifestyle changes.
Researchers found that Xingnao Jieyu capsules upregulate synaptotagmin expression in rats with post-stroke depression, improving depression symptoms. The therapeutic effects of Xingnao Jieyu capsules are similar to those of fluoxetine.
A recent study by MU School of Medicine found that the Summer Community Program improved physician access in rural communities. The 15-year study showed medical school graduates involved in the program were more likely to enter family practice residency training and choose rural locations for their first practices.
A research team found Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae inhibits advanced glycation end product formation, reducing levels in the frontal cortex and improving learning and memory capabilities in ovariectomized rats. The plant's antioxidative effect may contribute to its neuroprotective properties.
Research from Penn Medicine reveals that urban counties have a lower risk of injury-related death compared to suburban and rural counties. Motor vehicle collisions were found to be the leading cause of death in both urban and rural areas.
A meta-analysis of Chinese herbal medicines for vascular dementia found that these treatments appear to be safer and more effective than control measures. The studies suggest that Chinese herbal medicine has good potential in the clinic for treating vascular dementia.
Researchers studied 296 MLB pitchers and found that those with a deficit in total range of motion had a higher risk of injury. The study's findings could help team physicians and athletic trainers prevent long-term injury absences.
Research by Northwestern Medicine cardiologist Jeffrey Goldberger combines evidence-based guidelines with tailored treatment for patients, reducing over-treatment and under-treatment. By analyzing clinical data and individual characteristics, physicians can make more precise decisions, leading to better patient care.