A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found a significant increase in adverse drug events reported to the FDA between 1998 and 2005. The number of serious adverse drug events nearly tripled, while adverse drug-related deaths increased 2.7-fold during this period.
A new study found that 1 in 20 North Carolina men who have sex with men reported using crystal methamphetamine, increasing the risk of spreading HIV and other STDs. Meth use is associated with inconsistent condom use, STD infection, HIV positivity, and erectile dysfunction treatment.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine has found that autistic individuals have deficient connections within single brain regions, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery was made using magnetoencephalography brain imaging technology and may lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted medications for autism.
A three-year observational study at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that a combination of strategies, including reclassifying brand-name drugs and removing non-essential medications from the formulary, resulted in significant cost savings. The plan's approach preserved members' use of medications for chronic conditi...
A study of 125 kidney tumors treated with radiofrequency ablation showed a high cure rate and low complication rate. The procedure achieved a 93% success rate for all treated tumors, making it an alternative method for patients who are not good surgical candidates.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has found a genetic mutation linked to systemic lupus erythematosus, a complex autoimmune disease. The discovery identifies variations of the TREX1 gene as a risk factor for developing lupus, shedding new light on its causes and potentially paving the way for new treatments.
A recent study found that Latino immigrants working in low-wage jobs report infrequent work-family conflict due to their collective culture's emphasis on work as a means to ensure family well-being. In contrast, women from the same background experience higher levels of conflict due to societal expectations of their caregiving roles.
A class of diabetes drugs increases the risk of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a new analysis of over 78,000 patients. The risk is estimated to be up to 100% higher in patients taking thiazolinediones, and may be triggered by fluid retention caused by the drugs.
A new internet-based training course is being developed to provide critical information for radiological sciences professionals. The eight-hour course, led by top radiation biologists, will cover the health consequences of a radiological or nuclear event and medical management of an exposure.
A new teaching method uses SimMan simulation technology to teach basic science concepts, with 98% of students rating the correlation as 'very good' or 'outstanding'. Students engaged actively through guided group discussions and interactive simulations.
Non-compliance with dermatologic treatment is a widespread issue, and physicians can improve compliance by establishing strong patient-physician relations, choosing suitable medications, and using effective education materials. Research shows that addressing non-adherence can lead to better success for patients with psoriasis and other...
Researchers found a genetic variant linked to an increased risk of developing COPD in smokers, suggesting a gene-environment interaction. The study suggests that genetic factors play a role in the development of COPD, alongside environmental exposure to cigarette smoke.
Scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have discovered that an obesity drug, orlistat, can be repurposed to target and kill cancer cells. The breakthrough, published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, provides a promising new avenue for the development of more potent cancer treatments.
Researchers found that thousands of tiny particles are released during angioplasty and stenting, which can impair kidney function. The study suggests that new devices may prevent debris release and improve patient outcomes.
Research suggests that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may improve prognosis for men genetically prone to develop prostate cancer. The study found that mice with a genetic defect causing prostate cancer had reduced tumor growth, slowed disease progression and increased survival when fed a high-omega-3 diet.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have developed an attention training program that can help older adults block out distractions and improve concentration. The study found that brain activity in areas related to sight and sound increased, while performance on a task improved after the eight-week training.
Scientists discovered that ezetimibe targets NPC1L1 protein in both the intestine and liver, lowering cholesterol levels by blocking absorption. This dual action may increase the risk of gallstones, highlighting the need for further research.
A study by pediatric researcher Robert H. DuRant found that over 70% of families surveyed did not store their firearms safely in the home. The study emphasizes the importance of storing guns safely to prevent accidents and suicide, particularly among children. Experts recommend removing guns from homes or using gun locks when not in use.
Researchers have confirmed that arsenic trioxide significantly improves patient survival in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. Nearly 600 patients participated in a six-year phase III study, showing improved disease-free rates and longer survival compared to standard chemotherapy alone.
A simple exercise test can help predict mortality risk in patients with heart failure and inform personalized treatment plans. The test measures lung efficiency and has been shown to predict future hospitalizations in systolic heart failure patients.
A survey of 1,812 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma found that the disease was not controlled in 55 percent, despite regular health care visits. Uncontrolled asthmatics were more likely to experience severe symptoms and hospitalizations.
A follow-up study found that pediatricians' behavioral health treatment methods showed only partial success, despite receiving structured interventions, FDA warnings, and mental health reforms. The interventions, including newsletters and resource guides, aimed to increase education on anxiety and depression recognition, collaboration ...
Researchers found that older adults with a history of excess weight in midlife or earlier had worse physical performance than those who were normal weight throughout adulthood. Maintaining healthy weight may prevent or delay physical disability as we age.
Researchers found that patients with well-controlled mild asthma on twice-daily inhaled steroids can safely reduce inhaler use to once a day or switch to daily pills. The study involved 500 children and adults with mild persistent asthma.
A recent study found that obesity is a significant barrier to living kidney donation among African Americans, with over 30% of black donors excluded due to obesity. Social reasons, including failure to complete the donor evaluation process, also contribute to the low rates of donation.
A study in mice deleted an enzyme that alters cholesterol structure, allowing them to consume saturated and trans fats without developing atherosclerosis. The findings suggest ACAT2 as a potential treatment target for protecting against heart disease.
A study by pediatrician Robert Schwartz found that 94% of parents who received motivational interviewing said it helped them change their family's eating habits. The average body mass index (BMI) of participants who received motivational interviewing decreased by 2.6 points, compared to a decrease of 0.6 points in the control group.
Researchers found a link between taking centrally active ACE inhibitors and lower rates of mental decline, with a 50% lower decline in test results compared to other high blood pressure pills. The study suggests that these drugs may slow cognitive decline by reducing inflammation in the brain.
Research suggests that older-adult dieting won't lead to reduced physical function, with women losing muscle but maintaining aerobic fitness and strength. Weight regain also doesn't negatively impact physical performance, as long as the regained weight is not excessive fat.
Preserving kidneys on a portable pump may improve initial function, reduce viral infections, and promote more organ sharing. The study found similar survival outcomes for patients receiving machine-preserved or cold-stored organs from older deceased donors.
A multi-center study shows that repeated Botox treatments over a year significantly decrease spasticity and pain in upper limbs following a stroke. The treatment improves quality of life for post-stroke patients with significant and lasting relief from debilitating symptoms.
A play about substance abuse was successful in prompting audience members to participate in prevention activities. After seeing the play, participants were more likely to talk about substance abuse, donate money to organizations, and volunteer time.
The FDA has added 'black box' warnings to all prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers, despite evidence showing naproxen is safe. This decision ignores the risk differences between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with Voltaren carrying the highest risk of heart attack.
Older adults with low vitamin D levels are at increased risk for poor physical performance and disability. The study found a significant relationship between low vitamin D levels and poorer physical performance, with results holding true even after adjusting for other variables.
Scientists from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that stress hormone epinephrine can cause changes in prostate and breast cancer cells, making them resistant to cell death. This link between stress and cancer has been suggested but previously unexplored, with potential implications for patients and researchers.
A new study found that doctors are treating patients with early symptoms of a heart attack with the same level of urgency as those with later-confirmed cases. This suggests that doctors are using alternative data sources, such as patient history and electrocardiogram results, to make treatment decisions.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) can help reduce the number of infants and toddlers developing frequent ear infections. The vaccine was shown to decline frequent ear infections by 16% in Tennessee and 25% in New York.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that multiple regions of the brain are involved in determining pain location, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify areas of brain activity while participants evaluated the spatial location of a thermal stimulus.
The study found that Crestor arrested the progression of thickened carotid arteries in participants with moderately elevated cholesterol levels. The therapy also lowered low-density lipoprotein and increased high-density lipoprotein, as well as reduced triglycerides.
A blood pressure drug has shown potential as a new treatment for lung cancer, shrinking tumor volume by 30% in mice. The hormone angiotensin-(1-7) was found to reduce cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme that regulates cell growth, and may provide a novel approach to treating the deadly disease.
Wernicke encephalopathy, a serious neurological condition, is increasingly reported after obesity surgery due to vitamin deficiency and vomiting. Patients should be alert for symptoms such as confusion, lack of coordination, and visual changes.
Researchers from Wake Forest University School of Medicine discovered a significant link between stress levels and acne severity in teenagers. The study, involving 94 adolescents from Singapore, found that high-stress teens were 23% more likely to have increased acne severity, with no correlation to sebum production.
New research found that older adults gain fat and lose lean mass each year until age 80, contributing to disability. The study also revealed that those born later experienced higher body fat percentages, highlighting the impact of the obesity epidemic on aging
A study by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that the median length of time to eliminate lead exposure in Wisconsin homes was 465 days, with only 18% completed within six months.
A new study has discovered a potential link between an approved obesity drug and cancer treatment. Researchers found that the drug Orlistat can block fatty acid synthase, an enzyme crucial for tumor cell growth, promoting cell death instead.
A new study at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that women's conflicting attitudes towards participating in clinical trials are rooted in fears, distrust, and hopes for future benefits. The researchers called for greater involvement of academic medical centers with minority communities to address health concerns.
A prototype code of ethics for life sciences aims to shape ethical practice by defining principles such as objectivity, research freedom, and virtues like duty and integrity. The code is necessary due to the high stakes of scientific advancements in human history.
Researchers found that radiation therapy after lumpectomy and tamoxifen treatment significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence and new tumors in older women with early breast cancer. The study's findings support providing high-quality care to all patients, regardless of age.
A large international study involving 83 sites will test 3,000 patients to evaluate the impact of exercise training on death and hospitalization in heart failure patients. The trial, called HF-ACTION, is the largest randomized clinical trial of exercise training ever performed.
Researchers found that a common diabetes drug prevents memory and learning problems caused by whole-brain radiation treatments in animal studies. The study suggests the drug may improve the quality of life for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.