Researchers found that middle-age adults are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for prevention rather than treatment, with biologically-based therapies used equally for both purposes. The study analyzed data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, covering 31,044 participants.
A study found that anxiety, blood pressure readings and responses to a heat test before surgery can predict post-surgical pain severity and medication requirements. The researchers identified six groups of predictive factors accounting for 90% of the total variances in patients' pain levels.
The Gamma Knife treatment has been shown to provide significant pain relief and quality of life improvements for over 90% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Facial numbness was a common side effect, but its impact on daily life was often less severe than the debilitating pain it replaced.
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.
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.
Patients who used a computer to learn about a screening test for colon cancer showed equal success and knowledge compared to those educated by a nurse. The study suggests that computer-assisted instruction can help increase screening rates for colon cancer by overcoming patient confusion and physicians' lack of time.
A pediatrician at Brenner Children's Hospital found that genital warts in young children do not necessarily mean child abuse. The virus causing the warts can also be spread through non-sexual contact, such as from mother to child during birth or through contaminated objects.
A recent survey of Latino poultry workers in western North Carolina found high rates of musculoskeletal injuries, with nearly half reporting pain in their hands or arms. The study also found significant differences in injury and illness rates among companies, highlighting the need for improved workplace safety measures.
Researchers found that smokers had a significantly higher incidence of developing diabetes compared to non-smokers, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The study suggests another poor health outcome associated with cigarette smoking, supporting current surgeon general's warnings.
A study examines how prenatal exposure to synthetic steroids affects the development of kidneys and regulation of blood pressure in adolescents. The research aims to identify potential causes of high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight gain in prematurely born children.
Researchers found that estrogen depletion exacerbates diastolic dysfunction and increases blood pressure in rats fed a high salt diet. The study suggests that estrogen may protect against hypertension and renal damage caused by excess salt intake.
Researchers found that women who labored between noon and 6 p.m. received an average of 27 percent longer pain relief from a single dose of spinal-epidural medication fentanyl compared to those who labored between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Researchers will investigate how patient cost-sharing affects health care law, medical ethics, and the doctor-patient relationship. The study aims to better understand the impact of consumer-directed initiatives on these areas.
A study found that expectations about pain can significantly affect its intensity. Participants who expected lower levels of pain reported a 28% decrease in pain ratings compared to those who expected higher levels. This suggests that the brain plays a crucial role in shaping the perception of pain.
A new drug, CX717, has been shown to reverse the negative effects of sleep deprivation on brain activity and performance in monkeys. The drug targets AMPA receptors involved in cell-to-cell communication, restoring normal brain patterns and improving cognitive function.
A new study suggests that a specific gene affecting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels may influence physical function in older adults. Older exercisers with lower ACE production were found to be 45% more likely to experience mobility difficulties compared to those with higher ACE production.
A survey of over 115 parents found that 74% had heard of using cranberry for UTI prevention, but few discussed it with pediatricians. Cranberry products were used by 29% to treat or prevent UTIs, often without medical guidance.
A new study called MESA Air aims to better define air pollution standards by tracking the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in 8,700 participants. The researchers will measure the effect of repeated exposure to six major air pollutants over a 10-year period.
A study of minor league baseball players found early damage to the hands of healthy players due to catcher's mitt design. The research revealed significant blood vessel damage and hand weakness among catchers despite using protective padding.
Animal research suggests a potential new treatment target for epilepsy by blocking a specific brain pathway involved in seizure spread. The treatment could be more effective and have fewer side effects than current therapies.
A study suggests that breathing in manganese vapor during a shower can cause permanent brain damage, posing a significant risk to public health. The researchers found that concentrations as low as 0.5 milligrams per liter may lead to brain injury, despite the Environmental Protection Agency's current drinking water standard.
As people age, their lenses become four times stiffer, increasing the risk of eye injury. The study recommends using safety systems like seat belts while driving and wearing impact-resistant glasses or protective lenses in sports or work environments.
Researchers have successfully grown mesenchymal stem cells from human skin, which can be differentiated into three vital tissues: bone, muscle, and fat. This breakthrough could provide a valuable resource for tissue repair and organ regeneration, overcoming problems with immune rejection and tissue shortage.
Researchers found men with high sun exposure had half the risk of prostate cancer compared to those with low sun exposure. Men with certain gene variants showed a 65% reduced risk, suggesting sunlight helps reduce prostate cancer risk through vitamin D production.
Researchers found limited evidence to support the effectiveness of 10 commonly prescribed medications for insomnia, including trazodone, which is often used as a first-line treatment.
A study found that a life-long deficiency of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) decreased cancer risk by approximately 45 percent and decreased cancer deaths by 12-15 percent. Low-calorie diets may also reduce IGF-1 levels, potentially reducing cancer risk.
Researchers study natural products that may prevent certain cancers. Propolis and turmeric, rich in plant polyphenolic compounds, exhibit potent antitumor activities, protecting mice against radiation-induced inflammation and rats against chemotherapy-induced heart muscle damage.
Researchers found that patient and organ survival rates in transplants involving organs from 'extreme' donors were similar to success rates with conventional donors. The studies suggest that pancreas donor criteria can be liberalized without adverse outcomes, potentially increasing the number of available organs for transplant.
A recent study found that nearly 40% of research participants expressed concerns about genetic discrimination affecting their insurance coverage. Concerns were higher among certain age groups, ethnicities, and income levels, with some participants expressing fear of being discriminated against due to a genetic predisposition.
A recent study by Wake Forest researchers found that students who get drunk at least once a week are three times more likely to be hurt or injured due to their own drinking. These students were also twice as likely to fall from a height and need medical care, and 75% more likely to be sexually victimized.
Researchers have developed a new combination vaccine that is highly effective in protecting against pneumonic plague, with antibody levels 500,000 times higher when flagellin is added to the vaccine. The vaccine also shows promise for multiple uses and requires only a few drops in the nose for protection.
A survey of 2,100 parents found that age plays a significant role in choosing discipline methods. Parents who were raised with spanks and time-outs more likely to use these methods on their own children. Only 60% of parents feel their discipline strategies are effective, prompting pediatricians to offer guidance.
Research reveals that genetic variants can impact the amount of DHA in breast milk, essential for brain and eye development. Women with certain genetic variants produced higher levels of DHA in their breast milk, which may have implications for infant nutrition and development.
New CT scan technology uses multiple planes to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, reducing reading time by up to 40%. The approach increases confidence in diagnoses, particularly for complex cases like metastatic tumors.
Researchers found that ablation therapy extended median survival to 33 months compared to 20 months for chemotherapy-only treatment. The study also showed improved disease recurrence rates and overall 3-year survival rate of 51%.
Researchers found that using limited amounts of chemotherapy improved outcomes in 86.4% of patients and overall survival rates of 95.9%. Factors such as bone marrow count and extra chromosomes were key predictors of response to less intensive treatment.
A survey of 1,800 parents found that most prefer a combination of restrictive and instructive strategies to monitor their children's media usage. The study also revealed that parental concerns about media use's negative effects are linked to increased limiting or discussing content with kids.
Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and least curable form of brain tumors, may be targeted with new molecular therapies. Researchers identified a protein called Fra-1 that controls malignant features of brain tumor cells and a receptor for interleukin 13 that can be augmented by cytokines to increase treatment accessibility.
A new study found that computerized risk stratification tools, like ACI-TIPI, may not accurately diagnose heart attacks in patients from different ethnicities. The researchers compared the tool's performance in a mixed-race US population and an Asian population in Singapore.
A new study suggests that eliminating the enzyme ACAT2 could dramatically reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Research in animals shows that cholesterol altered by ACAT2 is more likely to build up in blood vessel walls and cause atherosclerosis.
Researchers discovered highest blood iron levels among Asians and Pacific Islanders, yet lowest prevalence of associated HFE gene mutations. The study recruited over 100,000 participants to better understand hemochromatosis prevalence in diverse ethnic groups.
Research reveals that the compound damages DNA by targeting two enzymes: thymidylate synthase and topoisomerase. This understanding could enable combination therapies for greater effectiveness and better patient outcomes. The compound has been shown to be 300-400 times more effective than fluorouracil at killing cancer cells.
Researcher Mike Robbins is testing drugs that block receptors to prevent cognitive impairment from whole-brain radiation. The goal is to develop a treatment for the 20-40% of patients who experience chronic brain damage.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein called Fra-1 that controls cancer cells' malignant characteristics and spread to healthy tissue. The discovery, made in glioblastoma brain tumors, suggests new treatment possibilities for multiple cancers.
Researchers are exploring new technologies to regenerate bone, enhance ligament healing, produce tissue-engineered cartilage and improve bone healing with stem cells derived from muscle. These advances hold promise for treating devastating congenital or traumatic problems and preventing degenerative processes in the aging population.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have found that the liver is the main source of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or 'good' cholesterol. This discovery could lead to new treatments for raising HDL levels, particularly in individuals with less severe cholesterol disorders.
Researchers will investigate the safety and effectiveness of polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from plants like flaxseed, echium, and borage. The studies aim to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases, with an estimated one in three Americans suffering from such conditions within two decades.
Researchers aim to develop drugs that block anthrax spore germination by understanding the role of Coenzyme A in regulating the process. By studying three-dimensional protein structures, they hope to identify vulnerabilities for new therapeutic agents.
A study by Mark Hall found that care coordination does not increase liability and may even lower risks for primary care physicians. Care coordination involves comprehensive treatment plans and resolving conflicts among specialists to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
Researchers found that inflammatory proteins produced by fat tissue are linked to increased risk of heart disease, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The study suggests that modifying these proteins through medication could lower heart disease risk.