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Indiana University School of Medicine


Seasonality of child abuse a myth

A new study of child homicides found that fatalities are evenly distributed across all months, contradicting widespread notions of increased risk during winter holidays. Experts emphasize that prevention efforts should be a year-round priority, as common stressors on caregivers like tantrums and accidents occur throughout the year.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 21, 2010

Measuring success: Regenstrief helps assess value of investment in health info tech

A new study from the Regenstrief Institute provides a framework for evaluating the costs, effort, and value of health information exchange services. The framework will help track the development and utilization of these services, crucial for understanding their impact on quality of care and patient safety.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 11, 2010

Medicare patients 5.5 times more likely to get cataract surgery than VA patients, study finds

A large eight-year study found that Medicare patients are 5.5 times more likely to undergo routine cataract surgery than those receiving care from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The disparity may be attributed to financial incentives, physician-driven decisions, or a lack of ophthalmologists within the VA system.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateMar 18, 2010

Gene discovered for newly recognized disease in Amish children

Researchers have discovered a gene linked to a newly recognized multisystem autoimmune disorder affecting Amish children, characterized by chronic diarrhea, enlarged organs, and developmental delays. The ITCH gene plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system, and identifying it may lead to effective treatment for these children.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 8, 2010

The most frequent error in medicine

A new study found that nearly a third of patients age 65 and older referred to a specialist do not receive treatment due to failed referrals. The study revealed that only 50% of those referred had the opportunity to receive treatment, highlighting the need for improved health information technology to address this issue.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateFeb 26, 2010

Discovery of enzyme activation process could lead to new heart attack treatments

A team of researchers from Indiana University and Stanford University has determined how a 'chemical chaperone' activates the ALDH2 enzyme, which plays a crucial role in metabolizing toxins after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to new treatments by restoring enzyme function, reducing muscle damage caused by heart attacks.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 10, 2010

IU study: Half of urban teen girls acquire STIs within 2 years of first sexual activity

According to a new study, half of urban teenage girls may acquire at least one common sexually transmitted infection (STI) within two years of becoming sexually active. The researchers found that repeated infections with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis were very common among the participants.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateDec 14, 2009

Dying from dementia

Palliative care is crucial for dementia patients as they often suffer from untreated pain and symptoms due to their inability to report their condition. The need for improved symptom management, emotional support, and family support has been emphasized by experts.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 14, 2009