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Indiana University


Aging with GRACE: Improving health care for older adults

A randomized clinical trial found GRACE's success in improving quality of care, health-related quality of life measures, while reducing emergency department use and hospital admissions. The program involves a support team meeting with patients at home to conduct comprehensive assessments and develop individualized care plans.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJAMA·DateDec 11, 2007

It's not just a kid thing: Fluoridated tap water benefits older adults even more

A recent study by Indiana University researchers found that fluoridated tap water reduces dental fillings and costs for all age groups, with older adults benefiting the most due to limited access to dental insurance. The study breaks new ground on adult dentistry, highlighting the importance of community water fluoridation for people o...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Public Health Dentistry·DateDec 4, 2007

Dementia screening in primary care: Is it time?

Primary care physicians should prioritize identifying dementia red flags over routine screenings for individuals without symptoms, according to a commentary published in JAMA. Dementia red flags include medication issues, multiple hospitalizations, and agitation, which can help identify high-risk patients who require diagnostic testing.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJAMA·DateNov 27, 2007

AMPATH: Restoring lives not just immune systems

The AMPATH program, a comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS care, has made an ongoing difference in large numbers of individuals and communities. By addressing medical care, nutritional sufficiency, and economic security, AMPATH has improved the lives of over 52,000 HIV-positive people in western Kenya.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 26, 2007

The proof is in the tree bark

A study by Indiana University researchers found Dechlorane Plus, a chlorinated flame retardant, in tree bark across the northeastern US, with highest concentrations near the Niagara Falls factory. Tree bark can serve as a natural passive sampling device to detect airborne chemicals.

SourceIndiana University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 26, 2007

Indiana University research at Neuroscience 2007

Researchers at Indiana University found that women's brains respond differently to male faces depending on the menstrual cycle stage. During ovulation, their brains show more activity in areas related to rewards and less activity in areas associated with inhibition. Additionally, training has been shown to improve balance in older adul...

1 size may not fit all

Researchers aim to determine who is at risk for colorectal cancer and tailor screening tests accordingly. Dr. Thomas F. Imperiale advocates for more targeted approaches, such as using easily accessible factors like age and family medical history.

SourceIndiana University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 29, 2007

Why conservation efforts often fail

Elinor Ostrom proposes a flexible framework for resource management, considering factors such as governance systems, resource users, and innate productivity. The framework aims to improve conservation strategies by working with local people and adapting to unpredictable human behavior.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2007

Rating your pain from 0 to 10 might not help your doctor

Researchers found that the widely-used numeric rating scale (NRS) fails to identify about a third of patients with pain serious enough to impair day-to-day functioning. The study highlights the limitations of universal pain screening and suggests that other methods may be more effective in addressing this common problem in primary care.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 17, 2007

Choosing a mate: what we really want

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that humans tend to choose mates based on physical attractiveness, with men prioritizing looks and women valuing security and material stability. The research, conducted via speed-dating sessions, suggests that this preference is rooted in evolutionary theory.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 3, 2007

Advanced therapy offers cure for relapsed cancer patient

Testicular cancer patients with metastatic disease can be cured with high-dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, as shown in an Indiana University School of Medicine report. The treatment, which involves carboplatin chemotherapy at five times the standard dosage, has a success rate of over 90%.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 25, 2007

Do pediatricians face a malpractice crisis?

Researchers from Indiana University found that 68% of pediatrician malpractice cases were withdrawn or dismissed, and only 5% went to trial. Pediatricians accounted for only 2.97% of all malpractice claims, with median payments rising from $65,000 in 1985 to $270,000 in 2005.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 2, 2007

Modeling the restless brain

Indiana University neuroscientists Olaf Sporns and Christopher Honey found that the brain's spontaneous activity is shaped by its wiring diagram. Their computational model of a macaque monkey's brain shows how fluctuations in activity emerge from chaotic neural interactions, revealing rich temporal structure at multiple time scales.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2007

Rx for heart failure: patient-centered care from a pharmacist

A study of 314 low-income Indiana residents with heart failure found that pharmacist-led patient-centered care resulted in patients taking their medications 16% more consistently. This approach also reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations by 19%, saving the healthcare system $14 in costs for every dollar spent.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 14, 2007

Should primary care doctors assess safety of older drivers?

A recent editorial by Dr. Malaz Boustani suggests that primary care physicians should not assess the safety of older drivers due to resource constraints and potential conflicts of interest. The editorial is based on a survey of Canadian family physicians, who reported low confidence in assessing driving fitness.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2007

Learning from both ends of the stethoscope

A systematic review of studies published over four decades confirms that good doctor-patient communication significantly impacts patient outcomes, including resolution of chronic headaches and improved blood pressure readings. The review highlights the importance of clarifying instructions and checking for understanding to ensure effec...

SourceIndiana University·JournalMedical Care·DateApr 9, 2007

Colon cancer screening -- Going 'Back To The Future'?

A new immunochemical fecal occult blood test (I-FOBT) shows promise in increasing colon cancer screening rates by being more accurate and convenient than traditional methods. The test uses antibodies to detect human blood in stool, eliminating dietary restrictions and allowing for personalized positivity thresholds.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2007

Taking AIM at post-stroke depression

A new care management program, AIM, has been shown to be significantly more effective than standard treatment in improving depression in stroke survivors. The study found that 39% of patients who received AIM had complete remission from depression after 12 weeks of treatment.

How trees manage water in arid environments

In semi-arid environments, trees have evolved to access moisture from bedrock fractures and quickly recover when heavy rains occur. Understanding these surface-atmosphere interactions is crucial for predicting water supplies and managing scarce resources.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Arid Environments·DateJan 3, 2007