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Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont


Study finds improvement for those receiving medication for opioid use disorder with contingency management used

Contingency management has been shown to be efficacious in addressing key clinical problems among patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder. The study found that CM improved outcomes on psychomotor stimulant use, polysubstance use, illicit-opioid use, cigarette smoking, therapy attendance, and medication adherence.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 4, 2021

Co-locating contraceptive services and opioid treatment programs may help prevent unintended pregnancy

A multi-year trial found that co-locating contraceptive services in opioid treatment programs with financial incentives significantly increased the use of effective contraception among women with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), leading to a reduction in unintended pregnancies. The intervention also showed cost-beneficial results, with each ...

Largest-ever pre-adolescent brain activation study reveals cognitive function maps

A new study provides valuable information on the cognitive processes and brain systems underlying adolescent development. The data from the largest longitudinal neuroimaging study to date reveals which brain regions are involved in key psychological processes, including cognitive control, reward processing, and social/emotional function.

Study identifies never-before-seen dual function in enzyme critical for cancer growth

Researchers have identified a previously unknown dual function of polymerase theta (pol theta) in DNA repair, which could lead to the development of new therapeutic options for breast and ovarian cancers. The finding shows pol theta can both extend DNA and trim it, making it a potential target for treatment development.

Incentivizing vaccine adherence: could it be the key to achieving herd immunity?

A new Commentary in Preventive Medicine suggests financial incentives could promote high levels of COVID-19 vaccine adherence, crucial for achieving herd immunity. Strong evidence from controlled trials supports the efficacy of incentivizing vaccine adherence, including a 7-fold increase in adherence with modest financial incentives.

Study finds lowering nicotine decreases addictiveness of smoking in vulnerable populations

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes decreases addictiveness, particularly among those with mental illness and socioeconomic disadvantage. The research suggests that lower nicotine content could lead to policy changes benefiting all smokers, especially the most vulnerable.

Beta blocker use identified as hospitalization risk factor in 'stiff heart' heart failure

Researchers found that beta-blockers increase the risk of hospitalizations for heart failure among patients with 'stiff heart' heart failure, characterized by a normal squeeze but impaired relaxation of the heart muscle. Beta-blocker use was associated with a 74% higher risk of hospitalizations in this patient population.

Global nutrition group issues first-ever consensus criteria for diagnosing malnutrition

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition has published a consensus report outlining five criteria for malnutrition diagnosis. The criteria include phenotypic and etiologic measures to assess malnutrition in adults. A two-step approach is recommended for diagnosis, involving screening and assessment.

With health care cuts looming, low-cost magnesium a welcome option for treating depression

A clinical trial published in PLoS One found that over-the-counter magnesium supplementation is a safe and effective treatment option for mild to moderate depression. The study, led by Emily Tarleton, MS, RD, CD, involved 126 adults who received either 248mg of elemental magnesium per day or a placebo for six weeks, with significant im...