Researchers found a positive correlation between viral RNA load and organ damage in COVID-19 patients. Higher viral loads were associated with increased inflammatory factors and longer recovery times.
A mobile telehealth system in China has been successfully implemented to facilitate clinical communication among healthcare providers and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The system allows for secure sharing of patient information, overcoming a significant challenge faced by hospitals treating isolated patients.
Experts in Ayurveda and yoga propose using these traditional practices to boost immune function and prevent COVID-19 infection. The authors discuss various methods, including local prophylaxis with herbal drinks and steam inhalation, as well as systemic approaches focusing on diet, sleep, and mental relaxation.
Two case studies highlight the use of tele-diabetes to manage new-onset type 1 diabetes in adults and infants during the pandemic. The technology showed improved outcomes with increased time-in-range, as patients received virtual management and dose adjustments.
Researchers warn against treating COVID-19 lung injury like high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), citing differences in underlying mechanisms and necessary treatments. Long-term supportive care, including mechanical ventilation, may be needed to overcome underlying inflammation.
Researchers developed a novel method to predict antiviral drug targets by analyzing conformational changes in viral glycoproteins. The method, published in Journal of Computational Biology, identifies regions with high free energy, which may be promising for future antiviral drugs or vaccines.
A new combination of 3D printing and acoustic droplet ejection technology enables precise control over growth factor presentation, promoting osteogenic differentiation in C2C12 mouse myoblast cells. This technique has vast potential for various tissue types beyond bone engineering.
A new study examined anesthesiologists' knowledge and attitudes towards treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients requiring surgery. The majority expressed correct attitudes towards airway management, emphasizing the importance of theoretical and practical training to ensure patient safety.
A new study found substantial variability in Medicare coverage and out-of-pocket costs for feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapies among older transgender individuals. The proportion of Medicare plans offering unrestricted coverage ranged from 5-100%, while out-of-pocket costs varied between $180-$2,176.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends keeping mothers and infants together, citing no evidence that separation improves outcomes. Separation may minimize virus transmission but can have negative consequences for both mother and infant, including disrupted breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
The TCIHM COVID-19 Support Registry will characterize care, report indications of potential value or harm, and inform future treatments. Led by the Helfgott Research Institute, the registry is backed by over a dozen practitioner organizations and aims to provide valuable insights into integrative health practices during the pandemic.
Patients who undergo peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) may develop severe heartburn and regurgitation that requires antireflux surgery. Researchers report this complication, highlighting the need to identify which patients might still benefit from POEM.
A multidisciplinary self-managed home quarantine method was developed in Wuhan, China, controlling the source of COVID-19 infection and alleviating medical resource shortages. The method involved online monitoring, strict compliance with quarantine measures, and regular communication between patients and the quarantine team.
The National Gene Vector Biorepository (NGVB) provides valuable resources to gene therapy investigators, including 93 unique reagents and a searchable database of animal safety studies. These resources aim to decrease compliance risks, address clinical trial funding periods, and reduce costs.
The need for correct CBD labeling is a growing concern due to its increasing use in food and supplements. Accurate labeling helps protect consumers from false or unsubstantiated claims, ensuring they receive evidence-based treatments.
A new study published in Telemedicine and e-Health highlights the effectiveness of telehealth in reducing depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms among COVID-19 patients. The study emphasizes the importance of mental health support, especially via telehealth, to maintain psychological well-being during the pandemic.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cannabinoid treatment reduced subjective pain scores compared to placebo in patients with acute pain. Intramuscular cannabinoids were more effective than oral cannabinoids in reducing pain relative to placebo.
A new article provides guidance on allocating stockpiled ventilators to healthcare facilities during a severe pandemic, considering factors such as need assessment and access to vulnerable populations. The strategies outlined are crucial for state and local planners to make informed decisions under difficult conditions.
A new study found that a novel peptide antagonist given in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor is safe and well-tolerated in patients with advanced, refractory pancreatic and rectal cancer. The highest dose tested resulted in no adverse events leading to the recommendation for use in future trials.
Using high-throughput screening of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector capsid libraries, researchers identified functional and efficient AAV variants after only one round of selection. Infection with a high multiplicity of infection (MOI) was found to be preferable to infection with a low MOI, reducing variation between screens.
Coronavirus-infected patients needing emergency surgery require standardized anesthesia procedures to prevent viral transmission and reduce lung injury. The article discusses the need for negative pressure operating rooms, anesthesiologist protection, and special requirements for equipment and drugs.
A new article reviews commonly used coronavirus treatments and their potential impact on breastfeeding infants. Despite a lack of evidence, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine advises continued breastfeeding with careful handwashing and mask-wearing to minimize viral exposure.
Researchers propose a new path forward for adipose-based cell therapies in reparative medicine, focusing on patient safety and evidence-based medical practice. The FDA argues that autologous cellular therapies need to demonstrate safety and efficacy before marketing.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found significant reductions in body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass in children and adolescents treated with metformin. However, the treatment did not affect lean body mass or have a significant impact on those who were already overweight or obese.
Research found that community-level LGBTQ supportiveness is associated with lower odds of lifetime substance use among sexual minority boys and girls. Living in a large population center also reduced the risk of lifetime alcohol use for boys, while a progressive political climate increased the risk of marijuana use for girls.
Researchers delivered an ALDH2 gene to mice with the deficiency, using a virus-mediated approach. The treated mice showed no signs of the acute abnormalities or chronic disorders normally associated with ethanol exposure in ALDH2 deficiency.
A randomized controlled trial found that T'ai Chi was feasible and acceptable for improving chronic low back pain in adults over 65. High attendance rates and perceived benefits were observed among participants, suggesting a potential treatment option for this population.
Dr. Toriumi discusses the complexity of nasal tip contouring and recommends learning from each case to improve outcomes. He highlights the importance of structural grafting for a better long-term aesthetic and functional outcome.
The new journal will publish peer-reviewed articles on end-of-life care and relief of suffering, focusing on improving quality of life for patients and their families.
Research highlights the risk of adverse effects from cannabis on breastfeeding infants, with CLCs playing a critical role in guiding mothers. Certified lactation consultants (CLCs) are encouraged to partner with healthcare providers to educate and counsel women using cannabis while breastfeeding.
A new study uses caffeine to explore active cognitive processing stages in adults using a Go/NoGo task. The researchers found qualitatively different effects of caffeine on adults compared to children, providing clues about adult cognitive strategies and their dependence on the adenosine system.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed a single-dose gene therapy to treat cocaine addiction. The therapy uses a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector to deliver a gene that metabolizes cocaine into harmless byproducts.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released new evidence-based recommendations on the benefits and risks of bedsharing for breastfeeding mothers. Safe bedsharing is now considered a positive practice, but parents should be educated on hazards such as tobacco exposure, preterm birth, and impaired adult behavior.
Researchers developed an adeno-associated virus vector to deliver anti-pTau antibodies directly into the hippocampus of mouse models with CTE, reducing pTau levels across the CNS. The study suggests this strategy could be effective in humans and may offer a new treatment option for CTE.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic tested a new injection method for delivering gene therapy vectors directly into the kidney, outperforming traditional intravenous injections. The study found that direct injections were superior to intravenous injections and had fewer off-target effects.
Nano-Pulse Stimulation (NPS) delivers nanosecond pulsed electric fields to cells and tissues, inducing cell death in epidermal or dermal lesions without causing scarring. Researchers used NPS to treat skin lesions, including seborrheic keratosis and warts caused by human papilloma virus.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has acquired JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery and selected Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. as the new publisher, launching the new title Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine in January 2020.
The Journal Healthcare Transformation: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Robotics explores the challenges and opportunities for integrating technology into consumer healthcare. A recent article found that five telemedicine companies provided nearly half of telemental health visits, highlighting the need for coordinated care.
Researchers found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus can restore a balanced intestinal microbiome and counter liver damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption. The probiotic effect of the bacteria reduced inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver, indicating potential therapeutic applications for alcohol-induced liver disease.
Researchers explore the role of adenosine in neurodegeneration and neuroregeneration, with a focus on its potential as a drug target for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Studies review changes in adenosine metabolism and receptor function in ALS patients and experimental models.
A new study published in JACM found that more than half (53.1%) of US office-based physicians recommended at least one CHA to their patients, with female physicians more likely to do so. Massage therapy was the most commonly recommended CHA, followed by chiropractic/osteopathic manipulation and herbs/nonvitamin supplements.
A new study reveals a statistical connection between cancer incidence rates and precipitation, as well as climate zones in the US. Researchers found that counties with high precipitation and cold climates have significantly higher invasive cancer rates.
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that frailty is a significant predictor of poor outcomes after traumatic spinal cord injury, particularly in patients younger than 75. The researchers identified frailty as a risk factor for adverse events, acute hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality.
A systematic review found that levels of agreement were low to moderate, highlighting the need for better experimental controls and more thorough reporting of outcomes in TCM research. New statistical approaches may also be suited to analyze Traditional Chinese Medical patterns.
A novel method uses subcellular fractionation to quantify unconjugated AONs in nuclei, showing proportional relationship with target gene knockdown. Researchers report their results in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, highlighting the importance of accurately quantifying oligonucleotides in therapeutic applications.
A review article highlights traditional and emerging cardiac-specific biomarkers to identify early risk factors for cardiovascular disease in childhood obesity. These biomarkers, such as cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides, may help target treatment to high-risk individuals, reducing the risk of adult-onset cardiovascular disease.
A new study shows that a commonly used vector for large gene transfer can deliver genes to retinal cells, but provokes an acute inflammatory response when injected subretinally into rats. The researchers conclude that further work is needed to understand the inflammatory pathways involved and modulate the immune response.
Researchers found that patients with cardiogenic shock developed malignant arrhythmias, and intense cooling may increase MA incidence. Risk factors included faster temperature decline and lower serum potassium levels during the cooling period.
A new study compares two surgical approaches to endoscopic thyroid removal, finding no significant differences in outcomes between the oral vestibular approach and the breast approach. Both methods are safe and effective, with the oral vestibular approach offering a better cosmetic result due to its scarless nature.
Gene therapy approaches are being developed to treat a variety of inherited neurometabolic diseases, including X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and mucopolysaccharidoses. Microglia are emerging key players in these diseases and are targeted for therapeutic efficacy.