A severe allergic anaphylactic reaction was triggered in a woman with shellfish allergy after kissing her boyfriend, who had eaten shrimp hours earlier. The incident highlights the importance of counseling patients to avoid exposure to food allergens through all potential routes, including kissing and touching.
Researchers discovered that many nonagenarians (people 90-99 years old) are free of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, with some performing in the superior range on cognitive tests. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) also exists in this age group, but features similar characteristics to those seen in younger individuals.
Researchers found that thalidomide therapy works for approximately one year on average, with benefits not being transient. The study's findings offer significant hope for improved survival rates in multiple myeloma patients, an incurable cancer.
Researchers describe three patients with valvular heart disease linked to long-term pergolide therapy, highlighting the need for further studies to determine the association. The Mayo Clinic team recommends discontinuing pergolide if valvular disease is detected, emphasizing the importance of monitoring patients
A Mayo Clinic study found that adenocarcinoma of the lung is more strongly associated with smoking than previously recognized. Women who smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 to 39 years had a higher risk of developing lung cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma.
A new study suggests statin therapy may slow the progression of aortic stenosis in patients with heart valve disease. By reducing cholesterol and inflammation, statins could potentially eliminate the need for valve replacement surgery in some patients.
A study of 610 participants found that wearing an ionized bracelet for 28 days did not provide significant pain relief compared to a placebo. The researchers conclude that the equivalent improvement in pain scores may call into question the true benefit of using such bracelets.
Mayo Clinic researchers identified Mycobacterium avium complex as the cause of 'hot tub lung', a previously poorly understood disease. The study found that warm temperatures and inadequate cleaning practices facilitate the growth of MAC in hot tub water, leading to respiratory problems.
A phase II clinical trial shows the oral combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone reduces tumor size by 50% or more in 64% of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. This treatment alternative offers a promising solution to chemotherapy's side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.
A recent study from the Framingham Heart Study has shown a small but significant improvement in heart-failure survival rates since the 1990s. This increase is attributed to the widespread adoption of proven-effective medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and aldosterone antagonists. The findings suggest that treating patie...
The Mayo Clinic study shows RF ablation can effectively kill cancer cells causing bone pain, with 95% of patients experiencing significant pain relief. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes and alleviates pain by killing nerve endings and cancer tissue.
The Mayo Clinic study highlights the effectiveness of opioids in relieving chronic lower back pain, despite controversy over misuse and potential drug dependence. The research emphasizes the need for careful patient selection and close monitoring to ensure safe treatment outcomes.
Researchers identified Kir6.2 as a protective mechanism against stress in the heart, which helps maintain equilibrium under peak workloads. The study found that mice lacking this protein experienced severe cardiac distress and died, while those with it survived stress tests.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a new calculator to determine baseline prognosis and treatment benefits for patients with resected melanoma. The tool calculates patient potential living with no recurring cancer or after surgery and interferon therapy, empowering informed treatment decisions.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic document a safer treatment approach for atrial fibrillation, utilizing adequate anticoagulation medication to reduce the risk of stroke and thromboembolism. The study, conducted from 1990-1994, involved 834 successful cardioversions performed in 717 patients, with an incidence rate of less than 1%.
The Mayo Clinic National Conference on Medicine and the Media brought together over 400 participants to discuss ways to effectively serve the public. Key findings include the need for accurate, clear reporting and transparency in financial interests.
A new study found that bupropion significantly improved abstinence rates among participants who used spit tobacco, with 44% quitting after 12 weeks compared to 26% in the placebo group. Additionally, participants taking bupropion gained less weight than those on the placebo, averaging only 1.54 pounds versus 9.7 pounds over the 12-week...
Researchers successfully converted circulating smooth muscle progenitor cells into functional smooth muscle cells, which could help address interventional cardiology problems. The study may pave the way for therapeutic angiogenesis by preventing or eliminating the adhesive properties that contribute to plaque formation.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients with alcoholic-liver disease are at a higher risk of developing confusion and delirium after liver transplant surgery. The study, which included 87 patients, revealed that the length of sobriety before surgery is directly correlated to the severity of these complications.
The primer series provides a historical background of genetics and the sequencing of the human genome, as well as principles and methods in molecular biology. The authors highlight the potential benefits of the genomic revolution in understanding diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that patients classified as optimists reported better physical and mental functioning, and scored higher on quality-of-life assessments. Researchers believe this may be due to the long-term health implications of explanatory style, an assessment of patients' attitudes towards life.
Dr. Poland urges healthcare providers to improve influenza vaccination rates among the elderly, citing decades-long progress as 'unacceptably slow.' He proposes several strategies to achieve universal vaccination, including standing-order programs and reimbursement by Medicare.
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a way to use autoclave sterilization procedures in laboratory settings to detect and confirm the identity of smallpox virus and other bioterrorism agents. This innovation enables local laboratories to conduct rapid tests, reducing the time needed to respond to potential attacks.
A study of 50 healthy postmenopausal women found that a specific exercise program reduced the risk of vertebral fractures and retained benefits for eight years after completion. The exercise group had lower bone density loss and better back strength than the control group.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new imaging test for diagnosing breast cancer using the MR elastography technique, which provides data on tissue stiffness. This technology has shown promising results in detecting breast cancer with high accuracy and may reduce the need for biopsies.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a link between an enzyme called MSP and multiple sclerosis tissue damage, which could lead to new treatment options. The study found that excess MSP promotes demyelination, but also contributes to proper oligodendroglia function when functioning normally.
Researchers found strong connection between common IL-1 gene variations and elevated CRP levels, a protein marker of inflammation. The study's findings may help physicians identify patients at risk earlier and monitor disease progression.
Mayo Clinic researchers have found a renewed use for a test to identify patients at risk of long QT syndrome, a genetic condition that can cause sudden death. The study used epinephrine infusion and electrocardiogram monitoring to detect a specific response in people with long QT syndrome 1, a subtype of the condition.
A randomized study of 143 patients found that Zevalin, a new radioimmunotherapy drug, significantly improved tumor shrinkage and complete remission rates compared to standard chemotherapy. The study results demonstrate the effectiveness of Zevalin in treating B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a 'cancer snitch' - a genetically engineered virus that can track the progress of a viral treatment within a tumor. This non-invasive approach provides valuable feedback from within the body, allowing scientists to monitor biological activity and evaluate therapeutic effectiveness.
A study found narcolepsy prevalence is higher in men and peaks in the 20s, with 36% of cases lacking cataplexy. The disorder affects over 100,000 Americans, with 14 new cases developing annually in a one-million population.
A Mayo Clinic study found that youth football injuries are rare and often mild. The risk of injury increased with the player's age and level of play, but not with body weight. Most injuries were contusions, while fractures involving the ankle growth plate were more common in higher grades.
A study of 297 patients found a significant prevalence of renal artery narrowing among those with hypertension. The researchers recommend considering abdominal aortography to better define cardiovascular risk and monitor kidney function.
A recent study found that Prozac significantly reduced hot flashes in women with breast cancer, providing a viable treatment option. The medication was compared to placebo and showed a 50% decrease in hot flash frequency and severity.
A Mayo Clinic study finds an association between estrogen status and reduced coronary calcium and plaque area, suggesting a potential benefit against heart disease. Estrogen may modulate the calcium content of atherosclerotic plaques, slowing progression of atherosclerosis in women.
A Mayo Clinic study found that the lowest estimate of AD/HD occurrence among children is 7.5%, based on stringent research criteria and supporting documentation. The study provides much-needed baseline information for comparing populations and determining treatment needs.
A recent study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that daily NSAID use reduced prostate cancer risk by up to 60% in men aged 60 and older. The study, which followed 1,362 Caucasian men for an average of five and a half years, suggests that the beneficial effect may increase with age.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals a shift in heart disease burden from men to women and older adults. Heart attack rates decreased among younger men but increased among women over 80, while survival rates remained unchanged for those over 75.
The Mayo Clinic study found that the risk of progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma or related cancers is approximately one percent per year, with larger M-protein levels increasing the risk. Patients with very small protein levels had a 14% progression rate at 20 years, while those with high levels had a 60% progression rate.
A Mayo Clinic study found that sildenafil does not worsen symptoms of inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle during exercise in men with coronary artery disease. The study, which involved 105 patients, suggests that sildenafil can be safely prescribed for these patients without increasing their risk of heart attacks.
The study, conducted in Olmsted County, Minnesota, found that only a small percentage of people utilize recommended approaches to weight loss. The efforts being undertaken by CardioVision 2020 aim to reduce cardiovascular disease burden through diet and exercise changes. Meanwhile, another study on breast cancer patients highlights the...
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers has confirmed that long-term use of venlafaxine provides women with breast cancer significant relief from hot flashes, with a 60% reduction in frequency over eight weeks. The antidepressant is considered a safe and effective non-hormonal alternative to estrogen for treating hot flashes.
A Mayo Clinic study has confirmed the effectiveness of samarium as a treatment option for osteosarcoma, with 24 of 30 patients experiencing a good to excellent response. The radioactive drug targets tumors in the bone, killing off cancer cells and reducing side effects associated with chemotherapy.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified the gene causing an inherited form of childhood kidney disease associated with renal failure and neonatal death. The discovery may improve prospects for gene testing and diagnosis of this life-threatening disease in young children, which affects one in 20,000 Americans.
A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that megestrol acetate was more effective than dronabinol in improving appetite and weight loss in patients with advanced cancer. The study, which evaluated 469 patients, showed that 75% of those taking megestrol acetate reported appetite improvement, compared to 49% of those taking dronabinol.
A survey of university undergraduate students found that over half had body piercings, while only 23% had tattoos, with piercing complications being the most common issue. Medical experts noted that tattooing may pose a risk for certain infections, but further studies are needed to confirm this.
Researchers found that steroid treatment reduced sore throat pain by four hours and increased relief to twice that of placebo patients. The study also showed significant cost savings due to the pill form, which eliminates the need for a physician or nurse to administer the shot.
A new technology uses high definition thermal imaging to detect lying by measuring heat patterns on the face, which change dramatically when a person is deceptive. Clinical trials have shown an accuracy rate of 83% in detecting deception.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that diabetic women aged 50-75 years had lower rates of mammograms compared to control subjects, with 78.1% vs. 84.9% participation rates. The researchers suggest that the added burdens of caring for patients with diabetes may be a contributing factor.
A Mayo Clinic case study describes a patient with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) who responded positively to HAART-cidofovir combination therapy, regaining mobility and daily functioning. The case contributes to growing data on effective treatment strategies for PML in AIDS patients.