A study found that 41% of web sites selling ephedra products failed to disclose potential adverse effects or contraindications, while 53% did not reveal the dosage of ephedra alkaloids. The authors recommend that makers of dietary supplements containing ephedra should voluntarily disclose pertinent information about the supplements.
A recent study suggests that reducing the seizure-free interval from 12 to three months does not significantly increase total crashes. The researchers found that seizures-related crashes increased by 11, while deaths due to seizure-related crashes decreased.
An international study found that smaller aneurysms (less than seven millimeters) are at low risk for rupture, and patients' age, location of the aneurysm, and history of previous ruptures are key factors to consider. The study also showed that treatment risks increase substantially after age 50 and older.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a new immune system molecule called B7-H4, which can inhibit T cells and help transplant patients but harm cancer patients. The study's findings may lead to new treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases, organ rejection, and cancer treatment.
Researchers found that carbon monoxide helps regulate smooth-muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling precise movement of food through the stomach and bowels. This discovery suggests potential clinical applications for carbon monoxide as a therapeutic agent in treating motility disorders.
Researchers found that head injury significantly increases risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with severe injuries linked to a 20-year delay in symptoms. The study suggests that mild head injuries may not be associated with an increased risk, but more research is needed to understand the link.
Researchers identify a helpful gene mutation in the Vpr gene of long-term nonprogressive HIV patients, which impairs the HIV virus' cell-killing machinery. The presence or absence of this mutation may play a central role in determining which patients develop fatal AIDS.
Researchers studied 987 patients and found that those with multiple potential causes of syncope died earlier than those with a single cause. The study identified predictors such as older age, atrial fibrillation, and cardiac medication use.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that alpha lipoic acid significantly improved symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including a 5.7-point total symptom score improvement. The treatment had no unfavorable side effects and may be a promising lead for future research into the cause and prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered that thalidomide can effectively delay the progression of early-stage multiple myeloma in some patients. In a phase II clinical trial, approximately 80% of patients remained progression-free after one year and 63% were still free from disease progression after two years.
Researchers found that progenitor cells from the bone marrow contribute to atherosclerosis by seeding into plaque formations, and that these cells can also help stabilize vulnerable plaques. The study opens up new possibilities for preventing heart attacks.
The study found that complex interactions between common gene variants contribute to Parkinson's disease risk in women. Environmental exposures are thought to play a greater role in men, with estrogen reducing the risk of developing the disease in women.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered an RNA decoy strategy to divert the NF-kappaB protein, which plays a negative role in disease activation. This approach has potential as a novel drug development method for cancer, AIDS, and inflammatory diseases.
A Mayo Clinic study found that total hip replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients over 90 years old. The study, which reviewed medical records from 1970 to 1997, showed that patients experienced substantial relief of pain and functional improvement after surgery.
A Mayo Clinic Proceedings study found that overall mortality is not increased among community patients with anorexia nervosa. However, deaths do occur, and further research is needed to define the association of suicide and alcoholism in these patients. The study adds to the knowledge of anorexia nervosa's long-term consequences.
A long-term study found that administering oral antivirals reduced the risk of blindness and other serious eye effects in patients with eye shingles. Untreated patients experienced 8.9% adverse outcomes, while treated patients had only 2.1%. Timing of treatment also affected long-term outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic phase II study of 42 patients with advanced androgen-independent prostate cancer found that green tea did not provide therapeutic benefit. The study showed no sustained decline in PSA levels, and high doses of green tea were associated with significant side effects.
A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that 55% of golfers with the 'yips' described physical symptoms, while only 22% attributed them to psychology. The research suggests a continuum of causes for the condition, including performance anxiety and focal dystonia.
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.