A Mayo Clinic study found that current tobacco users and those with an alcohol problem history reported lower health scores and increased psychological distress compared to non-users. The study suggests a possible clinical implication for screening hospitalized patients for alcoholism.
A Mayo Clinic study investigated the impact of intercessory prayer on patients' medical outcomes, finding no significant difference between the intervention group and control group. The study highlights the importance of addressing spiritual needs in patients, which may facilitate recovery from illness.
A new study from the Mayo Clinic has identified a crucial protein involved in male fertility, shedding light on a common cause of infertility. The research found that mice lacking this protein are infertile, highlighting the importance of Hrb protein in acrosome development.
A Mayo Clinic study found that approximately 80% of children with learning disabilities have primary academic issues in reading. The research suggests a higher incidence rate of reading disability among boys, emphasizing the importance of considering this diagnosis in differential diagnoses for children struggling with learning.
Researchers have discovered a key link between cardiac gene mutations and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially leading to earlier identification of at-risk infants. The study found two cases with SCN5A gene mutations, paving the way for further research into other causes of SIDS.
A Mayo Clinic study found that prophylactic mastectomy reduced the risk of breast cancer in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations by 89.5% to 100%. The study followed 26 high-risk women for 13.4 years without developing breast cancer, despite predicted risks of 6-9 cases.
A new study from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and Mayo Clinic found that women in western Africa need more energy than men based on their work burden. The research determined that women worked two to three hours more per day than men, resulting in a 30% increase in energy needs.
A randomized, double-blind trial found colesevelam significantly lowered mean LDL levels by up to 18% without serious adverse events. This effect was independent of sex or age, making colesevelam a useful therapeutic alternative for patients with mild to moderate primary hypercholesterolemia.
A recent Mayo Clinic study suggests that the full-length mutant protein is responsible for toxicity in Huntington's disease, challenging traditional theories of clip-and-release. This new understanding may lead to more effective therapies by targeting the aberrant interactions of the mutant protein.
A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that age alone should not determine whether an older patient is offered chemotherapy after surgery for treatment of stage II and III colon cancer. The study showed a significant reduction in death risk and improved survival rates among patients over 70 with the disease.
A study predicts a significant shortfall of anesthesiologists in the US, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 4,500. The authors suggest solutions to address the shortage, including increasing diversity in training programs and revising government immigration policies.
A new study found that early parenting difficulties are associated with the development of asthma in genetically at-risk children between six and eight years old. Parenting difficulties, including maternal depressed mood and coping problems, were significantly and independently linked to asthma at school age.
Researchers from Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota found that tobacco industry sponsored research misled the public about the health risks of secondhand smoke. The study analyzed over 1.5 million pages of internal documents, revealing a campaign by the industry to deny health risks and preserve profits.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found a possible link between estrogen and reduced risk of Parkinson's disease. The study reviewed medical records of female patients with Parkinson's disease to examine the association with menopause type, age, and postmenopausal hormone therapy.
A Mayo Clinic study found that long-term medication use helps smokers who stop avoid relapse and gain less weight. The study, which involved 784 participants, showed that those taking the antidepressant bupropion were more likely to stay smoke-free than those on a placebo.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome experienced a 24% rate of adverse postoperative outcomes compared to 9% without the condition. The study also revealed longer hospital stays and increased severity of upper airway obstructions in these patients.
A new Mayo Clinic study has found that a widely accepted treatment for Graves' ophthalmopathy shows no benefits in improving symptoms. Researchers conducted a double-blind study and discovered no difference between treated and untreated eyes after three or six months, casting doubt on the effectiveness of this long-used treatment.
The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the need for quality web-based genetics information for patients and physicians. Researchers found that patients often turn to the internet for genetic information, but may find it confusing and inaccurate. Centralizing access to reliable websites and improving readability could address these issues.
A Mayo Clinic study published in Cancer journal reveals that daily alcohol consumption by women whose mothers, sisters or daughters have breast cancer may increase their risk for getting the cancer. The study found an increased risk among first-degree relatives of women with breast cancer, but less evidence among second-degree relatives.
A Mayo Clinic study found that overweight or obese patients had their first heart attacks at a younger age, with obese patients experiencing an average of 8.2-year gap compared to normal-weight patients. The study also revealed similar in-hospital outcomes among the three groups.
The Mayo Clinic study found that thalidomide can stop or slow the progression of multiple myeloma in patients newly diagnosed with this cancer. Thalidomide was previously used to treat advanced myeloma, but this is the first published report documenting its effectiveness as a first-line treatment for early-stage multiple myeloma.
Patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for Crohn's disease experienced reduced hospital stays, quicker return to regular diets, and lower narcotics use compared to open procedures. The study also found significant cost savings of nearly $3,400.
A recent survey found that herbal product users are more likely to be women and have used multivitamins or nutritional supplements; 61% of respondents reported using an herbal product in the past 12 months. Physicians should become educated about herbs to identify potential risks and engage in dialogue with patients about herb use.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that cellular telephones can interfere with the operation of external devices monitoring the heart and lungs. Interference occurred in 41% of devices, but was deemed clinically important only in 7.4%. Researchers recommend further testing to inform hospital policies.
A six-year study of people aged 40-70 found that those with diabetes and high blood pressure experience greater cognitive decline compared to their healthy counterparts. The study suggests controlling hypertension and diabetes before age 60 may help preserve mental abilities later in life.
A genetic defect in the alpha-1 antitrypsin gene is associated with a threefold increased risk of developing sporadic colorectal cancer. Carriers who smoke have a significantly higher risk of developing this type of cancer compared to non-smokers.
The article highlights the need to shift from aggressive treatment to palliative care in hospitals and healthcare facilities, improving quality of life for dying patients. Strategies can be implemented to reduce suffering by involving a multidimensional approach to care.
The yips phenomenon affects over 25% of avid golfers, causing tremors and freezing while putting, with possible physical and psychological causes identified. Researchers hope to find relief through collaboration with the LPGA and testing beta blockers in a new study.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that heavy smokers who cut back their smoking rate may not see health benefits, contradicting the assumption that reducing smoking can lead to better health. The study of 23 heavy smokers over nine weeks showed mixed results, with some biomarkers improving and others worsening.
Researchers discovered a modified antioxidant enzyme that delayed onset and increased survival of mice with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease). The study found that the polyamine-modified catalase better penetrated the blood-brain barrier, reducing levels of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that less radical surgery for kidney cancer is equally effective to radical alternative and less likely to cause failure in the second kidney. Long-term survival rates between the two procedures were identical, but patients undergoing less radical surgery had a lower risk of developing renal failure.
Venlafaxine has been shown to alleviate hot flashes in postmenopausal women, including those with breast cancer, by reducing symptoms by 61%. The study found that a daily dose of 37.5-75mg was optimal for effect, with mild improvements in quality of life and no significant impact on libido.
A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic has found that estrogen plays a crucial role in preventing bone resorption in elderly men. The research suggests that estrogen is essential for maintaining optimal bone metabolism in aging men, and highlights the importance of osteoporosis prevention for this demographic.
A recent survey of high school athletes found that most users rely on friends for information, take unknown dosages, and experience minor side effects. The Mayo Clinic authors stress the need for larger studies to understand the long-term effects of creatine supplementation in this age group.
A Mayo Clinic study challenges the long-held notion that people with depression are at a higher risk of suicide. The research found a stair-step hierarchy of suicide prevalence based on treatment history, with hospitalized patients being at the highest risk level. This new understanding aims to minimize hysteria surrounding depression ...
The Mayo Clinic report concludes that the available data are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the use of soy isoflavones as an alternative to estrogen for hormone replacement in postmenopausal women. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to address the potential benefits and risks of isoflavone use.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers reveals a possible cause of sudden deaths among men using Viagra, highlighting the need for safe use guidelines. The interaction between Viagra and nitrates can reduce blood flow through critically narrowed coronary arteries, leading to a life-threatening drop in oxygen supply.
A new Mayo Clinic study suggests that coffee drinkers may have less than half the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study found that individuals who consumed four or more cups of coffee per day had an average age of onset eight years older for the disease.
Researchers developed a new FISH-based method for detecting recurring bladder cancer, showing improved accuracy compared to urine cytology. The test detected high-grade cancers with over 95% accuracy and recurrence up to three months earlier than traditional methods.
Mayo Clinic researchers developed a new, non-invasive DNA test that detected 91% of colorectal cancers and 73% of polyps. The test shows promise for reducing unnecessary colonoscopies and costs associated with colorectal cancer screening.
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer who have used early oral contraceptives, particularly those introduced before 1975, may be at heightened risk of developing breast cancer. The study found a 3.3-fold increased risk for first-degree relatives, especially sisters and daughters.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a new gene, AXIN2, linked to colorectal cancer development. Mutations in this gene elevate Beta-catenin levels, contributing to the disease.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new antibody test to help diagnose autonomic disorders caused by the immune system. The test detects antibodies that bind to an important protein on autonomic nerve cells, helping physicians evaluate patients with autonomic failure.
Researchers identified two natural human antibodies that restored myelin sheath and promoted nervous system repair in mice with demyelinating diseases. The discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis.
A Mayo Clinic study finds surgery and anesthesia as independent risk factors for ischemic stroke within 30 days after surgery. The relative risk was elevated for both high-risk and lower-risk surgeries.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that patients with CMV disease used significantly more resources and had higher charges than those without infection. Preventive treatment of CMV in high-risk patients can significantly reduce these costs.
A Mayo Clinic study found that blood pressure levels differ equally between day and night, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers monitored 240 healthy people for 20 consecutive hours, revealing significant variations in blood pressure during sleep.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a significant link between major depression and seizures in older adults. The study, published in Annals of Neurology, found that individuals with a history of major depression were six times more likely to experience a seizure after age 55.
A new treatment combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has shown encouraging results in a clinical trial, achieving a 62% response rate and a projected 72% one-year survival rate. The treatment, which is compatible with prior anthracycline therapy, offers additional benefits for women with metastatic breast cancer.
A new report describes four patients who experienced bruxism, including jaw clenching, headaches, tooth grinding, and broken teeth, after taking Zoloft for depression and anxiety. The symptoms resolved with the addition of another anti-anxiety drug, Buspar.