A new study shows that VNS Therapy is more effective in treating epilepsy patients when used earlier in their treatment course, resulting in a three-fold improvement in seizure control. The therapy also improves quality of life indicators such as alertness, mood, and verbal communications.
In a three-month study, ARICEPT significantly improved cognition and daily living skills compared to Reminyl. The treatment was better tolerated by patients taking ARICEPT, with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events.
Only 25% of patients have been seizure-free for the past year, with many experiencing frequent seizures despite medication attempts. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy (VNS) has shown promise in reducing seizures and improving quality of life.
A University of California at Berkeley study found that up to 30% of U.S. children who use computers may need special eyewear to reduce the risk of premature vision problems. The research also shows a strong correlation between computer use and premature myopia, or nearsightedness.
A study analyzing U.S. census data found that nearly 40% of adults attempted to quit smoking after the introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) nicotine replacement therapies. The increased attempts may be attributed to easier accessibility of OTC products, positively impacting public health.
A 24-week study found patients with vascular dementia taking ARICEPT experienced significant cognitive and global function improvements compared to placebo. The medication was well-tolerated, even when taken with other medications, according to the researchers.
Researchers from the University of Missouri-Columbia and Immerge BioTherapeutics Inc. have successfully cloned a miniature swine with a gene knocked out of its DNA. This achievement moves closer to making animal-to-human organ transplantation a reality, offering hope to over 75,000 Americans waiting for organs.
The survey found that women are strong, knowledgeable, and pragmatic in the face of terrorist threats, with concerns focused on economic vulnerability and health care. Women's mental health is also impacted by the fear of terrorism and bio-terrorist attacks, with many reporting anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and lack of energy.
A study found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) increases blood flow in thalamic areas of the brain, leading to improved seizure control. VNS was shown to reduce seizures by up to 91% in patients with partial epilepsy.
A panel of experts recommends focusing on remission as the goal for treating depression and anxiety, rather than just partial improvement. This aims for virtual elimination of symptoms and restoration of psychosocial and occupational functioning.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is safe, well-tolerated, and highly effective in reducing seizure frequency in children with refractory epilepsy. The study found significant improvements in quality of life, including alertness, verbal communication, and school performance.
Dr. Waddell presents two studies showing viscosupplementation is safe and effective for patients with advanced osteoarthritis, delaying total knee replacements by up to 1 year.
Introgen's gene drug demonstrates tumor growth control by targeting the mda-7 gene, a key tumor suppressor. The study shows that replacing the mda-7 function in cancer cells can stop tumor growth and is promising for treating advanced melanoma.
A 24-week study found consistent benefits of ARICEPT in patient function, cognition, behavior, and activities of daily living. The medication showed statistically significant overall improvement vs. placebo in behavioral disturbances associated with Alzheimer's disease.
A Phase III study found that Aslera improved bone mineral density in female lupus patients by 1.8% compared to a loss of 1.8%, with greater increases observed in postmenopausal patients. This suggests that Aslera may be effective in preventing osteoporosis and fractures in women with SLE.
A Phase III study found that Aslera significantly improved disease activity and symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease. The treatment also showed benefits for bone mineral density, particularly in women on steroids.
GL701 significantly reduced lupus flares, with 18% of patients experiencing flares compared to 34% on placebo. The study also showed improved quality of life and reduced adverse events.
Research finds that rheumatoid arthritis patients experience longer hospital stays and higher total charges due to complications, with a notable impact on quality of life. The disease also results in increased healthcare utilization for general symptoms beyond musculoskeletal complaints.
Interleukin-1.com provides updated information on IL-1 role in RA, meeting a need for rheumatologists and health care professionals. The site offers resources, including a primer book and presentation materials, to enhance understanding of cytokine biology and its relevance to RA.
Top scientists from Harvard, Cornell, University of Dublin, and University of Colorado will discuss the molecular biology of IL-1 and its role in RA pathogenesis. They will also focus on new targets for treatment, such as bone degradation, and explore patient perspectives on quality of life.
New data suggest anakinra accelerates joint damage progression slowdown and improves health-related quality of life for RA patients. Studies found accelerated slowing of joint destruction with treatment, leading to nearly twice the rate of reduction in joint destruction as placebo groups.
A clinical trial shows that a single dose of Zithromax is as effective as a 10-day course of Augmentin in treating acute otitis media in children. The study found high treatment success rates for both regimens.
A study of over 2,000 adult U.S. smokers found that those who perceive light and ultra light cigarettes as safer and producing milder sensations are less likely to quit. Researchers advocate for targeted cessation messages addressing these misconceptions to promote quitting efforts.
A study by the CDC found that increasing smoking cessation therapy availability boosts assisted quit attempts and doubles success rates. The majority of smokers attempt to quit without treatment, resulting in low abstinence rates, but pharmacologic methods like nicotine patches and gum can significantly increase chances for success.
A study of 286 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found that treatment response to Aricept was not predicted by ApoE4 genotype or gender. Patients treated with Aricept showed significant improvements in global function and cognition, while those on placebo experienced decline.
The Phase III study data demonstrated a median decrease of 38 percent in LDL-C and a mean increase of up to 18.7 percent in HDL-C with Lescol XL. This reduction is clinically meaningful for coronary heart disease patients, who carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
A self-help program using patented software increases smokers' success rates when combined with nicotine replacement therapy, shows a 56% increase in quitting at 12 weeks compared to standard materials. The Committed Quitters program provides tailored behavioral materials to support individuals in their quit attempt.
Patients with generalized social phobia can benefit from long-term sertraline HCl treatment to prevent relapse and reduce symptoms. The study found that continued use of sertraline significantly reduced the risk of relapse compared to placebo, while also improving quality of life.
The TMJ Association has launched a national awareness campaign to raise awareness about jaw joint diseases, which affect over 10 million Americans, mostly women. The campaign aims to promote quality research and improved treatments for the condition, which causes debilitating pain and dysfunction.
The new facility will enable researchers to conduct major studies on HIV-1C, a subtype responsible for more than half of the world's infections. The lab aims to identify prevention and treatment strategies to combat the spread of this devastating virus in southern Africa.
The program will develop a curriculum for Community Health and Social Welfare Development Motivators to provide basic nursing tasks and support behavioral change in families and communities. The initiative aims to reduce stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and expand upon the work of various public and private organizations.
The Charter of Paris Against Cancer aims to improve cancer care, research, and treatment worldwide. The initiative brings together global partners to fight cancer, with a focus on patient involvement and advocacy.
A global alliance for cancer research has been formed to accelerate progress against the disease, with six priorities including creation of national registries, increased funding for research, and international clinical trials. The Alliance aims to unite scientists, governments, and corporations in a coordinated effort to combat cancer.
Abgenix is initiating a Phase III clinical trial comparing its antibody, ABX-CBL, to standard therapy for patients with steroid-resistant graft-versus-host disease (srGVHD). The trial aims to assess the survival rate of patients receiving higher doses of ABX-CBL.
A new pediatric cancer program in El Salvador has shown remarkable success, achieving remission and cure rates of over 80% for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This model program, developed by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, aims to improve survival rates for children with cancer worldwide.
Abgenix's Phase I/II clinical trial with ABX-IL8 showed dose-dependent improvement in multiple measures of disease, including PASI and BSA. The study achieved a >25% improvement in PASI score for 58% of patients, compared to placebo.
A study of over 33,000 patients found that more patients switched to Allegra from Claritin than vice versa during the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998. The results also showed that Allegra was effective in reducing symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and had a similar side-effect profile to placebo.
A PricewaterhouseCoopers study suggests that consumerism, e-commerce, and genetic mapping will transform the US healthcare system. The report highlights potential disruptions, including increased competition for capital investments and a shift towards preventive care through genomics.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found the gene MRP4 is responsible for drug resistance in HIV patients, leading to lower drug concentrations and increased virus replication. This discovery could lead to developing new therapies to fight HIV infection and other diseases.
A landmark study published in Science found no evidence of Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV) infection in 160 patients who received living pig tissue transplants. The study, which tested the safety of xenotransplantation, showed that pig tissue can survive in the human body for long periods with no ill effects.
The Narcolepsy Network is launching a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about narcolepsy, a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects an estimated 125,000 Americans. The 'Wake Up to Narcolepsy' program aims to educate people with the condition and their physicians about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, helping ...