A new VA study found that women's attitudes towards becoming pregnant also play a role in their contraceptive use. Women who don't plan on getting pregnant but are open to the idea may be less likely to use birth control. The study, which analyzed data from 858 women veterans, suggests that routine assessment is needed to help women ma...
A new Veterans Affairs study found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with a history of repeated traumatic brain injuries are at much greater risk for recent suicidal ideation compared to those with one TBI or none. The researchers identified poor sleep quality and depression as key risk factors for suicidal thinking.
A study by Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System and Oregon Health and Science University researchers found that in-person social contact significantly reduced symptoms of depression and PTSD in veterans. In contrast, Facebook interaction frequency did not affect risk for these conditions.
A synthetic compound based on a brain hormone has shown surprising benefits in treating lung and other cancers in mice, but its effect on human cells was the opposite. The compound, MR409, is one of several GHRH analogs that spur healthy tissue growth and may alleviate concerns about stimulating cancer cell growth.
A mouse study found that binge drinking makes male mice more likely to drink under stress, while female mice show no such increase. The study suggests sex differences in the brain's response to stress and alcohol consumption.
A recent study found that patients who smoke often misunderstand the benefits and limitations of lung cancer screenings. While LDCT scans can lower mortality rates, they do not reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to prevent this disease.
A study published in AIDS Care found that patients on a single-tablet daily regimen had better treatment retention and viral suppression than those taking multiple pills. The single-pill regimen resulted in higher rates of adherence, retention, and HIV suppression.
A study of 133 veterans found that a gene variant may increase psychiatric symptoms, such as PTSD and depression, after traumatic brain injury. The researchers suggest possible explanations for this link, including the gene's effect on emotion regulation and vascular disease.
A VA study found that electronic medication alerts can reduce the risk of dangerous drug combinations by 25% for patients with substance use disorder, sleep apnea, and suicide risk. The alerts also improved coordination between primary care and mental health services.
A recent VA study found that over 30% of diabetic veterans had prior signs of chronic kidney disease. The results highlight the importance of early detection and screening for CKD in at-risk populations. Researchers propose broadening screening among patients with increased risk of CKD to prevent organ damage.
A study of over 1,200 Veterans with Parkinson's disease found that those receiving deep brain stimulation (DBS) lived an average of 6.3 years after surgery, compared to 5.7 years for non-DBS patients. This modest survival advantage was attributed to improved quality of life and better symptom control.
Researchers found widespread disruptions in brain white matter across several regions, linked to higher pain levels and fatigue. The study suggests poor white matter health may contribute to persistent widespread pain experienced by Gulf War veterans.
The VA National PTSD Brain Bank is a resource aimed at providing answers to the complex nature of posttraumatic stress disorder. The bank supports research on the causes, progression, and treatment of PTSD by storing tissue from brains of individuals with PTSD.
A study of mitochondrial DNA found higher levels of lesions and extra copies of genes in veterans with Gulf War illness, suggesting excess DNA damage. This supports the idea that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to symptoms and persistence of GWI.
A 12-week yoga program significantly improves disability scores and reduces pain intensity in military veterans with chronic low back pain. Notably, these benefits persist even after six months, suggesting long-term potential for yoga as a non-drug treatment.
Researchers found that engaging in risky behavior can lead to worse PTSD symptoms, prolonging stressful experiences and increasing the likelihood of new traumatic events. The study suggests that treatment providers should assess reckless behavior to prevent worsening PTSD symptoms.
Researchers found that heavy drinkers developed behavioral tolerance to alcohol on simpler fine motor tasks, such as the Grooved Pegboard Test, but not on more complex tasks like the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Despite faster metabolism, heavy drinkers showed similar levels of impairment on these tasks compared to light drinkers.
Researchers found that H. pylori bacteria can alter the structure of white blood cells, known as neutrophils, allowing them to survive within the human body. This change enables the bacteria to evade the immune system, but also shares characteristics with tumor-associated neutrophils that may limit cancer growth.
A Veterans Affairs study of mental health patients found that accessing clinician notes can foster trust through transparency and consistency. However, patients also reported concerns about errors, outdated information, and gaps in diagnoses, which erode trust.
The study aims to understand the long-term neurologic effects of mild TBI and other deployment-related conditions. It will analyze the impact of TBI on thinking ability, memory, mood, and focus, as well as explore biological factors that influence outcomes.
Researchers propose that aspirin's anti-tumor effect is due to its ability to block platelet interaction with cancer cells. The study suggests that aspirin can curb tumor growth by reducing circulating platelets and their activity.
A study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that 44% of patients were under-treated, while only 19% received recommended medication regimens. Patients who were under-treated had fewer exacerbations, indicating that ignoring guidelines may be beneficial in certain cases.
Researchers used NASA satellites and airport visibility sensors to estimate exposures to air pollution in US troops who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. The studies aim to build reliable tools for epidemiologists to tease out links between respiratory health and exposure.
A new study reveals a sustained reduction in inpatient suicides at VA mental health units from 2000 to 2015, thanks to the Mental Health Environment of Care Checklist. The checklist guides staff in eliminating physical hazards that raise the risk of patient suicide or self-harm.
VA researchers found certain HLA gene alleles offer protection from Gulf War illness, while lacking them makes veterans vulnerable to symptoms. The studies used MEG brain scans to track differences and found that such protection is manifested in the brain.
Researchers create ginger-derived nanoparticles that efficiently target the colon, reducing acute colitis, preventing chronic colitis, and enhancing intestinal repair. The particles retain key active constituents found naturally in ginger, showing promising therapeutic effects against inflammatory bowel disease and cancer.
A study suggests that stem cell infusion could help restore the trabecular meshwork, which drains fluid from the eye and prevents glaucoma. Researchers are confident that this approach may hold promise for primary open angle glaucoma, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A study by Dr. Kalipada Pahan found that cinnamon improves learning in poor mice by increasing sodium benzoate, a chemical produced as cinnamon breaks down in the body. The effect appears to be due mainly to sodium benzoate's ability to stimulate hippocampal plasticity and enhance the structural integrity of brain cells.
A study of 85 Gulf War veterans identified three types of white blood cells and six proteins in the blood that can help diagnose Gulf War Illness with 90% accuracy. The research found chronic inflammation as a key component of the illness, supporting the hypothesis that it is a well-defined chronic inflammatory disease.
A study of over 300 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found that nearly 50% met the criteria for mild to moderate CMI, with common symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and difficulty remembering. The study suggests a link between deployment and CMI, but notes limitations in the research and recommends further investigation.
A study of over 2,000 US veterans found nearly 14% reported suicidal thinking at one or both survey phases, challenging past findings that suggest it's a longer-term problem. Social connectedness was linked to remission, while addressing psychiatric and physical health issues may be more critical for those with chronic suicidal thinking.
A study analyzing data on over 1,100 aging adults found that combinations of brain pathologies drive dementia, rather than a single condition. The research suggests that maintaining healthy blood pressure may be key to preventing dementia.
A Veterans Affairs study of 738 Iraq war veterans found that those who fought during the insurgency phase were more than twice as likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to those who served in other phases. The finding holds true even after adjusting for demographic and deployment-related risk factors.
Researchers found that e-cigarette vapor damaged human cells, causing DNA breaks and cell death. The study suggests that e-cigarettes are not as safe as their marketing claims, and may contain previously undiscovered carcinogenic components.
A study of nearly 1,300 veterans found that those who completed online expressive-writing sessions showed more improvements than peers who didn't write at all or did factual writing. Expressive writing reduced physical complaints, anger, and psychological distress, but had limited impact on PTSD symptoms.
A new study by the Veterans Affairs Research Communications found that individuals with restless legs syndrome (RLS) are at a higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and earlier death. The study of over 3 million veterans revealed a fourfold higher incidence of stroke and heart disease in the RLS group.
A Veterans Affairs team found that longer-lasting colonoscopies are associated with lower cancer rates. Doctors with average withdrawal times of under six minutes had patients more than twice as likely to have cancer. Experts recommend focusing quality-improvement efforts on withdrawal times of under six minutes.
A new study suggests that women and men in the military have similar rates of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after combat. The study found that 6.7% of women and 6.1% of men developed PTSD, with no significant differences in severity.
A clinical trial at the VA Medical Center in Gainesville is testing maggot therapy for veterans with chronic diabetic ulcers. The treatment, which involves sterilized maggots feasting on dead tissue, has shown promise in clearing out wounds and reducing bacterial infections.
A study of over 83,000 veterans found that restoring normal testosterone levels through gels, patches, or injections reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Men who achieved normal levels saw significant benefits in cardiovascular health, while those who did not attained normal levels did not experience similar reductions.
Researchers used brain scans to identify a predictor of response to treatment with SSRIs, the first-line drug treatment for PTSD. The study found that patients who showed less activation in the right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex prior to treatment were more likely to improve with SSRI therapy.
A study from VA and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that honokiol shuts down cancer cells in lab, blocking EGFR protein in squamous cell head and neck cancers. The compound has shown promise as a treatment option for this aggressive form of cancer.
A lab study found that daily aspirin was effective at blocking breast tumor growth. Aspirin appears to affect cancer stem cells, preventing them from reproducing. Experts recommend consulting a doctor before starting a daily aspirin regimen due to potential risks and side effects.
A large study of Tricare patients found that statin users were 87% more likely to develop diabetes and had a higher risk of complications. The study confirms past findings on the link between statins and diabetes risk, but is among the first to show this connection in a relatively healthy population.
A study published in Psychiatry Research found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who engaged in non-suicidal self-injury were five times more likely to attempt suicide. The research suggests that NSSI could serve as a marker for identifying veterans at high risk of suicide.
A study of over 1,300 women service members and veterans found that fewer than a third sought post-assault health care, despite growing awareness and efforts to deter sexual crimes. Researchers identified embarrassment, confidentiality concerns, and adverse career impacts as key factors preventing servicewomen from seeking care.
A study of over 6,600 veterans found that using both VA care and a Medicare Advantage plan did not have any negative impact on quality of care, but raised concerns about duplicate federal spending. The researchers also noted that many veterans relied more heavily on VA care than Medicare Advantage visits.
A new Veterans Affairs study found that the high-dose flu vaccine provides stronger protection against flu-related hospitalizations and deaths for those 85 and older, while standard vaccines may be effective for younger seniors. The study included over 165,000 patients and tracked hospitalization and death rates.
Researchers are testing light therapy on brain function in veterans with Gulf War Illness, using red and near-infrared light to improve blood flow and stimulate damaged brain cells. The study aims to determine if this therapy can be a valuable adjunct to standard cognitive rehabilitation.
A recent study has found that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with a nearly 50% greater risk of developing heart failure among veterans. The research adds to growing evidence linking PTSD and heart disease, suggesting a potential causal relationship between the two conditions.