Researchers investigate various aspects of exercise and recreation for individuals with mobility impairments, including the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted prosthetic sockets, the importance of walking speed after stroke, and the development of rehabilitation technologies. These studies aim to improve the lives of people with spinal c...
A study of 137 adults with HIV found that simplifying their medication regimens can significantly improve adherence, particularly for those with memory and attention problems. The study suggests a two-way relationship between missed doses and disease progression, highlighting the need for more effective treatment strategies.
A new study found that combination therapy with divalproex can significantly reduce schizophrenia symptoms, even as early as the third day of treatment. The study showed that patients treated with the combination had better outcomes than those receiving antipsychotic drugs alone.
A study of 39 hepatitis C patients found that 33% developed interferon-induced major depression, but 84% improved with antidepressant treatment. The research challenges the common practice of discontinuing interferon therapy for depressed patients.
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development covers a range of rehabilitation research disciplines. Researchers have developed techniques for early detection of medication-induced hearing loss and created 3D models of bones using CT scans.
A new study found that synthetic hormone estren can build bone in animals without affecting reproductive organs. The researchers tested estren, estrogen, and testosterone in mice with and without sex organs, showing estren's potential to provide a safe form of hormone replacement therapy.
Fatigued doctors and nurses can impair their judgment and reaction time, posing a significant risk to patient safety. Implementing changes such as shorter shifts and limiting high-intensity work during daylight hours could promote harmony with the body's natural sleep cycle and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Rory Cooper's groundbreaking work on wheelchair design and technology has improved the lives of veterans with service-connected disabilities. His contributions include streamlined wheelchairs, accessibility guidelines, and electric-powered wheelchair expansion.
Research explores vision loss and its impact on driving skills, finding correlations between mental tracking ability and driving measures. Glaucoma patients with normal visual acuity but reduced contrast sensitivity may also struggle with driving skills.
Researchers have found that COPD patients' immune systems are unable to prevent recurrent bacterial infections due to constantly changing bacterial populations in their lungs. The study's findings may lead to the development of vaccines that can keep pace with these changes, providing new treatment options for patients.
A new blood test for congestive heart failure has shown high accuracy in diagnosing the condition, with nearly 90% of cases correctly identified. The BNP test detects elevated levels of a hormone released by the heart ventricles when pressure rises, and has been proven effective in emergency rooms worldwide.
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development features articles on life satisfaction following spinal cord and traumatic brain injury, as well as a study on foot models for ulcer-prevention treatment. A preliminary study on genetically engineered spinal cord implants also highlights potential improvements in bladder structure af...
A study of 835 public-housing residents in Baltimore found that strong religious and social support were key 'protective' factors against suicidal thoughts, with 90% reporting comfort from religion. These findings may inform interventions to prevent suicide among older African Americans.
New research reveals that brain activity associated with performing motor skills is separate from the process of learning those skills. The study, conducted by Dr. James Ashe and colleagues, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect brain activity in the cerebellum during performance of learned motor skills.
A recent study has found that low-calorie dieting raises ghrelin levels, while gastric bypass surgery sharply reduces them, making it a potential key to unlocking the secrets of successful weight loss. The research also suggests that this mechanism may be why gastric bypass surgery is often more effective than dieting.
A recent study found that ulcer rates were similarly low in patients with diabetes and prior foot ulcers, regardless of the type of shoes they wore. The researchers suggest that careful attention by healthcare professionals may be more effective in preventing ulcers than therapeutic footwear.
A new study suggests that smaller aneurysms are often safer left untreated, with potential benefits including reduced risk of complications and cost savings. The research found nearly 98% survival rate among patients undergoing AAA surgery at participating VA hospitals.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the body's rejection of transplanted organs. Memory T cells were found to trigger rejection, even when other immune cells are disabled. This discovery may lead to new treatments that block memory T cell function and improve organ transplant success rates.
Researchers found that lung injuries among mice lacking CD44 receptors developed inflammation that persisted until the receptors were restored. The study suggests a vital link between the CD44 receptor and the body's healing process.
Researchers have developed a potent antiviral drug, HDP-CDV, that can block the replication of variola and orthopox viruses, including smallpox. The oral drug is 100 times more active than existing cidofovir and may be used to treat and prevent smallpox infections.
A new blood test, Triage BNP Test, has been shown to accurately diagnose congestive heart failure (CHF) with a high accuracy rate of nearly 90% in a multinational trial. The test detects elevated levels of the hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which signals a failing heart.
Clinicians and scholars unraveled the mystery of King Herod's death, concluding he died from chronic kidney disease likely complicated by Fournier's gangrene. The diagnosis was reached through a historical case study presented at the VA's Clinical Pathologic Conference.
A VA study found that opportunistic screening for diabetes is likely more cost-effective and can be easily integrated into typical office visits. The approach takes advantage of the doctor-patient relationship, promoting better follow-up care for patients at risk of diabetes.