Experts discuss four core ethical issues: whether death is beneficial, PAS/E vs. WWLST, intentional causation of death, and reasonable accommodations. Proponents argue for legalization, while opponents highlight moral differences.
A study published in Journal of Addiction Medicine found that decreasing cocaine use leads to regression of unstable coronary plaques, a type of plaque most likely to cause a heart attack. Reducing cocaine use also decreases inflammation markers and improves cardiovascular health.
A comprehensive review of post-disaster mental health issues found high rates of PTSD and depression in Japan earthquake survivors. The study highlights specific risk factors, such as resettlement and small social networks, and emphasizes the need for long-term support.
The new position paper provides recommendations on the timing and content of introducing complementary foods, as well as methods of feeding and specific dietary practices. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring adequate iron intake from complementary foods for all infants, especially those on vegetarian diets.
A pilot study found yoga interventions improved health-related QOL for children with cancer and their families, including social and emotional well-being. Certified yoga instructors delivered the program in various settings, tailored to the children's physical condition or mobility issues.
Patient satisfaction has become a key quality measure in the US healthcare system, but some plastic surgeons question its value. They argue that subjective ratings can lead to lower-quality care and suggest that better rating tools are needed to measure patient satisfaction.
A nationwide insurance database study identified psychiatric and behavioral conditions, as well as psychoactive medications, as predictors of long-term opioid use. Patients with mental health conditions or psychoactive medication use were at higher risk, with relative increases in rates ranging from 1.5 to 9 times.
A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons and nurses cannot tell the difference between round and shaped breast implants. The results challenge the popularity of anatomically shaped implants, which are more expensive and carry a risk of complications.
The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry report finds that ECLS is becoming more widely available and frequently used globally. Adults with respiratory failure are the fastest-growing group of ECLS patients, while rates of survival to hospital discharge have improved for this age group. In contrast, newborns with re...
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that cataracts are associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms in older adults, regardless of education level or socioeconomic status. Symptoms were more common in women and those with lower vision acuity.
The new guidelines developed by the NASPGHAN recommend regular screening for NAFLD in all obese children between 9-11 years old using a simple liver enzyme test. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity are also recommended as first steps in treatment.
A panel of concussion experts recommends a more active approach to treatment, matching treatments to specific symptoms and impairments. The 'TEAM' approach aims to enhance recovery by targeting individual clinical profiles and using multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams.
A study finds that only 6% of plastic surgery tweets come from board-certified plastic surgeons. The researchers call for experts to engage and educate patients and the public about plastic surgery on Twitter.
E-cigarette users may face a similar risk of complications after plastic surgery as traditional cigarette smokers. Refraining from e-cigarette use four weeks before surgery is recommended based on current best knowledge.
A hospital-based injury prevention program helps teens understand the dangers of texting, cell phone use, and other distractions while driving. The program increased teens' awareness of the risks and encouraged them to adopt healthy driving behaviors, such as not making phone calls or sending texts while driving.
A study published in Spine found that surgery significantly improves sex life-related pain and disability in patients with degenerative spinal conditions. After three months, less than 20% of patients still experienced pain, compared to 40% without surgery. The improvement persisted for four years.
Research found promising initial evidence that specific neuroimaging markers can help predict the response to psychotherapy in patients with depression or anxiety. Neuroimaging markers such as activity in the amygdala, anterior insula, and anterior cingulate cortex may indicate which patients are more likely to benefit from psychotherapy.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that protamine solutions perform at least as well as current disinfectant solutions in killing microbes that can cause contact lens-related infections. Protamine's broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity makes it a potential alternative for multipurpose disinfection solutions.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly in infants, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy with helmet therapy. The guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of research and aim to provide a safe and effective approach for managing this common disorder.
A new high-frequency spinal cord stimulation technique, HF10, offers superior clinical outcomes for patients with severe, chronic back and leg pain. After a trial period, patients were randomly assigned to receive either HF10 or traditional low-frequency SCS, with lasting reductions in back and leg pain reported at two years' follow-up.
A study in Vietnam reveals that patients rely on charitable care outside the centralized healthcare system, leading to delayed treatment. The survey found that 83% of families had their surgery performed by a charitable organization, highlighting the need for improved access to surgical care in resource-poor countries.
A systematic review of breast augmentation implant sizing systems found tissue-based planning to be superior in reporting low rates of repeat surgery and favorable clinical outcomes compared to other approaches.
A NASA-funded study found that prolonged spaceflight leads to significant atrophy of the muscles supporting the spine, resulting in increased back pain and spinal disc disease. Despite no change in disc height, these changes may be preventable through core-strengthening exercises or yoga.
A study found that nearly one-fourth of ulcerative colitis patients with iron deficiency anemia were untreated, despite being diagnosed. Testing rates varied by region, with lower rates for the Midwest and South.
A study found that open-label placebo treatment reduced initial pain and disability scores by approximately 30% in patients with chronic low back pain. This approach harnesses the placebo effect without deception, offering a potential solution to improve treatment of back pain.
A new special issue in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry presents updated research on borderline personality disorder (BPD), emphasizing improved diagnosis and management. The article highlights key findings, including neurobiological models, early intervention strategies, and evidence-based treatments for BPD.
A recent study published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality found that Democrats and Republicans have different views on the quality of healthcare, but those with recent illnesses had similar experiences. The research suggests that political differences in opinions about government regulation may contribute to these disparities.
Women plastic surgeons face unique challenges in achieving leadership roles, including a 'confidence gap' and disproportionate family responsibilities. To overcome these obstacles, organizations must promote diversity and support women's career development through mentorship opportunities, equal pay, and institutional support.
BoNT shows evidence of effectiveness in treating conditions like facial wrinkles, hand tremors, palmar hyperhidrosis, and neuropathic pain, as well as facial nerve palsy and dystonias. The review highlights the benefits of BoNT for minimally invasive treatment of facial aging problems.
A study found that internal astigmatism remains stable over time, contradicting the theory that the lens adapts to compensate for irregular eye shapes. The researchers analyzed 367 individuals with myopia and compared their data to 204 subjects without myopia.
A study found that aquatic treadmill walking improved aerobic capacity and functional recovery in patients recovering from a stroke. The exercise also had psychological benefits due to reduced musculoskeletal impact and freedom from fear of falling.
A new case report suggests that energy drink consumption may lead to cardiac complications, including abnormal heart rhythms. The study highlights the potential risks of high caffeine content in energy drinks and encourages healthcare providers to ask about energy drink intake in patients with unexplained arrhythmias.
Researchers found that African-American women were twice as likely to choose autologous breast reconstruction over implant-based reconstruction. The study of 2,500 women undergoing breast reconstruction suggests patient preferences may play a role in the disparity. Further research is needed to confirm findings and evaluate potential r...
A special issue of Optometry and Vision Science presents research on contact lens discomfort, a common problem affecting millions worldwide. New findings suggest that corneal pressure sensitivity and inflammatory mediators may contribute to discomfort, but the relationship is complex.
Experts review clinical, psychological, and ethical issues related to face transplantation in children. Children with severe facial disfigurement could potentially benefit from the procedure, but a rigorous selection process would be required.
Research suggests that people with chronic low back pain are more likely to use illicit drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Those with a history of illicit drug use are also more likely to have a prescription for opioid analgesics.
A special supplement to JAIDS provides critical information on HIV prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies for transgender individuals. The research highlights the need for culturally-tailored interventions and emphasizes the importance of understanding epidemiology and behavioral approaches.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 10 patients discharged from state psychiatric hospitals continue to take multiple antipsychotic drugs. The high rate of antipsychotic polypharmacy is attributed to a diagnosis of schizophrenia and extended hospital stays, highlighting the need for revised standards and definitions.
A meta-analysis found that non-invasive brain stimulation can reduce food cravings for high-calorie snack foods, with a moderate-sized effect, roughly half a point on a four-point self-rated scale. The results suggest that DLPFC stimulation reduces cravings, especially for carbohydrates, which are often implicated in obesity.
A conceptual model by Amanda L. Stone and Anna C. Wilson suggests that genetic factors, early neurobiological development, and social learning play a role in the transmission of chronic pain from parents to children. The researchers propose five plausible mechanisms for this risk, including genetics, early neurobiological development, ...
A study found that routine eye exams lead to a change in vision prescription or other changes in care for over half of asymptomatic patients. The study also showed that older patients and those with longer intervals between visits were more likely to experience significant changes.
A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons gave high ratings to Google Glass for comfort and overall satisfaction, with average scores of nearly four out of five for photo and video quality. However, some limitations were noted, including difficulties with capturing images during surgery.
A team of surgeons at NYU Langone Medical Center successfully performed the most extensive clinical face transplant to date on a firefighter with severe burns. The procedure, which took 26 hours and involved 100 physicians and staff, included transplantation of skeletal subunits, eyelids, ears, scalp skin, and skeletal subunit transpla...
A new model predicts complication risks in spinal cord compression surgery, identifying diabetes and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) as significant risk factors. The study analyzed data from 479 patients and found a rate of 16.25% for surgery-related complications.
A recent study found that a pipeline device can safely and effectively treat difficult-to-treat brain aneurysms located near the front of the brain. The device was used to successfully occlude 77.8% of aneurysms, with a success rate of 70% for previously treated cases.
ROSC provides coordinated, patient-centered services for substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, supported by primary care providers. The special issue highlights the critical role of ROSC in overcoming obstacles and sustaining recovery.
Researchers analyzed data from Washington State hospital database and found no difference in cancer rates between patients who received rhBMP and those who did not. The study's findings suggest that additional follow-up is needed to rule out any longer-term increase in cancer risk.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that visual blurring, like bifocals or progressive lenses, can cause errors in foot position when walking. This can contribute to the risk of tripping and falling in older adults, especially in challenging environments.
A study by Dr. Leslie Rideout found that language barriers were a significant hindrance to educating non-English speaking parents about shaken baby syndrome, with hospitals providing multilingual brochures being three times more likely to meet guidelines. Supportive leadership was also identified as a key facilitator of implementing th...
A study of 574 patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery found that 30% were taking opioids prior to surgery, with 35% continuing to take them six months later. High-dose opioids and higher pain scores on the day of surgery were associated with persistent opioid use.