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New findings could lower risk of suicide in men with prostate cancer

A study by Thordis Thorsteinsdottir found that men with prostate cancer are twice as likely to commit suicide, but a method called expressive writing can reduce this risk. Expressive writing involves getting the men affected to spend 20 minutes writing down their feelings on at least three occasions after getting their cancer diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology·DateOct 31, 2011

Improved method for detecting mutant DNAs

A new DNA testing method, MEMO, has been developed to detect trace mutant DNA sequences with improved sensitivity. The technique uses 3′-modified oligonucleotides to block normal gene extension while allowing mutated gene extension, increasing detection sensitivity.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateOct 11, 2011

Chronic vulvar pain a reality for more than 100,000 women in southeast Michigan

A new study from the University of Michigan found that over 25% of women in the metro Detroit area have experienced ongoing vulvar pain, while only 2% sought treatment. The study sheds light on the demographics and characteristics of vulvodynia, a condition causing unexplained pain at the vagina's opening.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 14, 2011

Atherosclerosis is not limited to the heart

The new ESC guidelines on peripheral artery disease emphasize the need to assess patients with coronary artery disease for symptoms or asymptomatic atherosclerosis in other vascular areas. The guidelines also highlight the importance of considering multisite artery disease and the overall clinical status of patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 27, 2011

UK study shows ambulatory blood pressure measurements to be the most cost-effective way for diagnosing hypertension

A UK study published in The Lancet concludes that ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is the most cost-effective way to diagnose hypertension. This method, which involves repeated measurements throughout a 24-hour period, is more accurate and correlates better with cardiovascular outcomes than traditional clinic-based methods.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 23, 2011

Length of parental military deployment associated with children's mental health diagnoses

A study published in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found that children whose parents were deployed for longer periods had a higher likelihood of receiving a mental health diagnosis. The researchers analyzed data from over 307,000 children and found that the length of parental deployment was significantly associated wit...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJul 4, 2011

Analyzing agroforestry management

Scientists developed a conceptual framework to diagnose nutrient and non-nutrient interactions in agroecosystems, increasing yields and reducing environmental costs. The model considers both nutrient and non-nutrient resource effects on growth, such as light conditions and soil moisture content.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 28, 2011

Sexual orientation affects cancer survivorship

A new study finds that gay men have a higher cancer prevalence than heterosexual men, with a 1.9 times increased likelihood of reporting a cancer diagnosis. Lesbian and bisexual female cancer survivors also experience poor health outcomes compared to heterosexual women, highlighting the need for targeted services.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 9, 2011

MDCT arthrography accurately identifies

A new study finds that MDCT arthrography is more accurate than MR arthrography in detecting labro-ligamentous injuries, glenoid cartilage lesions, and Hill-Sachs fractures related to anterior shoulder instability. The imaging modality also shows high sensitivity for identifying glenoid rim fractures.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMay 4, 2011

Research shows men tend to leap to judgment where women see more shades of gray

A study by researchers at the University of Warwick found that men are more likely to categorize objects as fully or not fully fitting into certain categories, whereas women tend to see more nuances and assign partial classifications. This sex difference in semantic categorization may have implications for decision-making and diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateApr 18, 2011

Data mining depression

Researchers develop system to analyze patient data, therapist interactions, for better understanding of depression causes and prevention strategies. The approach balances individual differences with observed similarities in behavior and response to treatment.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Functional Informatics and Personalised Medicine·DateDec 3, 2010

Knowledge gaps, fears common among parents of children with drug-resistant bacteria

A study found that nearly one-fifth of caregivers had never heard of MRSA, highlighting the need for healthcare staff to educate parents about drug-resistant infections. The researchers recommend addressing concerns and allaying fears by providing clear information and risk-minimizing instructions tailored to each child's situation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateOct 25, 2010