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Study shows birth dates, school enrollment dates affect ADHD diagnosis rates

A new study from North Carolina State University found large discrepancies in ADHD diagnosis rates based on small differences in children's birth dates. Children born shortly after the kindergarten eligibility cutoff date were 25% less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, suggesting that younger children may be mistakenly diagnosed.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateAug 17, 2010

Professionals think that there aren't criteria for certifying that an illness is terminal

A study by the University of Granada found that health professionals have difficulty diagnosing terminal illnesses, particularly in chronic and degenerative cases. This can lead to a lack of palliative care for patients, as they may be deprived from necessary assistance aimed at improving their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology·DateJul 13, 2010

Enabling video systems to react intelligently to content

The EUREKA ITEA 2 project developed advanced digital technologies for robust analytical algorithms, a scalable platform, and content presentation that adapts to devices, users, and content. Key innovations include automated video content analysis for surveillance, medical diagnostics, and multimedia applications.

SourceEUREKA·DateMay 19, 2010

Proposed diagnostic change not enough to help children currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder

A new pediatric DSM category, Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria (TDD), aims to better reflect symptoms of children currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, the authors argue that this change alone is not enough to promote flourishing in troubled children and may even lead to increased medication use.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 2010

Twice as many Swedes as Brits survive lung cancer

A study comparing lung cancer survival rates in England, Norway, and Sweden found that Swedes had the highest survival rates, with 16% of women diagnosed surviving five years. The difference in death rates was largely concentrated in the first year after diagnosis, suggesting a possible link between treatment activity and outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateApr 28, 2010

New explanation for cardiac arrest

A new disorder linked to heart problems has been discovered, characterized by an inability to form initial sugar molecules, leading to energy crisis and cardiac arrest. The study reveals that muscle cells can adjust and find alternative ways to source energy, but a cure is not yet available.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 19, 2010

Study: Many physicians not using established criteria

A new study found that many non-psychiatrist physicians and a substantial minority of psychiatrists reported infrequently using the DSM-IV criteria to diagnose major depressive disorder. This could lead to unnecessary medication prescriptions for patients who do not have major depression.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2010

Symptoms have little value for early detection of ovarian cancer

Researchers found that ovarian cancer symptoms are not reliable for detecting the disease at an early stage. In fact, only 1 out of 100 women with symptoms will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This study highlights the need for better molecular markers and imaging modalities to improve screening for ovarian cancer.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 28, 2010

Got a pet tarantula? Then wear eye protection

A 29-year-old man experienced symptoms after a tarantula released 'a mist of hairs' into the air, which got stuck in his eyes. He was treated with topical steroids and made a full recovery. The case highlights the importance of proper eye protection when handling tarantulas.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 31, 2009

Cardiovascular and suicide risk raised after prostate cancer diagnosis

A new study found that men diagnosed with prostate cancer have a higher risk of cardiovascular events and suicide, especially during the first year after diagnosis. The researchers attribute this to emotional stress associated with the diagnosis, which may lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and suicidal thoughts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 14, 2009

Tracking down the human 'odorprint'

Researchers aim to decipher human odor chemistry for detection and classification of smells, with progress in identifying odors associated with diseases like diabetes and cancer. Scientists also explore detecting 'smell of deception' to screen and identify terrorists and criminals.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 14, 2009

GPs' gut feelings defined

Researchers define 'gut feelings' experienced by GPs as two types: sense of alarm and reassurance. The former involves feeling uneasy about possible adverse outcomes, while the latter means feeling secure despite uncertainty. This definition aims to facilitate future research on the effectiveness of 'gut-compass'.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Family Practice·DateSep 16, 2009

Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation: New journal for 2010

Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation (C.O.R.E.) will publish bi-annually, addressing topics such as treatment efficacy, clinical diagnosis, and program evaluation. The journal aims to promote the development and dissemination of knowledge on outcome research and program evaluation in counseling.

SourceSAGE·JournalCounseling Outcome Research and Evaluation·DateAug 28, 2009

Prostate cancer: Racial disparity gap narrows, men diagnosed at younger age

A recent study found that the racial disparity gap in prostate cancer stage at diagnosis has decreased over time. More men were diagnosed with prostate cancer at an earlier age and stage in 2004-2005 compared to earlier years, according to data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 27, 2009