A simplified surgical tool called RAIS has been developed to enable laparoscopic surgery in low-to-middle income countries. The device uses a mechanical retractor and does not require CO2 gas or a general anaesthetic, making it more accessible and affordable for rural surgeons.
The joint position statement from British Menopause Society, RCOG, and SfE provides evidence-based guidance for healthcare professionals caring for women experiencing menopause. It recommends an individualised approach to care, considering the risks and benefits of therapies as well as lifestyle choices.
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, typically spread through contact with infected animals or humans. Symptoms include a rash and fever, and treatment involves antiviral medications.
A comprehensive register study at the University of Gothenburg shows individuals with diabetes have a substantially increased risk of left-sided heart valve disease. Lowering blood pressure and reducing other risk factors may even reduce this risk more than current treatment targets suggest.
Researchers found that nearly 80% of women with blocked fallopian tubes could conceive naturally after a simple diagnostic procedure and treatment, called selective salpingography and fallopian tube recanalization. The study suggests that this treatment could provide clarity on infertility and offer a life-changing option for many women.
The JNM Molecular Imaging of Neurodegeneration Supplement provides an overview of molecular imaging techniques in neurodegenerative disorders. The supplement aims to improve early and differential diagnosis, as well as stratify and monitor therapy in these disorders.
A new review analyzes the efficacy of current non-invasive methods for assessing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated conditions. Blood-based biomarker tests and imaging methods are explored, with some showing promise in early diagnosis and staging liver disorders.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have made significant progress in developing blood tests for Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment. The latest study, published in Nature Medicine, explores the utility of phosphorylated tau (P-tau) blood biomarkers to aid in early detection and improve disease management.
A large Japanese trial found that daily vitamin D supplements had no clinically meaningful effect on preventing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk of the condition. However, results suggested a potential benefit for those with insufficient insulin secretion, warranting further research.
Researchers developed a method combining low-power lasers with ultrasound to safely and efficiently remove arterial plaque. The technique reduces the risk of complications and improves the efficiency of plaque removal compared to traditional methods.
The review highlights advances in fundamental visualization methods for medical images in 3D, including scalar, vector, and tensor data. Medical professionals can quickly locate proper techniques using a taxonomy of medical problems and examples of health applications.
Researchers found no net association between the COVID-19 pandemic and medical debt across different income levels and pandemic severity. Decreases in elective medical procedures and government healthcare-related policies may have offset any increase in medical debt.
A study of 9,635 patients with alcohol use disorder found that medical therapy significantly lowers the risk of developing alcohol-associated liver disease. The results suggest a potential benefit of treatment in preventing long-term liver damage.
A protocol-based potassium supplementation strategy resulted in a longer time to the first peritonitis episode and a lower hazard ratio of peritonitis compared to reactive supplementation. This approach also improved PD-related outcomes by significantly reducing the risk of peritonitis.
A new study by McGill University researchers has shed light on the complex relationships between concussion symptoms and brain damage in children. The findings suggest that certain combinations of brain injury can lead to specific symptoms, such as attention difficulties and sleep problems.
A recent study suggests that concussion symptoms in children may be caused by multiple types of brain damage, leading to varying sets of symptoms. The research found complex relationships between brain damage and symptoms, which could lead to improved treatments for individual patients.
The USPSTF and ADA now recommend screening adults as young as 35 for diabetes. A new study estimates the proportion of asymptomatic adults who are eligible for screening based on these guidelines, particularly among those with prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) announced that TVT: The Structural Heart Summit will feature 12 studies as Late-Breaking Clinical Science and Featured Clinical Research. These studies highlight advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement, mitral, tricuspid, and left atrial appendage occlusion therapies.
A large study has found six predictors that can help determine the optimal lithium dose for patients with bipolar disorder. The predictors include age, sex, kidney function, and medication use. The researchers hope to develop a digital app to aid psychiatrists in finding the right dose.
A recent study analyzed a large database of bladder cancer patients and found that fewer than half had been tested for the relevant gene mutation or received erdafitinib treatment, despite its proven efficacy. The research highlights significant barriers to treatment, including obstacles in testing and education for healthcare providers.
A new device, consisting of a smart stent and printed soft sensors, can wirelessly monitor hemodynamics in real-time, detecting various vascular conditions. The system uses inductive coupling for wireless energy transfer and has the potential to replace existing clinical devices and angiograms.
A new study published by Harvard Medical School and The University of Texas Medical Branch found that despite international consensus on treating acute myocardial infarctions, there are substantial variations in treatment and outcomes across six high-income nations. The U.S. stands out for its high risk of death within a year of hospit...
The TVT 2022 program features cutting-edge research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other structural heart therapies. The meeting will focus on patient evaluation, imaging modalities, and therapeutic options.
A survey study found that cost was the most common reason for young adults aged 18-25 to avoid seeking depression treatment from 2011 to 2019. Increasing inadequate insurance coverage for mental health treatment also contributed to this issue.
A new study suggests that supplementing a diet with Ascidiacea, also known as sea squirts, reverses some main signs of aging in animal models. The researchers found that plasmalogens, vital to body processes, decrease with age and contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers from Osaka University have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells can prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes associated with immune checkpoint cancer therapy. MSCs secrete factors that protect pancreatic cells against immune attack, suggesting a new approach to preventing this debilitating side effect.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham call for more diverse patient groups in clinical trials and practice to ensure representative data collection. The team identifies barriers such as access to technology, disability, language, and cultural requirements that hinder participation.
A study published in The BMJ finds substantial differences in heart attack care across six high-income countries, including low use of blood vessel procedures in England and Netherlands, and high death rates in the US and Taiwan. This research highlights areas for improvement in these nations.
A new lab test has been developed by Rutgers scientists to identify COVID-19 variants. The test uses molecular beacon technology and can detect eight different mutations in the spike protein, increasing the transmissibility of the virus and evading immune defenses.
The new COBRE grant will help WVU recruit researchers and clinician-scientists to develop innovative solutions for preventing and treating incurable vision problems. The project aims to reduce visual disparities in West Virginia by understanding the complex combination of factors that contribute to these problems.
A study has identified disease mechanisms in children with severe COVID-19, including blood clotting and immune protein pathways. The research found specific proteins involved in multisystem inflammatory syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which are major potential outcomes of severe COVID-19.
A Rutgers study found that nontraditional 9/11 emergency workers are more than five times as likely to have considered suicide, with 12.5% expressing suicidal ideation compared to 2.2% of traditional first responders. Factors contributing to this disparity include inadequate training and financial hardship.
A study in rural Malawi found high mortality rates for children admitted to hospital with low blood sugar or oxygen levels. The findings suggest that earlier identification and prompt care-seeking could help reduce the risk of death, emphasizing the need for better clinical management of severely ill children.
Researchers at the University of Oxford have demonstrated the efficacy of adalimumab in treating early-stage Dupuytren's disease. The trial found that patients receiving adalimumab experienced softening and reduction in size of treated nodules, with sustained effects up to nine months after treatment.
A new study using a citizen science board of people affected by Long Covid identifies key research areas, including treatment, diagnosis, and disease management. The findings highlight the need for clear diagnoses and access to care that meets their multidimensional needs.
Cancer cells employ a unique defense mechanism to evade the effects of radiation treatment by exploiting an enzyme called Caspase-activated DNase (CAD). Removing CAD from cancer cells increases the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Researchers hope their discovery can lead to the development of targeted drugs to enhance cancer treatment.
A study found that pediatric transplant patients attend on average less than one appointment per year after transferring to adult care, resulting in longer hospital stays and poorer health outcomes. Maintaining regular appointments is crucial for continued transplant success, according to the researchers.
A study from the Healthy Nevada Project found that only 10% of patients with electronic health records containing genetic diagnosis experienced a change in care, emphasizing the need for follow-up education and conversations. The study also highlights the importance of including genetic diagnoses into electronic health records to maxim...
A UK study of over 2,000 COVID-19 patients found that only around 25% feel fully recovered after one year. Women and obese individuals are more likely to experience lower recovery rates. The study highlights the need for effective interventions to address long-term symptoms and improve patient care.
A study of 8,900 patients in New York State hospitals revealed racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment for obstetric patients. Obstetric patients in minority groups were less likely to receive an epidural blood patch (EBP) for postdural puncture headache during delivery hospitalization.
A doctor's visit from the future describes patient care in 2042, where diagnosis and treatment are personalized based on individual biological abnormalities. Researchers believe this approach could lead to more effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
A survey of veterinarians in the US and Canada reveals a significant increase in cannabis poisoning cases among pets since Canada's 2018 legalization, with most cases treated successfully. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on pets to inform veterinary efforts and policies.
A study led by MUSC researchers found that inhibiting the complement system with CR2Crry can prevent long-term brain damage and improve outcomes in premature infants with germinal matrix hemorrhage. The treatment has shown improved survival, weight gain, reduced brain injury, and enhanced motor and cognitive performances.
The UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group has published a new guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, which includes updated recommendations for vertebral fracture detection and anabolic treatment options. The guidance aims to improve service provision in both primary and secondary care settings.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet study how the immune system protects against malaria, finding that people who have contracted the disease before develop a tolerance that prevents severe disease. This knowledge can aid in the development of more effective vaccines.
A new Michigan Medicine study found that for children with a pelvic tilt and lower lumbar spine tilt of fewer than 10 degrees, the pelvis did not need to be included when inserting growing rods. This could help avoid painful complications such as skin breakdown and infection.
Researchers studied two strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with different lung attack mechanisms, finding that high-transmission strains trigger granulomas that may aid bacterial escape into the airways. In contrast, low-transmission strains cause inflammation that traps bacteria, reducing transmissibility.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that disulfiram inhibits FROUNT protein and chemokine signaling pathways, reducing anxiety levels in mice. The study suggests a potential breakthrough anti-anxiety medication with safe and effective treatment for elderly patients suffering from anxiety and insomnia.
A survey found that individuals experiencing food insecurity were twice as likely to delay or forego medical care due to cost concerns. Food insecurity disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority groups, low-income individuals, and those who lost their jobs or income.
A new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham has identified two distinct brain structure patterns associated with poor outcomes in patients with recent onset psychosis and depression. The study used MRI scans to analyze grey matter volume and found that lower volumes were linked to poorer outcomes, while higher volumes we...
Current guidelines for treating women's obesity, hypertension and diabetes are based on men's studies. Researchers call for sex-specific guidelines to accurately treat these conditions in women, as they have different risk factors and manifestations.
A new study shows that the telestroke program prevents unnecessary hospital transfers for stroke patients, decreasing rural healthcare disparities. The program increases care efficiency and cost-effectiveness, while optimizing care for patients.
Researchers from Goethe University and University of Kent found aprotinin effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Delta and Omicron, by preventing virus entry into host cells. A recent phase III clinical study demonstrated the treatment reduced hospital stays by five days.
A new study reveals funding for fertility preservation policies varies across the UK, with Scotland offering the most inclusive approach. The study highlights the need for standardization of policies to ensure equal access to care for patients.
A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Reports suggests that damage to the blood-brain barrier is the determining cause of Alzheimer's disease. The Lipid Invasion Model proposes that lipids entering the brain due to barrier damage lead to brain shrinkage, amyloid plaques, and tau tangles, characteristic of the disease.
A recent UCLA study found that the injury rate for e-scooter riders in Los Angeles is higher than the national rates for motorcycle, bicycle, car, and pedestrian injuries. The study estimates 115 injuries per 1 million e-scooter rides, highlighting a growing risk as e-scooters proliferate globally.
The study found significant improvements in blood flow through the heart and quality of life at one year, with all 36 patients achieving a reduction in tricuspid regurgitation severity. Longer follow-up is needed to determine how well the device continues to perform.
A randomized clinical trial comparing FFR-guided and IVUS-guided PCI found similar outcomes for patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis. Patients evaluated by FFR underwent fewer stents but had similar rates of adverse events and improved quality of life.
A study found that implantable heart monitors do not reduce cardiovascular events overall, but patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heart attacks saw strong benefits. Monitoring for abnormal heart rhythms may help guide care for NSTEMI patients.
Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.