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Low-tech - just what the doctor ordered

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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 13, 2022

What is monkeypox?

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 9, 2022

Alzheimer’s disease blood test research at IU continues to advance the field with a community-based study

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.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 31, 2022

Medical debt during pandemic

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 20, 2022

First mutation-targeted bladder cancer drug may be under-used

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Study points to need for substantial improvement in heart attack outcomes across high-income nations

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...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Untrained disaster responders are more prone to suicide years after World Trade Center attack

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

High mortality for hospital referred Malawian children with low glucose or blood oxygen levels

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateApr 29, 2022

Breakthrough in treatment for Dupuytren’s disease

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.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2022

Tackling the consequences of Long Covid

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Patient Patient-Centered Outcomes Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2022

Research discovery reveals how a cancer cell resists radiation treatment

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2022

Study shows importance of ensuring participant and provider follow-up after a genetic screening result

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...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeSurvey·DateApr 27, 2022

UK study of more than 2,000 patients after hospitalization with COVID-19 shows only around 1 in 4 feel fully recovered after one year

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 23, 2022

A doctor’s visit from the future

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 20, 2022

Cannabis poisoning cases in pets have increased significantly

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateApr 20, 2022

Providing a potential treatment option to infants where there is none

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.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateApr 20, 2022

UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group publishes new guidance

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.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalArchives of Osteoporosis·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2022

A drug that cures alcoholism may be the next anti-anxiety medication

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.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2022

Food insecurity doubled likelihood of foregoing or delaying medical care during first year of COVID-19 pandemic in U.S.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 14, 2022

Grey matter volume could inform treatment decisions for developing mental health disorders

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...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

Aprotinin is effective in COVID-19 patients – researchers of Goethe University and University of Kent paved the way

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.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 11, 2022

Alzheimer’s brain barrier damage theory could pave way for new treatments

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.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 8, 2022

L.A.’s injury rate from e-scooters may exceed national rate for motorcycles

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022