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How the body uses fat to fight infection

Researchers discovered that blood stem cells use high-energy fatty acids from the body's fat stores to power up their response to infection. This finding could lead to new approaches in treating bacterial infections, particularly in vulnerable and older individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Metabolic differences in the diagnosis of and treatment refinement for episodic and chronic depression

A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·DateDec 8, 2021

Better understanding impact of shame on HIV patients can help improve healthcare, study argues

A recent study published in lambda nordica suggests that recognizing the psychological, social, and physical effects of shame on HIV patients is crucial for enhancing their medical treatment. The research argues that healthcare workers should be more aware of how shame contributes to poor health outcomes, particularly in individuals wi...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·Journallambda nordica·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

New study shows novel way to prevent postoperative complication after pancreatic surgery

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel polymer-based hydrogel that can prevent postoperative pancreatic fistulae, a frequent complication of pancreatic surgery. The Exceval hydrogel shows great promise for clinical applications due to its adjustable properties and high absorption abilities.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPolymers for Advanced Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Targeted nanomedicine reduces vascular lesions, could help prevent stenosis

A new targeted nanomedicine treatment developed at the University of Chicago has shown promise in reducing vascular lesions caused by atherosclerosis. The treatment delivers medicine directly to inflamed cells, targeting the site of inflammation and inhibiting stenosis, the remodeling of vascular tissue that causes it to close off.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2021

$4.6 million NIH grant to study mechanical ventilator protocols for COVID and other critically-ill ICU patients

The $4.6 million NIH grant will help implement a telehealth-enabled audit and feedback process to monitor adherence to recognized standards of care in 14 Intermountain Healthcare ICUs. This study aims to reduce the time patients spend on mechanical ventilators, improving lung protective mechanical ventilation best practices.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

New clinical practice guideline on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to help guide asthma treatment

The American Thoracic Society has published a clinical practice guideline on the use of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to guide asthma treatment. The guideline recommends using FeNO in addition to usual care for patients with asthma whose treatment is being considered, suggesting this may be eligible for the measurement.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2021

Dartmouth study reveals flaws in statistical modeling approach used in health services research

A Dartmouth study found that the stratified approach to statistical modeling in health services research can lead to inaccurate conclusions about disparities and inequities in healthcare. Joint modeling, on the other hand, provides a more accurate estimate of physician treatment patterns across different patient types.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2021

Promising discovery: D-glyceric acid activates cellular mitochondria and reduces low-grade inflammation in aging humans

A study found that D-glyceric acid treatment improved metabolism, blood parameters, and reduced low-grade inflammation in healthy volunteers aged 50-60 years. The compound's activation of mitochondrial metabolism may help interrupt the spiral of persistent systemic inflammation and improve liver function.

Researchers find benefits and drawbacks to two-step surgical approach for “leaky heart valves”

A NIH-funded study found that patients with a two-step surgical approach for 'leaky heart valves' had better short-term outcomes, but were more likely to need a pacemaker. The procedure involved repairing the tricuspid valve at the time of mitral valve surgery, and results showed reduced risk of death, reoperation, or severe regurgitat...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2021

Depression and anxiety worsened during the pandemic, putting patients at higher heart disease risk, study finds

A new study by Intermountain Healthcare finds that nearly 40% of patients reported new or continuing symptoms of depression during the pandemic. This increase in depression was associated with higher emergency department visits for anxiety and chest pain, highlighting the negative impact of the pandemic on physical and mental well-being.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2021

Supplementing patient health questionnaire with suicide cognition scale questions improves identification of individuals at highest risk of suicide

Researchers found that adding one of three Suicide Cognitions Scale items to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 improved accuracy in identifying those at highest risk of suicidal behavior within a month. This augmentation can lead to reduced unnecessary treatment and misallocated resources, benefiting both patients and physicians.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 9, 2021

Swiss Trauma Registry - Survival of severe gunshot and stab injuries

Severely injured patients from gunshot and stab wounds show low survival rates in Switzerland, with only 1.6% of serious injuries caused by firearms and stabbing weapons. Immediate transport to trauma centers is crucial due to prolonged diagnostic procedures and treatment time.

SourceInselspital, Bern University Hospital·JournalEuropean Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2021

Harnessing Thor’s Hammer -- How forensic science is unlocking the mysteries of fatal lightning strikes

Researchers developed a tool to investigate cause of death when skeletonised remains are recovered, providing a breakthrough in forensic lightning pathology. The study identified unique markers of lightning damage deep within the human skeleton, allowing for recognition of lightning strikes even when only dry bone survives.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalForensic Science International Synergy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Needle-free COVID-19 vaccine shows promise

Researchers at University of Queensland successfully protected mice from COVID-19 using a US-developed vaccine candidate delivered via a pocket-sized, pain-free applicator. The vaccine produced strong immune responses and neutralized multiple variants, including UK and South Africa variants.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 29, 2021

AI-powered glaucoma screening test delivers rapid results

A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2021

Medical providers less able to detect authentic pain among Black people than White people, study finds

A new study by E. Paige Lloyd found that medical providers are better at discerning real from fake pain expressions for White people than Black people. This disparity in pain detection could contribute to racial disparities in pain care and treatment recommendations.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Survey finds a need for pet care during hospitalizations

A survey conducted by Michigan Medicine found that nearly two-thirds of respondents experienced difficulty with pet care during hospitalization or knew someone who did. This stress can impact a patient's decision about staying in the hospital. Researchers aim to develop better resources and formalized services to address this need.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Patient Experience·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2021

Shear-wave elastography for interventional monitoring of pediatric Budd-Chiari syndrome

A prospective study found that liver stiffness measurements obtained by shear-wave elastography decreased significantly after image-guided intervention for chronic Budd-Chiari syndrome in children. Disease recurrence was typically associated with an increase in liver stiffness measurements compared to prior assessments.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2021

Health disparities and inequities impact Black and Latino Americans with autoimmune diseases, says new USC study

A new USC study reveals that gaps in income, education, and access to care contribute to poorer outcomes for people of color with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The review shows significant inequities in accessing healthcare, leading to diagnostic delays and underuse of services.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 4, 2021

October issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover diabetes and depression connection; schizophrenia treatment; mental health of community college students and more

The American Psychiatric Association journals feature research on the mental health of community college students, diabetes, depression, and schizophrenia treatment. The findings extend and validate previous studies relevant to clinical psychiatry.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2021

New research from Children’s Hospital Colorado shows dual therapy upon diagnosis of MIS-C improves cardiac outcomes

A recent study found that pediatric patients with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) who received initial IVIG plus Infliximab had improved cardiac outcomes, reduced need for additional therapies, and faster resolution of inflammation. The updated care pathway recommends this intensified therapy for all MIS-C patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2021

EMS ketamine use on agitated patients on cocaine increases intubation 5.75-fold

A new study published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine found that prehospital ketamine administration for excited delirium with concomitant cocaine intoxication significantly increases the risk of subsequent emergency department intubation. The study's findings suggest that cocaine may deplete excitatory neurotransmitters, leading ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPrehospital and Disaster Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 2021

ECMO life support offers sickest COVID-19 patients a chance to survive, but a slimmer one than once thought

A new study found that the survival rate of COVID-19 patients on ECMO has decreased over time, with those treated later in the pandemic having lower chances of survival. Careful patient selection and resource management are essential for hospitals offering ECMO to maximize survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

Shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms predict worsening health and death of hospitalized COVID-19 and influenza patients

Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2021