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Injections for knee osteoarthritis -- 'subtle but significant' impact of revisions in clinical practice guidelines

The study analyzed an insurance database of over 1 million patients with knee osteoarthritis treated between 2007 and 2015. Updated guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons led to a decline in hyaluronic acid injections, while steroid injection rates leveled off after a recommendation against its use was made.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 17, 2018

A holistic approach for mycetoma management

A holistic, community-based approach to detection and case management improves disease prognoses in mycetoma patients. The study successfully trained over 300 care providers and implemented free treatment, reducing patient delay and dropout rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 10, 2018

Scientists uncover brain circuits behind putting up a fight or freezing in place

A recent study published in Nature found that the ventral midline thalamus (vMT) plays a crucial role in determining how animals respond to visual threats. The vMT sends information primarily to two brain areas, the basolateral amygdala and the medial prefrontal cortex, which turn out to be critical in determining reactions.

World's first series of robot-assisted tracheobronchoplasty shows promise for successful treatment of tracheobronchomalacia

A new study presents the world's first series of robot-assisted tracheobronchoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that expands treatment options for patients with tracheobronchomalacia. The results show significant improvement in pulmonary function tests and patient satisfaction, with low morbidity and mortality rates.

The rhythms of the night?

A new study found that intermittent bright light exposure at night can cause significant phase shifts in the body's internal clock, but not necessarily melatonin suppression. This challenges the common assumption that one can be used as a proxy measure for the other.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateApr 29, 2018

Expanded registry data shows continued positive results for the mitraclip device

The MitraClip device has demonstrated improved echocardiogram measurements and six-minute walk test outcomes, with significant reductions in left ventricle volume and NYHA classification. The study also showed substantial improvement in quality of life outcomes for patients with mitral valve regurgitation.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 26, 2018

Study: Certain PTSD therapies prove effective long after patients stop treatment

A new study from Case Western Reserve University found that certain PTSD therapies can effectively reduce symptoms for civilians and military veterans long-term. The study analyzed 32 PTSD-related studies and found that patients displayed less intense symptoms up to two years after treatment ended compared to six months post-therapy.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateApr 19, 2018

First dynamic spine brace -- robotic spine exoskeleton -- characterizes spine deformities

The RoSE is a dynamic spine brace that measures 3-D stiffness of the human torso, enabling new treatments for children with spine deformities. The device applies controlled forces to correct abnormal curves, adapting to changes in the torso over time.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateApr 9, 2018

New innovations in cell-free biotechnology

A Northwestern University-led team has developed a new way to manufacture proteins outside of a cell, which could have important implications for therapeutics and biomaterials. The team successfully produced high yields of proteins with non-canonical amino acids, opening up possibilities for decentralized manufacturing and distribution...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2018

Renowned cardiologist says new blood pressure guidelines not good for all

A leading cardiologist has criticized the new hypertension guidelines, which he says could lead to more harm than benefit for certain individuals. The guidelines recommend intensive treatment for patients at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but Dr. Robert Phillips argues that those with lower risk may face unnecessary harm.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 7, 2018

Mental health treatment for victims of human trafficking -- Journal of Psychiatric Practice presents initial recommendations

A review in Journal of Psychiatric Practice recommends cognitive therapies as a favored approach to addressing trauma symptoms in human trafficking victims. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) shows promise in treating trauma-related distress, with potential benefits including reduced feelings of guilt and shame.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateMar 7, 2018

Towards an unconscious neural reinforcement intervention for common fears

Researchers have created an innovative method to alleviate common fears by reading out unconscious brain activity and associating feared objects with positive feelings. By using a mental exercise game and leveraging artificial intelligence algorithms, participants can become desensitized to phobic stimuli without encountering the feare...

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2018

The giant wave that marks the beginning of the end -- the neurobiology of dying

In humans, a massive wave of electrochemical energy release in the brain occurs after oxygen deprivation, known as 'spreading depolarization', which can trigger pathophysiological cascades. Researchers have found that this event is similar to animal studies and that it remains reversible if circulation is restored before nerve cells die.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateFeb 26, 2018

New insights on the neurobiology of dying

A new Annals of Neurology study investigated the mechanisms and timing of events in the brain and circulation during the dying process. The findings suggest that spreading depolarization marks the loss of stored energy in brain cells, leading to death, but also highlight its reversibility with restored circulation.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateFeb 22, 2018