A French study found that direct communication with fracture patients through a dedicated case manager increased post-fracture BMD testing rates by 20%. This approach empowered patients to demand testing and care, closing the care gap in osteoporosis treatment.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery has released guidelines for identifying and treating anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) in young athletes. AAOCA can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death due to ischemia and arrhythmias, especially during intense exercise.
A study by PSE Healthy Energy found that many hazardous chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing are also used in routine oil- and gas-field activities, including drilling, cleaning, and maintenance. These findings have major implications for chemical disclosure policies and risk assessments of oil and gas development.
The new Clinical Practice Guidelines define the use of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities in managing patients with various liver diseases. The guidelines provide a range of generally accepted approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of specific liver diseases.
Researchers analyzed 24,000 retinal exams to develop a new screening schedule for people with type 1 diabetes. The findings suggest that adjusting the frequency of eye screenings based on risk could lead to lower costs and quicker diagnosis and treatment of advanced retinopathy.
A new study found that mindfulness group therapy has an equally positive effect as individual CBT for a range of psychiatric symptoms in patients with depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. The study showed significant improvements in symptoms such as depression, general anxiety, stress, and somatization.
Researchers at Osaka University report heat-assisted plasma treatment can modify PTFE to improve its adhesive properties, making it suitable for medical procedures. The treatment recovers the surface layer, strengthening the adhesion between PTFE and rubber, allowing for stable and non-toxic lubrication.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the confusing nature of state laws governing medical decision-making for incapacitated patients. The research found a complex and conflicting system that poses barriers to safeguarding patients' choices in their most vulnerable moments.
Researchers identified over 1,300 genes completely knocked out in at least one individual, including the APOC3 gene, which regulates triglyceride metabolism. These individuals had low triglyceride levels and were protected from post-meal rise in plasma triglycerides.
African Matabele ants have developed a unique rescue behavior where injured individuals are carried back to the nest and treated. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of social insects' investment in colony care.
A recent study suggests that current CDC and WHO guidelines may not be sufficient to protect sewer workers from the risk of contracting Ebola through inhalation. The researchers found that worker inhalation exposure to Ebolavirus-contaminated aerosols in the sewer is a concern that needs to be addressed.
A new study finds high levels of undiagnosed anxiety and depression persisting in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration despite improved visual outcomes. Human interaction between clinicians and patients is shown to offer reassurance on anti-VEGF injection efficacy and safety.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new technique, sonoillumination, which uses ultrasonic pulsation to improve laser transmission through skin tissues. This technique has the potential to reduce safety concerns in laser dermatology and provide safer, more effective treatment options for patients.
A clinical trial found that yoga significantly improved quality of life and reduced colitis activity in patients with ulcerative colitis. Regular yoga practice is considered a valuable adjunct to conventional medical therapies for managing the condition.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that nearly 90% of patients who sought second opinions received either a new diagnosis or a refined version of their original diagnosis. This significant finding highlights the importance of second opinions in ensuring accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes. The study's lead author no...
Researchers found that a large number of CMV's genes help it evade the immune system by destroying proteins produced during infection. This discovery could lead to novel treatments or a cure for this virus.
A study by University of Basel researchers found that people with mental illnesses suffer from severe social stigma, anxiety, and stress. Most mentally ill individuals are not violent, but their symptoms and treatment can influence the public's perception of danger.
A new study found that a videoconferencing educational program equips rural primary care providers with the confidence to manage patients with complex diabetes. The program, called Endo ECHO, improves access to specialized care for large numbers of patients through weekly virtual clinics.
A more flexible approach to study design can significantly improve the efficiency of preclinical research, according to a recent study published in PLOS Biology. By using group sequential designs, researchers can enhance predictive ability and reduce waste in animal studies.
Researchers at NUS identified weak spots on the surface of the dengue virus that can be targeted with therapies and vaccines, providing a promising avenue for treating the disease.
Women pursuing IVF are more likely to give birth if they have health insurance that covers the procedure, according to research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association. Without coverage, financial constraints often prohibit women from seeking additional treatments after an initial failure.
A new UC Davis study found that video game users who received reminders played more often and experienced increased time spent playing, with some games increasing feelings of control over depression. The study, using six three-minute games, showed promise in reducing symptoms of mild depression.
A new article published by JAMA Internal Medicine describes the successful implementation of a large-scale primary care-based teleretinal diabetic retinopathy screening program in Los Angeles County. The program eliminated the need for over 14,000 specialty visits and reduced wait times for screening by 89.2%.
Robert J. Gatchel, a renowned University of Texas at Arlington psychologist, has been awarded the American Psychological Foundation's 2017 Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Application of Psychology. He was recognized for his groundbreaking work on chronic pain behavior and its treatment.
Researchers at U of A have identified a potential target for treating multiple sclerosis by discovering an underlying defect in brain cells. The study found that two sub-components within a cell are miscommunicating in patients with MS, triggering dysfunction and toxicity for brain cells.
A new diagnostic model called Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) aims to correct limitations of traditional models like DSM-5 by using a dimensional and hierarchical approach. This approach can lead to more meaningful decisions and advance research efforts into the causes and treatments of mental disorders.
University of Pennsylvania researchers created a predictive indexing tool that identifies patients most in need of intensive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. The study found that those with worse prognoses saw the strongest results from CBT, while others saw no differences between CBT and less-intensive treatments.
A new study by Yale researchers found that over 40% of veteran-surrogate pairs lacked advanced care planning, leading to disagreements about end-of-life decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of facilitating discussions between patients and surrogates to ensure understanding of patient preferences.
A new biomarker may help predict which children will take longer to recover from traumatic brain injury (TBI). Half of the children with moderate to severe TBI had slow transfer times, indicating progressive decline in white matter.
A new study found that women who undergo failed fertility therapy have a higher risk of developing long-term cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart failure. The study of 28,442 women showed a 19% increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events in those who did not conceive.
A new study aims to improve treatment access for low-income women with postpartum depression by evaluating two interventions in primary care settings. The research will determine when during pregnancy and postpartum periods screening for depression is most accurate, as well as the effectiveness of peer-based engagement and problem-solv...
A review of studies on menopause symptoms found that women frequently use alternative treatments but often don't inform their doctors. The University of Delaware study suggests improving communication between healthcare providers and patients using CAM can boost treatment efficacy.
A new model of healthcare has shown that nurses can improve patient uptake of insulin treatment, leading to better long-term health outcomes. In a recent Australian study, 70% of patients began treatment under the 'Stepping Up' program, compared to just 22% in traditional approaches.
A new model of care has been associated with a higher uptake of insulin treatment among patients with type 2 diabetes, reports a study published in The BMJ. By focusing on an enhanced role for practice nurses, the model aims to improve outcomes and reduce barriers in clinical practice.
The International League Against Epilepsy has updated its epilepsy classification system, allowing for more informed decisions on treatment. The new system includes many types of seizures not captured in the older version, which may lead to greater advances in diagnosis and therapy.
A machine learning application powered by artificial intelligence has been developed to provide evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions in interventional radiology. The system enables real-time communication between clinicians and patients, improving the quality of care.
A retrospective analysis of patients with babesiosis found six cases of warm-antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia (WAHA) after treatment. Asplenic patients are at higher risk for this complication, which can be life-threatening and requires immunosuppressive treatment.
A new device called SafeRoot uses florescent dyes and fluorescence microscopy to detect minute amounts of residual live bacteria in root canals. This allows dentists to identify persistent or secondary infections and reduce the need for further treatments, potentially saving the NHS millions of pounds.
Treatment with vaginal progesterone significantly reduces the risk of preterm birth and related serious adverse outcomes in women pregnant with twins and have a short cervix. Women who received vaginal progesterone had a lower rate of preterm delivery and respiratory distress syndrome compared to those who did not.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a professional pest management intervention was no better at decreasing asthma symptoms in children allergic to mice than teaching families how to reduce mouse allergens on their own. Both groups showed substantial reductions in mouse allergen levels an...
Researchers develop Markov model to provide personalized information for women undergoing infertility treatment, considering factors like age, body weight, and AMH blood levels. The model can be updated in real-time and translated into a physician-friendly app.
Researchers have developed a new non-invasive method to identify the origin of atrial fibrillation, a type of abnormal heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke and other complications. The technique uses 64-lead electrocardiogram signals to pinpoint the location of the irregular heartbeat.
NeuroVision is participating in a landmark A4 study to test a new investigational treatment that may reduce beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain. The substudy will use NeuroVision's retinal imaging technology to characterize amyloid imaging findings and assess longitudinal changes.
Researchers found that the EarWell system is highly successful in eliminating or reducing the need for surgery in most congenital ear malformations, with 97% of ears showing good to excellent results. Treatment must begin early, ideally within three weeks after birth, and should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends that physicians provide brief information and advice to prevent or treat tobacco smoking in children and youth. Research shows that raising the minimum legal age for access to tobacco can significantly reduce smoking rates among young people.
A study found that early preventive dental care among Medicaid-enrolled children in Alabama was associated with increased tooth decay-related treatment, visits, and dental expenditures. In contrast, preventive care delivered by primary care providers showed no significant association with these outcomes.
A study published in PAIN found that physically active older adults have lower pain perception and better ability to block responses to painful stimuli. This suggests that low levels of sedentary behavior and greater light physical activity may be critical in maintaining effective endogenous pain inhibitory function.
A small study suggests deep brain stimulation is safe for patients with chronic anorexia and may help improve mood, anxiety, and wellbeing while increasing weight. The treatment altered brain circuits that drive anorexia symptoms, leading to improved mental health and quality of life.
A hospital-wide training program improved doctors' communication with patients, leading to a 9% increase in patients' perceptions of care. The program outlined standardized best practices for doctors to follow, including basic courtesies and scripted questions.
A large study of postmenopausal women who suffered a hip fracture found low rates of osteoporosis assessment and treatment. Regular doctor visits were the strongest predictor of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at the University of York developed a Collaborative Care intervention to help older people with lower-severity depression. The study found that this simple and low-cost approach reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and improved quality of life in those who received it.
Preliminary study in mice suggests that aged gut bacteria can worsen brain damage after a stroke. Researchers found that mice treated with older gut bacteria had impaired recovery and higher levels of immune cells that worsen stroke severity.
Older adults who underwent surgery for a herniated lumbar disk experienced similar improvements in disability, health-related quality of life, and leg pain compared to younger patients. However, they had more perioperative complications and longer hospital stays.
The ASTER Trial shows no significant difference in revascularization rate and safety between Penumbra's aspiration system and stent retrievers for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions. The study provides evidence supporting the use of aspiration as a frontline thrombectomy approach.
Researchers conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study on 30 patients with primary insomnia, finding that both neurofeedback and placebo-feedback were equally effective in improving subjective sleep complaints. However, objective EEG-derived measures of sleep quality did not show significant improvement.
A new study maps where US patients appear more ill than they are, highlighting the impact of diagnostic intensity on population health. Researchers found that areas with more aggressive medical practices tend to have higher health scores, while less aggressive areas have lower scores.
People with depression experience trouble processing information and solving problems, with symptoms persisting even after other symptoms fade. Researchers identified molecular mechanisms affected by depression on a rat model, shedding light on potential new treatments addressing associated cognitive problems.
A UBC Okanagan study used digital cameras to collect photos from older patients with atrial fibrillation, providing valuable insights into their daily care and environmental context. The images revealed nuances of living with a chronic condition in rural communities.
An international team of researchers has developed a cell culture model that can reproduce the major elements of drusen, the hallmark deposit of AMD. The model confirms that RPE cells in early AMD are functional and that Bruch's membrane conditions play a key role in disease progression.
A computational model of emphysema has been developed to compare novel and traditional treatments, showing that mechanical forces play a critical role in disease progression. The study suggests that newer lung volume reduction techniques can achieve comparable outcomes as current surgical approaches.