Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
Financial incentives have been shown to be highly effective in aiding smoking cessation among pregnant and post-partum women, especially those economically disadvantaged. According to Stephen T. Higgins, Ph.D., financial incentives in the form of vouchers for retail goods are a cost-effective alternative.
A treatment called prostatic artery embolization (PAE) decreases nocturnal urination frequency and improves quality of life in men with enlarged prostates. PAE is a less invasive option compared to surgery, performed on an outpatient basis.
Renan Uflacker received the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation's Leaders in Innovation Award for his pioneering work in interventional radiology. The award recognized his contributions to transforming the field through innovative treatments for liver disease, peripheral vascular disease and aneurysms.
A safe, minimally invasive treatment called bariatric arterial embolization (BAE) has been shown to lead to sustained weight loss in severely obese people. BAE targets the stomach's hunger hormone production, reducing appetite and resulting in significant weight loss.
A new study found that effectively treating depression can reduce a patient's chance of having a stroke, heart failure, a heart attack, or death. Effective treatment for depression reduces a patient's heart risks to the same level as those who never had short-term depression.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to analyze the Zika virus strain isolated from an infected patient in French Polynesia. The analysis revealed that Zika's structure is similar to other flaviviruses, but with a slight difference in a region important for binding to antibodies and host receptors.
The new Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Network in Diabetes and Related Complications aims to transform health outcomes for individuals with diabetes. The network will focus on improving care and reducing costs for vulnerable groups, including Indigenous peoples, immigrants, women, and lower socio-economic groups.
A study published in PAIN found that sleep problems are a predictor of chronic pain and worsening pain severity over time in emerging adults. Sleep problems were more likely to be associated with increased chronic pain, especially in women.
Case reports published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association document improvements in concussion-related symptoms following osteopathic manipulative treatment. These treatments can help restore cerebrospinal fluid flow to promote healing and alleviate symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and tinnitus.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has established a $10 million National Behavioral Health Innovation Center with a five-year commitment from The Anschutz Foundation. The center aims to improve mental and behavioral health through innovative approaches, collaboration, and community engagement.
A study published in JAMA found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive behavioral therapy resulted in greater improvement in back pain and functional limitations compared to usual care. MBSR focused on increasing awareness of moment-to-moment experiences, including physical discomfort and difficult emotions.
A new prediction model uses three separate readings and basic patient characteristics to provide an adjusted blood pressure reading with high accuracy. The model correctly classified 93% of cases, outperforming existing guidelines in identifying hypertension.
Researchers have found that truckers with obstructive sleep apnea who do not adhere to treatment have a significantly higher crash risk. The study, which analyzed over 1,600 drivers, found that these drivers were more than five times as likely to be involved in a severe crash compared to those who followed the treatment program.
A study found that adjunctive use of minocycline microspheres significantly reduced levels of subgingival bacterial species and improved clinical outcomes for patients with peri-implantitis. This resulted in a greater reduction in pocket depth compared to mechanical debridement alone.
A recent study by researchers at Kyushu Dental University found a significant evidence-practice gap for sealant application among Japanese dentists. The findings suggest that dentists' beliefs about the effectiveness of caries risk assessment are strongly associated with their recommendation of dental sealants.
Researchers analyzed six years of dental claims data to evaluate the longevity of restorations in primary molars. Sealants showed better survival rates when applied to children under three years old, while one-surface composite had similar longevity to one-surface amalgam.
Researchers investigate non-invasive sealing as a means to postpone restorative intervention for occlusal dentin caries in young permanent teeth. The study found that sealings showed better survival rates, but over half of sealed lesions remained untreated after seven years.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a novel implantable material that replicates the natural recoil of a healthy pelvic floor. This softer, elastic material is designed to reduce debilitating side-effects associated with current rigid materials used in urinary incontinence surgery.
A survey of hundreds of UK parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) highlights severe challenges in accessing adequate services. Only one per cent of parents were able to access dietary services that resolved their child's problems, despite many reporting health and behavioural progress following dietary changes.
A new study has found a strong link between gum disease and increased rates of cognitive decline in people with early stages of Alzheimer's Disease. Periodontitis at baseline was associated with a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline over a six-month follow-up period.
Emerging evidence on schizophrenia's development, prodromal characteristics, and long-term course provides reasons for optimism. New insights into neurobiology, early treatment, and more highlight key areas of progress toward understanding the complex disorder.
The Royal College of General Practitioners has accredited BMJ Best Practice, a healthcare knowledge provider that offers high-quality clinical decision support to GPs. The tool features continuing professional development tracking and accreditation, allowing GPs to earn credits while using it in their working day.
BMJ Best Practice features a continuing medical education (CME/CPD) tracking tool, allowing doctors to earn credits while using the platform as part of their working day. The new tool collates time spent learning and enables users to reflect on their impact on practice, supporting appraisal and revalidation.
A study at the University of Exeter found that young people who self-harm only seek emergency hospital care when their injuries are too serious or when complications arise. They experience punitive treatment and intense negative emotions, reinforcing feelings of shame and self-loathing.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has successfully reversed signs of naturally occurring chronic periodontitis in a preclinical model. By delivering the Cp40 inhibitor to periodontal tissue once a week, inflammation was significantly reduced and reversals were seen after six weeks.
A new study found that combining peripheral nerve stimulation with constraint-based therapy enhances recovery of movement in the affected arm and hand, even after one year after a stroke. The technique takes advantage of the brain's neuroplasticity to reorganize or 'rewire' itself after injury.
Researchers at Imperial College London found that the brain processes large numbers in the left side of the brain and small numbers on the right. The study's findings could lead to more effective rehabilitation techniques for patients with brain damage and treatments for conditions like dyscalculia.
A cross-sectional survey found high prevalence of parasitic infection among urban farmers in Kampala, with an infection rate of 76%. The study highlights the need for increased public health protection measures and integrated sanitation safety planning for marginalized communities.
A recent study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that employees who work for consistently unfair supervisors are less stressed and more satisfied than those with erratic bosses. The researchers suggest that prioritizing self-discipline and careful thinking can help deliver leaders who treat employees fairly most of t...
Researchers found that osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) significantly improved symptoms in patients with moderate to severe low back pain, reducing disability by up to 50%. The study suggests OMT as a viable alternative to surgery for these patients.
Researchers develop new method to visualize intrathecal drug delivery using SPECT-CT imaging, revealing dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid movement and injection location. This technique may help optimize therapeutic options for neurological disorders.
A study of nearly 460 ICUs across 50 countries found ARDS to be underrecognition and undertreatment, associated with a high mortality rate. Clinical recognition of ARDS ranged from 51% to 78.5%, with varying hospital mortality rates depending on severity level.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have found a potential treatment for adults with lazy eye, improving sight and brain response through transcranial direct current stimulation. The treatment has shown promise in increasing vision quality and addressing primary visual cortex problems.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that young people with psychotic-like symptoms benefit from early intervention treatment in their own environment. The treatment approach improved functioning and reduced symptoms compared to conventional youth psychiatric treatment.
Research suggests that endovascular treatment can improve cognitive functioning and executive abilities after an ischemic stroke. Patients who underwent thrombectomy showed better preservation of executive function compared to those treated with medication alone.
The Medical University of South Carolina is developing a statewide telehealth network for children's hospitals, which aims to provide quick access to specialized pediatric care. The network, supported by a $1 million grant, will help equip smaller medical centers with resources and expertise.
The Atlas io system uses DNA probes with bespoke electrochemical tags to detect infectious diseases in less than 30 minutes. This technology has significant benefits over existing diagnostic tests, allowing for faster results and potentially reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Researchers found computerized cognitive rehabilitation significantly improves attention and executive functioning in TBI and stroke patients, with trends toward significance also observed. The treatment can reduce wait time and cost, improve quality of life and reduce caregiver burden.
The American Epilepsy Society has released a new guideline to help physicians effectively treat patients with prolonged seizures. The guideline recommends a three-phase approach to treatment, prioritizing rapid termination of seizure activity to reduce neurological injuries and deaths.
A new Cochrane systematic review provides comprehensive insights into the surgical treatment of vaginal prolapse, comparing tissue repair with artificial mesh. The study found that while mesh reduces awareness of prolapse, its overall benefit is small and comes with increased risks, including reoperation and bladder injury.
A research team at the University of Iowa uses proteomics to create personalized molecular diagnoses, tailoring treatments to individual patients. By analyzing protein profiles, doctors can identify specific disease causes and develop targeted therapies.
A study published in The BMJ found that internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can effectively treat body dysmorphic disorder, reducing symptom severity and depression. Participants who received BDD-NET showed significant improvements compared to those receiving online supportive therapy.
Researchers have developed a new analysis method to distinguish between stroke patients with language problems, enabling more individualized treatment. The method uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and combines information about brain lesions and activity patterns.
A new review suggests that Americans are not using infertility treatments and technologies as much as they could due to limited insurance coverage. The number of women aged 25-44 who have used infertility services decreased by 16% between 1995 and 2010, with usage rates being only 40% of the likely need in the US population.
A study has identified a series of innovations that can help hospitals reduce unnecessary acute admissions. The research found that early patient assessment by senior staff played a central role in reducing admissions, with different approaches used across four hospitals in the south west of England. Patients were generally happy with ...
The NIHR will fund research on interventions and services to prevent and treat obesity in adults and children, building on successful programs like Football Fans in Training. The call aims to identify cost-effective practices that can help reduce the prevalence of obesity, a significant threat to public health.
The updated clinical practice guideline supports doctors of chiropractic's role in diagnosing and treating patients with low-back disorders. The guidelines recommend a hierarchy of clinical methods based on evidence levels and promote active care strategies to improve functional recovery and patient self-reliance.
A new analysis of sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) reveals its potential to personalize fertility treatment and increase chances of successful assisted reproduction for involuntary childless couples. Men with higher DFI values have lower fertility, making ICSI a more effective option over IVF in such cases.
A recent study found that almost 2% of 16-year-olds have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) lasting more than six months. The condition affects girls more than boys and children from families experiencing adversity are more likely to have it. Effective treatment is available for most children, but many miss school due to symptoms.
A European multicenter study found that intravenous thrombolysis is safe and effective for ischemic stroke patients with preexisting dependency, despite concerns of higher complication rates. The study suggests that these patients should be considered for IVT treatment in randomized-controlled trials.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii developed innovative experiments to test first-aid measures for box jellyfish stings, finding that tried-and-true methods like vinegar and hot water immersion are effective in reducing venom toxicity. The study also introduced a new therapeutic called Sting No MoreTM, which inhibits venom directly.
Two studies found that physicians receive less intense end-of-life treatments and are less likely to die in a hospital than the general population. Physicians were also more likely to prefer dying at home and had a different location of death compared to other healthcare professionals and the general population.
A cross-sectional survey of 14,587 patients found that 86% had a preference for at least one aspect of their psychological treatment, with time of day and location being the most popular. Patients who had unmet preferences were less likely to report being helped by the treatment.
A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that preventative treatment with omalizumab reduces fall exacerbations in a high-risk group of allergic asthma subjects. Increasing inhaled steroid treatment levels offered little to no additional benefit.
A team of researchers, including those at Florida State University and the University of Florida, have secured a $4 million USDA grant to tackle citrus greening. They plan to culture the bacteria in labs to test new treatments and approaches to combat the disease, which has devastated citrus crops in Florida.
Researchers discovered a specific gene variant linked to fragile bones in mice with Hajdu-Cheney syndrome, a rare inherited disorder. The study suggests that overactive bone-absorbing cells contribute to the disease's characteristic bone loss and fractures.
A new study reveals that surgical treatment can effectively restore penile length and improve erectile dysfunction in patients with Peyronie's disease. The 'sliding technique' and penile prosthesis implantation showed promising results, with an average lengthening of 3.2 cm.
A large new study found previously unknown risk factors associated with keratoconus, a condition that causes progressive nearsightedness at a young age. The study revealed higher odds of developing keratoconus among men, African Americans, Latinos, and those with asthma and sleep apnea.
A new minimally invasive intervention involving lung coil implantation improved exercise capacity in patients with severe emphysema, with significant short-term costs. The treatment also showed long-term benefits, including reduced lung hyperinflation and sustained quality of life improvements.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have obtained the crystal structure of a toxin from Clostridium difficile, revealing that zinc is required to unleash its damaging effects. This discovery aids efforts to develop vaccines and other novel therapies to prevent fatal consequences of C. diff infection.