Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
A new checklist from Australian doctors aims to prompt frank discussions about end-of-life care and minimize futile treatments. The CriSTAL tool assesses 29 predictors of death in elderly patients, helping healthcare professionals recognize the inevitability of death and provide more appropriate services.
The use of ICSI in IVF procedures for male infertility has doubled between 1996 and 2012. Despite this increase, studies found no association with improved reproductive outcomes such as implantation or pregnancy rates.
A new study found that postpartum depression can have onset of symptoms that begin in pregnancy, impacting prognosis and treatment tailoring. Women who experienced symptoms during pregnancy may be at risk for more severe postpartum depression.
A new study shows that cold atmospheric pressure plasma significantly reduced the number of virus particles in norovirus samples, making it a promising method for continuous disinfection of contaminated surfaces. The technology is environmentally friendly and effective against viruses with high tenacity, like noroviruses.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that UCP2 induces fatty acid synthesis, activating inflammatory pathways in patients with sepsis. Lack of UCP2 improved survival in a mouse model of sepsis, suggesting UCP2 as a potential therapeutic target.
Patients with low illness acceptance have lower energy, more severe pain, and negative emotional reactions, leading to social isolation. Acceptance of illness is crucial for effective treatment and improved daily functioning.
A recent study published in HortScience suggests that nitrogen from reclaimed water can support optimal turfgrass growth. The researchers found that turfgrass responded positively to higher concentrations of nitrogen in the irrigation water, but the concentration needed was at least 5 mg·L−1.
A University of Michigan study found a 92% increase in children seeking medical assistance for concussions in states with concussion laws. The legislation, combined with heightened public awareness, has led to significant increases in concussion treatment rates among school-age athletes.
Scientists are exploring how bitter compounds cause airway constriction and searching for potential new treatments using a slime mould model. The study aims to identify cellular mechanisms that could reverse or prevent asthma attacks.
A groundbreaking study found that the Los Angeles LGBT Center's voter persuasion methods reduced anti-gay prejudice and may have potential to reduce other forms of prejudice. The approach, involving one-on-one conversations, had a long-lasting impact on changing conservative voters' minds.
A new case study assesses the immediate and ongoing response to the 9/11 disaster, identifying key elements that impact the health of exposed populations. The study emphasizes the importance of clinical expertise, site safety, attention to vulnerable populations, and developing trust and transparency in public health disaster response.
A new study by University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions found that smoking is associated with difficulties in alcohol treatment. Tobacco smokers had shorter treatment durations and were less likely to achieve their alcohol-related goals compared to non-smokers.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that teleophthalmology did not result in worse visual outcomes, even though it led to longer wait times for treatment reinitiation. The teleophthalmology approach was cost-effective and reliable for patients with another eye disease, diabetic retinopathy.
A new computer-based approach to treating anxiety sensitivity has shown significant results in reducing suicide risk. The Cognitive Anxiety Sensitivity Treatment (CAST) is a 45-minute online program that provides interactive features and exercises to improve responses to stress and anxiety.
Scientists have developed a novel approach to treating asthma by targeting the trigger - dust mite allergens. The newly created compound significantly dampened immune responses in rats exposed to various allergens, suggesting a potential breakthrough in asthma treatment.
A new study found that patients with spinal compression fractures who wore no brace fared as well as patients instructed to wear a brace for treatment, with comparable outcomes in terms of pain and healing. However, prolonged use of the braces may result in muscle deterioration, skin irritation, and additional costs.
A bottlenose dolphin with breathing difficulties underwent pioneering therapeutic bronchoscopy, marking the first time such a procedure was performed on a marine mammal. The dolphin's respiratory cycle improved significantly after the treatment, and she returned to her normal behavior.
Drs. Alim Louis Benabid and Mahlon DeLong developed deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treating Parkinson's disease, improving motor function and quality of life for thousands of patients. Their groundbreaking research has led to the use of DBS in other disorders, benefiting over 110,000 patients worldwide.
A new long-term clinical trial found that Lung Volume Reduction Coil treatment is safe over a 3-year period. Half of the patients showed continued improvement in lung function capacity and overall quality of life.
A recent study by Lund University found that group mindfulness treatment is as effective as individual cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating depression and anxiety. The study included 215 patients and showed significant reductions in symptoms of both conditions, regardless of the treatment approach.
The study aims to compare VR-based balance treatment with traditional methods for rehabilitating balance dysfunction after TBI. It will evaluate the effectiveness of customizing VR exercises based on individual ability levels and assess dual-task VR training for improving balance.
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center found a strong, protective relationship between cholesterol efflux and cardiovascular risk. The study revealed that measuring cholesterol efflux provides significantly different information than traditional HDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers at University of Melbourne developed a new laser treatment that improves eye health in AMD patients by reducing disease signs and enhancing supporting cells. The nanosecond laser does not cause damage to the retina, raising hope for monocular treatment options.
A new study analyzes individual results and population-level data to clear the paradox of faster heart attack treatment times. The findings show that treating more complex patients with emergency angioplasty and stents appears to be why mortality hasn't decreased with reduced door-to-balloon time.
Case Western Reserve researchers develop a procedure that restores breathing function in paralyzed muscles even after a year of injury. The treatment approach combines enzyme injection and intermittent hypoxia therapy to boost serotonin levels, reactivating the diaphragm and restoring normal breathing.
A clinical trial found that hyperbaric oxygen treatment did not improve postconcussion symptoms in military members, but both the treatment and sham groups showed improvements compared to those who received no supplemental air chamber treatment. The study suggests that the observed improvements may be due to placebo effects.
A specialized ambulance staffed with a neurologist and equipped with a computed tomographic scanner increased the percentage of stroke patients receiving thrombolysis within the golden hour, reducing time to treatment by 24.5 minutes. This approach improved short-term outcomes without increasing risks for mortality.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that total hip replacement is an excellent option for young JIA patients, with 85% of patients experiencing at least 10 years of implant longevity. Patient-reported outcomes showed favorable results in terms of activities of daily living and pain management.
A new study of over 12,000 Danish patients with hip fractures found that those treated in smaller hospital departments had a lower mortality rate and shorter length of stay. The quality of care was also higher in these departments compared to larger ones.
A new study by RAND Corporation found that most community-based mental health providers lack the necessary training to address the specific needs of military veterans. The survey of 522 mental health providers revealed that only 13% met criteria for cultural competency and delivering evidence-based care.
Researchers developed a family-focused, culturally-informed treatment for schizophrenia that reduced patients' psychiatric symptoms and improved caregiver emotional well-being. The program tapped into the family's cultural beliefs, values, traditions, and religious practices to help them manage the illness.
A new study has identified genetic material that recognizes early stages of infection in patients with hemorrhagic fevers, such as Lassa and Marburg viruses. This discovery could lead to the development of better diagnostics and improved treatment outcomes.
Research suggests that hospital interventions can significantly reduce smoking rates, with around 14.5% of hospital admissions being smokers. Implementing routine smoking cessation support could prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths.
The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences has been awarded a $1.3 million grant to develop training programs for first responders in mass casualty events. The training will focus on medical readiness and immediate victim care, utilizing the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) framework.
Researchers at the University of Montreal are exploring virtual reality as a tool to better gauge sex offenders' reactions and assess therapeutic progress. By testing virtual reality protocols, they aim to validate theories explaining why offenders act on their impulses.
A new report from The Gerontological Society of America highlights the importance of advance directives in securing appropriate advanced illness care. It presents new models and tools that family members and providers can use to provide person- and family-centered care, which may be cost-effective.
Patients with mild depressive symptoms post-surgery experience weaker functional capacity for up to five years. Enhanced psychosocial support may improve recovery in patients with this condition.
Researchers developed an EEG test to help diagnose persons at risk of developing mental illness and measure the effectiveness of treatment options. The test measures auditory processing deficits in schizophrenia patients, suggesting potential improvement with cognitive exercises.
A team of researchers is using a new state-of-the-art laser to study the effects of silver and silicone dressings on child burns wounds. The project aims to understand how deeply the products penetrate the skin and how much remains behind after removal, in order to develop more effective treatments and reduce scarring. Preliminary resu...
REACH ETHIOPIA, a collaboration between LSTM, has been awarded the 2014 Kochon Prize for its innovative community-based TB treatment approach. The project doubled TB case notification in a 3-million population and achieved a treatment success rate of 93%, demonstrating the effectiveness of bringing services closer to communities.
Researchers at Royal Holloway are working on a novel treatment for spinal cord injury, using an engineered form of chondroitinase to break down scar tissue and promote regeneration. The project aims to overcome the technical hurdle of delivering the protein to the injury site, a crucial step towards translating it into a clinical therapy.
A new study found that children under 18 with appendicitis are more likely to experience a ruptured appendix if they live in areas with severe shortages of general surgeons. Younger children, especially those under 5, face the greatest risk due to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers suggest that asymptomatic individuals may benefit from treatment for thyroid dysfunction to reduce associated health risks. However, the effectiveness of thyroid screening is still unknown, and further studies are needed to inform an updated recommendation.
The study found that over-the-scope clip (OTSC) placement is a safe and effective therapy for closing gastrointestinal (GI) defects. Clinical success rates ranged from 90% for perforations to 73% for leaks, with successful closure of fistulae being less than half the patients.
A new study predicts that current international efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in Montserrado, Liberia, will not be sufficient to contain the epidemic. The research estimates that up to 170996 total cases and 90122 deaths are projected by December 15, 2014, without expanded control measures.
Scientists have developed an immune-based treatment that reduces brain damage after head injuries by blocking the activation of immune cells. The treatment, called CAP, was tested on mice and found to be effective in reducing brain lesions.
The Journal of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness has launched a special issue on Ebola, featuring a clinician primer prepared by Dr. Eric Toner and colleagues. The primer covers the history, epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations, biosafety, prevention, treatment, and experimental vaccines of the Ebola virus.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society reveals that resveratrol increased spinal bone density in men with metabolic syndrome and improved levels of the bone formation marker BAP. This finding suggests the compound's potential as an anti-osteoporosis drug, stimulating bone-forming cells within the body.
Experts warn conventional US medical centers may struggle to manage Ebola due to lack of preparedness and training. Regional referral centers could help address the shortage of high-level biocontainment patient facilities.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that substantial weight loss is more likely achieved through rapid weight loss programmes. Researchers compared two groups: one following a 12-week rapid weight loss programme with an average weekly weight loss of 1.5kg, and the other on a 36-week gradual weight loss pr...
Researchers at Marcus Autism Center studied delay discounting in parental decision-making, finding that parents' willingness to engage in treatment for their children's problem behavior decreases with longer delay. The study aimed to design treatment programs that families can stick to and help them adhere to.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that medical residents' knowledge of High Value Care is essential for patient outcomes. The study used the IM-ITE exam and a hospital care intensity index to assess resident knowledge, revealing that conservatively managing patients was a key competency.
Dr. Leana Wen calls for standardized medical training curriculum to address inadequate care for patients with disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of provider awareness and advocacy to counter prevalent stigma.
A new study from the University of Melbourne found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain in patients older than 50. The research, published in JAMA, involved 282 participants who received either real or sham acupuncture for 12 weeks.
A new study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions suggests that reducing substance abuse has a greater influence on reducing violent acts by patients with severe mental illness. The study found that treating substance abuse was more effective in decreasing aggression than improving psychiatric symptoms.
Researchers developed a predictive model based on clinical symptoms, cognitive abilities, brain structure, and biomarkers to forecast patient outcomes. The model aims to improve treatment for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and could lead to more personalized care.
A study published in JAMA found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain or function in patients over 50 years old. While acupuncture showed modest improvements in pain at short-term follow-up, these benefits were not sustained at one year.
Obstructive sleep apnea affects 25 million adults in the US, increasing risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Effective treatment with CPAP therapy can reduce these risks and improve brain and heart health.
A new large-scale study aims to address knowledge gaps on sexual assault survivors' health outcomes and experiences. Nine hundred women will be enrolled and followed for one year to understand physical and mental health during recovery, as well as interactions with law enforcement, the legal system, and medical care.
Researchers have identified a potential method to interrupt abnormal bone growth, commonly known as heterotopic ossification (HO), in burn patients. Using an anti-inflammatory treatment called apyrase, the study found that HO can be reduced by breaking down ATP, a primary energy source for cells.