Research on therapies used across medicine and how they perform. Covers weight-loss injections, hormone therapy, stem-cell approaches, pain relief, and drug targets.
A new study reveals that nearly 73% of sleep apnea patients have clinically significant depressive symptoms, which improve substantially when treated with CPAP therapy. Treatment adherence was associated with reduced depressive symptoms, including suicidal ideation.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis are not significantly harmed by medical therapy and may even benefit from more intensive treatment. The study's findings suggest that preventing carotid occlusion may not be a valid indication for stenting or endarterectomy.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that neighborhood characteristics have a lesser impact on EMS activation for stroke than stroke severity or individual factors. Most patients arrived at the ER within 3 hours, but only about half used EMS, with lower stroke severity and younger age being key determinants.
Involving parents in the treatment of adolescents with bulimia nervosa is more effective than treating the patient individually. Family-based therapy achieved higher abstinence rates from bingeing and purging compared to cognitive behavioral therapy, according to a randomized clinical trial.
Professor Michael Frakes will examine the relationship between medical malpractice laws and health care outcomes using a unique data set from the Military Health System. The four-year study aims to identify the impact of liability pressure on practice patterns, medical costs and patient outcomes.
A team of experts is working on developing a dynamic spine brace that can modulate corrective forces while allowing users to perform everyday activities. The new design aims to improve the quality of life for children with scoliosis, which affects 2-3% of adolescents each year.
Researchers developed coated silica nanoparticles that can deliver calcium-based compounds and antimicrobials into damaged teeth through microscopic holes. The particles overcome previous aggregation issues, showing promise for restorative treatment of sensitive teeth.
A UTHealth researcher has received a $544,329 CDC grant to develop region-specific educational materials and implement outreach on Chagas disease in South Texas. Approximately 20-30% of infected persons will enter the chronic phase, which can manifest as heart disease or gastrointestinal issues.
A new UNSW report shows that frozen embryo IVF cycles are just as successful as fresh embryo cycles, with a 23-27.5% birth rate. The report also found a significant increase in the use of frozen embryos and improvements in techniques such as vitrification and blastocyst culturing.
Recent advances in genetic testing are providing new insights into pediatric epilepsy, enabling timely diagnosis of potential genetic disorders. This can lead to optimized treatment and reduced costs for families, as well as reduced anxiety associated with unknown cause cases.
A randomized clinical trial found the modified Story Memory Technique to improve memory and everyday functioning in individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. The study, published by Kessler Foundation, provides first Class I evidence for the efficacy of cognitive training in TBI.
Scientists at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy created macrophages that deliver glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and teach neurons to produce the protein. The treatment has shown promise in reversing Parkinson's disease progression and promoting neuron survival.
A major European study has identified key characteristics of severe asthma, which will help develop new treatments. Patients with severe asthma experience daily symptoms despite high doses of treatment and are more likely to be hospitalized.
A new study published in Patient Education and Counseling found that patients of minority race/ethnicity groups receive less information from their doctors about treatment rationale and scientific research. The study emphasizes the importance of consistent physician-patient communication to ensure equal care for all patients.
Dr. Kristin Sohl is expanding the ECHO Autism program to an additional 10 sites, aiming to improve healthcare for children with autism in underserved communities. The $15 million grant will enhance early identification of autism and treatment of co-occurring conditions in primary care.
A study investigated the link between brain cell dysfunction and poor insight in psychotic patients, finding a correlation between reduced NAA levels and impaired awareness of illness. The research may help develop new treatment options for improving insight and patient outcomes.
The BELIEF study shows that left atrial appendage (LAA) isolation, combined with standard treatment, significantly improves the success rate of catheter ablation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. LAA isolation reduces AF recurrence rates by 30% compared to standard treatment alone.
A small study found microfocused ultrasound to be safe and effective in treating laxity of the skin in adults with darker skin types. The treatment resulted in only three temporary adverse events, which resolved without complications.
The September special issue of Optometry and Vision Science presents significant strides in managing patients with dry eye symptoms. Key findings include new treatments such as omega-3 supplements and heat therapy, as well as emerging approaches to diagnosis and management.
Researchers found a small molecule, amphotericin B, that can substitute for a protein and restore a key cellular function related to cystic fibrosis and similar conditions. This approach shows promise as a therapeutic strategy for addressing the root cause of the disease.
A study published in Vision Research found that amblyopia, or 'lazy eye,' alters the brain's visual pathways, making it harder for the brain to adapt to using the weaker eye. The research suggests a potential new approach for treating vision disorders, including adults.
A University of Kansas researcher studied Chapter 205, the state's quarantine law from 1917 to 1942, and found that it punished poor women disproportionately. The study highlights the social control of sexuality and how social inequalities influenced its implementation.
A new study found that same-sex couples encounter more obstacles to infertility treatment, including psychological evaluations and high costs of treatments. The research highlights the need to recognize inequalities in the medicalization of infertility and its effects on marginalized groups.
A review of research on sleep in PTSD and TBI found that sleep-focused interventions can improve treatment outcomes in veterans. Sleep difficulty is a primary symptom of both conditions and can persist after resolution of symptoms.
Women undergoing fertility treatment face a higher risk of depression after giving birth compared to those who don't have a child. The Danish research found that women who give birth after fertility treatment are five times more likely to develop depression in the first six weeks after birth.
A University of Manchester study found that most hospital management strategies for self-harm are associated with higher risk of death, especially psychiatric admission. Routine aspects of care can be helpful in addressing underlying issues contributing to self-harm.
A study found that racial and gender differences affect 9-1-1 call use for strokes, with white women being the most likely to use EMS transport. Research analyzed data from nearly 400,000 stroke patients, revealing variations in 9-1-1 usage among different racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers found that therapists using Socratic questioning techniques led to substantial improvements in depressive symptoms for patients. The therapy involves guided questions to help patients re-examine their negative thoughts and gain a broader perspective.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that insulin pump users had a substantially lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those using multiple daily injections. The researchers believe more frequent monitoring and training may be key to the therapy's benefits.
A study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that even after educating healthcare providers about VTE prophylaxis, significant numbers of patients did not receive the recommended treatment. The study suggests that electronic patient records and innovative software programs can improve compliance rates.
A study published in Neuron found that stress can alter brain connections to impair self-control, particularly when faced with tempting food choices. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced moderate stress were more likely to choose unhealthy options, and their brains showed altered patterns of connectivity.
Researchers developed an objective method to differentiate between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD) based on urine metabolites. A panel of six biomarkers showed an 89-91% accuracy rate in predicting each condition.
A new narrative review published in JAMA found that current psychotherapy treatments are less than optimal for PTSD, with non-medical approaches effective but not universally effective. The study suggests a need for broader and more personalized approaches to care.
A randomized trial found that mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy resulted in greater improvement in self-reported PTSD symptom severity compared to present-centered group therapy. The study suggests that this type of intervention may be an acceptable alternative for veterans with poor adherence to existing treatments.
A study of 41,000 Danish women found unsuccessful fertility treatments do not increase depression risk. Becoming a mother is a greater trigger for clinically diagnosed depression than fertility treatment stress.
Researchers identified lanosterol as a key molecule in preventing lens protein aggregation, a major factor in cataract formation. Treatment with lanosterol significantly decreased preformed protein aggregates and reduced cataract severity in animal models.
UC Davis researchers estimate that the total costs of caring for people with autism spectrum disorder will range from $162 to $367 billion in 2015 and potentially reach $1 trillion by 2025. The study recommends increased investment in research and early intervention programs to reduce these costs.
A computerized attention-control training program significantly reduced combat veterans' preoccupation with - or avoidance of -- threat and attendant PTSD symptoms. This approach balances moment-to-moment fluctuations in attention bias from threat vigilance to threat avoidance, correlating with the severity of PTSD symptoms.
The University of Montana research team, led by Sarj Patel and Tom Rau, will conduct expanded testing on biomarkers for traumatic brain injury. They aim to clinically validate their research and explore chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
A new review article analyzes five interventional approaches to gallbladder disease, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy, NOTES, and endoscopic transmural drainage. The authors highlight the potential benefits of these minimally invasive procedures, which offer alternatives to traditional surgery and can improve patient outcomes.
The American College of Physicians recommends combined diet and physical activity promotion programs to prevent type 2 diabetes in at-risk patients. These interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing new onset diabetes and are also cost-effective.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test for sperm RNA based on next-generation sequencing, which may help determine the best infertility treatment for couples having difficulty conceiving. The test can identify those who benefit from assisted reproductive technologies and those who may be successful with minimal intervention.
Research shows older patients with spinal cord injuries have more severe lag times between injury and surgery, with a significant delay in treating those over 70 years old compared to younger patients. This can lead to less severe injuries and better outcomes for these patients.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that young people from poor nations can benefit from mental health treatment, even with untrained lay workers. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy showed a nearly 82% reduction in trauma symptom scores compared to usual treatment.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNA-132 plays a critical role in regulating the transition from inflammation to proliferation during wound healing. The researchers identified miR-132 as a therapeutic target for promoting healing and developing new treatments for chronic skin wounds.
University of Alberta scientists investigate physical principles underlying prion protein formation, with potential applications for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Their recent discovery sheds light on microscopic mechanisms governing protein misfolding, offering a new step towards developing therapeutics.
A national study found that over half of substance abuse counselors personally experienced workplace violence, leading to concerns for personal safety, impaired job performance, and decreased quality of care. Organizations responded with increased training and security measures.
Early screening echocardiography for patent ductus arteriosus among extremely preterm infants reduced in-hospital mortality and pulmonary hemorrhage rates. The study found no significant differences in severe complications like necrotizing enterocolitis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Partnerships between multinational companies and child health programs can improve treatment rates and access to life-saving treatments, but also pose an ethical minefield. Critics argue that these connections can legitimize the sale of unhealthy products while diverting resources from public health measures.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that knee surgery for middle-aged and older adults with persistent knee pain offers a small but significant effect on pain, but no benefits for physical function. The research also identified potential harms, including deep vein thrombosis and infection.
Researchers developed a predictive model using VHA health system data to identify small groups of individuals with very high predicted suicide risk. The study found that the model was more sensitive than clinical flagging and could help tailor suicide prevention efforts to those at highest risk.
Two studies show ultrasound can identify RA patients in clinical remission with active subclinical synovitis, highlighting the risk of progressive joint damage. High-resolution ultrasound diagnoses active subclinical synovitis identifies patients who benefit from more intensive treatment.
A new study found that older asthma patients, particularly those over 30, are more likely to experience treatment failure. The risk of treatment failure increases proportionally with age above 30 and is associated with lower lung function measurements and longer duration of asthma.
The defense cascade is a continuum of innate defensive behaviors in response to threats. Clinicians can use targeted interventions to decrease arousal, manage traumatic memories, and alleviate negative emotional reactions.
A new study by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine researchers found that dental implants result in higher overall satisfaction among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Women with dental implants reported the highest satisfaction in emotional and sexual areas, while those without restorations scored lower.
Researchers found that patients with larger aneurysms or incomplete occlusion face a long-term risk of aneurysm recurrences after endovascular treatment. The study suggests that longer follow-up protocols may be necessary for some intracranial aneurysm patients who undergo EVT.
The Plant & Microbial Genomics Group at TGAC has been awarded £100k to investigate the sources of sugar beet infection by Erysiphe betae. The research aims to design genetic markers for a rapid detection technology and develop diagnostic tests to inform disease management strategy.
Diabetes research has made significant progress over the past 50 years, transforming treatment options and patient lives. The development of human insulin, improved glucose testing methods, and advanced delivery systems have greatly enhanced management of the condition.
A RAND Corporation study found that implementing CDS tools led to a small reduction in inappropriate advanced imaging studies, increasing the proportion of tests rated as appropriate. However, challenges persist due to limited criteria availability and tool limitations.
A long-term study in Pakistan found that prenatal treatment for depression had no effect on children's emotional and behavioral development. In contrast, maternal depression was linked to worse child outcomes, emphasizing the need for integrated maternal and child health programs.