Research on therapies used across medicine and how they perform. Covers weight-loss injections, hormone therapy, stem-cell approaches, pain relief, and drug targets.
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.
Two family-based therapies are found to be effective in treating anorexia nervosa in teenagers, with one approach producing faster weight gain and lower hospitalization rates. The study suggests that involving parents in treatment can lead to improved outcomes for adolescents struggling with the life-threatening eating disorder.
A clinical trial found that a targeted treatment for complicated grief in older individuals was more effective than traditional depression therapy, with 70.5% symptom improvement compared to 32%. The new approach resolved grief complications and facilitated natural mourning, offering hope for millions of people affected by this debilit...
A new, easy-to-use EEG electrode set was developed to quickly attach on patients, reducing electromagnetic interference and allowing rapid diagnosis of severe brain function abnormalities. The set consists of 16 hydrogel-coated electrodes placed on hair-free areas, making it suitable for emergency care and field conditions.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a microRNA mimic, miR-29, that can reverse the effects of pulmonary fibrosis in mouse models. The treatment uses intravenous delivery and has shown sustained effects on lung tissue. Further studies are needed to evaluate its therapeutic potential for human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
A network meta-analysis of nearly 50 randomized trials compared the efficacy and safety outcomes of eight anticoagulation options for venous thromboembolism. Rivaroxaban and apixaban were associated with the lowest bleeding risk, while UFH-vitamin K antagonist combination was linked to higher recurrent venous thromboembolism rates.
A nationwide study of over 18,000 patients with type 1 diabetes found that insulin pump treatment reduces all-cause mortality by 29% and fatal cardiovascular disease risk by 43%. Pump use was also associated with an 18% risk reduction for coronary heart disease.
A new grant-funded program seeks to expand a 5-year-old autism early detection model, which assesses toddlers for ASD around their first birthday. The program's goal is to reduce the mean age of ASD diagnosis in multiple cities across the U.S., with potential benefits for children's brain development.
A proportion of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases may be linked with unknown asbestos exposure according to the results of a new study. This would mean that current treatment strategies for IPF need to be altered as people with a history of asbestos exposure are not currently eligible for new treatments.
A large-scale study of over 7,000 women found that sustaining a desire for children after failed fertility treatment is linked to worse mental health. Women who still wished to have children were up to 2.8 times more likely to develop clinically significant mental health problems than those who did not sustain a child-wish.
The University of Guam Entomology Lab has received a $50,000 USDA Forestry grant to implement control procedures for the invasive little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) on Guam. The team aims to demonstrate that these ants can be controlled through ongoing funding.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have found a synthetic molecule called PreImplantation Factor (sPIF) that protects against neuronal death and brain injury. The study suggests that sPIF mitigates brain damage through a novel pathway, potentially treating perinatal brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study suggests that addressing psychological needs can help alleviate severe asthma symptoms. The research found a 42% reduction in hospital days among patients who received psychological support after experiencing an asthma exacerbation.
A neuroimaging study reveals that severe obstructive sleep apnea causes significant damage to brain white matter integrity in multiple brain areas. However, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy has been shown to reverse this damage and improve cognitive function, mood, and quality of life after just 12 months of treatment.
A new study found that an electronic nose can identify distinct sub-groups of asthma in children, differing in age and symptoms. This discovery may enable healthcare professionals to tailor treatment to each individual, improving diagnosis and outcomes.
The report highlights how stigma, including public and structural forms, prevents individuals from seeking mental health care. Effective approaches to addressing stigma, such as promoting personal stories of recovery and enhancing support systems, are identified.
Researchers develop a novel approach to synthesize molecules in diseased cells, targeting RNA repeats and demonstrating potent inhibitors for myotonic dystrophy. This breakthrough could lead to highly specific treatments for various debilitating diseases.
A study examining the effectiveness of blocking the vagus nerve for weight loss found that participants who received the treatment lost more weight than those in a control group, but failed to meet primary efficacy objectives. The intervention was also associated with fewer serious adverse events compared to traditional bariatric surgery.
The BIOPACE trial found a non-significant trend in favour of biventricular pacing over right ventricular pacing, but no significant improvement in outcomes. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of 50% or less did not show any benefit from biventricular pacing.
The TASTE trial found that thrombus aspiration for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) does not reduce mortality or other clinical endpoints long term. The one-year follow-up results revealed no statistically significant difference in death rates between patients who received clot aspiration and those who did not.
The FAME 2 trial found that FFR-guided drug-eluting stenting significantly reduced major adverse cardiac events compared to medical therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease. The rate of death, MI, or urgent revascularisation was lower with PCI than MT.
The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) registry found that transvenous lead extraction is clinically successful in over 98% of cases, with a failure rate of 1.5%. Non-infective indications for lead extraction are becoming increasingly common, accounting for 47.3% of cases.
The NEART-HF trial found no clinical benefit of vagus nerve stimulation for heart failure patients, despite robust pre-clinical data suggesting a potential therapeutic effect. However, the treatment did show improvements in quality of life and functional classification.
Researchers at McLean Hospital found that xenon gas can reduce memories of traumatic events, potentially treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other memory-related disorders. The study used an animal model to demonstrate the effectiveness of xenon in blocking fear responses for up to two weeks.
A recent study analyzing data from over 1,700 patients found that the complication risk of deep brain stimulation (DBS) is similar for both older and younger Parkinson disease patients. The results suggest that age should no longer be a rigid exclusion criterion for DBS candidates.
Researchers at the NIH have developed a new animal model of severe Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection in marmosets. This model closely mimics the severe pneumonia experienced by people infected with MERS-CoV, making it an ideal option for testing potential treatments.
Two experts denounce clinical trials of highly implausible treatments, citing dubious science and lack of evidence. They advocate for science-based medicine, urging patients to exercise critical thinking when evaluating treatment options.
A study by UCLA and RAND Health found that providing futile treatment in the ICU sets off a chain reaction, delaying critical care for other ill patients. The study shows that on 16% of days when ICUs were full, one patient received futile treatment, causing others to wait longer for admission.
Researchers explore adipose-derived stem cells as a tool for improving nerve regeneration through bioengineered nerve grafts, aiming to revolutionize peripheral nerve repair. Adipose-derived stem cells have shown potential to stimulate improved nerve regeneration and could replace current clinical approaches.
The collaboration aims to understand the underlying genetics of IBD and potentially lead to new treatments. All study participants will receive 23andMe's Personal Genome Service at no cost.
A study found that different meta-analysis approaches can yield varying treatment outcome estimates, with some methods producing larger results. The researchers recommend assessing the robustness of their results through sensitivity analyses and comparing to other strategies.
A Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center study found that a turn-key intervention program significantly increased physical activity levels among children in daycare. The program achieved 91% of the physical activity goals set by daycare centers.
Researchers discovered that synthetic PAWP can initiate fertilization, promising a new method for diagnosing and treating male factor infertility. The protein's potential as a molecular marker for diagnosis and improvement of fertility treatments is being explored.
According to a recent editorial, nearly 6% of US children and teens are severely obese, with a significant increase in prevalence and poor long-term prognosis. Experts recommend more comprehensive strategies, including pharmacotherapy, weight loss surgery, and specialty medical weight management programs.