Research on therapies used across medicine and how they perform. Covers weight-loss injections, hormone therapy, stem-cell approaches, pain relief, and drug targets.
Scientists are working on seamless marriage between electronics and brain signaling to treat devastating diseases. They're developing ultraflexible circuits and injecting tiny electronics into the brain to integrate with existing biological networks.
Researchers found that brief acute psychological stress promotes healing in mouse models of three different types of skin irritations. The study revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands under stress are beneficial for inflammatory disorders and acute injury in both mice and humans.
Two research projects receive grants to develop tools to control Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus causing White-Nose Syndrome. A naturally produced treatment using native soil bacteria and gene silencing technology are being tested.
Scientists analyzed horse tendons to understand aging mechanisms, revealing protein differences between young and old horses. They found that certain proteins alter with age, slowing healing processes. This research could lead to better treatment strategies for human tendon injuries.
Differences in proteins present in young and old tendons have been identified by researchers at Queen Mary University of London. Accumulated damage over time is thought to contribute to reduced ability of tendon cells to repair damage effectively, leading to increased risk of tendon injury with aging.
A Rutgers study found that positive emotions, even those viewed through a distorted lens, may play a role in fueling eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Women with the illness often feel emotionally positive about their weight loss progress, which can lead to a vicious cycle of continued weight loss and disordered behaviors.
The American College of Physicians recommends a full-night sleep study for patients with unexplained daytime sleepiness to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity is the best documented risk factor for OSA, and symptoms include snoring, daytime sleepiness, and fatigue.
DWI-MRI predicts TIA patients who are at higher risk of disabling stroke, which can be prevented with immediate evaluation and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging has changed the diagnosis of TIA from a time-based definition to a tissue-based one.
A survey of 13,860 German patients with aortic valve disease found over 80% were in the same or better state of health one year after intervention. TAVR and AVR procedures showed similar results, regardless of risk group, indicating excellent outcomes for conventional surgery.
Research at University at Buffalo found that treating overweight children with their parents leads to sustained weight loss for both, with parents losing an average of 14 pounds. This approach, compared to targeting only the child, resulted in a more appropriate weight gain while growing normally in height.
A panel of experts has called for improved screening and treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) to help millions worldwide. The condition causes painful joint inflammation and can lead to irreversible joint damage if left untreated.
A new study found that peer-led interventions targeting parental well-being can significantly reduce stress, depression, and anxiety in mothers of children with disabilities. The interventions led to improvements in mental health, sleep, and life satisfaction, as well as fewer dysfunctional parent-child interactions.
Researchers advocate for a new discipline combining benefits of neuroscience and psychology treatments to address mental disorders. The 'mental health science' approach aims to uncover mechanisms of existing psychological treatments and leverage neuroscience insights to create improved therapies.
An interdisciplinary team of University of Arizona researchers is studying language abilities in patients recovering from a stroke. They will use combined language assessments with comprehensive brain imaging techniques to understand the neural processes underlying successful recovery.
A recent study found racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol services utilization among women, with Latina and Black women showing lower rates of treatment. This disparity highlights the need for targeted outreach programs to address the unique needs of female minority drinkers.
A new study suggests that getting patients in India quickly evaluated by the right doctors can be as effective at curbing tuberculosis as a highly accurate screening test. Improving access to Xpert MTB/RIF, a new TB test, could reduce new cases by 14.1 percent over 5 years.
A recent study published in JAMA found that hydroxychloroquine, a commonly prescribed treatment for primary Sjögren syndrome, did not improve symptoms in patients. The 24-week trial involved 120 patients and showed no significant difference between hydroxychloroquine and placebo groups.
A retrospective study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experienced a significant decrease in cavity rates as they received regular dental care. However, gum disease rates increased over time, highlighting the need for effective solutions to address these challenges.
Researchers at National Taiwan University have reviewed treatment options and imaging tools for peripheral nerve repair, contributing to knowledge in the field. The study proposes several imaging tools that may help visualize peripheral nerve regeneration in vivo and in real-time.
A randomized clinical trial found that women who received prenatal and infant/toddler home visits by nurses had lower maternal all-cause mortality rates compared to those who did not receive these services. Additionally, children whose mothers received home visits were less likely to die from preventable causes before the age of 20.
A NYU research team created a social/behavioral intervention that increased the number of African American and Latino individuals living with HIV/AIDS who enrolled in studies. The ACT2 program found nine out of ten eligible participants joined, compared to none in a control group.
The study analyzed over 230,000 sperm donation cycles in the UK and found no significant impact on live birth rates from sperm donor age. Instead, it highlighted the significance of female partner's age and sperm quality. The results suggest that advancing paternal age may not be as crucial for fertility outcomes as previously thought.
A study by Empa found that silver-coated textiles release hardly any nano-particles during washing, unlike conventional coatings. The team also discovered that these textiles generally lose less silver during washing due to the smaller amount of silver incorporated into fabric with nano-coating.
The Bestcilia project is launching an international patient registry for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a rare respiratory disease. The registry aims to collect prospective data on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving therapeutic guidelines and quality of life for PCD sufferers.
A recent survey conducted at Washington State University found that half of Native American veterans say standard PTSD treatments don't work. Instead, many turn to traditional healing therapies like the Sweat Lodge ceremony, which helps dispel chronic 'ghost sickness' and provides a sense of community and spirituality.
A new study found that gastric bypass surgery leads to a greater reduction in adverse effects of obesity on quality of life compared to intensive weight loss programs. Patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery lost an average of 64.4 pounds and reported a 60% greater reduction in diabetes-related problems.
The American Dental Association has entered into an agreement with Elsevier to publish its flagship publication, The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), starting January 1, 2015. This partnership aims to enhance JADA's position among leading dental journals and accelerate its progress in advancing oral health.
UT Arlington researchers used a portable brain-mapping device to show limited prefrontal cortex activity among student veterans with PTSD during simple memorization tasks. The study found significant improvement in brain function after treatment, enabling mental healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans.
The EHRA White Book 2014 report highlights the growing use of complex therapies for heart rhythm abnormalities across Europe. The data shows a range in the number of CIED implantations and ablations among ESC member countries, with some countries reporting significant increases in CRT devices and loop recorders.
Suicides among mental health patients treated at home by crisis resolution home treatment teams have more than doubled in recent years, with an average of 163 deaths in 2010-2011. In contrast, suicides on psychiatric wards fell by over half during the same period.
A new special section in Optical Engineering highlights optics research for human vision improvement. The studies showcase new techniques for earlier disease diagnosis and more accurate guidance for treatment.
The Family Wellness Program, a behavioral treatment for obesity, shows promise in real-world settings. Children's body mass index improves, with 70% experiencing significant improvement and nearly half achieving weight loss. Parents' BMI also declines, leading to improved quality of life for children.
A new study suggests that light treatment tailored to increase circadian stimulation during the day can improve sleep quality, efficiency, and total sleep duration. The research also shows significant reductions in scores for depression and agitation.
A retrospective study found that children receiving non-dental primary care provider visits had lower tooth decay treatment rates and payments compared to those visiting dentists alone. The study suggests that preventive oral health services provided by non-dental providers may lead to a greater reduction in tooth decay treatment.
A Cochrane review found that rectal artesunate reduces deaths in young children with severe malaria, but its use in older children and adults is less clear due to low-quality evidence. The treatment could be a lifesaver in rural areas where injections are unavailable.
A new study suggests that individuals with obstructive sleep apnea who have supportive family relationships may be more likely to adhere to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. The research found that married or partnered patients had better CPAP adherence after three months compared to singles.
A Stanford study found that most physicians choose a do-not-resuscitate status for themselves when terminally ill, yet tend to pursue aggressive treatment for patients facing the same prognosis. The study suggests that the medical system's focus on high-intensity care at end-of-life contradicts Americans' preferences.
A Penn Medicine research team found that recommendations supported by multiple randomized controlled trials were the most durable and least likely to change over time. The study analyzed over 600 Class I ACC/AHA recommendations, finding that 4 out of 5 remained valid across two guideline editions.
Two studies on bronchiolitis treatments yield conflicting results, with one finding less improvement in infants after nebulized hypertonic saline treatment and the other showing decreased hospital admissions. The editorial dissects the contradictory evidence, suggesting chance or differences in study design may be to blame.
The SYMPLICITY-HTN-3 clinical trial confirmed the safety of renal denervation, but questions remain about its efficacy in patients with difficult-to-control hypertension. Further research is needed to identify the best patients who will benefit from treatment with the procedure.
The EuroPCR panel stresses the importance of personalizing revascularization strategies for STEMI patients. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is considered the gold standard, but its availability can be limited in resource-scarce environments, making thrombolysis a viable alternative.
Leading scientists from ASH, AHA, and CDC convene a joint panel to discuss a global project improving treatment and control of hypertension worldwide. The project aims to standardize hypertension treatment globally, making it possible for other audiences to improve blood pressure control in their communities.
A study published in JAMA found that sepsis is a major contributor to hospital mortality, with approximately 1 in 2 to 3 deaths attributed to the condition. Most patients who died from sepsis had the condition present at admission. The study highlights the need for improved standardized care for patients with less severe sepsis.
A new study found that vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the rate of treatment failure or exacerbation of symptoms in adults with persistent asthma and low vitamin D levels. The study suggests that therapeutic vitamin D3 supplementation may not be an effective strategy for improving outcomes in patients with symptomatic asthma.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers that can detect Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a life-threatening disorder in pregnant women, allowing for early treatment and a significant reduction in mortality. The test aims to differentiate PPCM from normal pregnancy symptoms, enabling timely intervention.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients who underwent ureteroscopy had fewer repeat treatments and lower costs compared to those who received shock wave lithotripsy. The researchers suggest that the decision to choose one procedure over the other should be carefully considered by both doctors and patients.
A team of mathematicians and optometrists developed a mathematical model to better understand the inner workings of tear film distribution over the eye's surface. Their findings suggest that it takes a blink to redistribute tear film, which may aid in the development of better treatments for dry eye disease.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a new protein, BiP, associated with the neurological disorder dystonia. The study, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, suggests that modulating BiP could lead to effective treatments for dystonia.
The Lancet Psychiatry article highlights the underuse of mental health resources among individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. According to researchers, approximately 60% of people experiencing suicidal ideation or behavior do not receive treatment, underscoring the need for more effective psychological interventions and increas...
A recent study published in The BMJ found that helmet therapy does not improve outcomes for healthy babies with positional skull flattening. In the six-month trial, there was no significant difference in skull shape between children treated with helmets and those who received no treatment at age two years.
A study at the University of Iowa found that infertile women want more than just practical aid but also emotional reassurance and empathy. The researchers suggest spouses, friends, and family can help by being more supportive and emotionally invested in the process.
Patients with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in their brains are less likely to have a stroke or die if left untreated, according to a new study. This long-term outcome is better than those who received treatment for the condition.
A new study found that pelargonic acid is an effective natural herbicide for controlling weeds in yellow squash, with minimal crop injury. The 10-lb/acre PA treatment produced the highest squash yields and fruit number compared to other application rates.
A quality improvement initiative improved treatment times and reduced complications for over 71,000 stroke patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), resulting in lower in-hospital deaths and intracranial hemorrhages.
A specialized ambulance equipped with a CT scanner, laboratory, and telemedicine connection was shown to reduce treatment time for ischemic stroke patients. The study found that the average alarm-to-treatment time decreased by 25 minutes, and the rate of thrombolysis increased from 21% to 33%.
A new study from the University of Southern California found that hydrogen sulfide is essential for mesenchymal stem cells to multiply and form bone tissue. Hydrogen sulfide deficiency can lead to conditions similar to osteoporosis, but administering small molecules that release hydrogen sulfide may provide a potential treatment.
A new study recommends sweeping changes to policy and clinical practice to reduce the odds of multiple births after fertility treatments. By expanding insurance coverage for IVF, improving doctor-patient communications, and investing in research, fertility experts aim to minimize health risks and long-term costs associated with multiples.
Research finds that fertility treatments increase the risk of multiple births and prematurity, leading to health complications and significant healthcare costs. Experts propose six policy changes to mitigate these risks, including expanding insurance coverage for IVF and improving doctor-patient communication.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) test on patients with suspected heart attacks while they are being transported to hospital by ambulance can significantly reduce mortality rates. The study, which analyzed data from nearly half a million adults admitted with a heart attack in Eng...
The new interferon-free 3D regimen, consisting of ABT-450/R/ABT-267 and ABT-333 plus ribavirin, demonstrated consistently high cure rates across various patient types, including GT1a and compensated cirrhosis patients. The treatment achieved SVR12 rates of 96.2% in SAPPHIRE-I study participants.