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 large-scale sequencing analysis of congenital heart disease has identified a specific biological pathway that is critical to its development. The study found that spontaneous mutations affect genes involved in this pathway, which is essential for human development and can lead to structural heart problems in infants.
Researchers found that whole walnuts and their extracted oil improve cardiovascular disease risk by favorably affecting vascular health and enhancing the functionality of good cholesterol, HDL. The study suggests that simple dietary changes incorporating walnuts or their oil in a heart-healthy diet may reduce the risk of heart disease.
A new study suggests that regular bedtime prior to initiation of CPAP therapy is a significant predictor of CPAP adherence. The odds of non-adherence were 3.7 times greater for every one unit increase in bedtime variability. Stabilizing bedtime schedules may help improve treatment compliance.
A minimally invasive procedure called VATS-LCSD has been shown to be effective in treating refractory cardiac arrhythmias in children. Almost three-quarters of symptomatic patients responded well to the treatment, with 55% becoming arrhythmia-free after sympathectomy.
A new clinical trial found that patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa improved significantly with a modified treatment approach that focused on quality of life and social adjustment. The study's results showed high retention rates and meaningful positive change, offering hope for those suffering from the disorder.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that ER visits for urinary tract infections result in nearly $4 billion in unnecessary costs each year. The research analyzed data from 10.8 million patients with a primary diagnosis of UTI who visited emergency rooms from 2006 to 2009.
A recent analysis found that the rise in treated disease prevalence and spending per treated case accounted for most of the increase in US healthcare spending between 1987 and 2009. The study, published in Health Affairs, also revealed that obesity contributed to 10.4% of the overall rise in spending.
Researchers developed a new compound called PC-KUS that reduces hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the hair follicle, reversing gray hair. The treatment also works on vitiligo, a skin condition causing loss of pigment, with successful repigmentation outcomes observed.
Beta-blockers reduce portal hypertension, gastrointestinal permeability, and bacterial translocation in patients with cirrhosis. Non-invasive techniques like spleen stiffness predict clinical complications.
A study published in Journal of Affective Disorders found that patients with moderate to high levels of belief in God experienced improved psychological wellbeing and decreased depression and self-harm. The study involved 159 patients who received short-term treatment, highlighting the clinical implications of spiritual life.
A research team led by Dr. Robert Hess used Tetris to train both eyes to work together, alleviating suppression of the weaker eye and increasing brain plasticity. The treatment showed dramatic improvements in vision and 3-D depth perception in adults with amblyopia.
Researchers from the University of Manchester found that early access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced the risk of developing a full-blown psychotic illness. CBT was shown to reduce the risk by more than half at six, 12, and 18-24 months after treatment started.
Kristina Fasteson Simacek, an Indiana University doctoral candidate, has won the Regenstrief Institute's People's Choice for Healthcare Delivery contest with her proposed computer application that translates doctor visits into actionable items. The app aims to improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs by providing a customized s...
A new study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that group mindfulness activities significantly reduced PTSD symptoms in veterans. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines meditation, acceptance, and awareness to help individuals manage traumatic thoughts and emotions.
A recent study found that simple educational strategies targeting doctors and patients after a fracture significantly improved osteoporosis testing rates, reducing fractures by two fewer per 1,000 patients. Mail-based notice interventions were effective and cost-efficient, with projected savings of $18,000 for every 1,000 patients.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found that a unique modification to microtubules in neurons makes their cytoskeleton singularly robust. This discovery may help guide the search for treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Despite identifying effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), most mental health professionals fail to use them, leaving patients without access to crucial care. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy have been proven highly effective in addressing PTSD symptoms, yet they are not widely adopted.
Researchers developed two innovative techniques to minimize lead migration and anchor site pain in spinal cord stimulators. Advanced anchoring and multiple lead placement through a single port reduced complications and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that cannula gauge, tip length, set temperature, and lesion time significantly impact heat lesion width and length in radiofrequency treatments. The study provides new insights for pain management and treatment precision.
A study presented at the Sleep and Breathing Conference found that CPAP treatment significantly improved productivity at work among sleep apnea patients. The researchers observed a notable reduction in daytime sleepiness among those who adhered to the treatment programme, with 35 out of 45 participants showing significant improvements.
Researchers have created a new genetically engineered rat model that closely represents the brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, including tau pathology and extensive neuronal cell death. The rats developed memory and learning problems with age, supporting the idea that increases in beta-amyloid causes the disease.
A Danish study found that patients who tailor their own treatment in cooperation with their doctor can reduce their risk of complications, including heart attacks, with up to 20%. The study also shows that taking individual needs into consideration is crucial when treating patients with multiple diseases.
The study found significant differences across US counties, genders, and ethnic groups in hypertension treatment and control. Despite high prevalence of hypertension in the southeast, the region also had the highest levels of treatment.
A new Hong Kong-based study suggests that targeting feelings of mental defeat can prevent severe depression, anxiety, and daily activity interference among chronic pain patients. Mental defeat occurs when pain is viewed as an 'enemy' taking over life and autonomy.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding to two new Autism Centers of Excellence, joining nine other centers nationwide in a five-year research effort to identify autism causes and treatments. The centers will focus on early intervention styles and genetic variants associated with autism.
A systematic review of clinical interventions for adults exposed to traumatic events found only two psychotherapeutic treatments showing promise: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Collaborative Care. These treatments showed possible benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms, but more research is needed due to the limited evidence base.
The UC Davis MIND Institute has received a prestigious Autism Centers of Excellence Award to establish an Autism Center of Excellence and Treatment Network, led by Sally J. Rogers. The award supports two treatment studies on the most effective methods of treating very young children with autism.
Rice University researchers have discovered a biochemical link between blood clotting and the immune system, which could lead to new treatments for patients with inflammatory diseases. The study found that a protein involved in blood clotting also triggers the body's immune response.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers found that a guided self-help treatment program can be an effective solution to help children lose weight. The program, which combines structure and self-help elements, showed significant decreases in BMI immediately after completion and maintained losses six months later.
Researchers recommend radiosurgery for treating unruptured AVMs due to its reasonable benefit-to-risk profile. The procedure resulted in AVM obliteration in 62% of patients, with a reduced annual hemorrhage rate compared to left untreated AVMs.
Researchers have identified two molecules that can predict which stroke patients are at risk of severe long-term disability. The study found elevated levels of endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1) and big endothelin-1 (BigET-1) in SAH patients who suffered significant disability.
A small study found that impaired fertility, rather than fertility treatment, may be key to child's neurological development. Longer time to pregnancy was associated with a 30% increased risk of mild neurodevelopmental problems in children. Further research is needed before couples can be counselled accordingly.
Researchers from RIKEN Advanced Science Institute have identified Siglec-14 as a protein involved in the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients without this protein are less susceptible to exacerbation, suggesting potential new targets for treatment. The study's findings imply that personalized care base...
A new UK-based study published in The BMJ found that telehealth for patients with long-term conditions does not seem to be a cost-effective addition to standard support and treatment. Despite promises of reduced healthcare costs, the study revealed that total costs for those using telehealth were higher than usual care.
A recent study found little support for legal controls on cross-border fertility treatment in the UK. However, health professionals emphasize the importance of checking overseas clinics to ensure they meet UK standards. The research team also notes that many patients have reported receiving better quality care abroad.
A new study found that MRI is highly sensitive and specific for identifying tissue damage in metal-on-metal hip replacement patients. Early detection allows for timely revision surgery, decreasing the risk of further tissue damage and pain.
A recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found that spine patients who quit smoking experience diminished pain. Non-smokers showed significant improvements in reported pain, while those who continued to smoke saw no clinically significant improvement.
A Phase II clinical trial found that combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy with normobaric hyperoxia improves neurological recovery in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. The treatment reduced mortality rates, improved cerebral oxidative metabolism, and lowered intracranial hypertension.
A controlled clinical trial found that interventional endovascular therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) does not improve patient outcomes. The treatment was safe but made symptoms worse in some cases. The study's findings lead to caution against the general acceptance of this invasive procedure for MS patients.
A study found that younger gamblers experience fewer health problems and lower debt compared to middle-aged and older adults. Early intervention during the onset of pathological gambling is crucial for effective treatment planning.
A new study found that nocturia, a bladder condition, can exacerbate insomnia symptoms in older adults. Treatment of nocturia may alleviate poor sleep and improve overall sleep quality.
A study published in Cost Effectiveness and Resource Allocation found that managing musculoskeletal disorders can improve employment rates, household income, and reduce the need for disability benefits. The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between physical function and economic outcomes.
A new study at Henry Ford Hospital finds that catheter-based treatments are more cost-effective than traditional vein-stripping surgery. The treatment uses heat energy to seal diseased veins, restoring normal blood flow with minimal scarring and no hospitalization required.
A study found that primary care management of obstructive sleep apnea was not clinically inferior to specialist care, with significant improvements in daytime sleepiness scores. Primary care management also resulted in lower costs, estimated at $1,819 per patient, compared to specialist care at $3,068.
Researchers developed a computer-based process to identify dangerous head movements that lead to concussion-related brain injuries. The approach could lead to new medical treatment options and sports rule changes to reduce brain trauma among players.
Women with atrial fibrillation experience more symptoms and a lower quality of life compared to men, according to a study analyzing over 10,000 patients. Despite this, women tend to live longer than their male peers, highlighting the need for further research into gender disparities in cardiovascular disease management.
The new guidelines aim to improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes by standardizing glucose monitoring data collection, reporting, and analysis. The recommendations also focus on implementing practical solutions for healthcare providers and patients.
A new UCSF study reveals large price swings in patient charges for the 10 most common outpatient conditions in emergency rooms across the country. The median charge for total outpatient conditions was $1,233, with some patients facing bills of $4 to $24,110.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that people with persistent negative attitudes towards feared objects or events are more likely to experience a return of their fear after exposure therapy. The study developed a tool to evaluate attitudes immediately after treatment and suggests that attitude change is key to lasting recovery.
Researchers recommend 'low-intensity' interventions like self-help books and websites as a first step in treating depression. These interventions can provide significant clinical benefits, especially for patients with more severe depression at baseline.
Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, receives the highest honor from SOPHE for his work in disease prevention, health promotion, and eliminating health disparities. His efforts catalyze action across public and private partners to strengthen the nation's public health systems.
A new case study by the University of Alberta's ISTAR Institute shows that fluency shaping can significantly improve a child's speech in individuals with Down syndrome who stutter. Four months of treatment led to a 98.6% improvement in Sarah's fluency, enabling her to function better socially and academically.
Researchers found abnormal brain activity in individuals with psychogenic disease, which is caused by emotional or mental stresses. The study suggests that understanding these underlying mechanisms could lead to better treatment options and improved patient outcomes.
A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found a significant association between high glycemic index diets and dairy consumption with acne. Medical nutrition therapy is recommended as an adjunct treatment for acne treatment. The study suggests that diet may influence or aggravate acne, rather than causing it.
A study in Spine found little to no evidence of worsening degeneration over time in patients with degenerative cervical spine disease. For many patients, observation may be a better choice than surgery, as the condition appears to be relatively stable at medium-term follow-up.
Researchers at EPFL have successfully developed a neuroprosthetic system that enables completely paralyzed rats to walk and run again after just weeks of treatment. The technology uses stretchable spinal electrode arrays controlled by smart stimulation algorithms, combined with novel robotic rehabilitation. With the goal of restoring v...
Researchers discover that neuronal activity induces tau release from healthy neurons, suggesting a physiological process that can be regulated by neural activity. The study suggests that altered tau release may occur in response to changes in neuronal excitability in the Alzheimer's brain.
A study found that only 63% of US counties have mental health facilities providing outpatient specialty services for youth, highlighting significant gaps in care. The article emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to address these disparities and ensure access to quality mental health services for all youth.
A study found that nulliparous women with a short cervix who have intra-amniotic debris are at a higher risk of early preterm birth. The presence of debris was associated with worse outcomes for the babies, likely due to earlier delivery. Women with debris had a longer funnel and a higher body mass index than those without debris.
Researchers found that implementing a standardized comprehensive maternal hemorrhage protocol significantly reduced blood product utilization, resulting in a 45% reduction in puerperal hysterectomy. The study also showed a significant decrease in morbidity, with reductions in red blood cells, platelets, and cryoprecipitate usage.