Research on therapies used across medicine and how they perform. Covers weight-loss injections, hormone therapy, stem-cell approaches, pain relief, and drug targets.
At the 2012 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Autism Speaks presented various scientific findings on autism diagnosis, causes, and treatment options. The organization's Autism Treatment Network shared research on early interventions and technology innovations aimed at improving the lives of individuals with ASD.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that surgical and nonsurgical treatment for C2 fractures in older adults resulted in similar short- and long-term outcomes, including mortality rates and complication rates. The researchers analyzed the outcomes of 56 older adults treated for C2 fractures over a ten-year period.
Two Johns Hopkins psychiatrists argue that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) needs radical change due to its current 'field guide' form, which provides checklists of symptoms but lacks underlying causes. The manual's limitations make it difficult for clinicians to direct treatment or investigate disorders.
A national study shows fertility increasing for older, highly educated women since the 1990s, while childlessness declined by roughly 5 percentage points. The study suggests possible explanations, including changes in childcare expenses and men taking more responsibility for childcare.
Researchers from the University of Missouri have developed a biomarker test that can detect and predict osteoarthritis before symptoms appear. The test uses specific proteins found in joint fluid to identify patients at risk of developing arthritis.
A small clinical trial suggests that acupuncture improves dyspnea and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. After 12 weeks of treatment, the Borg scale score improved from 5.5 to 1.9 in the real acupuncture group.
A new article by UCSF researchers outlines a 10-year plan to fight depression, emphasizing the need for routine access to prevention interventions. The authors suggest identifying high-risk individuals and reducing new cases of depression by half.
A study published in Pain found that previous painful experiences with needles enhance unpleasantness of pain when viewing needle pricks. Clinicians may advise patients to look away during injections to reduce pain intensity.
A new study published by Henry Ford Health found that standard heart failure treatments ACE/ARB are equally protective in preventing death or hospitalization among African-American and white patients. The study analyzed data from over 1,100 patients hospitalized for heart failure between 2000-2008.
A University of Adelaide study found a significant association between assisted reproduction and major birth defects, with IVF and ICSI carrying higher risks. The study also identified cryopreservation as a protective factor, while clomiphene citrate use outside of supervised clinical settings tripled the risk of birth defects.
A new study suggests that pre-operative bladder function tests are not necessary for women undergoing surgery for stress urinary incontinence. Women who had only an office check-up had equally successful outcomes as those with both tests, indicating that these tests provide no added benefit for surgical treatment success.
A new study suggests that invasive bladder testing before incontinence surgery is not necessary, with a preoperative office evaluation showing equally successful outcomes. Women with stress urinary incontinence experienced high success rates with minimal testing.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found limited use of family theories in pediatric obesity research, but suggests that increased use could lead to better treatments. The researchers propose a new approach that incorporates the entire family into treatment, rather than just focusing on individual patients.
The presentation presents one-year IVAN and two-year CATT trial results evaluating the efficacy of Lucentis and Avastin in treating age-related macular degeneration. The studies demonstrate Lucentis' effectiveness in reducing edema and improving vision.
Despite advances in scientific understanding and medical treatments, much work remains to be done to fully understand the causes of dyslexia. Early identification and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for children with dyslexia, according to experts.
Researchers found carotid endarterectomy to be a safe, less expensive treatment option for certain patients at risk for stroke. Mayo Clinic neurosurgeons also present findings on intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas and giant aneurysms using flow diversion.
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) chancellor is urging patient advocates to work with policymakers to develop regulations for a data network that integrates research and clinical care. The goal is to accelerate medical advances through 'precision medicine,' which tailors treatment to individual patients.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel approach to treating compulsive checking in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) sufferers. By targeting individuals' faulty beliefs about responsibility, memory, and danger, the treatment aims to reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
A randomized controlled trial found that bevacizumab treatment improved visual acuity and reduced symptoms of diabetic macular edema compared to traditional macular laser therapy. The study suggests a potential long-term benefit of bevacizumab in managing persistent DME.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that early administration of systemic corticosteroids can reduce hospital admissions for children with moderate or severe asthma attacks. By prioritizing treatment within 75 minutes of triage, patients are more likely to avoid admission and stay reduced by almost 45 minutes.
A study published in PLOS Medicine analyzed medical records of 325 patients attending a clinic in Darfur, finding consistent evidence of torture, including beatings, gunshot wounds, and sexual assault. The research enhances the credibility of patient claims, but lacks data to corroborate assailant identities or genocidal intent.
Research reveals that systemic inflammation causes an increase in depressive symptoms and metabolic changes in the brain's mood-regulating regions. This finding opens doors for testing potential treatments for depression in patients experiencing inflammatory-related symptoms.
A new brain imaging study has revealed a pervasive 3D grid structure with no diagonals, similar to the streets of New York City. The grid structure is continuous and consistent at all scales across humans and other primate species.
A study found that paramedics can identify stroke patients with a 99.3% accuracy rate, making it a reliable indicator to activate the hospital's stroke team. However, sensitivity rates are lower, indicating room for improvement in reducing time to treatment for acute stroke patients.
Researchers found thyme to be the most effective herbal preparation against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria causing acne. Thyme tincture surpassed standard benzoyl peroxide concentrations in antibacterial action, offering a gentler alternative for skin sensitivity sufferers.
Paramedics can administer a mixture of glucose, insulin and potassium (GIK) to patients having a heart attack, reducing the rate of cardiac arrest and death by 50 percent. The treatment also reduces the severity of heart tissue damage from the heart attack.
Scientists have developed thin, flexible 'electronic skin' patches that can monitor brain, heart, and muscle activity without wires or invasive procedures. The patches can be applied to the skin like temporary tattoos and provide real-time health data through wireless capabilities.
A dual-chamber pacemaker reduces the relative risk of fainting episodes by 57% in patients with severe asystolic NMS, according to a new study. The treatment is effective in reducing syncopal recurrences in this highly selected population.
The Stroke Progress Review Group identified three priorities: developing valid measurements of neuroplasticity, understanding the impact of experience on brain plasticity after stroke, and translating new restorative therapies into practice. Implementing Specialized Programs of Translational Stroke Research in Recovery is a key priority.
A three-year longitudinal study found that periodontal treatment reduced hospital admissions, physician visits, and overall medical care costs in diabetics by an average of $1,814 per patient annually. This significant reduction was attributed to a 33% decrease in hospital admissions.
A new study has shed light on glaucoma prevention by highlighting the impact of X-ray treatment on monocyte entry into the optic nerve. Researchers found that mice treated with a single X-ray treatment prior to glaucoma onset were protected from developing the disease, even with other risk factors.
A clinical study found that treating psoriasis with adalimumab significantly decreased vascular inflammation, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study also showed a 51% decrease in C-reactive protein levels among treated patients, compared to a 2% decrease in the control group.
Primary care physicians with unconscious racial biases tend to dominate conversations with African-American patients, making them feel less involved in decision-making. The study found that these biases can lead to reduced trust, disrespectful treatment, and lower likelihood of recommending the doctor.
Smartphones can be used to track symptoms and deliver real-time interventions for people with schizophrenia, according to Dartmouth College research. A survey of 1,600 individuals found that 70% had cellphones and used them frequently.
Freezing eggs or ovarian tissue for delayed childbearing proves costly for society, with an additional $130,000 required per live birth. The study suggests doing nothing is the most cost-effective option, while freezing eggs is less expensive than ovarian tissue.
A Nationwide Children's Hospital study found that inhaled nitric oxide treatment varies greatly across US NICUs, with no standardization in its use. Despite the lack of evidence supporting its routine use, iNO treatment remains common among premature infants.
The February issue of NeuroRehabilitation assesses factors affecting rehab of Spanish-speaking individuals with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Cultural differences may influence the rehabilitation process, resulting in limited access to services.
Researchers report improved symptoms in patients with hypophosphatasia after one year of treatment with a new compound, including increased bone strength, better breathing, and improved motor development. The study found significant progress in motor skills, such as walking, sitting, and crawling, in most patients.
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that aggressive treatment of severe traumatic brain injury results in better patient outcomes and is cost-effective across all age groups. Aggressive care outperformed routine care, while comfort care had poor outcomes and high costs.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab are developing a much more effective alternative to decontaminate a large number of actinides, including plutonium and uranium. The treatment can be administered orally in the form of a pill, resulting in approximately 90-percent actinide contaminant excretion within 24 hours.
A new study from Case Western Reserve University highlights the importance of discussing quality of life with critically ill patients. The researchers found that many family meetings lacked essential information about a patient's desired quality of life, making it difficult for decision-makers to make informed choices.
China's 2008 Wenchuan earthquake exposed significant shortcomings in emergency preparation, including inadequate risk awareness and disaster prevention plans. The country has made progress in forming coordination systems and providing effective medical care, but research is needed to improve response times and treatment procedures.
The GHSU Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior has received the 2012 Award for Creativity in Psychiatric Education from the American College of Psychiatrists. The program's Project GREAT initiative focuses on recovery from mental illness, empowering patients to be part of their own care.
Researchers found that individuals with a fear of spiders perceive the spiders as larger than they really are, which can lead to avoidance and persistence of the phobia. This warped perception doesn't necessarily interfere with daily living but can impact treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered that low-dose carbon monoxide therapy restored placental function, preventing fetal death and growth restriction. The treatment also showed anti-inflammatory properties and increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, promoting blood vessel repair.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a new EEG method to monitor brain development in premature infants. The technology has provided valuable insights into how brain tracts are formed and has enabled the detection of previously unexplained brain events, leading to improved treatments and care.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a treatment that restores motor skills in lab models with Huntington disease by restoring normal levels of brain molecule GM1. The therapy has shown promise in improving cognitive symptoms as well, suggesting it could be effective for patients.
A new study published by the American Thoracic Society found that PAP therapy significantly improves neurobehavioral function in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Despite suboptimal adherence, patients showed improvements in attention deficits, behavior, and quality of life.
More than 4.5 million Americans are living with a total knee replacement, with osteoarthritis being the leading cause. The prevalence of TKR is higher in women, with 5.3% compared to 4.1% in men.
A new study suggests that induced labor may not lower the risk of infection or respiratory problems in newborns. The research indicates that expectant management, which involves close monitoring rather than inducing labor, is a safe alternative for women with preterm ruptured membranes.
The risk of pulmonary embolism following total joint replacement is highest in the first week, with most cases occurring between two to seven days post-surgery. Anticoagulation treatment beyond seven days may not be necessary, according to a recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that adopting an optimistic mindset and using humour can significantly improve a patient's experience during dental treatment. These strategies can reduce stress, increase well-being, and create a pleasant atmosphere.
A short spinning session can increase cardiac biomarkers, similar to a heart attack, but levels return to normal within 24 hours. Researchers hope to raise awareness among emergency treatment teams about the need for accurate assessment in patients with chest pains after exercise.
Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of group schema therapy in treating borderline personality disorder, with a 94% recovery rate over an 8-month period. The approach combines theoretical, conceptual, and practical information, including therapist tips and patient workbook materials.
A five-year study will determine the causes and impact of hyperkyphosis, a condition affecting 40% of older adults, causing breathing and mobility difficulties. The study aims to identify underlying causes and develop prevention strategies for this often-ignored condition.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that heart failure is associated with a 30% increase in major fractures. Researchers identified a high-risk population benefiting from increased screening and treatment for osteoporosis.
Research suggests that patients' perceptions of their illness significantly impact health outcomes, including functioning, healthcare utilization, and mortality. Effective health care treatment plans require consideration of a patient's beliefs about their illness, as they guide decisions about health and treatment adherence.
A cross-sectional study of 1500 adults in Stockholm found that only 3% lodged official complaints, despite 18.5% feeling they had grounds for complaint. Poor experiences and lack of trust in healthcare were common deterrents.
A study found that adding proton pump inhibitor lansoprazole to anti-inflammatory treatment did not improve symptoms or lung function in children with poorly controlled asthma. The use of lansoprazole was associated with increased adverse events, including upper respiratory tract infections and bronchitis.
A new study found that women over 67 with normal bone mineral density scores do not need to be re-screened for osteoporosis for 15 years. This longer timeframe is based on the estimated time it takes for 10% of women in the highest bone density ranges to develop osteoporosis.