Research on therapies used across medicine and how they perform. Covers weight-loss injections, hormone therapy, stem-cell approaches, pain relief, and drug targets.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a compound that can repair specific defects in RNA, a key step in developing treatments for incurable diseases like Huntington's. The new technology targets toxic RNA defects associated with Spinocerebellar ataxia and Kennedy disease.
A new study by Rice sociologists finds that racial discrimination is associated with higher levels of emotional upset and physical symptoms among black adults (18%), compared to white adults (4%). The research highlights the need to acknowledge and study the impact of discriminatory behavior on long-term health outcomes.
A new study from CAMH found that treatment of depression while working increases productivity, with workers experiencing moderate depression 2.5 times more likely to be highly productive compared to those without treatment.
A recent study published in the Western Journal of Nursing Research found that exposure to blue-green light has therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease patients. Patients treated with this type of light showed improved recognition, recollection, and motor coordination, as well as enhanced moods and personalities.
A new UC Davis study found that greater access to key attributes of high-quality primary care, including comprehensiveness and patient-centeredness, is associated with lower mortality. The study suggests that providing all Americans with a 'medical home' offering these attributes could yield major public health benefits.
William C. Mobley, chair of UC San Diego's Department of Neurosciences, received the International Sisley-Jérôme Lejeune Prize for his innovative research on treatments for neurological disabilities, including Down syndrome. The prize acknowledges his contributions to advancing care and management of intellectual disabilities.
Paul Ruby, diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's in 2006, founded the Paul Ruby Foundation to raise funds for Northwestern Medicine researchers working towards a cure. The foundation has contributed over $325,000 to Parkinson's research, including a recent $100,000 gift.
Rhode Island Hospital is conducting a 5-year study on the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus supportive psychotherapy for treating Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). The study aims to reduce BDD symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Addiction is a chronic neurobiologic response affected by genetic and environmental influences. Treatment approaches should be based on scientific evidence and rational argument, acknowledging personal responsibility while recognizing the role of addiction in impairing it.
A new study found depressive symptoms were a frequent and persistent risk factor for impaired physical function in ALI survivors. The two-year incidence of depressive symptoms was 40%, while the cumulative incidence of impaired physical function was 66%.
A recent investigation into a 2009 multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli identified commercial prepackaged cookie dough as the culprit. The study recommends that manufacturers reformulate their product to make it safer and provides guidance for consumers on how to prevent illness by baking the dough before consuming.
The new tool kit provides valuable guidance on utilizing pictures and visual supports to facilitate daily communication, social interactions, and adaptation to new situations. It has been found to decrease challenging behaviors and increase compliance and independence in families who use it.
A study analyzing dried blood spots from over 35,000 babies in Austria found that lysosomal storage disorders are more common than previously thought, with a combined incidence of 1 in 2315 births. The findings raise questions about the practicality and cost of screening for these conditions.
A new study found that hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) produces marked dose-related increases in airflow in OSA patients without arousing them from sleep. HGNS has been shown to eliminate inspiratory airflow limitation in the majority of patients, providing substantial relief of upper airway obstruction during sleep.
A team of Canadian researchers is working to address a knowledge gap in providing paediatric care for children in rural areas. The Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK) project aims to improve diagnosis and treatment methods for common illnesses such as croup.
A team of researchers found that doctors who learned from both successes and failures performed better in making treatment choices. They used fMRI imaging to detect characteristic brain patterns for high performers and low performers, showing a correlation between attention to failed treatments and better performance.
A study analyzing patient ratings found that most US patients are very satisfied with their physicians, with an average overall satisfaction rating of 9.28. Patients who experienced shorter waits and spent more time with their doctors had the highest scores.
A comprehensive three-year study will investigate the reasons behind providing futile medical treatment to dying patients, exploring factors such as doctor concerns about legal liability and family influences. The research aims to identify the extent of this issue, its cost, and suggestions for addressing its causes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that surgery significantly improves short- and long-term outcomes in patients with heart failure caused by bacterial endocarditis. The study showed patients who underwent surgery had a lower mortality rate compared to those treated with medical therapy alone.
A study examining racial disparities in surgical outcomes for patients with diverticulitis reveals that black patients are at a higher risk of urgent/emergency surgery, in-hospital mortality, and increased hospital charges. Black patients also experience longer hospital stays and higher readmission rates within 30 days of discharge.
A new study found that psychological factors, such as pain catastrophisizing and anxiety sensitivity, affect IBS symptoms but not overall severity. GI symptoms like pain, bloating, and defecation explain most of the variance in IBS severity scores.
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis prioritize treatment location, probability of benefit, and method of delivery over treatment outcome attributes. The study highlights the significance of incorporating patient preferences in shared decision-making to optimize treatment adherence and outcomes.
A recent study found that South Asian patients are almost three times as likely to require repeat angioplasty and urgent treatment compared to White European counterparts. Despite higher rates of social deprivation and younger age at onset, the two groups showed similar long-term death rates.
A 22-year follow-up study of Multisystemic Therapy found significant reductions in violent felonies, misdemeanors, and family problems among former participants. The treatment has protected potential victims and encouraged further use globally.
Concreteness training (CNT) significantly reduces depression and anxiety symptoms, shifting thinking style from abstract to specific. CNT outperforms relaxation training, with the habituated group experiencing more significant symptom reduction.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released a new clinical practice guideline for treating supracondylar humerus fractures in children. The guideline recommends stabilizing the fracture with pins and treating circulation problems, while emphasizing the importance of evaluating each child's individual circumstances. The fu...
John E. Wennberg, MD, MPH, received the first MacLean Center Prize in Clinical Ethics and Health Outcomes for his pioneering research on clinical medical ethics and health outcomes. His studies have revealed patterns of practice variation and the importance of patient engagement in decision making.
Kessler Foundation received a $250,000 grant from the Wallerstein Foundation to study hidden disabilities that complicate recovery after stroke. Researchers aim to find better treatments for these often-overlooked disabilities, which can prolong hospitalizations and increase the risk of injury.
The IPAL-EM initiative aims to integrate palliative care into emergency departments, reducing symptoms and anxiety while improving patient safety and satisfaction. By providing access to palliative care, the initiative seeks to improve quality of life for both patients and their families.
A new study explores the challenges of making sense of conflicting reports from parents, teachers, and children about a child's behavioral problems. The research reveals that clinicians can benefit from considering these discrepancies as valuable information to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified a potential oral therapy for HSAN1, an inherited nerve dysfunction characterized by progressive muscle control loss. Oral administration of L-serine reversed deoxysphingolipid accumulation and reduced neuropathy severity in mice and humans with the disease.
The US preterm birth rate has improved by nearly 5% between 2006 and 2009, with 40,000 more babies receiving a healthy start in life. This improvement is attributed to various health interventions and treatments, including progesterone, which have reduced medically unnecessary c-sections and inductions.
A lack of understanding about the healthcare system leads to suboptimal treatment adherence and preventable outcomes. Education, including high school courses and community programs, is key to empowering patients and promoting optimal health.
A novel cocktail of neutralizing reagents has been developed to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), a sight-threatening complication after retinal detachment surgery. The approach targets growth factors and cytokines that promote PVR, with promising results in animal models.
A new study found that binge eating disorder affects both men and women equally in terms of clinical impact, but men are underrepresented in research. The study's lead author emphasized the need for increased awareness among male sufferers to encourage seeking treatment.
Researchers have found a new potential therapeutic approach to treat malaria by targeting parasite proteins in exosomes. In a mouse model of malaria infection, immunizing with rex containing parasite proteins resulted in full protection upon lethal infections in 85% of the animals.
A new study found that playing video games, along with standard amblyopia treatment, can achieve significant vision gains in many older children. Nearly 30% of participants showed significant improvements after one year, while about 60% experienced at least some improvement.
Differences in two metabolic enzymes may explain susceptibility to liver damage. Low levels of GAPDH and NDPK are associated with increased oxidative stress and disease severity.
A new study found that heart-related treatments may improve wellbeing in some COPD patients, who often experience poor physical and mental quality of life. The research discovered a significant correlation between patients' quality of life scores and their heart rate variability.
Researchers found that nasal congestion is linked to sensory feedback from airflow, affecting temperature and humidity. Studies suggest using optimal conditions to restore nasal airflow may help alleviate congestion.
The Autism Speaks BGI collaboration aims to generate the world's largest library of sequenced genomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. The initiative will perform whole genome sequencing on over 2,000 participating families and collect data from China.
A study funded by the Department of Defense aims to understand the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury on soldiers. The researchers hope to develop better treatments for post-traumatic epilepsy and headache, two conditions often occurring together after TBI.
A recent study found that children under 3 with a nasolacrimal duct obstruction are at increased risk for developing amblyopia, with an 8-fold increase compared to the general population. Early treatment is crucial, as poor vision becomes permanent if left untreated.
Three randomized trials found that structured behavioral programs were more effective than control interventions in improving glycemic control among adults with long-duration poorly controlled diabetes. Individual education also showed better glucose control results compared to group education.
A study published in JAMA found that patients with severe 2009 H1N1 influenza who developed respiratory failure and received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment had a lower rate of in-hospital death compared to those who did not receive ECMO. The study used matching techniques to analyze data from 1,756 patients.
The study will investigate the impact of risky family environments on asthma morbidity in children aged 10-15 using an innovative home-based naturalistic assessment tool. The research aims to determine if asthma morbidity increases due to avoidant coping behaviors and poor management of asthma treatment.
A study published in European Neuropsychopharmacology found that administering a single dose of cortisone up to six hours after traumatic event reduces the likelihood of developing PTSD by 60%. This natural approach may circumvent the harm caused by other pharmaceuticals and prevent the consolidation of traumatic memories.
Patients with advance directives specifying limits in treatment had significantly lower end-of-life Medicare spending and greater odds of hospice use than those without, particularly in high-spending regions. The study suggests that advance directives may be most impactful in regions where treatment norms are more aggressive.
A new study found that Telestroke technology provides high-quality care for rural patients, administering stroke drug tPA at the same rate as urban centers. Effective use of Telestroke resulted in a 50% decrease in emergency room transfers and $1 million in health-care savings over four years.
A new study has identified subtle markers of heart damage hidden in hours of EKG recordings, allowing doctors to identify high-risk heart attack patients. The researchers found that these anomalies can predict patient mortality within 12 months, enabling targeted treatments to save lives.
A literature review suggests that some stroke patients can receive treatment beyond the standard 3-hour window, with brain cells remaining structurally intact and potentially revivable if normal blood flow is restored. This finding could enable doctors to provide better patient care by considering the 'tissue window' rather than just time
The ACCORD MIND study found that intensive glucose-lowering strategies offer no additional benefit in preventing cognitive decline in people with type 2 diabetes. Despite lower brain volumes, the increased risk of dying and other complications outweighed any potential benefits.
A new study suggests that implementing stronger tobacco control policies in the Netherlands could save up to 145,000 lives over the next 30 years. The MPOWER report recommends increasing taxes, banning smoking in public places, and providing cessation treatment to achieve this goal.
A recent study developed a system to continuously monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic dogs, revealing that none were receiving ideal treatment. The system provided valuable insights for improving treatment plans, including adjusting insulin doses and diets.
Researchers have discovered that Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by a 'disinhibited' brain, with increased excitability in both the affected and unaffected hands. The study found altered sensory perception in CRPS patients, indicating a complex role of changes in the central nervous system.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) stimulates specific brain regions to produce new cells that enhance memory. In a mouse study, DBS led to a two-fold increase in new cells in the hippocampus, which improved spatial learning and memory.
Researchers found that EVLT and HLS are effective treatments for varicose veins, with similar rates of clinical recurrence. However, EVLT was associated with more adverse effects and improved hemodynamics, while HLS had a lower rate of saphenofemoral vein recurrences.
A new image-guided technique may enable more stroke patients to be successfully treated, particularly those living far from specialist medical care. Researchers found no difference in recovery time or 90-day survival rates between patients receiving treatment within six hours of symptom onset.
Routine depression screening for primary care patients has been deemed ineffective by researchers, with evidence suggesting it diverts resources away from those who need them most. Consistent treatment for recurrent depression is recommended as a more effective approach.
The 'Hacking Autism' initiative selects seven new software applications to be built by volunteer developers, aiming to improve daily life for individuals with autism. The selected apps include social stories, calendar management, medical journals, and communication tools.