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 preliminary study suggests that botulinum toxin type A injections can reduce migraine frequency in patients with crushing and ocular headaches, but not those with exploding headaches. The treatment reduced migraine frequency from an average of 6.8 to 0.7 days per month.
Researchers found that value-based insurance design (VBID) can increase benefits from healthcare without increasing costs. By waiving consumer payments for highly effective treatments and raising them for less effective ones, VBID could provide a substantial improvement in health outcomes and reduce the number of uninsured individuals.
A study found that over 50,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans received a new PTSD diagnosis, yet fewer than 30% completed the recommended 10-12 weekly sessions. Factors such as age, sex, and rural residence also affected treatment outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that chamomile extract therapy significantly reduced the severity of GAD in patients with mild-moderate symptoms. The study's findings suggest that chamomile may be a potential treatment option for those who are averse to traditional pharmacotherapy.
A new study by the University of York reveals that acupuncture significantly affects specific neural structures in the brain, particularly those associated with pain processing. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how acupuncture works and its potential as a treatment option for various medical conditions.
Researchers found that the benefits of diagnosing MCAD-related disorders early outweigh the costs of false positives, including stress and dietary restrictions. The study concluded that newborn screening remains cost-effective even after accounting for quality-of-life losses associated with false positives.
Researchers found that blocking facial expressions can hinder our ability to understand emotions in written language. Tiny applications of Botox reduced reading times for angry and sad sentences.
A new wound treatment has received $529,450 in funding to speed up healing of chronic wounds like burns and ulcers. The treatment uses antibodies to suppress a protein that restricts wound healing, promising benefits for the aged, obese and diabetics.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that pediatricians often fail to follow up with families after referring children with suspected developmental delays for further testing and treatment. This can lead to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes for these children. The study highlights the need for improved referral systems an...
Research shows that later birth years are associated with higher survival rates for children with congenital anomalies. Advances in treatments, surgical techniques, and prenatal diagnosis have contributed to this trend. The study analyzed data from the UK Northern Congenital Abnormality Survey and found varying survival rates for diffe...
The University of Plymouth is investing £500,000 in joint research with the Peninsula Dental School to tackle key areas in oral health. The research will focus on statistical epidemiology, virtual reality, and nanotechnology, aiming to ease dental anxiety and develop more aesthetically pleasing materials.
A new eye test technique enables real-time measurement of brain cell death, refining diagnosis and tracking disease progress in Alzheimer's. The method uses fluorescent markers to directly observe retinal nerve cell death, which could lead to successful reversal of the disease with treatment.
Recent US data suggest a slowdown in the rate of increase for obesity in recent decades, with prevalence stabilization among women and potential slowing for men. The study found that 68% of US adults are overweight or obese.
A new study indicates a decline in biomedical research funding, sparking concerns about the growing national autism public health crisis. Autism Speaks calls for increased funding to explore factors contributing to the increase in autism prevalence and to develop more effective treatments.
A new study published in JAMA found that a platelet-rich plasma injection did not significantly improve pain or activity levels in patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The study included 54 patients who received either a PRP injection or a saline placebo, and found no significant difference between the two groups after 24 weeks.
A retrospective evaluation led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommends improvements for scaling up child survival programs. The study found that coverage for effective treatment interventions and addressing causes of neonatal deaths and undernutrition are crucial for accelerating child survival.
The study found that all three groups demonstrated improvements in physical function tests and decreased self-reported pain and disability. Self-management programs showed the highest compliance rates, leading researchers to suggest they may be an equally effective early treatment for knee OA.
An online intervention platform, CheckYourDrinking.net, has been shown to reduce problem alcohol use by 30% in a Canadian study. The platform provides personalized feedback and motivation tools to help users change their drinking behaviors.
The publication of consensus recommendations in Pediatrics marks an important step towards advancing physician awareness of unique challenges in the medical management of children with autism. The guidelines provide guidance on how current general pediatric standards of care can be adapted for children with ASD, highlighting the need f...
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology finds that transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) is not effective in treating chronic low-back pain. Research shows conflicting results, but TENS may be beneficial for diabetic nerve pain.
Researchers at VIB and Ghent University discovered that inducing nitric oxide release in mice with septic shock significantly reduces organ damage and increases survival chances. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that nitric oxide is responsible for the condition's severity.
A nationally representative survey found that about 13% of American children and teenagers have a mental disorder, with lower socioeconomic status linked to higher rates. Mental health services are often underutilized, particularly among minority youth, highlighting the need for increased access and support.
Researchers at Washington University found brain plaques in healthy individuals are associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's diagnosis years later. Annual cognitive tests and MRI scans revealed declining scores, shrinkage in affected brain areas, and eventual diagnosis.
Children with poor reading skills showed increased brain connectivity after intensive training, making significant gains in reading and potentially leading to improved treatments for developmental conditions like autism. The study suggests that behavioral training can enhance brain function and improve communication between brain regions.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients undergoing surgery within three weeks of a multiple-ligament knee injury have comparable outcomes to those who undergo delayed surgery. Early mobility is also associated with better outcomes than immobilization in patients treated within this timeframe.
A recent review highlights the need for improved asthma control in preschoolers, with key findings including the use of inhaled corticosteroids as a regular therapy for children with severe symptoms. The authors emphasize the importance of considering alternative conditions if children do not respond to optimal therapy.
A new meta-analysis shows that women who quit smoking and receive treatment for weight control are more successful at controlling their weight gain and quitting cigarettes. This finding disproves current clinical guidelines that recommend trying to diet while quitting smoking simultaneously.
According to a recent study published in Archives of Surgery, uninsured patients are more likely to die after trauma than those with health insurance. The study analyzed records from the National Trauma Data Bank and found that uninsured patients had a higher mortality rate even after controlling for age, sex, race, and injury severity.
A recent study found that a client-directed therapy technique can increase relationship satisfaction by 46.2% and reduce divorce/separation rates. The technique involves using four simple questions to generate feedback, giving clients a sense of ownership in their healing process.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that only 13% of service members with back pain returned to duty, despite treatment. The low success rate is attributed to psychosocial factors and the limited availability of pain management options in war zones.
Researchers found that patients with more difficult-to-treat forms of hepatitis C are less likely to initiate treatment, with marital status and comorbidities being significant factors. Mount Sinai is now launching a program to increase support systems for patients, aiming to improve treatment rates.
As health insurance costs rise, doctors need to talk to patients about their financial situation to make informed treatment decisions. This conversation can help patients choose more affordable treatments and avoid unnecessary expenses.
A long-term follow-up study found that Mexico's Oportunidades program conferred health benefits on children, particularly those whose mothers had no formal education. The additional 18 months of inclusion in the program reduced socioemotional problems and improved child growth, especially for those with mothers who were less educated.
A national study found cataract surgery benefits AMD patients at all stages of the disease, improving vision in those with mild to advanced AMD. Steroid triamcinolone also showed promise in treating advanced DME, with improved vision in patients whose eyes had deteriorated despite standard treatment.
A first national campaign to scale up zinc treatment of diarrhea in Bangladesh increased awareness significantly, peaking at 90% in urban areas. However, actual usage of zinc tablets was found to be low, with only 25% of children receiving the correct 10-day course of treatment.
A study published in CyberPsychology and Behavior found that smokers who crushed virtual cigarettes in a virtual reality environment had significantly reduced nicotine dependence and higher rates of tobacco abstinence compared to those who grasped virtual balls. The treatment group stayed in the program longer, with higher rates of smo...
A study published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy reveals that problem gambling has a profound impact on families, affecting their physical, emotional, and financial well-being. The authors emphasize the need for family-based therapy solutions to address this growing issue.
The article discusses the need to shift focus from tertiary care services to cost-effective brief interventions for earlier stages of alcohol use disorders. Health systems in low- and middle-income countries currently prioritize treatment, but this approach is often ineffective.
The ARVO Foundation for Eye Research and Pfizer Ophthalmics are honoring Dr. Carl B. Camras with a series of awards recognizing excellence in early-career researchers working on novel vision research. The awards aim to support the development of innovative treatments and prevention strategies for eye disorders.
A recent study published in Pain Medicine found that women veterans are less likely to report pain compared to their male counterparts. The study, which analyzed data from over 153,000 veterans, revealed that female veterans were more likely to report moderate-severe pain but less likely to experience persistent pain.
Emergency medical services providers can now securely access patients' pre-existing health information, enabling informed treatment decisions and efficient care delivery. The Indiana Network for Patient Care (INPC) link allows paramedics and EMTs to access patient records in real-time, improving care quality and safety.
Researchers have discovered that sponges soaked in Botox can effectively treat intrinsic rhinitis, a condition affecting millions of people. The minimally invasive application method resulted in improved symptoms and a long-lasting reduction of nasal hypersecretion.
A new report by UNICEF and WHO outlines a seven-point plan to combat diarrhoeal diseases in children, a leading cause of child mortality. The plan includes treatment and prevention strategies such as vaccination, breastfeeding promotion, and improved water quality, aiming to reduce child deaths from diarrhoea.
A UNC study found that using audio recordings of guided imagery at home in addition to standard medical treatment can significantly reduce abdominal pain in children. The benefits were maintained for six months after treatment ended, highlighting the potential of self-administered treatment as a cost-effective and accessible option.
A new report shows that doctors in Australia and New Zealand used ECMO to treat critically ill patients with H1N1, saving 54 out of 68 patients' lives. The study found that prolonged life support treatment was effective in severe cases, and survival rates were high despite the severity of symptoms.
A Sydney study finds that stranger homicides by people with schizophrenia are extremely rare and unpredictable events. The research suggests that providing earlier treatment for schizophrenia can prevent such tragic events.
Therapeutic hypothermia, a medical treatment lowering body temperature to reduce tissue damage, will be published in an online open-access journal starting February 2010. The journal aims to advance understanding and application of this therapy in cardiology and neurotrauma.
A Cochrane review found limited benefits of TENS for osteoarthritis pain and physical disability. Only small trials with poor quality data were available, casting doubt on the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
Researchers found radiofrequency ablation to be effective in reducing primary snoring symptoms, with a significant improvement after two treatment sessions. The procedure showed low postoperative complication rates and high patient satisfaction rates, offering a minimally invasive option for treating snoring.
A new study reveals that 65% of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis have used alternative medicine, with women and university-educated individuals more likely to do so. However, only 43% of CAM users inform their doctor about the therapy, highlighting a need for improved communication between clinicians and patients.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating pregnant women with mild gestational diabetes resulted in fewer serious birthing problems. The treatment reduced the risk of large babies, shoulder damage during birth, and cesarean delivery.
A study by Indiana University found that women with more positive attitudes towards their genitals are more likely to engage in sexual health-promoting behaviors. The study also suggests that men generally have more positive attitudes towards women's genitals than women.
A randomized controlled trial found that surgery provides a modest benefit over nonsurgical treatment for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, with improvements in hand function and symptoms lasting up to 1 year. However, some patients reported persistent symptoms after surgery.
This article provides practical guidance for diagnosing adult asthma, including occupational asthma, using patient history, physical examination, and definitive diagnostic testing like spirometry. The goal is to accurately diagnose or exclude the possibility of asthma and treat patients accordingly.
Researchers analyzed 86 patients with nasal fractures, finding no significant difference in revision rates or patient satisfaction between closed and open treatments when done correctly. A treatment algorithm based on fracture type and degree of septal deviation can help surgeons choose the best approach for each individual case.
A study found that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) significantly improves survival rates and reduces disability in adults with severe acute respiratory failure. The treatment, which uses heart-lung bypass technology, was shown to be cost-effective compared to conventional ventilation.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive treatment combining high-intensity LEDs with green tea extract to reduce facial wrinkles. The study shows promising results, achieving smoother skin in one-tenth of the time it took for LED therapy alone.
A study found that one in five doctors are uncomfortable working with surrogates, reporting ineffective communication and increased stress levels. The lack of clear guidelines for surrogate decision makers can lead to difficult decisions, causing distress for both physicians and families.
Researchers analyzed three methods of organic apple orchard floor maintenance: alfalfa hay mulch treatment, flame burning technique, and Swiss sandwich system. The Swiss sandwich system emerged as the most suitable combination, particularly with the M.9 RN 29 rootstock, for increasing production under organic protocols.
Researchers studied golf course putting greens to understand nutrient and chemical changes that occur over time. The study found that organic matter accumulation in the root zone contributes to increased retention of nutrients, while replacing peat with soil in the root zone can reduce construction costs and aid in nutrient retention.