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 recent study suggests that exercises can improve symptoms of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by promoting remodeling of the upper airways. After three months, patients in the exercise group showed significant improvements in oxygen saturation levels, snoring symptoms, and quality of sleep scores.
A randomized controlled trial found that zinc and copper supplementation was no more effective than placebo in treating acute diarrhea in children. The study's authors suggest that baseline serum zinc concentrations may not be a reliable measure of body zinc status, contributing to the lack of effect.
A new study analyzed dietary factors and found that a combination of key nutrients and low-glycemic index foods can reduce age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risks. Additionally, research highlights the cost-effectiveness of glaucoma treatment in improving vision quality and quality of life.
A new study found that adding oral methylprednisolone to interferon beta-1a therapy significantly reduces the relapse rate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The treatment was associated with a threefold lower relapse rate compared to placebo.
A study reviewing 505 operative repairs found that prompt treatment improved survival rates, with extent of fibrosis being the only predictive factor for successful repair. Women with previous pregnancies showed significantly improved outcomes compared to first-time mothers.
Researchers found uterus sparing surgery to be an effective treatment option for women with pelvic organ prolapse, with 82.97% patient satisfaction rates. The study also showed minimal persisting symptoms, with sexual activity maintained in 95.5% of patients.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that image-guided drainage of tubo-ovarian abscesses avoided salpingo-oophorectomy in 95% of pelvic inflammatory disease cases and 72% overall. This non-surgical treatment preserves fertility and ovarian function.
Researchers at Brown University found MR enterography to be an effective tool for evaluating and guiding treatment of Crohn's Disease patients without exposing them to unnecessary radiation. The test was shown to provide valuable information for guiding patient management, with physicians overwhelmingly preferring it over CT scans.
A new study explores how doctors and patient families decide on life-ending treatments, finding that patients who made the choice were more confident but expressed negative emotions. The researchers also found that physicians' framing of the decision can impact emotional responses.
Researchers have identified a group of cells as direct targets of deep brain stimulation (DBS) using optogenetics, which reduces disease symptoms by preferentially activating neurons linked to the subthalamic nucleus region. The technique allows precise stimulation and measurement of treatment effects simultaneously in animals with Par...
The World Federation of Hemophilia launches a video podcast on comprehensive care, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary teams to provide accurate diagnosis, prompt treatment, and support for families. Comprehensive care is crucial in both developing and developed countries to improve patient outcomes and prevent complications.
A multicentre trial found that paracetamol improved functional outcomes in patients with ischaemic stroke and baseline body temperature of 37°C. The study suggests a potential benefit of paracetamol in reducing body temperature and improving outcome for patients with acute stroke in this specific temperature range.
Researchers at UQ have found a new treatment approach for dysarthria patients who have suffered a stroke or brain injury. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program has shown positive effects on voice clarity and communication confidence, improving quality of life for those affected by the disorder.
A systematic review of 106 studies found that acupuncture is not effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes during menopause. While one study suggested favorable effects of acupuncture on symptom severity, the overall evidence does not support its use as a treatment option.
The European Society of Cardiology reports that heart failure is the most prevalent chronic cardiac condition in Europe, with 30 million cases identified. Recent improvements in diagnosis and treatment have led to a significant reduction in mortality rates, but challenges persist in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Autism Speaks announces partnerships with Albania and Ireland to enhance public awareness and develop sustainable autism programs. The organization aims to investigate causes, prevention, and treatments for autism spectrum disorders globally.
A study published in Ophthalmology found that while vision problems are rare among urban preschoolers, nearly 5% require treatment, yet only 1% receive it. Untreated refractive errors can lead to amblyopia and strabismus if left unchecked.
A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that bacterial remnants and genetics contribute to arthritis. The NOD2 gene is activated by muramyl dipeptide, leading to inflammation and disease progression. Researchers hope to find treatments that can either eliminate or mask this inflammatory signal.
Researchers have discovered two efficient biomarker applications that promise even earlier diagnosis and improved treatment of heart failure. Biomarkers N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cystatin C can identify patients at high risk, enabling targeted care and reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers compared two groups of patients with coronary artery disease and severe heart failure, finding that surgical ventricular reconstruction made no difference in key clinical outcomes. The study's findings challenge conventional wisdom that making the heart smaller and more normal makes it stronger.
Long-term follow-up of patients with coiled and clipped aneurysms reveals improved survival rates for coiled aneurysms at five years. However, the risk of rebleeding is slightly higher for coiled aneurysms in the first five years.
A significant minority of therapists continue to offer treatments aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation, despite a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness. The therapies, often rooted in moral and religious views, can be harmful and lead to increased stress for clients who are already discriminated against.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that single embryo transfer (eSET) is more effective and cheaper than double embryo transfer. eSET reduces multiple pregnancies by half and saves patients an average of €19,889 per live birth at term.
The NIH will commit $60 million in ARRA funds to support autism research, focusing on diagnostic screening tools, early interventions, and adapting pediatric treatments for older children. The grants will promote economic recovery by creating biomedical jobs and supporting innovative projects.
A Stanford study found that stimulating neural wires rather than cells in the subthalamic nucleus can improve Parkinson's symptoms, offering new insights into the disease and possible treatments. The researchers used optogenetics to activate specific types of cells in rodents, revealing a key role for axons in transmitting signals.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have documented a select group of children who achieved long-term tolerance after completing daily doses of peanuts as therapy for peanut allergies. The study showed that the body builds tolerance quickly, with key immunologic changes observed in these participants.
A new study published in BMC Pediatrics reports significant clinical improvements in children with autism after hyperbaric treatment. The treatment, which involves inhaling oxygen at high pressure, showed improvements in overall functioning, language, and social interaction.
A new study found that a simplified treatment program using experienced nurses, home ambulatory diagnosis, and auto-titrating CPAP machines is not inferior to the traditional model. The program saved patients $722 per patient, but did not compromise on care or outcomes.
A new model for treating childhood and adolescent obesity involves a stepwise intervention strategy, increasing intensity from medical management to bariatric surgery. Family involvement is crucial for successful weight loss, with parents taking an active role in nutritional and lifestyle modifications.
A new computer-aided method using MDCT detected and measured 83 pneumothoraces with high accuracy, outperforming manual volumetric measurements. The system reduced measurement time from 30 minutes to just three minutes.
A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that the WHO Child Growth Standards are more accurate than the US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) charts in predicting mortality risk for malnourished children. The researchers analyzed data from over 60,000 children in Niger and found that the WHO standards were the most acc...
A study of urban single mothers nearing the end of their welfare eligibility found a high prevalence of psychiatric and substance use disorders, affecting up to 60% of participants. Despite these challenges, many remain untreated, with only 21.7% receiving treatment for psychiatric disorders in the previous 12 months.
A study by neurology residents at Barnes-Jewish Hospital showed that they can safely administer clot-busting enzyme tPA to stroke patients, reducing door-to-needle times from 81 minutes to 60 minutes. With proper training and feedback, residents can make complex decisions without increasing the risk of brain bleeding.
Researchers found that 16 of 24 affected workers improved with treatment, including 12 with marked improvement, while six who were not exposed to pig brain mist also showed improvements. The disease is identified as a sensory predominant polyradiculoneuropathy with an autoimmune basis.
Clinical practice guidelines for cardiovascular disease are often based on lower levels of evidence or expert opinion. A recent study found that the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines have increased recommendations with more class II and fewer class III recommendations.
A study found that vitamin B and folic acid supplements decreased the risk of age-related macular degeneration in women, with a 34% lower risk of any AMD and a 41% lower risk of visually significant AMD. The beneficial effect began to emerge after two years of follow-up.
A Taiwanese study found that older people and those with an Aboriginal background experienced longer diagnosis and treatment delays for tuberculosis. This delay can lead to more extensive disease, complications, and higher mortality rates.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that a short period of immobilization with a below-knee cast results in faster recovery from severe ankle sprains compared to other treatments. The authors recommend using a 10-day below-knee cast or an Aircast brace for management.
A new study shows that losing weight is the most effective way to reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms and associated disorders. The study found that weight loss of more than 20 pounds resulted in markedly lower OSA symptoms and improvements in co-morbidities such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
The Observatory on Mental Health Systems will develop research, monitoring, and evaluation programs at national and district levels, improving the human rights of people with mental illness. The observatory's work in Asia and the Pacific region aims to scale up effective mental health services in low- and middle-income countries.
Chronic stress can lead to neglected oral hygiene habits, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. Regular exercise, balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help maintain healthy teeth and gums, reducing stress's negative impact on overall health and potentially lowering healthcare expenses.
The EXPRESS study found that urgent assessment and treatment of minor stroke patients in a specialist clinic reduces recurrent strokes by 80% and fatal/disabling strokes by 0.3%. This results in lower hospital admissions, bed-days, and costs, generating £624 savings per patient.
Migraine affects millions worldwide, causing substantial decreases in functioning and productivity. Recent clinical studies suggest it may be a progressive disease with cardiovascular and neurologic effects, requiring major reconsideration of treatments.
Researchers detected distinct protein differences between IVF and spontaneous pregnancies in the first half of gestation, including extra-cellular matrix, cytoskeletal, vascular proteins. Most differences disappeared by 19 weeks, but pregnancy-specific glycoprotein-1 remained significantly different.
Research presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine found no link between routine periodontal treatment and reduced preterm birth risk. Women are still advised to practice good oral hygiene, despite the lack of conclusive evidence.
A randomized trial of 1,800 pregnant women with periodontal disease found that routine gum treatments do not reduce the risk of early delivery. The study suggests that treating periodontal disease during pregnancy is safe, but standard periodontal care is not enough to prevent preterm births.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that anxiety and depression before and during fertility treatment have no influence on cancellation rates or pregnancy success. The research involved 783 women and showed that levels of depression or anxiety did not predict pregnancy rates or cancellation rates.
A study published in JAMA found that intensive treatment guided by N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels significantly improved hospital-free survival in heart failure patients under 75 years old. However, this benefit was not observed in patients over 75 years old.
The NIH has awarded three contracts for pilot projects to improve informatics support for researchers conducting small- to medium-sized clinical studies. The projects will enhance collaboration and data sharing across institutions, enabling faster translation of basic research into treatments.
Mortality rates for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have remained relatively stable since 1994, with a benchmark mortality of 40-45% according to a comprehensive review of major studies. The findings highlight the need for effective therapeutic interventions for this highly lethal syndrome.
A new treatment has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of asthma attacks triggered by colds in preschoolers. The study found a 50% decrease in asthma attacks requiring oral steroids and a 20% reduction in illness duration, improving symptoms and quality of life.
Scientists have developed a method to test sperm quality before IVF treatment, increasing conception chances. The new process uses Raman spectroscopy to identify DNA damage in sperm, providing a non-destructive 'quality score'.
Patients with diabetes and dementia show different brain injury patterns compared to those without diabetes. Diabetes treatment affects the type and extent of brain damage in dementia patients.
Climbers on an expedition led by UCL doctors reached record-low oxygen levels in their blood, averaging 3.28 kPa, which is significantly lower than the normal human range of 12-14 kPA. The study aims to inform critical care treatment strategies for patients with low oxygen levels.
A study of healthcare providers and patients found that they often disagree on the need for total knee replacement surgery, despite both agreeing on its benefits. Patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment recommendations improve when there is greater agreement between providers and patients.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that nicotine gum can aid in gradual smoking reduction and cessation. The study showed a significant increase in odds of quitting (40-90%) and overall success rates (2-6 times) for participants using active nicotine gum, making it an effective treatment option f...
The F-MARC project aims to investigate the long-term cardio-vascular and musculo-skeletal health effects of regular football and jogging participation. The research focuses on premenopausal untrained women and middle-aged men with hypertension, aiming to provide scientific recommendations for millions of soccer players worldwide.
Children participating in group weight-management programs showed significant decreases in BMI scores compared to control groups. The study found that families and group leaders worked together to set individualized dietary goals and promote physical activity, leading to a 4% decrease in overweight children in treatment groups.
Researchers developed a new form of CBT-E that can effectively treat over 80% of eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The treatment has been shown to improve symptoms and sustain changes over time.
A new study suggests that an implantable hemodynamic monitor can help guide medical treatment in patients with diastolic heart failure, reducing the risk of heart failure events. The device continuously records data on heart function and other key variables, allowing healthcare professionals to make adjustments in medical therapy.