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 minimally invasive treatment called venous embolization has been shown to significantly improve a couple's chances of pregnancy in infertile men. The study found that patients with high sperm motility prior to treatment had the highest success rates, with over 26% of couples becoming pregnant after six months.
A study published in Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery found that carbon dioxide laser resurfacing can improve facial wrinkles over the long-term, with a 45% improvement rate. However, some patients experienced complications such as hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation.
A meta-analysis of 32,000 participants found that six treatments for smoking cessation were more effective than placebos. The most effective treatment was varenicline, which was about twice as effective as bupropion.
A new study found that providing preventive treatment for malaria significantly improves the cognitive ability of schoolchildren and reduces rates of anaemia, while also revealing a link between malaria infection and reduced attention in class. IPT dramatically reduced the occurrence of malaria infection in schoolchildren.
Researchers are studying two myostatin inhibitors to optimize recovery of injured soldiers, with promising results in muscle regeneration and bone formation. The goal is to develop a stronger, more rapid recovery for victims of traumatic limb injuries.
High blood pressure is linked to an increased risk of dementia, highlighting the potential benefits of antihypertensive treatment. Treatment of hypertension may be a key factor in preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
A study from MIT researchers found that a dietary cocktail combining omega-3 fatty acid, uridine, and choline improves memory and learning in gerbils. The combination is being tested in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a possible beverage-based treatment for the disease.
Researchers at Wageningen University used special horseshoes to measure accelerations of horses undergoing aquatraining and walking normally, revealing lower impact forces during 'aquatic walking'. However, rising trot may not be as advantageous as previously thought, with similar back extension in both sitting and rising trot.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that doctors rarely use effective methods to help patients remember medical instructions, such as summarizing treatment recommendations or asking patients to repeat back what they've been told. The results suggest a need for new approaches to improve patient recall in busy practices.
Research found that thinking about one's own death can trigger overeating, especially among individuals with low self-esteem. The study used mortality salience to explain the effect of death-related thoughts on consumption behavior.
The HealthGrades Women's Health in American Hospitals study found that top-performing hospitals have significantly lower maternal complications rates for vaginal births (51% fewer) and C-sections (76% fewer). These top-hospitals also saw improved cardiovascular disease mortality rates, with a 15% overall reduction from 2004 to 2006.
A recent study found that nearly one in five patients experiences chest pain one year after having a heart attack. Patients who experienced chest pain were more likely to be younger, non-white males with prior chest pain, and had poorer health outcomes.
Researchers are studying the architecture and behavior of ovaries to find new treatments for fertility disease and age-related infertility. A new imaging device, resembling a tiny drum, is being developed to measure ovary rigidity and understand symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.
A new study found that bowel preparation with oral sodium phosphate does not improve cleanliness and visibility in small bowel capsule endoscopy for patients with obscure GI bleeding. The standard method of an eight-hour fast before the procedure was shown to be equally effective.
A study of 11,000 Lower Manhattan residents found that those injured during the 9/11 attacks were most likely to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms included hyper-vigilance, nightmares, and emotional reactions to reminders of the event.
A study found that CPAP treatment improved cognition in Alzheimer patients with OSA by increasing total sleep time, rather than improving oxygen levels. This finding suggests that short sleep time may contribute to cognitive dysfunction associated with OSA in dementia patients.
A study found that prolonged QRS duration on an ECG is associated with high postdischarge mortality and readmission rates. Patients with a prolonged baseline QRS duration had a 24% increased risk of death and a 28% increased risk for the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that pregnant women can receive safe dental treatment between 13-21 weeks gestation. The research showed no significant increase in adverse outcomes from periodontal treatment and essential dental care during this time frame.
Recent research shows a strong connection between type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, with up to 40% of OSA patients having diabetes. IDF recommends education and screening for both conditions, as well as weight reduction, CPAP treatment, and further research.
Recent research highlights the close relationship between type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea, with significant implications for public health and individual well-being. The IDF recommends screening, treatment, and further research to address this link.
Induced hypothermia has been shown to reduce permeability of the blood-brain barrier and formation of small blood clots after injury. However, its use is underutilized in the UK and US due to lack of implementation strategies.
The NIH has expanded its Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) consortium, investing $533 million over five years in 14 new academic health centers. The initiative aims to reduce the time between laboratory discoveries and treatments for patients, while training the next generation of researchers.
The Boston University Clinical and Translational Science Institute will integrate research across departments and schools, facilitating interactions and incorporating community-based needs. The award aims to improve treatment efficiency and access to patient care.
Researchers found that topical retinoic acid, carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, and injections of cross-linked hyaluronic acid improve skin's appearance and resistance to bruising by stimulating new collagen production. Collagen collapse is a key factor in skin aging, but fibroblast cells can recover and make more collagen.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that individuals with ADHD complete 1 month's worth of work in a year. Employers may benefit from implementing workplace screening programs to support affected workers, as effective treatments can improve performance.
A survey of Medicare patients found that higher medical care spending was not associated with better quality of care. In fact, those in lower-expenditure areas reported similar perceptions of quality and rated their overall care highly, regardless of spending levels.
A study found that nearly half of heart disease patients have poor knowledge about heart attack symptoms, which can lead to delayed treatment and reduced survival rates. The researchers suggest that targeted education efforts during medical office visits can help improve knowledge and outcomes for these high-risk patients.
A recent case report indicates that laparoscopic biliary tract reoperation is a safe and viable option for patients with choledocholithiasis who have failed or are contraindicated for endoscopic sphincterotomy. The procedure appears to be feasible when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
The NIH's Undiagnosed Diseases Program aims to provide answers for patients with mysterious conditions that have long eluded diagnosis. The program will utilize the expertise of senior attending physicians from various specialties to evaluate patients and identify new diseases or treatments.
A comprehensive review of facial plastic surgery outcome measures identified 68 instruments, including patient-reported and clinical efficacy measures. The study found that most patient-reported measures were developed in the past decade and had varying levels of validation rigor.
Researchers found that CPAP treatment resulted in an average 2mmHg drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the end of the year. The study suggests that CPAP can be used to reduce cardiovascular risk in apneic patients, beyond just treating daytime sleepiness.
A new study found that submucosal fibroids may migrate to the endometrial cavity after uterine artery embolization (UAE), but most are expelled spontaneously. Women can choose alternative treatments like hysteroscopic resection and/or myomectomy for better management of symptoms.
Young children with OCD can benefit from a tailored form of psychotherapy, known as family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that addresses their unique developmental needs and family context. The study found that 74% of patients who completed the CBT program achieved remission, compared to 20% in the relaxation treatment group.
A low-vision therapy program significantly improved vision in veterans with diseases of the macula, with notable gains in reading ability, mobility, and visual motor skills. The study suggests that at least 10 hours of low-vision therapy is justified for patients with moderate and severe vision loss from macular diseases.
A study led by a nursing professor is evaluating the effectiveness of telephone-based interpersonal psychotherapy for treating postpartum depression. The trial involves trained nurses providing therapy to clinically depressed women in remote areas with limited access to mental health services.
Hemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare cause of intermittent upper GI bleeding, often associated with chronic pancreatitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, with interventional radiology and surgical options available.
A moral philosopher is investigating the ethics of medicated memory manipulation, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The use of beta-blockers to dampen emotional responses to traumatic events may undermine an individual's understanding of their moral responsibility.
Patients with mild Alzheimer's disease showed less decline in functional ability after taking 800mg of tarenflurbil twice daily compared to placebo. The treatment also reduced the pace of decline in global function and activities of daily living scale.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that a majority of participants did not realize their treatment preferences had changed over time, leading to false memories. The study highlights the need for ongoing dialogue among individuals, families, and physicians about end-of-life treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered a link between specific antibodies and oral health, finding that healthy individuals have higher antibody levels to a key protein in periodontal disease. This discovery could lead to improved treatment responses and prevention strategies.
Palliative care is now considered an integral part of serious respiratory disorders treatment, with individualized and integrated care promoting patient-focused symptom management. The ATS clinical policy statement emphasizes comprehensive care, including professional competence development and education.
Key findings include significant variability in coverage gaps across countries, with poorest quintiles facing substantial gaps, and only a few countries showing declines greater than 2% per year. The authors emphasize the need for accelerated progress to achieve coverage levels needed for MDG4 and MDG5.
New research suggests that irradiation can effectively kill internalized pathogens beyond the reach of conventional chemical sanitizers, including E. coli and Salmonella. Studies show that washing alone may not be enough to reduce foodborne illnesses, highlighting the potential benefits of irradiation in reducing the risk.
The SAPPHIRE trial found that carotid stenting was comparably effective to surgery in preventing stroke, heart attack, and death in high-risk patients. Patients undergoing stenting had similar rates of revascularization procedures as those who underwent surgery.
A randomized pilot trial found that lowering blood pressure to below 140 mm Hg reduced haematoma growth in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage. The treatment also showed no significant adverse effects on clinical outcomes.
A novel teledentistry approach using teleconferencing increases access to limited orthodontic treatment for Medicaid-eligible children. Early intervention shows significant improvement in malocclusion severity.
A new article in the journal Nursing for Women's Health suggests that healthcare providers who initiate discussions about genital and nipple piercings can provide optimal care to patients. The authors aim to educate nurses about intimate piercings, enabling them to earn their patients' trust.
Research reveals that patients are more likely to ask factual questions of all healthcare professionals than challenging clinical abilities. Women and patients who feel encouraged by their doctors are more willing to ask difficult questions, suggesting improved patient safety outcomes.
A nationwide study of 3,000 Lebanese adults found that one in four had a lifetime mental health disorder, with major depression being the most common. Exposure to war-related events significantly increased the risk of developing an anxiety or mood disorder.
A new study found that caregivers with moderate to severe depressive symptoms exhibited lower levels of warmth and higher levels of hostility towards their low-income children with asthma. Researchers used data from a longitudinal study examining treatment adherence among these families.
A double-blind study found Pycnogenol improved both numerical and spatial working memory in senior citizens. The antioxidant extract reduced oxidative stress markers, indicating a potential role in preserving or enhancing mental functions.
Research by Yang Xia and colleagues found that high levels of adenosine contribute to priapism in males with sickle cell disease. Adenosine signaling through the A2B receptor may be a key factor in the development of priapism, suggesting new potential treatments.
Researchers from the US and China have confirmed the effectiveness of a simple treatment for amblyopia in laboratory and clinical trials. The treatment, which involves training on a visual task, has shown promising results in improving vision and challenging traditional theories about critical periods.
A multicenter trial found that uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a viable alternative to hysterectomy for women with symptomatic fibroids. After two years, patients who underwent UAE reported health-related quality of life equal to those who had undergone hysterectomy.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that alteplase treatment can improve clinical outcomes in stroke patients even when administered outside the conventional 3-hour window. The researchers identified patients with an ischaemic penumbra and showed significant benefits in tissue reperfusion and reduced infarct growth.
Studies found that stroke patients who arrive in the emergency department during off-hours, especially on weekends, are more likely to die in the hospital. Hemorrhagic strokes showed a significant increased risk of mortality compared to ischemic strokes.
A simple surface treatment technique induces self-assembly of molecular crystals, improving performance and providing electrical isolation. This method enables the mass production of large arrays of organic electronic transistors on polymer sheets, opening up possibilities for flexible displays, intelligent paper, and biosensor arrays.
Researchers have developed a new classification system, The Range of Possible Changes Model, to help eliminate inconsistencies in evidence-based treatments. This model sorts pertinent information from multiple studies, allowing researchers to draw reliable conclusions amidst inconsistent results.
The US is likely to miss its goal of eliminating tuberculosis by 2010 due to high latent TB infection rates among certain groups, including those living below the poverty line and foreign-born individuals.
The Lancet Editorial advocates for universal health care coverage combined with high-quality evidence-based practice as a singular and lasting achievement for the next US president. The proposed plan includes establishing a national clinical effectiveness effort to produce unbiased information about effective healthcare practices.