Articles tagged with Medical Treatments
In response to criticisms of the Trial of Preventing Hypertension (TROPHY) study, investigators defend the work against claims of biased design. Experts argue over interpretation of data, including a change in hypertension definition and handling of home blood pressure measurements.
A new clinical trial has shown that intensive treatment for periodontitis, a common inflammatory gum disease, can improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that treating gum disease could be an important step in preventing cardiovascular disease.
A study found that lactulose improved cognitive function and health-related quality-of-life in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with advanced liver disease. The treatment showed significant improvement in emotional behavior, movement, mobility, sleep/rest, and recreational activities.
Researchers have found that monochloramine treatment is less reactive and less efficient than traditional chlorination in killing bacterial contaminants. This means that municipalities with monochloramine systems may need to rely on other methods of monitoring for contamination.
A randomized controlled trial found that prolonged exposure cognitive behavioral therapy was more effective than present-centered therapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in female military veterans and active-duty women. The therapy led to improved symptoms, quality of life, and reduced anxiety.
Research found that alcoholics with greater deficits in emotional facial expression recognition had worse treatment outcomes and prognosis. Despite three months of abstinence, these individuals showed continued impaired EFE decoding abilities.
A child-parent psychotherapy treatment developed at UCSF improves normal development for small children traumatized by violence and abuse. The program helps parents recall childhood moments of unconditional love, breaking generations-long cycles of maltreatment.
Researchers identify serine proteases and PAR2 as therapeutic targets for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pain. The study found increased levels of these enzymes in colonic biopsies and washes from individuals with IBS, leading to increased pain responsiveness in mice.
A randomized controlled trial shows that low-dose hydrocortisone continuous infusion minimizes hyperglycaemic episodes and serious adverse events in critically ill patients with sepsis. Continuous infusion also reduces nurses' workload by requiring fewer insulin dose adjustments.
Researchers at UCI have identified a novel approach to treating tinnitus by applying a low-pitched sound through an MP3 player, providing temporary relief from high-pitched ringing tones. The treatment, which is only effective while applied, suggests customized stimulation and balanced stimulation as key to suppressing tinnitus.
Research on ophthalmic genetics has identified genes associated with retinitis pigmentosa, corneal dystrophies, and other eye diseases, offering insights into heredity and molecular genetics. Collaboration between scientists is expected to answer questions about gene functions and benefit patients
A new study by the March of Dimes Foundation finds that high-dose progesterone treatment can significantly reduce the risk of preterm delivery in pregnant women who have previously experienced premature labor. The treatment appeared to prevent cervical shortening and inflammation, key factors contributing to premature birth.
The study found that 86% of doctors feel obligated to present all options, but only 63% believe it's ethical to describe their objections. Male physicians and those who personally object to certain practices are less likely to refer patients to alternative providers.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of treating both diabetes and cardiovascular diseases simultaneously. The guidelines recommend using stress testing and echocardiography to confirm a diagnosis of valvular heart disease, and emphasize the need for precise risk stratification before treatment decisions are made.
A nutrition specialist emphasizes that current approaches to treating severe malnutrition are ineffective, resulting in high mortality rates among children. Further research is necessary to develop adequate care for millions of young children affected by malnutrition.
A major 20-year study has cast doubt on the assumption that orthodontic treatment improves psychological well-being. The study found that orthodontic treatment had little positive impact on participants' psychological health and quality of life in adulthood, contradicting widespread beliefs among dentists.
A study found that older men and women have a similar and substantial risk of subsequent fracture after an initial low-trauma fracture. This highlights the importance of preventive treatment, as virtually all low-trauma fractures indicate increased risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture, particularly in the next 5-10 years.
A randomized controlled trial in Senegal shows that an intervention program with improved communication and community involvement significantly increased cure rates (88% vs 76%) and reduced default rates by nearly 60%. The program also decreased the time to defaulting from treatment.
A study found that providing regular acupressure treatment sessions twice a day for five days a week significantly reduced verbal and physical attacks, wandering, and agitation levels in dementia patients. The benefits were seen after four weeks of treatment, but agitation levels rose again once the treatment ended.
A study found that newborns with low blood sodium consumed more dietary sodium and weighed more than their peers. The researchers concluded that very low serum sodium in pre-term and new-born infants is a significant contributor to long-term sodium intake, a key marker for obesity.
Researchers found that replacing SH2B1 only in the brain of mice lacking it prevents obesity and diabetes. The study implicates SH2B1 as a potential target for treating obesity and type II diabetes.
A syphilis epidemic is sweeping China, driven by the re-emergence of sex work and changing sexual practices. The country's national surveillance system has reported a significant increase in syphilis cases, with congenital syphilis rates rising by 71% between 1991 and 2005.
A new study found that MRI changed treatment plans for 35% of patients with ankle pain, reducing potential diagnoses from 2.3 to 1.2. The imaging modality increased referring physicians' confidence in their diagnoses by 66%, improving patient outcomes.
A new study found that 61% of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with Interferon developed asymptomatic retinopathy, including retinal hemorrhage and cotton-wool spots. The condition was associated with increased blood velocity and endothelial dysfunction, highlighting the importance of monitoring patients during treatment.
The London bombings on July 7, 2005, resulted in a large mass casualty event. Researchers found that the Royal London Hospital's Helicopter Emergency Medical Service achieved low over-triage rates, leading to a death rate among critically injured of 15%, lower than most previous terrorist mass casualty events.
Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) have specific deficits in memory for numbers and sequences, contributing to common math difficulties. The study provides a 'neurobehavioural profile' to refine assessments and ensure effective treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are developing robotic assistants to enhance surgeons' skills, including a snakelike robot for making incisions and tying sutures with greater dexterity, and a steady-hand system to curb tremors during microsurgery. These tools aim to improve surgical precision and effectiveness.
New research symposium in Perspectives on Politics examines the complex politics of HIV/AIDS in seven countries, highlighting key findings on state action, civil society mobilization, and their consequences. The symposium provides empirical and theoretical claims on the pandemic, shedding light on the diverse impact of HIV/AIDS on rela...
A study by the University of Wisconsin Medical School and Hospital found that the two-slice-touch rule increases the accuracy of diagnosing meniscal tears. The positive predictive value for diagnosing a meniscal tear increased from 91% to 94%, making it a reliable tool for diagnosis.
The AMI-QUEBEC Study found that almost half of patients received fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes, a significant improvement from previous times. Door-to-balloon times remained a concern, exceeding recommended times in most cases.
A recent study estimates that five million women are hospitalized annually in developing countries due to complications from unsafe abortions. The World Health Organization defines unsafe abortion as a procedure lacking proper medical standards or skills.
The Parkinson Study Group has received a $200,000 grant from the Parkinson's Disease Foundation to fund innovative programs supporting clinical research. The grant will support retrospective data-mining projects and mentorship for young researchers, aiming to accelerate treatment development.
A study found that patients with low systolic blood pressure at hospital admission had poor outcomes, including higher mortality rates and rehospitalization. Higher systolic blood pressure was associated with lower risk of death in the long term.
A chemical-free device invented by University of Utah biologists eradicates head lice infestations on children by killing eggs and lice, a promising cure for the condition. The LouseBuster uses hot air to dry out lice and nits, making it an effective alternative to traditional chemical treatments.
Up to two-thirds of women experience incontinence, which can interfere with daily activities and lead to physical health problems. Most cases can be diagnosed through office evaluation without further tests or referrals, offering relief to up to 90% of patients.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine found that low-intensity laser treatment is ineffective in preventing complications of AMD or vision loss. Daily supplements of vitamins and minerals remain the only established way to decrease the risk of vision loss for people with large drusen.
A recent study found that mice lacking the GBA2 protein exhibit decreased fertility due to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced motility. The discovery may shed light on the mechanism behind certain treatments for Gaucher's disease, which can also impact fertility.
A large clinical trial found that pregnant women treated for gum disease during pregnancy did not have a significantly lower risk of premature birth. The study, the Obstetrics and Periodontal Therapy Trial (OPT), also showed no increase in adverse events from dental treatment during pregnancy.
A study by Sharon Inouye found that 39% of hospitalized older adults experience subtle cognitive decline, known as recoverable cognitive dysfunction. The condition can be screened for and prevented or treated with interventions.
Menzies School of Health Research has received $4.6 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council to boost its research capability in Indigenous, remote, and tropical health. The funding will support six projects, including the Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study and scabies diagnosis development.
Schema Therapy has been shown to be more effective than traditional Transference Focused Psychotherapy in treating Borderline Personality Disorder. The therapy achieved full recovery in about 50% of patients and significant improvement in two-thirds, with a lower dropout rate and lower cost.
Research by Boston University links periodontal disease to increased stroke risk in older adults. The study suggests that periodontitis may be a marker for negative effects of risk factors common to both conditions.
A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that eating two Right Direction Cookies daily lowered LDL cholesterol by ten percent and improved lipid subfraction profile. The cookies' combination of psyllium and plant sterols helps shift LDL particles toward a less atherogenic pattern, reducing cardiovascular risk.
The NIH has launched a national consortium to transform clinical research, enabling the development of new treatments more efficiently and quickly. The initiative aims to improve medical care by applying scientific advances to real-world practice, particularly in underserved populations.
A study in rats reports that a specific receptor for a stress-response transmitter may play an important role in stress-induced relapse. The research found that blocking this receptor suppressed alcohol drinking and reinstatement of drinking in animals with a higher preference for alcohol.
Two new blood tests, T-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold, have improved the detection of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. These tests offer more accurate results, faster turnaround times, and no return visits compared to traditional tuberculin skin tests.
A comprehensive study of 2,128 individuals found that openness to surgery and higher education level significantly influenced the likelihood of undergoing joint replacement surgery. Education was a key factor in increasing willingness to consider TJA, regardless of socioeconomic status or disability.
A study analyzing 45 years of stroke research found that 75% of unpublished studies had negative or harmful results, while only 6% of published studies shared this outcome. The findings support the need for registering all clinical studies before they begin to prevent publication bias.
A Phase III efficacy study led by Dr. Peter Hillmen found eculizumab significantly improves anaemia and quality of life in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH). The treatment also reduces intravascular hemolysis, fatigue, pain, and shortness of breath.
A study found that lobbing raw eggs at people as a prank can result in blunt ocular trauma, leading to injuries such as tears, bruising, and raised internal pressure. In some cases, this can cause permanent loss of eyesight.
The MIT-developed molecular sieve can precisely control pore size, allowing for faster and more accurate separation of proteins from biological fluids. This technology has the potential to aid in disease detection and treatment by enabling scientists to study biomarker proteins with greater efficiency.
The American College of Chest Physicians, along with the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation, has released updated recommendations for screening and managing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. The guidelines aim to identify drivers at h...
A systematic review of international research found that there is no clear difference in the effectiveness of treatment provided by teaching and non-teaching hospitals. However, the researchers suggest that specific diseases may have different outcomes, and their findings will be useful for training doctors while providing the best car...
A new study found that individuals who become alcohol dependent before age 25 are less likely to seek treatment, experience more frequent and longer-lasting episodes, and meet more dependence diagnostic criteria. Researchers call for increased prevention and treatment efforts for this vulnerable population.
A randomized control group study found that second graders who participated in the 'Healthy Choices, Healthy Me!' program scored 20% higher on food guidance system questions and reported significant increases in selecting healthy foods. The program was also effective in changing behavior over time.
The study examined clinical and cognitive predictors of swallowing recovery in stroke patients. Identification of specific neurocognitive deficits and clinical features was associated with poor swallowing outcomes.
A study in The Journal of Pediatrics reveals that 85% of aggressive students have experienced a significant family crisis, highlighting the need for proactive strategies to identify potential dangers. The research also shows that 33% of students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have never received treatment.
Finnish soldiers rarely sought compensation for psychological war injuries due to a culture of shame. Researcher Ville Kivimäki's study reveals that restrictive war psychiatry created a reality where traumatic experiences were stigmatized, limiting veterans' ability to express their traumas.
A recent study using APPROACH data compares survival outcomes between medically treated and surgically treated patients with heart failure. The findings suggest that revascularization may not offer significant benefits in terms of risks versus benefits.
Scientists replicated HCV in mouse cells using a gene called protein kinase R, blocking the virus's high rate of replication. This breakthrough may lead to better understanding of why some patients respond to treatment, potentially shedding light on new therapeutic strategies.