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 new study published in Sleep finds that chronic insomnia can increase the chances of developing anxiety disorders and depression. Longitudinal data from over 25,000 adults revealed significant relations between chronic insomnia and the development of anxiety disorders and depression.
A new study reveals the challenges posed by PGD patients traveling abroad, with concerns over referral processes, counselling, and monitoring. The study highlights inconsistencies in regulation across Europe, with some countries allowing prenatal testing but not PGD.
A recent study found that approximately 30% of Americans experience some form of alcohol use disorder, leading to significant impairment and distress. The study also revealed that disability levels increase steadily as dependence becomes more severe, with males and younger adults being disproportionately affected.
A recent analysis of Medicaid data reveals that individuals with co-occurring psychiatric and substance abuse disorders are less likely to utilize community-based services. This pattern holds true for both severe and less severe mental health conditions.
A new dynamic brace, designed by Matthew B. Dobbs, has shown to be at least as effective as traditional braces in treating clubfoot, while resulting in better parental compliance. The brace allows for active movement, preserves muscle strength, and is less restrictive than traditional braces.
A multidisciplinary team approach has successfully treated acute heart attacks by expediting patients to specialized treatment centers within 90 minutes. This program evaluation demonstrates improved outcomes for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients in Canada.
A team of researchers from the University of Florida and Harvard Medical School has discovered a protein called IGFBP-3 that may help prevent eye damage in premature babies. The protein activates stem cells and other reparative cells, which could stabilize existing blood vessels and prevent abnormal growth.
Researchers found that early palliative care interventions can reduce ICU stay length by over seven days without affecting mortality rates. This proactive approach aims to improve quality of life for seriously ill patients.
A study found that two-thirds of newly diagnosed OSA patients hope for improvement in their quality of life, but widely varying reactions to CPAP were common. Effective patient education about CPAP is crucial for its success.
Adults with obstructive sleep apnea benefit significantly from prolonged CPAP use, with 7.5 hours shown to maximize daytime alertness and functioning. Most patients should use CPAP for at least 7.5 hours each night to realize the greatest possible benefits of therapy.
A study by Deborah Carr and Dmitry Khodyakov found that education, religious beliefs, and personal experiences with loss are key factors in seniors' decisions to appoint a healthcare proxy. Most people choose a spouse or child as their proxy, but there are also idiosyncratic responses among those outside traditional relationships.
A new study reveals that intensive forms of talk therapy, particularly transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), can reduce symptoms and improve social functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). TFP was found to show improvement in ten out of twelve domains studied, including reduced suicidal behaviors and i...
A recent study published in the SLEEP journal found that patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who used continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for longer periods at night experienced improved daytime functioning and reduced sleepiness. The study, conducted by Dr. Terri E. Weaver, suggests that a greater percentage of p...
A multicenter clinical trial found that magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) effectively shrinks uterine fibroids and significantly relieves symptoms in women. The optimized protocol allowed treatment of a greater fibroid volume, resulting in even greater symptomatic relief.
Researchers found that repetitive strain injury is not one diagnosis but an umbrella term for various disorders caused by repetitive movements and risk factors. Conventional definitions include conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, which affect millions worldwide.
The article reviews medical literature to provide US clinicians with updated guidelines for diagnosing and treating malaria. Key findings include the importance of considering malaria in the differential diagnosis based on travel history and prompt treatment.
Researchers assessed the effectiveness of topical retinol lotion in reducing wrinkles and improving skin aging severity. The study found significant reduction in wrinkle formation and increased collagen production, leading to improved appearance and skin resilience.
New research explores liver biomarkers, disease complications, and novel treatments to improve outcomes in patients with liver disease. A study found that an elevated ALT/AST ratio can predict coronary atherosclerosis in women, independent of metabolic syndrome.
A recent study has found that people with sleep apnea are twice as likely to be involved in a car crash and three to five times more likely to have a serious crash involving personal injury. The study, which analyzed data from 800 patients with sleep apnea and 800 without the condition, highlights the severity of the risk.
The Ottawa Aggressive Protocol, involving IV procainamide and electrical cardioversion, is effective in treating AAF and AAFL with a high discharge rate of over 90%. This approach stands in contrast to traditional US practice, which often involves hospital admission followed by cardiologist treatment.
The Peabody Treatment Progress Battery (PTPB) provides ongoing feedback to service providers, enabling mid-course treatment corrections. It assesses process and outcomes of treatment services across multiple domains and perspectives.
A new study from the University of Michigan Stroke Program finds that ICH patients who had a do-not-resuscitate order issued in the first 24 hours or had care withdrawn were twice as likely to die. Early limitations on care may be an overlooked factor in calculating ICH survival odds, according to researchers.
A study of over 8,000 British government workers found that unfair treatment increased the risk of a heart attack or angina, with those in the highest category being 55% more likely to have serious heart disease. Women and lower-income individuals were also disproportionately affected.
Researchers found that individuals with minimal motor problems at the beginning of the study were nearly five times more likely to be diagnosed with Huntington's disease a year and a half later. Those who performed worse on cognitive tests, such as psychomotor speed, were also at increased risk.
Parkinson's disease and narcolepsy share symptoms due to damage in the same small group of neurons. Researchers found that Parkinson's patients have severe loss of hypocretin cells, which may be reversible with treatments aimed at reversing this deficit.
A cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention has been demonstrated to increase CPAP use among OSA sufferers, with 77% using the device for at least four hours a night. The study found major positive health implications, with improved adherence and reduced refusal rates compared to treatment as usual.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a test that assesses implicit attitudes towards self-injury, improving the prediction of self-injurious behavior. The study found that individuals with a history of non-suicidal self-injury were more likely to associate self with cutting in an implicit association test.
A new study by Ronald R. Grunstein found that judicial sleepiness is viewed unfavorably by the media, society, and the judicial system as a whole. Experts recommend regulatory processes to ensure the fitness for duty of judges and maintain confidence in the judicial process.
Research Australia's Woolcock Institute study highlights occupational sleepiness in white-collar workplaces, including courts and hospitals. The report emphasizes the need for active monitoring and screening to treat sleep disorders, preventing situations like Judge Dodd's cancelled driver's licence.
New research questions the effectiveness of routine screening for overweight and obese schoolchildren, citing limited evidence that preventive approaches or current treatments drive down long-term obesity rates. Instead, weight monitoring is seen as useful for gathering information on obesity trends and informing resource allocation.
A 23-year-old woman with frequent hand sweat attacks experienced significant relief after Botox injections. The treatment was well-tolerated and improved her overall quality of life.
The article examines the definition of pedophilia, characteristics of offenders, recidivism rates, and potential treatments. Researchers discuss how to determine pedophilic behavior and the impact of mandatory reporting laws on victims and abusers.
Researchers analyzed data from 397 adults and children, finding that most asthma flare-ups led to step-up in medication doses. Fewer patients experienced step-down therapy changes when symptoms subsided, highlighting the need for more flexible treatment approaches for asthma patients.
A new study in The Lancet suggests that universal newborn screening for cystic fibrosis is associated with lower treatment costs and reduced hospital admissions. This could lead to cost savings that offset the costs of the screening program, making it a more viable option globally.
A study estimates that individuals with autism incur approximately $35 billion in annual costs to society, primarily due to lost productivity and adult care. These costs can be felt well into adulthood, highlighting the need for financial planning and counseling for families of children with autism.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that biofeedback treatment can correct bowel function in nearly 80% of patients with dyssynergic defecation. The study compared biofeedback to standard treatment of laxatives, diet, and exercise, and found that biofeedback was significantly more effective in improving muscle function.
Actigraphy is a reliable tool for evaluating sleep disorders, including advanced sleep phase syndrome, delayed sleep phase syndrome, and shift work disorder. It also helps characterize circadian rhythms and sleep patterns in patients with insomnia and hypersomnia.
The 2007 Amgen Biochemical Engineering Award was awarded to Professor George Georgiou for his groundbreaking contributions to protein engineering, protein-based therapeutics, and fundamental understanding of protein biogenesis. He has also made significant discoveries in RNA degradation, oxidative protein folding, and protein secretion.
Researchers have discovered a deficiency of biopterin in rabies patients and are working on an animal model to test the effectiveness of the Milwaukee protocol. The treatment has already shown promise, with two children surviving twice as long as average for rabies patients.
A Cornell researcher is working on a quick and affordable immune system test for people in the developing world. The test aims to help HIV/AIDS sufferers get proper treatment, potentially extending their lives by 10-15 years.
Researchers present new catheter-based approaches to repairing the mitral valve and treating coronary plaque, showing improved safety and feasibility. The MONARC system and sideKick stenting system demonstrate significant benefits in patients with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation and bifurcation lesions.
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.