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Physicians' response to religion-related conflicts in medicine

A study of 21 physicians found that patients often refuse medical recommendations for religious reasons, particularly in situations with moderate treatment benefits. Physicians should practice candid, respectful dialogue to negotiate accommodations with patients while respecting their differing worldviews.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 10, 2005

Bulimic teens also likely to suffer from depression

Researchers find that bulimia often co-occurs with dysthymia, a lower-level depression. Chronic low self-esteem and prolonged mood disturbances contribute to the development of bulimia. The study suggests that therapists can assess for dysthymia in bulimic patients and choose targeted treatments to combat both disorders.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 7, 2004

Pain relief could be easy with a simple injection

A study found that sympathetic injections showed significant improvement in 20 patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), particularly those with allodynia. Patients who experienced initial improvement were more likely to have long-term success, highlighting the potential of this procedure for targeted treatment.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalPain Practice·DateNov 18, 2004

Implantable heart defibrillators

A prospective follow-up study found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators can significantly reduce the risk of recurring cardiac arrests after out-of-hospital incidents. Increasing access to these devices could have a substantial impact on reducing Canada's high mortality rate from sudden cardiac arrest.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 25, 2004

Researchers monitor progression of Parkinson's disease by studying molecular changes in brain

A study by Johannes Schwarz and colleagues tracked molecular changes in brains of Parkinson's patients over 7.5 years using SPECT to measure dopamine transporter binding, revealing a single exponential decline rather than linear loss. This advancement enables the development of individualized treatment for advanced Parkinson's patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 21, 2004

Aiding decision making for Baby Charlotte and Baby Luke

The Lancet editorial emphasizes the need for a more compassionate approach to end-of-life medical decisions, particularly in cases where parents and doctors disagree. The article advocates for arbitration as an alternative to court proceedings, citing its potential to resolve conflicts in a more constructive manner.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 21, 2004

Study recommends education level be added to CHD treatment guidelines

A prospective cohort study found that patients with less than 12 years of education have a higher risk of dying from coronary heart disease, similar to other traditional risk factors. This suggests incorporating educational level into CHD treatment guidelines may facilitate individualized treatment and reduce socioeconomic disparities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateOct 5, 2004

Certain components of the brain's 'executive functions' are compromised early in abstinence

Heavy alcohol consumption can compromise multiple domains of executive functioning early in abstinence. This study found significant differences between male veterans with and without a history of heavy drinking on cognitive tests such as abstract reasoning and memory discrimination. Researchers suggest that developing therapies to cap...

Breathing and mental health problems widespread among Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers

A Mount Sinai study found that nearly three-quarters of WTC responders experienced upper respiratory issues, with half still experiencing symptoms eight months later. Over half had persistent psychological symptoms, with risks for PTSD four times that of the general male population.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateSep 9, 2004

Anorexia nervosa often chronic, study finds

A study published in Psychological Medicine found that 35% of women with anorexia nervosa relapsed into the disorder within two years of leaving the hospital. The mean time before relapse was 18 months, highlighting the need for improved relapse prevention treatments.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJun 23, 2004