Research on therapies used across medicine and how they perform. Covers weight-loss injections, hormone therapy, stem-cell approaches, pain relief, and drug targets.
Researchers found semen volume increases with abstinence, but sperm morphology deteriorates over time. Abstaining for up to two days may be sufficient for some men undergoing fertility treatment.
Researchers found that signals from the basal ganglia may be preventing intact visual areas from functioning properly. Disrupting basal ganglia activity could restore balance and treat visual neglect, a condition where patients perceive only half of their surroundings.
Researchers at Louisiana Tech University are developing handheld computers to gather real-time data on patients' psychological states. This innovative approach aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and better treatment decisions.
A large collection of cases reveals that IVIG treatment can cause strokes in some patients, particularly those with hypertension, diabetes, and a history of cerebrovascular disease. The study found a 0.6% risk of stroke among inpatient IVIG recipients over a four-year period.
Researchers found that varicocele treatment had no significant effect on pregnancy rates among subfertile couples. Despite this, men with varicoceles still experience lower sperm quality and quantity due to testicular damage.
A study of 14 healthcare workers with SARS reveals lingering after effects and psychosocial impacts. The research highlights the challenges of discharging patients and provides valuable insights into treatment regimens and disease progression.
A national survey of ICU directors found that over 85% identified at least one large barrier to end-of-life care, including unrealistic expectations and insufficient training in communication. The survey also revealed that widely endorsed strategies such as training and symptom management are not always available in institutions.
Patients with acute depression who received phone-based disease management were six times more likely to reduce their symptoms to a low level compared to those receiving standard care. The program also led to primary care doctors using nationally approved guidelines in treating their patients.
A new study finds that wearing an eye patch for just two hours a day is as effective as six hours in treating moderate amblyopia in children. Children with this condition, which affects 3% of US kids, showed significant improvement in vision after four months of treatment.
A Chinese study found nearly 50% higher lifetime prevalence of epilepsy and a 30% higher treatment gap than estimated, with 41% of cases never receiving proper treatment. Successful treatment of 60-70% of cases could benefit China's economy.
Children with moderate amblyopia showed significant improvement in vision after four months of daily two-hour or six-hour patching. This study provides real scientific evidence for a more convenient treatment option, reducing social stigma associated with traditional patching methods.
The regional stroke center, supported by a team of neurologists and radiologists, improved tPA treatment for ischemic stroke patients within a 100-mile radius. This led to higher treatment rates, reduced permanent disability, and better outcomes for patients.
Alcohol abusers may show signs of improvement that are part of their natural cycle, not indicative of true recovery. Most treatments may not last long enough to make a real positive impact, as the disease is dynamic and changes over time.
A new study published in The Lancet has found that laparoscopic adhesiolysis does not provide substantial pain relief or improvement in quality of life for patients with adhesions and chronic abdominal pain. The study recommends abandoning this procedure as a treatment option.
A new study suggests that early levodopa treatment may slow the rate of progression in Parkinson's disease. Levodopa treatment showed improved outcomes in patients with early Parkinson's disease compared to placebo.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that adenosine stress scans can identify women and men at high risk of death from heart disease. Diabetic women have a higher risk of cardiac death than diabetic men or other patients without diabetes, highlighting the importance of identifying patients at risk through effective therapies.
The Singleton case has raised concerns about forced medical treatment of the mentally ill and its impact on the death penalty. The US Supreme Court must rule against this practice to restore competence for execution as a medically and ethically untenable dilemma.
Research highlights the association between drinking and physical aggression, finding that heavy drinking increases the risk of domestic violence by eight times. Effective prevention and treatment interventions require understanding the link between alcohol and IPV, particularly among minority groups.
A review of seven trials found that interferon may reduce exacerbations in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients in the first year, but its long-term effects are uncertain. Common side effects and toxic effects also occurred.
A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials found that pacemaker therapy reduced death from progressive heart failure by 51% and hospitalizations by 29%. The device range in cost $20,000 to $50,000 and improves quality of life for heart failure patients.
Eating disorders are a significant cause of physical and psychosocial illness in adolescent girls and young adult women, with limited research on anorexia nervosa and atypical eating disorders. The authors call for targeted research on the interaction of genetic and environmental processes to improve treatment outcomes.
A rapid diagnostic test for plague has been developed to detect antigens at low concentrations within 15 minutes of infection. The test is 100% sensitive and reliable, detecting more infections than conventional laboratory assessments and providing opportunities for bioterrorism preparedness and response.
A study of over 40,000 individuals reveals that non-physician clinicians are increasingly providing preventive services and working with physicians to care for patients. The findings highlight the importance of effective communication and coordination between physician and non-physician clinicians to improve care quality.
A comprehensive analysis of 23 trials involving 7700 patients found primary angioplasty to be superior to thrombolytic therapy in reducing short-term death, non-fatal heart attacks, and strokes. The benefits were sustained over longer-term follow-up.
A study by Karel Svoboda's team found that new connections form and dissolve in the adult brain as mice take in sensory information. The total number of synapses stayed relatively constant, but individual connections often changed, with some sticking around for only a few days.
The U.S. Cochrane Center at Brown University will facilitate the merger of three regional centers into a single center, expanding healthcare information and education. The new structure aims to provide high-quality information to consumers, doctors, and policy-makers worldwide.
A recent study published in Health Psychology found that female bypass patients experience fewer complications when their spouses are informed of the recovery process. The study showed that male spouses who watched an optimistic video before discharge helped reduce complications and rehospitalization rates for their female partners.
A recent Emory University study reveals that the majority of baby-boomers fall short of good health, with 62.2% categorized as 'incompletely healthy'. The research emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to adopt a more holistic approach, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion rather than just treating illness.
A new study found that videotaping a message about healthy eating can increase fruit and vegetable consumption in African American teenagers. The intervention combined behavioral skills learning with motivational techniques, leading to significant improvements in dietary habits.
A randomized controlled trial found that coffee consumption, especially brewed coffee, elevates plasma homocysteine levels by 11% compared to caffeine alone. This increase is associated with higher risk factors for coronary heart disease in heavy coffee drinkers.
The International Subacrachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) found that inserting platinum coils via an artery reduced dependency or death by nearly a quarter and absolute risk by seven percent compared to surgery. The study involved over 2,000 patients in 43 centers across Europe, North America, and Australia.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that endovascular coil therapy is significantly more effective than neurosurgical clipping in treating subarachnoid hemorrhage. For patients with suitable conditions, the treatment resulted in a relative reduction of 25% in risk of dependency or death after one year, as well as an absolute r...
Researchers have found that high-frequency stimulation of the brain can alleviate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. Two patients who underwent electrode implantation showed significant improvement in compulsive behaviors, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for severe OCD.
The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) study found that coiling significantly reduces death and disability from brain aneurysms. Over 2,000 patients were treated with either surgical clipping or coiling, resulting in favorable outcomes for those receiving the coils.
A study found that young children who discussed medical procedures with their parents recalled the experience more accurately six months later. Talking about the procedure was linked to better emotional and physical well-being. In contrast, distraction techniques were still useful during stressful or painful stages of the procedure.
The NIH has awarded a ten-year, $19 million contract to Chimp Haven to establish a chimpanzee sanctuary. The sanctuary will provide humane care for retired research chimpanzees and operate under standards established jointly by the NCRR advisory panel and the Chimp Haven Board of Directors.
Researchers at Purdue University have found that chlorine dioxide gas is highly effective in killing bacteria on food surfaces, particularly Listeria monocytogenes. The study showed significant reductions in bacterial populations on apple skin, stem cavity, and calyx using the gas.
Head lice are becoming increasingly resistant to specialized shampoos, with 50-98% remaining after treatment. Researchers use artificial 'scalp' to study the pests on a genetic and molecular level, seeking alternative treatments.
Researchers found that stressed carp are easily infected by the single cell parasite Trypanoplasma borreli due to high levels of cortisol. The study revealed that cortisol inhibits crucial proteins that protect fish from parasites, rendering them more susceptible to infection.
A study highlights the need for UK childhood screening for amblyopia, finding that effective treatment can prevent incapacitating vision loss later in life. The research also suggests a lower risk of visual improvement among adults, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
A study found that smoking significantly decreases the success rates of assisted reproduction procedures in both IVF and ICSI. The number of pregnancies among couples receiving IVF treatment was lower when the male partner smoked, with women's egg retrieval capacity also reduced.
Brown University researchers will develop a research-based register of controlled trials related to ophthalmology and optometry. They aim to provide evidence-based treatments to patients, helping physicians and consumers make informed healthcare choices.
Researchers at Imperial College London discovered that xenon can block the effects of a glutamate receptor implicated in nerve cell death, potentially preventing damage. The findings have led to clinical trials and the formation of a spin-out company to develop treatments for neurological injuries.
In a study, 50 patients with various voiding dysfunctions reported a 82% decrease or absence of incontinence after Botox injections. The treatment alleviated symptoms for approximately six months without long-term complications. Overactive bladder affects 17 million Americans, causing significant quality-of-life issues.
A new mouse model has shown promise in treating muscular dystrophy by increasing muscle mass and regeneration, reducing muscle cell death. The combination of better muscle regeneration and less muscle wasting could lead to improved muscle capacity over time.
Researchers found that participants who wrote emails about traumatic emotional experiences were healthier in the weeks following their writings than those who wrote about non-emotional topics. The study's results suggest that written emotional expression is beneficial to physical health, even when conducted through email.
A national clinical trial is comparing two treatments for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), aiming to improve survival rates and outcomes. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of laser photocoagulation and amnioreduction in reducing health complications and premature birth.
A study found that patients with depression experience lower disease improvement rates (4.7%) compared to mentally healthy patients (7.4%). Depressed individuals may be more likely to continue smoking and have impaired immune systems, leading to slower wound healing and poorer treatment outcomes.
A recent study found that loosening managed care restrictions can lead to better patient relationships with primary care physicians. Patients in managed care programs were more likely to have continuity with a specific clinician, but these relationships were less likely to last more than 12 months.
Research finds that rural areas could benefit from morbidity-based approaches to addressing health inequalities. The study challenges the assumption that higher hospital rates are always a good thing, suggesting instead a need for stronger public health initiatives and more robust monitoring of fair access.
A study of 1,185 seriously ill patients found that 60% expressed a preference for comfort care but 35% believed they received aggressive treatment. Patients who received inconsistent care had significantly higher medical costs and lower survival rates.
A study of 114 adolescent male offenders found that those committing only sexual offenses had better behavior, attitudes, and lower re-offending risk compared to those with concurrent crimes. The findings suggest different pathways to juvenile sexual offending, warranting tailored interventions.
A VA study found that opportunistic screening for diabetes is likely more cost-effective and can be easily integrated into typical office visits. The approach takes advantage of the doctor-patient relationship, promoting better follow-up care for patients at risk of diabetes.
A French study found that intravenous immunoglobulin improved platelet counts in adults with AITP. The study also showed that oral steroids and placebo had similar efficacy rates. The researchers suggest judicious observation for patients without severe bleeding and recommend specific immune-based therapies.
A phase II study found that DiaPep277 treatment maintained insulin production in patients with early type 1 diabetes. The treatment also reduced the need for insulin therapy and altered immune response patterns.
A recent study by the American Academy of Periodontology found that 48% of teeth receiving periodontal surgery improved prognosis, while only 12% in non-surgical treatment groups did. The study emphasized the importance of individual teeth assessment for optimal results.
The Johns Hopkins emergency department has implemented an acute care unit to reduce overcrowding, resulting in a 40% decrease in ambulance diversion hours. The unit has also seen a significant drop in patient walkouts during the midnight shift, from 20.6% to 8.9%.
New guidelines for assessing male fertility provide a more reliable means of estimating fertility, helping specialists tailor treatments to individual patient circumstances. The revised standards identify key parameters, including sperm count, motility, and morphology, to better determine a man's likelihood of fathering a child.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that dental sealants can significantly reduce dental costs for children on Medicaid who are at high risk of dental problems. Researchers analyzed data from 15,438 North Carolina children and found that sealant treatments led to lower expenses for Medicaid in 1990 dollars,...
A study of 1,596 children in Rochester, NY, found that 8% had Tourette's and 27% had some tic disorder, with mild symptoms being more prevalent. Research suggests that tics can be an indicator of a subtle brain developmental disorder.