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Bracelet-like device controls chronic acid reflux, study finds

A new device encircles the esophagus valve to control chronic acid reflux, easing symptoms in 92% of patients and allowing 87% to stop using acid-suppressing drugs. Installation is minimally invasive, taking one to two hours, and patients experience significant improvement with 94% satisfaction.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2013

Loyalty is trump

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that loyal customers play out their loyalty in price negotiations, gaining an extra 5% discount without issue. This study turned the perception of customer loyalty on its head, highlighting its negotiating power in stores across various sectors.

Can nerve stimulation help prevent migraine?

A new study published in Neurology suggests that wearing a nerve stimulator for 20 minutes a day can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. The device delivers electrical stimulation to the supraorbital nerve, resulting in fewer days with migraine and a significant reduction in attack frequency compared to sham treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 6, 2013

Breast Cancer Message Board study finds frequent discussion of drug side effects, stopping therapy

A study analyzing over 25,000 message board posts found that breast cancer survivors frequently discuss troublesome side effects from aromatase inhibitors, leading some to discontinue or switch therapies. The findings have broad implications for promoting proper adherence and informing patient-to-patient discussion online.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateJan 16, 2013

New method for uncovering side effects before a drug hits the market

Scientists have developed a new computer-based approach to predicting possible side effects of medications. The method is based on knowledge about chemical and biological information about ingredients in these medications and has been shown to be useful in identifying potential side effects for both known and uncharacterized molecules....

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateJan 2, 2013

Extending steroid treatment does not benefit children with hard-to-treat kidney disease

A new study found that six months of steroid treatment didn't reduce relapse rates or side effects in children with nephrotic syndrome, challenging previous assumptions about optimal treatment strategies. The research highlights the need for new treatment strategies to prevent frequent relapses in this disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 20, 2012

Despite hype, costly prostate cancer treatment offers little relief from side effects

A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that proton radiotherapy provides minimal relief from side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to standard radiation treatment IMRT. The study revealed no long-term benefits for proton therapy, despite high costs.

SourceYale University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 13, 2012

Older men's hidden health concerns

A large cross-sectional survey of 2325 Canadian men aged 55-97 years old found that mobility impairments, memory loss, and medication side effects were top health concerns. However, only a minority reported receiving adequate counseling on these issues, highlighting important gaps in healthcare.

Stop taking steroids: Kidney transplant recipients may not need long-term prednisone

A new study found that patients who quickly stop taking immunosuppressive prednisone after receiving a kidney transplant avoid experiencing serious prednisone-related side effects. The study also showed that rapid discontinuation of prednisone does not jeopardize the long-term survival of patients and their new organs.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 26, 2012

Potential treatment for iron overload disorders

Researchers at UCLA have developed a promising new treatment for iron overload disorders using minihepcidin peptides, which mimic the natural protein hepcidin to lower iron levels in the blood. The study provides hope for individuals affected by hereditary hemochromatosis and beta-thalassemia.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2011