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The clinical availability of CT colonography

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that CT colonography detected extracolonic lesions in 57.8% of subjects, with highly significant lesions present in 8.7% and low significant lesions in 55.2%. Factors such as age, sex, symptoms, and contrast use were associated with detection of more significant lesions.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 30, 2009

Tiny brain region better part of valor

A new study reveals that a tiny part of the brain's hypothalamus is key to animals' fear responses, contradicting long-held assumptions about the amygdala. The research found that neutralizing this region eliminates fear in rodents, who instead exhibit bold and aggressive behavior towards predators.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2009

Indigo ointment may help treat patients with psoriasis

A randomized trial found that indigo naturalis ointment significantly improved scaling, erythema, and induration in patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis. After 12 weeks, the treated plaques showed an 81% improvement compared to a 26% improvement for non-medicated ointment-treated lesions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateNov 17, 2008

Study reports Double Balloon Endoscopy useful for diagnosis and treatment of obscure GI bleeding

A study published by researchers in Japan found that Double Balloon Endoscopy (DBE) was effective in diagnosing small intestinal lesions in patients with obscure GI bleeding, with a sensitivity of 92.7%. DBE also showed therapeutic benefits for most patients, and the technique was more sensitive than capsule endoscopy in certain cases.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateOct 31, 2008

Drinking alcohol associated with smaller brain volume

Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol is associated with reduced total brain volume and larger white matter lesions. This finding suggests that heavy drinking may not have the protective effect on brain health previously thought, contrary to its effects on cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateOct 13, 2008

Surgeons announce advance in atrial fibrillation surgery

The Cox-Maze procedure has been enhanced to include an additional ablation, known as the box lesion, which improves patient outcomes by reducing atrial flutter and fibrillation. This new technique also leads to shorter hospital stays and lower use of antiarrhythmic drugs.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateApr 7, 2008