Articles tagged with Medical Facilities
Wavefront-guided LASIK yields sharper and higher quality vision, as well as improved night driving abilities compared to conventional LASIK. With wavefront-guided LASIK, patients achieve 97% of 20/20 vision and 85% with 20/16 vision, significantly outperforming conventional LASIK.
A recent study analyzing over 1,700 surgeries found that open surgery was more effective than laparoscopic repairs for treating groin hernias. The study also revealed that surgeons' experience with the procedure played a significant role in its success.
A study of Dutch women exposed to famine during World War II found a significant association between short-term famine and increased breast cancer risk. Women who experienced severe hunger and weight loss had a 48% higher risk of breast cancer compared to those with no exposure.
A new MRI technique allows researchers to capture moving images of blood traveling through vessels non-invasively. This technology can easily be applied to existing MRI machines, enabling real-time physician-scanner interaction and detailed analysis of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have demonstrated the feasibility of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) in humans, using arrays of electrodes to record brain signals and control external devices. The study showed that patients with Parkinson's disease and tremor disorders could use BMIs to play a hand-controlled video game.
The Kavli Institute for Brain Science at Columbia University will focus on analyzing and deciphering neural signaling in complex brain systems. Dr. Eric Kandel, a Nobel laureate, is the first director of the institute.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will become a regional hub for research on health workforce and healthcare access. The new center aims to provide timely information to policymakers about critical health workforce issues, particularly for vulnerable populations.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that C-reactive protein levels are not a reliable indicator of osteoarthritis due to their strong correlation with body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity. Instead, these proteins can serve as an indicator of a patient's response to therapy for osteoarthritis.
The study found that 88% of patients treated with wavefront-guided LASIK showed improved contrast sensitivity, compared to 40% for standard LASIK. This technology reduces higher-order distortions, leading to sharper vision with greater contrast sensitivity.
A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that having children increases the risk of obesity for both mothers and fathers. The research, published in the Journal of Women's Health, analyzed data from over 9,000 Americans and found that each additional child raises the risk of obesity by 7% for women and 4% for men.
A 10-week study found that consuming plant sterol-fortified orange juice lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels by 7.2% and 12.4%, respectively. The researchers suggest this could be a healthy and appealing option for individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found significant disparities in mammography screening rates among racial and ethnic minorities. The study revealed that women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those without health insurance were less likely to receive screenings. Effective strategies include access-enhancing effort...
Proton radiotherapy is being used to treat cancer patients at MPRI with minimal damage to healthy cells. The facility has received $10 million in funding and will be a centerpiece of the life sciences effort in Indiana.
Children with hyperlexia display exceptional reading skills, often exceeding their age, yet struggle with social interactions. FMRI studies reveal distinct brain activity patterns, highlighting the neural mechanisms underlying this rare condition.
A prospective multicenter trial found that 3-D virtual colonoscopy is more sensitive than conventional colonoscopy, detecting over 90% of significant polyps with minimal discomfort and cost
The study analyzed data from 2,932 participants who were free of major life-threatening diseases and had normal physical and cognitive function at baseline. After eight years, 48% of the participants had aged successfully, with those without subclinical cardiovascular disease faring better.
NASA will conduct thousands of experiments at its new $34 million Space Radiation Laboratory to develop materials and countermeasures protecting spacecraft crews from harmful space radiation. The laboratory, built in cooperation with the Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory, simulates the harsh space environment.
A study found that nearly 40% of lung cancer patients believe exposure to air during surgery promotes cancer spread, leading some to reject recommended surgery. The study suggests that physicians need to address these misconceptions to improve healthcare outcomes in African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by lung cancer.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded grants to fund the construction of six biosafety laboratories, including three NBLs and three RBLs. The new labs will provide a safe environment for scientists to conduct critical research on infectious diseases and bioterrorism.
Researchers found that middle-aged individuals with high blood pressure perform slower in certain tasks compared to older adults with similar blood pressure levels. Age-related decline in cognitive performance was not accelerated by high blood pressure, but rather associated with overall difficulty of the task.
A recent study found that North American mammographers are more likely to interpret mammograms as abnormal, leading to higher rates of false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures. The study analyzed data from 32 community-based screening programs in North America and compared outcomes with those in other countries.
A new drug injection facility in Vancouver is struggling with low user adoption, primarily due to Health Canada guidelines restricting sharing of drugs and helping other users. Researchers warn that these restrictions may need to be readdressed to ensure the facility's success.
The Southeast Regional Center of Excellence for Emerging Infections and Biodefense (SERCEB) will develop new vaccines and diagnostics for orthopoxviruses, Bacillus anthracis, and Y. pestis. The consortium aims to address difficult problems in emerging infections with unprecedented speed.
The Exten Fitness System uses motorized chairs to provide a safe all-body workout for those unfit or overweight, helping counter the UK's 'couch potato' culture. The system offers 23 exercises in 30 minutes, promoting increased muscle tone and mobility, improved circulation and coordination.
The new cryo-electron microscope allows for unprecedented high-resolution imaging of individual molecules and cellular structures, enabling scientists to study complex diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that depression is a strong independent risk factor for death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Depression was associated with a doubling of the risk of death during the follow-up period, regardless of other factors.
A study of 817 patients who underwent bypass surgery found that treating depression could significantly reduce mortality rates. Patients with moderate to severe depression at baseline and those with mild depression sustained from initial to six-month assessment were more than twice as likely to die than patients who were not depressed.
A study found that patients with unexplained chronic fatigue had nine times more prevalent sinus symptoms than the control group, and six times more common in those with unexplained chronic pain. Sinusitis may be a contributing factor to chronic fatigue syndrome in some cases.
A new study found that sexually active young women perceive themselves at low risk for contracting STDs, despite having similar risk profiles as women in higher-risk groups. The researchers highlight the need for healthcare clinicians to address these misconceptions and promote safer sex practices.
A study has shown that using larger laser treatment zones can safely correct nearsightedness and astigmatism in patients with large pupils. Nearly 56% of patients achieved uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, while nearly 62% achieved the same level in patients with astigmatism.
Researchers at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Georgetown University Medical Center found medication and cognitive behavioral therapy effective in treating depression among low-income minority women. Sixty percent of participants were at or below federal poverty guidelines, with many experiencing abuse and domestic violence.
Researchers found that medication and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) treatments significantly alleviated symptoms of depression in young Latinas and African-American women. The study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, confirmed that standard treatments can be effective for low-income minority women.
Researchers used MRI to assess brain function while participants experienced heat stimuli. People who reported higher pain levels showed increased activation in key brain areas, such as the primary somatosensory cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. This confirms the importance of self-reports in guiding pain treatment.
Researchers found that shedding of TSHR A subunit amplifies immune response to TSHR in animal model. This discovery increases understanding of autoantibody production and hyperthyroidism in Graves disease.
A new NIH-funded study found that low-dose naproxen and rofecoxib do not slow cognitive decline in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. In fact, patients taking rofecoxib experienced more rapid cognitive decline than those on placebo or naproxen.
A new study by Dr. Sandor Joffe found that wireless capsule endoscopy was more effective than a small bowel series in finding the cause of patient symptoms, including vascular malformations and bleeding. However, the procedure has some downsides, including long wear time for data receiver.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a nerve cell receptor as necessary for initiating inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests that blocking the VR-1 receptor could halt the development of IBD in an animal model.
A study of over 300 HIV patients found that 32% reported better life after diagnosis, with fewer worries about finances or disclosure. Patients who said life was better expressed more optimism and participated in non-organized religious activities.
A new predictive system identifies two DNA polymorphisms that distinguish between HBV-positive patients who respond well to lamivudine treatment and those who develop resistance. The study's findings have significant implications for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, potentially saving millions from liver disease and cancer.
A study found that epilepsy surgery programs in developing countries can produce results comparable to those from developed countries using a carefully selected actuarial approach and the Seizure Scoring System. Researchers audited their program and identified factors most predictive of successful outcomes, yielding a nearly 60% succes...
Dr. Shah will receive the ACC's Gifted Teacher Award for his teaching, and the Vulnerable Plaque Lifetime Achievement Award from AEHA for his pioneering research on preventing and reversing plaque buildup. These awards recognize his contributions to advancing cardiovascular care.
A recent study found that patients who have already had a silent stroke are at an increased risk of having another devastating stroke. The study, conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, also found that diabetes and high cholesterol levels can increase this risk.
Researchers identify APOE genotype as significant risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a condition that can lead to severe complications such as amputations and chronic pain. The study suggests that biomarkers like the APOE 3/4 or 4/4 genotypes could help direct intensive interventions to patients at high risk.
A study found that VA facilities in the US offer limited on-site specialty care for women veterans, with most services provided off-site through contracts. Facilities with more specialist physicians and separate women's health budgets offered more specialized services on-site.
Research by Kansas State University psychology professor maps choice-making in the brain, revealing two systems: deliberative and emotional. The study demonstrates the relationship between brain activity and observed choices, with surprising results on how the brain processes risk and ambiguity.
A new study links overweight individuals to poor community environments with crime and safety concerns. Missouri residents who perceived their neighborhoods as unsafe were more likely to be overweight.
A comparative herbal study found that ephedra is hundreds of times riskier than other commonly used herbs, posing a risk 200 times greater than all other herbal supplements combined. The study's findings prompted calls for more stringent regulation or banning of the substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment significantly reduced nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment resulted in a 48% overall decrease in nGER symptoms, with 74.5% of patients showing improvement.
A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that disabled medical faculty often face significant challenges in their careers due to the lack of ramps and accommodations. The researchers believe that with limited changes in academic criteria and improved physical access, they can compete for promotions more successfully.
Researchers discovered a gene, CDAN1, associated with CDA-1, a rare form of anemia. The study, involving 45 Bedouin patients, suggests the gene's protein plays a crucial role in blood cell maturation and may lead to new treatments.
The new center will be equipped with a high-field MRI/MR spectroscopy system, allowing for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease. The center will also conduct research on newest drug treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
The Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) tracks data from military medical facilities in the Washington, D.C. area to detect outbreaks and biological terrorism. The system balances timeliness with data quality to identify clusters of diseases.
Researchers found that using a mesh patch for large hiatal hernias results in no recurrence of the condition, marking a significant improvement over traditional surgical methods. This breakthrough study provides new hope for patients with large hiatal hernias, offering an effective and lower-risk treatment option.
The Prodisc implant aims to alleviate lower back pain and maintain spine mobility by replacing damaged discs. Researchers will compare its safety and effectiveness to spinal fusion surgery in a randomized clinical trial.
Researchers found that a simpler fibular-based reconstruction method is more effective in restoring knee stability than the combined tibial and fibular-based approach. The study used 12 pairs of fresh cadaveric knees to compare the benefits of both procedures, and results showed that the fibular-based method takes less time in the oper...
A study by the NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse found that active cocaine users had significantly lower adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy, leading to a higher risk of viral suppression failure. The study suggests that interventions should include assessing and treating cocaine use in patients with HIV infection.
A study found that customizing HRT education materials can personalize risk versus benefit for individual women, increasing their confidence in decision-making. The intervention helped women accurately perceive their breast cancer risk and weigh its benefits against HRT.
A new imaging procedure using a radiotracer has revealed the extent of myocardial tissue injury after a heart attack, even in patients who have been successfully revascularized. The study found that 81% of patients showed persistent cellular damage and 90% had perfusion defects.
The new facility will produce proteins for structural analysis and clinical trials, initially using bacterial and insect cell systems. The goal is to scale up production to mammalian cells, enabling more detailed understanding of protein structures and development of intervention strategies.
A study published in The Lancet found that rubber bullets can cause severe and penetrating injuries, including fatalities. Experts recommend limiting the use of rubber bullets to lower limbs and increasing firing ranges to prevent serious injuries.