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Reminding health-care staff to remove catheters reduces infections by half

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that reminder systems encouraging prompt removal of urinary catheters reduced CAUTIs by 52%. The researchers suggest that low-cost interventions like nurse-empowered catheter stop orders could be effective in reducing infections. Hospitals can implement these strategies to improve...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 16, 2010

ASP announces 2010 T. Franklin Williams Scholars

The Association of Specialty Professors has announced the ninth class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, supporting research on pulmonary fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, and palliative care for older adults. Seven new investigators will join 75 previous scholars in advancing knowledge on these topics.

SourceAlliance for Academic Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 2010
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers evaluated the long-term effects of low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diets on weight loss, serum lipid concentrations, and bone mineral density. Both groups achieved significant weight loss, but the low-carb diet produced greater increases in plasma HDL cholesterol concentration.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 2, 2010

Treatments for blocked carotid arteries vary by US region

A significant geographic variation was found in the use of carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting among Medicare beneficiaries, with different regions having varying rates of each procedure. Men and patients with a prior diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease were more likely to undergo carotid revascularization.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010

Doctors don't 'get' their patients

A study found that physicians' understanding of patient health beliefs is generally poor, but significantly improves when patients are more actively involved in consultations. Healthcare providers can better tailor treatment recommendations by encouraging patients to express their beliefs and concerns.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 26, 2010

Severe angina poses 3 times the coronary artery disease risk for women than men

Women with severe angina are three times more likely to develop severe coronary artery disease than men. The study found that even younger women face a higher risk of developing CAD than men in the same age group. Diabetes and high blood pressure also play a significant role in increasing the risk, particularly among young women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateJul 8, 2010
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

New medics in death spike

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that fatal medication errors peak in July at teaching hospitals where new medical residents are on duty. The authors suggest re-evaluating responsibilities and increasing education on medication safety to reduce errors.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 2, 2010

To publish or not to publish? That is the question

A study published in PLoS One investigates the reliability of peer review and its influence on journal editors' decisions to publish or reject research. The results suggest that reviewers agree on manuscript disposition rates barely exceeding chance, while editor decisions are significantly influenced by reviewer recommendations.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 21, 2010

Additional Annals of Internal Medicine article for May 18, 2010, issue

A new article proposes a three-pronged strategy to address conflicts of interest in clinical guideline development, emphasizing intellectual and financial conflicts equally. The approach aims to balance expert insights with the avoidance of inappropriate influence from experts with financial or intellectual conflicts.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 17, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Survey finds general internists leave practice sooner than subspecialists

A survey of 2,058 physicians found that 17% of general internists and 4% of internal medicine subspecialists have left their practices by mid-career. The study suggests that the 'general' nature of general internal medicine may give internists more options for careers outside of medicine.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 7, 2010

People with depression eat more chocolate, a mood food

Researchers found that both men and women who had higher depression scores consumed almost 12 servings of chocolate per month. Chocolate consumption was not associated with other antioxidant-rich foods or energy intake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2010

4 unhealthy behaviors combine to increase death risk

Combining four unhealthy behaviors like smoking, lack of physical activity, and poor diet increases death risk. Individuals with all four behaviors had about three times the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2010
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that healthy older adults taking rosuvastatin had fewer heart problems and strokes than those not taking the medication. A high false-positive rate was associated with low-dose CT lung cancer screening, highlighting its potential harms. U.S. News rankings are criticized for relying too heavily on subjective data.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 19, 2010

Health reform law likely to improve access to affordable coverage

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) aims to provide most Americans with access to affordable healthcare, covering over 95% of legal residents. However, the law's impact on primary care access and cost control remains uncertain, with concerns about the shortage of physicians and increasing costs.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2010

The Medicare donut hole: Now you're covered, now you're not

A new study found that women and patients with dementia and diabetes are most likely to enter the Medicare Part D coverage gap, facing significant out-of-pocket drug expenses. The researchers suggest medication cost-counseling interventions for these clinically vulnerable subpopulations may be warranted.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2010

Researchers recommend curriculum on unhealthy substance use

The study proposes a national model for addressing unhealthy substance use in internal medicine residents, integrating curricula into existing teaching venues. Researchers believe this approach mirrors effective clinical management and improves residency training.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBMC Medical Education·DateMar 15, 2010
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found a persistent excess risk of death after hip fractures, especially in men, which does not return to pre-fracture levels even after 10 years. Additionally, an empirical study explored the ethics of payment for kidney donation, finding no association between price and willingness to donate across income levels, but highl...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2010

Physicians click their way to better prescriptions

A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that e-prescribing significantly improves ambulatory medication safety. The research discovered a nearly seven-fold decrease in prescribing errors among doctors who adopted e-prescribing compared to those using traditional paper-based prescriptions.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 10, 2010
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Studies examine team approaches to hospital care

Studies investigate various team configurations and dynamics in hospitals to improve patient care and safety. Researchers found that effective teamwork leads to reduced medical errors and improved patient satisfaction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2010

Studies unclear on role of pre-surgery beta blockers

Heart specialists at Michigan Medicine call for clarity on beta blocker prescribing before surgery. Previous studies have differing methods and results, making it hard to determine who should get beta blockers and at what dosage.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 9, 2010

Can kitchen spoons be dangerous spoons?

A new Cornell study reveals that using kitchen spoons to measure liquid medicine can lead to significant inaccuracies. Participants under-dosed by an average of 8%, while those using larger spoons over-dosed by 12%. Experts recommend using precise measuring devices instead.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 4, 2010

Smoking cessation may actually increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that people who quit smoking have a 70% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the first six years without cigarettes compared to non-smokers. Weight gain after quitting is suspected to be the cause of this increased risk, which returns to normal after 10 years.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 4, 2010

Researchers find clues to why some continue to eat when full

Researchers found that ghrelin, a hunger hormone, triggers mice to seek out pleasurable foods even when full. The study suggests that ghrelin may increase the rewarding aspects of eating, driving individuals to continue consuming high-calorie foods despite feelings of fullness.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 28, 2009
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Study shows a key protein helps control blood pressure

Researchers have identified a key protein channel that helps nerve sensors regulate blood pressure. The ASIC2 channel plays a crucial role in controlling electrical activity in blood vessels, and its absence leads to high blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNeuron·DateDec 23, 2009

Researchers ID traits of people with rare accelerated aging syndrome

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified distinct traits in patients with atypical progeroid syndrome (APS), a rare premature aging disorder. The study found that APS patients exhibit unique clinical features, metabolic abnormalities, and delayed onset of symptoms, potentially explaining their longer lifespan.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 15, 2009

Women researchers less likely to receive major career funding grants, U-M study shows

A University of Michigan study found that women researchers are less likely than men to secure major funding for their careers, with only 19% of women attaining an R01 grant within 10 years. The study suggests that family demands and pressures to contribute to clinical work may be hindering women's success in research careers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 30, 2009

1 of LA BioMed's founders to be honored

The American College of Physicians has awarded the Ralph O. Claypoole Sr. Memorial Award to Dr. Melvin R. Kaplan, one of LA BioMed's founders and a renowned internist. Dr. Kaplan has dedicated his career to patient care for over 60 years.

SourceLA BioMed·DateNov 25, 2009

Direct-to-consumer ads associated with higher Medicaid costs

A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising for clopidogrel led to a 12% increase in cost per unit, resulting in $40.58 added pharmacy costs per 1,000 Medicaid enrollees per quarter. Overall, this increased total pharmacy expenditures by $207 million.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2009
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Study examines quality and duration of primary care visits

Primary care visits in the US increased in quality and duration between 1997 and 2005, with average visit times rising from 18 to 20.8 minutes. Researchers attribute this increase to the growing complexity of patient populations, rather than increased efficiency.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2009

Not a healthy state for all Latinos in the US

A recent study found that undocumented foreign-born Latinos have lower levels of usual source of care, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol screenings compared to US-born Latinos. Perceived quality of care is also significantly impacted by immigration status.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2009

Flu shots not to be sneezed at

A new study found that nearly half of high-risk American adults who intend to get vaccinated against seasonal flu actually do, but nearly 45% cite a perceived lack of need as the main reason for not being vaccinated. The researchers suggest that educating these individuals about the benefits of vaccination and making it more convenient...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 22, 2009
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Young adults visit doctors least at an age when risky behavior peaks

A recent study found that young adults are less likely to use ambulatory or preventive care, even though their mortality rate is more than twice that of adolescents. Young adults, especially black and Hispanic males, underuse ambulatory medical care and infrequently receive preventive care.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 25, 2009

Pancreatic fat levels may help predict diabetes, UT Southwestern researchers say

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center used magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure pancreatic fat in humans, finding a significant correlation between fat content and diabetes risk. The study suggests that measuring pancreatic fat could be an effective clinical tool for identifying high-risk individuals.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateSep 22, 2009
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

How do doctors really feel about surrogate decision making?

A study found that one in five doctors are uncomfortable working with surrogates, reporting ineffective communication and increased stress levels. The lack of clear guidelines for surrogate decision makers can lead to difficult decisions, causing distress for both physicians and families.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 8, 2009

MRSA may accompany hospital patients into home health settings

A study found that MRSA was present in 12.7% of hospital patients before discharge to home health care, and nearly one-fifth of infected patients transmitted the organism to household contacts. Household contacts who played a role in providing healthcare were more likely to be colonized with MRSA.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 2009
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

ASP announces the 2009 T. Franklin Williams Scholars

The Association of Specialty Professors (ASP) has announced the eighth class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, funded by a grant from Atlantic Philanthropies and John A. Hartford Foundation. The program aims to increase internal medicine specialists' capacity in caring for elderly patients with research projects focused on geriatric as...

SourceAlliance for Academic Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 2009

IOM CER Committee releases recs to Congress for health-care priorities, funding

The IOM CER Committee recommends prioritizing research on high-priority topics, including improving the uptake of new knowledge and its translation into better decision-making. The committee aims to create a sustainable national CER initiative that can improve healthcare for individual patients and communities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 2009

Some patients are not notified of abnormal test results

A study of 5,434 patients found that 7.1% of abnormal test results were not informed to patients or documented, with practices using paper and electronic records having the highest failure rates. Practices with better testing processes had lower failure rates and more satisfied physicians.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJun 22, 2009
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Study finds link between hot flashes and lower bone density in women

A study published in Menopause found a significant link between hot flashes and lower bone mineral density in women. Postmenopausal and premenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms exhibited lower lumbar and total hip bone mineral density compared to those without VMS.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalMenopause·DateMay 5, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine propose an intensive disease management approach to help smokers quit successfully, including repeated or intensive interventions that include pharmacotherapy and counseling. The studies also suggest targeting healthier older patients with colorectal cancer screening and using LD...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 6, 2009

UTMB study shows dramatic growth in number of hospitalists

A recent UTMB study found a dramatic increase in the number of hospitalists, from 5.9% to 19% of internal medicine physicians between 1995 and 2006. Hospitalist care has grown substantially across different diagnoses and hospital sizes, with regional variations also observed.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 11, 2009

Insomnia often appears to be a persistent condition

A recent study found that approximately 30 percent of adults report insomnia symptoms, and 74 percent report experiencing the condition for at least one year. Individuals with severe insomnia symptoms are more likely to relapse, while those with subsyndromal insomnia have a higher chance of remission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2009
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

College-level documents for 8th grade readers

A study analyzing 240 hospital documents found they have an average readability level of a college junior, exceeding the reading capacity of most patients. The use of complex language in Patients' Bill of Rights laws may be obstructing progress towards patient autonomy.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2009

Early release news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study in Annals of Internal Medicine argues that Medicare's current method for covering off-label uses of cancer drugs is based on an inconsistent and outdated source. The researchers found that the compendia methods varied greatly from their actual practices, and little evidence was cited by the authors of the compendia.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2009
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Chronic low-back pain on the rise: UNC study finds 'alarming increase' in prevalence

A new UNC study finds that chronic low-back pain has more than doubled in North Carolina since the early 1990s, with a significant increase in prevalence across all ages and racial groups. The study suggests that increased healthcare costs for back problems may be due to rising prevalence rather than increased service use.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2009

Caution: Lose more than weight with imported diet pills

Researchers found that these diet pills contain a range of addictive substances, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and diuretics. Physicians are advised to be aware of the dangers of these imported diet pills, which can cause serious side effects such as chest pains, palpitations, and insomnia.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 26, 2009