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Prednisolone not beneficial in most cases of community-acquired pneumonia

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that prednisolone therapy does not provide clinical benefits for patients with mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia. Instead, it may lead to a higher rate of late failures and recurrence of symptoms after withdrawal.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2010

Antidepressant may result in improved cognitive function after stroke

Patients taking antidepressant escitalopram experienced improved cognitive recovery following a stroke, outperforming those on placebo or in problem-solving therapy. This study suggests that escitalopram may be effective in promoting post-stroke recovery, despite being well-tolerated and not significantly affecting depressive symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateFeb 1, 2010

NSAIDs may be more effective than paracetamol for period pain

Research suggests NSAIDs like ibuprofen may be more effective for relieving period pain compared to paracetamol. The updated review of 73 trials involving 5,156 women found that NSAIDs are very effective for treating period pain, with some evidence suggesting they work better than paracetamol.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 19, 2010

Antidepressant may change personality while relieving symptoms

A study found that antidepressants can change personality traits like neuroticism and extraversion while alleviating depressive symptoms. Individuals taking the medication reported significant decreases in neuroticism and increases in extraversion compared to those receiving placebo or cognitive therapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateDec 7, 2009

Nicotine patch plus lozenge appears best for smoking cessation

A randomized clinical trial of five different smoking cessation therapies found that a nicotine patch plus a nicotine lozenge was the most effective combination in helping smokers quit. The combination resulted in higher success rates and longer periods of abstinence from smoking compared to other treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateNov 2, 2009

GERD negatively impacts sleep quality, results in considerable economic burden

Researchers found that acid refluxing at night results in sleep arousal 89 percent of the time in participants with and without GERD. GERD patients experience longer acid reflux events, leading to increased risk for complicated disease and esophageal cancer. This association suggests a bi-directional link between sleep problems and GERD.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 1, 2009

PROTECT study

The PROTECT trial found that rolofylline had no significant effect on primary or secondary end-points in patients with acute heart failure, including dyspnea improvement and persistent renal impairment. The study did show an increased risk of neurological events in rolofylline-treated patients.

Extension of vaccination policy could be more effective than giving antivirals to healthy adults with flu

A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests that extending the vaccination policy could be a more clinically effective and cost-effective strategy for treating seasonal flu. The study analyzed the effectiveness of antiviral treatments and found that vaccination may be a better option for healthy adults, while th...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 7, 2009

Beetroot juice boosts stamina, new study shows

A new study published in Journal of Applied Physiology shows that drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake, allowing individuals to exercise for up to 16% longer. The study also found lower resting blood pressure in those who consumed beetroot juice compared to a placebo.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 6, 2009