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Low-dose atropine eyedrops no better than placebo for slowing myopia progression

A randomized controlled trial funded by NIH found low-dose atropine eyedrops to be no better than placebo in slowing myopia progression among US children. The study contradicts previous East Asian trials that showed a benefit from 0.01% atropine. Further research is needed to identify an optimal approach for preventing high myopia.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 13, 2023

For prematurely born infants, cow colostrum can be used to supplement mother´s own milk

New studies show cow colostrum can reduce infant formula use and strengthen mother's milk in premature babies, providing essential nutrients like amino acids. Researchers hope to optimize cow colostrum product for critical first few weeks after birth.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2023

Progesterone decreases night sweats & improves sleep in perimenopausal women

A new study has found that Progesterone (micronized, oral) is effective in decreasing night sweats and improving sleep in perimenopausal women. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia, involved 93% of participants completing the three-month trial with no serious adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2023

New data from global TAME study supports current management of CO2 levels in cardiac arrest patients

A global study of 1,700 cardiac arrest patients found that maintaining slightly elevated CO2 levels did not improve neurological or functional outcomes. The study suggests that doctors can continue standard practice without worrying about missing out on improved results.

SourceUCD Research & Innovation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2023

New liver dialysis device shows potential to resolve liver failure in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

A clinical trial using DIALIVE, a novel liver dialysis device, demonstrated significant improvements in all main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Treatment resulted in accelerated resolution of ACLF and sustained improvement in biomarkers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Study finds similar quality and cost of care for patients treated by an allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physician

An observational study of 329,000 Medicare admissions found that older persons receiving hospital care from allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physicians experience similar quality and cost of care. Researchers also highlight systemic health inequities faced by persons with sickle cell disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Communal exercise intervention helped to prevent falls and fall-related injuries among older women

A large population-based randomized controlled trial found that providing better opportunities for exercise and group training can prevent falls and fall-related injuries among older women. The study showed a significant reduction in recurrent falls, fall-related injuries, and fractures caused by falls.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 22, 2023

New analysis shows improved body composition with tirzepatide is consistent across adult age groups with overweight or obesity

A new analysis of the SURMOUNT-1 study shows that tirzepatide improves body composition across a range of adult age groups, with significant reductions in fat mass. The treatment also results in a clinically meaningful improvement in body composition, with only one-quarter of weight lost being lean mass.

Novel virtual coronary roadmap tool reduces volume of iodinated contrast needed during percutaneous coronary interventions

A new virtual coronary roadmap tool has been shown to reduce the volume of iodinated contrast needed during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The Dynamic Coronary Roadmap (DCR) effectively decreases contrast usage by 28.8%, potentially lowering the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy.

HPV self-collection kits increase screening among under-screened, under-served women in North Carolina

A Phase 3 trial found that mailing HPV self-collection kits and scheduling assistance increased cervical cancer screenings among under-screened, underserved women. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach in breaking down access barriers to screening.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2023

The intestinal ecosystem directly affects anorexia

An international team of scientists discovered that a severe imbalance in the intestinal microbes and gut microbiome-produced metabolites may directly affect the development and retention of anorexia nervosa. The study suggests that specific gut bacteria produce less vitamin B1, leading to loss of appetite and various symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

New, comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis illustrate the need for nuance in public health guidance related to consumption of sugars

A comprehensive review of 169 clinical trials found that the effect of fructose-containing sugars on adiposity varies among food sources and energy control. High doses of certain sources, like SSBs, lead to increased body weight, while others, such as fruit and honey, show moderate beneficial effects when consumed in moderation.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 26, 2023

BCG vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

A world-leading international trial has found that the BCG vaccine does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19, despite boosting 'front-line' immunity in infants and protecting against respiratory infections. The research involved 3988 healthcare workers and showed a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in the BCG group.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 26, 2023

Risks of removing ovaries at benign hysterectomy may outweigh the benefits for women at low risk for ovarian cancer

Researchers found that removing ovaries during a benign hysterectomy increases the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women, but not necessarily for cancer. The study supports current recommendations to conserve ovaries in premenopausal patients at low risk for ovarian cancer.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023

Education and peer support cut binge-drinking by National Guard members in half, study shows

A randomized trial found tailored education and peer support significantly reduced binge-drinking among Army National Guard members over the course of a year. Participants who received online education sessions and supportive phone calls from veteran peers showed substantial declines in binge-drinking days and scores on risk assessments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAddiction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2023

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

Researchers found that after 96 weeks, some patients achieved loss of detectable HBsAg and reduced liver inflammation levels, indicating functional cure. The study suggests that discontinuing long-term antiviral therapy may be more effective than continuing it for certain patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Primary care program promoting senior health demonstrated acceptable reach and adoption but lacked clinical benefits

A multi-site randomized controlled trial found Health TAPESTRY to have widespread reach and adoption, but no significant clinical benefits on hospitalizations and physical activity. The study tested implementation and reproducibility of the program across diverse primary care practices.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Psychological support enhances quality of life for women with endometriosis

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that women with endometriosis can significantly improve their quality of life through psychological therapy, reducing symptoms such as pain and constipation. The trial shows that mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions are equally effective in improving quality of life.

SourceAarhus University·JournalQuality of Life Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 23, 2023

New trials show promising, minimally invasive procedure to treat resistant hypertension

A recent study published in JAMA demonstrates the effectiveness of a minimally invasive procedure called renal denervation (RDN) to treat uncontrolled hypertension. RDN uses ultrasound energy delivered through a small balloon to denervate the renal artery, reducing sympathetic nerve activity and decreasing blood pressure.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateMar 16, 2023

Physical exercise helps to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

A systematic review of 156 trials found that physical exercise improved motor symptoms and quality of life in people with Parkinson's Disease. Most types of structured exercise, including dance, water-based exercise, and endurance training, showed clinically meaningful benefits.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 15, 2023

Group exercise program for older adults led to more independent exercise despite pandemic restrictions, MU study finds

A study by the University of Missouri found that older adults who completed an eight-week resistance training program maintained long-term exercise habits and increased their physical energy despite COVID-19 restrictions. The Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program improved participants' sleep, balance, flexibility, and self-confidence in da...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Sports Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2023

New research finds single dose of popular antibiotic given during labor significantly reduced risk of maternal death or sepsis in developing countries

A new study found that a single dose of azithromycin given during labor significantly reduced the risk of maternal death or sepsis in women in low- and middle-income countries. The antibiotic was administered to over 29,000 participants in eight sites across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Encouraging physical activity to upgrade quality of life

A Texas A&M University study found that an intervention program increased physical activity in older rural women, leading to improved quality of life and reduced health risks. The Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0 program was successful in increasing exercise levels at both 12 and 24 weeks.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateFeb 8, 2023

Tuberculosis vaccine does not protect elderly against COVID-19

A large Dutch study found that the BCG vaccine does not protect elderly people with co-morbidities against COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed 6,112 participants and showed no difference in disease manifestations or hospitalizations between those who received the vaccine and those who received a placebo.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 2, 2023

MRI surveillance for postsurgical musculoskeletal soft-tissue sarcomas: AJR systematic review and meta-analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that MRI-based surveillance after surgical treatment can detect clinically occult local recurrences, potentially improving patient outcomes. The study included 19 studies and showed a significant association between high-intensity surveillance and the detection of local recurrences.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 1, 2023

Self-help metacognitive therapy – which aims to reduce rumination – significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in recovering heart disease patients, according to new randomized controlled trial

A new randomized controlled trial found that self-help metacognitive therapy significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in recovering heart disease patients. The study suggests this treatment approach may be beneficial for individuals with cardiovascular disease who struggle with rumination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2023

Eating almonds daily boosts exercise recovery molecule by 69% among ‘weekend warriors’

A randomized controlled trial found that daily almond supplementation increased the beneficial fat molecule 12,13-DiHOME in blood plasma after intense exercise. This increase was associated with reduced muscle damage and fatigue, as well as improved recovery from exercise. The researchers suggest that polyphenols in almond skin may be ...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2023

THE LANCET: Treating COVID-19 infection with molnupiravir does not decrease deaths or hospital admission in high-risk, vaccinated patients, but can lead to quicker recovery

A randomised controlled trial found that molnupiravir treatment did not decrease hospital admissions or deaths in vaccinated adults with higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 infection. However, patients treated at home with molnupiravir recovered faster compared to the control group.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2022

Low-carb diet may help patients with diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control in short term compared to a low-fat diet

A randomized controlled trial found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet helped patients with type 2 diabetes achieve better weight loss and glucose control over a 6-month intervention compared to a high-carb, low-fat diet. However, changes were not sustained 3 months after the intervention.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022

How can sex education training videos be more inclusive?

A new video training platform, SkillFlix for Educators, aims to improve educators' skills in facilitating inclusive sexuality education. The platform uses professional actors and film crew to simulate a classroom environment, incorporating LGBTQIA2S+ experts and actors into the production process.

SourceDfusion (United States)·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2022

In some settings, medical masks may offer similar effectiveness to N95 respirators for preventing COVID-19 infection among health care workers

A study of over 1,000 healthcare workers found that medical masks may be as effective as N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 infection. However, the results varied across countries and were influenced by factors such as vaccine use and variant circulating during the pandemic.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 28, 2022

Longest follow-up of patients with early breast cancer shows radiotherapy does not improve survival after 30 years

A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

Large stroke trial finds intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal worsens recovery

A large stroke trial found that intensive blood pressure lowering after clot removal compromises the return of blood flow to the affected area, leading to more brain tissue deterioration and major disability. The study suggests that this increasingly common treatment strategy should be avoided in clinical practice.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2022

Shopping vouchers help women to stop smoking during pregnancy

A UK trial found that offering up to £400 in shopping vouchers to pregnant women can more than double the proportion who remain smoke-free by late pregnancy. However, most women relapsed after giving birth. The study suggests that financial incentives can be an effective tool to reduce smoking during pregnancy and improve health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2022