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Digital parent training for child's disruptive behavior successful in primary health care

A digital parent training intervention with telephone coaching was successfully implemented in primary health care, reducing discontinuation rates by nearly half. The programme improved parenting skills and satisfied parents, highlighting the potential of web-based interventions to facilitate better access to mental health services.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 12, 2019

Trial examines how mindfulness meditation may improve mood

A six-week mindfulness-meditation training program significantly reduced subjective distress and life dissatisfaction in mildly stressed adults. The effects were mediated by a reduction in perceived stress, supporting the theory that mindfulness facilitates acceptance of internal reactions to stressors.

SourceWiley·JournalStress and Health·DateNov 21, 2018

Carbon dioxide reduces belly fat

A Northwestern University study found that carbon dioxide gas injections eliminate fat around the stomach, but modest changes were not sustained over six months. The technique is considered safe and non-invasive, offering an alternative to existing methods for fat reduction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJun 8, 2018

HIV: A therapeutic advance for resource-limited settings

The study found dual therapy with lamivudine and a boosted protease inhibitor to be effective as second-line treatment in patients infected by HIV with multiple mutations. The combination resulted in lower rates of treatment failure, increased CD4 cell count, and better tolerability compared to monotherapy.

SourceANRS·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateMay 29, 2017

Large trial of acupuncture for allergic asthma finds benefits in quality of life

A large randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture significantly improved the quality of life and physical and mental health of patients with allergic asthma. The study involved 1445 participants who received on average 15 acupuncture sessions over three months, with benefits maintained for up to six months.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 3, 2017

Timely augmentation to triple oral antihyperglycemic therapy

A new study found that adding a third oral antihyperglycemic agent to metformin and sitagliptin can improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients, overcoming 'clinical inertia' and allowing more than 60% of patients to reach the target HbA1c level. The study, which included over 7,800 participants, also found that the addition o...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 12, 2017

A potential pharmaceutical intervention for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder

A randomized controlled pilot trial found that N-acetylcysteine combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy reduced PTSD symptoms, cravings, and depression significantly more than CBT alone. The treatment showed promising results for a difficult-to-treat population of veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2016

Insufficient evidence to support use of homeopathy in livestock

A comprehensive review of homeopathy in livestock found that many clinical trials have methodological limitations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about its effectiveness. The review suggests that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of using homeopathy in food-producing animals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateDec 12, 2016

The key to a better mood for young men is a nut

A recent study by UNM Nutrition Professor Peter Pribis has found that consuming walnuts can significantly improve the mood of young men. The randomized trial involved 64 students aged 18-25 who were given either banana bread with walnuts or without for 16 weeks, with their mood measured at the end of each eight-week period.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalNutrients·DateNov 18, 2016

Study examines effectiveness of probation program

A randomized control trial tested the HOPE program against traditional PAU, finding no significant differences in re-arrest rates or time to re-arrest. The study suggests that strict supervision practices can be effective, but more work is needed to determine the model's effectiveness for specific types of probationers.

SourceWiley·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateNov 11, 2016

Supervised self-monitoring improves diabetes control in clinical trial

A supervised self-monitoring approach, which includes adjusted treatment or reinforcing lifestyle changes when needed, was found to be effective in controlling diabetes. The study showed better glycaemic control and lower glycated haemoglobin levels in the intervention arm compared to those who received usual care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

No need to try, try, try again

A randomized controlled trial found that single covered, self-expanding metallic stents (cSEMS) resolved benign obstructions of the pancreatic and biliary ducts with fewer ERCP sessions, compared to traditional plastic stents. cSEMS were also more effective in achieving stricture resolution within 181 days.

Can mindfulness help patients stay in treatment?

Researchers at Brown University are conducting a five-year study on mindfulness and patient treatment adherence, funded by a $4.7 million NIH grant. The study aims to determine whether mindfulness interventions can influence self-regulation related to medical regimen adherence, with the goal of improving health outcomes.