MedWire Medical News Combined Feed

Coagulation markers predict acute MI outcome

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with myocardial infarction have higher levels of key coagulation markers at time of hospital admission than healthy individuals, with the highest levels found in patients with a poor outcome, researchers say.

Silent PAD predicts adverse outcome in stroke/TIA patients

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The presence of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack is a major risk factor for recurrent vascular events, a study indicates.

Increased cancer risk may be modified by statins in COPD patients

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease face an increased risk for death from lung cancer and other non-pulmonary malignancies, say researchers who also found that statin therapy may reduce cancer-related mortality among such patients.

Antibiotic use linked to asthma in childhood

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Antibiotic use in early life is associated with an increased risk for asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in later childhood, study results suggest.

Risk score predicts asthma in preschool children

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A scoring system based on eight clinical parameters predicts future asthma risk in preschool children, say its developers.

Altered impact of dopamine transporter gene variants in schizophrenia

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Variations in the dopamine transporter gene ordinarily affect insular, cingulate, and striatal function during an executive task, but the impact on activation is altered in patients with schizophrenia, UK scientists have discovered.

Bipolar offspring show highest risk during adolescence

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The children of bipolar disorder parents face the highest risk for mood episodes during adolescence, with depression almost always the index episode, the results of a Canadian and Czech study indicate.

Psoriasis not independently linked to ischemic heart disease

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Psoriasis may not be a clinical risk factor for ischemic heart disease hospitalization, Dutch study findings suggest.

Extra hormone therapy improves survival in radiation-treated prostate cancer patients

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Adding 4 months of hormone therapy to standard radiotherapy for prostate cancer increases overall patient survival rates, suggest results from the largest phase III randomized trial of its kind.

Lack of knowledge, medical mistrust linked to chemotherapy underuse

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Knowledge and beliefs about treatment, mistrust of the medical system, older age, and comorbidity are all associated with underuse of adjuvant breast cancer treatment, a US survey has revealed.

Extra hormone therapy improves survival in radiation-treated prostate cancer patients

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Adding 4 months of hormone therapy to standard radiotherapy for prostate cancer increases overall patient survival rates, suggest results from the largest phase III randomized trial of its kind.

High systemic PFOA and PFOS linked to elevated total cholesterol

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Individuals with high systemic levels of the man-made chemicals perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate have high total cholesterol levels compared with unexposed individuals, report researchers.

Rotator cuff injury linked to dyslipidemia

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with rotator cuff tendon tears are more likely to have an adverse lipid profile than controls, report researchers.

Silent PAD predicts adverse outcome in stroke/TIA patients

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The presence of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack is a major risk factor for recurrent vascular events, a study indicates.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication superior for short-segment BE

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication may be the treatment of choice for patients undergoing surgery for short-segment Barrett’s esophagus, says a team of scientists.

FDA to revise prescribing information for exenatide, sitagliptin

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved drug label revisions for the GLP-1 agonist exenatide to incorporate information obtained from post-marketing reports of acute renal failure and insufficiency experienced by some patients taking the drug.

Albumin excretion linked with BP in normoalbuminuric diabetic patients

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Urinary albumin excretion is correlated with blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control in normoalbuminuric patients with Type 2 diabetes, a large study has demonstrated.

Raised alkaline phosphatase linked to increased mortality

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Raised serum alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) levels are associated with adverse clinical outcomes among survivors of myocardial infarction (MI) and the general US population, study data shows.

On-call duty may increase physicians’ cardiovascular disease risk

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Physicians have a worsened cardiovascular disease risk profile during 24-hour on-call duty, compared with a normal day shift, study findings indicate.

Silent PAD predicts adverse outcome in stroke/TIA patients

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The presence of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack is a major risk factor for recurrent vascular events, a study indicates.

Lack of knowledge, medical mistrust linked to chemotherapy underuse

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Knowledge and beliefs about treatment, mistrust of the medical system, older age, and comorbidity are all associated with underuse of adjuvant breast cancer treatment, a US survey has revealed.

rFVIIa lessens bleeding after cardiac surgery

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Recombinant activated factor VII may be beneficial for treating bleeding after cardiac surgery, preliminary research suggests.

PPIs can be used with thienopyridines

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Clinicians do not need to avoid concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors during percutaneous coronary intervention surgery in acute coronary syndrome patients receiving clopidogrel or prasugrel, study findings indicate.

Stroke volume variation fails to predict fluid responsiveness in abdominal surgery

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Measuring stroke volume variation using the FloTrac/Vigileo system does not reliably predict fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, researchers report.

Sugmmadex reverses vecuronium-induced NMB faster than neostigmine

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sugammadex provides significantly faster reversal of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade than neostigmine, research results show.

D-dimer levels allow short-term PE risk stratification

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

D-dimer levels can help stratify the short-term risk for mortality in patients with pulmonary embolism, Spanish researchers have found.

Cerebral microbleeds are risk factor for first-ever stroke

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cerebral microbleeds are an independent risk factor for the development of symptomatic cerebrovascular disease, Japanese researchers have shown.

ICS plus LABA best for children with poorly controlled asthma

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Treatment with standard doses of inhaled corticosteroids plus a long acting β2-agonist is more effective for reducing asthma symptoms in children with poorly-controlled disease than simply increasing the ICS dose, research indicates.

Moxifloxacin effective for PPM eradication in COPD patients

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Treatment with the antibiotic moxifloxacin is effective at eradicating potentially pathogenic microorganisms in the airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but does not prevent recolonization, research shows.

Airway smooth muscle thickness linked to asthma severity

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Asthma severity, but not duration, is significantly associated with the thickness of the smooth muscle layer in the airways, researchers have found.

White matter disruptions found in early schizophrenia

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Schizophrenia patients early in the course of the disease exhibit reductions in white matter integrity in fascicules that connect brain regions previously associated with chronic schizophrenia, scientists have shown.

Serum cytokine levels altered in euthymic bipolar disorder

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Bipolar disorder patients show significant differences in serum chemokine levels compared with healthy individuals that may act as markers for the disorder, Brazilian study findings indicate.

Lethal prostate cancer predicted using time of PSA rise

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Men who experience biochemical failure less than 18 months after treatment for prostate cancer are more likely to develop metastases or die from the disease than men who experience BF after 18 months, study findings suggest.

Socioeconomic status does not impact on negative prostate cancer outcome

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Age, race, marital status and average household income do not influence prostate cancer outcomes, say researchers whose results conflict with previous studies.

Tamoxifen and raloxifene effect cognitive function equally

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Tamoxifen and raloxifene are associated with similar patterns of cognitive function in postmenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer, indicate data from a multicenter study.

Lethal prostate cancer predicted using time of PSA rise

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Socioeconomic status does not impact on negative prostate cancer outcome

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Age, race, marital status and average household income do not influence prostate cancer outcomes, say researchers whose results conflict with previous studies.

Smoking intensity measurements differ in lipoprotein effect

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Different measures of smoking intensity appear to have differing impacts on lipoprotein levels, US research suggests.

Nicotinic acid shows potential as atherosclerosis therapeutic agent

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

High-dose, modified-release nicotinic acid can reduce carotid atherosclerosis in statin-treated patients with low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and evidence of atherosclerosis, trial findings indicate.

Diabetics without dementia have normal age-related cognitive decline

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Results from a Dutch study show no evidence for accelerated cognitive decline in older patients with Type 2 diabetes who do not have dementia, compared with their nondiabetic contemporaries.

Obesity predicts atherothrombotic risk in patients with diabetes, CAD

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Body mass index and waist circumference are each independently associated with an increased risk for atherothrombosis in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease, research suggests.

ROOBY trial finds poorer 1-year outcomes with off- versus on-pump CABG

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Results of the ROOBY trial show patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass had worse composite clinical outcomes and poorer graft patency at 1 year than patients who underwent conventional on-pump surgery.

Post-traumatic stress disorder independently linked to poor CV health status

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

US researchers report that post-traumatic stress disorder was associated with significantly worse cardiovascular health status, independently of objective measures of cardiac function and comorbid depression, in a well-characterized cohort of adults with stable CV disease.

Tamoxifen and raloxifene effect cognitive function equally

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Tamoxifen and raloxifene are associated with similar patterns of cognitive function in postmenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer, indicate data from a multicenter study.

Asthma–obesity link not due to systemic oxidative stress

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The association between asthma and obesity does not appear to be mediated by systemic oxidative stress, research published in the journal Chest shows.

Use of hypertonic saline in treatment of bronchiolitis remains unclear

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Hypertonic saline plus epinephrine offers no extra benefit over normal saline plus epinephrine in the treatment of infants with acute bronchiolitis, study findings show.

Surgical mask comparable to N95 respirator for protecting nurses against influenza

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Surgical masks appear to be no worse than N95 respirators in preventing influenza among nurses caring for patients with respiratory illness, Canadian researchers report.

Cerebellar vermis volume raised in male BD patients

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

US researchers have found that men, but not women, with bipolar disorder have larger cerebellar vermis volumes than healthy individuals.

Processing of input information linked to primary cognitive deficits in schizophrenia

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Deficits in externally guided movement preparation in patients with recent-onset schizophrenia occur secondary to deficits in the visual processing of external information, suggest Dutch study results.

Accelerated, high-dose radiotherapy as effective as standard prostate cancer treatment

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A short course of high-dose radiotherapy for prostate cancer is as effective as standard treatment and does not increase the rate of side effects, US researchers report.

Accelerated, high-dose radiotherapy as effective as standard prostate cancer treatment

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A short course of high-dose radiotherapy for prostate cancer is as effective as standard treatment and does not increase the rate of side effects, US researchers report.

pRb loss predicts good outcome in triple negative breast cancer

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Loss of expression of the retinoblastoma protein is more common in triple-negative breast cancers than in othersubtypes, and is associated with a better outcome after chemotherapy compared with cancers expressing pRb, Italian researchers report.

Colesevelam effective in pediatric familial hypercholesterolemia

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Treatment with colesevelam hydrochloride markedly reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, research shows.

Statins may protect against venous thromboembolism

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with prior stroke or myocardial infarction who are treated with statins have a reduced risk for venous thromboembolism compared with nonusers, report researchers.

WCE suitable for detecting small intestinal pathology in young children

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Wireless capsule endoscopy is feasible for detecting small intestinal pathology in children younger than 8 years of age, study findings show.

MCP-1 is associated with Type 2 diabetes and CVD mortality

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 is increased in individuals with Type 2 diabetes and is associated with long-term cardiovascular disease mortality, report researchers.

Intensive intervention reduces emergency care needs of African-American Type 2 diabetics

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study results show that a culturally tailored intervention program allows African–American individuals with Type 2 diabetes to reduce the number of times they need to visit the emergency care room of their local hospital.

CRT benefit in mild HF shown by REVERSE 2-year data

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is associated with improved clinical outcomes and reduced left ventricular dimensions in heart failure patients in New York Heart Association functional classes I or II, show 2-year results for the European cohort in REVERSE.

Hypertension, arterial disease in middle age contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Hypertension and evidence of arterial disease and a pro-inflammatory status in middle age contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, say researchers.

pRb loss predicts good outcome in triple negative breast cancer

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Prothrombin fragment F1+2 linked to atherosclerosis development

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have found a positive association between carotid artery intima media thickness and levels of prothrombin fragment 1+2 in patients with myocardial infarction.

Jury still out on statins for aneurysmal SAH

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The efficacy of statins in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage has been called into question by the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis, which found no beneficial effect of statin therapy for this indication.

Lung cross-sectional area predicts pulmonary hypertension in emphysema

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Measuring the cross-sectional area of small pulmonary vessels is an accurate and non-invasive method to estimate the degree of pulmonary hypertension in patients with emphysema, researchers report.

Caregiver psychoeducation improves BD outcome in early stages

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study results suggest that providing psychoeducation to the caregivers of bipolar disorder patients improves long-term outcome in terms of time to recurrence in patients with early stage, but not advanced stage, illness.

Auditory verbal hallucinations linked to left superior temporal gyrus function

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study results suggest that auditory verbal hallucinations in schizophrenia may arise as a consequence of an attenuated deactivation in the left superior temporal gyrus, an area implicated in verbal self-monitoring processes.

Prostate cancer recurrence reduced by proton boost to radiation therapy

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Adding a round of proton therapy to photon radiotherapy reduces cancer recurrence rates in low-risk prostate cancer patients, according to the results of a randomized trial.

AS means long periods without treatment and no worsening of prostate cancer

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Active surveillance for early prostate cancer could prevent the need for active treatment for up to 2 years with no worsening of the condition, study findings suggest.

Prostate cancer recurrence reduced by proton boost to radiation therapy

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Adding a round of proton therapy to photon radiotherapy reduces cancer recurrence rates in low-risk prostate cancer patients, according to the results of a randomized trial.

AS means long periods without treatment and no worsening of prostate cancer

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Active surveillance for early prostate cancer could prevent the need for active treatment for up to 2 years with no worsening of the condition, study findings suggest.

Early menopausal hormone therapy may increase breast cancer risk

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The timing of estrogen-progestagen menopausal hormone therapy initiation transiently modulates the risk for breast cancer, study findings indicate.

Elevated HDL cholesterol has protective effect on carotid IMT

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Having high levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol appears to have a protective effect on carotid intima-media thickness, say investigators.

High-risk women with dyslipidemia still undertreated

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Results from the L-TAP 2 study show that, although treatment of women with dyslipidemia has improved over the past 10 years, it is still suboptimal compared with men especially among high-risk women.

Anemia treatment fails to improve outcomes in Type 2 diabetics with CKD

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Results from the TREAT study show that darbepoetin alfa treatment for anemia does not improve cardiovascular or renal outcomes or related mortality of patients with Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and moderate anemia.

Survival improving in Type 2 diabetics on renal dialysis

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

People in Finland with Type 2 diabetes and on renal dialysis are living longer, a survey of the population from 1995 to 2005 has shown.

Annuloplasty relieves IMR but fails to influence LV remodeling

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Annuloplasty provided durable relief from ischemic mitral regurgitation but failed to limit left ventricular remodeling in an animal model, investigators have reported.

Aspirin for primary prevention ‘not justified’

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The routine use of low-dose aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is not justified by the available evidence, say editors of the UK journal Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.

Anemia treatment fails to improve outcomes in Type 2 diabetics with CKD

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Early menopausal hormone therapy may increase breast cancer risk

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The timing of estrogen-progestagen menopausal hormone therapy initiation transiently modulates the risk for breast cancer, study findings indicate.

D-dimer testing valuable in renal dysfunction patients

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

D-dimer testing is worthwhile in patients with mild or moderately impaired renal function and suspicion of pulmonary embolism, Dutch researchers say, even though the test has a significantly lower specificity than in patients with healthy kidneys.

Canadian prehospital triage protocol boosts access to thrombolysis

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The introduction of a prehospital triage protocol in Toronto, Canada, in 2005 led to a marked increase in the use of thrombolysis for ischemic stroke, research demonstrates.

IUD is long-acting contraceptive of choice among Europeans

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The most popular long-acting reversible contraceptives among European women are the levonorgestrel-intrauterine system and the copper-intrauterine device, show results of a pan-European survey.

Pushing for over 2 hours during delivery increases maternal, neonatal morbidity

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers question whether women experiencing an active second stage of labor of over 2 hours should continue with expulsive efforts, as the chance of a spontaneous vaginal delivery decreases and the risk for maternal morbidity significantly increases.

Menopausal hot flashes effectively treated with St John’s wort

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

St John’s wort extract is effective for treating vasomotor symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women, show study results.

Parental views influence child’s view, acceptance of HPV vaccination

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Parental support for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is crucial to the success of the vaccination program, show results of a UK survey of adolescent girls offered the vaccine.

Migraine episodes may be reduced with continuous OC regimens

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Most migraine headache episodes occur predominantly during or around the oral contraceptive hormone-free interval, show study results.

Fetal kick charts ‘of no value’ in assessing reduced fetal movement

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Fetal kick charts and movement counting should not form a part of fetal monitoring during pregnancy, recommend Irish clinicians who call for the development of good practice guidelines in assessing reduced fetal movements.

Menopausal night sweats reduce later mortality risk

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Women who report night sweats during the menopause have a reduced risk for death over the next 20 years, regardless of current or past use of postmenopausal estrogen therapy, study findings suggest.

Epithelial ovarian cancer outcomes unrelated to extreme drug resistance

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The survival outcomes of women with advanced epithelial ovarian, fallopian, and primary peritoneal cancers are not affected by extreme drug resistance (EDR) to multiple agents in vitro, conclude US scientists.

Metabolic syndrome increases risk for preterm birth

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Pregnant women with the metabolic syndrome in early pregnancy have an increased risk for preterm birth, show study results.

GerdQ helps diagnose and manage GERD in primary care

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have developed a useful tool to help family practitioners diagnose and manage gastro-esophageal reflux disease without the need for initial specialist referral or endoscopy.

HbA1c better predictor retinopathy than FPG in US population

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study findings show that glycated hemoglobin is a better predictor of retinopathy prevalence in the general population than fasting plasma glucose, although high levels of both significantly increase the risk for retinopathy.

Self-titration of insulin effective for glycemic control in Type 2 diabetics

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Previously insulin-naïve Type 2 diabetes patients are can effectively control their glycated hemoglobin by self-titration of an insulin analog premix with minimal dietary counseling, report researchers.

FDG-PET/CT useful for initial staging of inflammatory breast cancer patients

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Eighteen-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging provides invaluable information regarding nodal status or distant metastases in inflammatory breast cancer patients and should be considered for initial staging, say researchers.

LMWH alternative treatment for mechanical valve pregnancy prophylaxis

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Low molecular weight heprin is a feasible option for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves who wish to avoid oral anticoagulation therapy, Canadian researchers believe.

Raised ACC activity found in schizophrenia at-risk individuals

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Fronto-temporal connectivity appears to be intact in individuals at risk for developing schizophrenia, but this may be due to increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, conclude UK scientists.

Recanalization is best predictor for outcomes after thrombectomy

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Recanalization status is the best predictor for clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing thrombectomy, an analysis of clinical trial data indicates.

Raised ACC activity found in schizophrenia at-risk individuals

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

DTNBP1 gene mutations linked to bipolar disorder

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mutations in the dystrobrevin binding protein 1 gene are associated with bipolar disorder, say European researchers in findings that reinforce the genetic overlap between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Vascular characteristics of prostate tumors predict lethal disease

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The morphology and function of the vessels in prostate tumors can be used as a biomarker to identify lethal disease, show the results of a US study.

EBRT has better biochemical outcomes than RP in high-risk prostate cancer

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients treated with external beam radiotherapy for high-risk prostate cancer have significantly better outcomes than those treated with radical prostatectomy, according to Italian research.

High rates of childhood IBD reported in Canada

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Ontario has a very high rate of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease, say researchers who have developed an algorithm to accurately identify children with the condition from administrative data.

Endocrine therapy necessary for breast cancer patients with hormone receptor conversion

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Non-administration of adjuvant endocrine therapy to breast cancer patients with hormone receptor conversion is associated with a worse prognosis compared with those who receive endocrine therapy, Japanese researchers report.

DTNBP1 gene mutations linked to bipolar disorder

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Guidelines on triple therapy use in ACS need expansion

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

US researchers call for improved guidance on use of anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet agent regimens in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Abnormal olfactory sulcus depth points to later schizophrenia risk

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

An abnormal olfactory sulcus depth in early embryonic development may be a biomarker for later risk for developing schizophrenia, the results of a US study indicate.

Migraine with aura ‘doubles risk for ischemic stroke’

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Migraine with aura is associated with a two-fold increased risk for ischemic stroke, shows US research published in the British Medical Journal.

Epstein criteria predict organ-confined but not insignificant prostate cancer

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Radical prostatectomy patients have a high likelihood of organ-confined disease and 5-year freedom from disease recurrence if their initial biopsy results fit the Epstein criteria, study findings show.

Team-based care improves BP control in hypertension

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A strategy of team-based care for patients with hypertension achieves greater reductions in blood pressure than standard intervention, results of a meta-analysis demonstrate.

Clinical stage III and IV breast cancers require imaging

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Only patients with clinical stage III or IV breast cancer require baseline investigation for metastases, a review of radiological staging practice in asymptomatic breast cancer patients reveals.

Postpartum bipolar II disorder ‘may be missed’

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Postpartum bipolar II disorder may be mistakenly diagnosed as major depressive disorder, say Canadian and US scientists who make recommendations as to how patients should be treated.

Cardiovascular risk factors prevalent, under-treated in schizophrenia patients

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have found that major cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent and under-diagnosed in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting a lack of sufficient therapeutic management.

Sextant biopsy unreliable for identifying prostate cancer suitable for focal-therapy

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The sextant biopsy method regularly used to assess men with rising prostate-specific antigen levels may not be able to accurately detect unilateral prostate cancer, study findings show.

A diet including high n-3 fatty acids lowers triglycerides in patients with HIV

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A controlled diet including a high concentration of n-3 fatty acids significantly reduces triglyceride concentrations in patients with HIV, report researchers.

Elderly patients with dementia at high risk for flu mortality

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Elderly patients with dementia and influenza have significantly higher mortality rates than their cognitively healthy counterparts, results of a US study show.

Appendicectomy shows potential for treating ulcerative proctitis

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have reported evidence supporting the benefits of appendicectomy as a therapy for ulcerative proctitis.

High-activity myeloperoxidase genotypes may enhance adjuvant chemotherapy outcome

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

High-activity myeloperoxidase genotypes are associated with better survival among women with breast cancer receiving cyclophosphamide-containing therapy, particularly when followed by tamoxifen therapy, US researchers report.

Smoking predicts suicidality in BD patients

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Current cigarette smoking is a predictor for current and 9-month suicidal ideation and behavior in bipolar disorder patients, suggest US study results.

F11 SNPs influence DVT risk

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Variant forms of the gene encoding factor XI are associated with an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis, shows research published in the Journal of Thormbosis and Haemostasis.

Face perception, attentive functions linked to facial emotion recognition in schizophrenia

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study results suggest that patients with schizophrenia have impairments in both face perception and emotion perception abilities, with the impairment in face perception significantly predicting emotion perception.

Doppler embolic signals predict stroke risk in large-vessel disease

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The presence of asymptomatic embolic signals on transcranial Doppler imaging predicts future stroke risk in patients with a range of large-vessel diseases, a systematic review and meta-analysis suggests.

Risk for cerebral metastases elevated in triple-negative,HER2-positive breast cancers

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with triple-negative or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer have a higher risk for cerebral metastases than patients bearing steroid receptor-positive/HER2-negative phenotype, research shows.

BD diagnosis in elderly linked to rapid cognitive decline

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study results show that older adults with bipolar disorder have greater cognitive dysfunction and decline than mentally healthy individuals of similar age and education level.

DVT origin of PE questioned in trauma patients

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

US researchers have challenged the belief that pulmonary embolism in trauma patients originates from deep vein thrombosis of the pelvis and proximal lower limb blood vessels.

Ankle–brachial index predicts CV risk in stroke patients

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Ankle–brachial blood pressure index predicts cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, research indicates.

IVF insurance, funding reduce multiple birth rates, improve outcome

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Countries with free access to assisted reproductive technology and US states with mandated IVF insurance coverage have a lower incidence of multiple births and show better outcomes than those not providing financial support, show findings from two studies presented at the 65th annual meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia.

Novel diagnostic test for embryo viability developed

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

US researchers have developed a novel non-invasive test for embryo viability, based on studying the metabolomic profile of embryos in culture, which may be more accurate than current tests.

Infection, inflammation explain Asian diabetes risk

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers believe they have identified the factors explaining why Chinese men have a high risk for diabetes despite relatively low levels of adiposity.

UK swine flu vaccination program begins

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The UK vaccination program against the influenza A H1N1 virus has begun, with frontline healthcare workers and patients in National Health Service hospitals being the first groups to be offered the vaccine.

Benefits of ivabradine in angina reported in every-day practice

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Ivabradine reduces heart rate and is highly effective and well tolerated in the treatment of patients with stable angina, investigators say

Obesity, but not overweight, increases BE risk

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Obese women appear to be at increased risk for Barrett’s esophagus, but the risk does not appear to be raised in overweight women, study results suggest.

Tumor size does not reliably predict basal-like breast cancer outcome

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Tumor size is not consistently associated with distant disease recurrence or mortality in women with basal-like cancers, Canadian research shows.

P2Y₁₂ inhibitor overcomes high platelet reactivity

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A novel direct-acting P2Y₁₂ inhibitor reversibly overcomes high platelet reactivity in patients on clopidogrel and aspirin therapy who have undergone prior coronary stenting, US researchers report.

Gray matter losses in youths with intellectual defects and schizotypy

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Adolescents with mild intellectual impairment and schizotypal features have medial temporal gray matter losses comparable to populations at high risk for schizophrenia, UK researchers have discovered.

Gender differences in stroke mortality explored

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Women have improved short- and long-term survival after ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage compared with men, Dutch research suggests.

Metabolic syndrome risk high in psoriasis patients

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The metabolic syndrome affects more than half of patients with psoriasis, with the likelihood of the syndrome increasing with the severity of the skin condition, delegates were told at the 18th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in Berlin, Germany.

HF hospital admissions show high rate of non-CV causes

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Individuals diagnosed with heart failure will be admitted to hospital on average nearly once a year for the duration of their illness, according to results published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Variable biopsy findings common in childhood celiac disease

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Duodenal involvement in children with celiac disease is often patchy and may show variable severity even within a single biopsy fragment, say researchers who say multiple endoscopic biopsies are necessary to diagnose the condition.

DISC1 gene variants show mixed associations with psychiatric illness

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 gene variants play a role in the development of psychiatric illness yet there is significant heterogeneity in clinically relevant variants between populations, say international scientists.

Fixed sub-therapeutic dose LMWH ‘feasible’ for bridging anticoagulation

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The use of fixed sub-therapeutic doses of low molecular weight heparin as a bridging regimen in patients on long-term Vitamin-k Antagonist therapy is associated with a low risk for recurrent thrombosis and major bleeding even in high-risk patients, Italian researchers report.

Addressing smoking beliefs may help schizophrenia patients to quit

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Challenging positive expectations and providing information on the negative consequences of smoking increase the motivation of schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients to quit smoking, conclude US investigators.

Wider thrombolysis window ‘supported across patient subgroups’

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The treatment window for thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke can be extended to 4.5 hours, a new analysis of clinical trial data indicates.

Aldosterone antagonist uptake low in heart failure

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Less than a third of patients hospitalized for heart failure in the USA receive guideline-recommended aldosterone antagonist therapy, despite being treated at centers participating in a quality improvement registry, study results show.

Inflammatory markers increased in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients have specific significant increases in endothelium-related inflammatory markers in comparison with healthy individuals, Norwegian scientists have discovered.

Symptom remission in schizophrenia reduces future treatment needs

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Schizophrenia patients who do not achieve remission of symptoms are more likely to require nursing home care, sheltered living, and healthcare interventions than those who do, show US researchers.

Prehypertension associated with increased diabetes risk

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Individuals with prehypertension are at/have an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes, suggest researchers.

Medication adherence in early hypertension prevents primary CV events

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients newly diagnosed with hypertension who have no history of cardiovascular events are significantly less likely to experience future such events if they maintain a high level of adherence to their antihypertensive medication, study results confirm.

Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms are long-lasting and impair QoL

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms are prevalent in the community and are long lasting, say researchers.

Unipolar, bipolar I patients show different temperaments

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study results show that bipolar disorder I patients with manic/hypomanic polarity and depressive polarity show similar temperaments but are different from patients with unipolar major depression, thus supporting the “predominant polarity” concept for BD.

Pre-onset cannabis use accelerates schizophrenia symptoms

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A history of smoking cannabis may have a significant effect in hastening the onset of psychotic and prodromal symptoms in schizophrenia, suggest US researchers.

Ad36 infection linked to high triglycerides in Korean school children

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Infection with the human adenovirus 36 is associated with high triglycerides in Korean school children, report researchers.

Study casts doubt on coffee link with HF hospitalization, mortality

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers report finding no evidence that high coffee consumption is associated with hospitalization or death from heart failure.

Accelerated bone maturation in children marker of hypertension

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Children and adolescents whose bones are more mature than would be expected for their age have an increased likelihood of developing hypertension, a study suggests.

ADHD risk factor for switching from unipolar to bipolar disorder

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

US study findings suggest that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a risk factor for switching from unipolar to bipolar disorder.

Severely ill swine flu patients at increased risk for PE

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Computed tomography scanning should be performed in patients severely affected by the influenza A H1N1 virus, say US researchers, who found such patients have an increased risk for pulmonary embolism.

EUS accurate for detecting abnormal lymph nodes in esophageal cancer

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Endoscopic ultrasonography is more accurate than contrast-enhanced computed tomography for detecting abnormal lymph nodes and should be used in the routine examination of patients with esophageal cancer, researchers report.

No cortical asymmetry differences in child-onset schizophrenia

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with child-onset schizophrenia do not have different patterns of cortical asymmetry from healthy individuals or differences in the timing of developmental asymmetry, study findings suggest.

Placebo-controlled trial supports PUVA’s efficacy in plaque-type psoriasis

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Psoralen plus ultraviolet A is a highly efficacious treatment for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, say researchers.

Life support needed by many critically ill patients with swine flu

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Many critically ill patients in Australia and New Zealand who were infected with the influenza H1N1 virus during the winter months of 2009 in the southern hemisphere needed prolonged life support treatment, study results show.

Stricter hand hygiene in schools ‘a temporary measure for infection control’

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Strict hand-hygiene practices are difficult to maintain in primary schools and should only be used as a short-term measure for preventing the spread of influenza H1N1 and other infections, say researchers.

Mitral regurgitation improvement post CABG depends on myocardial viability, lack of dyssynchrony

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Myocardial viability and absence of dyssynchrony between papillary muscles predict long-term ischemic mitral regurgitation improvement after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery, which in turn is associated with improved survival, report researchers in the journal Circulation.

Two indices accurately, noninvasively assess UC disease activity

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have identified two clinical indices that they say are “valid, reliable and responsive” ways to noninvasively assess disease activity in ulcerative colitis patients.

Restrictive healthcare usage common among bipolar disorder youths

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Almost half of bipolar disorder youths use restrictive healthcare services, reflecting a need for intensive, urgent medical care, conclude scientists who say regular outpatient services may reduce costs.

Motivation mediates link between cognition and outcome in schizophrenia

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The relationship between neurocognition, social cognition, and functional outcome in schizophrenia appears to be mediated by motivation, say US scientists who suggest the findings may help to improve social integration for patients.

Winter ICU swine admissions in Australia, New Zealand analyzed

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Results of a study conducted in Australia and New Zealand show that 722 patients infected with the H1N1 influenza were admitted to intensive care units during the 2009 winter flu season, and these patients occupied up to nearly 20% of ICU beds when the epidemic was at its peak.

Blocking novel phosphodiesterase pathway can prevent cardiac hypertrophy

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have demonstrated in laboratory experiments that cardiomyocyte hypertrophy can be prevented by treatment with a phosphodiesterase 1 inhibiting compound similar to sildenafil.

Melatonin light super-sensitivity identified in bipolar I disorder

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with bipolar I disorder have melatonin super-sensitivity to light compared with healthy individuals, which may serve as an endophenotypic marker for the condition, conclude Australian researchers.

Ad36 virus associated with obesity and hypertension independent of IR

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Seropositivity for the adenovirus Ad36 is associated with obesity and essential hypertension independently of insulin resistance, show study results.

UVB treatment appears a feasible option for children with psoriasis

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy is a valid resource in the treatment of children with psoriasis, say Spanish researchers.

Low HDL cholesterol identified in a quarter of older hypertensive Spanish women

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

One in four hypertensive older women has low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a large study conducted at primary care centers in Spain suggests.

Survival improved in obese HF patients irrespective of etiology

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study findings add further weight to the existence of the so-called “obesity paradox” in heart failure, showing obesity is associated with improved prognosis, irrespective of disease etiology.

Several lipoprotein components associated with HF risk

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A Scandinavian study of over 80,000 individuals has identified several lipoprotein components associated with the development of heart failure.

Hypertension leading cause of premature death in China

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Hypertension is the leading preventable cause of premature deaths in China, researchers report in The Lancet.

Mercury pollutants counter benefit of fish nutrients on blood pressure

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Mercury contaminants present in some seafood raise blood-pressure levels, possibly outweighing the benefits of certain fish nutrients, a study of Nunavik Inuit adults suggests.

Topical psoralen enhances UVB efficacy in psoriasis

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Topical application of 8-methoxypsoralen gel increases the efficacy of narrowband ultraviolet B therapy in patients with psoriasis, Turkish study findings show.

Central obesity, dyslipidemia linked to poor antihypertensive treatment response

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Study findings show some components of the metabolic syndrome, namely visceral obesity, high triglyceride levels, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, are associated with resistance to antihypertensive treatment.

Desflurane and sevoflurane comparable for ambulatory anesthesia

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers report that desflurane and sevoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia do not differ with regard to times to discharge and patients return to normal daily activities.

Training in ventilator bundle reduces days spent on mechanical ventilation

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Staff training by an intensive care unit change team in pre-defined interventions improves the quality of care in mechanically ventilated patients, say researchers.

Low pre-operative hemoglobin levels predict late mortality after CABG

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients have a worse long-term outcome after undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting if they have low pre-operative hemoglobin levels, say researchers.

Sugammadex reversal of rocuronium-induced NMB unaffected by volatile anesthetics

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sugammadex is equally effective for reversing rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in patients receiving maintenance anesthesia with sevoflurane or propofol, researchers report.

Hypotension increases mortality in elderly patients with Type 2 diabetes

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Results from the ZODIAC-12 study show that high blood pressure seems to increase mortality in elderly Type 2 diabetic patients over the age of 75 years.

Symptom frequency needs to be considered when evaluating psoriasis severity

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have called for the development of new scoring systems for evaluating psoriasis severity that incorporate the symptoms of the disease.

BMI linked to psoriasis onset and severity

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Excessive body weight increases both the risk for psoriasis onset and the severity of the condition, study findings show.

ICD therapy for primary prevention may not benefit women

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death does not reduce mortality in women, a US meta-analysis has revealed, highlighting the need for gender-specific data in this, and other areas, of cardiovascular medicine.

Responses to facial expressions of disgust diminished in psoriasis patients

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with psoriasis appear to develop coping mechanisms to protect them from stressful emotional responses elicited by people’s facial expressions of disgust, study findings show.

European CRT survey reveals widespread off-label CRT use

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Results of a Europe-wide survey suggest that clinicians are exploring wider indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy in their patients than are currently fully supported by the evidence from clinical trials.

TNF inhibitors more effective than T-cell agents in treating plaque psoriasis

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors are more effective than T-cell agents for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, results of a systematic review and meta analysis indicate.

Natriuretic peptides ‘the only useful HF markers’ in emergency setting

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The only current useful diagnostic markers of heart failure in the emergency setting are B-type natriuretic peptide and midregional pro-A-type natriuretic peptide, study results show.

Licorice gargle reduces postoperative sore throat

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Gargling with a licorice solution before anesthesia could help reduce postoperative sore throat, study findings reveal.

Sugammadex effective and well tolerated in cardiac patients

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Sugammadex, a novel relaxant binding agent, has demonstrated preliminary safety and efficacy for the reversal of recoruonium-induced neuromuscular blockade in cardiac patients.

Efalizumab effective for psoriasis after failed TNF blocker therapy

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Efalizumab can be used to treat psoriasis in patients who have either failed to respond adequately to tumor necrosis factor blockers or been unable to tolerate them, say researchers/show study results.

Selenium may worsen prostate cancer in some men

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

High levels of selenium in the blood may worsen prostate cancer in some men who already have the disease, results of a US study suggest.

Two eggs a day ‘does not increase cholesterol levels’

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Eating two eggs a day, as part of an energy-restricted weight-loss diet, does not increase levels of ‘bad’ or total cholesterol, results of a UK study show.

No evidence for US racial disparities in hospital treatment of asthma

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

There are no longer any significant racial/ethnic disparities regarding the inpatient treatment of asthma attacks in the USA, results of a study suggest.

Patients with gum disease ‘should be assessed for heart disease’

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease (periodontitis) should receive evaluation of, and possibly treatment to reduce, their risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, say experts.

Age does not influence recurrence risk in early breast cancer patients

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Young women with an early type of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ do not have a greater risk of cancer recurrence after undergoing breast-conserving treatment than their older counterparts, study results show.

Midlife migraine with aura linked to brain lesions in elderly women

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Women who suffer from migraines with aura are more likely to show evidence of brain lesions in old age than other women, researchers have found.

Inactivity increases hospitalisation risk in asthma patients

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Asthma patients with low levels of physical activity are significantly more likely to be admitted to hospital for at least one overnight stay than their active counterparts, research shows.

Breastfeeding may lower risk of symptoms in mothers with bowel disease

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In mothers with inflammatory bowel disease, breastfeeding is not associated with an increased risk of disease flares and may actually protect against an exacerbation of symptoms, researchers have found.

Further evidence for hormone therapy link to breast cancer

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The recent decline in the number of women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the USA is much more pronounced in wealthy urban areas than in poor and rural areas, which reflects differences in the use of hormone replacement therapy and access to information regarding the risk of breast cancer, say US researchers.

Sleep disorder treatment reduces mortality risk in stroke patients

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A type of treatment called continuous positive airway pressure reduces mortality risk in stroke patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea, research shows.

Recurrent brief depression a 'valid diagnostic category'

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Recurrent brief depression is a valid diagnostic category that can be separated from bipolar II disorder, cyclothymia, and recurrent major depression, study findings indicate.

Social rejection linked with pain in depressed patients

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The feeling of social rejection in patients with depression appears to be associated with physical pain, suggesting that the two characteristics share common neurobiologic circuits, say researchers.

Antidepressants may reduced heart rate variability

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Individuals diagnosed with depression appear to have significantly lower heart rate variability than other people, say Dutch investigators in findings that suggest the association may be due to the effect of antidepressants.

Serotonin transporter variant risks post-partum depression

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Women with variant forms of the serotonin transporter gene may be particularly vulnerable to depressive symptoms after childbirth, research shows.

No complete recovery for treated depression patients

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

While major depression patients starting treatment will spend three quarters of the next decade in euthymia, the remaining quarter will be spent in subthreshold or threshold depression, Japanese study findings indicate.

Risk for completed suicide high in year after initial failed attempt

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The risk for completed suicide among individuals with a previous failed attempt is especially high in the year after the initial bid, research shows.

Migrants to the USA less likely to develop mood, anxiety disorders

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Several immigrant groups living in the USA have a decreased risk for developing mood and anxiety disorders relative to the native population, but only if they emigrated at age 13 years or older, study results show.

GM-CSF secreting immunotherapy shows prostate cancer promise

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In hormone-naïve prostate cancer, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor secreting cellular immunotherapy is clinically active and has a favorable toxicity profile, say US scientists.

Aurora-A gene expression could provide bladder cancer information

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Aurora-A gene expression is abnormal in the early stages of urothelial carcinoma and could act as a biomarker of tumor aggression, French study findings suggest.

Novel BPH mechanism and treatment proposed

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Israeli researchers have proposed a novel mechanism behind the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and suggest a new treatment for the condition.

Developmental stress impact on daily life stress moderated by genes

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Sensitivity to stress in adult daily life is due to sensitization by stress exposures during development that may be accelerated by genes associated with depression, conclude researchers.

PSA levels influenced by age, metabolic syndrome components

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Prostate-specific antigen level is significantly influenced by age and some components of the metabolic syndrome, Korean researchers report.

BPH diagnosis varies with race and socioeconomic status

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Race and socioeconomic status are independently associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, a study of more than 20,000 men indicates.

Testosterone replacement can benefit those who persist

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A clinical practice study suggests only a minority of men with testosterone deficiency use testosterone replacement therapy for an extended period of time, but those who do so experience persistent improvement in symptoms.

Serotonergic gene influences bipolar disorder but not depression

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The tryptophan hydroxylase gene appears to influence the risk for bipolar disorder but not major depressive disorder, results of meta-analyses suggest.

Deep brain stimulation may reduce treatment-refractory depression

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Treatment refractory depression may be alleviated by deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the central capsule (VC)/central striatum (VS), preliminary US study findings indicate.

BPH progression common but rates may vary

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A systematic review found that benign prostatic hyperplasia often shows progression without medical treatment but was unable to accurately determine the rate at which this occurs.

NBI cystoscopy shows may enhance bladder tumor detection

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Narrow-band imaging cystoscopy may be better than standard white-light cystoscopy at detecting recurrent non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, a US study suggests.

'Extremely encouraging' BPH results with 2-µm continuous-wave laser

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Vaporesection using a 2-µm continuous-wave laser is effective for the treatment of obstructive benign prostatic hyperplasia, Chinese researchers claim.

DHT levels may decline with testosterone administration

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Giving testosterone to elderly men with subnormal levels of the androgen may decrease their plasma 5α-dihydrotestosterone levels, European researchers have been surprised to discover.

Radiofrequency ablation could extend survival for inoperable lung cancer

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Percutaneous pulmonary radiofrequency ablation - a non-invasive intervention that kills lung tumors with heat - appears to offer 2 years of survival for most patients with primary and metastatic lung cancer, researchers claim.

HRT protects against lung cancer theory reinforced

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

An extensive cohort study has found that postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy is associated with a significant reduction in the risk for lung cancer.

EGF vaccine for NSCLC encouraging at Phase II

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers report positive phase II results for an epidermal growth factor vaccine in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma and NSCLC treatment needs differ

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with bronchioloalveolar carcinoma have better survival rates than those with non-BAC non-small cell lung cancer and may require a different treatment approach, research suggests.

HSP90 inhibitor shows promise for treating NSCLC

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

An experimental anticancer drug that has been in trials for breast and prostate cancer looks to be especially promising for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, research shows.

Auto-antibody tests show promise for early lung cancer diagnosis

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Auto-antibody blood tests could aid early detection of lung cancer, research suggests.

Resection outcomes improved at teaching hospitals

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In-hospital deaths after lung cancer resection are lower at teaching than non-teaching hospitals, a large US analysis reveals.

Four-gene panel methylation predicts NSCLC early recurrence

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The likelihood of early recurrence in patients who undergo surgery for stage I lung cancer with curative intent could be predicted by DNA modifications in four genes, research suggests.

Methylation studies reveal lung cancer chemotherapy sensitivities

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese researchers appear to have identified a crucial mechanism in controlling expression of breast cancer resistance protein in lung cancer cells.

NSCLC adenocarcinoma patients face poor prognosis

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Non-small cell lung cancer patients with large adenocarcinomas are at higher risk for recurrence and death after surgery than those with squamous cell carcinoma, researchers have shown.

Delayed coeliac diagnosis may increase lymphoma risk

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Older patients with coeliac disease who have remained undiagnosed and, consequently have continued eating foods containing gluten for many years, face a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other cancers than those diagnosed at an early age, say Italian researchers.

Hepatitis B infection linked to B-cell NHL

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Infection with the hepatitis B virus may be associated with the development of the B-cell subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, results of a Chinese study suggest.

Increased lymphoma risk for polyarthritis patients

Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Arthritis patients with inflammation in multiple joints have an increased risk of blood cancers such as lymphoma, UK study results indicate.

Nanotechnology may benefit lymphoma patients

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with lymphoma and other cancers may, in the future, benefit from a type of nanotechnology that helps track the growth of tumours and the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Drug may help reduce risk of graft-versus-host disease

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers have found that treating donor cells with a drug called methotrexate may help reduce the risk of graft-versus-host disease in lymphoma patients who need stem cell transplants.

Chemotherapy type may affect stem cell collection

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The success of stem cell collection for future transplantation in follicular lymphoma patients may depend on the type of chemotherapy they initially receive, researchers have found.

Gene activation may lead to anti-cancer treatment

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers in the UK have developed a new method to destroy cancer cells using a protein, called 37AA, that "kick-starts" an anti-cancer gene.

Treatment hope for primary effusion lymphoma patients

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

People with primary effusion lymphoma caused by infection with Kaposi's sarcoma virus may, in the future, benefit from a study conducted by Finnish researchers.

Virus hope for anti-lymphoma treatment

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Researchers in the USA have discovered a way to activate the Epstein-Barr virus inside tumours, providing hope that such viruses can be manipulated to destroy the tumours that they inhabit.

Lymphoma patients to receive 'information prescriptions'

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

UK patients with lymphoma and other types of cancer will receive 'information prescriptions' about their disease in a joint initiative by two major cancer charities and the Department of Health.

End colostomy stoma linked to reduced complication risk

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with end colostomy stoma and younger individuals have a reduced incidence of complications after colorectal cancer surgery, Italian researchers report.

Local regulatory T-cell infiltration raised in limited CRC

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Regulatory T-cell infiltration is significantly higher in limited colorectal cancer than in metastatic disease or healthy colon, German investigators have found.

Low CRC surveillance use among FAP family members

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Less than half of family members of patients with classic or attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis report recently participating in screening for colorectal cancer, despite being at high risk for the disease, US researchers highlight.

Surgeon and hospital volume predict CRC surgical outcomes

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Colon cancer surgery complications and mortality rates are reduced if hospitals have sophisticated clinical services and procedures are carried out by surgeons who see a high volume of patients, study findings suggest.

Vegetable compound promising preventive agent for colon cancer

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The vegetable compound 3,3'-diindolylmethane has a strong apoptotic effect on colon cancer cells, Korean researchers report.

MRI accurately predicts rectal cancer circumferential margin

Mon, 22 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging accurately predicts the circumferential resection margin in rectal cancer, Swedish investigators report.

Calcium has prolonged protective effect against CRC recurrence

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

The protective effect of calcium supplementation on a patient's risk of colorectal cancer recurrence extends up to 5 years after the end of active treatment, US researchers reveal.

XELOX well tolerated adjuvant therapy for colon cancer

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin, shows a good tolerability profile as adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer, phase III trial results reveal.

Lack of synergy between celecoxib and FOLFOX7 in metastatic CRC

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Celecoxib combined with FOLFOX7 is less effective than FOLFOX7 alone as a maintenance therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer, phase II study findings show.

I-FOBT specific test for CRC screening

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Immunological fecal occult blood testing is an accurate screening tool for detecting colorectal cancer and adenoma specifically, Italian researchers say.

Cholesterol levels predict renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Renal function can be evaluated effectively in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, by measuring serum total cholesterol levels, Canadian clinicians have found.

Pulmonary involvement uncommon in juvenile-onset SLE

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosis is rarely associated with interstitial lung disease, say Norwegian researchers, meaning that pulmonary assessment is necessary only in symptomatic patients.

Antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia under the spotlight

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Autoantibodies to glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and thrombopoietin receptor are major contributory factors to thrombocytopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis, Japanese scientists have shown.

IL-1 mutations may confer PsA susceptibility

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Canadian researchers have shown that patients who carry mutations in the gene cluster that encodes the various interleukin-1 cytokines may be more susceptible to psoriatic arthritis than those who do not.

Transitional care programs show promise for JIA sufferers

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

UK investigators have demonstrated that the introduction of a structured program of transitional care has a positive impact in adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

RA patients were unselectively prescribed COX-2 inhibitors

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Results of a prospective multicenter study in the US reveal that before market withdrawal of cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, rheumatologists prescribed these gastroprotective agents to the majority of their patients in a nonselective manner.

Multimodal therapy for spinal cord compression in thyroid carcinoma patients detailed

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

A case report by Iranian scientists has detailed a multimodality treatment option that is effective for patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma who present with spinal cord compression.

Mechanisms of non-thyroidal illness syndrome elucidated

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

A study in rats has suggested that non-thyroidal illness syndrome, a generalized response to any serious illness, might be treatable by forced expression of steroid receptor co-activator.

Thyroid function testing advised in elderly patients undergoing contrast imaging

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Elderly patients should undergo thyroid function evaluation before and after contrast imaging because of the risk of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism through exposure to iodinated contrast media, clinicians say.

Elevated non-fatal vascular event risk in treated thyroid patients

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

UK scientists have found that individuals who have been treated for hyper- or hypothyroidism have no increased risk of mortality or serious vascular events, but they may have a greater risk for specific nonfatal vascular events.

Thyroid cancer rates after Chernobyl disaster calculated

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

A study of thyroid cancer prevalence after the Chernobyl disaster has shown that exposure to radioactive iodine increases the risk of thyroid cancer in children and adolescents.

Long-term infliximab therapy efficacious against ankylosing spondylitis

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Results of a French study support the efficacy of long-term infliximab treatment for ankylosing spondylitis.

Suppression of IL-6 concentration may alleviate RA atherogenesis

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

South African researchers have discovered that suppression of circulating interleukin-6 concentrations may attenuate atherogenesis in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

RA susceptibility genes identified

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Results of a twin study point to three genes that may be linked to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Fetal DNA during pregnancy alleviates RA symptoms

Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0000

US researchers have shed light on the issue of why pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis experience an improvement in their disease or even remission.

Intraoperative PTH level-surgery outcome link highly accurate

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Intraoperative measures of parathyroid hormone level show high accuracy in the prediction of outcomes from parathyroid surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism, Swedish scientists have shown.

Gene heterogeneity may affect thyroid hormone resistance outcomes

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese researchers have reported the case of a 28-year old woman with resistance to thyroid hormone and chronic thyroiditis.

Unilateral exploration feasible after equivocal scan results in PHPT patients

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0000

US researchers have found that a high proportion of patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism who have equivocal pre-operative imaging results can be cured with unilateral surgical exploration alone.

Thyroid has unexpectedly high mutation rate

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0000

German scientists have found that there is a strikingly high spontaneous mutation rate in the thyroid gland.

Excess iodine increases thyroid disease risk

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Dietary iodine supplementation that is more than adequate or excessive does not appear to be safe, especially for susceptible populations who either have iodine deficiency or potential autoimmune thyroid diseases, researchers reporting in the New England Journal of Medicine say.

Roasted vegetables pose tooth erosion risk

Fri, 05 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Eating oven-roasted vegetables may be a popular way of incorporating the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables into the diet, but the acidity of the dish is hazardous for the teeth, say researchers.

Sunscreen labels to be overhauled

Fri, 05 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Sunscreens carry misleading labelling, claims the European Commission, which wants manufacturers to adhere to a standardised, simple system.

Folic acid linked to IVF twin birth rate

Fri, 05 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Fortifying flour with folic acid could boost the number of twin births among women who conceive through in vitro fertilisation, study findings indicate.

'Puppy fat' notion dismissed

Fri, 05 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

The concept that "puppy fat" will disappear as a child grows up is a myth, suggests research that shows children who are overweight or obese when they enter secondary school rarely slim down by the time they leave.

Stent promise for arterial leg disease

Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Patients with arterial disease in the legs may benefit more from insertion of flexible nickel–titanium stents than from standard angioplasty surgery, research findings suggest.

Mouse model sheds light on autism

Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Scientists in the USA have genetically engineered mice to display characteristics of autism spectrum disorders that could potentially boost understanding of the behavioural condition.

Hopes raised for preventative breast cancer drug

Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

A novel drug has shown such promise in preventing secondary breast cancer in premenopausal women that researchers are calling for a trial into the value of the compound as a prophylaxis for young women at high risk of the disease.

Newborns with jaundice 'develop normally'

Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Parents and clinicians may be reassured by US study findings that show newborns with jaundice develop normally, providing proper treatment is given.

Middle-aged Americans less healthy than English

Wed, 03 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

The health of middle-aged people in England is much better than that of their counterparts in the USA, say investigators, who remain uncertain as to why this is the case.

Epileptics need warning over death risk

Wed, 03 May 2006 00:00:00 +0000

Neurologists should tell epilepsy patients of the increased risk of mortality associated with seizures, UK experts warned today.

Prevention of fibrous tissue growth stabilises implants

Fri, 08 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Implantation techniques that prevent the formation of a fibrous tissue interface could help prevent implant loosening, a study conducted in an animal model of tibia implantation reveals.

PICC catheters present thrombosis risk

Fri, 08 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Scientists warn in the British Journal of Radiology that peripherally inserted central catheters present a significant risk for the development of upper limb venous thrombosis.

Video-assisted thoracolumbar fracture fusion technique lauded

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Surgeons have reported a novel video-assisted thorascopic technique for the anterior fusion of unstable thoracolumbar fractures, which they believe is the only sure means of maintaining long-term correction.

Atrial appendage closure device may be useful in AF

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

German clinicians report that a novel device for occluding the left atrial appendage could be a valuable treatment option for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation who are unable to take warfarin.

C2 intralaminar screws recommended

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Surgeons have strongly recommended the use of C2 intralaminar screws for stabilising the atlantoaxial segment following vertebral artery injury, after showing that the screws provide as much stability as commonly used methods.

Negative SI findings on cerebral imaging demand cardioembolism testing

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

South Korean scientists suggest that elderly stroke patients with no evidence of silent brain infarcts on cerebral imaging should be evaluated for cardioembolism, as this is a more common cause of stroke in such individuals than in those with SIs.

Cervical decompression parameters 'remain controversial'

Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

A review of recent research into decompression of the cervical spine published in the journal Current Opinion in Orthopaedics shows that parameters for this technique are still controversial.

Transthoracic echocardiography 'cannot predict AF stroke risk'

Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Transthoracic echocardiographic parameters fail to predict the risk of stroke in elderly patients with a history of atrial fibrillation, although certain parameters may indicate the risk of recurrent fibrillation, US clinicians report.

Micro-bubble Doppler ultrasound lauded for sacroiliitis detection

Mon, 04 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Clinicians reveal that micro-bubble contrast-enhance colour Doppler ultrasound is a more accurate way to diagnose active sacroiliitis than magnetic resonance imaging.

Ultrasound plus tPA 'raises haemorrhage risk'

Mon, 04 Jul 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Contrary to previous research findings, results from a magnetic resonance imaging study reveal that using ultrasound to boost the thrombolytic action of tissue plasminogen activator in stroke patients significantly raises the risk of haemorrhage.