In a study that could lead to wide use of inexpensive ultrasound screenings for osteoporosis, researchers found data from ultrasonography of the calcaneus (heel bone) was equal to data gathered using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), which is considered the gold standard for assessing bone health. The findings could lead to lower costs and increased screening for populations at-risk for bone diseases, which study authors say extends well beyond postmenopausal women....
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Identifying barriers to care for women with endometriosis
Women face a multitude of barriers to receiving quality care for endometriosis, a chronic, often painful disease that affects approximately 10% of reproductive-age women, an estimated 200 million women and teens worldwide. Endometriosis is a systemic, inflammatory disease that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. With symptoms like infertility, chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, painful sex,...
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World’s first skin atlas to see the light of day
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have compiled an atlas of the protein composition of the human skin. It will be released today at a scientific symposium held in connection with the inauguration of the university’s new skin research center. The atlas is based on supercomputer analyses and provides invaluable knowledge of psoriasis, eczema, allergies...
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Interval Training May Be Best for Weight Loss
Interval training may result in greater weight loss than continuous exercise, with sprint interval training (SIT) the most effective, say researchers, who say interval training also may be easier for obese and older individuals to perform. The findings of Ricardo Borges Viana, MSc, a PhD student in the Faculty of Physical Education and Dance, Federal...
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FDA Warns of Higher Risk for Death With Gout Drug Febuxostat (Uloric)
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added a boxed warning to the label for gout drug febuxostat (Uloric, Takeda) on the basis of results of a large post marketing safety study. The FDA has concluded that there is an increased risk for death with febuxostat compared to another gout medicine, allopurinol (multiple brands). “This conclusion is based on our in-depth review of results from a safety clinical trial that found an...
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An existing drug may have therapeutic potential in mitochondrial disease
New preclinical findings from extensive cell and animal studies suggest that a drug already used for a rare kidney disease could benefit patients with some mitochondrial disorders—complex conditions with severe energy deficiency for which no proven effective treatments exist. Future clinical research is needed to explore whether the drug, cysteamine bitartrate, will meaningfully benefit patients....
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Contributors to delay of multiple sclerosis diagnosis ID’d
Laura Barin, from the University of Zurich, and colleagues examined data from the Swiss MS Registry to identify possible causes of delay in the diagnostic process for 522 patients. The time from first contact to the first consultation and evaluation-to-diagnosis time were modeled. The researchers found that general practitioners were mostly contacted first (67 percent), which did not delay diagnosis. First symptoms...
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Research changes GP guidelines on frailty in diabetes
New guidelines will help GPs get the best outcomes for older people with diabetes after they were changed to include specific advice around frailty. The newly revised GP contract, a five-year framework for GPs, includes the first specific guidance around how and when to stop treatment diabetes in particularly frail older people. The new guidance is informed by research led by Dr. David Strain at the University...
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How to treat a cold or flu at home
Viruses are responsible for colds and flu, so antibiotics are not able to cure or prevent these illnesses. Plenty of rest, fluids, and home remedies can help relieve symptoms. Colds and the flu are common illnesses that can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as: a runny nose blocked sinuses a sore throat coughing headaches body aches fever or chills...
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Typhoid vaccine may protect against other infections
New research by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine shows that vaccination with weakened strains of Salmonella may also protect against other infections. The researchers hope that the findings could impact vaccination strategy in the developing world, where infectious diseases are common and where broader protection could potentially save many lives. Typhoid fever is a bacterial bloodstream infection caused by Salmonella Typhi that is...