(HealthDay)—The six-minute walk distance (6MWD) test is useful in identifying patients with a higher likelihood of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) following cardiac surgery, according to a study published online May 9 in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Kazuhiro Hayashi, P.T., from Nagoya University Hospital in Japan, and colleagues investigated the association between preoperative 6MWD with POCD in...
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Canakinumab shown to reduce rates of gout in atherosclerosis by more than half
June 15, 2018, European League Against Rheumatism The results of a study presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology (EULAR 2018) demonstrate that canakinumab significantly reduced the rate of gout by more than half compared to placebo, regardless of baseline serum urate level. “These are significant results as they add to the evidence base...
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Virtual reality headsets significantly reduce children’s fear of needles
The scenario is all too familiar for the majority of parents. The crying, the screaming and the tantrums as they try to coax their children into the doctor’s office for routine immunizations. After all, who can’t relate to being fearful and anxious about needles? Needle phobia is one of the most common fears among children...
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Diagnosing diabetes from a single blood sample
June 18, 2018, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health Diagnosing type 2 diabetes in clinical practice may require only a single blood sample, according to a study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The study, published June 19 in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, found evidence that a...
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Stretchable, Conductive Hydrogel as a Biomedical Sensor
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology in Saudi Arabia have developed an electrically conductive hydrogel that can flex, stretch, and self-heal when cut and reattached. The versatile material has potential in a variety of applications including wound healing patches, wearable electronics, and touch-sensitive robotics. The research team developed the new material by...
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New screening tool could help diagnose early cognitive decline in dementia from home
June 19, 2018 by George Wigmore, City University London An international team of scientists have developed a new way to screen for age-related cognitive decline at home using a test which asks people to detect sounds and flashes on their laptop or phone. Credit: leungchopan/Shutterstock.com Developed by researchers from Switzerland and the UK, the study shows...
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Hypnosis may help reduce distress of cancer treatment in children
June 19, 2018, University of Exeter Hypnosis could help to reduce the fear of medical procedures in children and young people with cancer. New research led by the University of Exeter found promising evidence that hypnosis can reduce the distress associated with injections and other needle procedures, such as extracting bone marrow and giving chemotherapy. Previous...
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Mild problem-solving task improves brain function after a concussion, new study suggests
June 19, 2018 by Margaret Allen, Southern Methodist University A simple cognitive task as early as four days after a brain injury activates the region that improves memory function, and may guard against developing depression or anxiety. Concussed athletes performed a mild problem-solving task a few days after concussion. Credit: Purkayastha, SMU Concern is growing about...
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HIV tests give false negative results for up to SEVEN MONTHS if people take a controversial preventative drug, study finds
HIV tests can give false negative results for up to seven months after infection This may encourage people to have unprotected sex thinking they are HIV free Preventative drug PrEP may reduce the virus so it is not detectable by tests Some claim PrEP encourages people to have unprotected sex, spreading STIs Expert advises PrEP...
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A dual-therapy approach to boost motor recovery after a stroke
EPFL scientists have shown that combining a brain-computer interface (BCI) with functional electrical stimulation (FES) can help stroke victims recover greater use of their paralyzed arm — even years after the stroke ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNE Paralysis of an arm and/or leg is one of the most common effects of a stroke. But thanks...