Culture | Page 2284 | Science Codex

Head-to-head trial of 2 diabetes drugs yields mixed results

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – A direct, head-to-head comparison of two of the newer treatments available for type 2 diabetes yielded mixed results.

The 26-week, multicenter DURATION-6 clinical trial found that daily injections of liraglutide (Victoza) were slightly more effective than weekly injections of exenatide (Bydureon) in lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the patients taking exenatide suffered fewer negative side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Patients with heart block see strong benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Heart failure patients with a condition called "heart block" derive significant benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), according to the results of the Block HF clinical trial, presented today at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2012 meeting in Los Angeles.

Virtual reality could help people lose weight, fight prejudice

Internet-based interactive games and social media outlets have become intertwined with the physical realities of millions of people around the world. When an individual strongly identifies with the cyber representation of themselves, known as an avatar, the electronic doppelganger can influence that person's health and appearance, according to a University of Missouri researcher's study. Harnessing the power of the virtual world could lead to new forms of obesity treatment and help break down racial and sexual prejudices.

Positive results from Phase 1/2 stem cell trial reported

San Carlos, CA; November 6, 2012 – BioCardia, Inc., focused on regenerative biologic therapies for cardiovascular disease, today announced positive results from a Phase 1/2 heart failure trial using the Company's Helical Infusion System, comprising the Helical Infusion System Catheter™ and Morph® Vascular Access Catheter, to deliver allogeneic, or "off-the-shelf," and autologous, or from the treated patient, mesenchymal (adult) stem cells (MSCs) via transendocardial injection.

2 years out, patients receiving stem cell therapy show sustained heart function improvement

LOS ANGELES – Marked sustained improvement in all patients with zero adverse effects.

For a phase I clinical trial, these results are the Holy Grail. Yet researchers from the University of Louisville and Brigham and Women's Hospital today reported just such almost-never-attained data.

HF patients treated by a cardiologist, rather than hospitalist, have fewer readmissions

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – November 6, 2012 – When a cardiologist attends to heart failure patients, even when the severity of illness is higher, patients have reduced rates of hospital readmissions, compared with those patients who are treated by a hospitalist, according to a trial being presented today at the American Heart Association's scientific sessions in Los Angeles.

Living abroad can bring success, if you do it right - just like anything else

"Travel broadens the mind" goes the old adage, and potential employers often agree, valuing the open-mindedness and creativity fostered by such worldliness. But according to new Tel Aviv University research, not all international experiences are created equal.

Rate of heart disease risk factors vary across Hispanic/Latino background groups

SAN DIEGO – (Monday, November 5, 2012) – Heart disease risk factors are widespread among Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States, with 80 percent of men and 71 percent of women having at least one risk factor for heart disease, according to a San Diego State University study funded by the National Institutes of Health. These percentages are much higher than the general population, where approximately 49 percent of adults have at least one major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

New study finds that 75 percent of patients taking popular blood-thinners are getting wrong dose

SALT LAKE CITY – Cardiology researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute have found that approximately 75 percent of patients taking two common blood-thinning drugs may be receiving the wrong dosage levels, according to a new study.

This could put them at risk for serious problems like uncontrolled bleeding or developing blood clots.

Supercomputing for a superproblem: A computational journey into pure mathematics

A world-famous mathematician responsible for solving one of the subject's most challenging problems has published his latest work as a University of Leicester research report.

This follows the visit that famed mathematician Yuri Matiyasevich made to the Department of Mathematics where he talked about his pioneering work. He visited UK by invitation of the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences.

In 1900, twenty-three unsolved mathematical problems, known as Hilbert's Problems, were compiled as a definitive list by mathematician David Hilbert.

Long shifts lead to nurse burnout and dissatisfied patients

Extended work shifts of twelve hours or longer are common and popular among hospital staff nurses, but a new study reports that nurses working longer shifts were more likely to experience burnout, job dissatisfaction, and patients were more dissatisfied with their care.

2 NIH studies show power of epidemiology research; Underscore need to address health disparities

Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS-SOL) — which will be presented at the American Heart Association Annual Meeting in Los Angeles on Nov. 5 and published in the Nov. 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) — finds heart disease risk factors are widespread among Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States.

The Phosphorus Index: Changes afoot

Phosphorus (P) is both an essential nutrient in agricultural fields and a contributor to poor water quality in surface waters. To encourage improved P management in fields, the P Index was proposed as a risk assessment tool in 1992. After 20 years of use, modifications, and growing pains, does the P Index accurately assess the risk of P loss?

Follow Up Surveillance with Less Invasive, Less Costly Tests Could Make Colonoscopy a One-time Test for Some Patients

Following a negative colonoscopy result at initial screening, regular follow-up with less-invasive screening tools may provide the same life-saving benefit with fewer risks for complication and at a lower cost than rescreening with colonoscopy every 10 years. Researchers used a microsimulation model to assess the effectiveness and costs of colonoscopy versus other rescreening strategies after an initial negative colonoscopy result.

Healthcare ethics consultants share lessons learned

Healthcare ethics consultants are called upon in the most difficult of times; where do they turn for advice? The American Society For Bioethics and Humanities' Clinical Ethics Consultation Affairs Committee (CECA) is taking a community approach, creating an online forum for feedback and shared experiences to accompany a paper published in the Fall 2012 issue of the Journal of Clinical Ethics.