Health & Medicine
Exploring a novel approach to lung cancer treatment
Lung cancer, just like other types of cancer, is mostly treatable when diagnosed in the earliest stages. Treatments mainly include chemotherapy and surgeries such as sublobar resection and lobectomy. The thoracic surgical team led by Dr Calvin Ng at Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, have successfully applied a novel approach to lung cancer treatment. They […]
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Deeper insights into cell death and survival
The intricate balance between cell death and survival is essential for normal development and for preventing diseases such as cancer and autoimmunity. Ronald Jemmerson at the University of Minnesota contributed to the seminal discovery that cytochrome c (Cyt c) plays a key role in the onset of apoptosis (programmed cell death). His laboratory also established that leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1) binds […]
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A digital health intervention for adolescent mothers in the Dominican Republic
Adolescent mothers and their babies are vulnerable to poor health outcomes. For this reason, it is vital to provide them adequate support and information to ensure optimal health. Dr Samantha Stonbraker and her research team undertook a study to identify the health information needs of young mothers living in the Dominican Republic and design a digital intervention using WhatsApp Messenger […]
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The benefits of exercise programmes for pre-school children with autism spectrum disorders
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) see the world differently and can find it hard to interact with both their environment and other people. Sport has many benefits for mental and physical health, and therefore Kelong Cai, of Yangzhou University, hypothesised that sport may offer a novel therapy for pre-school children with ASD. He implemented a 12-week mini-basketball programme for […]
Reducing treatment costs for thyroid cancer patients in Japan
Japan’s healthcare system disincentivises longer hospital stays to reduce costs, but also categorises certain complications as secondary diseases, which incur separate additional payments. The high rate of occurrence of these complications makes these costs unavoidable. Hiroki Konno, Associate Professor at the College of Sports Sciences at Nihon University, Japan, studied the implications of this for four prognostic factors affecting thyroid […]
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The financial toxicity of multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic autoimmune disease that is generally diagnosed in young adults. It is a lifelong condition, as it is currently incurable. The medical costs are high, as patients have to cover frequent hospital visits and prescription medications, such as emerging disease modifying drugs. As a result, many patients do not adhere to treatment plans, which further […]
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New possibilities: Same-day surgery for trochlear dysplasia
Trochleoplasty is an open procedure performed on patients with patellar instability and/or chronic anterior knee pain, in patient having a flat groove (trochlear dysplasia). Though this is a widespread treatment for recurrent patella instability, open trochleoplasty is a highly invasive procedure and leads to an increased risk of infection, scar tissue, and pain. Dr Lars Blønd of The Zealand University […]
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Using Artificial Intelligence to improve prediction and prevention of violence
Drs Gary Chaimowitz and Mini Mamak of McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, Canada have developed the Electronic Hamilton Anatomy of Risk Management (eHARM) platform. It is an innovative risk assessment and management tool for violence and aggression which can be used in a variety of mental health areas, including but not limited to forensic psychiatry. The validity of […]
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Improved formulations of nicotinamide riboside: A promising treatment for age-related disorders
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a co-enzyme involved in fundamental metabolic roles. Its levels decrease with aging, causing the development of age-related pathologies. NAD+ levels can be replenished by the intake of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a vitamin B3 analogue, which is naturally converted to NAD+. Regular use of NR supplementation is associated with improved outcomes in several cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and […]
Aerosolised medicines may reduce the high risk of coronavirus infection
Rapid development of vaccines and other preventative measures has been vital in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Michael Dubina, full member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explores a novel method to reduce coronavirus infection risk. His pilot study explored the effects of an aerosolised combination medication in healthcare workers who had not previously been infected with the […]
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