In a nutshell This review assessed the effects of various diets for achieving blood sugar control, improving cholesterol levels and losing weight in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Some background Patients with T2DM have high blood sugar levels mainly due to insulin resistance (the body fails to respond to insulin actions)....
Read MoreComparing the effects of exenatide versus glimepiride in achieving glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus poorly controlled with metformin
In a nutshell This study compared the efficacy and safety of exenatide versus glimepiride in achieving glycaemic (blood sugar) control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) uncontrolled by metformin. Some background T2DM is a condition in which patients have high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Metformin (Glucophage) is the...
Read MoreEvaluating the effects of statin therapy and cancer recurrence in prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy
In a nutshell This study evaluated whether statin use after radiation therapy in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) might have any benefits in terms of cancer recurrence (return of the cancer). The main findings were that statin use before, during and after radiotherapy did not provide any additional benefits in preventing PCa recurrence. Some...
Read MorePhase 3 clinical trial evaluating the effects of dapaglifozin on weight loss in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
In a nutshell This research evaluated the effect of dapagliflozin on weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) uncontrolled with metformin therapy. The results showed that dapagliflozin reduced blood sugar levels by reducing patients’ weight and increasing the elimination of glucose in urine. Some background T2DM is a...
Read MoreEvaluating quality of life and adverse effects of proton therapy in young men with prostate cancer
The present study evaluated the quality of life and adverse effects for patients younger than 60 with prostate cancer following proton therapy. The main findings were that young prostate cancer patients treated with proton therapy have great outcomes with respect to urinary and sexual function. The prostate is a small gland only found in men that has...
Read MoreTreatment options for localized prostate cancer – comparing long-term adverse effects
In a nutshell This study aimed to identify health-related decline in quality of life 4 to 8 years after prostate cancer (PC) treatment. Main finding: measures of quality of life vary based on therapy choice. Some background Treatments for localized PC (confined to the prostate gland) include radical prostatectomy (RP), brachytherapy (BT) and...
Read MoreEvaluating the Vigor 2020 vacuum erection device for erectile dysfunction
In a nutshell This study evaluated whether the Vigor 2020, a new vacuum erection device (VED), is effective for the management of erectile dysfunction (ED). The main finding was that Vigor 2020 was effective for men with ED. Some background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to...
Read MoreEvaluating the safety and effectiveness of transperineal laser ablation of the prostate for men with enlarged prostates
In a nutshell This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to an enlarged prostate. The data showed that TPLA was effective and safe for these patients. Some background Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as urination...
Read MoreEvaluating a double dose of tamsulosin in the management of patients with BPH not responding to standard tamsulosin treatment
In a nutshell This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of giving a double dose of tamsulosin (Flomax; 0.8 mg per day) to patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who did not respond to the standard tamsulosin dose (0.4 mg per day) and who could not have prostate surgery. The data showed that a double dose of tamsulosin was an...
Read MoreIt’s Not “Only” Hair: Scalp Hair Loss
We all have it, covering our bodies — except our palms and the soles of our feet. But scalp hair is part of our body image, a sign of gender, youth and self-identity. Everyone knows about having a bad hair day. Yet, losing hair can negatively impact self-esteem.[1] Still, how much do we know much about it, beyond shampooing, conditioning,...
Read MoreEvaluating the effectiveness of a supplement with L-arginine and Pycnogenol for men with erectile dysfunction
In a nutshell This study reviewed the effectiveness and safety of L-arginine and Pycnogenol® (PAL) in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction (ED). The data showed that the combination of PAL had a significant effect on improving sexual function in patients with mild to moderate ED. Some background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent...
Read MoreEvaluating the effectiveness and safety of salvage radiotherapy combined with hormone therapy in patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer after prostate surgery.
In a nutshell This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of salvage radiotherapy (RT) combined with hormone therapy in patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RP; prostate removal surgery). This study found that salvage RT combined with hormone therapy was more effective than salvage RT...
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