In a nutshell This study evaluated the effect of lowering heart disease risk on erectile function. Some background Erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel diseases) share many risk factors. Common risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol levels. Heart disease is...
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Proved to improve: Pelvic floor muscle training
In a nutshell This analysis compared pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment for urinary incontinence in women. Some background Pelvic floor muscle training is the most commonly used physical therapy treatment for women with stress urinary incontinence (the involuntary leakage of urine with a physical activity such as coughing or...
Read MoreCan anti-cancer medication increase the risk of bone fracture?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to evaluate the risk of fractures and overall bone health following treatment with aromatase inhibitors. Some background Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a class of drug used to treat estrogen receptor positive breast cancer (ER+; breast cancer that is dependent on the hormone estrogen for growth). Their use, however,...
Read MoreDo different radiation doses lead to different side effects in prostate cancer?
In a nutshell The authors aimed to determine how radiotherapy influenced patient quality of life after treatment. Some background Radiotherapy is a common treatment used in prostate cancer. It targets a direct beam of radiation at the cancer site, minimizing damage to adjacent healthy cells. There are numerous types of radiotherapy, including...
Read MoreRisk of eye inflammation in advanced melanoma treated with vemurafenib
In a nutshell The authors assessed the risk of eye inflammation in late-stage melanoma patients treated with vemurafenib (Zelboraf). Some background In advanced melanoma (stage 3/4), cancer spreads from the skin to other parts of the body. BRAF genes are often mutated (permanently changed) in advanced melanoma. BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) such as...
Read MoreNew type of surgery improves survival without disease in colon cancer patients
In a nutshell This study compared the disease-free survival rates of patients who had a complete mesocolic excision with patients who had conventional surgery for treatment of colon cancer. Some background Patients with rectal cancer have higher survival rates than colon cancer patients. This is in part due to the type of surgery carried out. Many...
Read MoreMeasuring heart function after pre-eclampsia
In a nutshell This paper studied how pregnancy and pre-eclampsia affects heart function. Some background Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy where there is increased blood pressure and damage to an organ, usually the kidney. It is also associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke in the mother. Assessing heart function after...
Read MoreRisks of stopping antiplatelet therapy after stenting
In a nutshell This paper studied the effect of stopping antiplatelet therapy following stent placement. Some background A stent is a small device placed in blood vessels to allow blood to flow. Stents can be bare-metal (mesh wire) or drug-eluting (releases medication to block scar tissue from forming). After a stent is inserted, patients...
Read MoreIs gum inflammation a risk for stroke?
In a nutshell This paper studied whether gingival (gum) inflammation increases the risk for stroke. Some background Gingival inflammation, also known as gingivitis, refers to redness and swelling of the gum tissue in the mouth. Gingivitis is a response to infection in the mouth. This can be reduced with good oral hygiene. Chronic infections...
Read MoreTraditional Chinese medicine for diabetic gastroparesis
In a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. Some background Gastroparesis is a condition in which stomach motility is reduced, resulting in delayed gastric (stomach) emptying. Symptoms of gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, bloating and early satiety...
Read MoreThe benefit of insulin and glucagon in an artificial pancreas
In a nutshell This study examined whether the combination of glucagon and insulin in an artificial pancreas is more effective compared to insulin alone. Some background An insulin pump allows a patient to enter in the carbohydrate content of a meal and the pump releases insulin based on this. A continuous glucose monitor is a device which allows...
Read MoreThe effect of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet on type 2 diabetes
In a nutshell This study examined the effect of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet on type 2 diabetes. Some background Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initially produce insulin (hormone which lowers blood sugar levels) but it fails to work in the body. Patients are treated with drugs which help insulin work. However, patients may...
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