Surgery | Page 114 of 119 | SpiritIndia.com

Osteoarthritis :: Acupuncture relieves pain and improves knee osteoarthritis

Acupuncture provides pain relief and improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee and serves as an effective complement to standard care. This landmark study was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), both components of the National Institutes of Health. The findings of the study – the longest and largest randomized, controlled phase III clinical trial of acupuncture ever conducted – were published in the December 21, 2004, issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Oral cancer :: Success using saliva to detect oral cancer

Scientists funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health, reported today taking a major step forward in using saliva to detect oral cancer. As published in the current issue of Clinical Cancer Research, the scientists found they could measure for elevated levels of four distinct cancer-associated molecules in saliva and distinguish with 91 percent accuracy between healthy people and those diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Cataract :: Lead exposure increases risk of cataract

Cataract, a clouding of the lens resulting in a partial loss of vision, is very common in older people. Results from a new study show that lifetime lead exposure may increase the risk of developing cataracts. Researchers found that men with high levels of lead in the tibia, the larger of the two leg bones below the knee, had a 2.5-fold increased risk for cataract, the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment.

Cholesterol :: Pomelit fruit can help lower blood cholesterol

A fruit known commercially as Israeli Jaffa Sweetie can help lower blood cholesterol levels and hike blood antioxidant activity.

Nearsightedness :: Intraocular Lens to Correct Nearsightedness – eye problem

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a plastic lens that is permanently implanted into the eye to correct moderate to severe nearsightedness. The lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), is similar to the type of lens implanted in the eye to restore vision following cataract surgery.

Back Pain :: Artificial Disc – Alternative to treat low back pain

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an artificial spinal disc for use in treating pain associated with degenerative disc disease (DDD). The device is intended to replace a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc.

Obesity :: Weight loss surgeries effective for some

A review of weight loss surgeries on more than 22,000 extremely obese patients found the procedures helped many lose more than 100 pounds and combat related health problems.

Breast cancer :: BOADICEA computer program predicts women’s cancer risk

Scientists said they have developed a computer program that can predict whether women have a high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. By using detailed family history, the program called BOADICEA selects women who are most susceptible to the illness and would benefit from further screening or treatment.

Apnea :: Breathing problems during sleep affect development in infants, young

Children who have problems breathing during sleep tend to score lower on tests of mental development and intelligence than do other children their age, according to two studies funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Both studies appear in the October issue of “Journal of Pediatrics”.

Alternative Medicine :: Science of today and conventional medicine

What is non-science today may indeed become the science of tomorrow, & with these thoughts in mind the complacencies of both schools of thought must be shaken. (Michael Baum, Brit. Prof. Of Surgery; Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 80, June, 1987 336-337.)