Therapy | Page 183 of 190 | SpiritIndia.com

Diabetes :: Human insulin producing cells of the pancreas

Scientists at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases have induced human insulin-producing cells of the pancreas to revert to islet precursor cells. These precursor cells are capable of expansion and appear to naturally and efficiently differentiate into clusters of islet-like cells. This work may help to clarify the natural lifecycle of the beta cell and may eventually have applications for diabetes treatment. The study appears on-line today in Science Express, the rapid publication web site of the journal Science.

Ultrasound :: Ultrasound-aided therapy better than stroke drug alone

Using ultrasound in combination with the drug t-PA can improve response to an ischemic stroke, according to a study involving 126 patients. This first-of-its-kind human trial compared the safety and efficacy of ultrasound and t-PA versus use of t-PA alone. The trial was funded in part by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The finding appears in the November 18, 2004, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Uterine Fibroids :: New Device to Treat Uterine Fibroids

The Food and Drug Administration approved the ExAblate 2000 System, a new medical device that uses magnetic resonance image guided focused ultrasound to target and destroy uterine fibroids, non-cancerous masses located in the uterus. The device is intended to treat women who have completed child bearing or do not intend to become pregnant.

Obesity :: Steps for safe and effective weight loss for overweight and obesity

In 1999, almost 108 million adult Americans were overweight or obese. If you are overweight or obese, carrying this extra weight puts you at risk for developing many diseases, especially heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Losing this weight helps to prevent and control these diseases. Following guidelines provide you with a new approach for the measurement of overweight and obesity and a set of steps for safe and effective weight loss.

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.

HIV :: Preventing and treating HIV/AIDS in poor countries

The World Health Organization (WHO) announces measures which will ensure that HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts in poor countries will also help deliver better health services. Canada’s 100 million Canadian dollars contribution to the WHO this year is key in helping to build these services, which include urgently addressing the shortage of health workers in countries suffering the most pressure from the effects of HIV/AIDS.

OCD :: Psychotherapy for youth with obsessive compulsive disorder

Children and adolescents with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) respond best to a combination of both psychotherapy and an antidepressant, a major clinical trial has found. Supported by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Mental Health, the study recommends that treatment begin with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), either alone or with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.

Asthma :: Home environment changes may relieve asthma

Inner-city families can help relieve children’s asthma symptoms by making simple changes in their homes. Such steps include using pillow covers that are impermeable to dust mites, and air purifiers to get rid of tobacco smoke, mold and cat or dog allergens.

Bladder cancer :: test to detect recurrence of bladder cancer

A three-year study to validate a test to detect the recurrence of bladder cancer has been initiated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), at 12 centers* across the United States and Canada. This test was conceived and is being conducted by NCI’s Early Detection Research Network (EDRN). By examining genetic changes in DNA obtained through urine samples, the test, if successfully validated, will provide a sensitive and non- invasive method of screening for bladder cancer recurrence.

Cerebral palsy :: Botox helps children with drooling in cerebral palsy

Children with cerebral palsy often suffer from uncontrolled drooling, but this can be reduced with an injection of Botox, researchers report. They also found that a scopolamine patch – sometimes used for controlling motion sickness – helps reduce drooling, too, but the Botox treatments were associated with fewer and less serious side effects.