Culture

Early data show potential for investigational bioengineered vessel as dialysis graft

DURHAM, N.C. – An investigational, man-made blood vessel used in vascular grafts for kidney dialysis patients may potentially show encouraging early results among study patients in Poland, according to preliminary data reported Wednesday by a researcher at Duke Medicine.

Presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions meeting in Dallas, the early findings of this interim patient data track 28 hemodialysis patients who received grafts using the investigational bioengineered vessel during a multi-center study launched in Poland last December.

Involving patients in their nurses' shift change reduces medical errors and satisfies patients

TORONTO, Nov. 20, 2013 – At shift change, incoming and outgoing nurses transfer accountability by exchanging information about the patients under their charge. Called bedside handover, this process empowers patients and allows them to become active partners in their own care.

New research published today shows that performing this transfer at the patient's bedside can also reduce potential errors.

Virtual sailing simulator shows key role of recreation

Researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute announced today the results of a pilot study demonstrating use of a virtual therapeutic sailing simulator as an important part of rehabilitation following a spinal cord injury (SCI). Published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, findings show that using a hands-on sailing simulator over a 12-week period helped participants safely learn sailing skills in a controlled environment, ultimately improving their quality of life by gaining the ability to participate in a recreational sport.

Box office success linked to blogging, study finds

Movie attendance peaks during the holiday season, and studios capitalize on this by releasing dozens of new titles between the end of November and the new year, with much of a movie's box office success predicted by opening weekend.

Though it would seem that studios have little control over public reaction to their movies, a new study by Pradeep K. Chintagunta of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business reveals some factors that studios can control to boost how their movies perform at the box office, particularly in local markets.

Engineering education may diminish concern for public welfare issues

Collegiate engineering education may foster a "culture of disengagement" regarding issues of public welfare, according to new research by a sociologist at Rice University.

In an era of less media scrutiny, John F. Kennedy hid serious health problems from the public

An article published in Annals of Internal Medicine discusses the surprising health history of President John F. Kennedy. At the age of 43, Kennedy was the youngest man ever elected president. During his campaign and presidency, the media portrayed him as the epitome of youth and vigor. However, a review of Kennedy's White House medical records, as well as correspondence from his physicians, reveal that Kennedy had the most complex medical history of any U.S. president.

Framework could improve southeast rainfall forecasts

DURHAM, N.C. -- Summer rainfall in the southeastern United States is vitally important to the region's agriculture, economy and ecology. But accurately forecasting how much rain may fall in an upcoming season can be tricky because of the complicated physical processes and environmental factors that determine its intensity.

A new study by two Duke University scientists may help improve seasonal forecasts byproviding a new statistical "framework" that meteorologists can use to predict the likely intensity of rainfall for the coming summer.

Mental stress + heart disease: Stronger presence in women under 50

Researchers have found that women younger than 50 with a recent heart attack are more likely to experience restricted blood flow to the heart (myocardial ischemia) in response to psychological stress.

The finding may partly explain why younger women who are hospitalized after a heart attack face a greater risk of complications and dying, compared to men of the same age.

The results are scheduled to be presented Wednesday, Nov. 20 at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions meeting in Dallas.

Insomnia linked to mortality risk

Boston, MA - Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, affects up to one-third of the population in the United States. In new findings, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have found that some insomnia symptoms are associated with an increased risk of mortality in men. These findings are published online in Circulation and will appear in an upcoming print issue.

Study reveals higher levels of control and support at work increases wellbeing

Research from Queen Mary University of London reveals positive aspects of working life – such as high levels of control at work, good support from supervisors and colleagues, and feeling cared for – support higher levels of wellbeing among Britain's workers.

The Whitehall II study*, published today in the journal Plos ONE, was conducted amongst 5,182 London based civil servants and is one of very few longitudinal studies examining the positive effects on people at work.

Higher levels of wellbeing were impacted by:

New study helps predict life expectancy in healthy people using complete blood count risk score

DALLAS – For years, doctors have been divided on how effective annual testing and screenings are for apparently healthy individuals. New research, however, shows that a simple blood test may predict who is at highest risk to develop heart problems – and how long these people may have to live.

Treating alcohol dependence: Medication plus therapy leads to longer abstinence

Alcohol treatment that incorporates a stepped-care rationale, in which services are escalated, appears to increase the overall efficacy of the treatment regimen. However, in countries such as Germany and the U.S., medication and individual psychotherapy – either separately or in combination – are rarely used to treat alcohol dependence (AD).

Recessionary woes lead to adverse alcohol outcomes for men and middle-aged Americans

Economic downturns can have adverse health-related consequences, including poorer mental health and higher rates of suicide.
New research looks at different types of economic loss and associated alcohol consumption/ problems.
The most adverse effects of severe economic loss on drunkenness and alcohol problems were concentrated among men and the middle-aged.

Individuals who flush after drinking are at higher risk of alcohol-related hypertension

Excessive drinking is a known risk factor for hypertension.
Drinking that results in facial flushing indicates high sensitivity or even intolerance to alcohol.
A new study has found that drinking-related hypertension has a higher risk in flushers than in non-flushers, and the risk of hypertension was significantly increased when flushers consumed more than four drinks per week.