-
A randomized, double-blind study found that alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid) supplementation provided few additional benefits for older adults participating in a 12-week resistance-training program.
-
In-depth laboratory analysis suggests that human semen (SE) contains a peptide that enhances HIV infectivity, but the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits the increased infectivity associated with the peptide. This raises the possibility that topical intravaginal EGCG could be a useful adjunct in controlling the spread of HIV infection.
-
According to results of a gallup organization survey released during the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 57th Annual Clinical meeting in Chicago, women are delaying important preventive care—in the form of pregnancy and annual check-ups—as a result of the economy.
-
Subgroups of U.S. adults who are minorities, poor, or undereducated with chronic cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia have large disparities in treatment for these conditions compared with white, high school-educated adults when they are uninsured or underinsured.
-
Several large observational studies have suggested that vitamin E supplementation lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. However, the results of large randomized controlled trials failed to show a clear benefit of a-tocopherol supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes.
-
Resistance to antibiotics continues to pose a serious problem in treating infections. While new pharmaceutical agents are being developed, interest in alternative treatments is also growing. Grapefruit seed extract is one commercially available antimicrobial that has attracted considerable attention.
-
A study of thermal spa baths for chronic low back pain revealed some benefits over warm tap water baths. However, multiple hypothesis testing takes away from the confidence clinicians can have regarding the true effect. Nonetheless, all patients improved during and after the treatment period of daily baths.
-
In an initial investigation of the potential for information from CAM research to influence clinical practice, a 2007 national survey asked acupuncturists, naturopaths, internists, and rheumatologists about their awareness of CAM clinical trials, ability to interpret research results, and use of research evidence in decision making.
-
This small pilot study represents the first controlled assessment of intravenous micronutrient therapy for fibromyalgia. No statistically significant benefit over placebo was identified, though clinical benefit was apparent, and feasibility was established. Regardless of one's bias regarding this type of care, further study is needed.
-
Upon evaluating data from the STAR*D project, researchers concluded that phase III clinical trials often do not recruit representative populations of depressed outpatients, making the recommendations drawn from the studies' conclusions of limited applicability to general clinical practice.
