Several studies have validated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy profiles of botulinum toxin injection (Botox) for various therapeutic as well as esthetic indications. In contrast to these findings, a recent study published in the journal Emotion reports that the injection may adversely affect the emotional experience of the treated subjects. Continue Reading

A recent study by Danish researchers has reported that the intake of psychotropic medications could pose serious adverse effects during pregnancy, including the possibility of birth defects in the offspring. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the open access journal BMC Research Notes. Continue Reading

Allopurinol, the prototype xanthine oxidase inhibitor, has been indicated for the management of gout and other conditions associated with hyperuricemia for more than half a century. Recent reports have suggested the probable role of xanthine oxidase in ischemic injuries, thereby prompting researchers to consider allopurinol as a treatment option. Now, a recent double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, published in the latest issue of The Lancet, reports the potential use of the drug in treating chronic stable angina. Continue Reading

It is well known that a diet rich in cholesterol and saturated fats increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) by inducing atherosclerosis. Recent research has focused on the other constituents of the diet, such as carbohydrates, and their role in CHD. One such study published in the latest issue of Archives of Internal Medicine reports that foods containing carbohydrates with a high glycemic index (GI) increase the risk of CHD in women, but not in men. Continue Reading

Multivitamins, presumed to confer health benefits and prevent chronic diseases, is consumed as dietary supplements by a substantially high number of individuals in the US. Now, a recent prospective cohort study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, cautions the regular multivitamins consumers on the enhanced risk for breast cancer associated with its intake. Continue Reading

The increased risk of melanoma in Parkinson disease (PD) patients has been suggested earlier; although, there has been no substantial scientific evidence to explain the cause of this association. A prospective clinico-pathological study, published in the latest issue of Archives of Neurology, reiterates this association, and proposes the need for performing skin cancer screening in PD patients. Continue Reading

The prevalence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in the United States is around 5 fold greater than that of prostate or breast cancer: a study, using an incidence-based mathematical model, has recently reported in the latest issue of the Archives of Dermatology. The research also found that the prevalence was higher than the 31-year combined incidence of all other malignancies. Continue Reading

A team of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) neuroscientists has succeeded in developing a molecular-level functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which responds to dopamine neurotransmitters, thereby enabling a more precise noninvasive brain imaging. The study results have been published in the online issue of the journal, Nature Biotechnology. Continue Reading

Predicting the progression of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) to Alzheimer disease (AD) is of paramount significance in initiating mechanistic therapies. However, there lacks specific consensus on the use of various prognosticating factors for the disease progression. Now, a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease substantiates the effectiveness of the interpretation of data obtained from diverse and heterogeneous sources using artificial neural networks (ANNs) in predicting the disease conversion. Continue Reading

With neuroinflammation documented as one of the prominent pathogenic mechanisms in Parkinson disease (PD), several preclinical and in vitro studies have shown the advantages of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in modifying the disease risk. Now, a recent study reports that daily intake of ibuprofen, a commonly used over-the-counter medication for pain, could reduce the risk of developing PD by 40%. The results of the study will be presented at the 62nd annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Toronto, from April 10-17, 2010. Continue Reading