Researchers at the Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA have identified 3 bedside features, namely, rapid onset of symptoms, negative history of similar episodes and absence of nonspecific symptoms in the past as supporting factors for the diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA). Continue Reading

Curcumin, a principal component responsible for the yellow color in the Indian spice, turmeric, has been previously suggested to possess anticancer properties. Now, according to a recent study reported by researchers at the Medical College of Georgia, USA, curcumin may also have the potential to reduce the size of hemorrhagic stroke. Continue Reading

A recent study, published in the Current Opinion in Psychiatry has reported that neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs in 55-94% of neonates following intrauterine opioid exposure, with nearly 60% of them requiring treatment. Now, researchers at the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia have reported that sublingual buprenorphine is a safe and effective treatment option for neonatal abstinence syndrome. The study results have been published in the September issue of Pediatrics. Continue Reading

Serum auto antibody signatures may aid in the early diagnosis and management of ruptured atherosclerotic lesions and myocardial infarction, according to a research article published in the recent issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Continue Reading

A pioneering study headed by scientist Herng-Ching Lin and colleagues from the Taipei Medical University, Taiwan, has concluded that there is an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease after sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The study findings have been been published online in the June 2008 issue of Stroke.
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Polyethylene glycol (PEG), a non-toxic, ethylene oxide polymer, can reduce the behavioral complications associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) when administered within four hours of the injury, according to a study published in the recent issue of the Journal of Biological Engineering. Continue Reading

Bioengineering scientists working at the University of California, San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering, USA, have elucidated a single molecular mechanism underlying the occurrence of immunosuppression and metabolic disorders like hypertension and insulin resistance. Continue Reading

Medtronic, Inc. receives US FDA approval for Attain StarFix® OTW (over-the-wire) lead, a new solution for the accurate placement and stability of the left ventricle (LV) pacing lead in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Continue Reading

Effective therapy for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) depends on the patient’s ability to identify the symptoms and take immediate decision to seek medical treatment. However, the knowledge level of perceived risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was found to be low in patients documented with ischemic heart disease (IHD), according to a recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine. Continue Reading

Impella ® 2.5 cardiac assist device, the world’s smallest ventricle heart pump, developed by Abiomed, Inc., has recently received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This new device, which provides partial circulatory support up to 6 hours, could be a major breakthrough in advancing the standard of care in the catheterization laboratory (cath lab). Continue Reading