Abstracts & Commmentary
Replenishing Vitamin D Deficiency Improves Lung Cancer Prognosis
08-07-2019 An interventional trial finds vitamin D supplements specifically benefit patients with lung cancer who were vitamin D–deficient to begin with, supporting an individualized approach to supplementation in this population.
Blueberries for Knee Osteoarthritis
08-07-2019 Study finds that blueberries improve pain, stiffness, and gait but do not reduce biomarkers of inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Delta Tocotrienol and Bevacizumab for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer
08-07-2019 Randomized trial shows that tocotrienol, a member of the vitamin E family, works synergistically with bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody, to slow progression and extend survival in women with refractory ovarian cancer.
Anaerobically Prepared Fecal Microbiota Transplant for Ulcerative Colitis
08-07-2019 Study shows patients with ulcerative colitis who receive fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) experience steroid-free remission at 8 weeks in numbers greater than placebo.
Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Risk of Dying
07-02-2019 A comprehensive analysis of data from 2 large cohorts, followed for several decades, suggests that sugar-sweetened beverages are a grave public health risk.
Ultra-processed Food Consumption, Appetite, and Weight Gain
07-02-2019 Sophisticated inpatient trial and several other new studies confirm the harm of ultra-processed foods.
Gardening Promotes Production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Elderly
07-02-2019 The mental health benefits of gardening have been recognized for centuries and confirmed by modern-day science, but a recent study is among the first to explore the mechanism of action using biomarker data.
Probiotics, Fecal Transplant, and the Microbiome
07-02-2019 A study in both human volunteers and mice shows the benefit of autologous fecal transplant for reconstitution of the microbiome following antibiotic treatment. But what about probiotics?
Physician Assurance Reduces Patient Symptoms
07-02-2019 Study finds a brief, one-sentence assurance from a physician in response to a patients’ allergic reaction significantly reduces allergic symptoms.
Benefits of Exercise for Men on Active Surveillance
06-05-2019 Many studies have assessed the benefits of exercise in men with prostate cancer, but a recent study is the first to look specifically at the association of physical activity and risk of progression in men who are on active surveillance. Can vigorous exercise delay prostate cancer progression?
Air Pollution and Adolescent Psychosis
06-05-2019 A population cohort study from the United Kingdom finds a significant relationship between air quality and the occurrence of psychotic events during adolescence (between the ages of 12 and 18).
Synbiotics and Pomegranate Juice for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
06-05-2019 A placebo-controlled trial compares the effects of pomegranate juice, pomegranate juice with synbiotics, and a synbiotic-only beverage on insulin parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Is the addition of pomegranate juice worth the extra sugar and calories?
Is Low-Carb the Key to Lasting Weight Loss?
06-05-2019 Study comparing low-carbohydrate, moderate-carbohydrate, and high-carbohydrate diets identifies key mechanism regarding sustainable weight loss.
Should Aggression Be Added to Melatonin’s Adverse Effects?
05-22-2019 Melatonin use among adults has nearly doubled in the last decade, but comprehensive data on adverse effects is lacking. A recent randomized controlled trial used a creative setup to explore whether or not melatonin increases aggressive tendencies, an effect that has been observed in animals.
Clock Genes and Aging in the Elderly
05-22-2019 Clock genes help control circadian rhythms. Several polymorphisms of the CLOCK gene, one of the first such genes to be discovered, have been identified. Could variations in the CLOCK gene explain differences in aging quality?
Wearable Devices: Usable or Useless Information?
05-22-2019 Fitness trackers and similar technologies, a multibillion dollar industry, provide users with a plethora of information. Many collect data not just on step count or miles covered, but on physiologic measures of fitness and health such as heart rate and sleep patterns. But how reliable is the data?
Light Therapy Glasses for Depression in Teens
05-22-2019 Clinical trial finds a novel mode of blue light delivery improves mood in teenagers suffering from depression.
Outdoor Light Pollution Linked to Increased Depression and Suicide Risk
05-22-2019 Light at night (LAN), often called “light pollution,” has been identified as a public health threat. A recent study links LAN specifically to increased prevalence of depression and suicide or suicidal ideation.
Melatonin to Prevent ICU Delirium
05-01-2019 Delirium is a common complication among patients in the intensive care unit, but treatment options are limited and pose additional risks. Could melatonin, a simple and nontoxic intervention, be an effective therapy for this condition?
Childhood Residential Green Space Exposure Predicts Future Risk of Psychiatric Diagnosis
05-01-2019 Exposure to green space has been shown to improve mental health in both children and adults. A large study involving nearly 1 million people is the first to show a relationship between green space exposure during childhood and risk of mental illness in adulthood.