|
|
|
|
|
|
Do statins lower testosterone and does it matter?
Allan D Sniderman, George Thanassoulis BMC Medicine 2013, 11:58 (28 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
|
Editor’s summary
Allan Sniderman and George Thanassoulis comment on a meta-analysis showing reduction of testosterone by statins, but argue that range of changes rather than average changes need to be considered when measuring the effects of specific drugs.
|
|
|
|
The effect of statins on testosterone in men and women, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
C Mary Schooling, Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Guy Freeman, Benjamin J Cowling BMC Medicine 2013, 11:57 (28 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
|
Editor’s summary
According to a meta-analysis, treatment with statins, a drug commonly prescribed to patients at risk of cardiovascular disease, can reduce testosterone levels in both men and women, although the cause for this needs to be determined by further studies.
|
|
|
|
Maternal plasma sequencing: a powerful tool towards fetal whole genome recovery
Elisavet A Papageorgiou, Philippos C Patsalis BMC Medicine 2013, 11:56 (27 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
|
Editor’s summary
Elisavet Papageorgiou and Philippos Patsalis comment on a novel noninvasive method of fetal haplotype and phenotype analysis, and discuss how this study, published in Genome Medicine, can lead to better prenatal diagnosis of fetal abnormalities.
|
|
|
|
Neural connectivity abnormalities in autism: Insights from the tuberous sclerosis model
Charlotte Tye, Patrick Bolton BMC Medicine 2013, 11:55 (27 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
|
Editor’s summary
Charlotte Tye and Patrick Bolton comment on a study showing that neural networks differ in tuberous sclerosis patients with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and describe how the results support the theory of altered neural circuitry in ASD.
|
|
|
|
Brain functional networks in syndromic and non-syndromic autism: a graph theoretical study of EEG connectivity
Jurriaan M Peters, Maxime Taquet, Clemente Vega, Shafali S Jeste, Ivan Sanchez Fernandez, Jacqueline Tan, Charles A Nelson, Mustafa Sahin, Simon K Warfield BMC Medicine 2013, 11:54 (27 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
|
Editor’s summary
Graph theory measurements in autistic patients with and without tuberous sclerosis complex reveal more short-range neural connections compared with non-autistic controls, offering mechanistic insight into the neurobiological mechanisms of autism.
|
|
|
|
Fascin-1 is a novel biomarker of aggressiveness in some carcinomas
Vathany Kulasingam, Eleftherios P Diamandis BMC Medicine 2013, 11:53 (26 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Vathany Kulasingam and Eleftherios Diamandis comment on a meta-analysis reporting that fascin-1 is associated with cancer mortality and metastasis, and discuss why further research is required before this protein can be used as a biomarker.
|
|
|
|
Association of fascin-1 with mortality, disease progression and metastasis in carcinomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Vanessa Y Tan, Sarah J Lewis, Josephine C Adams, Richard M Martin BMC Medicine 2013, 11:52 (26 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed | Cited on BioMed Central
|
Editor’s summary
Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis shows that fascin-1 is associated with risk of metastasis and mortality in several cancer types, suggesting that it could be developed as a clinical biomarker or therapeutic target for cancer.
|
|
|
|
New guidelines for the initial management of head injury
Carolyn M Benson, G Bryan Young BMC Medicine 2013, 11:51 (25 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Carolyn Benson and Bryan Young comment on the updated Scandinavian guidelines for initial treatment of head injury, but note that some recommendations cannot be implemented in clinical settings with limited access to specific screening facilities.
|
|
|
|
Scandinavian guidelines for initial management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries in adults: an evidence and consensus-based update
Johan Unden, Tor Ingebrigtsen, Bertil Romner, Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee (snc) BMC Medicine 2013, 11:50 (25 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed | Cited on BioMed Central
|
Editor’s summary
The Scandinavian Neurotrauma Committee presents an evidence and consensus-based update of guidelines for the initial management of minimal, mild and moderate head injuries in adults, but highlight that the recommendations also need to be validated in non-Scandinavaian clinical settings.
|
|
|
|
Geriatric consultation services - are wards more effective than teams?
Ian D Cameron, Susan Kurrle BMC Medicine 2013, 11:49 (22 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Although comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) by mobile teams can improve outcomes for mortality in frail older patients, Ian Cameron & Susan Kurrle argue that ward-based CGA is more effective for streaming patients that need complex treatment.
|
|
|
|
Impact of geriatric consultation teams on clinical outcome in acute hospitals: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mieke Deschodt, Johan Flamaing, Patrick Haentjens, Steven Boonen, Koen Milisen BMC Medicine 2013, 11:48 (22 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed | Cited on BioMed Central
|
Editor’s summary
According to a meta-analysis, comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) by mobile teams improves patient mortality rate, but has limited impact on functional status and length of hospital stay, so further research is needed to understand which patients should be targeted.
|
|
|
|
Combined impact of traditional and non-traditional health behaviors on mortality: a national prospective cohort study in Spanish older adults
David Martinez-Gomez, Pilar Guallar-Castillon, Luz M Leon-Munoz, Esther Lopez-Garcia, Fernando Rodriguez-Artalejo BMC Medicine 2013, 11:47 (22 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Adherence to non-traditional health behaviors such as interacting with friends, as well as not smoking and eating healthily, could reduce mortality risk in older adults, highlighting the importance of combining these factors for a healthy lifestyle.
|
|
|
|
Gut microbiota in children with type 1 diabetes differs from that in healthy children: a case-control study
Mora Murri, Isabel Leiva, Juan Miguel Gomez-Zumaquero, Fernando Cardona, Federico Soriguer, Francisco J Tinahones, Maria Isabel Queipo-Ortuno BMC Medicine 2013, 11:46 (21 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Gut microbiota are present at lower quantity and have different composition in children with type 1 diabetes compared with healthy children, possibly due to altered gut permeability, and modification of these bacteria could control diabetes development.
|
|
|
|
Shifting from glucose diagnosis to the new HbA1c diagnosis reduces the capability of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) to screen for glucose abnormalities within a real-life primary healthcare preventive strategy
Bernardo Costa, Francisco Barrio, Josep L Pinol, Juan J Cabre, Xavier Mundet, Ramon Sagarra, Jordi Salas-Salvado, Oriol Sola-Morales, Research Group De-plan-cat/predice BMC Medicine 2013, 11:45 (21 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
The predictive ability of a screening tool for diabetes is reduced when the proposed new hemoglobin-based criteria are used for diagnosis instead of glucose, suggesting that glucose should be measured to assess diabetes risk using this score.
|
|
|
|
High end of normal ACTH and cortisol levels are associated with specific cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric obesity: a cross-sectional study
Flavia Prodam, Roberta Ricotti, Valentina Agarla, Silvia Parlamento, Giulia Genoni, Caterina Balossini, Gillian E Walker, Gianluca Aimaretti, Gianni Bona, Simonetta Bellone BMC Medicine 2013, 11:44 (20 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
High levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol are associated with distinct cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in obese children, suggesting complex mechanisms underlie interactions between hormones and metabolic impairments in obesity.
|
|
|
|
Dapagliflozin add-on to metformin in type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 102-week trial
Clifford J Bailey, Jorge L Gross, Delphine Hennicken, Nayyar Iqbal, Traci A Mansfield, James F List BMC Medicine 2013, 11:43 (20 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
In a 102 week trial, addition of dapagliflozin to metformin therapy for type 2 diabetes patients was effective for glycemic control in those who are inadequately controlled by metformin alone, suggesting a novel therapeutic option for those requiring long-term management.
|
|
|
|
Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with birth weight but not with gestational length: results from a large prospective observational cohort study
Verena Sengpiel, Elisabeth Elind, Jonas Bacelis, Staffan Nilsson, Jakob Grove, Ronny Myhre, Margaretha Haugen, Helle M Meltzer, Jan Alexander, Bo Jacobsson, Anne-Lise Brantsaeter BMC Medicine 2013, 11:42 (19 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Caffeine intake from various sources during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of the baby being small for gestational age and decreased birth weight, which may have implications for the recommended consumption of caffeine.
|
|
|
|
Tackling overweight and obesity: does the public health message match the science?
Katherine Hafekost, David Lawrence, Francis Mitrou, Therese A O'Sullivan, Stephen R Zubrick BMC Medicine 2013, 11:41 (18 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Many weight-loss interventions based on a simple model of energy balance fail to achieve long-term results; Stephen R Zubrick and colleagues recommend that multiple factors affecting energy regulation should be considered in order to tackle obesity.
|
|
|
|
Evidence-based medicine and values-based medicine: partners in clinical education as well as in clinical practice
Ed Peile BMC Medicine 2013, 11:40 (15 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Linking values-based and evidence-based medicine in an education strategy promotes better practice; Ed Peile discusses the importance of this for decision processes, highlighting the influence of well designed education strategies.
|
|
|
|
Promoting networks between evidence-based medicine and values-based medicine in continuing medical education
Myriam M Altamirano-Bustamante, Nelly F Altamirano-Bustamante, Alberto Lifshitz, Ignacio Mora-Magana, Adalberto De Hoyos, Maria Teresa Avila-Osorio, Silvia Quintana-Vargas, Jorge A Aguirre, Jorge Mendez, Chiharu Murata, Rodrigo Nava-Diosdado, Oscar Martinez-Gonzalez, Elisa Calleja, Raul Vargas, Juan Manuel Mejia-Arangure, Araceli Cortez-Dominguez, Fernand Vedrenne-Gutierrez, Perla Sueiras, Juan Garduno, Sergio Islas-Andrade, Fabio Salamanca, Jesus Kumate-Rodriguez, Alejandro Reyes-Fuentes BMC Medicine 2013, 11:39 (15 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed | Cited on BioMed Central
|
Editor’s summary
A Continuing Medical Education intervention, aimed at strengthening links between evidence-based and values-based medicine in healthcare personnel, improves high-order values such as openness to change, which are essential for improving medical care.
|
|
|
|
Sodium vanadate combined with L-ascorbic acid delays disease progression, enhances motor performance, and ameliorates muscle atrophy and weakness in mice with spinal muscular atrophy
Huei-Chun Liu, Chen-Hung Ting, Hsin-Lan Wen, Li-Kai Tsai, Hsiu-Mei Hsieh-Li, Hung Li, Sue Lin-Chao BMC Medicine 2013, 11:38 (14 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Combined therapy of sodium vanadate with L-ascorbic acid delays disease progression and enhances motor performance in mice, as well as reducing toxicity, indicating an improved strategy for treating of late onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
|
|
|
|
Peri-operative interventions producing better functional outcomes and enhanced recovery following total hip and knee arthroplasty: an evidence-based review
Mazin S Ibrahim, Muhammad A Khan, Ikram Nizam, Fares S Haddad BMC Medicine 2013, 11:37 (13 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Fares Haddad and colleagues review peri-operative interventions for improved patient outcomes after total knee and hip replacements, which aim to improve patient quality of life and lessen the economic burden by reducing length of hospital stay.
|
|
|
|
A practical method to target individuals for outbreak detection and control
Gerardo Chowell, Cecile Viboud BMC Medicine 2013, 11:36 (12 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Gerardo Chowell and Cécile Viboud comment on a novel method that identifies risk of influenza transmission and allows early detection of infection in schools, but caution that this promising method needs testing on outbreaks in different settings.
|
|
|
|
A low-cost method to assess the epidemiological importance of individuals in controlling infectious disease outbreaks
Timo Smieszek, Marcel Salathe BMC Medicine 2013, 11:35 (12 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
A low-cost ranking method for modeling the spread of influenza in schools identifies subpopulations at higher risk of early infection than randomly selected communities, which could be effective for predicting and preventing epidemics.
|
|
|
|
Managing the risk of lithium-induced nephropathy in the long-term treatment of patients with recurrent affective disorders
Emanuel Severus, Michael Bauer BMC Medicine 2013, 11:34 (11 February 2013)
Abstract | Provisional PDF
| PubMed
|
Editor’s summary
Emanuel Severus and Michael Bauer comment on recent research that showed kidney toxicity is associated with duration of lithium treatment and age, and discuss the importance of managing renal function in patients on long-term lithium therapy.
|