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When should early-Alzheimer's patients stop driving? Visuospatial tests best predictors of driving skill
When cognitive skills start fading, how do we know when it's time to stop driving? Although there is some consensus that individuals with moderate to severe dementia should not drive, it has been much harder to screen people with mild dementia, the earliest stage of the mental deterioration typical of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers in Washington state recently reviewed all published reports on the subject and determined that for these people, specific tests of mental status and visuospatial skills predict driving performance. Honing in on specific aspects of an individual's neuropsychological functioning could help clinicians and government agencies develop the right tools to keep drivers – and everyone else on the road – safe. more
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Reach of sigmoidoscopies inadequate in many older women
The number of sigmoidoscopy examinations that fail to attain an adequate depth of insertion increases progressively along with advancing age in men and women, according to a new study by a researcher at the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC). In addition, the study found, women are up to twice as likely as men to have inadequate exams. The findings, which are based on reviews of thousands of records of sigmoidoscopies, suggest that a patient's age and sex are important factors to consider in choosing among various colorectal cancer screening methods.
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Use of birthing pool reduces need for pain relief during labor
Using a birthing pool during the first stage of labor cuts the need for epidural injections. First-time mothers are less likely to need pain relief during labor if they use a birthing pool, according to researchers. more
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Avian influenza A: Review and update of the current situation
Laboratory tests have confirmed two additional human cases of H5N1 avian influenza in Viet Nam. The cases, both in Ho Chi Minh City, are two children, an 8-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy. The boy died on 22 January. The girl is hospitalized in stable, but critical condition.
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WHO SARS international reference and verfication laboratory network: Policy and procedures in the inter-epidemic period (PDF)
WHO announced that the last chain of human transmission of SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) was broken on 5 July 2003, and thus the epidemic was over. For cases of SARS to reappear, the virus has to re-emerge from one of three sources: from an animal source, from a laboratory accident, or from undetected transmission cycles in human populations. However, regardless of the source of re-emergence, its rapid detection and specific diagnosis will be crucial in preventing any re-emergence of new cases which could initiate a new epidemic. more
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UK to study the role of the brain in obesity
Scientists at the Universities of Edinburgh and Newcastle-upon-Tyne are preparing to start one of the largest studies of its kind, which will examine the role of the brain in obesity.
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Obesity costs states billions in medical expenses
A new study by researchers at RTI International and the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC) estimates that U.S. obesity-attributable medical
expenditures reached $75 billion in 2003 and that taxpayers finance about
half of these costs through Medicare and Medicaid. The findings will be
published in this month’s issue of Obesity Research. more
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