News &amp; Updates

A faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is able to accurately rule out colorectal cancer (CRC) and is as sensitive as colonoscopy, the current gold standard for CRC diagnosis, the NICE* FIT study has shown.

Faecal test as good as colonoscopy in detecting CRC

Repeated administration of inorganic nitrate lowers blood pressure

Repeated administration of inorganic nitrate results in a reduction of peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), a study has found, noting that the results seem to be driven by the beneficial effects in healthy and hypertensive individuals.

Repeated administration of inorganic nitrate lowers blood pressure

Omega-3 fatty acid intake cuts risk of adverse events in acute MI

Elevated levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in serum phosphatidylcholine (PC) at the time of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are associated with a lower risk of clinical adverse events during a long-term follow-up, according to a study, suggesting that consumption of foods rich in EPA and ALA may improve STEMI prognosis.

Omega-3 fatty acid intake cuts risk of adverse events in acute MI

What factors correlate with residual disease activity in psoriatic arthritis?

Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) may show residual disease activity (RDA), according to a study. Very low disease activity (VLDA) appears to be the most stringent criterion to identify patients in the absence of RDA.

What factors correlate with residual disease activity in psoriatic arthritis?

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty may be effective for infrapopliteal disease

In patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) due to chronic total occlusions in the infrapopliteal region, drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty was associated with a lower rate of late lumen loss compared with the standard balloon angioplasty – percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), according to the results of the IN.PACT below-the-knee (BTK) feasibility study presented at TCT 2020.

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty may be effective for infrapopliteal disease

PLHIVs in need of better communication with their healthcare providers

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are often uncomfortable talking to their healthcare providers (HCPs) about issues related to their condition, reports a new study presented at the recently concluded 2020 IDWeek Virtual Conference (ID Week 2020). In turn, PLHIVs tend to suffer from worse quality of life (QOL).

PLHIVs in need of better communication with their healthcare providers

Past pain may interfere with placebo analgesia

The mere possession of a placebo analgesia shows a clear pain suppression effect, but only in those without a recent pain experience, a new trial has found.

Past pain may interfere with placebo analgesia

Survey identifies top concerns of breast cancer survivors in Singapore

04 Nov 2020 by

Treatment and potential recurrence are among the top concerns of breast cancer survivors in Singapore, a recent study showed.

Survey identifies top concerns of breast cancer survivors in Singapore

Very elderly AF patients fare well on low-dose edoxaban

04 Nov 2020 by

Elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) aged ≥80 years who cannot receive oral anticoagulants at recommended doses may do well instead on low-dose edoxaban, which prevents stroke without increasing the incidence of bleeding, according to the results of the phase III ELDERCARE-AF trial.

Very elderly AF patients fare well on low-dose edoxaban

Low-energy sweeteners show no acute effects on postprandial glucose, insulin

Consumption of low-energy sweeteners (LES), alone or in combination with a nutrient-containing preload, appears to have no acute effects on the mean changes in postprandial glycaemic or insulinaemic responses relative to a control intervention, reports a study.

Low-energy sweeteners show no acute effects on postprandial glucose, insulin