Background:Neuropathic pain results from a nerve lesion or nerve damage. Because it is a subjective experience, patient-reported outcomes may measure both the symptoms and impact on the patientas life. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) adequately assesses neuropathic pain symptoms in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, and sciatica across multiple cultures. Methods:From data collected from 132 subjects in 6 countries, qualitative research methods identified their most important symptoms (and verbal descriptions) associated with neuropathic pain.

Online database shows health program spendingCharleston Post Courier, SC - 20 minutes ago

A healthy dose of independenceMinneapolis Star Tribune, MN - 14 minutes ago

Background:It has been known for a long time that use of antipsychotics, particularly atypical antipsychotics, is associated with weight gain and increase in risk of metabolic disturbances. In this study we have tried to find out if use of antipsychotics is associated with increase in weight and body mass index (BMI) in the Pakistani population.Methods:We performed a case note review of all patients who had been prescribed antipsychotic medication at the psychiatry outpatient clinic of a tertiary care university hospital in Pakistan over a 4-year period.Results:A total of 50% of patients had a BMI in the overweight or higher range at baseline.

For more than 15 years, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been the flagship material of nanotechnology. Researchers have conceived applications for nanotubes ranging from microelectronic devices to cancer therapy. Their atomic structure should, in theory, give them mechanical and electrical properties far superior to most common materials.

For a long time, the main obstacle to creating an AIDS vaccine has been the high genetic variability of the HIV virus. Dr. Jean-Pierre Routy and his team from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), in collaboration with Dr. Rafick Sekaly from the Universite de Montreal, have overcome this difficulty by designing a personalized immunotherapy for HIV-infected patients.

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) could face "dire consequences" in the November election if he chooses a vice presidential running mate who supports abortion rights, several socially conservative advocates said on Thursday, The Politico reports (Martin, The Politico, 8/14).

Over the next year, researchers at Montana State University's Western Transportation Institute will use state-of-the-art video cameras to help teenage drivers stay safe on the state's rural roads. The new study will use automated in-car cameras to gauge the effect of Montana's drowsy and distracted driver's education modules on teen attitudes and behaviors behind the wheel.

The percentage of U.S. women who reported receiving contraceptive services increased from 36% in 1995 to 41% in 2002, and about one-fourth of women who obtained services utilized publicly funded clinics, according to a study conducted by the Guttmacher Institute and published in the October issue of the American Journal of Public Health, HealthDay News/Washington Post reports.

Preliminary research, led by Dr. Lawrence Cheskin, MD, Director of John Hopkins Weight Management Center, suggests increasing intake of low-energy density foods, specifically mushrooms, in place of high-energy-density foods, like lean ground beef, is a strategy for preventing or treating obesity. This is good news for the more than one-third of U.S.

Scientists in the US recovered antibodies to the 1918 flu virus from elderly survivors of the pandemic, used them to create cell lines of monoclonal antibodies and then showed they were still potent by injecting them into infected mice that survived, whereas the controls did not.

Advocates, including those for breast cancer patients, are concerned about their relationship with pharmaceutical company Genentech following Roche's bid for the company, the Wall Street Journal reports.

CMS on Thursday reported that a pilot program paying physicians based on quality and efficiency of care has shown gains in quality of care and in some cases lowered costs, CQ HealthBeat reports.

A number of states in response to budget deficits have proposed changes to their Medicaid programs that could affect the eligibility of hundreds of thousands of residents or reduce reimbursements for health care providers, the Christian Science Monitor reports.

Two UnitedHealth Group subsidiaries are challenging a proposed rule by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation that would require state insurers to use the same application forms and medical questionnaires for all small businesses with between two and 50 employees, Florida Health News reports.

Although many injection drug users in Thailand are HIV-positive, the government's campaign to curb drug use makes it difficult for IDUs to access no-cost antiretroviral treatment provided by the government, advocates said recently, VOA News reports. According to VOA News, an estimated half of the country's 100,000 to 250,000 IDUs are HIV-positive.

USAID recently launched a short-film competition, called "You Are No Exception," to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention in Nepal, the Kathmandu Post reports. According to a report by the agency, many people living in rural parts of Nepal do not use condoms because they associate them with commercial sex work and immoral behavior.

A growing body of research suggests that there is a potent way to fight symptoms of depression that doesn't involve getting a prescription. This potent weapon? Hope. "We're finding that hope is consistently associated with fewer symptoms of depression.

While many studies have examined cheating among college students, new research looks at the issue from a different perspective - identifying students who are least likely to cheat.

A second Phase I AIDS vaccine clinical trial in India was successfully completed, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the National AIDS Control Organization and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative have announced.