Researchers hope to achieve a treatment that prevents total paralysis after partial spinal cord injury by adding T-cells to the immune response. In laboratory animal tests, rats with partial spinal cord injuries regained motor activity in their paralyzed legs, while untreated rats developed increasing paralysis.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of carotenoids, have a protective effect against colon cancer. The antioxidants in these compounds help neutralize oxygen radical species and reduce the risk of colon cancer, particularly in younger individuals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immune system cells can attack normal cells carrying mimic molecules, leading to autoimmune diseases like arthritis. The study suggests subtle changes that could underlie many autoimmune diseases and offers a starting point for investigating environmental or genetic triggers.
Researchers have discovered the cause of enhanced S-cone syndrome (ESCS), a disorder that affects sensitivity to blue light and development of night blindness. Mutations in the photoreceptor gene NR2E3 were found in 94% of DNA samples from ESCS-affected individuals.
This issue of Annals of Internal Medicine offers guidance on identifying and treating depression in terminally ill patients. A new program combining physical therapy and exercise is shown to effectively manage osteoarthritis symptoms, potentially delaying surgery for affected adults. Meanwhile, a pet parrot infection has been transmitt...
A study found that unfiltered coffee increases plasma homocysteine concentrations in healthy volunteers, equating to a 10% overall increase in risk for heart attack or stroke. Individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases should limit their consumption of unfiltered coffee.
The University of California, San Francisco is set to conduct a pioneering study on liver and kidney transplantation in HIV-infected patients. The research aims to determine the safety and efficacy of these procedures in individuals with end-stage liver and kidney disease, which are often fatal due to co-infection with hepatitis C virus.
A new report by WHO found that US 15-year-olds are less likely to watch television, smoke, or engage in regular physical activity. In contrast, 11-year-old US students began smoking at rates comparable to other countries.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed over 3,000 patients in triple-drug combination trials and found that those taking fewer pills had better treatment outcomes. Patients on simpler regimens with as few as four pills per day had significantly higher success rates compared to those on complex regimens.
The ACP-ASIM End-of-Life Care Consensus Panel provides guidance on identifying and managing depression in dying patients, which can improve their quality of life. The panel's recommendations are based on state-of-the-art psychosocial interventions and/or drug treatments.
Researchers found Madh6 gene and Smad6 protein play crucial role in cardiovascular system, causing heart valve and blood vessel abnormalities. This discovery provides potential target for developing novel therapies to treat cardiovascular disease.
A groundbreaking study led by Northwestern University aims to understand the health needs of delinquent children over time. The longitudinal study examines factors such as service integration, treatment effectiveness, and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among 1,800 racially diverse youth.
Researchers develop a mouse model for intrauterine growth retardation and find that administering indomethacin during pregnancy can rescue underweight fetuses. The study provides promising insights into the underlying biochemistry of IUGR and identifies a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that men with Antisocial Personality Disorder have significant deficiencies in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region enabling moral sensibilities and self-restraint. The study bolsters the link between damage to this region and the acquisition of antisocial behavior.
Eight scientists have been selected for the Gerhard Hess prize for their groundbreaking work in humanities, biology, and medicine. The winners include Dr. Martin Wallraff for his critical edition of a Christian author's chronography, and Dr. Thomas Behr for developing radioimmunotherapies to treat tumours.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that smokers who received vitamin C supplements showed a substantial 3-fold increase in vitamin C levels, while nonsmokers and placebo recipients showed minimal changes. Vitamin C is significantly depleted by smoking, making supplementation beneficial for smokers.
Multiple studies show that psyllium can effectively lower total and LDL cholesterol levels in adults with hypercholesterolemia. Psyllium husks, a non-soluble fiber, may increase bile acid excretion and secondarily reduce cholesterol from the liver.
The American Liver Foundation will honor Dr. John M. Vierling for his significant advances in understanding autoimmune and alloimmune liver diseases, as well as Dr. Andrew J. Conrad for his impact on chronic viral infections diagnosis and management. The foundation's recognition dinner will take place on February 11.