A phase III clinical trial found that combining gemcitabine with capecitabine significantly improves overall survival for patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. The combination of treatments resulted in a median survival of 7.4 months compared to 6 months with gemcitabine alone.
Body checking in youth hockey was found to cause relatively few injuries compared to unintentional collisions with boards or players. Despite this, researchers recommend delaying body checking until players are at least 16 years old due to increased injury rates among 13-year-olds.
A Brandeis University study advances understanding of protein dynamics, proposing that enzymes are more mobile than previously thought. The research linked low-energy and high-energy states to enzyme function, shedding light on improving rational drug design through docking to dynamic targets.
A new drug developed at UC Davis in collaboration with Finnish researchers shows promise in preventing breast cancer and treating post-menopausal vaginal atrophy. The study found that the drug inhibited breast cancer development by 95% in mice, suggesting a potential benefit for millions of women.
A new vaccine-based approach has been shown to prolong disease progression in patients with renal cancer and malignant melanoma. The therapy, which uses latex or silica beads, was found to stabilise and control disease for an average of one year. In contrast, standard treatments have limited efficacy and are often toxic.
Astronomers find a dense whirling ball of neutrons in an extremely young star cluster, challenging the idea that nature can make black holes. The discovery shows massive stars may not collapse into black holes as predicted, but instead create neutron stars with a greater influence on future generations of stars.
A recent study reveals that interracial relationships are becoming more common in the US, particularly among young adults, but tend to decline with age. The research found that younger individuals are more likely to have interracial relationships due to increasing social acceptance.
A study of 304 recently diagnosed cancer patients found that 57% of pre-diagnosis CAM users continued to use it after diagnosis, with post-diagnosis use being almost universally helpful. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychosocial needs and communication barriers in cancer care.
A new special journal issue examines the effects of cultural adversity on later life health, including the role of past economic hardships, education, race, and gender. The publication presents updated information on mortality rates among minority populations.
A large series of patients surveyed by Mayo Clinic found that those with chronic cough experience significant social, psychological, and physical sufferings. The top problems reported include interference with lifestyle and leisure, frequent physician visits, and frustration.
Researchers found no link between high soy consumption and increased uterine cancer risk in postmenopausal women. The studies suggest that dietary soy may even offer a protective effect against endometrial cancer, contradicting previous concerns about its safety.
Researchers identified five dietary patterns among adult men, ranking them according to their nutritional risk. The study found close associations between these patterns and chronic disease profiles, emphasizing the importance of preventive nutrition interventions to promote health in the male population.
Colorectal cancer affects millions across Europe, with a rapidly aging population highlighting the need for improved screening and prevention strategies. Researchers highlight irinotecan combined with 5-fluorouracil as an effective treatment regimen.
A study assessing anxiety, depression, and quality of life in Greek patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy found that nearly a third experienced severe emotional distress. Routine screening for emotional distress is recommended to identify patients in need of psychological or pharmaceutical intervention. Additionally, research on...
The new Clinical Trials Directive has led to differences in the scope of revised legislations across EU member states, with only a few adding provisions for non-commercial trials. The directive also simplifies the conduct of academic clinical trials but poses challenges for future pan-European multi-centre studies.
Research from ECCO 13 emphasizes the importance of cervical cancer detection, treatment, and prevention. The study found that adequate radiotherapy significantly improves survival rates for women with cervical cancer, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV co-infection does not impact survival. The data also highlights the need f...
A new study at the University at Buffalo will explore the impact of cooling on exercise performance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The researchers aim to determine which cooling method is most effective and improve physical functioning and cardiovascular health.
Researchers have discovered several new bacterial species associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common infection in women. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, could lead to improved detection and treatment methods.
A new approach to fighting MRSA infections suggests allowing harmless bacteria to live in hospitals, creating a natural protection against more virulent strains. By doing so, antibiotic-free hospitals with 'good' bacteria can test the effectiveness of this method, potentially reducing the spread of deadly MRSA.
Researchers developed a new method to identify novel drug targets for fighting malaria by comparing protein interactions in Plasmodium falciparum with other organisms. This approach could lead to the development of antimalarial drugs that exploit unique differences in protein wiring.
Research suggests that consuming broccoli sprouts daily can improve chronic bacterial gastritis and potentially prevent stomach cancer. The compound sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts also has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, including preventing skin cancers caused by sun damage.
Researchers found that 22.8% of dialysis patients had other close family members with end-stage kidney disease on dialysis. The study suggests that primary care physicians should consider screening high-risk family members to slow the progression of kidney failure.
Agnès Vignery, an expert in bone development, will conduct collaborative research at Pfizer's Global Research and Development. Her lab has developed a new technology to induce bone formation for fracture prevention, which is being refined in rodents for human translation.
A study identifies CD36 as a multifunctional glycoprotein that detects fat in the mouth, influencing behavior and digestive physiology. Altering this system may increase obesity risk through feeding dysregulation.
New treatments for Leber congenital amaurosis have been developed in mice, providing effective means of restoring retinal function. The treatments combine gene therapy and oral administration of vitamin A-like compounds, showing promise for treating this blindness-causing eye disease.
Researchers highlight the importance of antioxidants in fighting off winter ailments. Apples contain more disease-fighting compounds than other varieties, while hot cocoa, chamomile tea, and cranberries may also have health benefits.
Two 'screen and treat' cervical cancer prevention programs in low-resource settings resulted in lower precancerous lesions and cervical cancer prevalence. Novel non-cytology-based screening methods, such as HPV DNA testing and visual inspection with acetic acid, were associated with significant reductions in cervical cancer risk.
A new UV measurement tool helps validate UV treatment for preventing disease-causing bacteria and parasites in drinking water. The technique uses fluorescent microspheres to mimic pathogenic microbes, providing precise measures of UV doses.
A review of 143 clinical trials that were stopped early due to benefits found many were industry-funded drug trials with high-impact journals. The proportion of such trials increased over time, often with implausibly large treatment effects, suggesting skepticism from physicians.
Study identifies chronic conditions, including NNMD, as increasing risk of respiratory failure in children hospitalized with influenza. Children with these conditions are 6-4 times more likely to develop respiratory failure compared to those without.
Alcohol consumption is linked to increased ER-positive breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women. Tamoxifen treatment for 5 years reduces death from coronary heart disease compared to 2-year treatment, according to a new study. The gamma-linolenic acid found in herbal medicine has been shown to affect the expression of the Her-2/neu o...
A protein called TAP has been found to suppress prostate cancer growth and enhance the effects of vitamin E. High levels of TAP in normal prostate cells suggest it facilitates the transport of vitamin E into tissue and helps retain high concentrations.
Researchers developed two screen-and-treat methods, HPV DNA testing and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), which reduced the prevalence of cervical cancer precursor lesions by 77% compared to traditional cytology-based screening. Cryotherapy was found to be highly efficacious and low-cost.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a potential target for preventing metastatic melanoma, the cancer's ability to spread and be fatal. The study identified focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a key player in promoting aggressive melanoma behavior.
A survey of 1,139 smoking patients found that women are more likely than men to believe nicotine causes cancer and feel guilty about their smoking habit. Women also reported a higher fear of gaining weight and managing stress without cigarettes when quitting, highlighting the need for targeted tobacco cessation programs.
A new study by Regino González-Peralta and colleagues found that interferon in combination with ribavirin is an effective treatment for childhood chronic hepatitis C, with sustained virologic response rates higher than those using interferon alone. Common side effects were mild, but severe adverse events occurred in some children.
Researchers found associations between PBC and family history of Sjogren's syndrome, urinary tract infection, smoking, nail polish use, and hormone replacement therapy. Never having been pregnant also showed protection from developing the disease.
Researchers have created an animal model of an immunotherapy approach that uses tumor cells and 'danger' signals to stimulate tumor immunity. The discovery enables further understanding and development of the approach, which has shown promising results in cancer patients.
A study led by Dr. William Cunningham found that HIV-infected patients with low socioeconomic status have a higher risk of death, particularly those with limited financial resources and education. The researchers also noted that these patients are more likely to use emergency room services and hospital care instead of preventive measures.
A new study identifies genetic susceptibility as a significant risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis. The condition, which can be triggered by smoking and other factors, causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs. Researchers also explored a more accurate blood test to detect latent tuberculosis infection.
Researchers found African-American men had significantly lower calcified plaque in coronary and carotid arteries. The study, which included 1,000 white participants and 180 black participants, used high-speed CT scans to measure plaque levels.
Researchers found HIV-infected patients with effective antiviral therapy continually replenish their viral reservoir. Latently infected CD4+ T cells may become reactivated, spreading virions to nearby cells. A new strategy involves co-administering a reagent to dampen cellular activation.
A recent Australian study found that teenagers who regularly eat with their families are less likely to be overweight. The study suggests that a healthy maternal attitude towards family eating and diet is more important than the frequency of shared meals.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that can target and deliver drugs to prostate cancer cells using aptamers, achieving highly specific and efficient tumour targeting. The bioconjugates successfully adhered to PSMA-positive prostate cancer cells and were rapidly internalised into the targeted cells.
Researchers followed nearly 1.7 million offspring and siblings of almost 850,000 people with cancer diagnoses to investigate familial cancer risks. The study found that daughters of breast cancer patients were more likely to be diagnosed with in situ breast cancer within a year of their mother's diagnosis.
Researchers have unveiled a new technique to characterize binding interactions of multivalent molecules designed for targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. This method, using atomic force microscopy, shows promise for optimizing binding affinity and designing better antibodies.
Patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer responded well to high doses of radiation administered through extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy. The Phase I clinical trial treated 47 individuals with the procedure, which spared them from surgery and allowed for higher doses of radiation in a shorter period.
A recent study published in JAMA found that children with neurological and neuromuscular diseases are at a higher risk of developing respiratory failure from the flu. The study recommends annual influenza vaccination for these children to prevent serious complications.
Researchers found that combination of three microbicide gels provided protection against HIV-like virus in 20 out of 20 monkeys, with all three monkeys remaining virus-free. The study's findings are encouraging for the development of a microbicide for use in women.
Researchers discovered that calcitriol and QW-1624-F2-2 slowed prostate cancer progression in intact mice after 14 weeks of treatment, reducing tumor burden. However, chronic treatment showed side effects, highlighting the need for further studies to understand how these agents prevent prostate cancer.
Researchers found that treating cancer cells with GLA suppressed protein levels of the oncogene Her-2/neu, leading to a 30-40 fold increased response in breast cancer cells to trastuzumab. GLA's inhibition works differently from Herceptin and may regulate breast cancer cell growth and metastasis.
Scientists have discovered that ion channels in dendritic membranes change during simulated learning tasks, requiring rapid protein synthesis. This finding supports the idea that learning involves changes in dendrites, which could lead to advances in understanding conditions like epilepsy and age-related memory loss.
Researchers found that women with lung cancer have a significantly better cancer-specific, overall, and relative survival rate compared to men. In treated patients, women had a 54% lung cancer specific 5-year survival rate, while in untreated patients, women lived longer than men by 21%.
Researchers have identified compounds that can reduce cancer incidence, including thiazolidinediones for type-2 diabetes patients. Synthetic triterpenoids like CDDO-Im also show potent protection against liver tumors.
Researchers discovered a genetic basis for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with those having ever smoked cigarettes being 3.6 times more likely to develop the disease. The study also highlights the importance of avoiding cigarette smoking as a preventive measure for this devastating lung condition.
A recent study found that post-treatment conception was successful in 71% of testicular cancer survivors within 15 years and 76% within 20 years. The success rate varied by type of treatment, with men treated with higher doses of chemotherapy having lower fertility rates.
Researchers Phillipe Besnard and colleagues pinpoint CD36 as the sensor for lipid detection in the oral cavity. They show that lingual stimulation of CD36 influences behavioral and digestive physiology. The findings suggest a potential pathway mediating fat taste, which may contribute to obesity risk through feeding dysregulation.
A new study found that combining bright light and melatonin can help advance the circadian clock and reduce jet lag. The combination produces a larger phase advance than bright light alone, making it a practical solution for travelers.
A new therapeutic target has been identified in the inherited brain tumor disorder neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). Fumagillin, an established drug, has been found to suppress the activity of MetAP2, which is abnormally high in NF1-associated brain tumors. This discovery may lead to new treatments for patients with NF1.
A recent study found that even healthy people taking high doses of ibuprofen are at risk of internal bleeding, with blood loss ranging from 40mL to 299mL. The research highlights the need for caution when using ibuprofen, particularly in older adults and those with debilitating conditions.