Researchers have developed a new method to preserve tissue samples for rheumatoid arthritis research, allowing for the analysis of multiple samples in a uniform way. This approach has the potential to identify specific inflammatory pathways and guide treatment decisions.
Research finds that obesity is associated with a higher degree of synovitis in RA patients, leading to worse clinical responses to treatment. Patients who are overweight or obese tend to have higher histological scores and more inflammation in their joints.
A study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of healthy military recruits showed sacroiliac joint damage similar to axial spondyloarthritis after six weeks of intensive physical training. The high prevalence of lesions at baseline and the increase in lesions after training were striking results.
A study found that temporarily pausing methotrexate use for two weeks after flu vaccination improves the immune response in RA patients, with a higher rate of satisfactory responses and seroprotection rates. This approach has potential clinical implications, including improved vaccine efficacy without increasing disease activity.
Experts say pre-menopausal women with hormone-dependent advanced breast cancer should be included in clinical trials alongside older women. This could provide valuable insights into the best treatments for these patients, who make up a third of all advanced breast cancer cases globally.
A recent analysis has linked proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to a 33% increased relative risk of chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. The study, published at ASN Kidney Week 2017, suggests that providers should consider the potential risks of PPI therapy in patients.
A study found that increasing omega-6 to omega-3 ratios in the diet were associated with SLE disease activity. Intake of omega-3 fatty acids was also linked to better sleep quality and trended toward significant decreases in depressive symptoms.
A recent study found that women who stopped taking bisphosphonates for over two years had a substantially increased risk of hip fractures compared to those who continued their treatment. The study, which analyzed data from 156,236 women, showed that the longer the duration of the drug holiday, the higher the risk of hip fracture.
Bone marrow edema was most frequent in posterior lower ilium and anterior upper sacrum in young athletes. A better understanding of this condition may improve evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging in individuals with early axial spondyloarthritis.
A new study found that TRC101, a hydrochloric acid binder, increased serum bicarbonate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic acidosis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with all adverse events being mild or moderate.
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have low vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce urine protein and prevent future renal failure, according to the study's findings.
A history of kidney stones may increase the risk of metabolic and hypertensive complications during pregnancy. Research found that women with pre-existing kidney stones were more likely to experience gestational diabetes and hypertension.
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) honored 43 researchers and thought leaders with its Master of the ACR designation, Awards of Distinction, and Distinguished Fellow Award for their contributions to the field of rheumatology. The recognitions are given annually to members who exhibit outstanding achievements in scholarly achiev...
A digital health coaching program improved RA patients' well-being, decreased symptoms, and reduced flare frequency. The program showed significant increases in physical activity, sleep hours, and medication adherence.
Research finds that RA patients who meet certain factors, including younger age and low CRP levels, are more likely to successfully taper their biologic drugs. Patients without concomitant steroid use also tend to have better outcomes.
The global burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to air pollution is estimated to be over 10.7 million cases per year, with varying impacts by geography. Air pollution may contribute to the rising incidence of CKD worldwide, particularly in Central America and South Asia.
New treatments for kidney disease, such as tolvaptan for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), have shown promising results in slowing kidney function decline. Bardoxolone methyl has also improved renal function in patients with diabetic kidney disease. Meanwhile, QPI-1002 has reduced the incidence and severity of acute...
A study found that patients with spine osteoarthritis and those under 65 are more likely to use opioids for pain management. The study also showed a significant association between opioid use and greater depressive symptoms, as well as higher levels of pain.
A phase 3 trial found tolvaptan slows the rate of decline in kidney function in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. The condition affects millions in the US and has no cure. The drug targets a mechanism contributing to cyst growth, potentially delaying transplant or dialysis need.
Research found associations between opioids and SSRIs with increased osteoporotic fracture risk in RA patients, particularly with long-term use. Patients who developed fractures had higher disease activity, longer disease duration, and more comorbidity at baseline compared to those who did not experience fractures.
The new dashboard provides actionable data to practices, allowing them to track quality improvement and financially reward their efforts in the MIPS program. Data from 548,990 patients reported by 491 clinicians and 109 practices showed varying performance on quality measures.
A new mobile app-based system, Smart System of Disease Management (SSDM), has been developed to improve care management for chronic illness patients. The system includes online consultation via a mobile app, which reduces costs and delays for arthritis patients by allowing them to access medical services remotely.
Researchers developed a new tool to analyze cellular and molecular profiles of synovial tissue and peripheral blood, which may help unlock clues about rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that robust cell yield from synovial tissue enables mass and flow cytometric data.
A study of 3725 participants with chronic kidney disease found that depressive symptoms were associated with a higher risk of early death in white individuals, but not in black individuals. Treatment of depressive symptoms may help lower this risk.
The EULAR and ACR presented draft new classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting. The updated criteria aim to improve patient identification, trial comparisons, and early disease detection, with a global collaboration involving over 150 investigators and data from 2,200 patients.
A study found that kisspeptin enhances male sexual attraction and decreases anxiety in male mice by activating specific neurons in the brain. Activation of these neurons increases social interaction and reduces anxiety, while having no effect on copulatory behavior.
A new online education tool has been developed to improve accessibility and disease self-management for teens with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The tool, which includes monthly calls with health coaches, improved health-related quality of life for participating teens compared to those who received standard disease education only.
Research found that lupus patients on Medicaid have lower HCQ therapy adherence in areas with high African-American populations, few hospitals, and Health Professional Shortage Areas. This association remained after controlling for individual-level characteristics like poverty and education.
A study found VA patients had significantly lower rates of kidney transplantation compared to those with private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. The researchers suggest that distance from transplant centers and other factors may contribute to these disparities.
Research findings from the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting reveal that obesity is independently associated with worse patient-reported outcomes in women with systemic lupus erythematosus, including increased disease activity and depressive symptoms. Obesity was linked to higher levels of pain and fatigue as well.
A study found that positive sacroiliac MRI scans can be common in healthy individuals and frequent runners, suggesting the need for additional diagnostic measures. The research emphasizes the importance of considering these results in context to avoid misdiagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis.
A study of 1,678 RA patients found no increased risk of second malignancy among those treated with biologics after a primary cancer diagnosis. Hazard ratios showed a slightly higher mortality rate among RA patients who received biologics before their cancer diagnosis.
Research suggests that obesity is prevalent among axSpa patients, associated with increased disease activity, physical function impairment, and poorer quality of life. The study found that nearly two-thirds of the patient cohort were overweight or obese, highlighting the need for weight management strategies in treatment plans.
Researchers found that low-energy shock-wave therapy significantly reduced digital ulcers in scleroderma patients by stimulating growth factors and forming new blood vessels. The treatment also showed no serious adverse events during the study, making it a promising approach for managing refractory digital ulcers.
Research suggests anabolic androgenic steroid use may be associated with early coronary artery disease in healthy young individuals. The study found that steroid users had atherosclerosis, reduced HDL levels, and impaired HDL function.
The prevalence of obesity in the UK has almost doubled over two decades, with food taxes being suggested as a measure to correct this trend. However, experts disagree on its effectiveness, with some arguing it is too simplistic and overlooks other factors influencing obesity.
The new American College of Rheumatology/National Psoriasis Foundation treatment guideline provides pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic recommendations for treating adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. The guideline development team used the GRADE methodology to evaluate evidence and create therapy options.
Researchers discovered that a neurotransmitter called GABA plays a crucial role in inhibiting unwanted thoughts, particularly in individuals with disorders such as schizophrenia and anxiety. The study found that higher GABA concentrations in the hippocampus are associated with better thought suppression abilities.
A new multivariable integrated evaluation (MVIE) method provides a comprehensive and quantitative evaluation of climate model performance. The method includes three levels of statistical metrics, offering an integrated evaluation of model performance in simulating multiple fields.
Researchers at Aarhus University have found a hormonal link to unexplained seizures in women, revealing a biological cause for the previously psychologically attributed condition. The study measured hormone levels in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and found lower neuropeptide Y levels, associated with stress re...
Researchers found that elevated blood eosinophil and neutrophil concentrations were associated with accelerated lung function decline and airflow obstruction. These biomarkers may serve as an early warning system for 9/11 firefighters at risk of developing severe lung problems.
A study found that exposure to environmental toxins can suppress the circadian clock in Daphnia plankton, leading to a loss of daily oscillations. This disruption has significant implications for human health, potentially linking environmental toxins to chronic inflammation and disorders like cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
A study of over 19,000 knee dislocation cases found obesity increases complications and costs of care. Obese patients are more likely to experience vascular injury, which can lead to amputation if left untreated. Hospital stays for obese patients with vascular injury were 15.3 days, costing $131,478 on average.
Researchers identified a wild yeast strain that inhibits three common grape molds more effectively than a pesticide. The study suggests using natural yeasts as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides in vineyards.
A study of over 900,000 US veterans found chronic insomnia to be associated with increased risks of early death, rapid kidney function decline, and kidney failure. The study suggests that attention to proper management of chronic insomnia could have long-ranging positive effects on overall health.
RUDN University scientists have discovered a new formation mechanism for anti-cancer substances, which can be used to synthesize organophosphorus compounds with specified properties. The researchers found that the reaction does not proceed according to the previously thought Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction mechanism, but rather another way.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered a potential new treatment for Fragile X Syndrome by targeting chromatin remodeling proteins, which play a key role in the disease's symptoms. The study found that inhibiting these proteins can alleviate symptoms and improve neuronal function.
The USDA has awarded grants to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture in the US. Researchers will focus on creating disease-resistant vaccines for key species such as catfish and trout, as well as implementing more efficient and sustainable farming practices. The goal is to foster a globally...
Researchers have successfully shaped nano-sized gold particles using ultrafast lasers, enabling the creation of
A recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that taking a moment to notice nature can increase general happiness and well-being. Researchers asked participants to document how nature they encountered made them feel, with positive effects observed even in urban environments.
A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology has identified a novel therapeutic target to reduce brain inflammation in diseases like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's. Mature monocytes have been found to express CXCR7 receptor on their surface, which may be used to block inflammation and HIV infection in the brain.
A five-year study by UC Davis researchers assesses stress hormones and emotions in up to 250 Mexican-origin families in Sacramento. The study aims to understand how daily stresses affect parent-child interactions, physical and mental health, and school readiness.
The 2017 Climate Science Special Report details past, current and projected changes to the climate, including increased atmospheric and ocean temperatures, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. Alaska climatologist John Walsh is a contributing author and can provide insights on recent U.S. climate change in the global context.
Researchers have discovered brain circuitry essential for alertness and brain states in zebra fish and mice, suggesting the human brain is likely similarly wired. The study used a molecular method to identify six suspect circuits composed of distinct populations of neurons that modulate neuronal activity.
Typhoon Damrey strengthened as it approached Vietnam with coldest cloud tops reaching minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of generating heavy rainfall. The storm's maximum sustained winds were near 75 knots, and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center expects strengthening before weakening from land interaction.
Researchers at the University of Louisville discovered a new autoimmune disease that causes kidney failure, dubbed anti-brush border antibody (ABBA) disease. The disease was identified after analyzing biopsied kidney tissue from patients with acute kidney injury, and it affects the nephrons' brush borders by coating them with antibodies.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified the key player in the immune system's defense against Candida albicans, a fungus that causes oral thrush. The study reveals that a fungal toxin called Candidalysin plays a crucial role in triggering an immune response to prevent infection.
A study published in Animal Cognition found that horses prefer to approach humans with submissive body postures over dominant ones. This preference is thought to be an instinctual understanding of larger vs. smaller postures, as seen in evolutionary communication.
Digger wasps have species-specific hydrocarbon profiles that vary according to their prey and brood-care strategy. Beetle-hunting digger wasps have more diversified profiles due to reduced need for prey preservation. The unique films are also used for defense against parasites.
The HRL team will use magnetoelastic material for man-portable low-frequency radio antennas, enabling communication in traditionally radio-denied conditions. The project aims to create a communications system that transmits at less than a thousand hertz and is man-portable.