A new study found that vaginal bacteria can alter the sexual transmission of Zika and herpes simplex virus-2. The presence of Lactobacillus bacteria was associated with reduced replication of herpes simplex virus-2, while some microbiomes lacking Lactobacillus allowed for increased replication of Zika virus.
A new rapid molecular test for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections allowed doctors and pharmacists to start targeted therapy sooner, leading to shorter hospital stays and lower readmission rates. This approach also resulted in a reduction of antibiotic usage.
A web-based stress management program improved quality of life and reduced distress in patients with cancer, according to a prospective study. The STREAM intervention showed significant clinical improvements after two months, with a greater improvement in quality of life compared to the control group.
The immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab has been shown to shrink tumors in patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer, regardless of prior treatment. In a Phase II clinical trial, the drug demonstrated activity in both PD-L1-positive and -negative tumors.
A new enhanced test, EQUC, detects significantly more bacteria in urine samples than the standard culture, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. The study enrolled 150 urogynecologic patients and found that EQUC identified 110 species of bacteria, while the standard culture only identified 50 percent ...
A study found that Lactobacillus parafarraginis isolated from commercial yogurt inhibited the growth of several multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. The bacteriocin-like peptide responsible for this inhibition is heat stable and may hold promise as a therapeutic agent.
A new hydrogel material combined with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to enhance the survival rate of transplanted insulin-producing cells in animal models. The technology could potentially treat more patients with type 1 diabetes and reduce the need for multiple donors.
A phase III clinical trial shows that a single radiation treatment is as effective as a full week of radiation in relieving spinal cord compression symptoms. This breakthrough finding could help patients with advanced cancer spend more time focusing on the things they enjoy, without compromising care.
A randomized clinical trial of 305 patients with advanced cancer found that a brief psychological intervention called Managing Cancer And Living Meaningfully (CALM) significantly reduced depressive symptoms. CALM also improved psychological well-being and preparedness for the end of life, with greater benefits at six months.
A phase II randomized clinical trial found that the Conquer Fear psychological intervention significantly reduced fear of cancer recurrence in survivors. The intervention lowered general anxiety, cancer-specific distress, and improved quality of life compared to relaxation training.
The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care debates physician-assisted suicide, with advocates arguing for respect for autonomy and compassion. The opposition emphasizes the importance of preserving dignity and the value of human life, regardless of suffering or burden to others.
New research suggests that breastfeeding for over 2 months reduces the risk of chronic post-C-section pain. Mothers who breastfed longer had lower rates of persistent pain compared to those who breastfed for less time. The study also found a significant association between anxiety during breastfeeding and increased risk of chronic pain.
The STAMPEDE trial found that adding abiraterone to standard hormone therapy improves prostate cancer survival in men with high-risk disease. The drug reduced disease progression by 70% and severe bone complications by more than half, leading to a 40% increase in overall survival.
A large study of over 1,200 women found that pregnancy after breast cancer diagnosis does not increase the chance of cancer recurrence or death. The findings confirm that women with ER-positive cancer can safely become pregnant without increasing their risk of recurrence.