Research suggests that impaired liver function during pregnancy can lead to altered gut bacteria composition in children, increasing the risk of obesity. Maintaining a healthy diet and targeting gut microbiome composition with pre-biotics or pro-biotics may help prevent childhood obesity.
A Rutgers study found that creating a sustainable neurosurgical program in Santarém, Brazil requires recruiting and training local doctors, who can navigate healthcare barriers with limited resources. The five-year residency program has improved conditions and access for patients.
A new study found that limited access to lupus lab tests in developing nations, particularly ANA tests, affects the usefulness of SLE diagnosis. The lack of testing, especially immunologic and hematologic studies, leads to discrepancies in diagnostic criteria adherence. The 2019 ACR/EULAR classification criteria performed better than o...
Annual spending on biologics in US public programs nearly doubled from 2012 to 2016 due to rising drug prices. Post-market price changes accounted for 56% of the five-year spending increase, with unit price hikes alone responsible for $1.7 billion of the growth.
A study found associations between environmental factors and organ-specific lupus flares, including temperature, ozone concentration, wind, humidity, PM2.5 concentration, and barometric pressure. The research suggests atmospheric changes may impact lupus clinical trial design and outcomes.
Researchers found ADA2 levels above normal limits strongly indicative of concomitant MAS in children with systemic JIA. The study establishes ADA2 as a valuable diagnostic marker to distinguish MAS from other forms of systemic inflammation.
Researchers found that using ultrasound to guide treatment strategy does not improve treatment decisions in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. The study used MRI imaging to assess inflammatory activity and structural damage progression, but found no significant difference between the two groups.
A new study found that the live zoster vaccine is safe and effective in patients taking TNF inhibitors, with no cases of confirmed disseminated or local varicella infection. The researchers observed a very low risk of infection, with an upper bound confidence interval of approximately one percent.
A large cohort study found that children exposed to non-TNFi biologics or tofacitinib in utero experienced very few serious infections, with only two cases reported. The study provides the first data on infectious risk in offspring exposed to these drugs during pregnancy.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients with kidney dysfunction who were prescribed high doses of the muscle relaxant baclofen were more likely to experience cognitive-related symptoms such as severe confusion. The research team analyzed data from over 16,000 patients and found a significantly higher risk of hospitalization a...
A new study found that tocilizumab is more effective than rituximab in reducing disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have low B-cell infiltration in their synovial tissue. Tocilizumab achieved significant improvements in both low levels and falls in disease activity, particularly in the B-cell poor patient subgroup.
Researchers found that methotrexate significantly reduced joint damage progression compared to placebo in patients with erosive hand osteoarthritis, while also facilitating bone remodeling. The study's findings suggest that treatment should be initiated earlier to have a positive effect on pain.
Researchers found small, statistically significant benefits on pain and function with opioids, but no impact on quality of life or depression for patients with osteoarthritis. Strong opioids had consistently worse pain relief benefits and a greater risk of adverse events compared to weak opioids.
Patients with Down syndrome arthropathy experience a 11.5-month delay in diagnosis from symptom onset, and optimal therapy remains unclear due to medication intolerance and ineffectiveness. The study aims to raise awareness and improve screening for this condition.
A study found that RA patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer experience flares, with a 50% rate. The researchers also noted that the rate of immune-related adverse events was comparable to those without autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the recurrence rate of congenital heart block in subsequent pregnancies, regardless of health status. The study evaluated 74 mothers who had a previous child with congenital heart block and were exposed to HCQ during pregnancy.
An observational study of nearly 16,000 older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) found that higher doses of the muscle relaxant baclofen were associated with a greater risk of hospitalization due to encephalopathy. The study suggests that patients with CKD may need closer monitoring when prescribed baclofen.
Research found that SLE Medicaid patients have a double 30-day death rate after coronary revascularization compared to diabetes patients, highlighting the need for further investigation into cardiovascular disease and overall health status in SLE patients.
A new study finds that gadolinium-enhanced MRI is a useful tool in diagnosing polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), with 76% sensitivity and 85% specificity. The test can also predict recurrence, with patients who developed recurrences having less enhancement of their rotator cuff tendon and more synovial hypertrophy findings.
A recent analysis found increasing rates of acute kidney injury in pregnant women, especially those with diabetes. The study revealed a significant increase in the rate of hospitalizations involving acute kidney injury from 0.04% in 2006 to 0.12% in 2015.
A study of 4,567 hemodialysis patients found that those in residential areas with a high percentage of Black residents had significantly higher hospitalization rates. The association remained after adjusting for individual and community factors, suggesting unidentified health determinants at play.
Children with JIA continue to have active arthritis despite available medications, highlighting a need for additional treatments. Researchers found that 52% of patients had ongoing active JIA despite treatment with two or more biologics.
Researchers found that psoriasis onset age determines whether arthritis starts first, with a 65-month delay for arthritis onset after psoriasis. Early-onset psoriasis is strongly associated with arthritis onset, suggesting a different subgroup of PsA patients.
A study found that children with Down syndrome are at an increased risk of developing inflammatory and erosive arthritis. Researchers estimate that around 20 per 1,000 children with Down syndrome have this condition.
The American Society of Nephrology has honored five individuals for their outstanding contributions to kidney disease research, education, and clinical practice. Mitchell Rosner received the Robert G. Narins Award for his work in education and teaching, while Toshiro Fujita was recognized for his groundbreaking research on hypertension.
A six-week treatment with low-dose oral prednisolone substantially improves pain and decreases signs of inflammation in patients with painful hand osteoarthritis. Substantial improvements in pain and function were seen, exceeding effects of currently available therapies.
Researchers found a significant increase in opioid-use disorder hospitalizations among patients with common rheumatic conditions like gout, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. The study suggests that these patients are at risk of developing an opioid use disorder due to chronic musculoskeletal diseases.
Researchers have gained insights into how nanoparticles can be used to identify invasive microbes and deliver targeted treatments, potentially preventing deadly diseases contracted on medical equipment. The study, conducted by Monash University researchers, found that nanoparticles bound to fungal cells but were non-toxic to them.
A new study found that biologics improve clinical disease activity in both elderly-onset and young-onset rheumatoid arthritis patients similarly at 48 weeks. The researchers also discovered similar drug maintenance and adverse event discontinuation rates between the two age groups.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated how machine-learning tools can improve the stability of light beams' size for experiments by adjusting parameters that largely cancel out fluctuations. The technique has been shown to reduce beam width errors from a few percent down to 0.4 percent, with submicron precision.
Researchers have created EphaGen software to provide a straight answer to whether a patient has a mutation. The new method uses a novel evaluation approach to assess the reliability of 'no mutation' results, enabling doctors to make informed decisions.
A new study used data from over 5 million people to develop equations predicting the five-year risk of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a key indicator of chronic kidney disease. The findings can help identify individuals at increased risk and potentially prevent or manage the condition.
A diagnostic study found a protein involved in managing bacteria to be a reliable biomarker for the noninvasive detection of NEC. Elevated levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (iAP) protein linked to NEC were shed in stool samples, with accuracy rates of 97% and 76% for severe and suspected NEC, respectively.
Researchers develop a new technique to detect activated complement pathway in patients with thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA), allowing clinicians to determine potential use of existing treatment for other diseases. The technique could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of secondary TMAs, such as pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that stress hormones, such as corticosterone, play a crucial role in controlling the circadian rhythm of brain cells. By using test rats and a new method involving medical micropumps, they were able to restore the rhythmic activity of clock genes in the cerebellum even after t...
Researchers develop a method to create bio-inspired horns from horse tail hairs and silk, mimicking the structure and properties of real rhino horn. The goal is to undermine demand for endangered rhino horns and provide a cheaper alternative.
Scientists at UVA have developed a new method to determine the genetic causes of diseases by analyzing the effects of genes on proteins. The technique, using plant extracts, enables researchers to sort immediate from complex reactions, revolutionizing gene function study.
A high-caloric diet alters the time-of-day dependent metabolic cycle in mice, suggesting lean and obese patients may respond differently to steroid therapy. The study also highlights the biological function of daily hormone secretion cycles and their impact on sugar and fat storage or release by the liver.
Matmo strengthened from a tropical storm to a storm with hurricane-force in the overnight hours of Nov. 7, according to NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite imagery. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center predicts Matmo to make landfall near the border of India and Bangladesh on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The discovery of Peregocetus pacificus, an amphibious whale from middle Eocene deposits in Peru, provides evidence of the earliest known quadrupedal whales crossing the South Atlantic from Africa to South America. The fossil specimen reveals webbed feet and terrestrial locomotion abilities, dating back over 40 million years.
A new study has estimated the growth rates of deep-sea coral communities in Hawaii, revealing a pattern of ecological succession over centuries to millennia. The research found that Coralliidae, pink coral, were the first to colonize, followed by Isididae, bamboo coral, and Antipatharia, black coral.
Researchers tested an Automated Wearable Artificial Kidney (AWAK) device for effective toxin removal in patients with kidney failure. The study found no serious adverse events, improving portability and flexibility of treatment.
A recent study published in Neurology reveals that individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who also suffer from depression are more likely to experience debilitating symptoms earlier than those without depression. The research highlights the need for early recognition and treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with MS.
Several high-impact clinical trials have yielded promising results, including the ATHENA trial showing azathioprine to be as effective as mycophenolate mofetil in preventing chronic kidney rejection, and the NOBILITY trial demonstrating that obinutuzumab improves kidney health in patients with lupus nephritis. Additionally, a phase 3 s...
A small study published in Pain Reports found that immersive VR scenes of Arctic exploration can reduce perceived ongoing pain and sensitivity to painful stimuli. The researchers believe that VR may trigger the body's own pain-fighting systems, leading to a decrease in chronic pain symptoms.
Two new studies found that vaginal delivery and exclusive breastfeeding may reduce the risk of developing allergic conditions in children. Meanwhile, a mother's diet during pregnancy and history of allergies can also influence eczema and food allergy development in offspring.
A NASA-funded study reveals that winter carbon dioxide loss from the Arctic permafrost region could increase by 41% over the next century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current pace. This would mark a stark reversal for the Arctic, which has captured and stored carbon for tens of thousands of years.
Researchers Karen Culcasi and Cynthia Gorman examine how international laws formed after WWI contributed to today's hostile climate for refugees. They found that the creation of new countries, nationalism, and the establishment of international governance entities like the League of Nations shaped refugee law.
Researchers at EPFL developed a simple and inexpensive AI-based system to predict where and when lightning will strike, using standard meteorological data. The method has been proven correct almost 80% of the time and offers a new way to predict complex phenomena like lightning strikes.
Researchers propose a new theory on how massive, spinning black holes form near supermassive black holes at the centers of active galactic nuclei. This 'Pac-Man-like' behavior offers a natural explanation for high-mass binary black hole mergers and could help understand galaxy growth.
Researchers found that allergy shots significantly improved PFAS symptoms in 11 out of 20 surveyed children, with no reported worsening. The treatment showed promise for kids receiving allergy shots and suffering from PFAS.
Researchers from Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research found that vertical air motions increase ice formation in mixed-phase clouds. This correlation has important implications for understanding the water cycle and predicting precipitation.
Allergists warn that social media misinformation can lead to incorrect medical decisions for people with food allergies. Dr. David Stukus notes that online 'cures' and at-home testing are often unproven and misleading, while reputable sources should be consulted instead.
A new sphenisciform fossil from New Zealand further resolves the bauplan of extinct giant penguins, characterized by elongated beaks and longer hindlimbs. The fossil, found in the North Island, provides key insights into the diversity of ancient penguin species.
Researchers found budesonide reduced serious side effects like new onset diabetes and bone loss in liver transplant patients, while maintaining comparable organ rejection rates to prednisone. The study involved 20 patients and showed lower infection rates and improved blood sugar control.
The study demonstrates simultaneous control over transport and spin properties of cold atoms, enabling the exploration of spintronics and solid-state physics. The efficiency of the atomic spin filter matches that of equivalent electronic systems, opening up new perspectives for studying quantum transport dynamics.
A three-year clinical study found that reducing uric acid levels with the generic drug allopurinol did not slow diabetic kidney disease progression in type 1 diabetes patients. The study's conclusions provided a clear answer to an important scientific question, while suggesting further research may be needed.
A new study found that copper hospital beds in ICUs harbor 95% fewer bacteria than traditional beds, maintaining low-risk levels throughout patient stays. This could lead to improved patient outcomes, lives saved, and healthcare cost savings.
A pilot study by Kessler Foundation researchers found that children with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury have impaired social communication skills, leading to poorer social functioning. The study suggests the Social Communication Disorders Checklist (SCDC) has potential for screening children with TBI.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have made a breakthrough in finding catalysts for renewable energy production. They discovered new molecules that can increase the efficiency of water splitting, reducing the