The Clinical Research Forum has selected ten projects for its Annual Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards, recognizing groundbreaking work in disease prevention, genetic disorders, and cancer treatment. The winning projects were published in top medical journals and have made significant impacts on human health.
The ACP Clinical Guidelines app provides clinicians with easy access to evidence-based clinical recommendations and rationale, saving them time in their practice. Available on iPhone, iPad, and Android, the app includes guidance statements and high-value care advice for all currently active guidelines.
Brain researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute have discovered that healthy observers and neurological patients scan visual scenes with the same general strategy, regardless of scene size or fixation status. This finding challenges previous concepts of exploration and fixation as fundamentally different behaviors.
New research using mice shows that disrupting our internal clocks can lead to a complete absence of 24-hour bodily rhythms, resulting in immediate weight gain. Proper sleep patterns are critical for healthy metabolic function, and even mild impairment in circadian rhythms can have serious health consequences.
Lindsay Burrage and Shane Quinonez received the 2013-14 Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Medical Genetics Training Award in Clinical Biochemical Genetics. The award provides $75,000 per year for one year of clinical genetics subspecialty training in biochemical genetics after residency.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released a report on incidental findings in clinical exome and genome sequencing. The report provides guidelines for laboratories to return incidental genetic findings to doctors ordering the tests, who will then manage the information with patients. This is expected to benefit ...
Outpatient oncology practices have seen a significant increase in performance on quality measures, especially in adopting new clinical practices. The mean normalized performance score improved from 71 to 85 percent between 2006 and 2010.
A 24-week trial found no significant improvement in exercise capacity or clinical status for patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction treated with sildenafil. Renal function worsened and adverse events increased in the sildenafil group, contradicting previous findings on PDE-5 inhibitors.
A new clinical study, funded by the NIH, aims to discover novel biomarkers and therapeutic treatments for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The four-year study will use advanced neuroimaging and clinical evaluations to expand scientific understanding and improve diagnostics.
A new report by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlights significant confusion among health and social care professionals about criminal prosecutions for HIV transmission. The study recommends improving best practice, training, and online resources to reduce stigma and promote public health.
The ACC/HRS released appropriate use criteria for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The document assesses 369 real-life clinical scenarios to support physician decision-making, with 45% deemed appropriate for ICD implantation. The criteria help inform clinical judgment while ack...
Researchers at Lund University have successfully implanted an ultrathin nanowire-based electrode into a laboratory animal's brain, capturing signals from the nerve cells. This breakthrough allows for potential long-term monitoring and treatment of conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers tracked observer eye movements during video clips of the 'Cups and Balls' trick to illuminate how our brains can be misdirected. This study advances our understanding of human cognition and perception, shedding light on how magicians manipulate attention.
The NIH is sponsoring three clinical trials to test new treatments for influenza, including oseltamivir, combination antiviral drugs and plasma enriched with anti-influenza antibodies. The trials aim to improve treatment options for people with severe illness or chronic health conditions.
A multi-center Phase III clinical trial demonstrates that Abraxane plus gemcitabine extends survival of late-stage pancreatic cancer patients compared to standard treatment. The study showed a 59 percent increase in one-year median survival rates and a doubling of two-year survival to 9%.
A new study found that patients receiving implantable heart defibrillators in everyday practice have similar survival benefits to those who received the same devices in clinical trials. The study used data from a large national Medicare registry and compared over 5,300 real-world patients against more than 1,500 trial participants.
The inaugural issue of Clinical Psychological Science (CPS) publishes diverse and boundary-crossing perspectives on topics such as targeted rejection, major depressive disorder, youth mentoring, and mind wandering. The journal aims to define a new way of studying clinical phenomena through innovative research.
A new UCLA study assesses the prevalence of various study partner types in Alzheimer's clinical trials, finding that non-spouse partners can impact trial results and interpretations. The study also highlights disparities in recruitment among minority groups.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released its annual report on the top cancer advances of 2012, showcasing significant developments in precision medicine and targeted treatments. The report highlights seven new FDA approvals for anticancer agents, including therapies for breast and prostate cancers.
A new brain study suggests that recognizing intentionality is the first step in moral computations, linking emotion to morality. The study found that adults can detect intentional harm within 60 milliseconds, triggering an emotional response.
Researchers discovered a 'temporal sweet spot' that optimizes perceived brightness of light without increasing power. This finding could lead to significant energy savings by redesigning light-emitting devices to flicker with optimal dynamics.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have created a model showing how ADHD medication influences the brain's reward system. The study found that dopamine signaling pathways are sensitive to drugs like Ritalin, leading to paradoxical effects at different dosages.
Guang Yue's 2-year NIH grant aims to investigate the impact of chemotherapy on white matter integrity and corresponding neurophysiological function. The study will explore structural changes in the corpus callosum and corticospinal tract, shedding light on the underlying causes of neurological side effects.
The Association for Molecular Pathology report on next-generation sequencing technology addresses current technical, bioinformatic, and clinical implementation considerations. The report aims to improve patient care by exploring the clinical relevance and impact of NGS technologies.
A randomized clinical trial of 377 premature babies found that receiving fresher blood did not improve clinical outcomes, including major organ injury, mortality, and infection. The study, led by Dr. Dean Fergusson, used the gold standard of medical science and challenged existing beliefs about fresh blood being better.
A study published in Pediatrics found that children are underrepresented in clinical trials, with fewer than 5% of trials enrolling kids under 18. This lack of representation can lead to a shortage of data on pediatric therapies and dosages, affecting treatment decisions.
Using biological markers can increase the success rate of new breast cancer drugs. A study found that the use of biomarkers such as HER2 resulted in a 23% success rate, compared to 15%, with significant cost savings.
A recent study found that symptoms of alcohol abuse, rather than dependence, are a better predictor of familial risk for alcohol use disorders. The researchers analyzed the clinical features of 1,120 twins and found that AUD-associated legal problems were the most consistent single predictor of familial risk.
UT Southwestern has been selected as one of 25 sites for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's (NINDS) NeuroNEXT clinical trials network. The network aims to streamline clinical trials for brain diseases by creating a shared infrastructure and institutional review board.
A deadly outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria at NIH's Clinical Center was quelled through collaboration with genomic experts. Genome sequencing revealed the outbreak had a single source, and targeted interventions stopped its spread.
A new diagnostic tool has been found to significantly improve clinical practice among veterinary and animal health officers in Uganda. The tool, a low-cost decision support card, was introduced to 15 clinical participants and led to an increase in the number of clinical signs recorded, suggesting improved examination skills.
A Phase 2 clinical trial is underway to test the effectiveness and safety of INNO-206 in treating advanced pancreatic ductual adenocarcinomas. The drug works like a Trojan Horse by being prepared in albumin, which pancreatic cancer cells prefer, allowing it to deliver cancer-killing agents directly to the tumor.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute found a multimedia psychoeducational intervention more effective in changing patients' perceptions and negative attitudes toward clinical trials than standard educational literature.
Conducting clinical trials in developing countries can bring significant improvements to health outcomes with simple interventions. However, locally led research is challenged by one-size-fits-all requirements, which push up costs and deter investigators.
The new skin cancer drug vismodegib was approved by the FDA in 2012 for treating locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinomas. It blocks the Hedgehog signaling pathway and has shown promising results for patients with inherited genetic susceptibility.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation awarded $3.3 million to eight promising young clinical investigators, focusing on breast cancer and brain tumors.
The Cleveland Clinic will participate in a six-institution MDS Clinical Research Consortium, supported by the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation. The five-year initiative aims to improve outcomes for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome through clinical trials and research.
L. Barth Reller, a renowned clinical microbiologist, has been recognized with the 2012 TREK Diagnostic ABMM/ABMLI Professional Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions to the field. He is also an accomplished mentor and trainer of medical microbiologists, having mentored 38 fellows who now hold leadership positions globally.
Brent Barrett, a renowned clinical microbiologist, has been honored with the 2012 Scherago-Rubin Award for his exceptional work in diagnostics and continuing education. Barrett's dedication to bench-level clinical microbiology has gained national recognition, making him a leading expert in his field.
Patients with incomes under $50,000 were 27% less likely to participate than those earning more, with lower-income individuals expressing greater concerns about costs. The study highlights the need for better education and support for these patients.
A large survey by the SWOG cancer research cooperative group found that lower-income cancer patients were less likely to participate in clinical trials than those with higher incomes. This disparity is concerning, as it may limit their access to cutting-edge treatments and impact the accuracy of trial results.
Researchers found that non-invasive cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) increases the rate of walking adaptation and decreases it with cathode stimulation. The study suggests that tDCS can selectively be used to aid people relearning how to walk following a stroke or brain injury.
A new study shows that Breast MRI provides an indication of a breast tumor's response to pre-surgical chemotherapy significantly earlier than possible through clinical examination. MRI size measurements were superior to clinical examination at all time points, predicting both complete tumor response and residual cancer burden.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found that curved motion triggers smooth pursuit eye movements, while straight motion leads to saccadic eye movements. This discovery could have wide-reaching implications in various fields.
Ellen Jo Baron has been recognized with the 2012 ASM Founders Distinguished Service Award for her decades-long commitment to promoting clinical microbiology and ensuring excellence in laboratory practice worldwide. Baron's extensive service includes volunteering with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Clinical Laboratory Imp...
Researchers at the University of Bristol identified a simple yet crucial neural pathway in Xenopus frog tadpoles that initiates swimming. This discovery sheds light on how locomotion starts and may lead to new treatments for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.
A study examining registered clinical trials found that many small, single-center trials were submitted between 2007-2010, leading to heterogeneity in methodological approaches. The majority of trials had an anticipated enrollment of 1,000 or fewer participants, and only 44% were funded by industry.
A large-scale analysis found that most clinical trials are small and have significant methodological differences, leading to concerns about the quality of evidence. The study's findings highlight the need for better trial design and data collection practices to ensure high-quality evidence for medical decision-making.
A study found a large discrepancy between global disease burden in children and the amount of clinical trial research devoted to this population. Only 12% of clinical drug trials are pediatric trials, despite children bearing nearly 60% of the disease burden for high-priority conditions.
A new study reveals that both amyloid-beta plaque deposits and elevated levels of the altered protein p-tau are required for clinical decline in Alzheimer's disease. The presence of both is associated with significant clinical decline over three years, highlighting p-tau as a potential target for new therapies.
The Association for Psychological Science and SAGE have launched a new peer-reviewed journal, Clinical Psychological Science, which aims to publish advances in clinical science and provide a platform for innovative research. The journal welcomes diverse topics, including translational articles, novel interventions, and theory-driven re...
Researchers found a significant relationship between decreased CSF αβ 1-42 and clinical decline in participants with elevated CSF p-tau 181p, suggesting p-tau as an important marker of AD-associated degeneration. The study suggests that targeting tau may be crucial for therapy development.
The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic Liver Disease provide recommendations for managing alcohol abuse and dependence, diagnosing liver diseases, and treating patients with ALD. The guidelines also identify areas for future research, including clinical trials.
The Clinical Research Forum announced Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards for outstanding projects tackling difficult health problems, including disease prevention, cystic fibrosis, leukemia, and cardiovascular disease. The top prize was awarded for HIV transmission prevention through early treatment.
The Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Awards support clinicians in biochemical genetics, with a focus on metabolic diseases. The 2012-2013 recipients, Dr. Carlos E. Prada and James D. Weisfeld-Adams, received $75,000 per year for one year of clinical genetics subspecialty training.
BIND-014, a novel Accurin nanoparticle, demonstrates high drug concentration in tumors and promising clinical effects in advanced or metastatic cancers. Preclinical data show up to ten-fold increase in intratumoral drug concentrations with prolonged tumor growth suppression.
The AADR has awarded the 2012 Neal W. Chilton Fellowship in Clinical Research to Bing-Yan Wang, an associate professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center. The fellowship will support Wang's clinical testing of a mouthwash effective against oral bacteria.
The SpikerBox is a low-cost, open-source bioamplifier that allows users to amplify and listen to neurons' electrical activity. This tool has been developed by Backyard Brains to make neuroscience education more accessible.
A symposium on TMJ stem cell biology and engineering presents novel clinical therapy approaches for TMJ disorders. Researchers discuss the origin, homeostasis, differentiation, hormonal regulation, and bioengineering of temporomandibular joint tissues.
Dr. Ronald Dubner, a professor at University of Maryland, Baltimore, received the 2012 AADR Distinguished Scientist Award for his groundbreaking work on neurobiological mechanisms of orofacial acute and chronic pain. His research has been recognized for translating findings to improve healthcare.