A new collection offers practical tools and guidelines for conducting clinical research on neglected tropical diseases in resource-constrained settings. The collection addresses key challenges, including infrastructure, culture, and ethics requirements, to improve patient management and population-based control and elimination.
Rettsyndrome.org designates 14 US clinics as Clinical Research Centers of Excellence, fostering comprehensive care and partnering with families and healthcare providers. These centers accelerate research and treatment, providing critical support for individuals with Rett syndrome.
Researchers found that older adults' brains degrade speech processing in quiet environments, making it harder to comprehend speech amidst background noise. The study suggests that brain training techniques may help improve speech comprehension in older adults.
A new study challenges the traditional efficacy trial model by using real-world patients and GP practices to test COPD treatments. The Salford Lung Study found that a once-daily treatment regimen was associated with lower rates of exacerbations without increased risk of serious adverse events.
The Association for Molecular Pathology has developed a new framework for defining the clinical utility of molecular diagnostics, emphasizing the importance of context in interpreting test results. This approach aims to improve patient care by providing clinically useful and appropriate testing based on realistic evidence levels.
A special series in Clinical Psychological Science highlights the importance of broadening traditional scope of clinical science research to address diverse populations. Research reveals ethnic and cultural differences in mental health issues, treatment, and prevention, emphasizing the need for diversity science.
Researchers found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy increases activity in brain regions controlling emotional processing, leading to reduced anxiety in youth at risk of bipolar disorder. The study's pilot trial showed significant improvements in clinician-rated and youth-rated anxiety following 12 weeks of treatment.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded over $4 million to 10 top clinical investigators to support patient-oriented cancer research. The award aims to address the shortage of physicians capable of translating scientific discovery into new breakthroughs for cancer patients.
The NIH award will support initiatives such as engaging underrepresented persons in clinical trials and developing robust electronic platforms for data warehousing. This will enable the SC CTSI to advance cutting-edge research and scientific breakthroughs in patient and community health.
Clinical research waste is estimated at 85% of total medical research costs. Professor Ioannidis argues that reforming clinical research with problem-base, context-placing, and patient-centered features can make it more useful to clinicians. This would result in more efficient and effective clinical decision-making.
A phase II clinical study found a 32% clinical benefit in pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA mutation, including one complete response and two partial responses. The drug's acceptable safety profile suggests it may be an option earlier in the treatment course for some patients.
A new smartphone app aims to improve patient access to medical innovations through clinical trials. The app, developed by University at Buffalo researcher Peter Elkin, allows patients to quickly search for and enroll in local clinical trials, reducing barriers to life-saving treatments.
A study found that 63% of organizations producing clinical practice guidelines received funds from biomedical companies, but these relationships were seldom disclosed. The study highlights the need for better policy management of conflicts of interest in clinical practice guidelines.
The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences is conducting a phase 1 clinical trial to test a hookworm vaccine in an endemic area of Brazil. The trial aims to determine the safety and efficacy of combining two existing vaccines, with potential implications for global health.
Two papers address challenges in interpreting clinical genome and exome sequencing results. The CSER Consortium has developed approaches for using sequencing to diagnose rare diseases, cancer, and other conditions. A new set of guidelines may help different labs interpret sequencing results consistently.
A new system devised by clinicians uses blockchain technology to prevent changes to clinical trial documents, reducing the risk of ineffective or unsafe medications being distributed. This approach has the potential to prevent issues such as outcome switching and selective publication in clinical trials.
Researchers at University of Oregon developed a line of transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein to visualize neural activity. The technique allows for real-time imaging of brain-wide activity across cortex, enabling studies of sensory processing, cognition, and brain development.
A study found that only 15.5% of available clinical trials were requested through open access platforms, suggesting underutilization due to lack of awareness or funding support. The researchers called for promoting the use of shared clinical trial data to increase transparency and validation studies.
The IADR/AADR have released the first issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research, a journal focusing on the translation of research into clinical practice. The inaugural issue covers various topics in applied oral health research, with an emphasis on rapid dissemination and application.
The Sanofi Genzyme/ACMG Foundation Medical Genetics Training Award in Clinical Biochemical Genetics supports training programs advancing education, research, and standards of practice in medical genetics. The award grants $75,000/year to two recipients' institutions for clinical and research experience.
The Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Clinical Genetics Combined Residency for Translational Genomic Scholars Fellowship Award supports training in biochemical genetics, lysosomal storage diseases, and therapeutics. The award grants $75,000 per year to two recipients selected by the ACMG Foundation.
Max Planck Florida scientists have optimized techniques for studying motor learning in neurons of the cerebellum, enabling prolonged assessment of neural activity. This breakthrough allows for further characterization of continuously engaged neurons during motor activity and normal behavior.
Researchers discovered altered heart rate variability in children with epilepsy, suggesting a connection to the autonomic nervous system. The study suggests that changes in parasympathetic tone may precede epilepsy onset, offering potential biomarkers for diagnosis and new treatment avenues.
Less than 40% of clinical trial results were shared within two years, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found significant variation across academic medical centers, highlighting the need for timely and transparent result sharing.
A recent study found that only 29% of completed clinical trials led by investigators at major US academic centers were published within two years of completion, highlighting the need for improved timely reporting and publication. The study also revealed marked variation in rates of dissemination across institutions, with no center publ...
Leading medical journals propose a mandate on clinical data sharing to improve the benefit to society from clinical trials. The ICMJE defines a clinical trial as any research project that prospectively assigns people to an intervention, and believes there is an ethical obligation to share data generated by interventional clinical trials.
The journal publishes methodology and statistics to design better trials, reducing publication bias. It features a new method to make cancer clinical trials more effective, with the first issue now available on ScienceDirect.
A new study reveals that mandatory tumor tissue requirements in clinical trials delay treatment and reduce patient enrollment. Trials without these requirements show faster treatment initiation and higher enrollment rates.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University created a complete model to describe serotonin's role in brain development and structure. The study supports the importance of serotonin for normal functioning of neurons, synapses, and networks in the cortex.
A study by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that a tailored video education program improved cancer patients' knowledge and reduced negative attitudes towards clinical trials. The PRE-ACT program was more effective than text-based information in encouraging participants to consider clinical trials.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discover how dopamine alters connections between neurons in fly brain to change odor responses. This study parallels the action of dopamine in human brain, suggesting a coordinated mechanism for flexible behavior.
The authors argue that study populations should mirror the global community to capture human biological variability. They also recommend enforcing racial and ethnic diversity among study participants, increasing financial support for NIH, and empowering agencies to improve diversity in clinical research.
Dr. Donald Schomer, a Harvard Medical School professor, is recognized for his pioneering work in comprehensive epilepsy programs and training fellow clinicians worldwide. He has trained 46 fellows since establishing the fellowship program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the causes of congenital face blindness can be traced back to an early stage in the perceptual process. People with this condition are unable to use facial features to identify others, but their brains respond differently when shown a face.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to reduce histamine-induced itching and shorten its duration in a new study. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of novel methods to inhibit itching.
Researchers discovered that treating newborn mice with bumetanide can almost completely prevent the disease progression and allow them to develop normally. The study suggests that timing is crucial, as treatment within the first two postnatal weeks can normalize brain activity and behavior.
A new common format, Neurodata Without Borders (NWB): Neurophysiology, enables free and open exchange of complex brain information. The format allows researchers to capture and share data generated by optical and electrical neurophysiology methods.
Dr. Jackson T. Wright Jr.'s decades-long clinical research helped create and fine-tune approaches to address hypertension in African-American populations, leading to significant reductions in cardiovascular events and mortality. His work has also informed the development of treatment guidelines for hypertension, addressing health dispa...
Researchers have developed an injectable drug that inhibits the Wnt pathway, causing endogenous stem cells to regenerate knee cartilage in animals. Clinical data suggest slowing joint space narrowing and increased joint space, indicating potential preservation or regrowth of cartilage.
SAGE's new publication, JDR Clinical & Translational Research, expands on the success of Journal of Dental Research supplements. The journal accepts various study designs and methodologies, aiming to translate research findings into practical applications for oral health.
A new study found that US clinical trials of chronic pain drugs experienced a steady increase in placebo response over time. The analysis revealed that trials conducted only in the US showed this trend, whereas European and Asian trials did not.
A new study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that patients participating in stage III renal cell cancer drug trials are often younger and healthier than those who ultimately receive the drugs. The study highlights concerns about the direct applicability of trial data, particularly for patients with more advanced canc...
A Mayo Clinic study examines the adoption and cessation of calcium magnesium (CaMg) use for oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, highlighting the challenges of translating research into clinical practice. The study reveals a decade-long cycle of rapid changes in treatment, driven by emerging evidence and public perception.
A clinical trial using Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy found the treatment to be safe for patients with advanced small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. The study, led by Dr. Glen Weiss, presented initial results from 12 lung cancer patients enrolled in the 'PembroPlus' clinical trial.
The Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science has received a $27 million grant to facilitate clinical trials in the Washington D.C. area, benefiting over four million residents. The award supports clinical researchers, training programs, and community engagement initiatives.
Seizures in neonates after cardiac surgery are common and linked to higher mortality rates, according to a new study. The study found that seizures were not uncommon and would not have been detected without continuous EEG monitoring.
Researchers analyzed case systems in over 600 languages, finding that complex constructions tax the brain more than simple ones. The brain activity is stronger for simple cases, leading to simplifications and changes in grammatical structures.
A Mayo Clinic-led study has validated the National Cancer Institute's Patient Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE), a tool used to track side effects in cancer clinical trials. The study found that PRO-CTCAE was accurate, reliable and responsive compared to other measures.
Male flies precisely assess potential partner suitability through complex neural integration, weighing taste and smell signals to make a decision. The study reveals P1 neurons play a crucial role in integrating sensory information, enabling the male fly to choose the right partner.
A preclinical randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate a potential stroke therapy that had shown promise in one mouse model but not another. The study found that the treatment's success may depend on the type and severity of the stroke, suggesting improved clinical trial design could have mitigated this issue.
A new review published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice found that accurate malnutrition diagnosis and coding can increase hospital payments. The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition recommends a valid program to identify, document, intervene, and code malnutrition to enhance financial stability and clinical resources.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals a distinctive EEG pattern associated with high-dose nitrous oxide anesthesia. This finding may help explain the drug's mechanisms and provide insights into the development of new anesthetics.
Researchers found large-amplitude slow-delta waves in patients receiving nitrous oxide, twice as powerful as those seen in deep sleep. The discovery could lead to better anesthetic dosing decisions and alleviate concerns about awareness under anesthesia.
The article highlights lessons learned from monitoring complex HIV clinical trials in Africa over 15 years, including the use of on-site and central monitoring, local monitor teams, and standardized processes. The authors encourage global trial teams to publish their practical observations to improve best practices.
A small study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant supplementation may clear amyloid-beta protein and reduce inflammation in neurological tissues of people with mild clinical impairment. Further clinical studies are needed to verify the findings.
A study presented at EULAR 2015 found that ultrasound diagnosis of tenosynovitis was superior to clinical symptoms in predicting early RA. This procedure has the potential to improve clinical outcomes by identifying the need for treatment before symptom onset.
Researchers have discovered a set of neurons in the medial temporal lobe that is indicative of an individual's confidence level in their memories. The study found that the activity of these neurons, known as familiarity and novelty neurons, is proportional to confidence, suggesting that they play a key role in assessing memory quality.
Massey researchers have identified three patterns of lymphocyte recovery following stem cell transplantation that are significantly associated with clinical outcomes. The study found Group B patients experienced the best clinical outcomes, while Groups A and C had poorer survival rates. The discovery builds on previous research into th...
The ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) provides a rational approach to grading the magnitude of clinical benefit of anti-cancer medicines. The scale will be applied to new drugs approved by the EMA, with high-scoring drugs highlighted in the ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.
The EU Clinical Trials Regulation aims to improve cancer research in Europe, but its implementation poses challenges for researchers and Member States. The regulation includes provisions such as a one-time-consent for patient data and tissue use, creating a single registration portal, and data transparency.