Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found the Apgar score effective in assessing health of preterm infants, with lower scores associated with increased mortality risk. A higher Apgar score significantly increases the chance of survival for premature babies, highlighting its importance regardless of gestational age.
A study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found a significant association between income and survival after surgery for lung cancer. Patients with low household disposable income had significantly worse long-term survival compared to those with high income, even after adjusting for common comorbidities.
Repeated blood tests measuring liver damage biomarker FIB-4 identify people at high risk of severe liver disease. The study found that increased FIB-4 scores between testing occasions can predict future liver cirrhosis, with almost half of affected individuals identifiable.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a lack of mitochondria causes severe disease in children, including brain dysfunction and neurological impairment. The study, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, suggests that inhibition of mitochondrial degradation may provide a new treatment strategy for affected patients.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a key target for ketamine: specific serotonin receptors in the brain. The study found that low doses of ketamine increase the number of these receptors, reducing the release of serotonin and increasing dopamine levels.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new mechanism by which microRNAs regulate protein production, potentially leading to new cancer treatments. The study focused on miR-34a, a microRNA that plays a key role in cancer by regulating the activity of the p53 protein.
Researchers found that women inheriting a Neandertal gene variant have lower rates of early miscarriages, fewer bleedings during pregnancy, and higher birth rates. The study suggests the variant has a favorable effect on fertility, with increased progesterone receptor production leading to greater sensitivity and protection.
A new sequencing method has been developed to map the spatial organization of DNA in the cell nucleus, revealing areas prone to mutation and damage. The technique identifies a continuum of increasing activity from the nuclear periphery towards the center, challenging previous assumptions about inactive chromatin's location.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that socioeconomic status independently affects cognitive ability and brain structure during adolescence. The study showed that environmental factors have a stronger impact on brain development than genes.
A randomized noninferiority clinical trial found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for health anxiety had similar effects to traditional face-to-face treatment. The study involved 204 adults with health anxiety and showed that online therapy was effective despite limited therapist-patient interaction.
Researchers developed a single factor, 'p', combining different measures of psychiatric outcomes, which predicts patient prognosis and need for extra support. A high 'p' value is linked to adverse outcomes, such as suicide risk, criminality, or drug abuse.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that protects against the Coxsackie B virus, which may play a role in triggering type 1 diabetes. The vaccine was shown to be highly immunogenic and protective in animal models and non-human primates.
A new drug called degarelix, approved for prostate cancer treatment, has been shown to reduce the risk of men with pedophilic disorder committing child sexual abuse. The drug, administered every three months, dampens critical risk factors such as high sexual desire and attraction to children.
Researchers have mapped out cell types behind various brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease, indicating that the disease may start in the gut. Oligodendrocytes were found to be affected early on, suggesting they play a key role in the early stages of the disease.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found similar changes in the immune cells of both infected and exposed infants, suggesting a possible explanation for the low infection risk. The study aims to understand how the immune system can be protected against hepatitis C in the future.
A Swedish study found that children of parents with mental illness are at a higher risk of injuries, particularly during the first year of life. The risk remains elevated even after age 17, and is slightly higher for common parental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
A new triage system using symptom severity and teleconsultation reduced the time to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) from 65 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes in Stockholm region patients. This led to better patient outcomes, with 34% of EVT patients fully recovering their functional ability compared to 24% in the old system.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University finds that celiac disease is associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. The study examined almost 50,000 patients with celiac disease and found a 21% increase in overall mortality compared to controls.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and UBC found that a genetically modified variant of ACE2 reduced SARS-CoV-2 viral growth by a factor of 1,000 to 5,000 in cell cultures. The study suggests the potential for a novel drug treatment to help patients with early-stage COVID-19.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method to refine the production of retinal cells from embryonic stem cells using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. The modified cells can hide from the immune system, reducing the risk of rejection and potentially leading to a new treatment for age-related macular degeneration.
A study at Karolinska Institutet found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of dementia. The researchers also found that cardiovascular disease plays a key role in this association, and that reducing emissions can help mitigate the risk.
Two new studies link childhood obesity to a higher risk of mortality in early adulthood, as well as increased rates of anxiety and depression. The research highlights the need for specific prevention tools and long-term treatment to address these risks.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a detailed blueprint for the development of the human cortex in the ancient lamprey brain, shifting its origin to over 500 million years ago.
A Swedish-Finnish study found that HPV vaccination of both boys and girls prevents infections effectively, even if only 80% of girls are vaccinated. Mathematical modelling shows that vaccinating both genders can eliminate the most oncogenic HPV type 16 in a few years after age 30.
An international team of scientists has launched a comprehensive overview of all proteins expressed in the human brain, published in Science. The Brain Atlas resource offers medical researchers an unprecedented resource to deepen their understanding of neurobiology.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that so-called egg stem cells do not exist in the human ovary, contrary to previous reports. The study's comprehensive map of ovarian cells will contribute to the development of new methods for treating female infertility.
A study of over 6,000 newborn babies found that longer pregnancies are associated with chemical DNA changes in thousands of genes. These epigenetic modifications may influence fetal organ development and potentially affect the health of premature birth children.
A detailed molecular atlas of skin cells has been created, revealing over 50 different cell types and new variations of cell types. The study uncovers how cells are coordinated during hair growth and rest, providing vital knowledge on the flexibility of the skin.
Researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that, when silenced, restores immune cells' normal function in people with fatty liver disease. Silencing a microRNA molecule called miR144 increases the endogenous antioxidant response, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered a link between cognitive impairment and lasting inflammation after intensive care. Elevated blood levels of HMGB1 protein were found in patients with post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), which can cause impairments in memory, attention, and problem-solving for years.
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that standard treatment is more effective than costly negative-pressure wound therapy for civilians injured in conflicts. Researchers conducted the first randomized trial of patients in conflict zones and hope to inspire new research projects.
A study by Karolinska Institutet found that IVF-conceived children had a 45% higher risk of death before 1 year of age than naturally conceived children. The risk varied depending on the type of assisted reproductive technique used and how many days had passed since birth.
The new guidelines, if implemented, would lead to a substantial financial burden on health systems due to the high cost of PCSK9 inhibitors. Around 50% of patients with a recent heart attack would be eligible for these expensive drugs, which could increase treatment costs by over 4,500 euros annually.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a gene, Synaptotagmin 13, that protects against motor neuron degeneration in ALS and SMA. Gene therapy was shown to increase life expectancy in animal models.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that a combination of markers, including frailty and the epigenetic clock, can predict health risks and mortality. The researchers followed 845 middle-aged and elderly participants over 20 years, revealing associations between these markers and increased risk of early death.
Low birth weight is linked to poor cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults. The study found that babies born at term weighing more than average had better fitness levels, with a 7.9-watt increase for every 450 grams of extra weight.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered how different brain cell types in the striatum respond to sensory inputs and motor commands, shedding new light on how we align our movements with sensory feedback. The study reveals distinct receptor compositions and response patterns among five striatal neuron populations.
A novel principle of organisation has been discovered in the spinal cord, which coordinates locomotion by forming three recurrent rhythm-generating circuit modules acting as gears. This discovery provides new insights into how brain commands are translated into rhythmic and appropriately paced locomotion.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have successfully designed small molecules that activate Frizzleds, a receptor family linked to various cancers and disorders. This breakthrough opens up new therapeutic strategies for treating different types of cancer.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered two proteins, IL-4 and IL-13, that prevent immune cells from attacking joints and causing inflammation. These proteins regulate neutrophil behaviour, a type of immune cell commonly found in inflamed joints.
Researchers discovered three substances that reduce SAMHD1's ability to break down cytarabine, a common AML treatment. The combination of standard AML-treatment with hydroxyurea has shown to prolong median survival in mice and human blood cells.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that MAIT cells respond with dynamic activity and reprogramming of gene expression during acute HIV infection. The study sheds light on the immune system's response to this phase of HIV infection.
A 20-year study found that long-term antipsychotic treatment significantly reduced mortality in people with schizophrenia compared to those without medication. The study also showed no increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease among those receiving antipsychotic therapy.
Patients with ulcerative colitis have a significantly elevated risk of developing and dying of colorectal cancer, even with modern therapy. A large study found that these patients have a 66% higher chance of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to the control group.
Researchers developed an AI system that can detect and grade prostate cancer with accuracy comparable to world-leading uro-pathologists. The system has the potential to significantly reduce the workload of uro-pathologists and improve diagnostic quality.
Researchers created a molecular 3D-map of nerve cells targeted by opioids in striatum, dividing it into subregions with spatiomolecular code. This knowledge may contribute to an increased understanding of normal reward processes and the effects of addictive substances on decision-making.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that CaV3.1 channels lead to excessive calcium influx, impairing beta cell function and glucose homeostasis. This hyperactivation is a critical pathogenic mechanism in diabetes development.
A new study suggests that glutamine supplementation could help people with obesity reduce inflammation of fat tissue and reduce fat mass. Glutamine levels were found to alter gene expression in several different cell types, leading to anti-inflammatory effects on white blood cells and T-cells.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) reduces anxiety levels in patients with social anxiety disorder while increasing protective enzymes telomerase and glutathione peroxidase. This may protect cells against oxidative stress and cellular aging.
Patients with type 1 diabetes and high lipoprotein(a) levels have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and calcified aortic valve disease. High blood glucose levels are also associated with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels in this patient group.