Complement component C3 is produced by microglia in the brain within days of viral infection, suggesting a localized immune response. This finding adds to understanding of how increased expression of immunologic factors contributes to neuroinflammation and seizures following viral infection.
A study of 97 youth football players aged 9-13 found they experienced a total of 40,538 head impacts during four seasons. The number of impacts differed significantly depending on the player's age/weight level, suggesting all athletes should not be evaluated as one group when assessing head impact exposure and injury risk.
Recent clinical studies support the value of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in reducing blood glucose variability and improving patient quality of life. CGM has been shown to be safe and effective, with regulatory approval for nonadjunctive use representing a major advance.
Recent clinical trials using different gene transfer approaches have shown acceptable risk and potential for treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Despite mixed results in terms of efficacy, the data support further clinical development of this therapeutic strategy.
Researchers discuss routes of Zika virus transmission and its effects on pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage and microcephaly. Therapeutic approaches aimed at blocking Zika virus transmission from mother to fetus are also presented.
The article provides recommendations to standardize continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in clinical trials, improve glycemic control, and reduce risks of hypoglycemia. The authors suggest better data collection and analysis techniques to maximize the benefits of CGM in diabetes research.
A comprehensive review of national homicide data from 1976-2015 reveals important gender differences and trends among homicide victims and offenders. Intimate partner homicide trends show a significant reduction in male victimization, linked to factors like reduced stigma and increased social interventions.
The approved flash glucose monitoring system provides accurate data on demand, reducing the need for calibration, and offers a clinical benefit for individuals with type 1 diabetes. The technology has been shown to improve insulin dosing and overall glycemic control.
Cases of human Powassan virus infection are rising in the US, particularly in northeastern and midwestern states. The virus is transmitted by Ixodes ticks and can cause fatal neuroinvasive disease and long-term neurological effects.
A new study found that health insurance reimbursement for complementary healthcare services is significantly lower than for primary care physicians. The likelihood of reimbursement was 69% lower for acupuncturists, 71% lower for chiropractors, and 62% lower for doctors of naturopathic medicine.
Researchers developed a novel approach to create self-expandable polymer stents that can grow with pediatric patients, are biodegradable, and require minimally-invasive procedures. The stents were created using computational design, simulation tools, and 3D printing technology.
The Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics presents novel therapeutic approaches for treating uveitis, including cyclosporine, topical ganciclovir, and regulatory T cell therapy. These advances aim to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with autoimmune uveitis.
A new study found no correlation between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk in children aged 3-8 years. However, less sleep was associated with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The researchers suggest that sleep quality may have a greater impact on cardiometabolic risk than sleep duration.
A new study finds that HIV-positive young adults with limited treatment history have significant disruptions in brain structural networks, poorer connections, and reduced cognitive performance. The study suggests that anatomical brain connectivity is a useful biomarker for white matter disruption in HIV infection.
The Trump administration's decision to remove sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions from national aging surveys and omit these categories from disability surveys may hinder the collection and use of SOGI data. This could set back years of progress in identifying and addressing LGBT health disparities.
Researchers found reduced proliferation capacity and increased rates of cell death in MSCs from patients with acute myeloid leukemia at diagnosis. These alterations may play a role in the development of leukemia, according to the study published in Stem Cells and Development.
A recent meta-analysis found that suicidal thoughts and attempts among transgender adults were significantly higher than in the general public. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support these at-risk populations. The analysis included data from 42 studies published over 19 years.
A new study shows that displaying FIT Game episodes in school cafeterias can increase vegetable consumption by 99.9%, surpassing previous classroom-based games. The low-cost approach offers promise for influencing children's health and behavior.
A large randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture significantly improved the quality of life and physical and mental health of patients with allergic asthma. The study involved 1445 participants who received on average 15 acupuncture sessions over three months, with benefits maintained for up to six months.
Researchers have identified multipotent stem cells in the human brain following a stroke, which can differentiate into neurons and help repair damage. These cells, called iSCs, express multiple stem cell markers and demonstrate high proliferative potential.
Researchers found that simple 'single-show models' can have high predictive accuracy in predicting presidential election outcomes based on television viewership data. This approach may offer a more accurate predictive tool compared to poll-data-driven models.
Two papers challenge the UK's National Institute for Healthcare Excellence (NICE) guidelines for excluding acupuncture in treating osteoarthritis of the knee and low-back pain. The authors argue that NICE applies a higher evidentiary standard to acupuncture than other modalities, which may diminish its effectiveness.
A comprehensive review examines the role of type I interferon in controlling herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. The study reveals that newborns are more susceptible to HSV-1 infection, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening diseases like herpes simplex encephalitis.
Researchers connect classical acupuncture to advances in physiology, systems biology, and mechanotherapeutics. They explore the body's interconnectedness as a whole system, suggesting an exciting convergence in Eastern and Western medicine.
A systematic review found yoga practice reduced symptoms of menstrual disorders in premenstrual women, including improved mood and reduced pain. Enhanced relaxation response was also observed.
A new review discusses how gene therapy delivered via adeno-associated viruses (AAV) can trigger an immune response in T cells, leading to activation and exhaustion. The review highlights the variability in individual patients' immune responses to AAV vectors and potential strategies to suppress these reactions.
A growing number of preclinical studies suggest that rAAV-mediated gene therapy may cause insertional mutagenesis and increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Research emphasizes the need for careful reconsideration of potential genotoxicity risks in human clinical applications.
The American Telemedicine Association has published new guidelines to improve remote stroke care using telemedicine communication technologies. The guidelines describe the network of audio-visual communication systems and computer systems needed to link an expert stroke team with a remote patient, aiming to rapidly diagnose and treat i...
Researchers identified R-LA induced cellular changes, inhibiting glucose production from non-carbohydrate sources. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for liver cancer treatment.
A point/counterpoint debate examines two approaches to controlling the opioid epidemic: increasing regulation of physician prescribing practices or better educating patients and doctors. The discussion highlights the importance of finding a balance between regulating opioid use and providing alternative pain management options.
A new study found that firearm threats by male partners are a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity in women. The study suggests that validated measures to assess firearm-related threat could be valuable predictive tools for identifying at-risk women.
A new study compares blood glucose control and hypoglycemia rates between type 1 diabetes patients using insulin pumps versus multiple daily injections during Ramadan. Researchers report improved glucose variability and reduced hypoglycemic episodes with insulin pump therapy.
The Trump administration can fundamentally transform a fragmented and expensive healthcare system by putting patients first. Dr. Stephen K. Klasko offers 12 recommendations for true transformation, urging the president to embrace change.
The use of stem cells in predictive toxicology screening holds promise in reducing animal testing. However, standardizing methods, identifying optimal cell types, and defining measures is essential. The journal Applied In Vitro Toxicology explores the benefits and limitations of this approach.
A new study examines how well biobank donor families understand the risk and implications of a potential confidentiality breach. Families who donate tissue are often willing to trade access to research results for absolute confidentiality.
Industry experts examine the advantages of shifting data analytics to the cloud, including cost savings and improved management of analytics workloads. The panel discussion highlights the potential for companies to gain by moving their data analytics activities to the cloud, including more efficient use of IT resources.
Researchers discuss the challenges of understanding genomic data, including incidental findings and false-positive results. The authors highlight the need for informed patient preferences, risk assessment, and knowledge of compensating variants to navigate these complexities.
A new study demonstrates that gender dysphoria in individuals with coexisting psychotic disorders can be adequately diagnosed and safely treated with gender affirming therapies. The research offers recommendations for overcoming challenges in diagnosis and treatment of this patient population.
A new study identifies optimal adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy delivery vector constructs to treat Hemophilia A. The researchers successfully improved the design of AAV vectors, demonstrating significant and differing effects on liver-specific expression of the human factor VIII transgene in mice.
A study found that hospitalized patients value complementary treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy, perceiving them helpful. Across various therapies, 33-71% of patients expressed willingness to pay out-of-pocket for these services.
Researchers compare arm anthropometry measures to BMI to determine nutritional status in leukemia survivors. Arm measurements distinguish between fat and muscle mass, providing a valuable tool for assessing muscle loss.
A comprehensive review article explores cytokine regulation of fibroblast behavior and extracellular matrix in the lung, shedding light on chronic inflammation. The study highlights the role of metabolic changes, age, and epigenetic mechanisms in affecting fibroblast activity and immune system cell populations.
A Phase I clinical trial demonstrates the safety of transplanting autologous Schwann cells into a spinal cord lesion, showing no negative effects after 1 year. The study successfully determined safety and feasibility for performing peripheral nerve harvests within 5-30 days followed by intra-spinal transplantation within 4-7 weeks.
Researchers envision AAV as a platform for delivering novel tools for genetic manipulation, including CRISPR-Cas9 and RNA interference. The combination of tailored delivery vectors and new editing techniques will enable unique approaches to therapeutic gene expression.
New research examines the impact of Ebola virus proteins packaged in exosomes on the immune system, impairing its ability to fight off the infection. The study highlights the potential for exosomal VP40 to have a substantial impact on Ebola virus disease.
Researchers at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Harvard School of Medicine found that yoga classes and coherent breathing reduced depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. Participants who took three yoga classes a week showed significant improvement compared to those taking two classes.
Researchers found mindfulness therapy to be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and rumination in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nei Yang Gong therapy also showed positive effects on self-control in children with ASD. The review of 16 studies highlights the potential for mind-body therapies in treating ASD symptoms.
Researchers developed two new mechanistic models, Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs), to assess toxicological risk of chemicals without animal testing. The AOPs were recognized by PETA International Science Consortium for their contributions to non-animal approaches.
A pilot study of guanfacine, an alpha2-agonist, found the drug safe and well-tolerated in pediatric patients with anxiety disorder. The study suggests potential effectiveness and opens doors to further clinical testing.
New research concludes that AAV vectors used in gene therapy do not increase the risk of cancer and may even have anti-tumorigenic properties. The study's authors review biomedical evidence showing that AAV2 can negatively impact other viruses associated with malignancy.