A study led by Professor Ivan Rektor found that listening to Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos K448 reduced epileptiform discharges in epilepsy patients by 32%, while Haydn's music had the opposite effect. The acoustic properties of music were responsible for this anti-epileptic effect.
The IMbrave150 trial found that the atezo+bev combination provided a median overall survival of 19.2 months, surpassing the 13.4-month median for those treated with sorafenib alone. The treatment also showed improved survival rates at 18 months, with 52% of patients on atezo+bev remaining alive compared to 40% on sorafenib.
A global survey revealed significant disruptions to liver cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic, including delayed screenings and treatments. The survey found that 87% of participating cancer treatment centers modified their clinical practices, highlighting the need for continued investment in liver oncology nurses and education.
A new study has shown that a minimally-invasive ablation procedure can rejuvenate the lining of the duodenum, leading to significant improvements in blood glucose control and weight loss. In a pilot study, 75% of patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent the procedure were able to discontinue insulin therapy within six months.
Delays in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening due to COVID-19 have resulted in a significant increase in deaths, with moderate and large delays causing 3% and 7% increases in advanced stage CRC. Early-stage diagnosis is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
A new study found that asthma and food hypersensitivity in children are associated with an increased risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) during adolescence. Children with IBS were nearly twice as likely to have had asthma, and almost half reported food hypersensitivity.
A new study analyzed 1,435,350 patients with concurrent diabetes and obesity over a 20-year period. Bariatric surgery was found to significantly reduce the prevalence of pancreatic cancer (0.32% vs 0.19%, p<0.05) in obese diabetic patients. The majority of patients who underwent surgery were female.
The Global Hygiene Council warns that poor home hygiene is a significant contributor to antibiotic resistance, with rates of resistance expected to exceed 40-60% in some countries by 2030. A targeted hygiene approach can help minimize the spread of infections and reduce antibiotic consumption.
A pilot study found that assessing liver fibrosis in people with type 2 diabetes could identify large numbers of previously undiscovered cases of advanced liver disease, increasing diagnosis rates 5-fold. The study also discovered that over half of patients diagnosed with significant fibrosis had normal ALT levels.
Researchers found that inhibition of the MAGL enzyme impairs liver regeneration, while targeting lipid metabolism may have opposite effects on fibrosis and regeneration. The study suggests a complex relationship between MAGL and liver function.
COVID-19 has brought significant challenges to liver patients, particularly those on immunosuppressive medicines. A registry collected data on liver patients with confirmed COVID-19, revealing higher risks for certain groups, such as those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
Emerging treatments for liver cancer show promising safety results, with atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy improving overall survival. Lenvatinib and pembrolizumab combination also demonstrates efficacy in Phase 1b study, while nivolumab + ipilimumab combination yields encouraging results in subgroup analysis.
Novel agents targeting viral production and immune response show promising results in early clinical trials. Four studies presented at DILC 2020 evaluated the strategy of disrupting viral protein synthesis using RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotides, with two combining NRTIs with novel therapies achieving significant HBsAg re...
Fecal microbial transplant has been shown to reduce cravings for alcohol and improve psychosocial quality of life in patients with cirrhosis and AUD. Altering the gut-brain axis through microbiota manipulation may alleviate AUD symptoms, while changes in gut microbiota also affect hepatocarcinogenesis.
Researchers developed new predictive models to identify patients at highest risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after successful hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. The models used clinical parameters and identified specific clusters of patients with elevated or impaired liver function, suggesting more personalized HCC sur...
New studies demonstrate significant reductions in ALT, hepatic fat, and liver damage biomarkers for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The treatments target lipid metabolism and show potential to address type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A large European study found that using the MELD-Na score could increase high-risk patient transplants and reduce 90-day waiting-list mortality. The MELD-Na score includes serum sodium, which is a significant predictor of mortality in patients on liver transplant lists.
A new study found that mortality rates for epilepsy-related deaths did not decrease between 2009 and 2015, with a six-fold increased risk of death among young adults aged 16-24. The majority of epilepsy-related deaths (78%) were classified as potentially avoidable.
A study found that sleep-wake disturbances, including insomnia and sleep-disordered breathing, are associated with a higher risk of recurrent events in stroke survivors. Assessing and improving sleep patterns could improve long-term outcomes for these patients.
Two studies have revealed the increasing and widespread use of psychostimulants among medical students, as well as the risks associated with recreational use of laughing gas. Recreational use of laughing gas has been linked to permanent neurological damage and vitamin B12 deficiency, highlighting a growing public health concern.
A new study has found that people living in urban areas have a 29% higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to those living in rural areas. The research also suggests that air pollution, specifically particulate matter (PM), may be a contributing factor to the development of MS.
A German study found that social isolation is associated with a 44% increased risk of cardiovascular events and a 47% increased risk of death from all causes. Financial support is also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, highlighting the importance of social relationships for heart health.
A new study reveals that everyday hygiene practices, such as hand-washing, can reduce the risk of common infections by up to 50% and the need for antibiotics by up to 30%. This could help prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally each year.
A new study found that 18 drug categories extensively impact the taxonomic structure and metabolic potential of the gut microbiome. Researchers identified eight categories increasing antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The changes could increase risk of intestinal infections, obesity, and other conditions linked to the gut microbiome.
A major study across 195 countries found that global death rates for pancreatic cancer and incidence rates for colorectal cancer increased by 10% between 1990 and 2017. The study also reported significant increases in cases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and a rise in obesity-related risk factors for pancreatic cancer.
A new study confirms FMT is effective in treating IBS with high response rates and symptom improvements, but selecting the right donor is crucial for success. The study used a 'super-donor' to produce high rates of clinical response and marked symptom improvements in patients with IBS.
A new study finds that antibiotic resistance to H. pylori has more than doubled in 20 years, from 9.9% in 1998 to 21.6% last year. This increase is particularly concerning for countries like Southern Italy and Greece, where rates of primary clarithromycin resistance are highest.
A new study found that IBD cases are three times higher than previously reported, with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease prevalence increasing by 55% and 83%, respectively. The study also predicts a rise in IBD prevalence by almost a quarter from 2017 to 2025.
A study found that plant-based diets and Mediterranean diets are associated with high levels of friendly gut bacteria, aiding nutrient production and SCFA energy for cells lining the colon. Plant protein helps biosynthesis of vitamins and amino acids.
A new study reveals that consuming daily sweets, cakes, and unhealthy foods can significantly increase the risk of developing acne. The research found that individuals with acne are more likely to consume dairy products, soda juices or syrups, pastries, chocolate, and whey proteins compared to those without acne.
Family members and caregivers of young children with atopic dermatitis experience mild to moderate severity anxiety and depression, affecting up to 74%. The study found no association between disease severity and anxiety/depression scores, highlighting the need for holistic management of the condition.
New research reveals a striking proportion of psoriasis patients remain untreated, with doctors investing too little time into patients. The study found that over half of patients are not currently visiting a physician to help with treatment, indicating a need for improved care and patient engagement.
A recent study found that malignant melanoma (MM) on the neck has a higher chance of spreading beyond the skin compared to MM below the neck. Researchers investigated 45 patients over six months and discovered that out of the 37 below neck MM patients, none had distant metastases, while two out of eight above neck MM patients did.
Researchers found a significant association between psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) severity, with higher psoriasis severity linked to more severe hepatic damage. The study suggests that patients with both conditions should be closely monitored and managed to prevent worsening of both diseases.
Research shows exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter is linked to decreased levels of proteins responsible for hair growth and retention. The study found that higher concentrations of PM10-like dust and diesel particulate led to greater decreases in these proteins.
Brain diseases now account for 10% of global disease burden, affecting 50 million worldwide. A new national brain health strategy in Norway aims to prevent and cope with these conditions through research, innovation and holistic care.
Researchers found that statin users had a 22% lower risk of all-cause death compared to non-users, as well as a 23% reduction in the risk of stroke. The protective effect was seen across various patient groups, including those with vascular dementia.
A new study found that surviving the Holocaust has a lifelong negative impact on brain structure, affecting stress response, memory, and behavior. Researchers also discovered reduced connectivity in offspring and grandchildren, suggesting a potential genetic component.
A 65-year follow-up study of nearly 7,000 Norwegian patients with multiple sclerosis found an overall risk of developing cancer 14% higher than the general population. Respiratory cancer risk was particularly high at 66%, while urinary and central nervous system cancer risks were also significantly increased.
A new study analyzing participants from 35 countries found that near-death experiences (NDEs) affect around 10% of people, with common reported symptoms including out-of-body sensations and hallucinations. The study also found an association between NDEs and Rapid Eye Movement sleep intrusion into wakefulness.
A new blood test shows promise in replacing liver biopsies for children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a condition affecting one in 10 children. The test detects different types of fats in the blood, indicating inflammation and scarring.
A study published at the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition's annual meeting found a significant correlation between advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in junk food and food allergy in children. Researchers observed higher levels of AGEs in children with food allergies compared to those with ...
A study published at the 52nd Annual Meeting of ESPGHAN found that high fiber intake during pregnancy is linked to a decreased risk of childhood coeliac disease. The study, which assessed over 88,000 children, showed that mothers with higher fiber intake had lower rates of coeliac disease in their offspring.
A study of over 4,000 young adults in the UK found that nearly 20% had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and one in 40 had advanced fibrosis. The condition is linked to obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia, highlighting the need for greater public health awareness.
Two large real-world studies confirm the efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in a broad range of individuals with HCV infection, including those with comorbidities. The treatment showed significant improvements in physical and mental well-being, with high sustained virological response rates.
Two independent studies found high rates of liver disease progression and mortality among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH), highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent progression and reduce mortality. Advanced liver diseases progressed in up to 11% o...
The Phase 3 REGENERATE study confirms obeticholic acid's effectiveness in treating NASH with liver fibrosis, improving fibrosis in almost one-quarter of recipients. The treatment also shows significant improvements in other histological markers of NASH, including lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning.
Two studies presented at The International Liver Congress highlight the increasing burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with HIV infection, leading to a risk of progressive liver disease. NAFLD prevalence is higher in HIV-infected individuals than the general population.
A large cohort study in northern England found significant clustering of primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis in specific regions. The researchers suggest that exposure to a persistent environmental agent may play a key role in the development of these autoimmune liver diseases.
A global study found microplastics in every single stool sample from eight countries, with up to nine different types identified. The presence of microplastics may affect human health through bioaccumulation and transmission of toxic chemicals.