A review article highlights the potential risks of certain medications during pregnancy on brain development, including autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Altering fundamental brain processes can have detrimental effects, emphasizing the need for reduced use or alternative treatments.
A landmark study found a significant association between prenatal prescription of sterol biosynthesis-inhibiting medications and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The research identified commonly prescribed medications as potential contributors to neurodevelopmental vulnerability.
A University of Nebraska Medical Center-led pilot study found that antidepressants significantly reduced the risk of depression in head and neck cancer patients. The study, led by Drs. William Lydiatt and Bill Burke, showed that only 15% of patients who took antidepressants experienced depression, compared to 50% of those who did not.
Researchers developed a gene expression signature to distinguish Burkitt lymphoma from diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), leading to improved treatment outcomes. The test's accuracy was validated in a study of 71 untreated patients, with marked superiority in overall survival rates.
Researchers have identified certain metabolites that can trigger breast and prostate cancer, paving the way for early detection and prevention. The study's findings suggest a novel approach to cancer prevention by eliminating these initiating steps.
A genetic vaccine developed by the University of Nebraska Medical Center has shown promising results in mice studies, combining DNA and adenovirus to deliver a tumor suppressor factor. The vaccine improved survival rates up to 40% in mice with metastatic breast cancer.
Researchers have identified a new strain of antibiotic-resistant salmonella bacteria in the US, prompting concerns over effective treatment options. The bacteria, which is resistant to cephalosporins, has been linked to outbreaks in poultry and other foods, posing a significant threat to public health.
A genetically-engineered mouse model helps researchers better understand how folic acid protects against neural tube defects and cleft lip/palate by explaining the transport of folic acid within cells. The study may also shed light on why Hispanic women don't seem to benefit from taking folic acid supplements.
A team of researchers from UNMC and Boys Town National Research Hospital has identified the gene responsible for Usher syndrome Type IIa, a genetic disorder affecting 4 in 100,000 people. The discovery may lead to an eventual cure for the condition, which causes moderate to severe hearing loss and juvenile blindness.
A team of physicians and scientists successfully demonstrated the long-term function of transplanted human liver cells in a patient with Crigler-Najjar Syndrome Type I. The procedure reduced the patient's daily phototherapy needs from 12 hours to six hours, significantly improving her quality of life.