Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Deciphering brain connections between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia

A multicenter study confirms that up to 50% of ALS patients develop cognitive symptoms, with 35.5% also presenting pathological features of frontotemporal dementia. The study highlights the marked heterogeneity of neuropathological characteristics, suggesting possible different pathophysiological mechanisms.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

Nearly two-thirds of low-risk pulmonary embolism patients are hospitalized after ED visit

A study of over 1.6 million ED visits found that nearly two-thirds of low-risk pulmonary embolism patients were hospitalized, despite evidence suggesting safety in outpatient management. Researchers suggest further investigation into ED triage decisions to improve appropriate use of outpatient care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 29, 2024

Protein identified as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas

Researchers have identified UCHL1, a protein found in highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and neuroblastoma, as a potential molecular biomarker for diagnosing these cancers and predicting responses to therapy. Targeting UCHL1 with inhibitors has been shown to delay the growth and spread of these tumors in pre-clinical models.

International consortium identifies biomarkers that improve prediction accuracy of cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes

A international academic consortium has identified 13 biomarkers that significantly improve the ability to accurately predict cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. The standout biomarker was N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), which is currently used to monitor heart failure status in patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJan 25, 2024

Stress, via inflammation, is linked to metabolic syndrome

A new study found that stress drives up inflammation in the body, which is linked to metabolic syndrome. Stress management techniques may be a way to improve biological health outcomes. The research suggests that reducing inflammation can help mitigate the connection between stress and metabolic syndrome.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

Loss of executive function may signal onset of neurodegenerative condition FXTAS

Researchers at UC Davis found that men with FMR1 premutation who experienced reduced executive function were at higher likelihood of developing fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Executive function challenges, particularly working memory and organization issues, were strongly associated with the development of FXTAS.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalMovement Disorders·DateJan 11, 2024

Severe MS predicted using machine learning

A combination of 11 proteins can predict long-term disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis, making it possible to tailor treatments to individual patients. The study identified a specific protein, neurofilament light chain, as a reliable biomarker for disease activity.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2024

Novel test holds promise for detecting Parkinson’s disease early

Researchers developed a novel test that detects single ⍺-synuclein fibrils in patient samples to identify patients with Parkinson's disease earlier. This breakthrough has the potential to create early applicable molecular diagnostics, improve clinical trials, and facilitate drug screening for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Cleveland Clinic and University of Western Ontario awarded $4.9 million from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to build Crohn’s disease and ileostomy research consortium

A new consortium, co-led by Florian Rieder, MD, and Vipul Jairath, MD, will create clinical care pathways toward drug development and improve disease management for patients with Crohn's disease and permanent ileostomy. The EndO-trial Consortium aims to develop effective drugs and measure treatment outcomes using patient-reported outco...

Heart vest could help predict sudden cardiac death risk

A new study by UCL researchers suggests that a vest mapping the heart's electrical activity could help identify people at high risk of sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) vest combines signals with MRI images to generate 3D models, potentially predicting risk factors for life-threatening heart rhythms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2023

Researchers from NTU Singapore and National Centre for Infectious Diseases locate two compounds in blood that could identify patients at risk of severe dengue

Researchers have identified sST2 and suPAR in the blood of dengue patients, which could accurately predict patients at risk of severe dengue. The test kits would improve patient outcomes by distinguishing between non-life-threatening cases and severe dengue, requiring hospitalization.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2023

Three articles in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis uncover previously unknown drug and disease mechanisms

Researchers have identified promising treatment candidates for morphine tolerance and cancer, as well as a biomarker for kidney injury. A monoclonal antibody targeting the mu-opioid receptor has been shown to alleviate morphine tolerance and physical dependence, while inducing excessive mitochondrial fission in tumor cells. Additionall...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2023

A sugar analysis could reveal different types of cancer

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a way to distinguish different types of structural changes in glycan molecules linked to various cancers. The AI-enhanced method uses mass spectrometry to identify patterns in data sets, providing a precise answer to what will change for a specific disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023

Saliva: a means to detect pain in people with dementia

A study found that saliva biomarkers sTNFR2 and sIgA can effectively detect pain in people with dementia, providing an alternative to invasive methods. The researchers discovered a decrease in sTNFR2 levels and an increase in sIgA in patients with dementia compared to a control group.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Brazilians create sensor to monitor levels of widely used antibiotic in water and food

Researchers at the Center for Development of Functional Materials created a sensor to monitor metronidazole levels in organisms and the environment. The sensor, combining magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles, showed good sensitivity and practical advantages, enabling real-time analysis and ease of handling.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateDec 7, 2023

Unlocking the genetic mysteries: DNA methylation of gene silencers sheds light on disease variation

Researchers uncover intricate interplay between enhancers and silencers influenced by DNA methylation, providing crucial insights into dynamic gene control. High-resolution mapping reveals how genes are controlled and modified, paving the way for precision medicine tailored to individual patients.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 27, 2023

First comprehensive guideline on using biomarkers for monitoring Crohn’s disease

The American Gastroenterological Association released a new guideline recommending the use of biomarkers to help manage Crohn’s disease. Biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin can measure levels of inflammation, helping doctors assess disease activity and guide treatment decisions.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2023

Association of molecular subtypes in bladder cancer with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, progression, and survival

Researchers found a modest improvement in predicting pathologic response to chemotherapy using molecular subtypes, but no association with overall survival and progression-free survival. The study suggests the need for subtype-directed therapy trials to test targeted treatments.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2023

Clustering method can better describe the pathological process in patients with traumatic brain injury

A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that monitoring brain injury biomarkers and glucose variation over the first week of hospitalization can provide a more accurate picture of the pathological process. This allows for division into different groups with distinct disease trajectories and prognoses, enabling personalized trea...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

Brain imaging identifies biomarkers of mental illness

A new study has identified a brain connectivity variate that predicts psychiatric disorders in adolescents. The finding provides evidence for a transdiagnostic brain-based measure underlying individual differences in developing psychiatric disorders in early adolescence.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Genetics of nearby healthy tissue may help catch lung cancer’s return

A new study suggests that analyzing genetic material from nearby healthy tissue may help predict lung cancer's return after treatment. The study analyzed RNA from tumor cells and adjacent, seemingly normal lung tissue and found that the expression of genes associated with inflammation was especially useful for making predictions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Scientists engineer potent immune cells for ‘off-the-shelf’ cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy to treat challenging cancers. Gamma delta T cells with high expressions of CD16 surface marker exhibited increased ability to recognize and kill cancer cells.

Long COVID in women may be linked to inflammation levels at peak of infection, new research suggests

A study of 144 Covid survivors found that women with elevated inflammatory biomarkers during the acute phase were more likely to experience lingering symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and sleep disturbance. This research sheds light on a potential link between inflammation and persistent Long Covid symptoms in women.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalImmunity Inflammation and Disease·DateNov 7, 2023

Major study validates Owkin’s best in class AI diagnostic for colorectal cancer biomarker aimed at optimizing patient access to immunotherapy

A recent study published in Nature Communications validates MSIntuit CRC, an AI-driven digital pathology diagnostic, as a reliable pre-screening tool for colorectal cancer. The diagnostic accurately rules out nearly 50% of MSS patients while correctly classifying over 96% of MSI patients.

SourceOwkin, Inc.·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2023