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Immune system B-cells can help predict HER2-positive breast cancer treatment response

A new study found that measuring activation of immune-system B cells may be better than measuring either T-cell activation or total number of immune cells in and around a tumor. The findings suggest that six signatures of immune cell gene activation from B cells were associated with higher elimination rates and better survival outcomes.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2023

January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover childhood and neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders, suicide screening and technological advances in CBT

The American Psychiatric Association's January journal issues focus on childhood- and neurodevelopment-related psychiatric disorders. A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry explores how brain scans predict treatment response to psychotherapy for OCD.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 3, 2023

Aging | DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging and cognitive decline over 16-years: preliminary longitudinal findings in midlife

A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

Oncotarget | Plasma growth hormone is a potential biomarker of response to atezolizumab and bevacizumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Researchers found that plasma GH levels are a potential biomarker for predicting treatment outcomes in patients with advanced HCC treated with Atezo/Bev. The study showed significantly superior overall survival and non-significant trend in favor of GH-low patients compared to GH-high patients.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2022

Study traces shared and unique cellular hallmarks found in 6 neurodegenerative diseases

A recent study has identified common and unique cellular processes in six neurodegenerative diseases, providing new insights into the underlying causes of these conditions. The research used machine learning analysis to compare RNA markers in whole blood samples from patients with distinct diseases, revealing eight shared themes across...

SourceArizona State University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

Aging | DNA methylation GrimAge version 2

Researchers developed a new epigenetic biomarker, GrimAge version 2, which leverages two DNAm-based estimators of plasma proteins to predict mortality risk. The study found that GrimAge 2 outperforms existing clinical biomarkers in predicting mortality across multiple racial/ethnic groups and associations with age-related conditions.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2022

New biomarker strategy devised to screen for, diagnose deadly heart complication from cancer treatment

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new biomarker-based strategy to screen for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis, which can cause muscle damage and liver injury. Early detection of these biomarkers can lead to earlier treatment and improved survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2022

Walnuts the new brain food for stressed university students

A recent clinical trial found that walnut consumption reduced stress and depression levels in university students. The study also showed improved metabolic biomarkers and overall sleep quality in the longer term. Walnuts contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and melatonin, which promote healthy brain and gut function.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2022

This hormone may be the missing ingredient to heart-healthy cholesterol levels for menopausal women

A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Antibodies to common antibiotic possible new risk factor for type 1 diabetes

A study found that antibodies to common antibiotic gentamicin are associated with an increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk. The researchers also identified an association between the FUT2 gene and the production of these antibodies, which may be compounding risks for type 1 diabetes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Oncotarget | Expression of p-STAT3 and c-Myc correlates with P2-HNF4α expression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Researchers found that P2-HNF4α expression is associated with p-STAT3 and c-Myc expression in NAFLD patients, suggesting potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Additionally, p-STAT3 expression was linked to hypertension, while c-Myc expression was associated with advanced fibrosis.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Mount Sinai study uncovers inflammatory markers that may predict a response in certain patients to COVID-19 immunotherapies

A Mount Sinai study found that certain inflammatory markers can predict which patients are more likely to respond to COVID-19 immunotherapies. The researchers identified a subtype of COVID-19 patients with hyperinflammation who could benefit from pacritinib, an anti-cancer drug.

Imaging biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have developed an AI method to pinpoint cells indicative of Alzheimer's disease based on DNA packing in mouse brain images, offering a potential early detection tool. This approach combines multi-scale imaging with artificial intelligence to identify biomarkers for aging-related diseases.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 3, 2022

Scientists develop 12-hour method to predict diabetes onset in patients using artificial intelligence

Researchers at Klick Applied Sciences have created a machine learning model to predict diabetes onset in patients using just 12 hours of data from continuous glucose monitors. The study showed high accuracy in identifying prediabetes, healthy patients, and those with Type 2 diabetes, offering a potential tool for early disease prevention.

SourceKlick Applied Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2022

Researchers from Insilico Medicine, University of Copenhagen, and University of Chicago unravel molecular secrets hidden in premature aging diseases and cancer using AI

Scientists used AI-driven PandaOmics platform to analyze gene expression datasets from DNA repair diseases, identifying biomarkers associated with treatment response. The study focused on genes that stratify cancer patients by survival outcomes, providing potential targets for personalized therapies.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2022

Three new biomarkers identified to detect consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoid

A team of scientists has identified three new biomarkers for detecting the consumption of emerging synthetic cannabinoids like OXIZID. These biomarkers will facilitate work by drug enforcement agencies worldwide in monitoring OXIZID abuse, enabling more accurate identification of abusers and potentially preventing overdoses.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalClinical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Protein shapes indicate Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified 76 proteins that could serve as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease, with their molecular structures differing between healthy and diseased individuals. The study uses a unique method to analyze protein shapes in cerebrospinal fluid, providing a promising new approach for diagnosis and potential...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 25, 2022

VHIO establishes a large collection of cholangiocarcinoma models for preclinical drug evaluation and biomarker discovery

Researchers at VHIO have established a unique collection of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma patient-derived xenografts to help prioritize potential clinical trials and deliver precision patient care. The models have identified mutations in genes such as BRCA2, which could serve as a biomarker for response to PARP inhibitors.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 24, 2022

D-Amino acids: Signaling severity in viral infection

Researchers found reduced levels of D-amino acids in patients with severe COVID-19 and IAV infection, suggesting they could be used as biomarkers. Supplementation with D-alanine improved survival rates and clinical outcomes in mouse models of both infections.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

BU study: Neuroimmune proteins may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that specific immune-related proteins, such as CCL21, FLT3L, and IL-13, can differentiate between neurodegenerative diseases like CTE, AD, PSP, CBD, and AGD. The study's results highlight the importance of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases and provide novel potential biomarkers for diagnosis.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2022

Is weakness the new smoking? Muscle strength tied to biological age, study shows

Researchers at Michigan Medicine found a strong association between lower grip strength and accelerated biological aging in middle-aged and older adults. This study provides evidence that maintaining muscle strength across the lifespan may help protect against age-related diseases.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022

Hormone discovery could predict long term health of men

A novel insulin-like peptide hormone, INSL3, remains consistent throughout a man's life, making it a reliable predictive biomarker for age-linked disease. High levels of INSL3 in young men correlate with a range of age-related illnesses, while low levels increase the risk of acquiring these diseases.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Oncotarget | Predictive molecular biomarkers for determining neoadjuvant chemosensitivity in muscle invasive bladder cancer

A study using mRNA and miRNA expression profiles identified molecular signatures that can differentiate muscle invasive bladder cancer patients who respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy from those who do not. The research found distinct gene pathways and subtypes associated with response, which may lead to more effective treatment delivery.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

Alzheimer's or Lewy body dementia? How patients draw can determine the type of dementia

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that analyzing patients' drawing tests can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD) and distinguish it from dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The researchers discovered that DLB patients showed differences in speed-, pressure-, and pause-related features, whereas AD patients sh...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateNov 3, 2022

A new tool for estimating people’s total exposure to potentially harmful chemicals is developed by Mount Sinai researchers

A new metric estimates cumulative exposure to PFAS chemicals, enabling comparisons across studies and applications. The calculator takes into account patterns of exposure to multiple chemicals, providing a robust tool for biomonitoring and disease assessment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 2, 2022

NIH grant funds HIV research

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to examine how alcohol use alone or in combination with fentanyl affects HIV medications, including PrEP medication. The study aims to determine metabolite signatures and pharmacological biomarkers of PrEP in HIV-negative populations.

Smoking and vaping had overlapping adverse health effects, dual product use may be worse

Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateOct 26, 2022

Deep learning-based virtual staining of tissue facilitates rapid assessment of breast cancer biomarker

A recent study published in BME Frontiers developed an AI-based approach that rapidly transforms autofluorescence images into virtual histological images for accurate HER2 assessment. This computational staining process takes only a few minutes per sample and does not require expensive facilities or toxic chemicals.

SourceBMEF (BME Frontiers)·JournalBME Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022