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Can CranioSacral therapy improve symptoms of concussion & mild TBI among football players?

A preliminary study suggests that CranioSacral Therapy can improve range of motion, pain, sleep, and cognitive function in ex-NFL players with concussion and mild TBI. More clinical research data is needed to understand its effectiveness in treating post-concussive syndrome and potentially chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018

What factors affect quality of life in older patients with cancer?

A new study found that factors such as persistent symptoms, comorbidities, leisure-time physical activity, and financial challenges affect health-related quality of life in older adults with cancer. The research highlights the importance of comprehensive care that addresses these factors to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateDec 18, 2017

New 'checkpoint' model that could identify potential drugs to treat genetic disorders

A new 'checkpoint' model can identify potential drugs to treat genetic disorders by allowing compounds to bypass premature stop instructions once, reducing the risk of harmful protein generation. The model has been used to screen hundreds of genes and existing FDA-approved drugs, identifying two promising targets for drug development.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateDec 18, 2017

Cystic fibrosis: Discovery of a key molecule for improving treatments

A team of researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre has discovered a promising solution to improving treatments for cystic fibrosis. By adding quorum-sensing inhibitors to current drugs, they were able to restore treatment efficacy in cells of cystic fibrosis patients.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateDec 12, 2017

Optimal gout treatment requires ongoing monitoring for urate lowering therapy

A new study found a positive association between allopurol initiation and recurring doctor visits for gout, highlighting the need for regular chronic disease reviews to evaluate patients' preferences and eligibility for treatment. The study suggests that more frequent monitoring could reduce barriers to successfully treating gout.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 20, 2017

An international consortium identifies the breast cancer patients who would benefit from a treatment

A study published in Lancet Oncology identified MAF amplification as a tool to stratify breast cancer patients for zoledronic acid treatment. In MAF-negative patients, the inclusion of zoledronic acid improved outcomes, while non-postmenopausal MAF-positive patients experienced increased adverse outcomes.

What's the next step for exon skipping therapies to treat duchenne muscular dystrophy?

A team of leading European clinicians and scientists presents a unique perspective on how to move forward in the development of exon skipping therapies for DMD. The authors discuss the main challenges and opportunities for these therapeutic agents going forward, including biomarkers in AON drug development and regulatory tools in the EU.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateOct 16, 2017

Cooling treatment reduces epilepsy in children

A new study published in Epilepsia found that cooling treatment for newborns who suffer from perinatal asphyxia significantly reduces the number of children developing epilepsy later in childhood. The research also showed improved cognitive performance, life quality, and life expectancy for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 3, 2017

Study uncovers markers for severe form of multiple sclerosis

Researchers identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its related protein D-dopachrome tautomerase as closely related cytokines associated with progressive MS. A genetic test could identify patients at risk of developing the disease, accelerating drug development for precision medicine.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

When given the chance to pay less, patients choose cheaper prescription drugs

A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that reference pricing is effective in reducing patient spending on prescription drugs. The policy promotes the use of cheaper alternatives over brand-name options, resulting in a 7% increase in prescriptions filled for low-price reference drugs and a 14% decrease in average price paid.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2017

Nemours, UD technology pushes cancer research forward

Researchers at Nemours Biomedical Research and University of Delaware have developed a patent-pending process to bridge the gap between 3D cell cultures and high throughput screening techniques. This allows for greater predictability of drug effectiveness and toxicity, leading to lower attrition rates in new medicine development.

SourceNemours·JournalAnalytical Biochemistry·DateAug 10, 2017

Prediciting TB's behavior

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that molecular tests detecting genetic mutations rendering TB resistant to drugs may be equally reliable as traditional culture-based tests in predicting treatment outcomes. The research, led by Harvard Medical School scientists, used cough secretion samples from 171 patients ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 3, 2017