Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that liver transplant recipients with limited literacy struggle to understand and adhere to their medication regimens, resulting in higher rates of organ rejection and graft loss. The study suggests that improving treatment knowledge and regimen use can reduce post-transplant re-hospital...
A new study using PET scans reveals that these tests can accurately predict which TB treatment drugs are likely to be effective in human trials. The findings could lead to the development of more effective treatments for patients with multi-drug resistant TB.
A large study by UC Davis researchers found that patients of different racial and ethnic backgrounds reported experiencing differing treatment approaches from medical providers, including referrals to mental-health care and medications. Asian-Americans were the least likely to be assessed or counseled for mental-health problems, while ...
A systematic review of 12 studies found that lifestyle interventions, such as diet and exercise, reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by 40% in both men and women. Men and women also experienced greater weight reductions with lifestyle interventions.
Researchers found high-dose interleukin-2 to be effective in metastatic renal cell cancer patients pre-treated with VEGF-targeted agents, achieving durable complete responses in a selected population. The therapy's efficacy and safety were confirmed, offering an alternative treatment option for carefully selected patients.
A systematic review found that reminder systems, including pre-appointment prompts and contact with missed appointments, can significantly improve treatment completion rates. The review's findings suggest these policies have important benefits and can contribute to improving TB treatment outcomes.
Researchers have designed peptides to target Ebola's N-trimer protein, allowing for universal inhibition across all known and future strains. This approach enables the selection of effective drugs that block virus entry into cells.
Researchers at UC Davis and Northwestern University have found an investigational medication to effectively treat children with life-threatening seizures, resolving symptoms without adverse effects. The medication, a formulation of allopregnanolone, showed promising results in two clinical cases, where patients were weaned off general ...
A study found that an endothelin-A antagonist can enhance renal recovery in patients with renovascular disease. The medication, already used for pulmonary hypertension, promotes kidney function and improves responses after renal angioplasty.
Researchers have identified genetic markers that may help in identifying individuals who could benefit from acamprosate, a commonly prescribed drug used to aid patients in recovery from alcoholism. Patients carrying specific genetic variants stay sober longer during acamprosate treatment.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing fluid intake to at least two liters per day to prevent kidney stone recurrence. A new guideline also suggests dietary changes, including reducing oxalate and animal protein consumption, to help prevent stone formation. Sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir has shown promise in re-treating H...
The project aims to make personalized medicine a reality for patients by using genetic information to guide drug therapy decisions. The UBC team will develop operating procedures for sample collection, processing, and sequencing, as well as training tools for patient awareness.
Rapid lowering of body temperature after a heart attack can minimize damage to the heart muscle. New research highlights the need for faster and more effective cooling techniques to realize the full potential of therapeutic hypothermia.
Researchers found concentrated levels of ANK3, a gene linked to bipolar disorder risk, in nanodomain structures within brain synapses. This discovery could provide insight into the biology of bipolar disorder and potentially lead to new treatments.
A large international clinical trial has shown that current hospital protocols for managing blood pressure in stroke patients may not be effective. The ENOS trial found that early treatment with glyceryl trinitrate patches improved outcomes in patients who received treatment within 6 hours of symptom onset.
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has launched a free menopause mobile app, MenoPro, that uses an algorithm to help clinicians and patients make personalized treatment decisions. The app offers two modes, including one for healthcare providers and one for patients, and provides access to NAMS resources and a cardiovascular di...
The study found that patients with schizophrenia who took antipsychotic medication had higher triglycerides, insulin, and insulin resistance. Obesity was also linked to longer duration of psychiatric illness and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Higher body mass index and waist circumference were associated with worse outcomes.
Researchers found that the brain's limited ability to repair itself after trauma can be enhanced when treated with tPA, a clot-buster commonly used for acute ischemic stroke. The study suggests that tPA administered through a nasal spray may have potential as a noninvasive treatment for subacute traumatic brain injury.
A study found that approximately 50% of hospitalized patients were receiving antimicrobial drugs, with half of those receiving 2 or more. The most commonly used drugs were vancomycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ceftriaxone, primarily for treating infections.
Researchers have identified the interleukin-13 receptor ¬ chain variant 2 (IL13R¢) as a potential target for therapy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Early successes of clinical trials with targeted therapies against IL13R¢ suggest increased survival time for GBM patients.
The new guidelines from the American Thyroid Association reaffirm levothyroxine as the gold standard treatment for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine has been thoroughly tested and found to be very effective in reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism in most individuals.
Scientists at LA BioMed have discovered a way to bypass the blood-brain barrier and deliver an enzyme replacement therapy to treat MPS IIIB, a devastating genetic disease. The treatment has shown promising results by reducing the accumulation of waste products in brain cells.
Researchers report that crizotinib effectively halted tumor growth in 36 of 50 study participants and suppressed it in another 9. The study confirmed that ROS1 is a viable therapeutic target for ROS1-positive lung cancer patients.
A systematic review supports the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who don't respond to other treatments. Bilateral DBS techniques are recommended for carefully selected patients, improving OCD symptoms by around 30 percent.
A recent study suggests that treating mildly elevated blood pressure in low-risk individuals may not be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease or death. Experts urge clinicians to re-examine the threshold for treatment and promote lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and increased exercise, instead of relying on medication.
A pilot observational study found proactive monitoring and dose adjustment of infliximab resulted in fewer disease recurrences and infusion reactions. The authors propose routine monitoring of IFX concentrations and adjusting doses based on levels for patients with IBD.
A three-year study led by the University of Liverpool will investigate the effectiveness of two Behçet's syndrome treatments, potentially saving the NHS £500k. The research aims to identify factors that make medicine work for some patients but not others, allowing doctors to prescribe evidence-based treatment.
Researchers developed an antibody-based drug, mepolizumab, to replace steroid-based treatments for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. The new treatment has improved outcomes and reduced side effects in these patients, offering a more personalized approach to asthma care.
A Baylor University study finds that young people who regularly attend religious services are less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Feeling connected to a 'higher power' may help overcome peer pressure and lead to increased prosocial behaviors and reduced narcissistic behavior.
A new study suggests that eating before TB treatment can reduce drug effectiveness due to lower blood concentration levels. The study found significant implications for clinical practice, highlighting the need for correct medication administration.
The study found that clinical variables explained over 80% of non-adherence to heart failure guidelines, with health structure characteristics playing a significant role. Countries with incentivized programs and high numbers of general practitioners per population had higher adherence rates.
A new diagnostic technique using Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) measurement has shown that it can help avoid stents or surgery in over one-fifth of heart attack patients. The study found that patients with FFR values above 0.80 can be safely treated medically, without the need for coronary revascularisation surgery.
The new guidelines provide a risk calculator to estimate five-year risk of sudden cardiac death in HCM patients. The guidelines also recommend genetic testing, specialized tests, and multidisciplinary team referrals to improve diagnosis and management.
Raloxifene increases bone toughness by altering the physical properties of the bone matrix, rather than just suppressing bone loss or altering cellular activity. This novel mechanism provides a new class of osteoporosis treatments that target bone's intrinsic strength.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a treatment effective against the lethal Marburg virus, which has a mortality rate of up to 90%. The treatment protected nonhuman primates from the virus when started three days after infection, showing promise for post-exposure treatment.
Rettsyndrome.org has awarded $1.5 million to support translational research and launch of the neuro-habilitation therapeutic program, focusing on cognitive therapies, physical therapies, and speech therapies to aid in skill development in Rett syndrome. The grants also fund clinical research to identify effective pharmacologic treatments.
A new study in the Annals of Global Health highlights the urgent need for substance abuse programs in developing countries. The study calls on policymakers to design effective programs that meet known population needs, adapting models like Alcoholics Anonymous to fit different cultural norms.
A meta-analysis of 6,700 stroke patients shows that alteplase treatment significantly improves chances of good outcome and reduces disability. Prompt administration within 4-5 hours of symptoms onset yields the best results.
Researchers predict that widespread screening and treatment of hepatitis C will reduce liver-related deaths by 161,500 and liver transplants by 13,900 from 2014 to 2050. The model also estimates that nearly 1 million cases of hepatitis C would be identified in the next 10 years under universal screening.
Acrolein, a highly reactive aldehyde, contributes to motor and sensory deficits following spinal cord injury. Using acrolein scavengers may attenuate neuronal damage, making it a potential novel therapeutic target.
A new kidney transplant drug has been shown to halve the early risk of rejection, allowing a less toxic regimen of anti-rejection drugs to be used. The study, published in The Lancet, found that alemtuzumab-based induction therapy reduced acute rejection by 69% compared to basiliximab-based induction therapy.
A single injection of FGF1 protein restores blood sugar levels to a healthy range for over two days, reversing insulin insensitivity and the underlying cause of diabetes. This breakthrough discovery offers a new method to control glucose with a safer and more effective treatment.
Researchers have successfully treated a neurodegenerative disease in worms using resveratrol, which could lead to new treatments for humans. The disease, adult onset neuronal lipofuscinosis, affects only 1 in 100,000 people and has no known cure.
A*STAR's Bioprocessing Technology Institute has partnered with Roche to develop new cancer treatments using novel antibodies that can directly target and destroy cancer cells. The partnership aims to improve cancer detection and treatment, offering a potential breakthrough in cancer therapy.
Researchers at Miriam Hospital found significantly higher smoking rates among individuals with mobility impairments, particularly those using special ambulatory equipment. The study highlights the need for tailored cessation strategies for this high-risk population.
A clinical trial found that patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) experienced a significant reduction in seizures and improvements in related symptoms, including depression and anxiety, when treated with cognitive behavioral therapy informed psychotherapy (CBT-ip) alone or in combination with the medication sertraline....
The UCLA Center for East–West Medicine has published a document to help students, educators, and practitioners evaluate and digest Chinese medical texts with greater sensitivity and comprehension. The 15-page document addresses translation-specific issues, technical terminology, and cultural perspective to promote accurate translations.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center suggest that inhibiting the action of enzyme Cdk5 could substantially reduce brain damage after a stroke. The study found that aberrant Cdk5 activity causes nerve cell death during stroke and that blocking this enzyme can help preserve brain tissue.
A study found that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation significantly improved long-term survival in patients with severe, life-threatening systemic sclerosis. In contrast, patients treated with intravenous cyclophosphamide experienced more adverse events and decreased overall survival.
A pilot study shows that NM504, a first-in-class GI microbiome modulator, improves glucose tolerance and increases insulin sensitivity in adults with prediabetes. The therapy, which alters microbial populations and their environment in the gastrointestinal tract, also reduces cravings for food.
A study of over 39,000 respondents found that obese individuals report higher satisfaction with weight loss surgery and medication compared to self-modification methods. The findings suggest that these approaches should be considered integral parts of weight management for eligible patients.
Researchers have designed RNA aptamers that specifically target and inhibit PAI-1's anti-clot-busting activity. These aptamers demonstrate the potential for blocking PAI-1-associated vascular events, offering a novel therapeutic option for cardiovascular disease prevention.
A 25-year-old patient with alopecia universalis has successfully regrown a full head of hair, including eyebrows and facial hair, after receiving the novel treatment. The patient's condition was previously untreatable, but the new treatment using FDA-approved drug tofacitinib citrate reversed his disease.
Researchers found that combining two smoking cessation therapies is more effective than using just one for male and highly nicotine-dependent smokers who weren't initially helped by the nicotine patch. The treatment combination resulted in a higher abstinence rate among male smokers, with an increase of 61% compared to varenicline alone.
Lupus patients can successfully stop immunosuppressant therapy without triggering a flare by slowing down the tapering process and checking for positive serology. The study found that within two years, about 70% of clinically stable patients were able to stop their medication.
A new trial has found that levodopa is better than newer treatments for Parkinson's disease patients, particularly in terms of mobility and quality of life. The study, the largest ever performed on PD treatment, showed small but persistent benefits of starting treatment with levodopa.
A new liquid biopsy test uses circulating tumour cells in blood samples to monitor and predict lung cancer response to treatment. The test has the potential to provide personalised medicine for the disease, particularly for small cell lung cancer with poor survival rates.
A novel paper-based diagnostic test inspired by scrapbooking has been developed to detect hepatitis C, increasing accessibility and speed of diagnosis. The test can conduct both HCV tests on a sample simultaneously in just minutes, solving the problem of patterning paper without heat.
A new survey reveals that women are increasingly frustrated with their sex lives due to premature ejaculation, as men prioritize delay over intimacy. Women who rarely climax suffer more and experience a loss in quality of life, leading to relationship strain and breakups.
Two drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been found to slow the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal lung disease. Researchers conducted multicenter clinical trials to test their efficacy.