Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
Researchers at the University of York have developed a sensitive test to detect neurological changes before degeneration occurs. The technique, which uses fruit flies, has shown promise in reducing visual signals and preventing abnormal changes.
A comprehensive analysis of over 120 studies reveals that medications like acamprosate and oral naltrexone show promise in decreasing alcohol consumption, with an average number needed to treat (NNT) of 12 for both. These findings highlight the potential benefits of medication-assisted treatment for adults with alcohol use disorders.
Researchers found EFdA, a soy sauce molecule, is up to 70 times more potent than Tenofovir, a first-line HIV drug, offering new hope for patients developing resistance. The compound works by hijacking the HIV replicating process, preventing virus spread.
Researchers at UH Rainbow will evaluate treatment guidelines for African American children and young adults with asthma, exploring differences in response to asthma therapies compared to Caucasians. The study aims to identify the best add-on therapy based on patient age.
Scientists have found that targeting adhesion molecule CD146 with anti-CD146 antibody AA98 shows promise in reducing inflammation and tumor incidence in mice with colitis. The study suggests that CD146 plays a dual role in promoting inflammation, making it a potential therapeutic target for treating inflammatory bowel disease and preve...
A new pilot study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that using frozen stool from healthy, unrelated donors was safe and effective in treating patients with relapsing diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile. The treatment was equally effective whether given via a colonoscope or a nasogastric tube.
A Finnish team of researchers identified a gene mutation in ameloblastoma, a tumour of the jaw. The discovery could lead to a targeted drug therapy reducing surgery and recurrence rates.
A new study by University of Liverpool scientists has reduced the treatment for a brain infection caused by fungus to just three days. The research found that the commonly used drug amphotericin B deoxycholate (dAmB) is effective in clearing the fungus within three days, making it a game-changer for people with weakened immune systems ...
Hospitals participating in UCLA's Target: Stroke program have increased tPA administration speed, leading to improved patient outcomes, including reduced mortality and increased independence. The average time-to-treatment fell from 74 minutes to 59 minutes.
The article provides evidence-based information on the latest treatments for multiple sclerosis, highlighting the benefits and risks of various therapies. Steroids are found to be the most effective way to treat relapses, while immunosuppressants like natalizumab and fingolimod have varying degrees of success.
A study found that 76.2% of older adults prefer administration of clot-dissolving medications in case of a stroke, supporting the use of this treatment when surrogate consent is not available. Lower education and poorer health were associated with refusal of thrombolysis.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have received funding to test a powerful new drug, NLX-101, which selectively targets serotonin receptors in the brain. The goal is to alleviate the distressing breathing abnormality associated with Rett syndrome, a condition affecting 1 in 10,000 female births worldwide.
A study of 208 patients with high blood pressure found that nearly a quarter did not take their medications as prescribed, while a smaller proportion only took part of the time. The findings suggest that a simple urine test can help identify which patients are not taking their meds properly and which may be experiencing treatment failure.
Researchers have discovered how new MS drug dimethyl fumarate works, blocking inflammatory cell infiltration in the central nervous system by targeting a specific receptor. The study found that DMF reduces neurological deficits in mice with multiple sclerosis-like symptoms.
A recent study published in JAMA found that metformin treatment did not improve ventricular function in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without diabetes. The study showed no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction between the metformin and placebo groups.
The European Respiratory Society has developed new consensus statements to guide the management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in Europe. These statements aim to bridge the gap in knowledge due to limited clinical evidence, particularly for extensively drug-resistant TB.
A new class of BTK inhibiting drugs has shown significant improvements in patients with terminal forms of leukemia and lymphoma. The treatment has virtually no side effects and improves a patient's life expectancy and quality of life.
China has successfully reduced its tuberculosis (TB) prevalence by half over 20 years, driven by the directly observed, short-course (DOTS) strategy. The nationwide expansion of DOTS contributed to a significant decrease in TB cases and improved treatment outcomes.
A new study found that every 15-minute delay in treating ischemic stroke can result in losing a month of disability-free life. On the other hand, speeding up treatment by just one minute can save patients around 1.8 days of healthy life.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new type of antibody, called a ubiquibody, which can target specific proteins for destruction. This technology could provide a powerful way to fine-tune research on protein deletion or reduction, and may also prove useful for future drug therapies.
A new study reports that prehospital stroke alerts can shorten the time to CT scans, allowing for faster emergency treatment. The alerts were issued by trained EMS personnel and resulted in a significant reduction in door-to-needle times.
Researchers found therapeutic hypothermia to be beneficial for some patients following cardiac arrest, but ineffective or even worsening outcomes in others. The study suggests a need for more rigid guidelines to ensure appropriate application of cooling strategies.
A recent study found that patients with invasive lobular carcinoma receive less benefit from standard adjuvant therapies compared to those with ductal carcinoma. The research indicates a potential target for drug therapy in future clinical trials, which could lead to more effective treatment options for this subtype of breast cancer.
The US FDA has approved metreleptin as a treatment for generalized lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by near-complete absence of fat tissue. Leptin replacement therapy has been shown to control severe insulin resistance and lower triglyceride levels in patients with severe generalized lipodystrophy.
A study published in JAMA found that radiofrequency ablation significantly reduced abnormal atrial rhythms and episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation compared to drug treatment. The therapy was also associated with improved quality of life, but the risks and benefits need to be discussed individually.
Scientists propose that conventional steroid treatments deliver medication in a way that disrupts the body's natural hormone release patterns, leading to debilitating side effects. The report recommends developing novel techniques to mimic these natural cycles, which could alleviate suffering for patients.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new type of regulatory blood cell that can fight hyperactive T-cells causing chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis. The cells express FoxA1, which suppresses inflammation and degeneration of the brain.
A study by Penn Medicine found that topiramate significantly reduced heavy drinking days among patients seeking to curb their alcohol consumption. The medication showed promise as a treatment option for problem drinkers, particularly those with a specific genetic makeup linked to its efficacy.
Despite widespread availability, many people in the US don't receive timely stroke treatment. Research shows that only 4% of Medicare patients received tPA within three hours of symptoms onset, and just 0.5% underwent endovascular therapy to reopen blocked arteries.
A randomized, controlled trial shows that injecting anesthetic near a nerve bundle in the neck significantly reduces moderate to severe hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The treatment cut the number of hot flashes in half and reduced their intensity by 38% compared to a sham injection.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has released new resources to help parents, healthcare providers, and treatment specialists address teen substance abuse. The guides cover treatment approaches, screening tools, and evidence-based practices, highlighting the unique challenges faced by adolescents in addressing drug use.
A device called MEDIC combines engineering and biochemistry to monitor specific drug levels in the bloodstream, offering potential for tailored prescriptions. The device uses microfluidic chambers lined with gold electrodes to detect target molecules in real-time.
Scientists have decoded the genome of Necator americanus, a blood-sucking parasite that infects an estimated 700 million people worldwide. The research reveals clues to how the worm invades and survives in humans, providing valuable insights for developing new diagnostic tools and vaccines.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation reduced chronic pain and improved physical role functioning in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. The study suggests vitamin D may be a safe and economical treatment option for FMS patients.
Researchers at the University of Leicester successfully used Vemurafenib, a BRAF inhibitor approved for melanoma, to clear malignant cells from a patient's blood and achieve complete clinical recovery. The study demonstrates the potential for repurposing existing cancer treatments for rare types of leukemia.
A new study from Loyola University Health System found that patients should resume treatment immediately after a fracture, decline in bone strength, or early rise in signs of increased fracture risk. Elderly patients and those with very low bone strength require closer follow-up during drug holidays.
A study found that families with higher levels of parental education and income use more CAM therapies for children with autism. Nearly 40% of children with autism used CAM treatments, compared to 30% with developmental delay. Most CAM users chose low-risk options.
A 40-week treatment with varenicline resulted in abstinence rates three times higher than placebo, while cognitive behavioral therapy showed significant benefits. The study suggests that maintenance treatment may reduce tobacco dependence and smoking-related morbidity and mortality in individuals with serious mental illness.
A six-year study found prolonged exposure-A to be more effective than supportive counseling in reducing PTSD and depression symptom severity in adolescent girls who have experienced sexual abuse. The therapy, modified for the developmental stage of adolescents, showed improved overall functioning and long-term benefits.
Researchers evaluated mangafodipir, an MRI contrast agent with antioxidant properties, for relief of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. Mangafodipir treatment reduced neurotoxicity and decreased neurological symptoms in both mouse models and human patients.
Most women on dialysis experience sexual inactivity, but true sexual dysfunction is less common; many are satisfied with their sex life, and few wish to learn about treatment options. The study highlights the need for individualized discussions between physicians and patients to identify those who truly suffer from sexual dysfunction.
The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treating high blood pressure in adults, with a focus on reducing disease burden and improving health outcomes. The report recommends specific treatment thresholds and medication choices based on age, diabetes status, and kidney function.
The NIH Bridging Interventional Development Gaps (BrIDGs) program aims to advance treatments for acute radiation syndrome, brain injury from cardiac arrest, and beta thalassemia. BrIDGs supports expert contractors to perform pre-clinical services, with seven compounds licensed during or after development through the program.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found individuals with a family history of premature heart disease continue to have a higher risk of dying despite earlier referral to GPs, lifestyle changes, and drug treatments. Doctors are encouraging people to use Christmas gatherings to discuss their medical histories and reduce the ...
Couples undergoing fertility treatment face significant out-of-pocket expenses, with IVF cycles costing up to $19,234, while medication-only treatments cost around $912. The study's findings aim to inform couples and physicians about the true costs of infertility care.
New research estimates that over a third of twin births and three-quarters of triplets in the US are caused by fertility treatments. Non-IVF fertility treatments have increased to become the leading cause of medically assisted multiple births, while IVF is now often producing twins.
A team of researchers from The Wistar Institute and the University of Pennsylvania are working on a five-year project to better understand melanoma biology and develop more effective treatments for the disease. They aim to overcome drug resistance by targeting different mutations and combinations of therapies.
A large pooled analysis of over 7,000 patients with malaria suggests that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine is highly efficacious but that young children are at higher risk of treatment failure due to insufficient doses. The study highlights the need for optimal drug dosing levels in this population.
A recent Loyola Medicine study compared the efficacy of denosumab and zoledronic acid in treating osteoporosis. Denosumab was found to have a significantly greater effect on increasing spine bone mineral density, while zoledronic acid caused more flulike symptoms.
A new study found that thalidomide improves clinical remission in children and adolescents with refractory Crohn disease, with 63.3% achieving remission after 8 weeks of treatment. The drug also showed longer average duration of remission compared to placebo.
Researchers at Mount Sinai found long-term cocaine abuse linked to deficits in parts of the brain monitoring behavior, suggesting targeted treatments based on quantifiable biological abnormalities. The study's findings challenge clinical assumptions about addicted individuals' motivations and behaviors.
Researchers developed a tailored pre-transplant therapy approach that significantly improves survival rates for children with Chronic Granulomatous Disease, a rare immune deficiency. The treatment results in a 93% survival rate with minimal adverse reactions, offering new hope for patients.
Scientists at Saint Louis University have discovered a potential novel therapeutic approach to treat fibrotic diseases by targeting the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) beta protein. Removing a gene that makes alpha v integrins blocks TGF beta activation, and treatment with a small molecule compound replicates this effect.
Two clinical trials present new hope for treating patients with kidney disease: a phase 2 trial of ZS-9 shows significant reductions in blood potassium levels, while another trial of abatacept plus cyclophosphamide fails to improve renal response in lupus nephritis. Researchers explore these findings at Kidney Week 2013.
A new study finds that treatment with abatacept appears to halt the course of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in patients, preventing proteinuria and promoting remission. Abatacept has been shown to be effective in treating patients with recurrent disease and those at high risk for kidney failure.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen have discovered a potential treatment for colorectal cancer by targeting the TOP2A gene aberration. The new treatment has shown promise in reducing treatment time and cost, with an estimated efficiency rate of 10% in patients with this gene defect.
A new approach to treating high blood pressure aims to reduce medication usage while preventing more heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that considering multiple factors beyond just blood pressure levels can lead to more effective treatment.
Fragility fractures in the EU are estimated to occur annually at 3.5 million, resulting in a healthcare cost of €37 billion, which is expected to rise to €45 billion in 2025. The report calls for prevention and treatment guidelines to address this growing concern.
Researchers found that patients who relapse after leishmaniasis treatment are infected with more infectious parasite strains, which cause a greater parasite load and make treatment challenging.
Researchers investigated how drug treatment affects signal carriers in diabetic retinas, finding half of proteins normalized by metformin treatment. However, other essential proteins remained unchanged despite improved blood glucose levels, suggesting a need for further combination therapies to effectively treat diabetic retinopathy.