Research on treating disease with medication. Covers psychedelics, combination cancer therapy, opioid treatment in pregnancy, and personalized guidelines.
Scientists have found an enzyme called Pak 1 that acts on the heart's pacemaker to slow the rapid beating of the heart's 'fight-or-flight' reaction to adrenaline. This discovery opens up new avenues for diagnosis, drug design and treatment of common heart diseases.
A Phase III clinical study involving over 7,700 women found that Reclast reduced the frequency of all types of osteoporotic bone fractures by 70%, including a significant reduction in spine fractures. Bone mineral density also increased significantly in women on Reclast compared to placebo.
A study published in JAMA Network found that levosimendan did not improve survival rates for patients with decompensated heart failure compared to dobutamine. The researchers analyzed data from 1,327 patients who received either intravenous levosimendan or dobutamine and found no significant difference in long-term survival outcomes.
Researchers have found that mice lacking organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) exhibit reduced metformin effects on AMPK phosphorylation and glucose control. Additionally, seven mutations in OCT1 were identified in humans, which reduce metformin uptake, indicating the importance of OCT1 in mediating metformin's therapeutic effects.
A new study by UCLA researchers found significant changes in treatment patterns and quality-of-care indicators that paralleled improvements in clinical outcomes and mortality rates for heart failure patients. The study reported a 29% reduction in in-hospital mortality and a 36% reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation.
A recent study reveals that mice lacking OCT1 have reduced metformin effects on AMPK phosphorylation and glucose control. Genetic variations in OCT1 in humans also impact metformin uptake, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
A new treatment, micafungin, has been shown to be equally effective as existing treatments in treating Candida-related infections. With fewer side effects, micafungin is a promising alternative for first-line therapy of candidemia and invasive candidosis.
A new certification, CCDP, has been introduced to treat patients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. This change aims to integrate addiction and mental health treatment, addressing the interactive relationship between the two disorders.
A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that immunomodulatory agents can slow multiple sclerosis progression but are only prescribed to a minority of cases. Women and Caucasians were more likely to receive these treatments, highlighting disparities in care.
A study found that most first-time DWI offenders have high rates of other substance-use disorders and psychiatric disorders, requiring enhanced services in intervention programs. The research suggests that treatment approaches may need to be modified to better serve this more severe subtype of DWI offenders.
A cross-sectional study of 460 Pakistani patients found that 77% were adherent to their medications, with social and family structures playing a key role in high adherence rates. Younger age, poor awareness, and symptomatic treatment negatively affected adherence, whereas mono-therapy and psychosocial factors showed no association.
A recent study published in Neurology suggests that men are more likely than women to achieve functional independence after receiving clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) following a stroke. The study found that despite lower survival rates, men had better outcomes at three months post-treatment.
The CATIE study found that treatment needs to be targeted and individualized for patients with schizophrenia. More intensive psychosocial therapies are needed to make meaningful gains in work, home, and community functioning.
Two new studies from the CATIE trial provide more insights into comparing treatment options and their impact on people with schizophrenia. The trials found that newer antipsychotic medications like quetiapine and olanzapine may be more effective than older medications, but patient responses varied significantly.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a genetic signature that identifies cases of lymphoma susceptible to new molecular targeted therapy. The study found that tumors with this signature are killed by the new therapy, while those without it are resistant.
A study suggests that the majority of drug-resistant TB cases among patients undergoing treatment are caused by new infections, not acquired resistance. This finding could drive a major shift in strategy for controlling TB.
Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology are developing a micropump to administer drugs and gene-based therapy treatments for auditory dysfunction. The goal is to improve treatment and cure hearing loss, surpassing the limitations of existing hearing aids and cochlear implants.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that 20% of Ethiopian patients with TB fail to complete treatment due to factors such as public transport costs and age. The researchers recommend expanding access to treatment centers to improve adherence rates.
A new study reveals that breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen who switch to an aromatase inhibitor within three years experience significant improvements in survival rates. The treatment demonstrates a clear survival benefit without an increased risk of death from other causes.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have made a groundbreaking discovery in treating Rett syndrome, reversing symptoms in mice. By activating the MECP2 gene, they were able to eliminate breathing and mobility difficulties, leaving mice undistinguishable from healthy counterparts.
A study analyzing Hodgkin disease treatment found that patients are at increased risk of fatal heart attacks for at least 25 years after treatment. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in long-term survivors, with myocardial infarction being the most common cause.
A study published in BJU International found that a topical anaesthetic spray delayed ejaculation by five times as long, with participants experiencing an average delay of four minutes. The TEMPE spray, containing lidocaine and prilocaine, showed promising results in delaying premature ejaculation.
Researchers have adapted bacteria in the human gut to produce human growth factors that repair colon cells, reducing inflammation in IBD. The treatment uses a plant sugar called xylan, found in tree bark, to control the release of the medicine.
A six-month study found that teens who completed a comprehensive intervention program significantly reduced their substance abuse and depression, and increased their social stability. The program offered 12 individual therapy sessions and four HIV education/skills practice sessions, adapted for teens living on the streets.
Researchers found that antihypertensive agents ARBs and ACE inhibitors are the least associated with incident diabetes, followed by calcium-channel blockers and placebo. The study provides a systematic review of clinical trials and finds highly coherent estimates that are robust to sensitivity analyses.
Researchers found that a common diabetes drug prevents memory and learning problems caused by whole-brain radiation treatments in animal studies. The study suggests the drug may improve the quality of life for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.
Inadequate treatment of mental illness and addiction in the community contributes to rising incarceration rates. Effective therapy like mental health services and substance abuse programs can reduce recidivism. Physicians are urged to campaign for humane treatment alternatives.
A recent double-blind study found that long-acting octreotide did not improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer compared to a placebo. The study enrolled 119 patients and followed them for over 30 months, but showed no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups.
A phase 3 trial found that pexelizumab did not significantly reduce the risk of death from STEMI when used with primary PCI. The study, which included over 5,700 patients, suggests that new treatments targeting inflammation may be needed for this patient population.
A genetic mutation in a single amino acid change in the beta1-adrenergic receptor affects its response to certain beta blockers. The Arg389 variant of the receptor is more sensitive to carvedilol, leading to reduced cAMP signaling and potentially poorer treatment outcomes for black patients.
A large-scale study found that prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increases the risk of hip fractures by 44%. Long-term users of high-dose PPIs face a significantly higher risk, highlighting the need for further research into the underlying mechanism.
A new study found that postmenopausal women who stop taking the osteoporosis drug alendronate after 5 years do not increase their risk of nonvertebral fractures, suggesting a lasting effect. The research also shows that BMD and bone marker levels remain at or above pretreatment levels 10 years after discontinuation.
Researchers suggest that mental training and physical activity can protect against declines in cognition, including memory, language, and abstract reasoning. A recent study involving over 3,000 participants found immediate improvements in memory and sustained benefits after five years.
A new study suggests that hyaluronate application may reverse skin atrophy, which is more common in older individuals due to the gradual loss of epidermis and dermis. The study found that hyaluronate fragments restore skin thickness and suggest a potential therapeutic approach for this condition.
Researchers found that nearly 20% of women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer had inconsistent access to anastrozole prescriptions due to non-adherence. The study highlights the complex issues surrounding treatment adherence in cancer patients.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a persistent and common condition characterized by unfocused worry and anxiety. Psychological therapies are preferable to drug treatments but often not readily available due to time constraints and limited resources.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that women with rheumatoid arthritis have a significantly lower chance of entering remission compared to men. After two and five years, approximately 32% and 31% of women were in remission respectively, compared to 48% and 52% of men.
Researchers found that seven commonly prescribed hypertension medications can prevent beta-amyloid build-up and slow cognitive decline in animal models. The study identifies Propranololo-HCL as a potential therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's prevention, but further human trials are needed to confirm these findings.
A phase II study found that lenalidomide significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), achieving a major response in 47% of patients. The medication's predictable safety profile and manageable side effects make it an attractive alternative for treatment.
A clinical trial of gene transfer therapy for erectile dysfunction found significant and sustained improvements in patients who received a transfer gene called hMaxi-K. The therapy works by creating additional potassium channels in smooth muscle cells, relaxing the muscle and allowing blood flow required for an erection.
Researchers have improved understanding of a new malaria treatment using artesunate suppositories, which show potential as a first-line treatment for moderately severe malaria. However, patients vary in how well they process the drug, highlighting the need for further clinical studies.
Two editorials in the American Journal of Hypertension argue that the TROPHY study is flawed due to its unusual definition of incident hypertension. The studies caution that the treatment may not be effective in preventing the development of hypertension, and instead suggest that it could cause a slow unmasking of high blood pressure.
A new study confirms that chemotherapy can lead to a decline in memory and cognitive functions, known as chemobrain. The effects are relatively mild and potentially manageable.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified a new mechanism of action for FTY720, an immunosuppressant drug that also inhibits the activity of key enzyme cPLA2, driving inflammatory disorders. The inhibition may shut down the entire inflammatory pathway without side effects.
Two large clinical trials show ranibizumab's effectiveness in treating neovascular macular degeneration, but its high cost raises questions about the value of comparing it to bevacizumab, a cheaper alternative. Bevacizumab, originally designed for cancer treatment, also appears to be effective in treating this eye disease.
In a head-to-head trial comparing vardenafil and sildenafil, men with ED favored vardenafil for its superiority in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. The study found that 38.9% preferred vardenafil over sildenafil.
Scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have determined the precise structure of the VEE virus protein required for replication. This achievement marks an important step toward developing effective drug therapies against the virus, which can cause widespread infections and death in Central and South America.
A critical review found that repeated administration of antiepileptic drug therapy leads to diminishing results in preventing seizures. Acquired tolerance is responsible for this effect, with some patients developing cross-tolerance to similar medication, posing a significant concern for medically intractable epilepsy
NDRI has received a starter grant from the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation to develop and implement a training program on hepatitis C for clinical and non-clinical staff in New York City outpatient drug treatment programs. The program aims to enhance services delivered in these programs and promote effective public health responses.
A commercial progesterone therapy appears to prevent some premature births, with a 33% reduction in preterm birth rate for women who had a previous premature baby. The March of Dimes estimates that if all eligible women received the therapy, nearly 10,000 premature births might have been prevented.
The new guidelines offer 13 principles for rehabilitating drug offenders, aiming to reduce recidivism and crime rates. Implementing evidence-based treatment programs can lead to significant financial savings, with every dollar spent on addiction treatment resulting in a four to seven dollar reduction in community spending.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that drug users who were coerced into treatment had a higher risk of dropping out. The proportion of individuals who completed treatment decreased from 5.8% to 3.5% between 1998 and 2002, while the number of re-presentations increased by 48.6%
A low-fat vegan diet has been shown to treat type 2 diabetes more effectively than a standard diabetes diet, with significant improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss. The diet also appears to have favorable effects on cholesterol levels and kidney function.
Dental patients taking oral bisphosphonates should be aware of potential risks during procedures involving the jaw bone. The American Dental Association recommends a comprehensive oral evaluation and education on maintaining oral hygiene to prevent oral diseases.
A new study found that shorter tuberculosis therapies could produce dramatic benefits at the population level by reducing transmission and improving patient outcomes. The research suggests that a two-month regimen could double or triple current rates of decline in new cases and deaths, leading to total reductions of up to 40%.
A review of 70 studies found insufficient evidence to support complementary and alternative therapies for menopause-related symptoms. The studies showed mixed results, with some individual treatments suggesting benefits but overall quality and quantity of data was not sufficient to recommend any treatment.
A study by family doctors found that women taking a monthly tablet of ibandronate and receiving telephone support showed a 47% greater persistence with their medication than those on weekly alendronate. This improved compliance is crucial in treating osteoporosis, which affects one in three women over 50 worldwide.
A study of female nurses found that a higher body mass index at age 18 was associated with greater risk for death than a normal BMI. Meanwhile, severely obese adolescents who received diet drug sibutramine along with behavior therapy lost an average of 14 pounds and improved heart risk factors.
Researchers used modeling to predict cost-effectiveness of treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Peru. Individualized treatment was found to be the most cost-effective approach, despite increased costs.
A new study has found that gabapentin is as effective as estrogen in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The medication was tested against estrogen and a placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial over 12 weeks, with significant reductions in symptom severity reported.