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Classification of 16 adult sleep patterns based on large-scale sleep analysis

Researchers developed an algorithm to classify 16 distinct adult sleep patterns based on arm acceleration data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants. These patterns can be used to diagnose insomnia and develop personalized treatment methods, offering new insights into human sleep behavior.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Triggering cellular apoptosis by optical targeting

Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

An approach to treating a severe congenital myopathy

A new treatment approach has been proposed for children with congenital muscle disorders, using inhibitors to improve muscle function and movement in mice with mutations in the RYR1 gene. The therapy targets genetic material overload caused by excessive enzyme production, leading to reduced access of genes to cellular machinery.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022

Personalized testing for safety and effectiveness of common medicines must be offered throughout the health service

A report by the British Pharmacological Society and Royal College of Physicians recommends integrating pharmacogenomic testing to ensure medicines work safely and effectively for individual patients. The UK is a world leader in genomic medicine, and expanded testing would further demonstrate this leadership.

SourceBritish Pharmacological Society·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 28, 2022

In-vitro fertilization clinics offering money-back guarantees achieve better outcomes with less aggressive treatments

Research found that IVF clinics offering money-back guarantees have a higher live-birth success rate and lower multiple birth risks compared to those without MBGs. The study suggests that these programs serve as signals of high-quality care in the field of IVF and other healthcare services.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 23, 2022

Discovery could pave way for new lung treatment

Researchers have identified a new family of proteins in blood vessels that prevent fluid from entering the lungs, offering a potential new avenue for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. Stimulating these bitter taste receptors has been shown to provide protection against fluid leak into the lung.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMar 23, 2022

Sleep apnea accelerates aging, but treatment may reverse it

Researchers found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) accelerates the biological aging process and causes epigenetic age acceleration, leading to increased mortality risk. However, one year of CPAP treatment significantly slows down biological age acceleration in OSA patients, suggesting a potential reversal of age-related trends.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 9, 2022

Treatment length reduced for children with tuberculosis

Researchers found that four-month treatment is as effective as six months in non-severe TB cases, allowing for savings on screening and training healthcare workers. The study's results led to a change in the World Health Organisation's global guidelines, recommending a shorter treatment course for children with non-severe TB.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2022

Stem cell infusion boosts sepsis survival in mice

Researchers found that infusing bone-marrow stem cells into mice with sepsis increased their survival by 50-60% and decreased inflammation. This treatment could offer an alternative to current granulocyte transfusions, which have limited benefits.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Not just a sprained ankle: Scientists show musculoskeletal injury may affect gut microbiome

A recent study by researchers from Ritsumeikan University found that athletes with a history of sprained ankle showed reduced gut bacteria diversity compared to those without such a history. This suggests that musculoskeletal injury may have a negative impact on the gut microbiota, potentially leading to long-term health consequences.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResearch in Sports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

Novel synthetic process for the core structure of the fungal antiviral agent Neoechinulin B and its derivatives

Researchers have discovered a streamlined two-step synthesis strategy to produce neoechinulin B and its derivatives, exhibiting strong anti-HCV and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. The novel process utilizes a piperazine-2,5-dione derivative and tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) as key reagents.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Natural Products·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Perspectives of patients in clinical trials often not considered

Many pragmatic trials fail to collect patient-reported data on experience, burden of disease, and quality of life. Despite this, the authors suggest that including patient-reported outcomes can provide valuable insights into patient well-being. The study urges researchers to prioritize patient-centered approaches in clinical trials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022

New commentary in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition makes case for adopting ‘blue zone’ diet to stave off COVID-19

A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness, with some studies suggesting a 9% lower risk and 73% lower risk among healthcare workers. The 'blue zone' diet, prevalent in Okinawa, Japan, may also provide benefits.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 31, 2022

Redefining alcohol use disorder

Researchers at MU developed a new framework to identify people previously overlooked for AUD, focusing on 13 risk factors such as impulsive behavior and reward sensitivity. The framework aims to provide more accurate diagnoses and connect individuals with tailored treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJan 24, 2022

Study reveals root cause of long-term COVID symptoms

Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered that mitochondria do not function properly in patients with post-COVID syndrome, leading to debilitating symptoms. The study's findings may lead to treatments for patients struggling with fluctuating heart rates, extreme fatigue and memory issues.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 18, 2022

Personalizing treatment for severe limb injuries

A team of scientists at the University of Missouri used small wearable sensors to gather data on how people with a traumatic hand amputation use a prosthesis versus a transplanted hand. The study found that hand transplant recipients exhibit a more balanced pattern of limb use, while prosthesis users rely heavily on their prosthetic hand.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNeurorehabilitation and Neural Repair·DateJan 10, 2022

January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover new research on cannabis and alcohol use, disparities in coercive treatment for psychosis, and more

The January issues of American Psychiatric Association journals feature new research on the factors underlying alcohol and cannabis use, as well as their interactions with other psychiatric illnesses. The journals also address disparities in coercive treatment for psychosis and provide insights into mental health services delivery.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 4, 2022

Killing pain without hurting the body: Novel compound that is potentially safer than current drugs

Researchers discover novel compound AD732 with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, outperforming standard NSAIDs while causing minimal harm. The compound may be a safer alternative for treating pain and inflammation in difficult diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021