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Sugar sponges sop up and release glucose as needed

Researchers have developed a potential new diabetes treatment that uses a 'sugar sponge' to regulate glucose levels. The system, which consists of a lectin-coated polymer vesicle, can absorb glucose when levels are high and release it when levels are low. In laboratory tests and mouse studies, the treatment showed antidiabetic effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 31, 2017

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is safe

A systematic review by Aarhus University researchers documents that ECT-related deaths are extremely rare, with only one reported death out of 414,747 treatments. The study highlights the procedure's highly beneficial effects on mental disorders, outweighing potential side effects like memory impairment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateMay 2, 2017

Overactive bladder drug linked with increased risk of depression

A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of depression, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and consideration of alternative treatment options.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateApr 6, 2017

Overactive bladder drug linked with increased risk of depression

A recent study found that women with overactive bladder who received antimuscarinics were 38% more likely to develop depressive disorder within three years. The use of these drugs was associated with a higher risk of depression despite their ability to improve bladder symptoms by blocking muscarinic receptors.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateApr 5, 2017

Study details rare cardiac side effects of immune checkpoint cancer therapies

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine details two cases of acute and unexpected fatal myocarditis that occurred in melanoma patients following treatment with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. High-dose corticosteroids were initially administered, but both patients died due to the severe immune reaction.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 3, 2016

Concerns over glutathione skin bleaching in the UK

The use of glutathione for skin bleaching is on the rise in the UK despite potential risks and lack of regulation. The practice has been linked to serious side effects such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, as well as transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 31, 2016

'Game on for Pokémon Go,' says The BMJ pundit

Pokémon Go has been linked to increased physical activity and social connections, with players walking longer distances and interacting with strangers in public spaces. However, the game also carries risks, such as accidents and thefts, that have sparked concerns about its impact on mental health.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 9, 2016

Penn preclinical study outlines cardiovascular side effects of breast cancer drug

Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that breast cancer drug trastuzumab affects the development of blood vessels in the heart, leading to potential cardiovascular side effects. The study highlights a new role for ErbB2 protein in blood vessel formation and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2016

Risk allele for side effects induced by Clozapine identified

A significant association has been found between HLA-B*59:01 and Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis and granulocytopenia, suggesting the allele may serve as a marker for prioritizing patients at low risk of developing these severe side effects. Further analysis is needed to clarify the mechanism behind this association.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 5, 2016

New way to harvest stem cells better for donors

Australian scientists have developed a new method for harvesting stem cells that eliminates the need for growth factor injections, reducing side effects for donors. The new method combines two molecules to mobilize stem cells into the bloodstream within an hour of administration.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2016

Predicting potential pharma side effects

Researchers have developed a computer program that predicts pharmaceutical side effects, outperforming earlier software in accuracy. The system assesses drug molecules and identifies potential side effects using an ensemble approach, demonstrating its effectiveness in flagging adverse reactions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Biology and Drug Design·DateMar 8, 2016

A better class of cancer drugs

A chemist at San Diego State University developed a new technique to improve the selectivity of protein kinase inhibitors, which can lead to fewer side effects. By locking in either the right- or left-handed version of an atropisomeric compound, researchers found more selective inhibition of specific kinases.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 11, 2015