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Deaths from heart valve infections drop across U.S. overall, but surged among young adults

A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 13, 2023

'Exceptional' results in phase III leukaemia trial

A phase III trial has found that personalised treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) can improve survival and remission rates. The trial showed that individualising therapy based on regular blood tests significantly improved progression-free and overall survival in patients with previously untreated CLL.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2023

Long-term results show combination treatment that skips chemotherapy is effective for older patients with Ph+ ALL

The study found that dasatinib and blinatumomab combination treatment resulted in excellent median overall survival and disease-free survival times for patients 65 and older with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The regimen confirmed benefits of this treatment are durable, with a median overall survival of...

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 9, 2023

Small but mighty: Microparticles from the placenta may offer major clues on the in utero development of neurobehavioral disorders

Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Leukemia cells activate cellular recycling program

A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt has identified a mechanism that could be a suitable starting point for developing novel drugs against leukemia cells. The researchers discovered that the mutated NPM1 gene variant drives pro-autophagic activity, enabling cancer cells to recycle their structures and meet their needs.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center awarded FDA grant for clinical trial on experimental AML/MDS treatment

Researchers at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center are conducting a phase 1 clinical trial of danvatirsen, a STAT3 inhibitor, to treat relapsed and treatment-resistant forms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The trial aims to determine the safety and efficacy of the experimental treatment ...

Poor night’s sleep can trigger atrial fibrillation the next day

A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJACC Clinical Electrophysiology·DateNov 3, 2023

New method for detecting blood circulation problems in brain capillaries

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using Bessel beam two-photon microscopy to detect stalling in brain capillaries, which can indicate acute neurological issues. The approach generates clear images of all capillaries every two seconds, providing better temporal resolution and enabling the detection of short stalling events.

CHOP and Penn Medicine researchers develop “in vivo” RNA-based gene editing model for blood disorders

CHOP and Penn Medicine researchers have developed a proof-of-concept model for delivering gene editing tools directly into diseased blood cells within the body. This approach aims to reduce costs and increase access to gene therapies for blood disorders, which currently require chemotherapy and stem cell transplants.

Antibody treatment prevents graft versus host disease, a major bone marrow transplant complication, in advanced preclinical tests

Researchers have developed an experimental antibody treatment that largely prevented graft versus host disease in the intestines, without causing broad immune suppression. The treatment blocked donor T-cell attack and increased survival rates in preclinical models.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 28, 2023

Growing blood stem cells in the lab to save lives

A team led by Professor Satoshi Yamazaki has established a novel culture system that supports long-term ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), overcoming previous limitations. The new system, which uses chemically-defined cell culture media, significantly improves HSC growth and proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Cause of leukemia in trisomy 21

Children with Down syndrome are highly vulnerable to developing aggressive leukaemia due to a defect in the RUNX1 gene, which regulates blood cell formation. Researchers have identified a specific variant of the gene that promotes leukaemia development and discovered potential therapeutic approaches to correct this malfunction.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal editorial probes into the role of blood vessels in treating obesity-related disorders

Researchers explore the interactions between adipose tissues and surrounding blood vessels in connection with lipid metabolism and associated diseases. Targeting angiogenesis may provide a gateway for treating obesity, while its inhibition or promotion depends on the specific disease context.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 22, 2022

Liquid biopsies can detect which cancer patients may be at higher risk of developing additional blood cancers

Researchers found that liquid biopsies can detect clonal haematopoiesis, a condition placing patients at higher risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia. The study suggests that these patients should be referred for further evaluation to uncover actual risk and identify potential diagnostic pathways.

Two hits to the mitochondria causes severe anemia

A study found that impairing mitochondria in two different ways can cause severe anemia. Researchers used mouse models to investigate the role of mitochondria in blood cell differentiation and found that disrupting mitochondrial function and dynamics causes anemia through distinct mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPharmacological Research·DateOct 17, 2022

Cancer patients treated with immunotherapy can safely receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, according to JNCCN study

Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 17, 2022

Microscopic blood vessel disease in the brain’s white matter associated with worse cognition in Alzheimer’s

Researchers found that microscopic blood vessel disease in the brain's white matter is associated with worse cognitive function and memory deficits in individuals with Alzheimer's. Lifestyle changes such as reducing hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and inactivity may help prevent or slow disease progression.

Chemotherapy drugs from “rogue” online pharmacies could endanger leukemia patients, suggests research in JNCCN

A study found that a majority of online pharmacies selling imatinib, a chronic myeloid leukemia therapy, are uncertified and operate unsafely. Patients may face risks of nonadherence, treatment failures, and adverse events if they use these pharmacies.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 28, 2022

Wireless pain management for drug-resistant conditions offers promising alternative to surgery, study finds

A new wireless implant has the potential to treat neuropathic pain resistant to medical therapy, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The device uses bioelectronic therapy to stimulate peripheral nerves from within blood vessels, providing precise placement and predictable outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·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

Survival rate of adult patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia after hematopoietic cell transplantation has steadily increased over the past two decades

Survival rates for adult patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after hematopoietic cell transplantation have increased significantly over the past two decades. The two-year overall survival rate rose from 27.8% in 2000-2004 to 54.8% in 2015-2019, despite a significant increase in patient age at relapse.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 12, 2022

Could EKGs help doctors use AI to detect pulmonary embolisms?

A pilot study suggests that machine learning algorithms combining EKG and electronic health record data can more effectively screen for pulmonary embolisms than current tests. The fusion model was found to be 15-30% more effective at accurately identifying cases, especially severe ones.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

Gum disease increases risk of other illness such as mental health and heart conditions, study finds

A University of Birmingham-led study found that patients with a recorded history of gum disease are at higher risk of developing mental ill-health (37%), autoimmune diseases (33%), cardiovascular disease (18%), and cardiometabolic disorders, particularly Type 2 diabetes (26%). The study used UK primary care data to explore the associat...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·DateDec 19, 2021

Chemotherapy fails for some blood cancer patients because of crucial gene mutations, finds study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital

A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021