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The Lancet journals: World TB Day media alert

The Lancet journals publish a special collection on tuberculosis, highlighting emerging challenges like drug-resistant strains and poor treatment outcomes. New anti-tuberculosis drugs and host-directed therapies are being developed to improve treatment efficacy.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 23, 2014

New study shows core factors and strategies to turn primary care practices into PCMHs

A new study by Joslin Diabetes Center identified three core factors and thirteen strategies to increase buy-in from practice teams in transitioning to Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs). The findings emphasize the importance of effective communication, resource utilization, team environment, defined work roles, and targeted resources.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2014

Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have made a breakthrough in creating insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells. By understanding the molecular regulation of stem cell differentiation, they can generate functional specialized cells for regenerative therapy approaches to chronic diseases like diabetes. This discovery has significant i...

Panel at odds over new BP guidelines

Panel members of the Institute of Medicine's Eighth Joint National Committee opposed relaxing systolic blood pressure targets to 150 mmHg, citing insufficient evidence. The decision may reduce antihypertensive treatment intensity, potentially reversing declines in cardiovascular disease mortality rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2014

Scientists discover new causes of diabetes

Research by the University of Exeter Medical School reveals two new genetic causes of neonatal diabetes, providing insights into how insulin-producing beta cells are formed in the pancreas. This discovery increases the number of known genetic causes of neonatal diabetes, offering hope for improved treatment and potential therapies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2014

Metabolically healthy obesity does not guarantee clean bill of health

Research found that obese people who are metabolically healthy still face an increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 5,700 participants and found that normal weight individuals with multiple metabolic abnormalities also faced a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2013

Reading the pancreas through the eye

Swedish researchers have found a way to study glucose regulation by transplanting pancreas cells into the eye, allowing for monitoring of insulin-producing beta-cells and identification of new drug substances. This innovative method could lead to personalized treatment principles and diagnosis of pancreatic problems.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

APOL1 gene speeds kidney disease progression and failure in blacks, regardless of diabetes status

African Americans with APOL1 gene variant experience faster chronic kidney disease progression and increased risk of kidney failure compared to those without the variant. The study found that APOL1 risk variants increase CKD progression in African Americans, regardless of their diabetes status.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 11, 2013

Genetic variation increases risk of kidney disease progression in African-Americans

African-American patients with chronic kidney disease have a faster decline in kidney function due to genetic variations, particularly the APOL1 gene variant. The study suggests that reducing the effect of this gene could lead to a significant decrease in progressive kidney and end-stage kidney disease in blacks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2013

Weighing in: 3 years post-op bariatric surgery patients see big benefits, Pitt study says

Severely obese patients who underwent gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgical procedures experienced substantial weight loss, with most of the change occurring in the first year. The study also found significant improvements in obesity-related complications, including diabetes, hypertension, and high choleste...