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Research roundup: E-cigs aren’t safe

A recent review of e-cigarette research highlights the significant health risks associated with vaping, including lung inflammation and injury. The study found that e-cigarettes can cause negative effects in multiple organs, from the brain to the bladder, and may even increase the risk of lung cancer.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalAnnual Review of Physiology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 17, 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

Protective mutations in COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2022

Eating prunes may help protect against bone loss in older women

Prunes have been found to help prevent or delay bone loss in postmenopausal women by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This is due to their potential to alter the gut microbiome, which can lead to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of oxidative damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2022

How fuel poverty ‘gets under the skin’

Researchers found that fuel poverty leads to higher levels of inflammation, affecting physical health, and lower life satisfaction, impacting wellbeing outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for policies to support low-income households struggling with fuel poverty.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 1, 2022

Gene-environment interactions that drives autism

Gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in the development of autism symptoms, according to a new study by UNIGE researchers. By inhibiting Trpv4 and inducing massive inflammation, scientists observed neuronal hyperexcitability, which disrupted communication channels and led to social avoidance behaviors.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateJan 31, 2022

ACP releases two new clinical guidelines on the diagnosis and management of diverticulitis

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released two new clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of diverticulitis. The guidelines recommend that clinicians manage most patients with uncomplicated disease in outpatient settings without antibiotics, while patients with complicated disease should be referred for colonos...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2022

Scientists uncover new information about cellular death process, previously thought to be irreversible

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new method for analyzing pyroptosis, a process of cell death previously thought to be irreversible. By using optogenetic gasdermin, they found that certain conditions can trigger pores to close within tens of seconds, suggesting the process dynamically self-regulates.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Study reveals how triclosan, likely found in toothpaste, is triggered to harm the gut

A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an international team finds that triclosan triggers gut inflammation in mice. The researchers identified specific bacteria and enzymes that drive this damage, but also developed a microbiome-targeted inhibitor to block triclosan processing, preventing colitis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2022

Anxiety in children and adolescents could lead to young adult psychosis

A new study found that children and adolescents with persistent high levels of anxiety are more likely to develop psychosis in their early 20s. Treating early anxiety by targeting stress hormones and non-resolving inflammation during childhood and teenage years could help prevent young adults from developing psychosis.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2021

Newly identified mediator of inflammation resolution stimulates tissue regeneration and controls granuloma formation

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a new mediator, 4S, 5S-epoxy-resolvin, that resolves acute inflammation and stimulates tissue regeneration. The study found that this mediator also controls granuloma formation in human leukocytes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021

A more targeted therapy to treat inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered that targeting the TNFR1 receptor may be a more effective approach to treating inflammatory bowel disease. By selectively blocking TNFR1, they found significant benefits in mice with Crohn's-like ileitis, suggesting this approach could offer a new opportunity for healing.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Crohn s and Colitis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2021

High pressure (hyperbaric) oxygen resolves severe COVID-19 breathing difficulties faster than standard therapy

A small clinical trial found that high-pressure hyperbaric oxygen treatment resolved severe COVID-19 breathing difficulties faster than standard therapy, with significant improvements in oxygen saturation and reduced risk of complications. However, further larger trials are needed to confirm the treatment's effects on survival.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 14, 2021

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

Fast-tracked stroke drug for humans shows promise, in mice, that it might also prove a powerful tool against dementia

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that a fast-tracked stroke drug, 3K3A-APC, protected mice from injury to the brain's white matter, a leading cause of dementia. The drug may also be effective in slowing down progression of cognitive impairment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

New PET imaging-based tool detects liver inflammation from fatty liver disease

A team of researchers at UC Davis Health has developed a novel PET imaging-based tool to detect liver inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The tool uses dynamic PET imaging and mathematical modeling to measure glucose transport from blood to liver tissue, allowing clinicians to quantify liver inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 30, 2021

Giving social support to others may boost your health

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that giving social support to others is essential for boosting one's health. The research found that people who were available to provide social support experienced lower inflammation levels, whereas those who only received support did not show the same benefits.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2021

Transplants for alcohol-related liver inflammation surge during pandemic

During the pandemic, registrations for alcoholic hepatitis and deceased donor liver transplants increased by over 50%, associated with rising alcohol sales. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to permanent scarring and long-term damage if left untreated, highlighting the need for public health interventions around excessive alcohol consumption.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2021