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A “perfect storm” of genetic mutations is behind rare sporadic brain malformations that cause stroke, seizures

A new study by researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine has identified a set of sporadic genetic mutations that make it more likely a person will develop cavernous angiomas, which can lead to stroke and seizures. Understanding these underlying causes is key to identifying patients at risk and finding effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateMar 30, 2022

An improved ink for colon tattoos

Researchers have created a new type of colon tattoo ink that is more biocompatible and less prone to diffusion than existing inks. The ink uses metal-derived nanoparticles and polymers to adhere to the submucosal surface in the colon, allowing for better identification and removal of complex polyps and tumors.

Neuropathy Score Reporting and Data System (NS-RADS) validated for MR neurography

A multicenter study validates the accuracy and reliability of NS-RADS for classifying and grading peripheral neuropathies, with high interrater agreement across different reader experience levels. The study shows promising results for routine practice, suggesting NS-RADS as a standardized guideline for reporting peripheral neuropathies.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Immunotherapy with house dust mite extract reduces symptoms of atopic dermatitis

Researchers found sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite extract to be effective in reducing signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The treatment, administered over 18 months, resulted in significant improvements in pruritus and lesions, with rare side effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 3, 2022

Photodynamic therapy with chlorin e-6 can be effective auxiliary treatment for dental caries

The study demonstrated that photodynamic therapy (PDT) using chlorin e-6 can effectively reduce bacterial plaque biofilms containing cariogenic microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans. The treatment eliminated S. mutans and decreased total microorganisms by up to 3.7 units, with approximately 99% efficacy of antimicrobial activity.

Recalled noncalcified lesions: ultrasound vs. ultrasound plus mammography

A prospective study found that ultrasound alone adequately completed the diagnostic evaluation of 71.2% of noncalcified lesions, diagnosed 92.1% of cancers, and yielded a sensitivity of 94.9%. Radiologists should consider performing ultrasound first for digital breast tomosynthesis-recalled noncalcified masses.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

Reboot and recall: new brain hub for memory restoration identified

Researchers have found that stimulating the anterior thalamus can increase memory-related brain activity and restore memory function in rats with MTT lesions. The study suggests that therapies targeting this region could help recover memory in patients with brain injury, challenging previous notions of memory recovery.

SourceElsevier·JournalCurrent Research in Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

Pregnancy stretch marks cause stress and emotional burden, study finds

Researchers found that nearly 75% of pregnant women with stretch marks reported moderate to prominent embarrassment, which impacted their social activities, self-esteem, and clothing choices. The study highlights the need for open discussions about stretch marks to normalize them and identify potential mental health issues.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Women’s Dermatology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 9, 2021

Study finds QFR-guided lesion selection leads to better PCI outcomes compared with conventional angiography

A study published in The Lancet found that using physiologic measurement quantitative flow ratio (QFR) for lesion selection during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) leads to better clinical outcomes compared to standard angiography-guided strategies. This is due to fewer procedural complications and superior long-term results.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 8, 2021

Research reveals mechanisms behind “COVID toes”

A new study reveals that COVID toes symptoms are caused by an immune response involving high levels of autoantibodies and type I interferon. Endothelial cells also play a crucial role in the development of the condition, according to the research published in the British Journal of Dermatology.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateOct 6, 2021

Glycerin is safe, effective in psoriasis model

Researchers found glycerin, a natural ingredient in many skin lotions, reduces psoriasis symptoms by calming scaly patches and promoting healthy skin cell maturation. The study's results support anecdotal reports from patients with psoriasis, providing objective evidence of glycerin's effectiveness in combatting the condition.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 4, 2021

New study yields insights into chronic rejection after lung transplantation

Researchers identified protein patterns in lung tissue from patients with end-stage bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, revealing an epithelial/mesenchymal imbalance and increased stiffness in remodeled airways. This breakthrough study may help develop therapies to improve long-term outcomes for lung transplantation patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Jebel Sahaba: A succession of violence rather than a prehistoric war

The Jebel Sahaba cemetery, 13 millennia old, was initially thought to be a testament to prehistoric warfare. However, recent analysis reveals a succession of violent episodes, likely exacerbated by climate change. The study found that individuals bore injuries from projectiles and repeated episodes of violence over their lifetimes.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 2021

One-year results from the FUTURE-II trial

A randomized trial comparing a new, thin-strut bioresorbable scaffold with a metallic stent showed non-inferiority of the bioresorbable scaffold in terms of late lumen loss and covered struts. The trial's results may revitalize the concept of bioresorbable scaffolds.

SourcePCR·DateMay 18, 2021

AI method can detect precursors to cervical cancer

A new AI-powered screening tool has been developed to detect precursors to cervical cancer in women, particularly in low-income countries where access to skilled pathologists and advanced equipment is limited. The method uses mobile digital microscopy and achieves a sensitivity of 96-100% in identifying patients with precancerous lesions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 17, 2021

Neural network could help clinicians look for 'ugly duckling' pre-cancerous skin lesions

A neural network system analyzes photographs to rank and distinguish suspicious skin lesions, suggesting it can aid clinicians in spotting precancerous marks during clinical visits. The platform's performance was demonstrated with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 89.9%, respectively, in identifying 'ugly duckling' lesions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2021

Raman spectroscopy shows promise for diagnosing oral cancer

Researchers demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy can distinguish between healthy tissue, OSCC, and non-cancerous lesions with high accuracy. The technique could enable non-invasive cancer screening in the dentist's chair, reducing diagnostic delays and invasive procedures.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJan 13, 2021

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle biopsy excellent for small pleural lesions diagnosis

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle biopsy is highly accurate for diagnosing small pleural lesions with nodular morphology or thickness over 4.5 mm. The procedure yielded a diagnostic accuracy rate of 85.4% and a 96.4% yield rate for nodular CT lesions.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 6, 2020