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Mutation in fallopian tube lesions may help catch ovarian cancer years earlier

Researchers discovered that tumor cells in the fallopian tubes of women at high-risk for ovarian cancer can be detected years before they develop into the disease, providing a potential window of time for early detection and intervention. The study identified TP53 gene mutations as an early indicator of ovarian cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2017

Morbidity and mortality of leprosy in the Middle Ages

A new study analyzing medieval skeletons found that contracting leprosy increased a person's chances of dying, but social status and sex also played roles. The researchers created a model to explore morbidity and mortality through a unique data set, shedding light on the complexities of the disease in the past.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateOct 3, 2017

Uncovering why psoriasis recurs

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers identifies a population of tissue resident memory cells that may be driving recurrence in psoriasis. These cells, which live long-term in the skin, can cause misguided immune responses leading to red, inflamed patches on the skin.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 28, 2017

Deciphering potent DNA toxin's secrets

A team of Vanderbilt University researchers has worked out the molecular details of Yatakemycin (YTM), a potent bacterial toxin that prevents DNA replication. The study reveals how YTM stabilizes DNA, making it resistant to repair mechanisms, and could be used to fine-tune its antimicrobial properties.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 2, 2017

Low oxygen reverses mitochondrial disease in mice

Researchers found that breathing low-oxygen air reversed brain damage caused by mitochondrial defects in mice. The study suggests that hypoxia therapy may be a potential treatment for mitochondrial diseases, including Leigh syndrome. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop a practical regimen.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Study shows benefits to treating all clogged arteries at once after heart attack

Researchers found that treating secondary blockages after a major heart attack using fractional flow reserve technology can improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for subsequent invasive procedures. This approach resulted in a 65% lower risk of all-cause mortality, non-fatal heart attack, stroke, and revascularization at 12 months.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2017

Brain damage is not always damaging

A woman in Argentina endured multiple strokes, resulting in extensive brain damage, yet remained functional. Despite lesions in both hemispheres, her cognitive abilities and emotional recognition remained near-normal.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateFeb 9, 2017

Topical treatment activates immune system to clear precancerous skin lesions

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a combination of calcipotriol and fluorouracil can rapidly clear actinic keratosis lesions by activating the immune system, achieving an 88% reduction in facial lesions. The treatment's effectiveness was compared to standard treatments, which elicit unpleasant side effects.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 19, 2016

Noninvasive imaging technique protects healthy tissues during freezing of cancer lesions

A new technique for real-time temperature monitoring during cryotherapy procedures has been reported, using red blood cells as temperature sensors to convert optoacoustic images to temperature maps. This approach potentially prevents noncancerous tissue from being destroyed or damaged during cryotherapy.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 9, 2016

IADR/AADR publish advances issue on ICCC recommendations

The IADR/AADR published an issue on International Caries Consensus Collaboration's (ICCC) recommendations for managing carious lesions, focusing on evidence-based, patient-centered guidelines. The recommendations support less invasive carious lesion management by preserving tooth tissue and retaining teeth long-term.