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Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

New type of pneumococcal vaccine developed by KI scientists

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

Discovery could pave way for new lung treatment

Researchers have identified a new family of proteins in blood vessels that prevent fluid from entering the lungs, offering a potential new avenue for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. Stimulating these bitter taste receptors has been shown to provide protection against fluid leak into the lung.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMar 23, 2022

Researchers identify protein complex critical in helping control cell death

A preclinical study identified a protein complex critical for regulating apoptosis and necroptosis. Inhibiting this complex may help prevent excessive cell death and tissue damage associated with heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19. Researchers believe that targeting the PPP1R3G/PP1γ pathway could lead to new treatments f...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 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

Study finds that patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis have worse outcomes in recovering from critical illness, compared with other cirrhosis patients

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis had significantly higher post-ICU death rates and mortality at 30 days after ICU discharge compared to those with cirrhosis attributed to other causes. The study, which analyzed case files of 1,174 patients, suggests that early diagno...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJan 25, 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

Patients’ referral to primary care after COVID-19 hospitalization varied widely during the pandemic

Researchers found that only a quarter of patients were scheduled for primary care follow-up prior to discharge during the second wave, highlighting the need for improved healthcare system navigation. Outpatient care can help screen for physical and emotional impairments common among COVID and sepsis patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 12, 2021

How sepsis need not be fatal

A team of scientists has identified molecular biomarkers associated with sepsis, which could be used to predict patient outcomes and guide treatment. The study found that changes in CD52 expression were linked to good outcomes, while S100A9 acted as a driver of fatal sepsis.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

DNA researchers develop critical shortcut to detect and identify known and emerging pathogens

Researchers have developed a sophisticated new tool to detect and identify rare and unknown viruses and potentially deadly bacterial pathogens. The algorithm helps isolate DNA sequences shared among related organisms, enabling faster detection and identification of pathogens in clinical or wildlife settings.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021

Researchers identify a novel cell type that makes survivors of sepsis more susceptible to infections

Studies on mice and septic patients show that a specific B lymphocyte subpopulation produces large amounts of CD39, leading to increased adenosine levels and reduced macrophage activity. This results in heightened susceptibility to opportunistic infections, with survivors experiencing a sevenfold higher risk of severe infections.

Early-warning system for sepsis shown to improve survival rates and cut hospital stays, new study finds

A new study found that an early warning system for sepsis improved patient outcomes by alerting healthcare providers to administer antibiotics sooner. The system, implemented in the emergency department, resulted in increased survival rates and reduced hospital stays for patients with sepsis.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021

Babies surviving Group B strep more likely to require special educational support

A large study shows that infants infected with Group B strep are twice as likely to have neurodevelopmental impairments and need special education compared to uninfected children. The study also found significant long-term effects, including cognitive impairment and higher rates of hospitalization, in up to one in twenty survivors.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateApr 21, 2021

Detecting multiple sepsis biomarkers from whole blood - made fast, accurate, and cheap

A multi-disciplinary team at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed an electrochemical diagnostic sensor platform for multiplexed detection of clinically relevant biomarkers in whole blood. The device accurately detects three different sepsis biomarkers simultaneously and has the potential to revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 12, 2021

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis are more likely to die than White or Hispanic children, hospital data suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis have a 20% greater odds of death compared to their White and Hispanic peers. Additionally, 'other' insurance status was associated with increased mortality, and Black and Hispanic children had longer hospital stays.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateDec 14, 2020

New tricks for old antibiotics

Doxycycline, an antibiotic, confers protection against sepsis by inhibiting mitochondrial protein production, reducing cell damage and promoting tissue repair. The study opens new possibilities for therapies targeting disease tolerance mechanisms to combat infections and diseases like sepsis.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalImmunity·DateOct 22, 2020

Protein that keeps immune system from freaking out could form basis for new therapeutics

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine discovered a molecule called Girdin (GIV) that acts as a brake on macrophages. The GIV-mimic peptide can shut down immune cells' overreaction, supporting a mechanism critical for survival in mouse models of sepsis and colitis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2020

Quieting the storm

Researchers at Harvard Medical School used acupuncture to regulate inflammatory responses and improve survival in mice with cytokine storm. The study found that site, intensity, and timing of treatment influenced the response.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateAug 12, 2020