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Anti-HAV antibodies in beta-thalassemia

Research found that thalassemic patients had a higher prevalence of anti-HAV IgG antibodies than healthy controls. This is unexpected, as previous studies showed lower rates in thalassemics. The study recommends active immunization for transfused thalassemia patients to reduce liver infections.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 30, 2008

An anti-inflammatory response to the vegan diet

A study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that a gluten-free vegan diet can lower cholesterol and oxidized LDL levels, while raising natural antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This may help protect against heart attacks and stroke.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 17, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: March 6, 2008

New DNA vaccine technology targets DCs for enhanced immune response; studies in mice show improved protection against viruses and potential applications for cystic fibrosis modeling. Genetic manipulation creates large animal models of CF, providing new avenues for disease research.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 6, 2008

Lower transmission increases dengue deaths

Researchers found that lower transmission rates increase dengue deaths by reducing the development of immunity to new strains during a critical cross-immunity period. This allows the virus to gain entry into cells and cause more severe infections.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 6, 2007

Researchers have identified immunomodulatory anticancer drugs lenalidomide and pomalidomide as effective therapies for inducing fetal hemoglobin production in sickle-cell disease patients. Additionally, a new compound has been discovered to treat protein-losing enteropathy, a condition causing excessive protein loss from the gut.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2007

UV light improving chances of fighting cancer

Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a technology using UV light to activate antibodies specifically targeting tumour cells. The cloaked antibodies can be used alone or in combination with existing antibodies, minimizing side effects and maximizing destruction of tumours.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalChemMedChem·DateOct 30, 2007

The memory of water is a reality

Scientists from around the world present convergent views on the 'memory of water' concept, which suggests that water can display memory effects. Researchers found large-scale structural changes in liquid water, potentially accounting for claims of memory of water effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalHomeopathy·DateAug 1, 2007

Antibodies protect mice from developing respiratory tularemia

Researchers have found that treating mice with tularemia-specific antibodies can protect them against the bacteria, enhancing immune responses and acting as a surrogate vaccine. This approach could be particularly useful in cases of bioterrorism, providing rapid and specific protection to individuals with weakened immune systems.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 27, 2007

Newly discovered antibody may be body's natural defense against Alzheimer's

Researchers identified naturally occurring antibodies in human blood that selectively target toxic beta amyloid oligomers, potentially offering a natural defense mechanism against Alzheimer's. The antibodies recognize misfolded shapes of proteins, which could have implications for immune therapy of other neurodegenerative diseases.

Fingerprint instead of blood sample

Researchers have successfully used specific antibodies to differentiate between fingerprints of smokers and nonsmokers, detecting cotinine metabolite in sweat. This technique could be used for forensic applications, doping detection, medical diagnostics, and drug screening without taking blood samples.

SourceWiley·DateMay 16, 2007

Are some people immune to avian flu?

A study published in PLoS Medicine found that some people have low-titer antibodies against H5N1 influenza, suggesting potential protection. The researchers also observed cross-reactive antibodies in mice, which afforded partial protection against avian H5N1 infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2007

First-degree fetal heart block may be reversible

Researchers at Yale University discovered a potential reversible cause of first-degree fetal heart block, which impairs the heart's electrical signaling. The PRIDE study found that early treatment with dexamethasone can reverse the condition, but it can progress rapidly to irreversible third-degree block.

Producing medicines in plant seeds

Researchers have successfully produced proteins that resemble antibodies in plant seeds, demonstrating their potential for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The antibody variants are just as active as whole antibodies and can be used in medical applications, with advantages including high production capacity and timely processing.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2007