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The AABB releases clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma

The AABB has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma, recommending its use for nonhospitalized patients at high risk for disease progression. The guidelines suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers early after symptom onset.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 15, 2022

Aldosterone linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease progression and end-stage kidney disease

Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022

Simple skin biopsy can assess tissue damage related to COVID-19

Researchers found clots in small venous and arterial blood vessels in normal-looking skin from patients with severe COVID-19, distinguishable from other forms of respiratory illness. Antiviral proteins and interferon-induced inflammatory proteins were also detected, associated with disease severity.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Same symptom – different cause?

Researchers developed an algorithm to classify patients into disease subtypes based on molecular changes, enabling more targeted treatments. The tool has shown potential in a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, identifying lipid biomarkers for disease progression.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 27, 2022

New tests and treatments developed in mice for pulmonary fibrosis

Scientists at University of Illinois and Mie University develop monoclonal antibodies to prevent lung cell death in mouse models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory disease syndrome. Non-invasive diagnostic tools also presented could aid in predicting disease progression and identifying patients at risk.

Trust clinical COVID-19 signs over a negative RT-PCR test

A Rutgers study found that hospital patients with repeated negative RT-PCR tests but exhibiting COVID-19 signs and/or symptoms were half as likely to receive treatment as those who tested positive. The study suggests that clinicians should not solely rely on RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 diagnosis.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2022

C-Path and the European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases to expand global impact and partnership

The collaboration aims to create an interoperable global data ecosystem for rare diseases, accelerating the development of new therapies. This partnership benefits patients, regulators, advocacy stakeholders, researchers, and industry, while expanding C-Path's global capabilities in collaborating on methodologies and technologies.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

Breast cancer patients with estrogen receptor mutations may benefit from early switch to fulvestrant/palbociclib

A recent study found that patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who experience rising ESR1 mutations before disease progression can benefit from an early switch to fulvestrant plus palbociclib. This approach yields a statistically and clinically significant gain in progression-free survival, potentially justifying its a...

Elacestrant may improve outcomes for patients whose metastatic breast cancers progressed on prior endocrine therapy

In a phase III trial, elacestrant showed significant benefits in decreasing death or disease progression and increasing progression-free survival compared to standard of care. The treatment was well-tolerated with manageable side effects, offering hope for patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.

A protein causes significantly higher risk of severe cancer progression for men

A research team at TUM has discovered that the protein TIMP1 is associated with a significantly higher risk of liver metastasis and death in male patients, particularly those with pancreatic, colon, and melanoma cancers. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and targeted therapy options for men.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Health disparities and inequities impact Black and Latino Americans with autoimmune diseases, says new USC study

A new USC study reveals that gaps in income, education, and access to care contribute to poorer outcomes for people of color with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The review shows significant inequities in accessing healthcare, leading to diagnostic delays and underuse of services.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 4, 2021

Light in, sound out: photoacoustic probe helps find and fight Wilson's disease and other maladies

Researchers developed a non-toxic, small-molecule probe that provides real-time visualization of disease progression, overcoming limitations of MRI and PET imaging. The probe binds copper ions and detects dysregulated levels, accurately identifying Wilson's disease and other maladies.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 30, 2021

Potential biomarker found for lung disease in scleroderma patients

Researchers discovered a protein called CTRP9 associated with pulmonary function in scleroderma patients with interstitial lung disease. Patients with higher CTRP9 levels developed more severe lung disease, while low levels were linked to preserved function. The study suggests CTRP9 could help predict treatment needs for these patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2021

Research on MRI Biomarkers may aid in evaluating treatments for peripheral nerve disease

Researchers at Wayne State University are developing new strategies to assess appropriate treatments of peripheral nerve diseases using MRI biomarkers. The study focuses on nerve MRI methods that can directly image pathology within nerves, offering valuable information on disease progression and improving treatment evaluation.

Association between African American race, clinical outcomes in men treated for low-risk prostate cancer with active surveillance

African American men with low-risk prostate cancer treated under active surveillance have a higher risk of disease progression and mortality compared to non-African American patients. The study's findings suggest that racial disparities exist in the clinical outcomes of prostate cancer treatment with active surveillance.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 3, 2020

KIST finds clue to improve artificial vision for patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers at KIST found that retinal neural signals from electric stimulation are altered depending on disease progression in mice affected by outer retinal degeneration. This study suggests guidelines for patient selection of retinal prostheses, improving performance and perception of artificial vision.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateAug 10, 2020