Articles tagged with Drug Resistance
A new study found that drug-resistant E. coli infections are rising in community health settings, with cases doubling from 5.28 to 10.5 incidents per 100,000 patients between 2009 and 2014.
Over 15 years, malaria cases in Africa have decreased by 663 million, mainly due to bednet and ACT interventions. However, growing insecticide and drug resistance threaten these efforts, requiring a proactive approach to develop new antimalarial drugs and insecticides.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that using a combination of chemicals and UV light to clean patient rooms reduces the transmission of four major superbugs by 30 percent among overnight patients. This method was more effective than standard cleaning strategies, which often fail to eliminate germs on surfaces.
Researchers evaluated two alternative strategies to prevent malaria in pregnancy, finding that dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine reduced clinical malaria by 84% and risk of anaemia by 22%. The new drug was also associated with lower risks of stillbirths and infant mortality.
Researchers have identified a molecular pathway that explains how tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells develop. The 'feedback loop' involves the HOXB7 protein, which helps activate genes that promote cancer growth. Targeting MYC protein, which is involved in this pathway, may lead to new treatments for tamoxifen-resistant cancers.
Western University researchers have developed an artificial intelligence-powered tool that can predict a patient's response to paclitaxel and gemcitabine chemotherapy medications. The tool uses genetic analysis of tumours to identify the genetic signatures most important for determining resistance and remission for each medication. Wit...
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a potential new approach to overcome hormone therapy resistance in ER+ breast cancer by targeting breast cancer stem cells driven by NOTCH4. This approach shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for patients with hormone therapy-resistant breast cancer.
Researchers have developed a combination of three antibiotics that can effectively treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in test tubes and laboratory mice. The synergistic action of the drugs prevents MRSA from developing resistance, offering potential treatment against this deadly pathogen.
Cancer patients who receive chemotherapy treatment for a sustained period have heightened levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which correlates with drug resistance. The study proposes a measure of relative ROS levels under normal conditions to help determine if patients are becoming resistant to cancer drugs.
Researchers discover that altering protein recycling complexes in human cells enables cancer cells to resist treatment with proteasome inhibitors, a class of drugs used to kill cancer cells. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting this resistant state to develop new cancer treatments.
ESC Congress 2015 saw a record-breaking attendance of 32,773 registrations, featuring 28 clinical Hot Line presentations, 18 Clinical Trial Updates, and 20 Registry studies. Key findings included the use of spironolactone for resistant hypertension and its positive implications for clinical practice.
Researchers have discovered a chestnut leaf extract that blocks Staphlococcus aureus virulence and pathogenesis without detectable resistance. The extract, rich in ursene and oleanene derivatives, shuts down the ability of the bacteria to create toxins by taking away its weapons.
Researchers are monitoring drug resistance to HIV prevention drugs in sub-Saharan Africa through a $5 million initiative. The project aims to prevent new infections and develop cost-effective diagnostic plans.
Researchers have established the safety and dosing of a new drug for treating blood cancers, targeting dormant cancer stem cells. The drug coaxes these cells to differentiate and exit the bone marrow, where they can be destroyed by chemotherapy agents.
Scientists have identified a potent agent, DSM265, that thwarts drug resistance in malaria parasites. This breakthrough treatment has the potential to be used for both single-dose and once-weekly doses, offering new hope against the disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that combining fostamatinib with paclitaxel can reduce tumor size in ovarian cancer cells by up to 87 percent. The combination therapy may provide a new treatment option for patients with recurrent advanced ovarian cancer who have developed resistance to standard treatments.
A new detection method has been developed to rapidly and accurately detect drug-resistant HCV mutants, including the Y93H mutation. The system achieved a high success rate of 98.9% in detecting this mutation in Japanese HCV genotype 1b patients.
A commentary in CMAJ argues that tamper-resistant opioids will not address the root causes of opioid addiction and overdose. Experts call for an evidence-based, multifaceted strategy to curb opioid-related harms.
Researchers developed targeted nanoparticles that deliver existing drugs directly into parasite cells, reducing the curative dose by 100-fold and circumventing drug resistance. This high-tech approach has the potential to reverse resistance to many first-line treatments for infectious diseases.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 90 studies found residents of modern homes were 47% less likely to be infected with malaria than those living in traditional houses. Modern housing features, such as closed eaves, ceilings, screened doors and windows, can block mosquitoes from entering homes and prevent transmission of the disease.
Researchers at Northeastern University have identified dormant persister cells in Borrelia burgdorferi that evade antibiotics. Two potential methods to eradicate the infection were also found, including pulse-dosing an antibiotic to eliminate persisters.
Sanford-Burnham researchers have identified a new molecular pathway, JAK1, that drives resistance to BRAF inhibitor treatment in melanoma tumors. Targeting JAK1 may improve the effectiveness of current therapy for patients with drug-resistant melanoma.
A recent study found that the thunder god vine extract reduces food intake by up to 80% and causes a 45% decrease in body weight in obese mice. The compound Celastrol enhances leptin action, a hormone signaling fullness to the brain, improving ER function and sensitivity.
A new study shows that physical resistance training significantly improves sexual function, desire, arousal, and lubrication in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, it decreases anxiety and depression, suggesting a useful intervention for these individuals.
A phase I clinical trial has begun for a new 'resistance-busting' experimental skin cancer drug, administered to the first patient just three months after a major publication described its potential. The trial aims to establish the safe maximum dose for a planned phase II clinical trial, focusing on advanced melanoma patients.
Researchers have identified a way for malaria parasites to dodge anti-malarial drugs, surviving inside immature red blood cells and remaining sensitive to certain treatments. This finding may help guide future research and lead to the development of new anti-malarial drugs for refractory patients.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute identified three types of resistance to a new lung cancer drug, highlighting the need for combination therapies and novel strategies to overcome resistance mechanisms.
A research team from Griffith's Eskitis Institute led by Professor Vicky Avery receives a major boost to develop effective anti-malarial drugs against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. The project aims to combat drug resistance and prevent relapse.
A new targeted therapy drug rociletinib demonstrates significant activity against treatment-resistant EGFR-mutant lung tumors, improving outcomes for patients with advanced tumors. The drug showed promising results in patients with T790M-driven resistance, resulting in tumor shrinkage and symptom relief.
Researchers discover that artemisinin treatment can be effective against resistant malaria parasites by extending treatment duration or using proteasome inhibitors, which cause cellular stress and damage protein degradation. The study provides new hope for preventing the spread of drug resistance in Southeast Asia.
Researchers discovered that combining artemisinins with a low dose of an anti-cancer drug can increase the effectiveness of anti-malarial drugs and overcome the parasite's defences. This finding has the potential to combat resistant malaria parasites, which are currently spreading globally.
Researchers develop a new drug combination that targets both estrogen-sensitive cells and cancer stem cells causing treatment resistance in breast cancer. The therapy combines Evgen's Wnt pathway-suppressing drug Sulforadex with standard hormonal treatments.
A new study found a 19% drop in prescription opioid supply and a 20% decrease in overdose rates following the introduction of abuse-deterrent OxyContin and propoxyphene's removal from the market. The drop was partially offset by an increase in heroin overdose deaths.
Researchers at Notre Dame have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding the mechanism of artemisinin resistance in malaria. They found that a specific lipid called phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P) is produced by an enzyme called PfPI3K, and its levels are linked to artemisinin resistance.
Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed a drug that can reverse resistance to immunotherapy in certain leukaemias and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The new antibody, BI-1206, works by binding to a molecule called FcγRIIB and enhancing cancer killing, promising improved treatment outcomes for patients with blood cancers.
Researchers have identified various ways that HER2-positive breast cancer tumors resist therapy and discovered a potential combination therapy to overcome multiple mechanisms of resistance. A novel combination of lapatinib and a BET bromodomain inhibitor was found to block the growth of cancer cells, making the activity of lapatinib du...
Researchers have identified a new compound produced by freshwater bacteria that is effective against drug-resistant tuberculosis and other infections. The discovery provides a promising alternative to current treatments and could help combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance worldwide.
Researchers discovered that alternating low doses of two antibiotics can kill bacteria while promoting the emergence of drug-resistance mutations. This sequential treatment approach, called 'sequential synergies,' may provide a way to sensitize bacteria to concentrations of antibiotics that would normally induce resistance.
A study analyzing individual virus sequences from 287 published studies found that most HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance strains arose independently in sub-Saharan Africa and south/southeast Asia. The study suggests screening for specific high-prevalence mutations could identify patients with TDR before therapy initiation.
Researchers found a small group of mutations account for most cases of transmission-related resistance to HIV drugs. The study suggests levels of transmission of drug-resistant strains have not increased globally as much as feared, but adherence challenges persist in lower-income countries.
A new study by University of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business researchers found that offering purchase subsidies to retailers can increase the availability and affordability of malaria drugs. This approach is particularly effective for long-shelf life products, such as ACTs, which are considered the best anti-malarial drugs.
Researchers at UCSF identified a biological escape hatch that explains resistance to targeted drug treatment in lung cancer patients. Combining two compounds, erlotinib and PBS-1086, effectively wipes out cancer cells in mice implanted with cells from drug-resistant tumors.
A new engineered protein-based medicine has been shown to overcome radiation resistance in leukemia by selectively binding to leukemia cells and amplifying the potency of radiation therapy. In mouse models, this precision medicine improved survival rates in aggressive human leukemia with minimal side effects.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a group of genes in snails that provide natural resistance to the flatworm parasite causing schistosomiasis. This finding offers potential new avenues for treatment and control of the disease, which can cause chronic disability and even lead to bladder cancer.
India's TB epidemic is worsened by the failure of its Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program to engage the private sector, argues Dr. Zarir Udwadia. The program needs to provide free diagnosis and treatment to all patients, regardless of sector, to control the spread of TB.
Researchers discover roflumilast's mechanism of tolerance in severe COPD patients, highlighting potential for new therapeutics to improve efficacy. The study identifies key protein PKA-Cβ as a target for reducing unwanted PDE4B2 production.
Researchers have identified a compound that blocks HIV entry by targeting both CCR5 and CXCR4, reducing the risk of resistance and making treatment more effective. This finding has significant implications for the development of new HIV treatments and could potentially keep treatment affordable for millions in the developing world.
Researchers use mathematical models to characterize tumor microenvironment, highlighting sanctuary sites as key to drug resistance. Tumor sanctuaries with little drug exposure are the source of resistant mutants.
Researchers at SDSC and UCSD have described the molecular mechanism of cancer development caused by well-known EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. Computer modeling elucidated their molecular mechanism of action, suggesting that antibodies targeting dimerization would be effective treatments.
The study uses mutant stem cells to screen for genes involved in rabies infection and identifies 63 host target genes that can be targeted for treatment. The technique has potential applications in discovering gene function and assessing human host response to various infections and toxins.
A new platform developed by UCLA bioengineers uses nanotechnology-enhanced medications and AI-driven analysis to create safer and more effective treatments for drug-resistant tumors. The approach, called Feedback System Control.II, has been shown to outperform traditional combination therapies.
A study found that individuals exhibiting resistance to aspirin have more severe strokes, with larger brain areas affected, compared to those who respond to the drug. The study also found a median stroke severity score of four in the aspirin-resistant group, indicating a moderate stroke.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified unique 'protein patterns' in melanoma patients to predict resistance to BRAF inhibitors. These patterns may help guide personalized treatment decisions, including targeted agents or immunotherapies.
A study confirmed artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in Homalin, Sagaing Region, Myanmar, just 25km from the Indian border. This finding poses a significant threat to global control and eradication of malaria, as drug resistance spreads from Asia to Africa and potentially emerges independently.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that only a few strains of Candida albicans became resistant to combination therapy, and that resistance came at a cost to the fungus. The resistant strains grew poorly in stress conditions and were vulnerable to immune cells.
Researchers found that non-mutated CLL shows increased gene expression variability, while mutated leukaemia has lower variability. This variation is linked to tumour aggressiveness and may help predict disease subtype.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have identified ERBB4 as a driver protein in breast cancers that have developed resistance to HER2 targeted therapies. The discovery suggests that anti-ERBB4 drugs could be highly beneficial for patients who no longer respond to first or second-line treatments.
A genome-wide study of the malaria parasite reveals a complex genetic architecture that enables artemisinin resistance. Researchers found 20 mutations in the kelch13 gene and four other genes that work together to support resistance, but monitoring specific genetic backgrounds could help target high-risk regions.
Moffitt researchers found that high activity of cell surface protein EphA2 leads to aggressive behavior in melanoma cells treated with B-Raf inhibitor drugs. Targeting EphA2 may prevent disease progression and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers at UMass Amherst found a whole plant therapy more effective than purified drug artemisinin in killing malaria parasites, even those resistant to the pharmaceutical treatment. The study suggests using the whole plant may be a sustainable alternative for treating human malaria.