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Western University hopes to use artificial intelligence to improve breast cancer patient outcomes

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...

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateSep 18, 2015

Combo of 3 antibiotics can kill deadly staph infections

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 14, 2015

Best of ESC Congress 2015

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.

Modern housing reduces malaria risk

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.

Physical training helps women with polycystic ovary syndrome

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.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMay 18, 2015

Malarial parasites dodge the kill

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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMay 4, 2015

Stressed-out parasites: Overcoming drug-resistant malaria

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 22, 2015

Boosting the malaria battle-line

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.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 22, 2015

Researchers find new approach to treat drug-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer

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...

Alternating antibiotics render resistant bacteria beatable

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 8, 2015

Epidemiology of HIV-1 transmitted drug 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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 7, 2015

Saving lives by making malaria drugs more affordable

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.