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Simple rapid diagnostic tests for malaria work well

A new Cochrane Systematic Review finds that Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are highly accurate in detecting malaria parasites, with a success rate of at least 19 out of 20 cases. This development holds promise for improving diagnosis and treatment of malaria in resource-constrained settings.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 5, 2011

Tumors resistant to radiation therapy may be controlled by the MET oncogene

Researchers discovered that ionizing radiation drives overexpression and activity of MET through the ATM and NF-κB signaling pathways, making some tumor cells resistant to radiation. Inhibiting MET counteracted this increased invasiveness, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells and enhancing the effect of radiation.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 4, 2011

Transmitted drug resistant HIV (Europe/USA) significantly increases likelihood of treatment failure: this can be minimized by testing for resistance before starting therapy

A recent study found that transmitted drug-resistant (TDR) HIV significantly increases the likelihood of treatment failure, with patients more than three times as likely to experience virological failure. However, pre-treatment genotypic testing and use of ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors can minimize this risk.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 27, 2011

Study reveals effective anti-HIV drugs for starting treatment in children with HIV, and shows that delaying switching to second-line drugs does not affect long-term benefit

A new study found that protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are equally effective as initial treatment for children with HIV, delaying switch to second-line drugs does not impact long-term outcomes. Regular monitoring of viral load is crucial to prevent resistance.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 31, 2011

Grape ingredient resveratrol increases beneficial fat hormone

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio found that resveratrol stimulates the expression of adiponectin, a hormone with wide-ranging benefits for obesity-related medical complications. This discovery provides important information on the development of novel therapeutic drugs for these diseases.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJan 7, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 1, 2010

Researchers have identified a way to preserve nerve cells in a rat model of stroke and developed a modified adenovirus vaccine that provides protection against malaria in mice. The vaccine targets a protein called TRPC6, which is involved in protecting nerve cells from death after a stroke.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2010