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New study reveals immune system changes linked to schizophrenia and treatment resistance

Researchers found significant differences in immune cell populations between healthy individuals and people with schizophrenia, with the CD4/CD8 ratio emerging as a potential biomarker for predicting treatment response. Lower levels of mucosal-associated invariant T cells may signify immune dysregulation in schizophrenia.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Charting a path toward overcoming glioblastoma resistance to chemotherapy

Researchers uncover Achilles' heel of TMZ chemotherapy resistance, revealing critical insights into mechanisms behind glioblastoma's inactivation of DNA repair pathways. The study sheds light on potential mechanisms of aging and offers new avenues for developing more effective therapies against this devastating cancer.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

New study provides first evidence of African children with severe malaria experiencing partial resistance to world’s most powerful malaria drug

A new study from Uganda documents partial resistance to artemisinin in 11 out of 100 African children with severe malaria, suggesting a growing concern for the efficacy of lifesaving malaria treatments. The study also reveals that 10 patients who were thought to have been cured suffered repeat malaria attacks within 28 days.

Study uncovers first evidence of resistance to standard malaria treatment in African children with severe malaria

A study published in JAMA found evidence of partial resistance to artemisinin derivatives in young children with severe malaria, raising questions about the need for new treatments. The study also showed that 10% of children returned within 28 days with an infection from the same strain they had during their original admission.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJAMA·DateNov 14, 2024

A 36-gene predictive score of anti-cancer drug resistance anticipates cancer therapy outcomes

Researchers developed a 36-gene predictive score that surpasses conventional methods in predicting tamoxifen treatment resistance. The polygenic score UAB36 has potential as a tool for personalized medicine, helping identify patients at higher risk of poor survival and suggesting alternative treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 7, 2024

Houston Methodist researchers shed light on increased rates of severe human infections caused by Streptococcus subspecies

Researchers at Houston Methodist have identified a new strain of bacteria, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE), linked to increasingly severe human infections. The study used integrative analysis to investigate the genome, transcriptome, and virulence of SDSE strains, shedding light on their molecular pathogenesis.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2024

Study explores novel therapeutic treatment for glioblastoma

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that combining pimozide with CB-839 can effectively suppress glioblastoma growth by blocking lipid production and starvation of tumor cells. This innovative combination may also hold promise for treating other cancers relying on glutamine and lipids.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2024

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 resistance after antiviral treatment

Treatment-emergent nirmatrelvir resistance mutations were commonly detected in immunosuppressed individuals, but at low frequencies and transient nature. The study suggests a low risk for the spread of nirmatrelvir resistance in the community with current variants and drug usage patterns.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 25, 2024

Size matters: bioinformatics accurately detects short, fat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to assess the shapes, sizes, and other physical features of bacteria based on microscope images. The results showed that antibiotic-resistant strains were fatter or shorter than their parental strains, especially those resistant to quinolone and β-lactams.

SourceOsaka University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 19, 2024

Waging war on ‘superbugs’ in aged care

A new study found that antibiotic use in aged care leads to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut, posing a significant risk to vulnerable residents. Researchers analysed stool samples from 164 residents and discovered nearly all carried resistant genes without symptoms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 28, 2024

Resistance to the main drugs used in Brazil against Leishmania is found in parasite infecting cutaneous leishmaniasis patient

Researchers found a Leishmania amazonensis strain resistant to amphotericin B, a widely used treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis. The study highlights the urgent need for alternative drugs to combat the disease, which affects over 15,000 people in Brazil annually.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 14, 2024

Age impacts pharmacogenomics and treatment outcomes for most common form of leukemia- LINK

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified age-related differences in B-ALL treatment outcomes, with children being more sensitive to certain drugs. The study suggests that both age and individual genomics must be considered to predict treatment response, leading to the need for tailored treatment strategies.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

DIF-1(+3): Combating drug-resistant malaria parasites

Researchers developed a new antimalarial agent, DIF-1(+3), effective against drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. The compound showed stronger growth inhibitory effects than previous derivatives and significantly increased survival time in infected mice, suggesting it may offer more treatment options for malaria-endemic areas.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalBiochemical Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Unlocking the mystery of preexisting drug resistance: New study sheds light on cancer evolution

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered that ecological interactions between resistant cells and their ancestors play a pivotal role in reducing the costs of resistance. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer evolution and developing innovative treatment strategies.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPRX Life·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2024

‘Like a hand fitting into a glove’: Purdue-engineered compound designed to treat drug-resistant acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a patent-pending compound called HSN748 to treat drug-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The compound has been validated in tests with IU School of Medicine and demonstrated 100% survivability after 120 days. AML is a cancer that begins in bone marrow and can be difficult to treat du...

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 20, 2024

Interdisciplinary team at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center maps role of P. gingivalis in drug resistance

An interdisciplinary team at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discovered how P. gingivalis interferes with mitophagy, allowing oral cancer tumors to become resistant to chemotherapy. The study identified the role of fimbriae in attaching to specific proteins on the mitophagic membrane, blocking the chemotherapy drug from its attachment point.

Weight training improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in old people, study confirms

A study published in Psychiatry Research confirms that weight training improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in old people. The analysis of over 200 articles identified the types of training most indicated for these cases, recommending exercises done three times a week with short sets and proper structure.