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Study finds 'Western diet' detrimental to fetal hippocampal tissue transplants

Researchers found that a high-saturated-fat, high-cholesterol diet elevated microglial activation and reduced neuronal development in middle-aged laboratory rats. However, treatment with IL-1Ra alleviated these effects, suggesting potential use in neurological disorders involving neuroinflammation.

Recommended treatment for heart failure often underused

Recent data suggests that less than one-third of hospitalized heart failure patients received guideline-recommended aldosterone antagonist therapy. The study analyzed hospital-based quality improvement registry data and found modest increases in treatment use over time, but significant variation among hospitals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 20, 2009

Don't block folic acid in early pregnancy

A study of 84,832 babies found that folic acid antagonists in early pregnancy more than doubled the risk of congenital malformations. Neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, increased by six-fold after exposure to these medications.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateOct 13, 2009

Maternal exposure to folic acid antagonists increases risks

A retrospective cohort study found maternal exposure to folic acid antagonists during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse outcomes such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. The study recommends re-classifying some folic acid antagonists and increasing folic acid supplements for women taking these medications during pregnancy.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 1, 2008

Potential new targets for antidepressant medications

A new study suggests that blocking the corticotrophin releasing factor-1 (CRF1) receptor and the vasopressin-1B (V1B) receptor may retain their efficacy in treating depression, even when neurogenesis is disrupted. The researchers found that restoration of the stress axis may be key to how these new antidepressant approaches work.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 27, 2008

How 'IAP antagonist' chemicals kill tumors

New compounds that target Inhibitor-of-Apoptosis (IAP) proteins have been shown to induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The IAP antagonists block the anti-death proteins and engage other players that lead to cell death, with little effect on healthy cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 15, 2007

Determining the fate of cells in the human body

The study found that Twist1 and Hand2 proteins couple to determine the number of digits on a hand, paw or wing, and whether these digits are webbed or not. Additionally, the researchers identified high-frequency mutations in patients with Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome, which may lead to cardiac and placental tissue defects.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 15, 2005

American Heart Association Comment On New England Journal Of Medicine Report OnCalcium Antagonist Nisoldipine (March 5 issue)

A study found that individuals taking nisoldipine had a higher rate of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks compared to those taking enalapril, sparking concerns about the safety of calcium antagonists for certain populations. The American Heart Association advises against panic and emphasizes the need for consultation with physicians.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 3, 1998