Articles tagged with Toxicity
A new technique predicts MRSA toxicity from its genome sequence, allowing clinicians to personalize treatment for individual infections. The study identified 125 genetic mutations associated with high or low toxicity, enabling the prediction of severe disease.
A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that lithium salicylate produced steady blood and brain lithium levels for up to 48 hours after oral dose, reducing the risk of toxicity associated with current lithium therapy. This could lead to a less frequent dosing regimen and fewer side effects.
Researchers are monitoring air pollution levels and their impact on health using advanced methods like X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The study aims to measure the specific chemical makeup of polluted air and its effects on human health.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to reduce disease toxicity associated with Lou Gehrig's disease in animal models. By targeting stress granules and modulating cellular structures, they slowed neuron dysfunction and showed promise in mammalian cells.
The journal retracted a paper by Séralini et al. due to inconclusive data, but faced questions about the decision-making process and COPE guidelines. Editor-in-Chief A. Wallace Hayes responds to concerns, stating that Professor Goodman's involvement was minimal and not pressured upon him.
Researchers at UEA are launching a project to develop a non-mammalian screening tool for predicting drug safety. The project aims to reduce the use of animals in pharmaceutical testing by using mammalian cells, early frog embryos, and computer modeling.
Researchers developed predictive models to forecast genito-urinary (GU) toxicity and erectile dysfunction in prostate cancer patients after high-dose radiotherapy. Smoking and dosimetric factors were key predictors of acute urinary symptoms, with the model confirmed by a larger cohort analysis.
A Rutgers-Camden professor is building a large-scale database of chemical toxicity information, combining in-vitro and computational methods to provide valuable data for scientists. The online database will aid in drug development by helping determine safe doses for patients.
The institute will utilize its high-throughput, human cell-based assays and induced pluripotent stem cells to analyze thousands of potential toxins. This collaboration aims to provide an early and relevant assessment of potential toxicities in a rapid and cost-effective manner.
A University of Oklahoma research team found that a commonly used aquatic crustacean, Hyalella azteca, can adapt to polluted conditions and become an unreliable source of information about ecosystem health. The species' genetic mutations allow it to survive at high doses of pyrethroid insecticides.
The American Chemical Society is researching everyday household products' safety, but significant progress is needed. The EPA relies on multiple sources to assess chemical risks, including computer programs, buying trends data, and laboratory tests.
A randomized controlled trial of 147 women with stage IIIB cervical cancer found that adding cisplatin to radiation therapy and high-dose-rate brachytherapy improved disease-free survival and reduced late toxicity, while maintaining acceptable acute toxicity levels.
A team of researchers discovered that a population of brown trout can survive in highly contaminated waters by changing the expression of their genes. The study found that these fish have developed strategies to detoxify metals and maintain ion balance, allowing them to thrive in environments where other fish would be lethal.
A new computational technique developed by researchers at the University of Kansas allows industry regulators and consumers to predict whether a given compound will be toxic even at low doses. The method combines QSAR principles with statistical analysis, achieving higher prediction accuracy than previous approaches.
Researchers reviewed existing studies on nanoparticle toxicity and found that ingestion is unlikely to cause health problems at typical exposure levels. However, the literature lacks evidence on long-term effects or subtle alterations in gut microbial populations.
Researchers found that reducing ataxin-1 protein levels by 20% can significantly delay onset of spinocerebellar ataxia 1 (SCA1) symptoms. A molecular pathway modulated to reduce toxic protein levels may provide a therapeutic approach for this devastating inherited condition.
A new liposomal formulation of anthracycline-based chemotherapy has shown promising results in treating pediatric leukemia patients, with high survival rates and minimal heart toxicity. The treatment regimen was found to be effective at higher-than-standard doses without causing added cardiotoxicity.
A new approach to developing effective topical antibacterial agents uses metal ions from antibacterial clays, demonstrating potent activity against MRSA and E. coli. The study identifies key metal ions responsible for the antibacterial properties, including iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and zinc.
Researchers have discovered health defects in Gulf killifish embryos exposed to sediments from oiled locations, including heart defects and delayed hatching. The findings may predict longer-term impacts on killifish populations and highlight the potential risks for other species sharing similar habitats.
A new composite nanoparticle material, silica nanorattles @ gold nanoparticles (SN @ GNs), has been developed for biological imaging. The silica shell reduces the toxicity of gold nanoparticles, increasing their maximum tolerated dose to 200 mg/kg. This innovation provides a promising approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discover that expanded DNA regions in Fragile X-associated Tremor syndrome cause the production of an abnormal FMR1polyG protein, leading to neurodegeneration. The protein's translation is critical to elicit toxicity, and blocking its production can suppress neuron damage.
A recent analysis of almost 150 BPA studies shows that human exposure levels are likely too low for estrogenic effects. The study found that blood concentrations of BPA are many times lower than those causing toxicity in animals, suggesting that animal studies may not accurately reflect the human BPA experience.
Researchers at Syracuse University studied nanoparticle toxicity, finding that shape and charge modifications can alter chemical interactions with cell membranes. The study highlights the need for safe handling procedures in nanomanufacturing and nano-biotechnology.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no significant difference in toxicity between proton radiotherapy (PRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) among Medicare beneficiaries with prostate cancer at 12 months post-treatment. Despite its widespread use, PRT's benefits and harms remain unknown.
Researchers used hatchery technology to test the impact of DWH oil on mahi mahi embryos, finding that even low levels of PAHs can cause significant physiological damage. The study also revealed that photo-enhanced toxicity can increase sensitivity by up to 20-fold, affecting fish swimming performance and survival.
A new study reveals that mixing oil with dispersants used in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico clean-up increases toxicity up to 52-fold, harming rotifers and potentially marine food webs. The study's findings suggest that natural dispersal may be a less toxic alternative to current methods.
Researchers used RNA interference technology to identify hundreds of molecular targets linked to HD toxicity, including RRAS signaling as a pathologic feature. The study provides a roadmap for discovering new therapies and offers hope for treating the devastating disease.
Researchers at CHEST 2012 present a promising new antidote, cobinamide, to reverse cyanide toxicity in smoke inhalation victims. The study showed that intravenous cobinamide reversed cyanide toxicity without adverse effects, offering hope for mass casualty exposure scenarios.
Two single-celled Archaea species, nearly identical genetically, respond differently to uranium toxicity, one by metabolizing it as energy, and the other by inducing a dormant state. These findings could teach us about mechanisms of adaptation to extreme environments and have implications for understanding antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Rice University and three other US institutions are embarking on a five-year study to uncover the causes of hemoglobin toxicity in blood plasma. The study aims to develop strategies to prevent, reduce or reverse acellular hemoglobin toxicity.
Researchers found that genes are only moderately sensitive for cadmium and zinc, but can be a more sensitive indicator for copper. The study suggests that genes may not be the best early warning indicator of ecological risks, contrary to previous assumptions. Further investigation is needed with more data.
A study in Nature Medicine reveals that boosting a protein pathway in the body's blood-making system can protect against radiation poisoning. The researchers found that pharmacologic enhancement of the Thbd-aPC pathway can accelerate recovery of hematopoietic progenitor cell activity and reduce harmful effects in mice.
A phase I study found the combination of erlotinib, bevacizumab, capecitabine, and radiotherapy to be safe and well-tolerated in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The regimen showed promising activity, with a low toxicity rate, and was associated with improved survival rates for some patients.
A new study suggests that the toxic effects of the huntingtin protein on cells may not be driven exclusively by its length, but also by which other proteins are present in the cell. The researchers found that yeast cells containing human huntingtin protein with an expanded region exhibited toxicity differences based on the presence of ...
A groundbreaking study found quantum dots to be safe in primates over a one-year period, with no signs of illness or toxicity. The results suggest that medical applications such as image-guided surgery and diagnostic tests could be viable with careful use.
The US Navy is conducting a multinational effort to clear the Baltic Sea of underwater mines, highlighting the importance of Undersea Medicine for national security. This field, designated a National Naval Responsibility, aims to protect America's undersea warriors from hazards like oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness.
The Dip Chip technology uses genetically modified microbes to detect toxicity in real time, providing a quick and accurate diagnosis. The device can identify overall toxicity levels, picking up on any toxic materials, including those that have not been discovered yet.
Researchers discover that a highly toxic beta-amyloid protein triggers Alzheimer's disease by converting abundant beta-amyloids into a more toxic form. This process involves the interaction of beta-amyloid with tau protein, leading to the formation of toxic tangles in the brain.
A new fractionated dosing regimen of gemtuzumab ozogamicin significantly improves event-free survival and overall survival for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia. The regimen reduces toxicity while delivering a high cumulative dose of the drug.
Researchers have found a promising combination of nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin to be effective in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who are ineligible for bevacizumab. The treatment resulted in an overall response rate of 41% and stable disease in 39% of patients.
Researchers at the University of Florida are investigating toxicity associated with aqueous solutions of carbon nanotubes used in manufacturing processes. By controlling the ratio of liquid to particulate, they found that toxicity can be reduced, paving the way for sustainable nano-tech products.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a novel compound called CLR01 that prevents α-synuclein protein aggregates from forming, stopping their toxicity and even breaking up existing aggregates in the brain. This breakthrough holds promise for slowing or stopping Parkinson's disease progression and may lead to human clinical trials.
A large-scale genomic study in Bangladesh has identified genetic variants that increase the risk of skin lesions from chronic arsenic exposure. Variants near the enzyme responsible for metabolizing arsenic into a less toxic form were found, suggesting that individuals with these changes are more susceptible to arsenic-related disease.
A new UCSF analysis of tobacco industry documents reveals that Philip Morris USA manipulated data on the effects of additives in cigarettes, including menthol. The researchers found that hundreds of additives should be eliminated from cigarettes due to their potential to increase health risks for smokers.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed spiral-shaped proteins that can efficiently deliver DNA segments to cells. The polypeptides outperform commercial agents in terms of efficiency and control toxicity, offering a promising new approach for clinical gene therapy.
A study by the Missouri Botanical Garden found that over 24% of water extracts and 76% of alcoholic extracts from Peruvian medicinal plant species contained elevated toxicity levels. This highlights the need for proper preparation methods to account for varying toxicity levels in traditional remedies.
The US Tox21 program begins testing 10,000 compounds for potential toxicity using a high-speed robotic screening system. The testing will provide results useful for evaluating the potential health effects of these chemicals and revolutionize the assessment of new environmental chemicals and drug development.
Researchers have identified a dozen genetic modifiers of amyloid beta toxicity in yeast, including several linked to Alzheimer's disease risk by genome-wide association studies. The yeast model also showed that these genes can suppress Aβ-induced neuronal loss in worms and cultured rat neurons.
A study found that men treated with IMRT had 26% fewer late bowel and rectal side effects than those receiving 3D-CRT. The treatment also showed a statistically significant decrease in acute toxicity.
Researchers discovered that mast cells release protein MCPT4, degrading Gila monster venom helodermin, reducing morbidity and mortality. This mechanism also applies to scorpion venom, providing a natural defense against deadly toxins.
Baylor researchers propose using data from similar chemicals to predict environmental toxicity and develop environmental safety values. This approach could help prioritize chemical testing, reducing the need for unnecessary animal testing while maintaining environmental safety.
Researchers found that longer AI use was associated with increased heart disease and bone fractures, but lower rates of blood clots and womb cancer. Use of AIs for 2-3 years after initial treatment may explain the lack of overall survival benefit despite improved breast cancer recurrence
Researchers found high serum BDNF levels among alcohol-dependent individuals, which may predict relapse. Abstinence and non-abstinence conditions showed increased BDNF levels over time, indicating neurological transformations reflected by peripheral BDNF levels.
A new review of scientific knowledge on kava reveals no consensus on its toxicity, with various theories including preparation methods and genetic differences. Pacific Island cultures have safely consumed kava for centuries, but Western countries have reported liver damage and banned or regulated kava products.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have found a less toxic combination of erlotinib and bevacizumab to be effective in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment regimen resulted in improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates, with fewer patients experiencing severe side effects.
Researchers at JBEI have developed a library of microbial efflux pumps that can alleviate biofuel toxicity in E. coli, enabling improved biofuel production. The study identified two effective pumps, including one from Alcanivorax borkumensis, which increased limonene production by microbes.
Researchers have discovered that defects in RNA biology contribute to the development of ALS, a disease caused by misfolded proteins. The study found that genes related to stress granules can rescue FUS-related toxicity, suggesting new targets for developing drugs.
A new pharmacogenetics test developed by Dr. Tara Sander can help identify the correct genotype and dosage for individuals, reducing adverse drug reactions and increasing effectiveness. The test has a 96% accuracy rate and holds promise for Personalized Medicine and forensic investigation.
A new high-speed robot screening system has been unveiled to test 10,000 chemicals for potential toxicity, marking a significant advancement in the Tox21 collaboration. The system will provide information useful for evaluating the safety of industrial and consumer products, food additives, and drugs.
A study found that 15 out of 20 drug classes had inconsistent black box warnings, with some warnings missing from all drugs in the same class. The researchers argue for a more transparent and systematic approach to label design.