Articles tagged with Toxicity
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.
A recent study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientists found that a major component of the dispersant used in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill remained intact in an oil-gas-laden plume three months after application. The study's results raise questions about the potential toxic effects of deep-water residue on marine life and...
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine reduces the size and activity of von Willebrand factor multimers in human plasma and mice, offering a potential rapid treatment for patients with TTP. The study suggests that this approach could be effective in reducing complications associated with current treatments.
Two iron compounds have been synthesized to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro. The compounds showed low toxicity in mammalian cells, making them promising candidates for treating tuberculosis and serving as hospital disinfectants.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that agricultural pesticide poisoning is the single most common means of suicide worldwide, with significant variation in case fatality rates among different pesticides. The authors argue that basing regulation on human toxicity, rather than animal data, could help reduce suicides and improve pu...
Researchers found that sidestream smoke from harm reduction cigarettes impairs human embryonic stem cell growth more than conventional brand smoke. Studies used human embryonic stem cells to measure and compare the toxicity of mainstream and sidestream smoke.
The study identified mutations in the ataxin 2 gene as a genetic contributor to ALS, with expansions of glutamine in ataxin 2 linked to an increased risk for the disease. The findings may aid in the development of biomarkers and new therapies for ALS.
A recent study found that combining radiation and chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma increases treatment-related toxicities and non-cancer deaths. Patients treated with combined therapies experienced a higher acute toxicity rate compared to those treated with radiation alone.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a simple, non-toxic pill that decreases radiation toxicity when given after radiation exposure. The drug, called PQ, temporarily stops bone marrow cells from dividing, protecting against radiation-induced damage.
Researchers found that acute neurological toxicity is associated with chronic toxicity and shorter overall survival in high-grade glioma patients. Patients experiencing acute toxicity had a median survival of 7.8 months, compared to 11.8 months for those without.
A recent survey of e-cigarette users found that the devices are helpful in quitting smoking for most people. However, respondents expressed concerns about potential health risks and the lack of regulation surrounding e-cigarettes. The study highlights the need for further research on the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered two factors controlling the antibacterial activity of clay minerals, which can kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. The study's findings suggest a role for acid-soluble metal species in mineral toxicity, but also present challenges for developing topical treatments.
A Purdue University study has found that nanosilver, a bactericidal agent, is toxic to fish and can cause malformations even at low concentrations. Researchers detected nanoparticles as small as 30 nanometers inside fish embryos, highlighting the need for further testing on environmental release levels.
Researchers at Yale University have streamlined the synthesis of a family of compounds known as kinamycins, which are naturally produced by bacteria and show potent toxicity. By reducing the number of steps required to synthesize them from 24 to 12, the team can now prepare these molecules in larger quantities for further studies.
Researchers have discovered alternative chemicals that are safer and perform just as well as toxic fluorochemicals used in nonstick cookware, repellent clothing, and other products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out these chemicals due to their potential health risks.
A new study reveals that aged dental fillings may contain a non-toxic form of mercury. Researchers found that the surface forms of mercury in dental amalgam change over time, with most mercury lost through evaporation or exposure to hygiene products.
A new study reveals that older dental fillings, containing beta-mercuric sulfide or metacinnabar, are unlikely to be toxic. The surface forms of mercury in these fillings lose up to 95% of their mercury over time, making human exposure less concerning.
Researchers have unraveled the evolutionary relationships among various species of box jellyfish, providing insight into their toxicity. The study could help develop antivenoms and treatments for deadly stings.
A study by Stanford researchers identifies a molecular pathway that counters acetaminophen toxicity, which can lead to liver failure. The discovery highlights the potential of S-methylmethionine, a common herbal medicine supplement, in preventing liver damage caused by acetaminophen overdose.
A recent study found that lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone is associated with better short-term overall survival and lower toxicity than traditional high-dose therapy in newly diagnosed myeloma patients. The treatment regimen shows acceptable toxicity and low early mortality, making it a viable option for these patients.
The US National Academy of Sciences received the 2009 CAAT Recognition Award for its visionary publication on toxicology testing. The report advocates a new approach that relies less on animal studies and focuses on in vitro methods to evaluate chemicals' effects.
Researchers identified TLR9 expression patterns as a key factor in determining molecule toxicity between mice and humans. In mice, other immune cells expressing TLR9 were responsible for TNF-alpha production, leading to severe lung inflammation and toxicity.
Scientists have successfully detected a harmful algal species and its toxin below the ocean's surface using a robotic instrument called the Environmental Sample Processor. This achievement represents a major breakthrough in monitoring harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their effects on coastal ecosystems and human health.
A new study found that women who deliver prematurely have higher levels of phthalates in their urine compared to those who carry to term. The researchers analyzed data from Mexican women and discovered a significant association between phthalate exposure and premature birth.
A systematic review of 128 studies found that dialysis patients have abnormal levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and vanadium, but lower levels of selenium, zinc, and manganese. This imbalance may contribute to adverse clinical outcomes in these patients.
A new method for testing drugs predicts toxicity in some people, with genetic variations being key factor. The approach has potential to improve the development process and reduce costs.
Scientists have found nanoparticles in cosmetics and sunscreens can be toxic to microbes, reducing survival rates. A new biosensor has been developed to detect nanoparticles, warning of potential danger to aquatic life.
A new study by Queen's University finds that oil dispersants used to clean up spills increase toxicity to fish, making them more deadly. The study shows that dispersed oil can be 100-fold more toxic to rainbow trout, impairing fish populations and fisheries economic returns
A pre-emptive skin regimen can significantly reduce skin-associated toxicities associated with panitumumab for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. The study found that this approach reduced the incidence of grade 2 or higher skin toxicities by over 50%. Patients who received prophylactic treatment reported improved quality of life,...
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a mechanism that allows plants to bypass the negative effects of aluminum toxicity, enabling them to grow normally in soils with high levels of toxic aluminum. By manipulating a DNA surveillance system called AtATR, scientists can enhance aluminum tolerance and increase crop productivity.
Research reveals pegylated liposomal doxorubicin delays disease progression while minimizing toxicity, with a low risk of serious side effects such as cardiotoxicity or mucositis. The treatment improves time-to-progression and overall survival in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Scientists have discovered a diatom that can reduce the toxicity of red tide algae to both animals and other algae, potentially mitigating economic damage to the seafood and tourism industries. The research suggests that the diatom may degrade or neutralize the toxins produced by the red tide, offering new hope for reducing its impact.
New studies presented at the XVII International AIDS Conference confirm a clear threshold response for DNA damage caused by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) in Viracept. The research finds that patients exposed to elevated EMS levels are not at increased risk of cancer, despite levels below this threshold.
A phase III study found that pegylated interferon alfa-2b significantly improved recurrence-free survival in stage III melanoma patients, with a median treatment duration of one year. The treatment reduced the risk of recurrence by 18% and was associated with serious adverse events such as fatigue, liver toxicity, and depression.
Researchers have found that aminoglycosides and a new compound NB30 can suppress nonsense mutations in Usher syndrome, potentially delaying vision loss. The study aims to develop therapy to delay the progression of USH1-related disease.
The NIH and EPA have formed a collaboration to improve the safety testing of chemicals using high-speed screening robots and cells. This new approach aims to generate data more relevant to humans, reduce animal testing, and increase the number of chemicals tested.
Researchers developed two biochips, MetaChip and DataChip, to test chemical and drug compound toxicity on human cells and organs without animal testing. The combined chips provide efficient and accurate way to screen compounds for toxicity earlier in the discovery process.
Researchers at MIT have created a novel way to model the full-sized human liver using tiny colonies of living human liver cells. These model livers can survive for up to six weeks and allow for more accurate prediction of drug toxicity, reducing the costs associated with their development.
The International QSAR Foundation will receive funding to develop databases and computer modeling tools increasing the accuracy of quantitative structure-activity relationship models. This technology aims to reduce animal testing in chemical safety testing, improving results with faster, more accurate, and less expensive methods.
New chemotherapy regimens such as irinotecan and oxaliplatin-based treatments have been shown to prolong the survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The meta-analysis found that these regimens can provide an estimated absolute survival benefit of 8-4.7 months for certain patient groups.
Researchers found that SWCNTs can kill bacteria like E. coli by severely damaging their cell walls, and this effect is only seen when there is direct contact between the nanotubes and the bacteria.
A Phase III study suggests ALIMTA-carboplatin may deliver less toxicity than GEMZAR-carboplatin, offering comparable quality-of-life benefits and survival data. The combination also appears to benefit from a lower toxicity profile.
A recent Phase II study evaluating the addition of GEMZAR to standard chemotherapy regimens showed promising results in treating stage II-III breast cancer. The treatment regimen demonstrated a high pathologic complete response rate, with additional benefits for HER-2 positive patients who received trastuzumab. These findings support t...
Two Lilly studies analyzed data from African-American and Hispanic patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), suggesting race may not significantly impact treatment efficacy. The studies provided insight into the safety profiles of ALIMTA and GEMZAR in diverse populations, paving the way for further research.
A new system, TAME, assesses toxicity burden of cancer treatments by placing adverse events into three concise risk domains: short-term toxicity, long-term effects, and mortality risk. The method has identified differences of up to 500% in acute toxicity burden between certain cancer treatments.
A recent USGS study compared nine different formulations and confirmed that most still have toxic additives, but some de-icers may be safer for the environment than those used in the 1990s.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found specific gene expression changes in Daphnia magna water fleas in response to copper, cadmium, and zinc contamination. These changes suggest a possible role for toxicogenomics in assessing environmental toxicity.
The American Thoracic Society has published a new statement on the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of liver damage caused by anti-tuberculosis medications. The document provides recommendations for identifying risk factors, recognizing symptoms and developing safe treatment programs.
Researchers identified a gene expression profile associated with late radiation toxicity, correctly classifying 63% of patient populations. The study suggests that some patients are genetically predisposed to develop late-radiation toxicity and provides clues about molecular pathways involved.
Adverse drug events are a significant concern, with over 700,000 patients treated in US emergency departments annually due to ADEs. The majority of these events were caused by unintentional overdoses, particularly among older adults and those taking drugs that require regular monitoring.
The Gulf of Maine Toxicity program seeks to develop a full understanding of Alexandrium fundyense blooms and their impact on shellfish resources. The project's findings could lead to the harvesting of offshore surfclam and ocean quahog beds, valued at over $50 million annually.
Researchers found that yeast cells deal with potassium limitation by producing and excreting amino acids, similar to a detoxification system in mammals. In low potassium conditions, yeast cells are more susceptible to ammonium toxicity, leading to increased amino acid excretion.
A study of 173 patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with Herceptin found a 28% incidence of cardiac toxicity, but most cases could be reversed with treatment. The majority of patients improved with cardiac treatments and were able to resume Herceptin treatment.
Researchers found two opposing mechanisms protecting cells from protein aggregation: one breaks down aggregates, while the other transforms smaller ones into less toxic high-molecular-weight aggregates. This discovery may lead to new therapies for age-related Neurodegenerative Diseases.