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Group summarizes guidance for the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hepatitis C virus in chronic kidney disease

The American College of Physicians has published a new clinical practice guideline for the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hepatitis C virus in chronic kidney disease. The guideline includes recommendations for expanding treatment with sofosbuvir-based regimens to patients with CKD glomerular filtration rate categor...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 11, 2023

More than skin-deep

A team of Kyoto University researchers found that macrophages produce granulomas through a hyperactive metabolic pathway called the pentose phosphate pathway. Inhibition of this pathway showed therapeutic efficacy in reducing granuloma formation in vitro and in mouse tissue models.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Unlocking the secrets of the brain’s dopaminergic system

A new organoid model replicates the dopaminergic system's structure, connectivity, and functionality, shedding light on its intricate functionality and potential implications for Parkinson’s disease. The model also uncovers the enduring effects of chronic cocaine exposure on the dopaminergic circuit, even after withdrawal.

Cancer stem cells trigger macrophage aging

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cancer stem cells cause macrophages to age, suppressing their antitumor activity. Supplementing mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide restored macrophage function and prevented tumor growth.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Physical theory improves protein folding prediction

Researchers developed a novel physical theory that can accurately predict protein folding, surpassing existing models like AlphaFold 2. The new model, WSME-L, can elucidate folding processes without limitations, enabling a comprehensive understanding of protein structures and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Graphene oxide reduces the toxicity of Alzheimer’s proteins

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have shown that graphene oxide nanoflakes can reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid peptides in yeast cells, which are similar to human neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that graphene oxide may hold great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Revolutionizing lymphedema care: new lymphedema-on-chip platform holds promise

Researchers created a tiny 3D cell culture model that mimics the function of lymphatic vessels to explore how inflammatory substances affect the lymphatic system. They found that certain cytokines cause cells to tighten their junctions, leading to reduced fluid drainage and swelling. Inhibiting a protein called ROCK2 reversed lymphedem...

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

University of Virginia team’s research offers hope for pulmonary fibrosis patients

A University of Virginia team has developed a new analytical tool using hydrogels to cultivate vascular sprouting from mouse lung tissue, providing new insight into idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The research aims to understand the biomechanical and biochemical cues to blood vessels in the lungs during disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalMicrocirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

Gluten-free African grain teff shows antioxidant activity in human cells

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro found that teff increases levels of glutathione, an antioxidant molecule, and gene expression related to glutathione pathways. The study used human leukemia monocytic cells and compared ivory and brown varieties of tef, with brown teff producing higher glutathione levels.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Computational model helps with diabetes drug design

Researchers developed a computational model to analyze glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) performance in human patients. The model predicted that differences in sugar receptor behavior between humans and lab animals led to the drug's poor effect in clinical trials. This breakthrough helps researchers design better GRIs, potentially reduc...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2023