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Genetic analysis reveals true origin of chronic kidney disease in undiagnosed patients

Researchers discovered that known genetic variants account for a large portion of chronic kidney diseases with unknown origin. The study found that 10% of patients had pathogenic variants in CKD-causing genes, and some hereditary renal diseases could be diagnosed and treated early on to slow down disease progression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalKidney International Reports·DateApr 3, 2024

New study maps a group of rare genetic diseases for the first time

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that only 67% of Danes registered with an ectodermal dysplasia diagnosis actually have congenital ectodermal dysplasia. The study identifies key characteristics, including abnormal teeth, skin issues, and nail problems, highlighting the need for collaboration across healthcare disciplines.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 2, 2024

Clear shift in arterial diseases in diabetes

Studies at the University of Gothenburg found a clear shift in arterial disease risks in diabetes, with decreases in central organ diseases like heart attack and stroke, but increases in peripheral vessel complications. Closer monitoring of long-term blood sugar levels can reduce peripheral arterial disease risk by 30-50%.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024

Exploring the relationship between HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and the incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis – findings from Denmark

A Danish study found that PrEP use was associated with a more than twofold increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis diagnoses. The researchers suggest that changes in sexual risk-taking may lead people to seek PrEP rather than increased risks.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2024

Exclusive breastfeeding duration and risk of childhood cancers

A large cohort study found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding were associated with a lower risk of childhood B-cell precursor-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study's results suggest potential biologic mechanisms underlying this association and inform the need for further research on preemptive interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 26, 2024

Large-scale study explores link between smoking and DNA changes across six racial and ethnic groups

A large-scale study has found a significant link between smoking and DNA methylation, with two new epigenetic markers identified that differ by race or ethnicity. The research could lead to better ways to predict smoking-related disease risk and improve early detection and treatment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2024

International team led by BSC develops artificial intelligence technology to improve treatment of rare diseases

An international team of scientists developed AI technology to analyze limited data on rare diseases. The method uses multi-layer networks to explore relationships between genes in patients, revealing genetic causes and severity. This breakthrough opens new avenues for treating rare diseases, including myasthenic-congenital syndromes.

SourceBarcelona Supercomputing Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Simple measurement can predict risk of worsening of widespread kidney disease

A team of researchers from Aarhus University has developed a simple measurement of protein in the urine that can predict which individuals are at high risk of rapid progression of chronic kidney disease. The study found that patients with newly diagnosed mild to moderate chronic kidney disease within three years have a 15% risk of rapi...

SourceAarhus University·JournalNephrology Dialysis Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

NTRK gene fusion in papillary thyroid cancer: A clinicogenomic biobank and record linkage study from Finland

Researchers identified NTRK gene fusion in 1.5% of Finnish papillary thyroid cancer patients, with notable co-occurring genetic alterations and favorable treatment outcomes. The study highlights the potential for biobank samples linked to electronic health records to describe patient characteristics and outcomes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Smoking has long-term effects on the immune system

A recent study published in Nature found that smoking has a lasting effect on the immune system, with certain defense mechanisms persisting for up to 10-15 years after quitting. The research used a large cohort of healthy volunteers and identified three key factors: smoking, latent cytomegalovirus infection, and body mass index.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024

Supports help keep Aussie firefighters safe

Research from University of South Australia shows professional firefighters have lower movement quality as they age, which could put them at greater risk of injury. Functional strength training can help maintain a fit and healthy workforce.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Singapore study reveals impact of early life adversity on a child’s brain development

A Singaporean study found that children exposed to elevated levels of early life adversity exhibit an accelerated pattern of brain development during preschool years. This accelerated pace may lead to adverse cognitive and mental health outcomes. The study suggests that early intervention may be effective in preventing these consequences.

Study shows exposure to household chemicals can lower odds of getting pregnant

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phthalates can lower the odds of getting pregnant, but not lead to pregnancy loss. The researchers also discovered associations between preconception phthalate exposure and changes in women's reproductive hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023

COVID-19 symptoms and economic hardship among US families

A study found that persistent COVID-19 symptoms and previous severe cases were associated with increased odds of pandemic-related economic hardship. Families with lower incomes before the pandemic were disproportionately affected, experiencing more employment disruptions and earnings losses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 12, 2023

UTHealth Houston opens enrollment for lifestyle cooking program aimed at people with metabolic disease risk

The UTHealth Houston School of Public Health offers a 12-month lifestyle program combining evidence-based nutrition education with culinary learning to support behavior change. Participants will attend in-person and virtual classes, including hands-on cooking lessons, physical activity guidance, and mindfulness education.

Mount Sinai researchers find testosterone hormone therapy for transmasculine individuals is safer than previously thought

Mount Sinai researchers have found that testosterone treatment is safer than previously reported, with a smaller degree of change in hematocrit levels. The study, involving over 6,670 transmasculine patients, suggests that providers can feel more comfortable prescribing testosterone as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateNov 27, 2023

New study: One week of night shifts per month does not increase the risk of coronary heart disease

A new study from Aarhus University found no association between working up to seven night shifts per month and the risk of coronary heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 250,000 employees, suggests that international studies may have been flawed due to reliance on questionnaires.

SourceAarhus University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 27, 2023

Understanding survival factors in critically ill patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

A study by Chung Ang University researchers found that heart and multi-organ failures were the most common causes of death among critically ill patients receiving ECMO. The study identified key risk factors, including ECMO weaning failure, new-onset renal failure, and low average mean arterial pressure, to minimize mortality rates.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalIntensive and Critical Care Nursing·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2023

Risk of serious infection even in low-active IBD

Research at the University of Gothenburg found that even low-active IBD patients have a higher risk of serious infections due to microscopic intestinal inflammation. Achieving a fully healed intestinal mucosa may reduce this risk, contributing to lower morbidity and mortality in IBD patients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2023