Articles tagged with Clinical Research
A Cleveland Clinic study found that only 19% of participants continued to use anti-obesity medications one year after their initial prescriptions. Participants who received more effective medications and experienced greater weight loss at six months were more likely to continue treatment.
Researchers found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved event-based prospective memory in patients with schizophrenia, but not time-based prospective memory. The study suggests rTMS as a potential therapeutic option for prospective memory impairments in individuals with schizophrenia.
A Brazilian study found that damage to small blood vessels in the lungs causes severe COVID-19. The researchers observed high prevalence of microscopic blood clots in lung endothelial cells, which led to organ damage and ischemic tissue injury.
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.
The Susan G. Komen organization presents awards to four dedicated physician scientists and a pioneering research advocate for their contributions to advancing breast cancer research and transforming patient care. Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade and Dr. Daniel Hayes are recognized for their work in basic science and clinical research, respecti...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many couples around the world share high blood pressure. The research analyzed data from over 50,000 couples in four countries and found a strong association between partners' blood pressure status.
A world-first human trial shows that a commonly prescribed rheumatoid arthritis drug can safely and effectively preserve the body's own insulin production and suppress the progression of type 1 diabetes. The drug, baricitinib, was found to be effective in maintaining insulin production in people who initiated treatment within 100 days ...
A new study found that in many older couples, both husband and wife had high blood pressure in the U.S., England, China, and India. This association was stronger in collectivist societies like China and India, where couples are expected to depend and support each other emotionally and instrumentally.
Research suggests that anti-obesity medications can lower the risk of premature death in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis, particularly those who experience a slow-to-moderate rate of weight loss. Studies show a 28% lower risk of death for these individuals compared to those with no weight loss.
Researchers found that statin therapy reduced mortality and disease risk among people with chronic kidney disease and frailty, regardless of age-related health conditions. The studies provide additional context to the debate about initiating statin use in people at high risk for heart disease.
A new AI-based risk model evaluates mammographic images to identify women at high risk of developing breast cancer. The study confirms that the method works well in different European populations, with 6.2% of women classified as high-risk having almost seven times the risk of developing breast cancer.
A recent study found that nearly all pregnant women have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, with some developing deficiencies in late pregnancy. Supplementing with over-the-counter multivitamins significantly reduced nutrient deficiencies before and during pregnancy.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that telemedicine patients with hyperlipidemia experienced significant decreases in LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels. Virtual appointments were shown to be as effective as in-person visits in improving cholesterol levels, overcoming barriers to access for patients.
Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.
A randomized clinical trial found that tonsil and adenoid removal surgery improved sleep quality, reduced snoring, and behavioral problems in children with mild sleep apnea. However, the surgery did not impact neurodevelopmental functioning.
Researchers at Temple University Health System report that the BASHIR Endovascular Catheter reduces blockages in lung arteries and correlates with improved right ventricle function, suggesting better survival outcomes. The catheter also shows significantly lower bleeding rates compared to other devices.
Researchers discovered that Osteopontin induces mitochondrial biogenesis in deadherent breast tumor cells, which aids metastatic success. The study suggests a possible mechanism and targets for treating cancer metastasis by increasing ATP levels and mitochondrial mass.
Scientists at Tokyo Tech developed self-folding polymers to create smaller, safer gadolinium-based contrast agents for cancer diagnosis and neutron capture radiotherapy. These nanosized complexes show enhanced tumor accumulation and penetration, reducing toxicity while increasing MRI performance.
Researchers Haval Shirwan and Esma Yolcu design a molecule, SA-4-1BBL, that mobilizes immune cells to target cancer cells. The molecule shows promising results in preventing lung cancer by triggering the immune system's defense mechanism.
Adding immunotherapy atezolizumab to chemotherapy and bevacizumab improved overall survival by 32.1 months compared to 22.8 months with standard therapy alone. The two-year survival rate was also higher, with 60% in patients treated with the experimental combination.
A novel prescription wristwatch uses photoplethysmography to detect atrial fibrillation with high accuracy, even in participants with darker skin tones. The Verily Study Watch bridges the gap between long-term monitoring and consumer devices, enabling clinicians to effectively use wearable data for Afib management.
Researchers have identified 'backbones' in HLA complexes that link to peptide-centric CARs, allowing for targeted therapies across different variants and tumor types. This breakthrough enables the design of more efficient CAR therapies for a broader range of patients with complex and difficult-to-treat cancers.
Researchers found that prenatal vitamins provided short-term benefits, while postnatal vitamins offered sustained impacts on breast milk B-12 adequacy. Both types of supplements supported healthy growth and development in infants.
Researchers developed an adhesive gel to seal and heal challenging gastrointestinal tract-to-skin connections, showing promising results in studies. The gel's unique composition ensures it can effectively seal fistulas, preventing further complications and aiding in healing.
A new study by Mass Eye and Ear researchers reveals that individuals with tinnitus experience auditory nerve loss not detected by conventional hearing tests. This discovery provides a better understanding of the origins of tinnitus and offers hope for future treatments and potential cures.
Researchers found that vaccination increases immune cell production and antibody levels effective against all tested variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron. Convalescent plasma therapy research provides insight into how the body fights COVID-19 variants.
CureSHANK is offering $250,000 grants to researchers studying SHANK3-related epilepsy in Phelan-McDermid syndrome. The goal is to improve mechanistic and clinical knowledge of this treatment-resistant form of epilepsy.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that accurately predicted improvements in brain health using neural biomarkers. The study achieved 90% accuracy and confirmed a functional relationship between the BrainHealth Index and neural markers.
Researchers aim to determine optimal duration and intensity of behavioral interventions for childhood obesity among rural and minority children. The five-year study, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, will enroll 900 parent-child pairs and compare different 'dosing' combinations of face-to-face intervention time.
Researchers have developed new tools to assess disease progression of Alzheimer's disease in animal models, providing a translational approach for studying the disease. The tools use neuroimaging and network modeling techniques to analyze metabolic changes in the brain, confirming previous clinical findings.
Adults with congenital heart disease are at increased risk of death or cardiovascular complications after hospitalization for heart failure. However, those who received recent cardiology care before hospital admission had lower rates of death and major complications.
Scientists have developed a drug-eluting hydrogel that provides sustained, pH-dependent drug co-delivery and promotes anti-tumor immune responses, reducing tumor cell proliferation and growth. The treatment shows promise in treating hepatocellular carcinoma, with enhanced efficacy compared to traditional methods.
A novel brain stimulation technique has shown significant improvement in patients with hard-to-treat depression, with 66% responding to treatment and nearly half achieving acute remission. The study's findings are promising, particularly for patients who have tried other treatments without success.
Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry finds that cannabis use disorder is disproportionately increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with more severe mental health conditions. The study suggests that factors like increased legalization and potency may contribute to this trend.
A study will examine the cognitive function of older adults who were exposed to measles during childhood, shedding light on potential long-term benefits of routine childhood vaccinations. The research aims to better understand how childhood experiences shape health and well-being across the life course.
The American Heart Association and Neurocritical Care Society emphasize the need for improved critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest. The consensus statement highlights gaps in knowledge, particularly in areas like neurological, cardiac, and gastrointestinal care.
A two-year study found that participants who received personalized coaching experienced a modest boost in cognitive testing, measuring a 74% improvement over the non-intervention group. Additionally, improvements were noted between the two groups in measurements of risk factors and quality of life.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers identified three novel genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autism. The genes' variants affecting splicing resulted in symptoms such as hypotonia, seizures, and social deficits.
Researchers found that patients' beliefs about receiving real or placebo treatments explained treatment outcomes in four out of five studies. The study suggests that subjective beliefs can have a significant impact on treatment efficacy, highlighting the importance of considering individual beliefs in future research.
Four retinoids (RPalm, RP, HPR, and ROL) show anti-photoaging activities in vitro, while RPalm and RP are superior in a UVB-induced mice model. Topical application of these retinoids shows satisfactory biosafety without significant side effects.
Researchers discuss CRISPR's limitations in generating accurate cancer models, including variable mutations and indels. Despite these challenges, the technology holds promise for cancer research due to its potential for natural selection and Darwinian evolution.
Researchers found that 1,5-AF activated AMPK, leading to upregulation of the PGC-1α/BDNF pathway and alleviating aging-related decline in motor cognitive function. The study suggests that 1,5-AF can induce endogenous neurovascular protection, potentially preventing aging-associated brain diseases.
A new checklist, Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary Care (CRISP), outlines key reporting items for primary care studies. The CRISP Checklist describes aspects of research, including teams, patients, and study implementation, to improve primary care research reporting worldwide.
Researchers developed a practice facilitation program to support family physicians in identifying unvaccinated patients and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The intervention provided resources such as scripts and medical student volunteers to work as physician-delegates, resulting in improved vaccination rates.
Researchers uncover intricate interplay between enhancers and silencers influenced by DNA methylation, providing crucial insights into dynamic gene control. High-resolution mapping reveals how genes are controlled and modified, paving the way for precision medicine tailored to individual patients.
An international group of researchers developed a Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary Care (CRISP) Checklist, outlining 24 items to improve the quality and consistency of primary care research. The checklist addresses various aspects of research, including study design, data collection, and implementation of findings.
Researchers have developed a new method, SECRE, to identify genetic regulators of cytokine secretion in autoimmune diseases. The technique has been validated on cells known to play a crucial role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and shows promising results for treating conditions with few therapeutic options.
Researchers found that practice interventions for improving integrated behavioral health (IBH) activities had a minimal impact on patient outcomes. However, practices that completed the intervention and those with higher IBH levels showed improved patient outcomes.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that about 1 in 10 prescription drugs has a manufacturer-sponsored patient support program. These programs offer financial, nursing, and educational supports to patients, primarily for expensive and rare disease drugs.
The University of Cincinnati is conducting a clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of lattice therapy, a method of delivering radiation that targets specific areas of tumors. The trial aims to enroll 37 adult patients and analyze the underlying biology of tumor and immune responses to lattice therapy radiation.
The ultra-high resolution NexGen 7T scanner allows neuroscientists to see functional MRI features 0.4 millimeters across, enabling the study of brain circuitry underlying different diseases with higher spatial resolution. This will help track signals propagating through the brain and reveal underlying causes of developmental disorders.
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University is developing a low-cost, safe, and controlled cancer treatment using programmable bacteria. The $20 million project aims to create an efficient bacterial therapeutic that can target cancer cells with high precision, reducing side effects and costs.
Researchers at UCSF and Kaiser Permanente Washington found that participants who received personalized coaching experienced a 74% improvement in cognitive testing compared to non-intervention participants. The study also showed improvements in risk factors and quality of life, with modest but significant increases in cognitive function.
A Phase II clinical trial has demonstrated that fosravuconazole is effective in treating mycetoma, a chronic disabling disease. The new oral treatment has been shown to have significant advantages over existing treatments, including a lower pill burden and minimal interactions with other medications.
Researchers at NTNU are developing a new therapy for rare hereditary diseases like DOOR syndrome using mini-brains grown in the lab. The treatment involves injecting a virus with a healthy OXR1 gene to produce the missing protein, which may help stop or reverse the disease.
Researchers identified 38 unique pathogenic variants in 57 patients, including novel variants specific to the Kazakh population. These variants were associated with an increased risk of triple-negative breast cancer and family history of breast cancer.
A Concordia University study found that Canadians of all sizes hold negative attitudes towards individuals with overweight and obesity, often internalizing these feelings and blaming their own behavior. The study also showed that females are more likely to report weight bias internalization than males.
Researchers have developed a method to camouflage stem cell-derived transplants, avoiding immune rejection and tumor formation. Genetically engineered liver cells can persist in the body despite lack of immune matching, offering a potential solution to organ donor shortage.
A new study at the University of Turku discovered that plixorafenib inhibits multiple signaling pathways in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, showing promise for treatment. The drug was originally developed for melanoma and lung cancer, but its effectiveness against cSCC is significant.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 875 patients with knee osteoarthritis found significant reductions in patient-reported pain from the third month onwards. Stem cell treatment was most effective when using patient's own fat-derived stem cells, leading to better pain alleviation and recovery of joint function.