Articles tagged with Clinical Research
Babies with more mature gut microbiota at one year old are less likely to develop allergy-related wheeze or asthma. The study, which followed 1074 babies from birth to four years old, found that increased maturity of the gut microbiota was associated with a lower risk of these conditions.
A study of nearly 20,000 patients found that the color of their phlegm can indicate the degree of inflammation in their lungs and predict future outcomes. Patients with darker green or brown-colored sputum were at a higher risk of exacerbations, hospitalizations, and death.
A recent study has successfully predicted potential drug outcomes and side effects by analyzing the discrepancy in gene perturbation effects between cells and humans. Researchers used machine learning to forecast drug approvals, improving reliability over conventional methods that only consider chemical properties.
A randomized trial published in The Lancet Oncology found that condensing prostate beam scanning proton therapy for breast cancer patients can result in similar control of the cancer while sparing surrounding normal tissue. The study demonstrated excellent outcomes, with reduced skin side effects and comparable complication rates.
Researchers at UTSA are studying the bioactive properties of Sweet Annie, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The study reveals that arteannuin B from the plant has anti-COVID and anti-glioblastoma properties, offering new avenues for targeted therapy.
The Lung-MAP master protocol has enrolled higher percentages of patients who are older, from rural or socioeconomically deprived areas, and have Medicaid or no insurance. In contrast, patients on Lung-MAP were less likely to be female or from certain racial and ethnic groups.
A new remote digital monitoring program improved blood pressure control rates in over half of patients, highlighting its potential to improve outcomes and decrease heart attacks and strokes. The study found significant improvements when combining digital monitoring capabilities with clinical feedback.
A groundbreaking study by UNIST researchers reveals that high levels of endotrophin in fat cells disrupt autophagy, leading to inflammation and insulin resistance. Inhibiting ATG7 protein function or neutralizing endotrophin shows promise as a potential treatment for obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Researchers found that patients with HPV-positive cancers develop recurrent disease significantly later than those that were HPV-negative, and also are more likely to spread to the lungs. A new, highly sensitive blood test has been developed to detect cancer earlier, using a framework for combining routine blood testing and imaging.
A clinical trial by HKUMed evaluates the effectiveness of a combination of intravenous corticosteroids (IVS) and periarticular corticosteroids (PAS) in TKA patients. The study finds that IVSPAS leads to improved pain relief, functional recovery, and discharge rates compared to individual treatments.
Research finds antipsychotics used inappropriately among home-bound patients with Alzheimer's disease, leading to poorer patient outcomes. Commonly used antipsychotic quetiapine is often prescribed based on behavioral symptoms and limited daily activities.
A team of clinical psychologists at VCU Massey Cancer Center is implementing a virtual telehealth therapeutic intervention program to treat insomnia among military members, veterans and their family members with brain cancer. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) will be used as the front-line treatment option.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Researchers developed a novel enzyme-based molecular design that lowers the retention of radioactive agents in the kidneys during radiotheranostic applications. This new approach has promising clinical applications, combining improved diagnostic precision and therapy while minimizing potential side effects.
A study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients with rheumatic diseases who developed long COVID were more likely to have expanded, pro-inflammatory antibodies specific to a coronavirus that causes the common cold. The team identified OC43 as a potential biomarker for long COVID.
Researchers discovered that a small subpopulation of AIB1-expressing cells in breast cancer enables invasion and metastasis. The study suggests that these subpopulations play a crucial role in tumor growth and spreading to distant sites.
A recent study found a three-fold increase in obesity-related heart disease deaths in the US between 1999 and 2020. The study highlights racial disparities, particularly among Black women, who faced the highest rates of obesity-related cardiovascular mortality.
Researchers have developed a device that can be implanted into tumors during surgery to test new treatments, providing unprecedented insight into the effects of drugs on glioma tumors. The device, which is designed to be used during standard of care surgery, caused no adverse effects on patients in a phase 1 clinical trial.
Researchers developed a new model of hereditary Alzheimer's disease in marmosets by introducing mutations into the PSEN1 gene, which causes early-onset disease in humans. The study aims to characterize and validate genetic, molecular, functional, and cognitive features of aging and Alzheimer's disease in these animals.
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center aim to overcome brain tumor's limited treatment options with ERAS-801, a brain-penetrant inhibitor showing promise in preclinical models. The team is testing the treatment in early clinical trials for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma.
Johns Hopkins Medicine will improve clinical trial efficiency and quality with a $24.5M grant, reducing startup time by up to 50% and enhancing participant engagement. The Trial Innovation Center will develop new methods for multicenter trials, including AI-enhanced patient screening and gamification.
Researchers developed a noninvasive technique to visualize and differentiate nerve tissue using multispectral photoacoustic imaging. The study revealed the optimal wavelengths for identifying nerve tissue, which could improve nerve detection and segmentation techniques.
Researchers found that an AI algorithm comparable to human readers demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting breast cancer. The study utilized a large dataset of mammographic exams and compared the performance of AI with human readers, finding no significant difference between the two.
A new opinion piece highlights the safety gap in clinical trials and drug labeling for people with obesity, arguing that correct dosing instructions should be included on labels. The authors recommend a three-pronged approach to address this gap, including conducting studies in people with obesity before market approval.
The Thai-HIP intervention has been shown to increase the physical health of people with early psychosis by addressing various health issues such as poor dental health, physical inactivity, and diet. By involving family members in care planning, the program ensures better adherence to the planned physical health program.
A large-scale thalassemia screening project involving 136,312 individuals revealed a high prevalence of thalassemia in Ganzhou, with 14.545% carriers identified. Next-generation sequencing techniques outperformed conventional methods in identifying novel and rare mutations.
A recent study found that ChatGPT scored 9/10 in accuracy for debunking Covid-19 vaccine myths, making it a reliable source of non-technical information. The AI tool's responses were accurate in addressing both true and false contraindications, but highlighted potential concerns over changes in answers over time.
Research from Boston Medical Center found that providing pragmatic support improved treatment outcomes for people with HIV who inject drugs in St. Petersburg, Russia. The odds of achieving viral load suppression at 12 months were 3 times higher for participants randomized to the intervention group.
A new health system program successfully allocated a life-saving medication to disadvantaged neighborhoods, increasing equitable receipt rates. However, disparities persisted, particularly for Black patients, who received significantly lower rates of the medication compared to white patients.
Researchers aim to identify genetic risk factors and mechanisms underlying virus-induced asthma, using artificial intelligence-based techniques and patient-derived models. The study may lead to personalized prevention campaigns and mechanism-targeted drugs.
Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine identified distinct genomic events responsible for resistance to anti-BCMA and anti-GPRC5D immunotherapies in multiple myeloma. Mutations in the extracellular domain of BCMA impede T-cell binding without affecting protein expression or downstream signaling.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...
Researchers at HKUMed uncovered a novel intercellular interplay between tumour cells and endothelial cells initiated by sEV-vWF, facilitating liver cancer development and metastasis. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach by blocking sEV-mediated tumour-endothelial communication.
A novel study from the University of South Australia identified 84 features that could signal increased cancer risk in a dataset of 459,169 UK Biobank participants. The study found several biomarkers linked to cancer risk, including urinary microalbumin and high levels of cystatin C.
The study validates a comprehensive genomic profiling assay, NeXT Dx, which detects single nucleotide variants, indels, copy number alterations, and gene fusions. The assay demonstrates high analytic sensitivities and specificity, providing personalized recommendations critical to clinical decision-making.
A new CNIC study confirms that controlling traditional cardiovascular risk factors can prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Maintaining a low cardiovascular risk is linked to preserved cerebral glucose metabolism, indicating better brain health.
The editorial discusses epigenetic mechanisms leading to oocyte quality loss, a significant factor in age-related fertility decline. Researchers highlight the importance of understanding this process to address the growing issue of advanced maternal age and its impact on reproduction.
Researchers at Affilogic developed nanofitins that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 by binding to its spike proteins, demonstrating quick reach and clearance of the lungs. The technology has potential for treating other infectious respiratory diseases with lower costs and higher accessibility.
An online course designed to curb negative thinking has shown strong results in reducing ruminating and worrying. The program, featuring three lessons over six weeks, significantly improved mental health outcomes for participants.
A study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Woman's Hospital found that pregnant women in Louisiana were more likely to exceed recommended weight gain levels during the pandemic, with a 3-7% increase. This rise in non-optimal gestational weight gain may have long-term impacts on maternal and infant health.
The Norwegian approach to prison reform focuses on building relationships and trust, reducing solitary confinement. In a US pilot program, residents spent more time outside their cells, with a 74% drop in assaults and an 86% decrease in staff use-of-force incidents.
New research led by Nansi Boghossian found that sickle cell disease contributes to racial disparities in severe maternal morbidity, with Black individuals at least 1.5 times more likely to experience complications. The study suggests preconception care and management are critical for improving pregnancy outcomes for patients with sickl...
A new study found that people who received free produce prescriptions experienced increased fruit and vegetable consumption, leading to improved body mass index, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. This research suggests that produce prescription programs may be an effective way to address food insecurity and promote health.
Researchers at the Laureate Institute for Brain Research found significant effects of floatation-therapy on body image and anxiety in patients with anorexia nervosa. The study showed immediate and sustained reductions in body image dissatisfaction and improved anxiety, which remained after treatment and lasted up to six months.
A new study found that boys' sleep patterns remain stable until around age 12, suggesting that social and behavioral factors may play a role in sleep problems. After this age, changes in sleep patterns may begin to occur, making it essential for parents to seek help when needed.
Researchers found that playing a lullaby reduced pain levels in newborn infants undergoing a heel prick blood test. The study, published in Pediatric Research, suggests that recorded music may be an effective method of pain relief in newborns during minor procedures.
Rapid Reviews Infectious Diseases will extend the successful preprint review model of Rapid Reviews COVID-19 to new research on infectious diseases like monkeypox, dengue fever, or herpes. The journal aims to accelerate the validation and diffusion of robust scientific findings through rapid peer review.
Researchers evaluated biochemical recurrence as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival, but found no reliable correlation. Biochemical recurrences occur early in the disease course and may impact quality of life, but high-level data tracking this is lacking.
A recent analysis of published studies reveals a lack of evidence to determine the dosing, safety, and efficacy of medical marijuana or cannabis-containing products for managing symptoms experienced by children with cancer. The study found that cannabinoids performed better in managing nausea and vomiting, but data are lacking on their...
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation has announced the TCT 2023 late-breaking clinical trials, featuring 12 studies on minimally invasive techniques, pharmaceuticals, technologies, and devices. These trials aim to improve patient outcomes in cardiovascular disease, with a focus on safety and effectiveness.
Researchers identified common bladder cancer-related mutations across species, including TP53, FAT1, and NRAS in cats, and ARID1A and KDM6A in dogs. This study provides insights into human MIBC and aids understanding of bladder cancer biology across species.
Researchers have identified four specific factors that can predict atrial fibrillation, a condition that increases stroke risk by up to five times. The team developed an easy-to-use tool for doctors to identify high-risk patients, which may lead to targeted treatment and reduced future strokes.
A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.
Researchers have been awarded $600K each to lead projects improving healthcare access for underserved populations, including Black women and rural/minority communities. These projects will use innovative strategies such as at-home blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine-assisted testing to address health disparities.
A new study found that younger atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients who underwent MRI-guided ablation treatments had better outcomes. The treatment significantly improved arrhythmia recurrence rates by 50% for patients under 58 years old.
Atrial fibrillation patients in the UK are now 50% less likely to die from heart attacks and strokes than at the start of the millennium. The study revealed significant health inequalities, with socioeconomically deprived patients facing a higher risk of mortality.
Researchers at UCLA have found that embedding study recruitment in pre-appointment check-in pages can increase participation rates up to 40 times higher than traditional methods. The new technique, called preCheck-in recruitment, resulted in a socio-demographically representative patient population without financial incentives or staff...
The South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute's program provides early-career clinicians with the time and training needed to establish a sustainable portfolio of clinical trials. Scholars attend 'meet the expert' presentations, discuss strategies with mentors, and select suitable trials.
The CABINET trial showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in progression-free survival for patients with pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The study also demonstrated a consistent safety profile for cabozantinib, with no new safety signals identified.
A new study finds that integrating longitudinal tobacco cessation care into lung cancer screening improves quit rates and enhances the benefits of screenings. Researchers recommend incorporating behavioral treatment and medication into the screening process to help smokers quit.