Articles tagged with Clinical Research
Researchers found that urine levels of adenine are predictive and causative biomarkers of looming progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes. An oral therapeutic drug showed promise in mice by reducing kidney adenine levels and protecting against diabetic kidney disease.
A study at the University of Gothenburg found that preterm babies given a supplement with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids had improved visual function by age 2.5. The supplement also seemed to improve the brain's ability to interpret visual impressions.
A new gene-editing technique combines peptide nucleic acids and prokaryotic Argonautes to introduce targeted breaks in the genome. The approach, called PNP editing, offers advantages over CRISPR-based methods, including improved specificity and targeting.
The series emphasizes the importance of anesthesiologists in addressing unmet needs of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUDs) in the perioperative period. Anesthesiologists are urged to adopt a broader approach to effective disease management, incorporating trauma-informed patient care and increased collaboration with addiction me...
Researchers discuss the essential role of macrophages in metastatic growth of lung colonies in melanoma, highlighting their importance in clearing challenges to tissue integrity and promoting growth-related processes. The authors emphasize the need for targeted therapies against macrophages to combat untreatable metastasis.
Researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows a woman with severe paralysis from a brainstem stroke to speak through a digital avatar. The system can decode brain signals into text at nearly 80 words per minute, making it a vast improvement over commercially available technology.
Research identifies immunosuppressed individuals with lower antibody prevalence after three or more COVID-19 vaccine doses, highlighting increased vulnerability to severe infection. The MELODY study found that around one in five people with compromised immune systems had no COVID-19 antibodies.
A recent study found that cast immobilization is as effective as surgery in treating older adults with arm fractures. After one year, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of disability or range of motion. The study included 276 patients aged 70–89 years who suffered a distal radius fracture.
Researchers found that certain anti-cancer compounds cause distinct nucleolar shapes and stress, which can be measured using a new classification system. This discovery could lead to improved understanding of why some drugs fail in clinical trials, providing a potential tool for identifying promising drug candidates.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered a new relationship between cancer cells and the immune system, showing how prolonged activation of the STING pathway leads to cellular signaling changes that aid cancer's spread. This finding explains why drugs activating STING have been unsuccessful in clinical trials.
Researchers have deciphered a biochemical mechanism explaining how cortisone preparations mediate inflammation-resolving effects in human immune cells. Cortisone influences enzymes involved in the formation of inflammation-resolving messenger substances, inducing resolvins early but impairing function later.
Researchers tracked infections among Connecticut correctional facility residents to find that high exposure to the virus reduces vaccination and prior infection effectiveness. Hybrid immunity provides higher protection in such settings.
Recent research on gamma delta T cells has made significant progress in understanding their role in antitumor immune response. Key findings include the identification of various hidden mechanisms and a strong association between tumor-infiltrating gamma delta T cells and patient survival.
The Phase 3 study confirmed that combining the RTS,S vaccine with antimalarial drugs reduces clinical malaria episodes, severe malaria cases, and deaths from malaria in young children by nearly two-thirds compared to either intervention alone. The vaccine-drug combination provided greater than 90% protection against malaria episodes.
A recent study by Pennington Biomedical Research Center identifies GDF15 as a protein that acts as a cellular signal to enhance insulin secretion. High-intensity exercise training in patients with type 2 diabetes was found to have elevated levels of GDF15, associated with improved glycemic control.
Neuroscientists have developed new, genetically diverse mouse models to study abnormal tau protein accumulation in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to improve research models and understanding of how genetic variations influence neurodegenerative disease development.
A five-year study will enroll 2,634 adults with a fragility fracture to compare Augmented-Fracture Liaison Service Care with Enhanced Usual Care. The primary measure of effective patient care will be the number of subsequent fractures in each group.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have successfully tested a new oral antifungal therapy, Lipid Nanocrystal Amphotericin B, against cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive individuals. The treatment demonstrated improved survival rates and reduced toxicity compared to conventional intravenous amphotericin B.
Researchers have found that a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, 3q29 deletion syndrome, impairs mitochondrial function in brain cells. This impairment contributes to the development of schizophrenia and has implications for understanding the neurobiology of the disease.
A new study published in BMJ Oncology has found that relatively short-term use of immunosuppressant medications to control inflammatory diseases is not associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. The research included over 10,000 participants and tracked their cancer incidence for an average of 10 years.
Researchers developed a deep-learning model to assess CXR images for probable COVID-19 severity. The model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.78 when predicting intensive care need within 24 hours.
The UC Davis MIND Institute is testing the 'Early Start Denver Model' in community agencies, which addresses all areas of development and emphasizes communication and social interaction through everyday activities. The goal is to improve communication skills and daily living skills for autistic children aged 1-4.
A new study found that a simple blood test can predict the risk of progressive heart and kidney disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. The test measures levels of four biomarkers, which fell after treatment with canagliflozin, a type 2 diabetes medicine.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that estrogen receptor mutations in endometrial cancers cause large changes in gene expression and cellular behavior. Inhibitors of CDK9, a protein that works with estrogen receptors, were found to be effective at reducing the growth and aggressiveness of endometrial cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a DNA-based anticoagulant that has shown promising results in test mice and may be ready for human trials soon. The treatment could provide a safer alternative to existing medications, such as heparin, which can cause severe bleeding side effects.
The new Southern Center for Maternal Health Equity will develop innovative approaches to reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths in the Gulf South. The center aims to promote maternal health equity and address disparities in maternal mortality rates, particularly among Black pregnant and postpartum people.
A phase I trial of cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cell transplantation (CALEC) has shown positive results in four patients with severe chemical burns, restoring cornea surfaces and improving vision. The treatment uses a patient's own stem cells grown on a graft, offering hope to patients with untreatable vision loss and pain a...
Researchers highlight concerns among healthcare providers about patients with cognitive decline living alone, who are vulnerable to missing medical appointments and failing to respond to follow-up phone calls. The study emphasizes the need for improved support systems to prevent untreated medical conditions, self-neglect, and falls.
A new study found that individuals exposed to common cold-causing coronaviruses have immune responses that may protect them from future SARS-CoV-2 infections. Researchers hope this insight will inform global infectious disease outbreak preparedness and vaccine development.
Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute mapped the multiple organ functions of the human yolk sac, revealing its role in producing key hormones and blood cells. The study provides novel insights into the earliest stages of immune cell development and has implications for understanding childhood diseases.
Researchers found a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab can extend progression-free survival and improve response rates in patients with resistant metastatic melanoma. The treatment showed a 37% improvement in progression-free survival compared to ipilimumab alone.
A Cochrane review of 17 randomised controlled trials found that blue-light filtering spectacles may not reduce visual fatigue associated with computer use and do not improve sleep quality. The evidence is also unclear on their effects on retinal health.
Glutamine metabolism plays a crucial role in cancer cell growth and survival, with its inhibition shown to block cancer cell growth in vivo and in vitro. A recent editorial paper suggests that glutamine dysregulation may also impact the tumor microenvironment, potentially leading to increased oxidative stress and cancer cell death.
The new microscope uses structured illumination and optical fibers to achieve fast super-resolution imaging over a wide field of view, enabling the study of individual cell responses to various drugs. The system can image multiple cells simultaneously with high resolution, providing statistical information about cell response.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a potential treatment for diffuse midline glioma, a type of childhood brain tumor with no effective treatments. The compound ONC201 nearly doubled survival rates in patients with the disease, and the underlying mechanism behind its success has been explained.
A novel CRISPR-based gene-editing treatment, EBT-001, effectively removes SIV from the genomes of non-human primates without off-target effects. The study's findings support the development of a cure for HIV/AIDS in humans and pave the way for ongoing clinical trials.
The August issue of CHEST journal features a new clinical practice guideline for managing patients with neuromuscular weakness and a multisociety evidence review on the effect of race and ethnicity on pulmonary function testing interpretation. This is complemented by other research and reviews covering various aspects of chest medicine.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, which takes just two hours from swab to result. The approach can also detect other pathogens and is more flexible than existing PCR tests.
Scientists have identified platelet factor 4 (PF4) as a common messenger for the cognitive benefits of young blood transfusion, exercise, and the longevity hormone klotho. Studies show that PF4 calms down the aged immune system, reducing inflammation and promoting brain plasticity and cognition.
Researchers from HKUMed and CityU have generated human neural stem cells with enhanced therapeutic potential for treating spinal cord injuries. The new findings, published in Advanced Science, show that reducing the expression of the SOX9 gene promotes motor neuron formation and improves survival and integration of the stem cells.
A computational genetic model has been developed to predict individual genetic risk of developing breast cancer based on a woman's genetic profile. The model uses data from a large-scale international study and identifies women at high risk, who may benefit from earlier and more frequent screening.
Researchers identified 2476 nonsynonymous mutations in SA-CRC, including four newly discovered driver genes. The study also found distinct genomic profiles of SA-CRC compared to other colorectal cancers.
Researchers found that the flu blocks lung liquid secretion, allowing staph to infect lungs. Treatment with a CFTR-activating drug like ivacaftor restores liquid secretion and protects against staph infection.
Scientists created a unique data process that provides valuable insights into how drugs are processed in the body and their impact on biochemical responses. The approach reveals detailed maps of drug transformation and allows for simultaneous discovery of fate and effects.
A novel study found that consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based versus plant-based protein foods results in different EAA bioavailability. The study, conducted by scientists at Purdue University, included young and older adults, with no differences in EAA bioavailability between age groups.
Early improvements in cardiac and hematologic parameters predict better survival outcomes for patients treated for stage IIIb AL amyloidosis. Treatment regimens can be tailored to achieve optimal outcomes by understanding early responses to treatment.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association highlights the importance of shared decision-making in cardiovascular care. Key findings include improved patient understanding, acceptance, and satisfaction when healthcare teams involve patients in decision-making processes.
Researchers studied over 800 clinical assays on renal tumors with MiTF family genes TFE3 and TFEB. The findings show significant age differences between patients with TFEB amplification and those with TFE3 or TFEB translocation, with TFEB amplification being associated with poorer prognosis.
Researchers examine translational studies on peripheral surrogates of tumor burden, including circulating tumor DNA, miRNA, and HPV-specific antibodies, to inform chemotherapy and immunotherapy strategies. These biomarkers show promise as prognostic and predictive markers of response to treatment.
A new review challenges the dominant Western approach to mindfulness, emphasizing its potential to foster connection with others and the natural world. The study suggests mindfulness can be used to address issues like eco-anxiety and promote a sense of place within nature.
A new digital headset can detect subtle forces exerted on the skull as the heart contracts, revealing brain changes even in athletes whose symptoms have subsided. The device could help clinicians and coaches make more informed decisions about when athletes are ready to return to play after a concussion.
A new research case study published in The Lancet highlights the need for greater awareness of the 'blue legs' symptom associated with Long Covid. Acrocyanosis, a venous pooling of blood in the legs, can be a symptom of dysautonomia and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in patients with Long Covid.
Researchers tested an automated microscope combined with AI software to diagnose malaria in blood samples. The system achieved 88% accuracy, comparable to expert microscopists, and has potential benefits including reducing workload and increasing patient load.
A new drug treatment, KCL-286, has demonstrated safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 clinical trial, promoting recovery through activating retinoic acid receptor beta (RARb) in the spine. Researchers are now seeking funding for a Phase 2a trial to study its effects in those with spinal cord injuries.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, gastrointestinal viruses such as norovirus and adenovirus remained at very low levels for nearly 2 years. However, they surged back to pre-pandemic levels in late 2022, with adenovirus F40/41 increasing by two-fold.
A multicenter study found that long COVID symptoms can emerge months after infection and persist for at least a year in about 16% of cases. The study highlights significant impacts the epidemic has had on the US healthcare system and emphasizes the need for further research into post-COVID conditions.
Researchers at West Virginia University are tracing the cause of diabetic heart disease using diabetic animal models to examine mitochondrial function. They hope to understand how faulty protein import affects the mitochondria and explore potential treatments to improve energy production and reduce cardiovascular risk.
A new study demonstrates that a pill inhibiting a gut enzyme can protect mice from IBD symptoms and preserve intestinal barrier function. The experimental GCPII-inhibiting drug was shown to improve stool consistency, reduce rectal bleeding and inflammation, with no apparent side effects.
Researchers found that children with autism and macrocephaly exhibit excessive growth of excitatory neurons, while others show a deficit. The study's findings could help doctors diagnose autism and identify potential treatments for specific cases.
A study of 15,000 adults found that alcohol consumption and risky drinking behaviors were prevalent among cancer survivors. The findings highlight the need for additional research to address the emerging concern of alcohol consumption in cancer patients.