Four out of five people with the motor neuron disease are likely to experience changes in their brain function, as well as impaired movement, research suggests. A study has found patients experience a decline in their thinking skills as well as undergoing behavioural changes – such as apathy – even at the earliest stages of...
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Immune response mechanism described for fate determination of T cells
This knowledge can aid vaccine development, treatment of infections and moderation of autoimmune disease UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After a pathogen infects the body, the immune system responds with a remarkable — and remarkably complicated — cascade of events. IMAGE: THIS IS CASEY WEAVER. Some immune cells, called lymphocytes, migrate to the...
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Inhaled steroids may increase risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections
AMERICAN THORACIC SOCIETY Sept. 14, 2018–Patients using inhaled steroids to control asthma and other breathing problems may be at greater risk for developing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung infections, according to new research published online in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society. IMAGE: USING INHALED STEROIDS MAY INCREASE NONTUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIA (NTM) LUNG INFECTION RISK. NTM are...
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New method promises fewer side effects from cancer drugs
A recent achievement in the field of protein research allows for better tailored pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects; the method was developed by two University of Copenhagen researchers FACULTY OF SCIENCE – UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN Protein research is one of the hottest areas in medical research because proteins make it possible to develop far more effective pharmaceuticals for...
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Malicious brain cell identified
Surprising finding fills gap in understanding astrocytes’ role in brain disease SANFORD BURNHAM PREBYS MEDICAL DISCOVERY INSTITUTE Astrocytes–the star-shaped cells of our brain–are very busy. Their job description includes maintaining the blood-brain barrier, removing excess neurotransmitters, repairing brain tissue and more. IMAGE: THIS IS JEROLD CHUN, M.D., PH.D., PROFESSOR AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF NEUROSCIENCE...
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VR Prototype Provides Disability Support Workers With Proper Training
An Australian company, House with No Steps, debuts a VR prototype to better train disability support workers on how to handle potentially dangerous situations. In an industry with insurmountable variables, such as disability support, VR can provide endless opportunities for training. “Virtual reality is a powerful tool,” says Andrew Richardson, CEO of House with No Steps Group. “We want to harness it...
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FDA approves novel treatment for hairy cell leukemia
(HealthDay)—Lumoxiti (moxetumomab pasudotox-tdfk) injection has been approved to treat certain instances of relapsed or refractory hairy cell leukemia (HCL), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said yesterday. Lumoxiti, a CD22-directed cytotoxin, was approved for adults who have had at least two prior therapies for the disease. The FDA granted this application Fast Track and Priority Review designations. Lumoxiti also...
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Study: A Daily Baby Aspirin Has No Benefit For Healthy Older People
Many healthy Americans take a baby aspirin every day to reduce their risk of having a heart attack, getting cancer and even possibly dementia. But is it really a good idea? Daily low-dose aspirin can be of help to older people with an elevated risk for a heart attack. But for healthy older people, the risk outweighs the benefit. Bruno Ehrs/Getty Images Results released Sunday from a major study of low-dose...
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Paper Test for Monitoring Phenylalanine and Other Metabolites in Blood
People with congenital phenylketonuria, a condition in which the amino acid phenylalanine is overproduced, have to undergo regular blood testing. This is important in part because maintaining a proper diet can reduce phenylalanine levels, so gauging the effectiveness of one’s diet can help control the condition. Currently, though, blood samples have to be sent out...
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Extraordinary Case: 4 People Get Cancer From Donated Organs
There are rare instances wherein organ donors unwittingly pass infectious diseases to the organ recipients, but an even rarer occurrence is passing cancer through the transplant. In Europe, four people who received organs from a single donor develop breast cancer many months to several years after the transplant. What are some important things to know...