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Scientists uncover new genetic markers that predispose individuals to lupus

Scientists from an international consortium have identified a large number of new genetic markers that predispose individuals to lupus.

18 Jul 2017

Medical transportation provider accused of disserving L.A.’s frail patients

Some days, the drivers showed up late to take Julian Myers to and from dialysis. Other days, they didn't come at all. When that happened, Myers, who has end-stage kidney disease, scrambled to find a ride.

14 Jul 2017

Study: Impaired thyroid function may affect dialysis patients’ health and well-being

A new study indicates that impaired thyroid function may have detrimental effects on dialysis patients' health and well-being. The findings appear in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

13 Jul 2017

Researchers develop metal-free contrast agent that could be safer for high-risk patients

To enhance the visibility of organs as they are scanned with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), patients are usually injected with a compound known as a contrast agent before going into the scanner. The most commonly used MRI contrast agents are based on the metal gadolinium; however, these metal compounds can be harmful for young children or people with kidney problems.

13 Jul 2017

Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can be safe therapeutic for non-dialysis CKD patients

A new study finds that moderate exercise does not impair kidney function in some people with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

12 Jul 2017

Novel approach could offer hope in treatment of inflammatory conditions

The team, led by researchers at Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London and Ergon Pharmaceuticals, believes the approach could offer new hope in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and sepsis.

12 Jul 2017

Study links heart failure biomarker to tumors observed in rare genetic diseases

Galectin-3, a protein that promotes cancer cell growth and is used as a biomarker for heart failure, has been linked to tumors observed in two rare genetic diseases, according to a study published July 11, 2017, in eLife.

11 Jul 2017

Modified skin biopsy could provide faster and better diagnosis of inherited, fatal nerve disease

Johns Hopkins physicians report success in a small study of a modified skin biopsy that hastens the earlier diagnosis of an inherited and progressively fatal nerve disease and seems to offer a clearer view of the disorder's severity and progression.

11 Jul 2017

Study reveals link between coffee and low mortality

A study published in the July 11 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that people who drink coffee appear to have a longer life-span.

11 Jul 2017

Brazilian researchers reveal nanoparticle-based strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A new strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been described by Brazilian researchers in Scientific Reports, an online journal owned by Springer Nature.

11 Jul 2017

Discarding donated kidneys based on biopsy results may be inappropriate, say researchers

Researchers have found that discarding donated kidneys on the basis of biopsy findings may be inappropriate. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, may help address the organ shortage by keeping valuable organs from being thrown away.

6 Jul 2017

Combination therapy may lead to new standard of care for kidney cancer patients

Combination therapy with two immunotherapy drugs produces an unprecedented doubling of response rates from 20 percent to 40 percent, new study shows.

6 Jul 2017

New report reveals rapidly expanding diabetes epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is in the midst of a rapidly expanding diabetes epidemic that could have devastating health and economic consequences for the region unless quick and decisive action is taken to turn the tide, according to a major new report from a Lancet commission co-led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

6 Jul 2017

Proton pump inhibitors linked to increased death risk

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the commonest agents prescribed for heart burn or acid reflux. These agents are available for purchase over-the-counter making them one of the most commonly used drugs that make around $10 billion in annual sales. PPIs work by reducing the production of the gastric acids in the stomach. There are several known risks associated with PPI use including complete stoppage of gastric acid production, risk of pneumonia, kidney disorders, bone fractures such as hip fractures etc.

5 Jul 2017

Schistosomiasis: the biggest killer you’ve never heard of?

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease, sometimes called bilharzia or snail fever. The disease impacts a huge number of people around the world, over 230 million people are infected with one of the schistosome species, the parasitic worms that causes the disease.

4 Jul 2017

Commonly prescribed gastric acid drug may increase death risk, study shows

Long-term use of a popular class of drug called proton pump inhibitors (PPIS) has been linked to an increased risk of death in a study published in BMJ Open. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking the use of PPIs to a range of health problems including kidney damage, bone fracture and dementia.

4 Jul 2017

Study finds increasing incidence of multiple recurring C. difficile infections

Intestinal infection with the bacterium Clostridium difficile is the most frequent healthcare-linked infection in the United States. Each year it afflicts about half a million Americans, causes tens of thousands of deaths, and costs the nation's healthcare system an estimated $5 billion.

4 Jul 2017

Longtime use of heartburn drugs linked to increased risk of death

Popular heartburn drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been linked to a variety of health problems, including serious kidney damage, bone fractures and dementia.

4 Jul 2017

Google’s DeepMind project and Royal Free Trust breach patient privacy laws

In a breach of patient trust, a British hospital shared the personal information of around 1.6 million patients with Google's DeepMind. This was reported by a British data protection watchdog - Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) yesterday, creating a stir. The deal between the Royal Free NHS Trust and Google’s DeepMind first became known to the public in February 2016.

3 Jul 2017

Researchers develop new biocompatible materials for soft-tissue adhesion

Researchers at Okayama University describe in Acta Biomaterialia a new type of biocompatible adhesive material. The adhesive, made from nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite, glues both synthetic hydrogels and mouse soft tissue, providing a promising alternative to organic materials currently in use for clinical applications.

30 Jun 2017