Cart is empty Historically, most human mpox infections have resulted from zoonotic transmission—meaning from animals to humans—and these spillovers have rarely led to human-to-human transmission. But during the 2022 global outbreak, mpox began spreading readily between people. A new study now shows the virus was circulating long before then.
Specific personality traits may influence the development of insomnia
A study conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil has examined the influence of personality traits on the development and perpetuation of insomnia and found that there is a direct relationship between the two. Two findings caught the researchers’ attention: high levels of openness were associated with low levels of insomnia, while high levels of neuroticism (characterized by emotional instability) were very common in people with the sleep disorder.
Methylene blue may help protect lungs during complex heart surgeries, study finds
A new study suggests that methylene blue—a medication already approved for several clinical uses—may protect the lungs from damage caused by major heart surgeries that involve stopping blood circulation and lowering body temperature.
Allopurinol designated as the first orphan drug for Marfan syndrome treatment
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has designated allopurinol as the first orphan drug for the treatment of Marfan syndrome, a rare connective tissue disease which has no cure to date. This disease causes an aortic aneurysm (an abnormal dilation of the aorta) and affects about 7 in 100,000 people in the European Union. Drugs known as orphan drugs are intended to treat such rare conditions that pharmaceutical companies need favorable conditions to market them.
Higher end of ‘normal’ sodium levels linked to increased heart disease risk
A Bar-Ilan University study has found that individuals with sodium levels at the higher end of the “normal” range are significantly more likely to develop hypertension and heart failure, two of the most common age-related chronic diseases worldwide.
Limited evidence suggests calorie restriction may slightly reduce depressive symptoms
A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of dietary interventions on depression and anxiety in adults. The review found that calorie-restrictive and low-fat diets may reduce depression symptoms in those with high cardiometabolic risk, but the certainty of these findings is low.
Report updates guidelines for pediatric atopic dermatitis management
In a clinical report published online May 19 in Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics presents updated guidance for the treatment of children with atopic dermatitis (AD).
Common analgesic gas aids in opening of blood-brain barrier
Nitrous oxide, a commonly used analgesic gas, temporarily improved the opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to allow gene therapy delivery in mouse models using focused ultrasound (FUS), UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers report in a new study. Their findings, published in Gene Therapy, could eventually lead to new ways to treat a variety of brain diseases and disorders.
FDA launches post-market chemical review program to ensure food safety
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a move to improve transparency and strengthen the safety of chemicals used in the nation’s food supply.