Psychiatric and neurological disorders are widespread, yet the pace of drug development for these conditions lags far behind that of heart disease, cancer, and other conditions. Brain disorders are difficult to study and many drug candidates have failed in clinical trials, causing pharmaceutical companies to reduce their investments or even exit the field entirely.
Maintaining optimal immune function while getting fit in the new year
A common new year’s resolution for many is to improve health and fitness for the year ahead. Achieving optimal immune health while working on your fitness can be tough following the festive period in the peak cold and flu season.
A new weapon against the super-tough C diff bacteria tested in phase-one human trial
In a phase-one human clinical trial, a University of Houston pharmacist researcher has demonstrated that a newer generation tetracycline antibiotic, called Omadacycline, may be a promising tool in combating the resilient bacteria Clostridioides difficile (C diff), which causes an infection often picked up in hospitals. C diff brings on diarrhea and colitis, an inflammation of the colon, and is responsible for nearly 500,000 infections annually in the United States.
Hardships during youth may alter brain development
Experiencing adversity before the age of 18 is unfortunately quite common. Nearly two thirds of young people experience at least one instance of adversity, be it abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Adverse childhood experiences largely weaken communication between brain structures, which can also be stated as a reduction of brain connectivity. This increases the likelihood of mental health issues in adulthood.
For PANS parents, life can be a nightmare. New research hopes to provide pathways to relief
For parents whose child has a rare condition that causes dramatic onset of symptoms like obsessions and compulsions, extreme irritability, or sensory issues, life can be a nightmare. The symptoms, typically triggered by an infection, can come on quickly, sometimes overnight, and last for weeks, months or even longer.
Sexually transmissible infections on the rise, syphilis triples in a decade: Report
Over the past 10 years, Australian diagnoses of gonorrhea have doubled, while diagnoses of syphilis have tripled, according to a new report released today by the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney.
Narrow-band imaging at low magnification can detect lesions overlooked by white-light imaging
Helicobacter pylori infection is recognized as a significant risk factor for gastric cancer. Hence regular screening for early detection is particularly crucial in regions with a high prevalence. While advancements in endoscopy facilitate the removal of substantial neoplasms, preference is given to identifying smaller lesions. However, at the same time, the detection of faint epithelial neoplasms remains challenging.
First comprehensive medical guideline on management of pouchitis released
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released the first comprehensive evidence-based guideline on the management of pouchitis, the most common complication people with ulcerative colitis experience following surgery to remove their colon. The guideline has been published in the journal Gastroenterology.
Can decongestants spike your blood pressure? What to know about hypertension and cold medicine
It’s the season for respiratory viruses and the cough, congestion and sore throats they bring. There are many options for over-the-counter (OTC) remedies and relief, but if you have high blood pressure, you may want to take a closer look at the label. Some may contain warnings that advise against taking if you have high blood pressure. Others contain high levels of sodium, which can also increase blood pressure.
Patients’ creative ideas can inform a health care organization’s learning and innovation, finds study
Routinely collected patient experience surveys provide an opportunity for patients to share their creative ideas for improvement, according to a new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Researchers in Health Policy and Management developed and assessed a methodological strategy that validates questions designed to elicit creative ideas from patients.