A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, has introduced a new blood test that could have a significant impact on the detection of brain cancer. In the study, Dr. Mattew Baker and colleagues utilized infrared light to create a "bio-signature" of patietn's blood samples and applied artificial intelligence to scan for signs of cancer. The researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to use biochemical fingerprints to diagnose brain cancer in retrospective cohort of 724 patients. They then used the algorithm to predict brain cancer cases in a sample of 104 participants, with 87% accuracy. In a statement, study co-author Dr. Paul Brennan — a senior clinical lecturer and consultant neurosurgeon at the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. shared: "With this new test, we have shown that we can help doctors quickly identify which [people] with these nonspecific symptoms should be prioritized for urgent brain imaging."
Study Examines Recent Vaping Related Lung Injuries
A recent study--published in the New England Journal of Medicine-- of 17 of the patients with the mysterious vaping relateed illnesses has revealed similiar damage to those exposed to chemical spills or harmful gases. After more than 800 confirmed and probable cases within the United States, scientists have been working to identify the exact causes of the mysterious illness. While the study did not provide any definitive answers as to what may be causing the condition, the authors noted that signs of damage were consistent: “What all these appeared to represent was some sort of toxic chemical fume injury, or chemical burn if you will,” remarked Dr. Brandon Larsen, a pathologist at Mayo Clinic Arizona and senior author of the paper. About 70% of the study's patient reported having vaped THC products, slightly less than a research survey released by health authorities which found that 87% of overall affected patients had vaped THC products. In each of the 17 patients, the researcher found "signs of pneumonitis—inflammation of the lungs—and damage to the airway and lung tissue" suggesting that condition might be caused by “one or more inhaled toxic substances.”
Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded to Discovery of Molecular Switch for Cellular Oxygen Use
Three researchers responsible for revealing the mechanisms by which cells in the body sense and adapt to oxygen availability have been awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. In 2001, scientific researchers William Kaelin, Jr. and Peter Ratcliffe demonstrated that when there is enough oxygen present, hydroxyl groups are added to HIF-1α, allowing VHL to bind to it and leading to its degradation. The reserach has begun to lead towards significant clinical application. The scientists have since found that lowering the expressions of the HIF -1α gene could limit a tumor’s ability to grow a new blood supply, and increasing its expression could help treat people with anemia. In a statement, George Daley, dean of Harvard Medical School, commented that the work “is a powerful reminder of how critical discoveries and transformative therapies flow from [the] deepest understanding of basic mechanisms.”
Tune into one of our latest podcasts with nurse practitioners, A4M Fellows, and good friends Lori Esarey, ARNP-C and Kelly Engelmann, CFNP. Hear Esarey and Engelmann share on their unique backgrounds in healthcare, the valuable lessons learned during their fellowship experiences, and how their shared passion and friendship has helped develop their respective practices.
Living in greener areas has been correlated to decreased risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental distress, as well as increased longevity and improved self-reported health. While the health benefits of nature exposure are well-documented and well-known, thus far the amount of time required to attain them remains unknown. Researchers from the University of Exeter aim to change that by quantifying the exposure-response relationship in a recently published analysis.
.png?width=1120&upscale=true&name=A4M_BrandedDigitalBanner_600x200_19-1037%20(1).png)
