Although fluticasone with or without salmeterol does not alter systemic markers of inflammation in patients with COPD, the drugs do result in a significant reduction in the serum levels of the lung-specific surfactant protein D, Canadian researchers report. Reuters Health Information
Denosumab -- a monoclonal antibody that binds RANKL, which is necessary for osteoclast development -- inhibits structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients, according to a report in the May issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. Reuters Health Information
A novel microsphere-based vaccine targeting dendritic cells prevents and reverses new-onset autoimmune diabetes in a mouse model, according to a report in the June issue of Diabetes. Reuters Health Information
Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH reviews research highlights on schizophrenia detection and prevention, treatment, and pharmacogenetics. Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health
Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH, reviews research highlights on advances in the pharmacogenetics of serious mental illness from the American Psychiatric Association 161st Annual Meeting. Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health
Michael T. Compton, MD, MPH, reviews research highlights on contemporary and emerging schizophrenia treatment strategies from the American Psychiatric Association 161st Annual Meeting. Medscape Psychiatry & Mental Health
High-dose recombinant erythropoietin is well tolerated and can be safely given to very preterm infants, according to the results of two studies in the August issue of Pediatrics. Reuters Health Information
In a study that was undertaken to address concerns that folic acid supplements promote tumor growth in patients with a history of colorectal cancer, researchers found that in fact, higher plasma folate levels are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer-specific and overall mortality. Reuters Health Information
Doxorubicin is often withheld from older patients because advanced age -- along with heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension -- are known to increase the risk of doxorubicin-related cardiotoxicity. Now, in a study of older adults with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), researchers have found that of all these factors, only hypertension synergistically potentiates the risk of cardiac effects. Reuters Health Information
In vitro studies at the University of Ulm in Germany indicate that methadone induces apoptosis of leukemia cells without affecting nonleukemic lymphocytes. As reported in the August 1 issue of Cancer Research, methadone was even effective in killing multidrug-resistant leukemia cells. Reuters Health Information
