Search

A study conducted by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Basel, Switzerland, focused on the impact of liver cirrhosis on glucuronidation, specifically with midazolams. The research utilized physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to predict the effect of liver cirrhosis on UGT1A4 and UGT2B7/2B4 enzymes. The study successfully simulated the exposures of midazolam and its metabolites in noncirrhotic and cirrhotic patients, providing insights into the pharmacokinetics of UGT1A4 and UGT2B7/UGT2B4 substrates. This research has been peer-reviewed and may have implications for modeling other uridine glucuronosyltransferase enzymes affected by liver cirrhosis. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Basel, Switzerland, conducted a study using artificial intelligence to analyze retinal fluid volume dynamics in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The study found that eyes with different nAMD subtypes responded differently to treatment, and higher baseline volumes of certain fluids were associated with poor visual outcomes. The findings suggest that residual intraretinal fluid, subretinal hyperreflective material, and cyst-free retinal volume were predictors of poor visual outcomes in nAMD patients. The research was supported by Hoffmann-La Roche and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology focused on examining gene regulatory networks in human brain organoids using single-cell genomic technologies. The research identified temporally dynamic and brain-region-specific regulatory regions, highlighting the role of transcription factors in cell fate and state regulation. The study concluded that leveraging human model systems and single-cell technologies can help reconstruct human developmental biology. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights into understanding human brain development. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study conducted by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute on the PfSPZ Vaccine and its impact on HIV positive and negative Tanzanian adults. The research found that the vaccine induced focused IgG and IgM responses to specific proteins, regardless of HIV infection status. The study concluded that PfMSP5 is a highly immunogenic target for vaccine-induced antibodies in malaria pre-exposed volunteers. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Basel in Switzerland explored the impact of chronic experiences of exclusion on individuals' psychological responses. The research found that individuals who were repeatedly excluded became hypersensitive to inclusion but not to exclusion. Additionally, individuals with chronic experiences of real-world exclusion showed more psychological distress in general, regardless of baseline levels of chronic exclusion. The study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the psychological effects of chronic exclusion on individuals and groups. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Basel conducted a study on asthma and wheeze progression in infants, focusing on the dynamic interactions of early-life risk factors with the developing respiratory system. The study analyzed data from two cohorts, the Basel-Bern Infant Lung Development (BILD) and Protection Against Allergy Study in Rural Environments (PASTURE). Results indicated that the dynamic host-environment correlation network properties were crucial in identifying groups of infants at risk for subsequent wheeze and asthma. The study aligns with the 2018 Lancet Commission on asthma, emphasizing the importance of dynamic interactions between risk factors during development. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute focused on the PfSPZ Vaccine and its ability to induce a humoral immune response in Tanzanian adults with and without HIV infection. The research found that the vaccine generated focused IgG and IgM responses to specific proteins, regardless of HIV status. The study concluded that PfMSP5, a target for vaccine-induced antibodies, showed high immunogenicity in pre-exposed volunteers. The research was funded by various organizations and can be accessed through the journal EBioMedicine. [Extracted from the article]

Recent research from University Hospital Basel in Switzerland focused on the effect of protein binding on the pharmacokinetics of six substrates in the Basel Phenotyping Cocktail in healthy subjects and patients with liver cirrhosis. The study aimed to determine if metabolic ratios (MR) accurately reflect enzyme activities in patients with liver cirrhosis and if free plasma concentrations provide better estimates than total concentrations. The research found that substrates with extensive protein binding do not accurately reflect CYP activity in patients with liver cirrhosis, emphasizing the importance of probe drugs with low or intermediate protein binding for more precise estimates. [Extracted from the article]

A scoping review conducted by researchers at University Hospital Basel in Switzerland examined the incorporation of shared decision-making (SDM) in post-coercion debriefing interventions in psychiatry. The review found that while no intervention tool clearly included all SDM elements, three elements were partially present in all interventions: definition and explanation of the health care problem, clarification of the patient's values and preferences, and a decision or explicit deferral of the decision. The researchers concluded that further research is needed to assess the implementation and clinical effectiveness of these interventions, particularly regarding the inclusion of shared decision-making elements. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at University Hospital Basel compared the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA) versus cardioembolism (CE). The analysis included 60 children, with CE cases showing better revascularization and more favorable procedural outcomes compared to FCA following MT. The research highlights the need for further investigation to refine treatment protocols for pediatric stroke, particularly in understanding and managing FCA in children. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland examined the effects of a perinatal psychosocial intervention on maternal mental health and child development up to age 3. The research found that the intervention led to improved maternal mental health and functioning, modest enhancements in parenting, and temporary improvements in child socio-emotional development. However, the intervention had minimal impact on physical health and cognition. The study suggests that the intervention helped mitigate the negative effects of maternal depression on child outcomes and reduced outcome disparities between mothers who were depressed during pregnancy and those who were not. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from University Hospital Basel conducted a study on the effects of the mTOR-inhibitor everolimus on individuals with primary aldosteronism. The study found that everolimus reduced peripheral and central blood pressure, as well as hypervolemia in participants. The research suggests that everolimus may lower blood pressure in individuals with primary aldosteronism by decreasing hypervolemia and preload. The study was published in Minerva Endocrinology and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland examined the prevalence and patterns of scratch lesions in 124 patients with pruritus (itching). The researchers found that scratch lesions can reflect a patient's perception of itch and underlying disease. The most common types of scratch lesions were erosions/excoriations, followed by erythematous striated lesions and crusts. The study also identified distinct scratch patterns in different diagnoses, which could be used to develop a diagnostic algorithm. However, the researchers noted that larger studies are needed to further support their findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Basel in Switzerland has found that even during periods of effective immunological control, the viral genome of HIV-1 can still be observed in different cellular compartments, indicating the persistence of active viral reservoirs. The study examined changes in the proviral and viral HIV-1 envelope sequence, as well as transcriptional, translational, and viral outgrowth activity, to understand viral dynamics and genomic intactness. The researchers identified distinct reservoir patterns, with highly sequence-diverse HIV-1 populations or single/few persisting virus variants. The study also found that replication-competent HIV-1 is predominantly present in certain T-cell populations in the peripheral blood, which may have implications for new early therapy strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Basel in Switzerland has provided new insights into primary breast marginal zone lymphoma (PBMZL), a type of lymphoma that occurs in the breast. The study analyzed a cohort of 15 PBMZL cases and found that the disease is driven by mutations rather than genetic fusions. The most frequently mutated genes in PBMZL were TNFAIP3, KMT2D, and SPEN, which are involved in the NF-kappa B pathway, chromatin modification, and the NOTCH pathway, respectively. The researchers also noted similarities between the mutational profile of PBMZL and ocular adnexal and nodal marginal zone lymphoma. This research provides valuable information for understanding the genetic landscape of PBMZL and its similarities to other types of lymphoma. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Basel aimed to evaluate the influence of weather parameters on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The study utilized a web-based smartphone application to assess disease activity over a three-month period. The results showed no correlation between changes in weather and changes in disease activity. The study included 80 patients with RA, and the findings suggest that weather does not significantly impact disease activity in these patients. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. in Basel, Switzerland have conducted a study on high concentration formulations of biologics for subcutaneous administration. They used a reversible protein complex (RPC) approach and a novel in vitro tool called the Subcutaneous Injection Site Simulator (Scissor) to evaluate the fate and behavior of these formulations. The Scissor simulates the changes that a biological drug could encounter as it transitions from a drug product formulation to the hypodermis following subcutaneous injection. The study found that the Scissor can provide a suitable tool to predict the stability of biological drugs in the subcutaneous environment, and in vitro drug release data showed sustained and controlled release of RPC formulations. This research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology. [Extracted from the article]

University Hospital Basel in Switzerland has developed an automated pipeline called TrueLung for analyzing pulmonary functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The pipeline includes image quality checks, image registration, and computation of perfusion and ventilation maps using matrix pencil decomposition. The researchers evaluated the pipeline using data from 75 children with cystic fibrosis and found that functional imaging was feasible in all patients. TrueLung quickly delivers functional maps and quantitative outcomes, making it suitable for radiological and pneumological assessment with minimal manual input. The researchers suggest that TrueLung could be used for clinical research in cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland examined the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi IgG antibodies in children and adolescents in North-Western Switzerland and neighboring countries. The study found that the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi antibodies in children was higher than in previous studies, indicating an increased risk of infection at a young age. The research provides valuable insights into the prevalence of Lyme borreliosis, one of the most common tick-borne diseases in Europe, among pediatric populations. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland investigated the impact of the organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 2B1 on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin, an antihyperlipidemic agent. The study found that OATP2B1 is expressed in organs such as the liver, small intestine, and kidney, and it plays a role in the hepatic uptake of atorvastatin. The research used rat models to compare the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin in wild-type, rSlco2b1-knockout, and SLCO2B1-knockin rats, and observed notable differences in systemic exposure and clearance between the SLCO2B1-humanized rats and knockout animals. These findings suggest that human OATP2B1 influences the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin after intravenous administration. [Extracted from the article]

A case report from University Hospital Basel in Switzerland discusses the successful use of a 3D-printed Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant for skull reconstruction in a 12-year-old German Shepherd dog. The dog had a large skull-based tumor that required surgical removal and subsequent cranioplasty. The researchers used virtual surgical planning and 3D-printed cutting guides to perform the surgery, and the PEEK implant was found to be in place without complications in a follow-up CT scan. The study concludes that PEEK is a viable biomaterial for skull reconstruction. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology have developed a closed-loop control system for personalized treatment of chronic diseases like diabetes. The system involves engineering pancreatic beta-cells with blue-light-inducible melanopsin to release insulin in response to blue light. A glucose-operated widget (GLOW) was designed as a real-time glucose sensor to precisely control insulin release. In tests on mice, the system effectively restored normoglycemia and maintained it for at least 7 days. This approach has potential for personalized diabetes treatment. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Basel in Switzerland explores the experience of ostracism in everyday life. The study found that ostracism, which involves being ignored or excluded, is a common occurrence, happening as often as two to three times per week on average. The researchers propose a framework of behavioral responses to ostracism based on the level of threat to psychological needs. When needs are severely threatened, individuals may react with avoidance and antisocial inclinations, while when needs are threatened to a lesser extent, individuals are more likely to engage in approach behaviors. This research provides valuable insights into the experience and effects of ostracism in real-life contexts. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Basel in Switzerland discusses the 3Rs framework in animal experimentation, which stands for "replace, reduce, refine." Some critics argue that this framework is anthropocentric, prioritizing human interests over animal welfare. However, the report argues that this characterization is inaccurate and that the 3Rs actually prioritize research purposes even more strongly than an ethical anthropocentrist would. The report suggests that governments should focus on encouraging animal-free question selection if they recognize animals as deserving protection for their own sake. This research has been peer-reviewed and can be found in the journal Science and Engineering Ethics. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland has shed light on a phenomenon known as "Valleix's Sign." This refers to localized tenderness and pain associated with specific peripheral nerves, such as the ulnar nerve or sciatic nerve. The study aimed to translate and research a book written by French physician François Louis Isidore Valleix in 1841, which focused on nerve pain. Valleix's descriptions of nerve compression and pain along the nerve's course preceded the classic reports of Hoffmann's and Tinel's signs by 74 years. This research provides valuable insights into the understanding of pain and the central nervous system. [Extracted from the article]

New research conducted at the University of Basel in Switzerland explores the effects of aerobic exercise on response inhibition and gaze fixation in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study found that a single session of moderately intense aerobic exercise did not improve response inhibition in children with ASD. However, it did temporarily worsen their ability to process and respond to facial emotions. These findings suggest that exercise may not have the same acute benefits for inhibitory control and emotion recognition in children with ASD as it does in neurotypical children. [Extracted from the article]

A report from University Hospital in Basel, Switzerland discusses the prevalence, natural history, management, controversies, challenges, and dilemmas surrounding incidental brain tumor findings in children. These findings refer to the unexpected discovery of brain lesions during imaging for unrelated reasons. The research emphasizes the need for pediatric-specific approaches in neurosurgery, neuroimaging, and neuro-oncology due to the differences between incidental brain tumors in children and adults. Treatment decisions are influenced by factors such as patient age, tumor characteristics, and family anxiety, with conservative management through surveillance often preferred. However, upfront surgery may be considered in cases with low surgical risk. The research concludes that further research is needed to guide management and improve outcomes in pediatric patients with incidental brain tumor findings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at University Hospital Basel in Switzerland examined the value of perforator flap reconstruction in treating painful soft tissue calcifications. Soft tissue calcifications can cause significant pain and impairments in patients' quality of life. The study found that complete surgical resection combined with flap reconstruction reduced recurrence rates and improved postoperative outcomes and quality of life for patients. The researchers recommend early radical surgical intervention as the gold standard treatment for soft tissue calcifications. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland examined the neurocognitive performance of individuals undergoing opioid agonist treatment (OAT) with intravenous diacetylmorphine (IV-DAM) or oral opioids. The study found that opioid-dependent individuals showed impairments in neurocognitive functioning compared to the general population. However, after three months of treatment, there was no significant improvement in neurocognitive performance for either group. The researchers suggest that specific neurocognitive training at the beginning of treatment should be considered to address these impairments. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland discusses the findings of a study on sleep disturbances and psychological well-being among military medical doctors of the Swiss Armed Forces (SAF). The study aims to examine the prevalence of sleep disturbances and their association with psychological well-being among these doctors. It also plans to offer an evidence-based online intervention program for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia to those doctors who report sleep disturbances. The study hopes to provide insights into the prevalence of sleep disturbances and factors affecting psychological well-being among military medical doctors, and potentially offer a promising method to address these issues. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland explores the psychological factors that influence consumer intentions to consume cultured proteins, such as cultured meat, fish, and dairy. The study collected survey data from Denmark, Finland, and Norway and analyzed it using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results indicate that beliefs about the necessity of the cultured protein industry and its impact on the global economy, as well as social norms and levels of innovativeness, are significant predictors of consumer intentions. Understanding these factors can inform targeted communication strategies to promote the adoption of cultured proteins. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at University Hospital Basel in Switzerland explored the challenges of transitional care in pediatric neurosurgery. The researchers aimed to assess the expectations and perceptions of patients and parents regarding the transition process. The study found that implementing a well-structured and individualized transition process is crucial for reducing the burden on families and healthcare institutions. Different transition models were identified, with the continued caregiver and specialized clinic models showing the highest patient and parent satisfaction. The study highlights the unique challenges of neurosurgical care in children and emphasizes the importance of addressing the specific needs of pediatric patients during the transition process. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by F. Hoffmann-La Roche in Basel, Switzerland, explores the use of collagen hybridizing peptides (CHPs) to monitor fibrosis in two mouse models of ocular neovascularization. Subretinal fibrosis is associated with worse visual outcomes in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, and current methods for detecting collagen in the eye are limited. The study found that CHPs can directly image collagen remodeling and serve as a potential clinical optical biomarker for active subretinal fibrosis. This research provides valuable insights into the development of novel tools for monitoring fibrosis-related changes in eye diseases. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in Basel, Switzerland, examined the interaction between soil transmitted helminths (STH) and malaria in children in the Bagamoyo district of Tanzania. The study found that there was a tendency for a protective effect of STH on the development of clinical malaria, particularly for the Enterobius vermicularis species. However, hookworm species were associated with an increased risk of clinical malaria. Overall, the study suggests that integrated control programs for both parasites should be implemented. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. have presented data on the characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with metastatic solid tumors that have RET fusions. RET fusions are oncogenic drivers in various solid tumors, but little is known about the genomic landscape and natural history of patients with RET fusion-positive tumors. The study found that patients with RET fusion-positive tumors had consistently lower overall survival compared to those with RET wild-type tumors. These findings suggest that RET fusions are a negative prognostic factor and highlight the importance of wider genomic testing and the use of RET-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors to improve patient outcomes. The study also emphasizes the value of real-world data in studying rare cancers or those with rare genomic alterations. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Basel in Switzerland discusses the use of experimental bioethics to address ethical dilemmas in animal research. The researchers argue that while traditional thought experiments like the trolley problem may not be applicable to real-life situations, similar dilemmas are faced by animal research decision-makers. They propose using experimental philosophical bioethics (bioxphi) to investigate these dilemmas and inform ethical policy. The report provides a template for studying these dilemmas, offers recommendations for its use, and acknowledges the limitations of this approach. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Medicine Health Care and Philosophy. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Basel in Switzerland highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge about the use of medicinal plants in European veterinary medicine. The study focused on the Swiss canton of Valais and conducted interviews to gather information on homemade herbal remedies used by farmers. The research found that these remedies were widely used and highly valued by farmers for treating various livestock ailments. The authors argue that this traditional knowledge is not only a cultural heritage but also a valuable resource for the development of veterinary medicine in Europe. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland explored the relationship between skin-derived advanced glycation end products (sAGEs), cardiovascular risk factors, and vascular health in children. The researchers found that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) were associated with lower sAGEs levels at follow-up, although they showed a greater change from baseline to follow-up. Additionally, individuals with higher sAGEs at baseline had narrower retinal arteriolar diameters (CRAE) at follow-up and showed a greater change in CRAE from baseline to follow-up. The study suggests that exercise and higher CRF may help mitigate the formation of AGEs during childhood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. [Extracted from the article]

A report from University Hospital Basel in Switzerland discusses the pharmacological properties of psychedelics, with a focus on potential harms. Psychedelics are a group of substances that can cause profound alterations in mental domains such as sensation, cognition, emotions, and self-perception by binding to the serotonin 2A receptor. While psychedelics are generally considered relatively safe compared to other recreational drugs, they are not without risks, particularly lasting psychological adverse reactions. The report provides an overview of the pharmacology of classic psychedelics, including their origins, effects, interactions, risks, and side effects. The research concludes that understanding the pharmacological underpinnings is necessary for comprehending the harms caused by psychedelic drugs. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland discusses the use of the terms "empathogen" and "entactogen" to describe the effects of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and MDMA-like substances. The report suggests that these terms are not necessary and proposes the term "connectogen" to describe the mind effects of MDMA. The researchers argue that MDMA has both entactogenic (intrapersonal) and empathogenic (interpersonal) properties, and may also have further connectogenic properties. The report compares the connectogenic properties of MDMA with classic psychedelics and suggests areas for future research. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. provides fresh data on Alzheimer's disease. The research focuses on the need for consensus definitions of meaningful within-patient change on the Clinical Dementia Rating-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB). The study incorporates the perspective of care partners and evaluates biomarker-confirmed cohorts to align estimates with ongoing trials. The research concludes that a range of 1.5 to 2.5 points may be appropriate for defining meaningful progression on the CDR-SB in early Alzheimer's disease trials of similar durations. The thresholds should be calibrated to the context of use, considering the target population and study design. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from Novartis Pharmaceuticals AG discusses the treatment switches, patterns, and outcomes in adult and pediatric patients who underwent kidney transplantation in the United States between 2000 and 2019. The study used claims data from the Optum Research Database and included 7,159 patients. The researchers found that immunosuppressive regimens are crucial for improving patient and graft survival, but there is limited real-world evidence on treatments and outcomes in these patients. The study identified the most frequently prescribed immunosuppressants and observed a gradual decrease in graft loss over time. Further analytical studies are needed to test hypotheses derived from these observations. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University Children's Hospital in Basel, Switzerland discusses the pharmacodynamics of propofol in children. The study aimed to determine the influence of age and weight on the onset of hypnotic effects from propofol in the absence of additional drugs. The research found that the time to peak effect of propofol was approximately 20% longer in children aged 8-12 years compared to younger children. These age and weight effects are important considerations for individualized dosing of propofol. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of Basel in Switzerland explores the management of Koos grade IV vestibular schwannomas (VSs), which are tumors that affect the vestibular nerve. The study suggests that subtotal resection (STR) or near-total resection (NTR) followed by a wait-and-scan protocol and second-line radiation therapy (RT) can lead to excellent tumor control rates with less permanent morbidity compared to gross-total resection (GTR). The research findings indicate that STR followed by observation and second-line RT can result in good facial outcomes and long-term tumor control. The study involved 48 patients and found that 92% of them had a good facial outcome after treatment. [Extracted from the article]