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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 22-Oct-2026 09:16 ET (22-Oct-2026 13:16 GMT/UTC)
Propolis and antifungal drugs
Wroclaw Medical UniversityA study co-authored by Prof. Piotr Kuś from Wroclaw Medical University investigated the antifungal activity of Polish propolis and its interactions with commonly used antifungal drugs. The researchers identified 77 compounds in the propolis extract and tested it against four yeast pathogens responsible for candidiasis, including the drug-resistant Candida auris.
The most promising results were observed when propolis was combined with amphotericin B. The combination showed synergistic activity against all tested yeast species, suggesting that propolis may enhance the drug’s antifungal effect. However, not all combinations were beneficial. Some antifungal drugs showed no meaningful interaction with propolis, while others, including caspofungin, clotrimazole and ketoconazole, showed signs of antagonism.
The study also provided early evidence that ethanolic propolis extract can eliminate C. auris under laboratory conditions. The findings are limited to in vitro experiments, so propolis cannot yet be recommended as an adjunct to antifungal treatment. Further research, including extract standardization, preclinical studies and eventually clinical trials, is needed to determine whether these findings could lead to new combination therapies or drug candidates.
- Journal
- Scientific Reports
Clinical burden and health-related quality of life in Chinese patients under 16 with mucopolysaccharidosis type II
KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Chinese patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) and explored key factors associated with HRQoL. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2023 through the China Rare Disease Alliance Cloud Service Platform, in which patients with MPS II and their family members completed an online questionnaire collecting information on Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Version 4.0 scores, sociodemographic characteristics, and clinical features. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize patient characteristics and HRQoL levels, and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors influencing HRQoL. Data were obtained from 129 individuals across 22 regions in China, the majority of whom were boys (98%), with a mean age of 8.7 years. Initial symptoms appeared at approximately 2.5 years of age, yet diagnosis was often delayed by more than one year, and over half of the children (57%) had previously received an incorrect diagnosis. On average, nearly ten body systems were affected. Overall HRQoL was low, with a mean score of 30.08 (standard deviation (SD) = 19.51). Domain-specific scores were 30.98 for daily activities, 43.18 for emotional well-being, 24.73 for social functioning, and 20.89 for school participation, indicating substantial difficulties in performing routine tasks. Multiple linear regression (adjusted R2 = 0.381) showed that HRQoL significantly declined with increasing age (β = −2.000, P = 0.003) and the presence of neurological or cognitive impairments (β = −12.798, P < 0.001), whereas school attendance was a strong positive predictor of higher HRQoL (β = 16.330, P < 0.001). Overall, Chinese patients with MPS II demonstrated markedly reduced HRQoL, particularly in cognitive and daily functioning domains, underscoring the need for improved clinical management and supportive strategies to enhance their well-being.
- Journal
- Pharmacoeconomics and Policy
HKUMed finds that long-acting injectable antipsychotics lower relapse in patients with bipolar disorder and older adults with schizophrenia
The University of Hong Kong- Journal
- The Lancet Psychiatry
Concordia researchers find convenience, drinking water access and advertising drive global bottled water consumption
Concordia UniversityA Concordia University survey of over 15,000 people in 81 countries reveals why single-use plastic water bottles remain popular despite known health risks. Researchers identified three consumer types—driven by convenience, advertising, or limited access to safe drinking water—shaped by age, education, and infrastructure. The findings, published in Journal of Cleaner Production, could help policymakers craft more targeted strategies to curb plastic bottle reliance.
- Journal
- Journal of Cleaner Production
- Funder
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Study identifies increased levels of meprin-β in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s disease
Universidad Miguel Hernandez de ElcheA study published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy detects increased levels of the active form of meprin-β in advanced stages of the disease and of its messenger RNA in intermediate stages.
The researchers also observe increased levels of the protein when human neurons are exposed to beta-amyloid, pointing to a possible relationship between the two processes.
- Journal
- Alzheimer s Research & Therapy
- Funder
- Generalitat Valenciana, Agencia Estatal de Investigación
Chronic hepatitis b in the Asia-pacific region: Results of the 2023 global burden of disease study
Xia & He Publishing Inc.- Journal
- Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology
Study finds creatine’s benefits extend beyond the gym
Texas A&M UniversityIn a 12-week study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, researchers found adults ages 45 to 65 who took creatine gained lean tissue and strength, even without participating in a structured exercise program. Those who combined creatine with exercise saw greater gains. The findings add to growing interest in creatine beyond its familiar role as a supplement popular with athletes, including its potential role in supporting muscle health as people get older.
- Journal
- Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Beyond raw brainpower: new study reveals best ways to train AI for clinical care
JMIR PublicationsA new review study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research published by JMIR Publications shows that adapting existing language models is the key to ensuring they can safely and effectively assist with clinical diagnoses, patient triaging, and treatment planning in real-world health care settings.
- Journal
- Journal of Medical Internet Research