Tag: News Approved

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Testing STAR and TextSTAR: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Conditions: Sexual Violence; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Opioid Misuse

Interventions: Behavioral: Skills Training in Active Recovery (STAR) Video; Behavioral: Text Skills Training in Active Recovery (TextSTAR) program

Sponsors: University of Wisconsin, Madison; National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Not yet recruiting
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Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome: pathophysiology and therapeutic implications

This review synthesizes current evidence on autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Patients with IBS often exhibit sympathovagal imbalance–reduced vagal tone with relative sympathetic hyperactivity–which correlates with symptom severity and shows subtype specificity. The ANS orchestrates bidirectional brain–gut communication via interactions with psychosocial factors, low-grade neuroinflammation, and the gut microbiota. Key mechanisms include vagal afferent signaling by microbial metabolites, sympathetic regulation of mucosal immunity, stress-induced disruption of autonomic homeostasis, and neuroplastic changes in intestinal and central pain pathways. Emerging evidence supports therapeutic targeting of autonomic circuits through vagus nerve stimulation, pharmacological modulation of serotonin and adrenergic receptors, and microbiome-based interventions. Current challenges include methodological limitations in assessing neural dynamics and insufficient integration of multi-system interactions. Future research should employ multi-omics approaches to elucidate pathway-specific mechanisms and develop precision medicine strategies for this heterogeneous disorder.
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Gut bacteria regulate intestinal motor circuits by metabolizing sex hormones

Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 04 June 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02338-5

Androgens — hormones that are generally present at higher levels in males than females — regulate intestinal transit, but their cellular targets and mechanisms of action are unclear. We identify the neurons that mediate androgen-dependent gut motility and reveal that androgen reactivation by a bacterial enzyme in the gut lumen is necessary for this vital neuroendocrine axis.

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HHS confirms Americans with high-risk Ebola exposures will have access to experimental therapy

Americans who have high-risk exposures to Ebola in the current outbreak in Central Africa will have access to an antibody treatment that has shown great promise in animal testing but hasn’t yet undergone a clinical trial to show whether it is efficacious in people, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Thursday.

The antibody treatment, known as MBP-134, is made by San Diego-based Mapp Biopharmaceuticals, with funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, an agency within HHS that helps develop medical countermeasures for rare and emerging diseases, and biological threats.

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Teachers’ Well-Being and Health in Germany: Representative Cross-Sectional Study

<strong>Background:</strong> Teachers play a fundamental role in the educational system and carry significant responsibilities. However, various occupational demands may compromise their health and well-being. At present, empirical data on the specific correlates of health and well-being among teachers in Germany remain limited, for example, regarding the relevance of health literacy. <strong>Objective:</strong> The primary aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current health and well-being status among teachers. Specifically, the study aimed to quantify these factors according to the Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishments (PERMA) model as well as their general and mental health literacy. Secondary aims were to explore how health and well-being are associated with general and mental health literacy, as well as other personal and professional factors. <strong>Methods:</strong> This cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in 2022 among teachers currently working in Germany. Participants were randomly sampled from all teachers in a general population panel (&gt;100,000 panelists recruited exclusively offline). In total, 61.6% (1005/1631) of the invited teachers participated (mean 49.99, SD 9.74 years). The final sample was weighted by gender, age, school type, and federal state. Health and well-being (PERMA Profiler questionnaire), general health literacy (European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire, 16 items), mental health literacy (Mental Health Literacy Tool for the Workplace), sociodemographic (eg, gender and age), and professional information (school type, experience, and teaching load) were assessed. Bivariate (ANOVAs, <i>t</i> tests, and Pearson correlations) and multivariate (multiple regression) analyses were computed to analyze the associations between the health and well-being outcomes and the other factors. <strong>Results:</strong> The teachers reported intermediate to high well-being and health according to the PERMA model. In addition to significant bivariate associations, regression analysis for the well-being outcome (<i>F</i><sub>13, 977</sub>=10.66; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) revealed general (β=.23; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) and mental health literacy (β=.15; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) as significant positive predictors. In addition, teachers aged 40-49 years (β=–.12; <i>P</i>=.002) and 50-59 years (β=–.10; <i>P</i>=.03), as well as those with 10-19 years of experience (β=–.08; <i>P</i>=.04), reported significantly lower well-being than their younger/early-career peers. The regression model for the health outcome (<i>F</i><sub>13, 980</sub>=8.34; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) showed that general health literacy (β=.25; <i>P</i>&lt;.001), teaching at nonprimary schools (β=.10; <i>P</i>=.002), and a high teaching load (≥28 hours: β=.10; <i>P</i>=.02) were positively associated with the health outcome. Teaching experience of 10-19 years (β=–.09; <i>P</i>=.02) and older age (50-59 years: β=–.12; <i>P</i>=.02; ≥60 years: β=–.09; <i>P</i>=.046) predicted lower health scores. Other factors were not significant in the well-being and health regression models (all <i>P</i>&gt;.05). <strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study highlights the potential of health literacy as an intervention target for improving teachers’ health and well-being. To build on these findings, longitudinal and interventional studies are needed. <strong>Trial Registration:</strong>
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STAT+: Drug companies, patient groups urge FDA to pause commissioner’s voucher program

WASHINGTON — Leaders at the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday listened to criticisms and recommendations for how to move forward with a speedy drug review program put in place by former FDA commissioner Marty Makary. 

The listening session, held on the FDA’s White Oak Campus, featured 17 speakers representing patient groups, drug companies, and academic organizations. Some had positive feedback, particularly those whose drugs have already been approved through the program. But most asked the agency to pause the program, and then bring it back through normal regulatory procedures that require public feedback. 

Makary launched the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher program about a year ago, offering one- to two-month FDA reviews to companies that could prove their drugs “align with national priorities.” The priorities, which included addressing health crises and delivering innovative cures, were vague. Critics worried the process was vulnerable to political interference.

Continue to STAT+ to read the full story…