Researchers identify a genetic mutation in the renin gene as a cause of inherited kidney disease, characterized by anemia and progressive kidney disease. The discovery provides insight into the role of renin in blood pressure regulation and offers potential treatment options.
A new study reveals that strong memories, such as those of a first love or a traumatic event, are formed through the activation of Protein Kinase C (PKC) by norepinephrine in the brain. This process creates stronger connections between nerve cells, leading to long-lasting memories.
A new study reveals that social stress can lead to the deposition of more fat in the abdominal cavity, accelerating the buildup of plaque in blood vessels and increasing the risk of heart disease. The study found that stressed monkeys developed more visceral fat, which promotes coronary artery atherosclerosis.
Researchers have discovered a way to effectively kill kidney tumors in nearly 80 percent of mice by injecting man-made nanotubes into the tumors and heating them with a laser. The study found that the higher the quantity of nanotubes injected, the longer the mice lived and the less tumor regrowth was seen.
Researchers found that the prevalence of severe obesity in US children increased from 0.8% to 3.8% between 1976-80 and 1999-2004. The study highlights the significant health risks facing morbidly obese children, including metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
Researchers found that centrally-acting ACE inhibitors, which cross the blood-brain barrier, may reduce inflammation and cognitive decline in patients with hypertension. These medications showed a significant association with lower rates of mental decline, particularly those taking drugs like captropril and lisinopril.
A new study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that 83% of undergraduate college students in the United States reported being exposed to secondhand smoke at least once in the past week. The study found correlations between exposure and demographics, lifestyle habits, and smoking behaviors.
Researchers found that prolonged HAART use can better control HBV and delay or prevent liver complications. Patients with elevated liver enzymes before treatment were at increased risk of cirrhosis, highlighting the importance of monitoring these patients.
A recent study published in Medical Teacher found that medical students who participated in simulated medical emergencies showed improved knowledge retention compared to those who received traditional lectures. The simulation exercises helped students learn and apply basic science concepts more effectively.
A large US study found that moderate alcohol intake decreases the risk of dementia in older adults, with a 37% reduction in risk for those who drank 8-14 drinks per week. However, heavy drinking was associated with faster rates of cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia.
Researchers found groundwater manganese positively associated with total cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer death rates, while airborne manganese concentrations inversely associated with these cancers. Manganese exposure may worsen cancer rates due to increasing environmental levels.
Researchers found that combining antidepressants with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) improves depression symptoms more than using ECT alone, reducing memory problems, particularly when using nortriptyline or unilateral ECT on the right side of the brain.
Researchers found a strong association between congenital brain defects and preterm birth in a study of over 1,000 infant autopsies. Brain malformations were significantly associated with preterm birth, with certain types of malformations having stronger associations than others.
The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center at Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received a five-year, $6.643 million grant renewal from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to continue studying hypertension and vascular disease.
A survey of new doctors and teaching physicians found significant disagreement on essential medical procedures to learn, with new doctors prioritizing more invasive procedures. The results have led to a revised curriculum at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, enhancing student training and potentially improving patient care.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that a specific gene can be 'switched on' in animals without a genetic predisposition to epilepsy, leading to changes in calcium channels and brain activity. This discovery may reveal a new mechanism for how epilepsy develops in some individuals.
A new study suggests that patients with high cholesterol receive better care when physicians use a variety of tools, including PDAs, to learn and apply clinical practice guidelines for treating the condition. This multifaceted strategy improved guideline adherence by reducing over-treatment and increasing appropriate treatment decisions.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that carrying extra weight earlier in life significantly increases the risk of developing problems with mobility in old age. Even if weight is eventually lost, the longer an individual was overweight or obese, the greater the risk.
Researchers found a significant increase in serious heart rhythm disturbances associated with bisphosphonate therapy. However, non-serious cases showed no overall increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study urges additional investigations to determine the link between the two conditions.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine discovered a protein called ferritin binds to HKa, promoting blood vessel formation that assists in tumor growth. The study suggests preventing the binding could block tumor growth, with implications for wound care.
The use of electronic health records is expected to increase exponentially, but legal uncertainty about ownership presents a major obstacle. A commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that clear laws and regulations are needed to protect patients' interests and facilitate the best use of medical information.
A study found that quality of life determines the use of coping strategies among younger women with breast cancer. Positive cognitive restructuring and seeking social support were common coping strategies.
A new study finds that X-ray-guided spinal tap procedures fail in about 60% of young infant cases and cause bleeding in 25% of infant cases. For patients over 80, the risk of bleeding doubles, but can be reduced by inserting the needle in the middle of the lower back.
A new statewide program requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in N.C. high schools to address inadequate emergency planning and increase use of life-saving devices. The study found that most schools lacked concise action plans, needed more AEDs, and struggled with coordinating EMS responses.
Research identifies elderly patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors as higher risk for stroke and heart attack after IVIg treatment, while those with fewer risk factors have lower likelihood. The study provides guidance for physicians counseling patients on IVIg treatment risks.
Researchers found a correlation between small genetic differences in the IFRD1 gene and lung disease severity in cystic fibrosis patients. The study also discovered that the IFRD1 protein regulates neutrophil function, which causes inflammatory damage to airways.
The SEARCH for diabetes in youth study found alarmingly high rates of diabetes among every racial and ethnic group. Type 1 diabetes is more common than previously reported in Hispanic and African-American youth, while type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in Asian/Pacific Islanders.
Researchers found that administering losartan before, during and after radiation therapy prevents or lessens cognitive impairment in rats. The study validates a hypothesis that anti-hypertensive drugs can protect the brain from radiation-induced injury.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker for fatal prostate cancer, which is high levels of ionized serum calcium. Men with the highest levels of ionized serum calcium are three times more likely to die of prostate cancer than those with lower levels.
A recent study found that 24% of caregivers need respite care but do not receive it, with families having private insurance facing greater unmet needs. This translates to approximately 200,000 families in the US who require support services for their children's special needs.
Researchers found a statistically significant inverse relationship between A1C levels and cognitive test scores in people with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that poorer blood glucose control is strongly associated with poorer memory function.
New research finds that long-term use of inhaled corticosteroid drugs increases the risk of pneumonia in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Analysis of 18 randomized clinical trials showed a significant association between corticosteroid inhaler use and pneumonia, with nearly one in every 47 patients developing...
Two new studies link hormone therapy to reduced brain volume in critical memory areas, accelerating loss of cognitive function in postmenopausal women. Researchers found no correlation between hormone therapy and increased brain lesions, contradicting previous hypotheses.
A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that long-term use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) doubles the risk of fractures in women with type 2 diabetes. The study, which analyzed data from 10 previously completed trials, showed a consistent decline in bone mineral density in women exposed to TZD therapy.
A large international study found that treatment with the medication irbesartan did not reduce the risk of death or hospitalization for cardiovascular causes among patients with diastolic heart failure, nor did it improve quality of life. The study also showed that the medication was safe for patients with the condition.
A large clinical trial found that ginkgo biloba has no effect on the onset of dementia or development of Alzheimer's disease. The study tested 120 milligrams of ginkgo twice daily versus placebo in 3,069 participants and showed that it had no impact on cognitive decline or mortality.
A study found that doctors are unsure about the legality of deactivating an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in terminally-ill patients, leading to unnecessary pain. The researchers recommend educating physicians on managing end-of-life care for ICD patients.
The grant will support the development of leaders in geriatric medicine and teaching programs, as well as new training opportunities for medical students and residents. The Wake Forest University School of Medicine will also establish a curriculum for specialty physicians to integrate geriatrics principles into their teaching programs.
A new study finds that accelerating the pertussis vaccine schedule by two weeks could prevent at least 1,236 cases of the disease each year. This shift would also reduce hospitalizations and deaths attributed to pertussis, a disease that can be life-threatening in young infants.
Researchers discovered that past oral contraceptive use can reduce estrogen levels for years after treatment is stopped, potentially leading to a reduced risk of ovarian and uterine cancers. The study used cynomolgus monkeys and found significant reductions in estrogen metabolites three years after surgical menopause.
A study of 1,500 kidney cancer patients suggests that tissue-sparing surgery may improve overall survival in patients with reduced kidney function. The finding highlights the underuse of this option and raises concerns about the potential harm of removing healthy kidney tissue.
Researchers found that complete removal of peritoneal surface disease (PSD) combined with heated chemotherapy can produce long-term survival in select patients. The study suggests a new approach to treating previously considered incurable cases of colorectal cancer.
Researchers found that long-term use of inhaled anticholinergics for COPD increases the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, or strokes by 58%. Patients with COPD who use these inhalers are at high risk of excess serious cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found a correlation between non-subcutaneous fat and calcified plaque in the arteries, increasing cardiovascular event risk. The study suggests targeting non-subcutaneous fat may be key to preventing heart disease.
A team of researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine has been awarded a $9.3 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to investigate blood lipoproteins and their role in preventing coronary heart disease. The study aims to identify molecular events regulating cholesterol transport in blood.
Researchers found that uninsured patients were more likely to receive brand-name drugs after the clinic closed its drug sample closet, leading to increased costs. In contrast, Medicaid patients showed no significant change in generic prescribing despite the availability of free samples.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have found a second independent site within the HNF1B gene that may contribute to the risk of developing prostate cancer. The new discovery strengthens the link between genetic variants and prostate cancer risk, improving the ability to predict prostate cancer risk.
A team of urologists has successfully used robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery to repair abnormal openings between the bladder and vagina, known as fistulas. The procedure resulted in less blood loss and faster recovery times compared to traditional abdominal surgery, offering a promising alternative for women with this condition.
The J. Paul Sticht Center on Aging at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center has been renewed as one of 11 nationwide Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Centers. The center will receive almost $1 million each year to support clinical research in aging and promote functional independence among older adults.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center are launching a study to investigate the impact of mistrust in medical care on Latino HIV patients' mortality rates. The study aims to understand cultural and social factors contributing to this disparity.