A study found that children with Rett syndrome have different esophageal movements than healthy individuals, explaining persistent reflux and swallowing issues. This may lead to a reevaluation of anti-reflux surgery for these patients.
A recent study published in Obesity found that having excess fat around the heart may increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers discovered that the volume of pericardial fat was related to the development of calcified coronary plaque, a marker for increased cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have disproven the long-held belief that hepatitis C virus slows immune system recovery after HIV treatment. The study found no difference in CD4 cell restoration between co-infected and mono-infected patients, suggesting other factors are at play.
A new study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal found that emergency room doctors correctly identify patients with heart attack symptoms even when laboratory tests have not yet confirmed it. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 patients and showed that physicians are relying on their clinical impression to diagnose heart att...
Researchers found that farm-raised tilapia has very low levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and high levels of omega-6 fatty acids. This combination may be detrimental to individuals with heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and other conditions. The study highlights the importance of balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake.
Scientists are testing a new cancer treatment that uses transfused white blood cells to combat advanced forms of cancer. The treatment, called Leukocyte InFusion Therapy (LIFT), has shown promising results in lab mice and aims to replicate those findings in human patients.
A new study found that olmesartan medoxomil effectively reverses the narrowing of arteries in patients with high blood pressure. The one-year study showed significant improvements in vascular function and structure compared to a beta-blocker, providing hope for treating this common condition.
Researchers found that treatments for childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma increase the risk of dying from a second cancer or cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Women are especially vulnerable to breast cancer, while men are at risk of cardiovascular events.
A large-scale analysis of monkeys addicted to cocaine reveals more numerous and long-lasting protein changes than previously thought, potentially explaining why cocaine addiction is difficult to overcome. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of biochemical changes in the cocaine-addicted brain.
Researchers found that abnormal 'editing' of gene messages in a type of white blood cell may be behind the development of lupus. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and monitoring of patients' responses to therapy.
A study of over 3,000 older adults found that those taking multiple anticholinergic medications experienced worse physical function, similar to someone three to four years older. The researchers recommend careful consideration when prescribing these medications to older adults due to the potential effects on their physical function.
Researchers found higher levels of beta-catenin, a protein involved in cell signaling and development, in the brains of chronic alcoholics. The protein may play a role in the reward circuitry, suggesting a potential treatment target for alcohol dependence.
Researchers found that older adults with dementia and incontinence taking both medications experienced a 50% faster decline in function, from requiring limited assistance to complete dependence. The study highlights the potential risks of combining anticholinergic agents for incontinence and cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that workers with increased work flexibility reported fewer sickness absences and improved job commitment. This suggests that implementing flexible work arrangements can contribute to better health outcomes and productivity for employees.
A new study reveals that protein-destroying machines in nerve cells play a crucial role in how memories are formed. The researchers found that blocking activity in these machines could potentially strengthen synapses and improve memory, offering new hope for treating Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.
Adult male monkeys exposed to cocaine in the womb show altered function of dopamine 3 receptors, linked to increased vulnerability to drug abuse. The study's findings have implications for human cocaine overdose victims with higher D3 receptor numbers.
Animal research in monkeys shows that treating with amphetamine reduces self-administration of cocaine for up to a month by about 60 percent. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using amphetamine-like drugs to treat cocaine addiction.
Researchers at Wake Forest University found that environmental enrichment and increased social stress can reduce cocaine self-administration in monkeys. The study showed that subordinate animals, who experience more stress, consume more cocaine than dominant animals with improved living conditions.
A study found that subordinate monkeys showed pronounced decreased brain activity in areas involved with stress, anxiety, reward, and emotion when faced with a stressful situation. In contrast, dominant monkeys were less likely to choose cocaine after the same encounter.
In a phase II trial, patients with varicose veins treated with Varisolve foam experienced no neurological, visual or cardiac changes. The study used carbon dioxide-based foam and monitored patients with heart defects for potential risks.
Researchers found that surgery combined with heated Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy (IPHC) improves survival rates for patients with peritoneal carcinoma originating from colorectal or appendix cancer. The study also showed that IPHC may have some benefit in select patients with peritoneal carcinoma and hepatic metastases.
New research finds that hemoglobin A1c test underestimates true glucose control in hemodialysis patients, potentially leading to inadequate treatment and poor outcomes. The study suggests the use of a newer test, glycated albumin, as a more accurate measure of blood sugar control for diabetic dialysis patients.
Researchers found that Hispanic patients with diabetes have approximately 0.5% higher levels on the A1C test compared to non-Hispanic white patients. This study highlights the need for strategies to reduce disparities in diabetes control among minority groups.
A study of pregnant women with preeclampsia found elevated levels of a peptide that raises blood pressure, potentially explaining its development. The researchers hope the findings may lead to treatment for preeclampsia by targeting specific tissues.
A study using functional MRI technology reveals that areas of the brain associated with unpleasant emotions and memories become less active during scratching, suggesting a possible explanation for its relieving effect. The findings may lead to new treatments for chronic itch, which affects over 30 million Americans.
Researchers have identified multiple genes associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, a devastating autoimmune disease that affects 1-2 million Americans. The study found associations with ITGAM, KIAA1542, and PXK genes, as well as SNP rs10798269.
A new genomics research found that a simple blood test can determine which men are likely to develop prostate cancer. Researchers identified five genetic variants associated with prostate cancer risk, which combined could account for 40% of cases.
A new study has found that widely used asthma medication long-acting beta-agonists may not be associated with adverse events based on a patient's genotype. The study analyzed data from two clinical trials and found no differences in asthma symptoms or control between patients with different beta-2 adrenergic receptor genotypes.
A protein found in human hair, keratin, has been shown to speed up nerve regeneration and improve nerve function in animal studies. The study used keratin-filled gels to repair nerve gaps and showed promising results compared to current treatment options.
Hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role in cell health, but excessive levels can damage DNA and proteins. Researchers have identified a key protein, Prx, that helps control hydrogen peroxide levels by acting as a sensor, warning the cell to respond when levels become too high.
Researchers developed a three-drug cocktail targeting glioblastoma multiforme tumors, which showed significant benefits in killing cancer cells and sparing healthy brain tissue. The treatment is based on the first-ever documented molecular signature of GBM tumors and may be tested in patients within five years.
A study by Joseph G. Grzywacz found that employees who perceive flexibility in their work lives have healthier lifestyles and are more likely to start positive behaviors. The study analyzed data from a large multinational pharmaceutical company, which recognized its commitment to flexibility as a family-friendly employer.
New research suggests transplanting kidneys from donors who died after cardiac arrest could increase the donor pool. A study found comparable short-term results between kidneys donated after cardiac death and brain death, with similar survival rates for patients and transplanted organs.
Researchers developed an HIV prevention program for adolescent runaways using a Strengths-Based Case Management model. The program focused on the youth's strengths and future goals, empowering them to realize their potential and preventing health risks.
Researchers have developed a powerful tool to systematically map out pathways and subpathways contributing to inflammation. This study has led to the creation of customized panels for analyzing genetic variations in inflammation pathways for European and African descent populations.
Using donated kidneys from older donors with health conditions can alleviate organ shortage among older adults, reducing waiting times and improving survival rates. Patient survival rates were similar across age groups, with 91% of patients over 60 receiving ECD kidneys surviving the transplant.
Researchers have identified histone deacetylase HDAC9 as a potential target for treating premature atherosclerosis in lupus patients. They also found that elevated microRNA-16 levels contribute to abnormal cell death in lupus patients, and reducing these levels may lead to targeted treatments.
Researchers found that valproic acid reduces B cell activity by targeting histone deacetylases, preventing skin and kidney disease in mice with lupus. Mithramycin also shows promise by targeting Sp1, a transcription factor controlling genes involved in kidney disease, resulting in decreased kidney inflammation and protein levels.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that older adults' ability to engage multisensory attention remains intact with age. Despite previous research suggesting otherwise, the study showed that older adults can speed up and slow down their brain's processing of relevant information, similar to younger adults.
A study found that college students who consume alcohol mixed with energy drinks are twice as likely to be hurt, require medical attention, or ride with an intoxicated driver compared to those who don't. The researchers also discovered that these students are more likely to take advantage of others sexually.
Research comparing music conductors and non-musicians found that experienced conductors
A recent study found significant discrepancies between the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD) guidelines and prepared dysphagia diet foods (DDFs), which may lead to malnutrition and aspiration. The researchers tested four different DDFs and found that only one aligns with NDD guidelines, prompting a change in the hospital's food selection p...
A study conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that early mobility therapy in ICU patients reduced length of stay by an average of three days, compared to those who did not receive the therapy. The therapy was provided by a mobility team and proved safe, with no additional costs incurred.
A study found that increased sunlight exposure reduces the risk of advanced breast cancer in women with light skin color. The researchers measured skin color and compared sun exposure between women with breast cancer and those without, finding a significant difference.
Researchers used capsule endoscopy to evaluate unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding and found six previously undiagnosed cases of Crohn's disease. The study highlights the tool's ability to detect inflammation in the small intestine, which can be missed by colonoscopies.
Scientists have discovered a new gene, Dmp1, linked to human lung cancer, which is often deleted in lung tumors. The study found that the non-functional Dmp1 gene leads to reduced activity of tumor suppressors p53 and Arf, allowing cancer cells to grow unchecked.
A nationwide independent Taser study found that the devices cause a low occurrence of serious injuries, with 99.7% of subjects experiencing mild injuries or none at all. The study, funded by the National Institute of Justice, included six law enforcement agencies and reviewed nearly 1,000 cases.
Researchers suggest expanding kidney acceptance criteria and identify key factors improving transplant success. Matching donor and recipient ages and reducing waiting times may optimize results, while understanding risk factors like delayed graft function and acute rejection can aid preventive measures.
Researchers found that an enzyme called transglutaminase-2 (TG2) may be involved in the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare tightening and swelling of the skin and organs. The study suggests a potential strategy for preventing or treating NSF using drugs that inhibit TG-2 activation.
A new analysis of four studies found that long-term use of Avandia increased the risk of heart attack by 42% and doubled the risk of heart failure. The study, published in JAMA, suggests that the drug may cause over 4,000 excess heart attacks and 9,000 excess cases of heart failure per year.