A research team has identified a protective gene variant that may help prevent severe kidney failure in people with diabetes. The discovery could lead to novel treatment approaches for susceptible individuals, as well as a new marker for identifying those at increased risk of future kidney disease.
Researchers have isolated broad potential stem cells from amniotic fluid, which can give rise to various specialized cell types. These cells, named amniotic fluid-derived stem (AFS) cells, may represent an intermediate stage between embryonic and adult stem cells.
Research reveals that statins increase the risk of acute pancreatitis by 40%, but the occurrence is still relatively rare. The study found that patients on low and high doses developed pancreatitis, suggesting that starting at a low dose may not prevent the side effect.
Researchers suggest that mental training and physical activity can protect against declines in cognition, including memory, language, and abstract reasoning. A recent study involving over 3,000 participants found immediate improvements in memory and sustained benefits after five years.
A new gene transfer therapy has shown promising results in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) and may also have potential benefits for overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma. The therapy, which targets smooth muscle cells, was well-tolerated and safe in a small pilot study of 11 men.
Researchers aim to discover genetic predispositions for atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. The multi-year study will analyze DNA data from two large-scale studies to pinpoint specific genes contributing to the condition.
Researchers are using computed tomography to study the effects of fat stored around the heart and its potential contribution to atherosclerosis. The study aims to investigate whether fat deposits in the arteries increase the risk of fatty deposits and inflammation, leading to heart attacks.
Researchers found that diastolic heart failure patients have severely reduced exercise tolerance despite normal leg blood flow, suggesting other factors such as muscle oxygen use contribute to symptoms. The study suggests targeting these additional factors could help develop effective treatments for this common form of heart failure.
New research suggests that beta-agonist medications used in asthma treatment can increase type 2 T cell accumulation, potentially worsening related diseases. The study's findings highlight the need for anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in moderate to severe asthma treatment.
Researchers have developed a new way to track neuropsychiatric symptoms in lupus using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which measures biochemical changes in the body. The study found that MRS can detect changes in metabolites, such as glutamate and glutamine, that correlate with behavioral tests.
Researchers found that TSA and SAHA decreased cholesterol deposits and prevented macrophages from forming foam cells inside arterial walls. These findings suggest the potential for these anti-inflammatory drugs to stabilize atherosclerotic plaque and reduce acute coronary events.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified micro-ribonucleic acids (micro-RNAs) as potential biomarkers for lupus. The study found significant differences in micro-RNA expression between lupus patients and healthy controls, with certain micro-RNAs linked to histone deacetylases and the development of lupus.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified changes in brain chemistry associated with post-cancer radiation-induced dementia. They found that whole-brain radiation causes changes in glutamate receptors, which may lead to cognitive deficits.
Researchers are evaluating the use of Aricept to prevent cognitive decline and memory problems in pediatric brain cancer survivors who have received cranial radiation. The study, which will enroll 35 patients ages 8-17, aims to assess whether the drug can help maintain baseline cognitive abilities and social relationships.
A study of 188 students found that poor readers were three times more likely to consider or attempt suicide and six times more likely to drop out of school than typical readers. Researchers identified reading difficulties as an independent risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behavior, regardless of psychiatric conditions.
Researchers analyzed thousands of proteins from brain tissue samples to find novel changes related to cocaine addiction. The study reveals profound effects on brain function and identifies potential new targets for medication development.
Researchers found that white blood cells in cancer-resistant mice can sense and kill cancer cells through a multi-step process, involving migration, recognition, and physical contact. The discovery suggests that some cancers may share common characteristics that make them vulnerable to this type of immune response.
The study found that virtual colonoscopy can detect polyps and cancers, but also reveals findings outside the colon that require additional testing, adding significant costs
Five experts recommend Congressional action to address eight major problems, including inadequate funding and expertise. They propose five key changes to strengthen FDA's ability to assure public safety.
A major national study found that about 154,000 of 80.7 million children and adolescents nationwide had diabetes in 2001. Non-Hispanic white children had the highest diabetes rate, with type 1 diabetes being the most common form.
Research finds that Latino immigrant families in North Carolina face extreme hunger rates, with some areas experiencing hunger more severe than Appalachia. The study found that 35.6% to 41.8% of respondents experienced food insecurity, compared to the national average.
Half of registered nurses report chronic interference of work with their home lives, impacting personal health and ability to provide quality care. Work-family conflict can exacerbate the nursing shortage and lower job satisfaction.
A Wake Forest University research team is analyzing brain changes in individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to better understand the diseases. They are comparing post-mortem brain tissue with normal tissue, focusing on the temporal lobe's structures involved in learning and memory.
Researchers analyzed data from 11 studies and found that blacks with diabetes had about 0.65% less A1C levels, a measure of blood sugar control, compared to whites. This disparity contributes to higher rates of diabetes complications among blacks.
A new survey found that 514 teens were injured on the job, with injuries affecting daily activities for more than three days. The study emphasizes the importance of introducing safety training within school health curricula to empower teens and reduce work-related injuries.
Researchers continue studying aging and cognition decline with a $6.2 million grant to investigate biological changes that contribute to age-related cognitive decline. The study will focus on hormones such as human growth hormone and IGF-1, which have shown to improve learning and memory in older animals.
Researchers found that nitric oxide enhances communication between the thalamus and cortex, allowing for more complex brain operations. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of major brain disorders such as schizophrenia and attention deficit disorder.
A five-year study shows that exercise can reduce the size of abdominal fat cells by up to 18%, even when combined with dietary weight loss. This finding is significant because it suggests that exercise may be an important component in treating the health complications associated with abdominal fat.
A study found that adolescents who watch wrestling on TV are more likely to engage in date fighting and other violent behaviors. Exposure to violence on television can affect adolescents' behavior, particularly when combined with socialization, the study suggests.
Scientists have identified a regulator of genes that controls artery smooth muscle cell growth, which may hold the key to preventing vessels from re-closing after angioplasty. By studying genetically susceptible pigeons, researchers found a potential target for treating restenosis.
Prostate cancer cells resist hormone treatment by activating three survival strategies involving the protein BAD. The discovery may lead to new treatments or ways to monitor treatment's intended effect, such as developing a drug to prevent BAD inhibition.
Researchers found that combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy after surgery significantly improves survival rates for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The study showed a median survival time of 18.3 months, compared to the national average of 11 months.
A new drug, eszopiclone, has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce daytime napping in elderly patients with insomnia. The study found that eszopiclone significantly reduced wakefulness after sleep had begun and improved sleep efficiency and total sleep time.
A new analysis shows that digitalis is relatively safe for patients with diastolic heart failure, a condition affecting an estimated 5 million US adults. The study, involving 988 patients, found no overall detrimental effect of digitalis on death or hospitalizations.
The study found that three practice models were financially sustainable, with enhanced communication between medical and mental health providers improving quality of care. Pediatricians perceived themselves as more efficient in their practices after integration with mental health professionals.
Research using PET imaging shows a significant correlation between initial dopamine receptor levels and self-administered cocaine use rates. Lower receptor levels are associated with higher cocaine use rates, suggesting that increasing D2 receptors may alleviate addiction.
A study found that 34.9% of people over 65 with anxiety or depression used complementary or alternative medicine, compared to 26.5% without mental symptoms. However, fewer than 20% used CAM to treat their condition, a surprising finding.
Researchers found that using a suction device during minimally invasive angioplasty and stenting improves kidney function, reducing damage to the kidneys. The study suggests that this technique can lead to better outcomes and more effective treatments for patients with renal artery stenosis.
A recent study has revealed that race may be a significant factor in insulin resistance, affecting black women more than Hispanic or Caucasian women. Insulin resistance occurs when the body fails to use insulin effectively, leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A study of 75 healthy college students found that those who were led to expect considerable nausea fared better than those who weren't. Preparation can have a profound impact on how patients respond to nausea, with the results suggesting that informed expectations may help reduce symptoms and stomach activity.
A study suggests that a diet high in vegetables can inhibit the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty plaques build up in blood vessel walls. Researchers found that mice fed a vegetable-rich diet had smaller plaque buildup and improved cholesterol levels compared to those on a vegetable-free diet.
A new study reveals that post-operative radiation therapy improves overall survival in select lung cancer patients whose disease has spread to regional lymph nodes. This is the first significant increase in survival rate since previous studies used outdated equipment.
A recent animal study found that trans fat consumption can lead to weight gain despite controlled calorie intake. The study, led by Kylie Kavanagh and Lawrence L. Rudel, discovered that male monkeys fed a western-style diet rich in trans fat gained 7.2% more body weight compared to those on a monounsaturated fat diet.
A new study found that a clot-busting drug can revive cardiac arrest patients with a 26% success rate, compared to 12% for standard therapy. The treatment, tenecteplase, was administered to 50 patients who didn't respond to standard therapy and showed improved overall survival.
Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with better mental performance and reduced risk of dementia in older women. Women who reported drinking up to two or three drinks per day performed better on measures of global cognitive function, particularly in verbal skills.
A study of nearly 6,000 dementia patients and their caregivers found that younger, less educated, and more depressed caregivers were associated with higher levels of behavioral symptoms. Understanding the link between caregiver characteristics and patient behaviors may lead to more effective treatment options.
A study involving 10,635 students found Greek pledges who get drunk weekly have five times the risk of falling from a height and two and a half times the risk of experiencing a burn compared to non-Greek students. They also face higher risks of other injuries, including sexual assault.
Researchers successfully transplanted white blood cells from cancer-resistant mice into normal mice, eradicating existing and preventing lethal doses of new aggressive cancers. This breakthrough study demonstrates the potential for cancer-resistant-cell therapy to treat highly aggressive types of cancer.
The hospital's pediatric radiologists use 64-slice CT scanners with 2D and 3D images to evaluate pediatric trauma cases, providing a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This superior imaging method improves patient outcomes by helping surgeons decide whether to perform surgery or monitor the patient closely.
A recent study found that only 3.7% of parents received a referral to an appropriate community agency by their pediatrician due to childhood aggression concerns. Pediatricians cite difficulties in identifying local resources and insurance issues as major barriers.