Researchers found that a deficiency in growth hormone and IGF-1 reduced cancer and kidney disease risk, but impaired cognitive function and accelerated cartilage degeneration. Lifelong treatment with growth hormone actually increased lifespan by up to 14.6%.
Dr. Waldemar Debinski has developed a novel treatment approach for glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, by targeting specific receptors on cancer cells. The therapy combines a form of interleukin-13 with a toxin that kills cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue.
A recent study published at the Central Surgical Association meeting found that success rates for kidney transplants are comparable regardless of donor and recipient age. The research suggests that using newer methods to match kidneys with recipients can increase organ availability for older patients.
Researchers have found that a combination of surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) improves overall survival and quality of life in patients with tumors of the appendix, small bowel, ovarian cancer, colon, rectum, stomach, and mesothelioma. The treatment has been shown to be effective for high-grade and low-grade...
Researchers found that African-American patients receive lower rates of cardiac catheterization for heart attacks compared to white patients, despite disparities narrowing over time. The study highlights the need for improved patient education and dialogue with medical teams to address racial disparities in healthcare.
Researchers examine the 75-year history of hormone therapy, including the Women's Health Initiative study that found increased risks of breast cancer, dementia, and heart attacks in women taking combination hormone therapy. The authors argue that conflicting interests between women, physicians, and drug companies have contributed to th...
A recent study found that consuming high amounts of dairy products and fruits/vegetables was associated with lower risk for functional limitations and disability. The researchers suggest that calcium and vitamin D from dairy foods, as well as antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, may play a role in reducing disability risk.
A large multicenter study will record injuries from non-lethal weapons like Tasers and bean bags, with a focus on documenting the severity of these injuries. The study, led by Wake Forest Baptist, aims to rate the safety of less-lethal weapons for the first time.
Researchers found that two drugs, risperidone and olanzapine, have the best evidence for effectiveness in treating dementia-related behaviors. However, these effects are modest and come with a risk of stroke. Non-drug therapies like music therapy and caregiver education may also be effective.
Researchers at Brenner Children's Hospital will conduct four clinical trials to find the best treatments for children with heart conditions. The hospital hopes to renew its participation in the network after two years, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatment advances and better health outcomes.
Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may help protect against cognitive decline and dementia in older women. The study analyzed data from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study, which found that women who drank one or two drinks per day scored higher on tests of cognitive function than those who drank less.
Researchers found depressed female monkeys exhibited socially withdrawn behavior, reduced body fat and disrupted hormone levels, similar to human depression in women. The study aims to develop new treatments specifically for females, who are 66% more likely to experience depression.
A national study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vaginal birth after a cesarean section (VBAC) is more dangerous for mothers, with higher rates of uterine rupture and endometritis. However, the risk remains small, and researchers recommend thorough counseling for women considering VBAC.
A study found that the renin-angiotensin system may be associated with physical function in older adults, and that ACE gene variants can affect exercise response. Additionally, researchers discovered a potential link between this system and cognitive impairment, suggesting new avenues for intervention.
Research suggests that abdominal fat is more closely associated with disability than overall body fat, even among normal-weight individuals. The study, which followed over 16,000 participants for nine years, found that high levels of abdominal fat increased the risk of difficulty performing daily tasks.
A survey of pediatricians found that only a few were knowledgeable about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with most citing concerns about side effects or delays in seeking medical care. Despite this, 87% of patients had asked their pediatrician about CAM therapies in the past three months.
Research from the Look AHEAD study reveals that individuals with diabetes who are overweight or obese have poorer control of cardiovascular disease risk factors. The findings highlight the importance of weight loss programs as part of preventing cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) improves mood, quality of life, and activities of daily living in patients with major depression. Sixty-six percent of patients showed significant improvement after ECT treatment.
Researchers found that patients who were diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain and then had heart events were older, more likely to be men, and had high-risk features such as high cholesterol. Further evaluation should be considered for these patients, says lead researcher Chadwick Miller.
Researchers found that adults with dyslexia who received phonics-based instruction showed significant improvements in reading ability, including gains of 6-23% in text reading and phonetic awareness. The study also revealed changes in brain activity associated with phonetic processing.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that intra-abdominal fat is a significant predictor of heart attack risk. Researchers discovered that as people age, fat tends to accumulate in the abdomen more than other areas, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
Researchers have found that a protein in brain waves is disrupted by chronic alcohol use, leading to sleep problems. This suggests new medications may improve sleep in chronic alcohol users and enhance addiction treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that a defect in RGS4 gene may cause schizophrenia-like symptoms, such as difficulty filtering out unimportant sensory information. The study uses mouse brain nerve cell circuitry to better understand the cause of schizophrenia.
A study using antibody microarrays measured levels of over 500 proteins in tissue samples from patients with epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, identifying increased signal transduction proteins as a possible new target for treatment. This discovery could lead to the development of new medications for these conditions.
Researchers identified a gene called PTPN1 that represses insulin response and is associated with diabetes. The study found a common variant of the gene increases the risk of diabetes in Caucasians, while another form appears protective.
A study of monkeys found that a high-soy diet did not alter menstrual cycle characteristics or ovarian hormone levels, suggesting that soy consumption may not affect fertility. The research confirms earlier findings that stress levels can impact ovarian function and fertility.
Researchers recommend baseline ultrasound screenings for men and women at high risk of stroke. The study found that carotid endarterectomy can reduce stroke risk by half in people with narrowed arteries. Regular screenings may identify pre-clinical vessel disease, allowing for preventive measures to be taken.
A study by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that the experimental drug Trichostatin A (TSA) significantly reduced atherosclerosis in mice. TSA treatment decreased aortic arch deposits and macrophage gathering, leading to increased plaque stability.
A new study suggests that using whole blood for priming in pediatric heart surgeries may not be the best option, as it can lead to increased hospital stays and costs. Reconstituted blood, which combines red blood cells and plasma, has been shown to be just as effective but with lower risks of bleeding and inflammation.
A study found that hormone therapy can limit heart muscle damage to 5% or cause permanent damage to 35%. Researchers are exploring how estrogen alone and other anti-inflammatory treatments may impact muscle damage. The study suggests different hormone therapies may have varying effects on postmenopausal women.
Two studies found that soy-based diets improved cholesterol levels and increased bone mass in monkeys, suggesting a potential benefit for premenopausal women. The research suggests that soy may provide a potent protection against cardiovascular disease and could help maintain bone health after menopause.
A new study suggests that low-dose estrogen therapy may be as effective as traditional doses in reducing atherosclerosis and improving cardiovascular health. Monkeys treated with low-dose estrogen had 55% less atherosclerosis than those not receiving the therapy.
A study found that parental approval of underage alcohol use is prevalent, but strict consequences and responsible parenting can deter teenage drinking. Parents who model moderate drinking behaviors may also teach their children the same.
A new cancer drug, SAHA, has shown potential in reducing kidney disease in lupus patients by inhibiting the onset of lupus-related kidney disease and decreasing spleen size. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and understand its anti-inflammatory properties.
The study found that pediatricians are treating more children with psychiatric problems due to chronic underfunding of the public mental health system. Many pediatricians felt unprepared to diagnose and treat anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for increased training and continuing medical education.
Researchers studied snake venom and found it blocks integrin receptors like human drugs, but leaves some activated. This may explain why some oral medications increase patient deaths – they don't bind to receptors inside platelets.
Researchers have identified strong evidence for a prostate cancer gene on chromosome 17, which is also known to harbor the breast cancer gene BRCA1. A separate study found that a variant of the MIC-1 gene, involved in inflammation, is associated with a decreased risk for prostate cancer.
Researchers found that angiotensin-(1-7) significantly slows the growth of three human lung cancer cells in laboratory tests. The hormone is thought to regulate cell growth by reducing rapid proliferation and increasing cancer cell death, offering a potential new treatment approach for lung cancer.
A new study has compared the efficacy of tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream in treating atopic dermatitis. The results show that tacrolimus ointment worked better for all severities of atopic dermatitis, including mild sufferers and severe patients. The six-week study involved 1,056 patients, aged 2 to 15, with mild to severe AD.
A new screening test for heart disease has been developed by cardiologists that measures blood volume in the leg to gauge artery stiffness. The study found that this non-invasive test was strongly predictive of aortic atherosclerosis, a key indicator of coronary heart disease.
Researchers found that high dietary levels of soy isoflavones do not stimulate cell growth and markers for breast cancer risk in postmenopausal monkeys. The study suggests plant estrogens may contribute to an estrogen profile associated with reduced breast cancer risk.
Research involving 14 young adults found that those who used tanning beds with artificial UV light experienced greater relaxation and lower tension compared to those without UV exposure. The study suggests that the release of endorphins in response to UV light may contribute to the reinforcing effects of tanning.
A new treatment using radiofrequency ablation has been shown to be effective in eliminating kidney tumors, with complete ablation achieved in 83% of patients. The treatment is particularly promising for patients who are not ideal candidates for surgery due to other health-related conditions.
A team of researchers has discovered that people with cystic fibrosis (CF) actually have very little mucus in their airways, contradicting long-held assumptions. The study suggests that the substance clogging CF patients' lungs is pus and that mucus may protect the airway from infection.
A study found that estrogen alone did not reduce the risk of dementia in older women, doubling the risk compared to placebo. Global cognition also showed no improvement and was even adversely affected in some cases.
A survey of 73 social workers in the Carolinas found that over a quarter reported similar comments from patient family members. The study suggests that hospice patients considering hastening death may differ from typical patients, with higher rates of cancer. Social workers can provide assessment and intervention to address these needs.
A study of over 500 smokers found a significant association between sequence variations in the macrophage scavenger receptor gene and airways obstruction. The researchers hope this discovery will help understand why some smokers develop COPD and improve treatment options.
A recent study found that diabetes-related mortality may increase in relative importance among the elderly population, with a 10% per year mortality rate among those with diabetes. The study suggests that prevention of diabetes among the elderly should be a priority, as demonstrated by the Diabetes Prevention Program.
Research suggests that laryngeal immune cells have a crucial role in tolerating inhaled antigens, screening for cancer cells, and preventing asthma. The study aims to understand how the lining responds to acid reflux or LPR and explore new diagnostic tools and treatments.
A new matching system allows use of kidneys from older, high-risk donors increasing the number of patients who can benefit from transplantation. Success rates are similar between younger and older recipients, paving the way for more elderly adults to receive kidney transplants.