Researchers have created a colony of mice that can fight off aggressive cancer cells, shedding light on a previously unrecognized mechanism of host resistance. The discovery may hold promise for developing better therapies or prevention methods against cancer in humans.
Researchers found that a bacterial enzyme, peroxiredoxin, controls the balance of hydrogen peroxide in cells. The enzyme regulates hydrogen peroxide levels to prevent damage while allowing it to signal important cellular processes.
A recent study found that most women (72%) experience some level of pain during mammography, but this does not deter them from returning for follow-up screening. The study also discovered a link between the timing of mammograms and pain levels in premenopausal women.
A recent study found that patients who have already had a silent stroke are at an increased risk of having another devastating stroke. The study, conducted by researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, also found that diabetes and high cholesterol levels can increase this risk.
The National Census found that only 3,407 adult day centers are operating in the US, serving primarily individuals with dementia and frail elderly. However, a staggering 5,415 new centers are needed nationwide to address the growing demand for long-term care services.
A Wake Forest study found a high level of food insecurity among farm workers, especially those with children. The researchers recommend that agricultural employers, health and social service providers, and churches provide access to higher quality food for farm worker families to prevent future health problems.
Researchers believe initiating hormone replacement therapy in younger women without advanced vessel disease can prevent heart vessel disease. However, delaying HRT may lead to ineffective or potentially harmful effects on older women with more advanced vessel disease.
A team of researchers has found that Trichostatin A significantly reduces excess protein in urine and spleen weight in mice with systemic lupus. The compound may have therapeutic benefits for humans with the disease, which affects up to 70% of lupus patients.
A recent study conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that weekly injections of the hormone 17-alpha-hydroxprogesterone caproate reduced pre-term birth risk by 34% in high-risk women. The treatment was also shown to be effective in African American and non-African American women.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that family-friendly policies should prioritize protecting work from disruptions and fostering productivity. The study suggests that learning opportunities at work can be applied at home, providing a more beneficial balance between work and family life.
ACAT2 is crucial for atherosclerosis development in mice, with nearly twice the cholesterol levels found in control mice. The study suggests that inhibiting ACAT2 may be a potential therapy for treating hardening of the arteries.
A novel treatment approach combining surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) has shown significant promise in improving survival rates for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. The study found that selected patients may benefit from improved quality of life and extended survival.
The Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) revealed that diuretic chlorthalidone is more effective in controlling hypertension than other drugs. The study, involving over 33,000 participants, showed that patients require multiple medications to manage blood pressure effectively.
Researchers at Wake Forest have identified a gene responsible for two rare kidney diseases, familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy and medullary cystic kidney disease Type 2. The discovery may lead to early detection and improved treatment options for affected individuals.
Researchers found that patients with diastolic heart failure have severely reduced exercise capacity and quality of life, similar to those with classic congestive heart failure. The study supports the existence of a second type of heart failure, highlighting the need for intensive research and treatment development.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that causes acute fatty liver of pregnancy, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Screening newborns can detect the disease early, allowing for treatment and preventing deaths.
A large study of older adults with heart failure found that those with diastolic heart failure had significantly higher mortality rates than those with systolic heart failure. Diastolic heart failure, which affects the heart's main chamber filling with blood, has a much higher prevalence among elderly patients and is responsible for mo...
Researchers found that 43% of participants with mild cognitive impairment had psychiatric symptoms, and 75% of those with dementia did. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and treating these symptoms to improve patient outcomes.
The international Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium will collect and analyze genetic data from 2,500 families worldwide to identify genes contributing to the disease. The consortium aims to clarify the complex interaction between genetics and environment in type 1 diabetes.
A research team led by Wake Forest and Johns Hopkins universities found that mutations in the MSR1 gene are associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer, particularly in African-American men. The study identified seven potentially important mutations of the MSR1 gene, including one that leads to rapid metastasis.
Researchers found that genes, rather than blood pressure or age, significantly impact heart function and the risk of developing diastolic heart failure. The study suggests that an individual's genetic makeup may be programmed from birth, determining their future heart health.
A study found that medical students benefit from enhanced teaching approaches to smoking cessation counseling, such as patient-centered techniques and role-playing. Despite this, many medical schools fail to provide adequate training, leaving doctors ill-prepared to help patients quit.
The Women's Health Initiative has stopped its trial on estrogen-progestin combination Prempro due to significant increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events. Women taking this medication will continue with regular contacts, exams, and mammograms.
A Wake Forest study shows that monkeys who drink heavily develop signs of liver disease, including oxidative damage and fatty liver, mirroring human conditions. The research aims to develop diagnostic procedures for humans using a similar animal model.
A Wake Forest investigator has discovered a new mechanism by which alcohol affects the brain, revealing a complex interplay between pre- and post-synaptic processes. The findings suggest that alcohol may be more effective in certain individuals due to variations in sensitivity to its effects.
A Wake Forest research team has identified a specific brain region, the thalamus, as being 'exquisitely sensitive' to alcohol consumption. The study found that this region produces characteristic spindle brain waves during stage II sleep, which are enhanced by low doses of alcohol but reduced later in the night.
A study by Troost found Botox to be an effective preventive therapy for headache treatment, with 92% of patients experiencing improvement after four treatments. This alternative approach can reduce medication use and side effects, offering a promising solution for debilitating headaches.
Researchers found HMO patients with capitation payment received 17% more health counseling and preventive services, but spent an average of 2 minutes less time with doctors. This study dispels fears about capitation payment's impact on quality care.
Researchers found that women with a common mutation in the estrogen receptor alpha gene had dramatic increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the 'good' cholesterol. This discovery suggests that genetic testing may help doctors make better decisions about hormone replacement therapy for preventing heart disease.
A long-term follow-up study of over 800 postmenopausal women found that stopping hormone replacement therapy resumes bone loss at a rate similar to those who never took the drugs. The study showed that while bone mass increased in the first 36 months after starting hormone replacement therapy, there was little gain after that.
A study found that hormone therapy slows atherosclerosis progression in monkeys with healthy blood vessels. Estrogen was most effective when given at an early stage, suggesting it may be less beneficial for women with advanced arterial disease.
A study of 641 older women with hypertension found that ACE inhibitor users had slower declines in walking speed and muscle strength. The results suggest that these drugs could be used to delay disability in older adults, potentially improving their quality of life.
A controlled study of 1,918 participants found that learning about cost containment incentives increased trust in their primary care doctor by 3% among those with increased knowledge. The results suggest HMOs can use financial incentives without harming the doctor-patient relationship.
A study on female monkeys found that stress can reduce estrogen levels, leading to the development of atherosclerosis and increasing heart disease risk. The research highlights the importance of pre-menopausal behavioral and hormonal conditions for post-menopausal health.
The Center for the Study of Pharmacologic Plasticity in the Presence of Pain at Wake Forest will study changes in the spinal cord caused by certain medicines and their impact on pain sensation. The research aims to develop new, effective pain treatments for patients with nerve injury or neuropathic pain.
A recent study found that social factors can significantly affect the survival rates of lung cancer patients, with African Americans facing higher mortality rates due to poorer physical performance and weight loss. The researchers adjusted for these factors in their analysis, finding no difference in outcomes between ethnic groups.
The center aims to increase opportunities for underrepresented minority researchers, educators, and clinicians in the biomedical research community. It also seeks to create a nationally recognized model for addressing racial and ethnic health disparities through campus and community partnerships.
A new theory proposes that exposure to ochratoxin A during pregnancy or early childhood can induce damage to testicular DNA, increasing the risk of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is more common among people of higher socioeconomic levels, who are more likely to breastfeed.
Scientists have successfully generated primate stem cells from an unfertilized embryo through parthenogenesis, demonstrating the ability to produce various cell types, including midbrain dopamine neurons. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's and Huntington's, heart disease, and diabetes.
Research shows that social hierarchy influences brain function related to cocaine addiction in non-human primates. Dominant monkeys exhibit reduced dopamine levels and lower likelihood of abusing cocaine after being housed in social groups.
A recent study found that blood pressure-lowering drugs have varying effects on heart attacks and strokes. Researchers argue that existing testing methods may not accurately reflect a drug's true effectiveness.
A two-year study of postmenopausal monkeys found tibolone improved bone mineral density while reducing cardiovascular risks compared to estrogen-based treatments. However, it may offer advantages in breast and uterine safety over other options.
Research finds that treating high-risk older adults with hypertension is more effective at preventing cardiovascular events than those with lower risk levels. The study suggests that doctors should not hesitate to treat patients with multiple risk factors.
A 250-participant study found that exercise programs reduced the risk of disability in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The results suggest that physical exercise can play a crucial role in maintaining independence and reducing disabilities as people age.
A pediatrician at Brenner Children's Hospital has received a $2.25 million grant to study a violence prevention program that aims to help clinicians address key areas during office visits. The program, which will enroll over 5,720 patients across 220 physician practices nationwide, seeks to maximize recruitment in minority populations.
A study of 44 North Carolina farmworkers found that 65 occurrences of green tobacco sickness, including nausea and dizziness, were reported over a 10-week period. The researchers believe the actual prevalence may be higher due to non-participating workers.
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) aims to determine if these two dietary supplements can protect against prostate cancer. The study will include 32,400 men across the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada, and will take up to 12 years to complete.
A Wake Forest University School of Medicine professor is evaluating the impact of managed care patient protection laws on patient attitudes, behaviors, and access to care. The study will assess six states reflecting a range of legal and market conditions through extensive interviews and quantitative research techniques.
The $54 million Substance Abuse Policy Research Program aims to produce information on ways to reduce harm caused by tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use. The program has awarded over 131 grants totaling $25 million, with a focus on public and private interventions to address substance abuse.
A study found that the cholesterol-lowering drug pravastatin reduced stroke risk by 20% in patients with heart disease or high cholesterol. The medication also showed benefit when combined with aspirin and blood-pressure-lowering drugs, providing a new approach to preventing strokes.