Researchers found that vitamin D supplements improved vitamin D levels and reduced falls in a five-month trial. The study suggests vitamin D may help maintain muscle integrity and strength, reducing the risk of falls in vulnerable populations.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have made progress in recycling human kidneys for transplantation. The team successfully preserved the micro-vessels and growth factors within discarded kidneys, paving the way for tailor-made replacement kidneys.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center identified brain regions activated during mismatches between expected and experienced pain. The parietal lobe and insular cortex were found to be involved in processing real-time mismatches.
Scientists develop a method to create replacement intestine tissue in the lab using a patient's own cells, which can help treat infants with short bowel and adults with large pieces of gut removed due to cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. The new technique also shows promise for engineering anal sphincters to treat fecal incontinence.
Researchers found that atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder, is associated only with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attack, increasing risk by 63 percent overall and higher rates in women. Atrial fibrillation has long been known to be a risk factor for stroke.
A research program led by Carlos M. Ferrario aims to unravel the mechanisms of novel peptides in heart disease and atrial fibrillation. The team will conduct studies to evaluate new therapies to halt the progression of heart disease.
A commonly prescribed antidepressant caused up to six-fold increase in coronary artery atherosclerosis in non-human primates. Researchers found that female monkeys treated with the medication developed three times more atherosclerosis than those given a placebo.
A new study found that kidneys from deceased African-American donors with two APOL1 gene renal risk variants failed more rapidly after transplantation. The study suggests that rapid genotyping of these donors at the time of organ recovery may improve transplant outcomes.
Researchers found that a blood test immediately after heart surgery can predict postoperative stroke risk, with elevated BUN levels being the most powerful predictor. This study aims to better assess stroke risk and reduce incidents, disabilities, and expenses.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that 27% of acne patients failed to get prescribed medications, with higher non-adherence rates for those taking multiple medications. Researchers suggest simplifying treatment regimens could reduce non-adherence.
The HEART Pathway, a new protocol, helps emergency departments evaluate patients with acute chest pain more efficiently. It has been shown to reduce cardiac tests, early discharges, and hospital stays while maintaining patient safety.
Critically ill patients who undergo early exercise experience marked improvements in lung, limb, and respiratory muscle function. Researchers have identified specific mechanisms by which exercise turns off pathways involved in muscle wasting.
A $14 million, five-year PCORI award funds the first statewide study of its kind to examine the effectiveness of comprehensive post-stroke care in improving daily function and reducing caregiver stress. The COMPASS study will compare patients who receive existing stroke treatment with those who receive comprehensive services at home.
A study of 210 primary care resident physicians found they rarely perform alcohol screening and brief intervention, despite its effectiveness in detecting and reducing unhealthy alcohol use. The researchers suggest that medical school curricula focus on binge drinking rather than chronic dependence.
A pilot study found that non-invasive neurotechnology HIRREM significantly reduced hot flash severity scores, insomnia symptoms, and depression in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study suggests that HIRREM may be a safe and effective treatment option for managing menopause-related symptoms.
A new imaging system has been invented to guide cancer surgery, allowing surgeons to detect malignant tissue in real-time. The system uses a fluorescent dye that localizes in tumors and a handheld laser to visualize tumor boundaries, reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.
Researchers found that insulin nasal spray improved short-term verbal and visual information retention in adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's. The study also showed significant benefits for those carrying the APOE-e4 gene, a risk factor for Alzheimer's.
A North Carolina-based study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center researchers found that local enforcement of federal immigration laws can have an adverse impact on the use of health care services among immigrant Hispanics. Rates of late and inadequate prenatal care increased significantly among Hispanic mothers compared to non-Hispan...
A study of over 4,000 non-diabetic Mexican-Americans reveals shared and distinct genetic contributions to insulin signaling and glucose response. The findings identify potential novel genetic risk factors for type 2 diabetes, highlighting the complexity of the disease.
Researchers found age-related differences in DNA methylation in 8% of genome sites, but most changes did not affect cellular function. A small subset of methylation changes were associated with altered gene expression and pulse pressure.
Children who start toilet training before age 2 have a three times higher risk of developing daytime wetting problems later, according to new research. Early trainers are more prone to subsequent voiding dysfunction due to holding stool or urine, reducing bladder capacity and causing nerve damage.
A pilot study found that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) significantly reduced headache duration and disability in adults with migraines. MBSR participants also experienced increased mindfulness and self-efficacy, leading researchers to conclude that the intervention is a safe and feasible therapy for migraine sufferers.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a successful method to keep blood vessels in lab-built kidneys open and flowing, overcoming a major challenge in the quest for human transplants. The new approach has shown promise in keeping vessels open for four hours, paving the way for longer-term studies.
A new cancer drug targeting mitochondrial function has been proven safe and showed some efficacy in a Phase I clinical trial for leukemia patients. The drug selectively shut down energy production in cancer cells, which can reproduce faster and repair damage from chemotherapy.
Researchers found that a flu virus can inflame nasal tissue and increase bacterial growth, leading to middle ear infections. The study suggests that the flu virus modifies the immune system's response to certain bacteria, enabling them to infect the middle ear.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have successfully mobilized stem cells to form muscle tissue within a biomaterial scaffold. The study, published in Acta Biomaterialia, demonstrates the potential for harnessing the body's natural healing powers to regenerate damaged muscle tissue.
A new study found that overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes who lose weight through dieting and physical activity can reduce their healthcare costs by an average of over $500 per year. Those in the intensive lifestyle intervention group had fewer hospitalizations, shorter hospital stays, and used fewer prescription medications.
Researchers found that girls with vulvitis were eight times more likely to have a lab-diagnosed UTI than those without vulvitis. Vulvitis may cause UTIs by altering the type of bacteria normally found in the area between the vagina and anus.
The iTAKL study aims to increase understanding of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury by employing imaging, cognitive testing and biomechanical data. The research team hopes to provide objective data that will help prevent, mitigate, identify and treat head injuries.
Researchers analyzed bladder biopsies from patients with suspected interstitial cystitis and those without the disease. The study found a significant difference in gene expression between low capacity patients and both normal capacity and control patients, suggesting a potential sub-type of IC.
A new study suggests that cholesterol-lowering statins may help people with Type 2 diabetes live longer, with a 50% increase in survival rate among those taking statins. The use of statins was the only modifiable risk factor identified to be protective against mortality.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that St. John's wort use was associated with 28% of potentially harmful combinations in analyzed data. The herbal supplement can reduce the effectiveness of various medications, leading to impaired treatment outcomes and increased risk of conditions like serotonin syndrome.
Research suggests that a systolic blood pressure range of 120-139 is optimal for reducing stroke, heart attack, and heart failure risk. The study found no additional benefit in lowering blood pressure below 120 for patients with hypertension.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center identified risk factors for hospital readmission in stroke patients, including prior diagnoses of congestive heart failure and cancer. The study found that stroke severity and number of hospitalizations within the year prior to admission were also significant predictors of readmission.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have successfully treated patients with recurrent lung cancers using a second course of radiation therapy, achieving a cure rate of over 70%. The innovative treatment approach uses precise targeting and high doses to knock the cancer back, offering new hope for these patients.
Researchers found that high-calorie snacks and sugar-sweetened drinks dominate the youth baseball scene, contributing to weight problems among children. The study suggests that parents and sports leagues should plan ahead and advocate for policies addressing snack and drink options.
A 20-year analysis of HIPEC treatment shows significant improvement in patient outcomes for selected individuals with advanced abdominal cancer. The median overall survival was 29.9 months, with a five-year survival rate of 32.5%.
A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examines the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment in older adults. The research found a strong association between low vitamin D levels and worse cognitive performance over time.
Researchers have successfully implanted laboratory-grown vaginal organs in four teenage girls with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, achieving normal function and structure over eight years post-surgery. The treatment shows promise for patients requiring vaginal reconstructive surgeries or those with vaginal cancer or injuries.
New research from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center suggests that physicians are ordering vitamin D deficiency screening tests for preventive care purposes. The study found that the number of diagnoses for vitamin D deficiency rapidly increased from 2007 to 2010, with older patients and females more likely to be diagnosed.
Scientists have developed a method to freeze testicular tissue in boys undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer, allowing them to preserve fertility. The study found that cancer cells were eliminated during the process of reproducing sperm-producing stem cells, making this option safe for future use.
Scientists have identified perivascular stem cells as a reservoir of HCMV, suggesting a potential treatment target. The discovery could lead to the development of novel targeted therapies to prevent HCMV re-activation and its associated complications.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that preserving a fallopian tube following an ectopic pregnancy has no significant benefit for fertility prospects. The research, published in The Lancet, compared outcomes between two surgical treatments: salpingectomy and salpingotomy.
A study published in Neurology found that women who survived a stroke had a lower quality of life compared to men. At three months post-stroke, women were more likely to report problems with mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression, with these differences diminishing at one year.
Researchers found that rare gene variants significantly increased the risk of hospital admission for severe asthma episodes and urgent outpatient visits among patients treated with long-acting beta agonists. Non-Hispanic whites with these variants were more than twice as likely to experience uncontrolled symptoms during LABA therapy.
A new study found that tag plays at home plate have the highest injury rate in professional baseball, occurring 4.3 times more often than other base-running plays. The researchers suggest adopting the collegiate rule to reduce collisions and protect both catchers and baserunners.
A study published in the journal Pain found that individual differences in grey matter in certain brain regions are related to pain sensitivity. People with higher default mode activity and better attention control tend to have reduced sensitivity to pain.
Researchers found significant differences in mechanisms causing high blood pressure in women compared to men. Women experience 30-40% more vascular disease for the same level of elevated blood pressure, highlighting a need for tailored treatments.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are using optogenetics to study the neurochemical basis of addiction. The technology allows them to control specific populations of brain cells using light, providing new direction on patterns of dopamine cell activation that may be most effective to target alcohol drinking.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that women and African Americans are at a higher risk of heart attack due to atrial fibrillation. The study found that patients with AF, especially women and African-Americans, have a more than double increased risk of heart attack compared to those without AF.