A new biomarker called NGAL in urine or blood detects early subclinical AKI and its adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, allowing for earlier conventional medical interventions. The study's findings justify redefining what defines AKI and recommend using NGAL-based testing to improve prognosis.
A study by Dr. Ardythe Morrow at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that preterm infants with a specific genetic variant (FUT2) are more likely to experience bad outcomes, including death and sepsis. The researchers identified a link between low levels of 'H antigen' in saliva and increased risk of disease progression.
Scientists identify Fates-shifted protein as key player in Bicoid's degradation, leading to improper embryo formation and misshapen offspring. The study highlights the importance of understanding embryonic development in fruit flies for medical research into human disease and birth defects.
Researchers successfully created complex, functioning intestinal tissue in a lab using pluripotent stem cells, opening doors to unprecedented studies of human intestinal development and disease. The breakthrough also paves the way for therapeutic applications, including transplantation and drug absorption.
Researchers discovered a novel regulatory process in T cells that may help explain autoimmunity and immune deficiency diseases. The study found that disrupting this process leads to rapid T cell proliferation and death, compromising the immune system's defensive functions.
A clinical trial is underway at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to test a genetically reprogrammed herpes simplex virus (HSV1716) as a treatment for rare and aggressive forms of childhood cancer. The Phase I trial aims to assess the safety of the agent in young patients with solid tumors.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has been named a national Center of Excellence for Molecular Hematology to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic approaches for conditions like sickle cell anemia and leukemia. The center will also help speed the transition of new therapies from research to clinical trials.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center identified a molecular communications pathway influencing hematopoietic stem cell mobilization. Pharmacological inhibition of the Egfr signaling pathway increased stem cell mobilization in mice, suggesting a new rationale for targeted therapies.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified interleukin-17A as the chief culprit behind severe asthma-like symptoms in mice. The study found that blocking IL-17A production or targeting the complement factor 3 pathway can reduce airway hyper-responsiveness and inflammation.
Researchers found that viral infection of the heart is a predictor of heart transplant failure in young children and adolescents. The study suggests that rigorously screening transplant patients for viral DNA and RNA, and using intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, may improve organ survival.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center identified the protein CIB1 as a prime candidate for regulating cardiac hypertrophy. Over-expression of CIB1 triggers biochemical processes leading to cardiac enlargement and dysfunction.
A genetically reprogrammed herpes virus and an anti-vascular drug combination shrinks spreading distant sarcomas in mice, with significant tumor reduction and improved survival rates. Researchers achieved these results by using the virus systemically via injection, overcoming a major stumbling block in previous cancer treatments.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital researchers have identified molecular signatures that can classify the vast majority of patients with biliary atresia as inflamed or fibrotic. This helps determine the 'stage' of liver disease, allowing for tailored treatments and potential new therapies.
A new mouse model has revealed that a diet high in fructose and trans fats can lead to fatty liver disease with scar tissue. The study also identified potential biomarkers for early detection and suggests therapeutic interventions may reverse or protect against progressive liver damage.
The Registry for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (REGID) will help researchers conduct larger studies and accelerate the translation of research into better treatments. The registry aims to improve understanding and treatment of eosinophilic disorders, which affect thousands of US children.
A new study reveals racial disparities in emergency department documentation of sexual histories for adolescent girls, with black teens more likely to have their history documented than white teens despite higher STI incidence rates. This finding highlights the need for standardized care and attention to racial disparities in healthcare.
A new study finds that nearly 76% of pregnant Arab women have low levels of vitamin D, with many having insufficient dietary intake and limited sun exposure. This deficiency can lead to health issues for both mother and child, highlighting the need for urgent attention to prevention strategies.
New research reveals low-level prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is associated with deficits in motor and cognitive development for African American children. The study highlights a racial disparity in developmental problems, emphasizing the need for expectant mothers to be particularly careful during pregnancy.
Children with a specific dopamine receptor gene variant respond better to methylphenidate, a commonly used ADHD medication, according to a new study. The findings aim to improve treatment outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by tailoring approaches to each child based on their genetic profile.
Two scientific teams at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center are receiving a total of $2.3 million in research funding to continue studies on novel treatments for leukemia and bone marrow failure. The researchers aim to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting CDC42 and FA protein complexes to eliminate leukemia stem cells.
A study has identified two new proteins, MHF1 and MHF2, that are indispensable for the functional integrity of the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway. The research reveals how these proteins work together to bind to specific DNA structures and prevent or repair DNA interstrand crosslinks, which can lead to cell defects and disease.
A comprehensive clinical trial established an evidence-based approach for initial drug therapy of childhood absence epilepsy. Ethosuximide was found to provide the best combination of seizure control and fewest attentional side effects, making it a sensible choice for initial monotherapy.
Researchers have identified calcineurin as a critical enzyme in controlling normal development and function of heart cells. The near total absence of calcineurin leads to heart arrhythmia, failure and death in genetically modified mice.
Researchers identified a molecular repair pathway that involves white blood cells called macrophages responding to tissue injury by producing Wnt7b, leading to tissue regeneration and repair in injured kidneys. The study suggests the pathway may be important for tissue repair in other organs.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that the loss of a 'guardian angel' gene leads to premature birth due to altered signaling pathways in the pregnant uterus. The findings could lead to new strategies for treating and preventing prematurity.
Children exposed prenatally to tobacco smoke and during childhood to lead face a high risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study estimates that up to 35% of ADHD cases could be reduced by eliminating these environmental exposures.
Researchers have successfully transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice, allowing their developing red blood cells to produce a critical lysosomal enzyme and preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from Hurler's syndrome. This approach has the potential to improve treatment options for ...
A Lancet paper stresses the importance of accounting for background rates of adverse events to ensure accurate vaccine safety assessments. The study found that public concern over coincidental medical events can interfere with vaccine programs, even if the vaccine is not the cause.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center are creating a collaborative clinical care network to improve chronic illness care. The project aims to bring patients and providers together through social media infrastructure, enabling the sharing of experiences, opinions, comments, and questions.
Researchers have identified a genetic switch that causes excessive mucus in the lungs, shedding light on a medical mystery. The study found that a transcription factor called SPDEF regulates a chain of genes involved in mucus production, and blocking its influence may be a potential pathway for new treatments.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that inhibiting an enzyme in newborn brains stops a type of brain damage linked to cerebral palsy and death. The experimental treatment involves injecting a naturally occurring substance called plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 into the brains of newborn rats.
Researchers discovered elevated populations of NK cells in the bile ducts of infants with biliary atresia, which led to tissue damage. Blocking the Nkg2d receptor and depleting NK cells prevented damage to bile duct surface tissues.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a master regulator gene for early embryonic development of the pancreas and other organs. The study reveals that Sox17 acts like a toggle or binary switch, instructing cells to become either pancreatic or part of the biliary system.
A novel gene, ANKRD1, has been identified as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where the heart becomes weakened and enlarged. The study found three disease-associated variants of the gene in four male patients with DCM.
A study published by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center identified a critical gene, SHP2, essential for normal heart and skull formation. Neural crest cells' differentiation failure leads to severe anatomical and functional deficits.
A study reveals nearly two-thirds of children receiving routine interventional cardiology procedures may be treated with off-label pediatric cardiac devices due to lack of regulatory oversight. The devices were used for approved purposes in 63% of patients, with stent implantations being 99% off-label.
A study of nearly 1,500 newborns found seasonal occurrences of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, with peaks between April and July, suggesting environmental factors may contribute to the disease.
A study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that lower-income families and African-Americans have a lower quality of life after cardiac surgery. The Pediatric Cardiac Quality of Life Inventory (PCQLI) was developed to assess health-related quality of life in children and adolescents.
Researchers have identified a viral protein, VP16, as the molecular key that prompts herpes simplex virus to exit latency and cause recurrent disease. The study provides a molecular target for designing improved HSV vaccines and treatments, which could also be used in cancer therapy.
A study has discovered two distinct molecular pathways controlling Treg cell formation, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and chronic infections. The research suggests that bypassing a molecular breakdown triggering autoimmunity may be possible through the peripheral lymphoid system.
Researchers identified IFRD1 as a gene that modifies cystic fibrosis lung disease severity by regulating neutrophil function. Deleting IFRD1 in mice reduced inflammation and disease, suggesting potential new targets for treatment.
Researchers found a specific gene mutation that increases the risk of adverse side effects from immunosuppressive drugs used in kidney transplants. The study suggests a genetic approach to personalized screening and drug dosing could reduce toxicity and rejection risk in pediatric patients.
Researchers successfully used an engineered herpes virus to block tumor formation in mice by targeting and killing apparent cancer stem cells. The study suggests that early-stage cancer precursor cells with stem-cell-like properties may explain how some cancers form and are treatment resistant.
A global study found a genetic mutation in the RANBP2 gene increases risk for ANE, a degenerative brain disease. The study identified 12 families with the mutation, which accounted for 75% of familial or recurrent cases.
A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that magnets in children's toys can cause extensive medical complications worldwide. Most children who swallow multiple magnets do not receive timely treatment, leading to severe problems and even death.
Researchers found higher degrees of hyperactivity, aggression, and depression among boys with asthma exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Even low levels of tobacco smoke were detrimental to behavior, with a two-fold increase in behavioral problems for every doubling in exposure.
Researchers found a potential new cancer risk and path for testing treatments for people with Fanconi anemia. Restoring the FA pathway reverses irregular cell growth in HPV-positive cells and may reduce cancer risk.
A Cincinnati Children's study identifies a familial genetic cause for Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis (PAP), a lung disease causing labored breathing and respiratory failure. The research team proposes an inhaled GM-CSF aerosol as a potential treatment to correct surfactant levels, offering new hope for patients suffering from the condi...
Cincinnati Children's scientists have discovered a critical gene that regulates lung maturation and surfactant production in newborns. Deletion of the Foxm1 gene led to immature lungs and respiratory distress in mice, highlighting its importance for human health.
Researchers have generated a comprehensive genetic blueprint of a forming mammalian organ, shedding light on the genetic and molecular dynamics of kidney development. The study found overlapping gene expression between different structures, revealing a more complex picture than previously thought.