Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a low-dose combination therapy using cancer medicines to eliminate or prevent the immune response in children with Pompe disease. This treatment has saved the lives of four patients who were previously predicted to fail enzyme replacement therapy.
A study found that US patients treated for acute heart attacks were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days due to shorter hospital stays. This may be attributed to the US healthcare system's episodic care approach, which can lead to inadequate management of patients after discharge.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered naturally occurring variations of the TRPA1 gene that allows fruit flies to sense potentially dangerous discomforts, including heat and pain. The findings may have implications for understanding temperature sensitivity in humans and developing new treatments for conditions such a...
A comprehensive study of premature infants found that they harbor fewer diverse microbes than full-term infants, with harder-to-treat Candida fungus and harmful bacteria prevalent. The research highlights the importance of balance in the infant's gut microbiome and suggests that probiotic substances may be beneficial.
A team of researchers from Duke University Medical Center used genetic lineage tracing to study the origin of fibrotic cells in lung tissue. They found that pericytes, a previously unknown population of cells, are present in fibrotic areas and may play a role in the scarring process.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that surgery significantly improves short- and long-term outcomes in patients with heart failure caused by bacterial endocarditis. The study showed patients who underwent surgery had a lower mortality rate compared to those treated with medical therapy alone.
Researchers found that influenza viruses can circulate globally, with multiple urban centers acting as sources of seasonal epidemics. The study used RNA sequences from 2003-2006 and showed high rates of viral migration among cities, challenging the long-held theory that tropical areas are the only source of seasonal flu.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that hysterectomies increase the risk of early menopause among younger women. The research tracked over 900 women for five years and found that 14.8% experienced menopause, compared to 8% of healthy controls.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that financial reimbursement for cardiac imaging tests increases their use, with doctors ordering tests 50-100% more often when billed for both performing and interpreting the results.
A new study finds that White and Hispanic teens are more likely to abuse drugs than African-American teens, with marijuana being the most heavily used substance among teenagers. The study also reveals significant disparities in substance use disorders across racial and ethnic groups.
A new interactive training tool developed by a Duke University researcher has been shown to increase empathic responses from oncologists and improve patient trust. The computer-based tutorial provides feedback on recorded visits with patients, offering an alternative to expensive courses.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic variation in Staph bacteria that increases its ability to form bonds with fibronectin, leading to infections in implanted cardiac devices. This discovery has implications for preventing biofilm-related infections and could lead to new protocols for assessing risk.
A study of nearly 20,000 patients found that low values in three medical measures - median arterial pressure, median anesthetic concentration, and bispectral index - correlate with increased mortality risk. The triple-low combination was associated with a 2.5-times higher risk of death during the first year after surgery.
A recent study identified a protein called estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) that fuels the growth of aggressive breast tumors. Researchers found that targeting this protein with an experimental drug can inhibit tumor growth in cellular models, offering a potential new approach for treating estrogen-receptor negative cancers.
Researchers discovered three bile acids produced by gut bacteria that influence statin effectiveness in lowering cholesterol. This finding supports the role of the gut microbiome in drug response and metabolism, opening new avenues for targeted therapies and diagnostics.
In a groundbreaking study, monkeys trained at Duke University Center for Neuroengineering learned to control a virtual avatar hand and identify textures of virtual objects solely with their brain activity. This technology has the potential to restore tactile sensation and mobility to quadriplegic patients.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that same-day discharge after coronary artery stenting is safe for low-risk patients, but not commonly practiced. The study of over 100,000 patients suggests that better risk assessment tools are needed to identify high-risk patients who require hospital overnight stay.
Researchers found that exercise improves arthritis symptoms in obese mice without causing weight loss. Modest improvements could have a major impact on people affected by osteoarthritis. The study's findings contradict the long-held notion that excess weight is the primary cause of the condition.
A study by Duke University researchers found that zinc plays a critical role in regulating communication between brain cells, particularly in the hippocampus. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of memory formation and epilepsy.
A study of over 30,000 cancer patients found that up to one in five risk developing blood clots called venous thromboembolism (VTE), with risks nearly doubling after a year of treatment. VTEs can be deadly and costly, with average care bills exceeding $110,362 compared to $77,984 for non-VTE patients.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found a genetic variant associated with lower five-year survival rates after coronary artery bypass graft. The thrombomodulin (THBD) gene was independently linked to increased long-term mortality risk following CABG procedure.
Researchers have demonstrated a new HIV vaccine approach by designing an altered form of the virus's outer coating protein. This allows for better targeting of immature B cell receptors, leading to enhanced immune responses in animal models.
A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that Cryptococcus gattii is more commonly found in AIDS patients than previously thought. This distinction could lead to differences in treatment and clinical outcomes, as C. gattii may exhibit resistance to commonly used antifungal drugs.
A new study conducted by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that inserting intra-aortic balloon pumps prior to angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction does not reduce the scope of heart muscle damage, also known as infarct size. The study's findings were published online and presented at the European Soci...
A large-scale trial reveals apixaban's superiority over warfarin in preventing stroke and systemic embolism, while also reducing major bleeding and mortality. Apixaban results in a significant relative reduction in stroke and bleeding events, making it a more effective treatment option.
A new screening strategy for critical congenital heart disease (CHD) uses pulse oximetry to detect low oxygen levels in newborns. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations endorse the approach, which has already been adopted by New Jersey.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a mechanism linking chronic stress to DNA damage. Stress leads to prolonged lowering of p53 levels, which can cause chromosomal irregularities. The study used an adrenaline-like compound in mice and found that degradation of p53 resulted in accumulation of DNA damage.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new approach to treat inflammatory auto-immune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory agents use polymers to neutralize external nucleic acids that trigger an overactive immune response.
A study analyzing results from multiple international clinical trials of beta-blocker drugs found significant differences in survival rates among patients treated in different regions. US patients showed a lower survival rate compared to patients outside the US, while other countries demonstrated more substantial reductions in mortality.
A large double-blind study has shown that rivaroxaban is noninferior to warfarin for preventing stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study found that rivaroxaban use led to less intra-cranial and fatal bleeding, making it an attractive alternative to the current standard treatment.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University discovered the most likely genetic mutations on chromosomes 1 and 19 involved in oligodendroglioma development. These genes, CIC and FUBP1, are rarely mutated in other cancers, increasing the chances for effective combination drug therapy.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology has identified two distinct genetic subtypes of stomach cancer that respond differently to chemotherapy. The researchers found that one subtype, intestinal-type, is more responsive to certain treatments, while the other, diffuse-type, requires a different approach.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a molecule that blocks the damaging actions of Chlamydia by disarming its self-defense mechanisms. The therapy will disarm CPAF, a central weapon of Chlamydia, allowing the body to take care of the rest and ultimately lead to the death of the infected cell and the bacteria.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that donated red blood cells lose their key feature to diminish lifesaving power with storage time. This loss can lead to complications in critically ill patients, prompting a search for ways to optimize transfusion benefits and extend stored blood's shelf life.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that neighboring ependymal cells maintain a structure that keeps neural stem cells
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that addictive drugs may hijack the same nerve cells and connections as salt appetite in the brain. This could explain why addiction treatment with abstinence is so difficult, and offers new approaches to addiction research.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a possible new treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by targeting the invasive type of cell that leads to lung fibrosis. By reducing the production of hyaluronan and blocking its receptor, they were able to prevent fibrosis in living mice.
A Duke University Medical Center research team has discovered new proteins in blood cells of patients with advanced prostate cancer and metastatic breast cancer. These proteins are associated with embryonic development and may help doctors gauge the progression or response to treatment more accurately.
Brain cancer patients who exercise regularly live significantly longer than sedentary patients, with a median survival of 21.84 months compared to 13.03 months. The study provides evidence that exercise interventions may impact progression and survival beyond symptom relief.
Notch signaling pathway plays a crucial role in controlling the differentiation of airway basal stem cells, with high levels leading to secretory cells and low levels resulting in ciliated cells. The findings have implications for developing therapies for airway diseases, which are a leading cause of death worldwide.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that larger fungal spores are more virulent and can cause worse infections. The study suggests a new way to categorize fungi based on spore size, which could lead to developing new treatments for mucor infections.
A long-term study reveals that increased transport of live pigs has driven an increase in the diversity of swine influenza viruses found in Hong Kong over the past three decades. The study suggests that this rising diversity may lead to a higher likelihood of swine-to-human transmission, although the risk remains unquantified.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School have identified a new cell type that can sense and respond to the dengue virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing vaccines and treatments for the disease, which currently lacks effective therapies.
Men who are overweight or obese face a three-fold increased risk of cancer progression and more than a three-fold increased risk of metastases compared to normal-weight men. Obesity is linked to poorer outcomes in prostate cancer patients, regardless of treatment.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery significantly improved glycemic control in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, even before significant weight loss occurred. The study suggests that biochemical and hormonal changes related to branched-chain amino acids may play a key role in this improvement.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have determined the structure of a nuclease that will help understand several DNA repair pathways. This discovery is important for understanding mismatch repair pathway and other pathways related to cancer biology and aging.
In a one-year clinical trial, an investigational combination of drugs achieved unprecedented weight loss of up to 10 percent in obese individuals. The study found significant reductions in blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C, and inflammatory markers, as well as improvements in cholesterol and triglycerides.
Researchers at Duke University and Johns Hopkins University have identified a key brain switch that regulates neuron migration, which may help in early detection of schizophrenia and other conditions. The study suggests that up to 10% of psychiatric illnesses are driven by defects in this switch system.
A newly discovered hybrid gene is found to play a role in some stomach cancers, potentially fueling tumor growth and survival. The CD44-SLC1A2 fusion gene may be at work in up to 2 percent of stomach cancers and could lead to improved therapies.
A new study suggests that rare genetic variants are more likely to influence disease than common ones. Researchers sequenced the complete genomes of 29 people and found that functional regions of DNA were more enriched in rare variants.