The study found that administering eptifibatide in the emergency room or during procedures to open blocked arteries does not significantly affect patient outcomes for those at high risk of complications after a heart attack. Researchers also noted an association between earlier use of eptifibatide and non-life-threatening bleeding.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a missing enzyme that can resist the normal effects of a heart attack, allowing mice to retain nearly normal heart function. The findings suggest a potential therapy for stimulating blood vessel growth and preventing future attacks.
Researchers compared two groups of patients with coronary artery disease and severe heart failure, finding that surgical ventricular reconstruction made no difference in key clinical outcomes. The study's findings challenge conventional wisdom that making the heart smaller and more normal makes it stronger.
The study found that drug-eluting stents are safer and more effective than bare metal stents in preventing deaths and heart attacks. Over a two-and-a-half-year follow-up period, patients who received drug-eluting stents had a 25% reduction in death and a 24% reduction in heart attacks.
Researchers found that surgical ventricular reconstruction did not improve patients' survival or quality of life, but increased hospitalization costs. The study compared outcomes between patients who received bypass surgery alone and those with added SVR, revealing no significant difference in quality of life measures.
A study at Duke University Medical Center suggests that ovarian cancers detected early on may be slower-growing and less likely to spread than more aggressive forms. This finding challenges the idea of screening for ovarian cancer as a means of reducing mortality.
Researchers developed a prosthetic device that applies electrical stimulation to the dorsal column in the spinal cord, improving movement in dopamine-depleted animals. The device was found to be effective and less invasive than other alternatives to medication, with potential for widespread use.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have discovered two genetic markers that significantly increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in smokers. These variants, located near a nicotine receptor, may be reduced by quitting smoking before COPD symptoms appear.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have documented a select group of children who achieved long-term tolerance after completing daily doses of peanuts as therapy for peanut allergies. The study showed that the body builds tolerance quickly, with key immunologic changes observed in these participants.
Researchers found a new drug derived from magnolia trees to be effective in preventing blood clots without causing excessive bleeding. The Phase II study showed that the compound was generally well-tolerated and did not increase bleeding risk, even when taken with standard anti-clotting medications.
Duke researchers found that a blood-derived lymph node dendritic cell type plays a key role in developing acute T-cell responses. This discovery challenges traditional views on dendritic cell function and has implications for vaccine science and autoimmune disease therapy development.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a strain of laboratory mice with 'superhealing' powers that resist inflammation and arthritis after a knee injury. The study revealed the mechanisms of post-traumatic arthritis and could lead to therapies for this condition, which affects younger people.
The shift of clinical trials to developing countries raises questions about the scientific value and ethical implications for patients in the US. Researchers found that over half of study sites were outside the US borders, and companies were testing drugs in emerging markets without aligning with local health needs.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center reveals that delayed treatment for heart attacks using drugs alone is as effective as treatment with stents, offering a cheaper and less invasive option. The research found modest benefits in reducing chest pain but no long-term quality of life difference between the two approaches.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University have identified two genes with potential as therapeutic targets for malignant glioma, a deadly class of brain tumors. IDH1 mutations were found in over 70% of astrocytomas and olidgodendrogliomas, associated with longer survival times.
A study led by Duke researchers found that compendia used by oncologists and pharmacists to guide off-label cancer drug prescribing often lack updated information and inconsistent evidence. The compendia's varying methods of reviewing and updating evidence can lead to confusion and incorrect treatment decisions.
Researchers found that unrelated cord blood transplantation from a mismatched donor is effective in treating children with life-threatening diseases. The study showed low incidence of complications and improved access to transplant for patients with ethnic and racial minorities.
A randomized trial of 1,800 pregnant women with periodontal disease found that routine gum treatments do not reduce the risk of early delivery. The study suggests that treating periodontal disease during pregnancy is safe, but standard periodontal care is not enough to prevent preterm births.
Duke University researchers found that nicotine sends signals directly to sensory systems by several pathways, similar to how taste is perceived. They also discovered a previously unknown link between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and activity in the insula region.
Researchers found that ankyrin-B protein plays a vital role in stabilizing microtubules and anchoring dystrophin to the muscle membrane, preventing cellular damage and death. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of muscular dystrophy.
A genetic variation involving serotonin has been found to shape social behavior in rhesus macaque monkeys, which could provide a new model for studying autism, social anxiety, and schizophrenia. Monkeys with this variation spent less time looking at faces and were more risk-averse.
A study at Duke University Medical Center shows that seeing someone smoke can trigger abstinence efforts, highlighting the importance of breaking habitual responses. Brain scans reveal a marked increase in brain activity when quitters see photographs of people smoking, suggesting sensitization to smoking cues.
Researchers found that a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet resulted in a three-fold improvement in type 2 diabetes, with 95% of participants eliminating or reducing diabetes medications. This study suggests that cutting out carbohydrates can lead to significant reductions in blood sugar levels and weight.
Research found that gene expression and alternative splicing vary significantly between blood and brain tissues, with potential implications for understanding diseases such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's. The study suggests that genetic variation affecting splicing may be more relevant to disease than variations in overall gene expression.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that older adults use their brains differently when it comes to storing memories associated with negative emotions. Older adults have less connectivity between emotion-generating and memory regions, but stronger connections with the frontal cortex, which controls lower-order brain functions.
A new study by researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that over half of fertility patients are against implanting stored embryos in others, highlighting concerns about embryo disposition. The study surveyed over 1,000 patients and revealed previously unexplored concerns about their embryos.
A study at Duke University Medical Center found that ventricular assist devices (VADs) have high hospital costs and high early death rates among Medicare recipients. The study analyzed data on nearly 3,000 patients who received a VAD between 2000 and 2006, finding that only half were alive one year later.
Researchers have developed a model predicting recurrence in early-stage colon cancer patients and sensitivity to chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Gene expression analysis reveals specific patterns associated with higher cancer risk, enabling targeted treatments to prevent recurrences and improve survival rates.
Researchers found lactic acid is an important energy source for tumor cells and discovered a way to destroy hard-to-kill cells by preventing lactate delivery. Blocking lactate transport kills oxygenated cells that starve hypoxic cells, offering a novel approach to treating tumors.
Patients with moderate to severe heart failure who exercise regularly have a lower risk of hospitalization or death, according to a comprehensive study. The study found that exercise led to an 11% reduction in the risk of hospitalization or death for those in the exercise group.
A recent study found that the cost of treating colorectal cancer can range from tens of thousands of dollars, with newer therapies often costing significantly more than older agents. This variation in costs raises questions about access to care and the value of these treatments for patients.
Scientists have identified a missing-link molecule that explains the process of plasticity and could lead to targeted therapies for learning and memory. The discovery of myosin Vb, a molecular motor, reveals its role in delivering new receptors to synapses, strengthening connections between nerve cells.
A team at Duke University Medical Center has identified microsporidia as a sexually reproducing fungus that causes chronic diarrhea in AIDS patients and other host animals. The findings could help develop effective treatments against these common global pathogens.
Popular cholesterol-busting drugs statins appear to lower men's PSA values along with their cholesterol levels. However, it remains unclear whether statins prevent prostate cancer growth or just mask it. The study found that PSA levels declined by an average of about four percent after starting statins.
A CDC-funded study found that vaccinating new mothers and family members against influenza before a newborn leaves the hospital significantly boosts immunization rates. The 'cocooning effect' also protects unprotected children from the flu, which can be life-threatening to infants.
A study found that hospital rankings ignore patient demographics and comorbidities, penalizing hospitals that treat more vulnerable populations. The researchers suggest rethinking the ranking system to reward adherence to evidence-based treatment rather than a single score or ranking.
A study by Duke University Medical Center reveals that strong emotions and scents create lasting memories even when we're asleep. The researchers found that noradrenaline and odor cues are essential for memory formation, leading to changes in behavior upon waking.
A Duke University team presents a new way to explain the puzzling flash-lag effect by suggesting that humans accumulate information from retinal speeds to make accurate behavioral choices. The study found that lag time increases non-linearly with object speed, supporting this explanation.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that severely obese individuals who exercised just one hour a week reported better overall-quality of life and improved ability to perform daily tasks. Even small amounts of physical activity can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, regardless of weight.
A study by Duke researchers found that obese girls aged 9-13 who read an age-appropriate novel experienced a significant decrease in their BMI scores. The novel, Lake Rescue, included healthy lifestyle guidance and positive messages, leading to a -0.71% decrease in BMI compared to a control group.
Leading bioethicists argue that pregnant women should be included in research due to the potential risks and benefits. Studies have shown that excluding pregnant women from research can lead to a lack of effective treatment options for pregnant women with chronic diseases.
Nearly 20% of octogenarians studied had dysphonia, while 14% experienced painful swallowing. Despite expressing interest in treatment, many seniors lacked awareness and received inadequate care from primary care physicians. The study highlights the need for better education to improve quality of life outcomes.
Researchers have identified compounds that block the activity of a specific enzyme, preventing brain injury and improving survival in fruit flies with Huntington's disease. The findings could lead to better treatments for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers discovered a genetic connection between neurons and immune response cells in roundworms, showing that specific neurons can regulate immune responses. This finding could lead to new approaches to boost innate immunity against different pathogens.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that two common beta-blockers can stimulate a pathway that promotes cell survival and protects heart tissue. The study finds that alprenolol and carvedilol may have greater potential to repair the heart and prevent further damage.
A large study found that ICDs improve longevity without significantly affecting the quality of life for heart failure patients. Researchers monitored patients' quality of life scores over 30 months and found improvements at 3-12 months, but differences diminished over time.
Researchers analyzed 67 pediatric drugs, finding nearly 1 in 5 required label changes due to life-threatening adverse events. The study highlights the importance of post-marketing surveillance for pediatric safety.
A Phase II study found trends suggesting apixaban reduces heart attack, stroke risk but increases bleeding among higher doses, warranting further study.
Duke University researchers found that antipsychotic drugs may not work as previously assumed, and that the biochemical pathways linked to the D2 receptor may function differently than expected. The study suggests that targeting the beta-arrestin pathway could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.
Researchers have discovered that broken sections of chromosomes can recombine to form new types of chromosomes, leading to genome diversification. This process is mediated by repeated DNA sequences, which account for half of the human genome.