A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that emotional brain centers can dampen activity in executive centers responsible for memory tasks. The researchers used fMRI to examine how emotional distractions affect cognitive processing and found a 'see-saw' effect, where activation of emotional centers reduces activity in ...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a subtle 'backrub' motion in proteins, which could have important implications for understanding protein evolution and design. The study found that this motion is common in proteins frozen in crystals and may be even more prevalent in liquid environments.
Researchers found that academic medical centers have varying approaches to disclosing conflicts of interest to potential research participants. While some institutions focus on avoiding legal liability, others aim to provide more detailed information about the nature and implications of financial relationships.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that free HIV tests are more cost-effective in preventing infections, drawing in three times as many people for testing. The research showed that the cost of prevention dropped from $170 to $92 per person when testing rates increased.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a method to visualize the heartbeat of fruit flies, enabling them to identify genetic mutations associated with human heart disease. The team inserted a mutated gene into the fly genome and observed its effects, revealing similarities with human dilated cardiomyopathy.
A new meta-analysis of over 95,000 patients found that aspirin significantly reduces cardiovascular events in both men and women. However, the major reasons for this risk reduction differ between the sexes, with aspirin lowering the risk of heart attacks in men and stroke in women.
Researchers found that patients who consistently took aspirin had a 42% reduction in risk of death, while beta-blocker and lipid-lowering medicine users saw 37% and 48% reductions respectively. However, consistent use was low for these medications, with only 71% of aspirin users taking it regularly.
A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that patients with end-stage glaucoma consume approximately $2,511 per year in healthcare resources, compared to $623 for those with early-stage disease. Effective treatments at earlier stages can slow or halt disease progression, saving both patients and society from greater economi...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a crucial signaling pathway involving the protein Abi, which regulates actin filament formation in T cells. This process is essential for the T cell to attach to and target infected cells.
A study of nearly 30,000 patients found that 42 percent received doses outside the recommended range, with excess doses linked to increased risks of bleeding and mortality. The researchers suggest improving dosing accuracy could save lives and reduce healthcare costs.
Scientists have found that Golgi outposts, previously thought to play only a central role, are actually distributed throughout the length of growing dendrites. This discovery sheds light on how neurons sort proteins and regulate their growth, with implications for understanding brain development and neurodegenerative diseases.
A new analysis by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists found that low-dose aspirin (81 mg a day) significantly reduces death rates for postmenopausal women with heart disease, similar to higher dose aspirin (325 mg). Fewer than half of the 8,928 women in the study were taking any aspirin.
African-American patients with heart failure are less likely to receive implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), despite similar prescription rates for evidence-based medicines. The disparity is attributed to lack of access to care, limited availability of cardiologists and specialized electrophysiology training.
A mutation in ankyrin-B gene causes cardiac arrhythmia, leading to sudden death in young people. The disorder disrupts calcium balance in heart muscle cells, making patients vulnerable to arrhythmias.
A meta-analysis of over 95,000 patients found that aspirin significantly reduces the risk of stroke in women, with a 17% reduction in ischemic stroke and a 24% reduction in hemorrhagic stroke. In contrast, aspirin has no protective effect in men and may even increase the risk of bleeding strokes.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found that US heart patients receive blood transfusions 84% more often than Europeans and 38% more often than Asians. The study revealed wide differences in bleeding and transfusion rates among heart patients globally, with the US having significantly higher rates.
Researchers found that while adherence to recommended medications increased, physicians were slow to incorporate newer heart drug treatments, with a usage rate of 95% or higher representing successful adoption. The study analyzed data from over 113,000 patients treated at 434 US hospitals between 2002 and 2004.
Patients who received left ventricular assistant devices (LVADs) had a significantly longer average survival time of 10.3 months compared to 3.1 months without the device. The study found that 78% of patients died within six months and 90% within a year without LVAD support.
A Phase III clinical trial led by Duke University researchers found that edifoligide, a drug designed to prevent vein clogging in coronary bypass surgery, was no more effective than a placebo. The study showed that edifoligide had no significant impact on preventing neointimal hyperplasia, the process that causes veins to narrow and fail.
Researchers identified six gene variants associated with post-operative myocardial infarction following cardiac surgery. Collectively, these variants can explain 75% of the variability in heart damage, allowing physicians to identify high-risk patients and take precautions during and after surgery.
Researchers identify clusters of genes expressed at distinct phases of disease progression, linking chronic disease to body's repair machinery. The findings suggest stimulating or maintaining successful repair processes in heart patients could prevent atherosclerosis development.
Researchers discovered that paclitaxel can suppress TGF-beta activity and reduce fibrotic tissue formation in scleroderma. The study also found enhanced angiogenesis in scleroderma skin samples, suggesting a potential treatment pathway.
A new class of drug has been shown to reduce post-operative vomiting in 95% of patients, with no significant difference in nausea reduction compared to existing anti-emetic drugs. The NK-1 receptor antagonist was found to be well-tolerated and effective in preventing vomiting after surgery.
A new near-infrared laser device can measure brain oxygen levels with high accuracy and non-invasively, providing real-time information to protect the brain from reduced oxygen levels. This technology has the potential to improve outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries.
A study by Duke University Medical Center discovered a gene that is more active in obese individuals, causing skeletal muscle tissue and cells to store excess fat. Exercise can potentially change this gene's activity, improving energy balance and enhancing fat burning.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new monoclonal antibody targeting immune system B cells that shows promise in treating leukemias, autoimmune diseases, and transplant rejection. The treatment effectively depletes malignant B cell tumors and reduces circulating antibody levels.
A moderate exercise regimen, equivalent to 12 miles of brisk walking per week, can significantly improve fitness levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risks. The study found that even slight increases in intensity or duration yield greater health benefits.
Researchers found that mating between two less harmful fungal strains of the same sex produced a more virulent form, which has taken hold and is spreading. The fungus, C. gattii, infects individuals with normal immunity, causing symptoms like persistent headaches and coughing.
Duke University Medical Center researchers discovered that an immature egg's internal nutrient supply is critical to its survival. The study found that adding nutrients prolongs the life of eggs and depleting them triggers apoptosis, offering a new route to understanding and treating infertility due to egg death.
Researchers found that ICDs provide value in appropriate patients, but more research is needed to identify high-risk patients who would benefit most from the therapy. The study suggests that ICD use could be more cost-effective with lower implantation costs or extended device lifespan.
A meta-analysis of 13 randomized clinical trials found that pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) use did not improve clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure or those awaiting major surgery. The study suggests that PACs should only be used in specific situations where they can provide valuable guidance for treatment.
Researchers have identified a molecular defect in red blood cells as an important cause of pulmonary hypertension, a potentially fatal lung condition. A new therapy that replenishes SNO levels in the blood has shown promise in reversing the disease.
Researchers found a common genetic defect that prevents proper lung repair, increasing risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in families with a history of the disease. Smoking is also a major contributor to the disease, particularly among those with a family history.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that visceral fat buildup is a major consequence of inactivity. The researchers discovered that increasing exercise amounts can significantly reduce visceral fat, while even moderate exercise can prevent accumulation and reverse it in some cases.
Researchers found that a decline in prostacyclin led to cardiac complications, including hypertension and heart scarring, in mice prone to high blood pressure. Aspirin may protect against this damage by blocking unrestrained thromboxane actions.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to domoic acid levels below those deemed safe for adults caused lasting behavioral effects and impaired memory in rats. The findings imply that unborn children may be negatively affected by the toxin at levels not causing symptoms in expectant mothers.
Researchers at Duke University identified a novel virulence factor in Yersinia pestis using the C. elegans worm model, which mimics mammalian infection mechanisms. The discovery could aid in developing strategies to protect humans from plague and improve understanding of innate immune responses.
Researchers identified a genetic link between inflammation and an increased risk of stroke after heart surgery. A specific combination of polymorphisms in genes responsible for C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 was found to be associated with a higher rate of stroke in patients.
In a study published in Nature Neuroscience, researchers found that monkeys overwhelmingly preferred to gamble by looking at the 'risky' target, even when it yielded smaller rewards. The neurons in the posterior cingulate cortex of the brain were found to be signaling the monkeys' subjective valuation of the target.
A recent study found that diabetics who underwent ankle fracture surgery had significantly longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates compared to non-diabetic patients. The researchers estimated that diabetic patients experienced an additional day of hospitalization and costs approximately 20% higher.
A recent study found that certain drugs, such as sulfonylureas and acetaminophen, may counteract nitroglycerin's effects, increasing cardiovascular risk. The researchers discovered that a specific mitochondrial enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase, is crucial for nitroglycerin action.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a way to reduce phytate levels in animal feed, making it more nutritious. By understanding the biochemical pathway of phytate synthesis in plants, they were able to create low-phytate strains of feed grains that could improve nutrition and reduce environmental pollution.
A Duke University study found that obesity is associated with lower rates of mammograms, Pap smears, and flu shots among middle-aged women and the elderly. Despite knowing the risks, obese individuals are less likely to receive preventive services due to social stigma, avoidance of healthcare, and bias from providers.
The study found that complex gene-gene interactions are likely responsible for the development of autism. The GABA brain system is implicated in this process, with multiple genes working together to influence the disease.
Researchers halt Phase IIB/IIIA clinical trial of heparinase I due to higher incidences of negative side effects, including bleeding and infections. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for further research to develop an effective alternative to protamine.
Researchers discover that amphetamines can alter movement independently of dopamine, opening up new directions in the search for anti-Parkinsonian drugs. The findings suggest that drugs with similar chemical attributes might offer useful alternatives to current therapies.
Dopamine's prolonged effects may be key to understanding psychiatric conditions, which are characterized by persistently high brain messenger levels. Researchers found a second mechanism by which chronic dopamine affects the brain, possibly indefinitely.
Researchers find B-1a cells regulate innate immunity, while B-1b cells drive adaptive long-term response to infections. The discovery sheds light on vaccine action and potential insights into designing vaccines.
A global study found that the ability to discern bitter flavors likely offered a survival advantage by protecting ancient people from poisonous foods. The researchers also discovered that specific genetic variants confer increased sensitivity to toxins and beneficial compounds, with potential implications for human health.
CHAVI will focus on solving key questions about HIV interactions with the body and designing improved vaccines. The center will also evaluate promising candidates in small-scale clinical trials.