Duke researchers found that coronary artery bypass surgery and angioplasty with stenting have similar long-term mortality rates. Despite reducing the need for repeat procedures, stents do not save lives, according to cardiologist David Kandzari.
A study of 354 elderly patients found that 59% experienced cognitive decline immediately after surgery, with declines persisting three months later. The study suggests that early improvement followed by later decline is a common pattern in postoperative cognitive function.
Children and adolescents with OCD benefit from a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, specifically sertraline. The treatment results in significant symptom reduction for 53.6% of participants. CBT alone is also effective, with 39.3% becoming nearly asymptomatic.
Researchers developed a genetically altered mouse model for Sjögren's syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder affecting 0.6 percent of the population. The Id3-deficient mice exhibited reduced tear and saliva secretion, lymphocyte infiltration, and autoantibody production, mirroring human disease characteristics.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have created a novel drug-antidote strategy that provides greater control of drug action. The breakthrough enables the development of matched drug-antidote pairs at the beginning of the drug development process, allowing for more precise treatment.
Researchers have successfully developed a gene therapy approach to treat peripheral arterial disease, stimulating blood vessel growth and improving perfusion in damaged leg tissue. The treatment also appeared to prevent programmed cell death, as the researchers reported.
Patients' travel distances for angioplasty care remain largely unchanged even if they're directed to high-volume hospitals meeting minimum procedure standards. Most patients with longer travel distances only face minimal increases, typically up to 25 miles.
Researchers found a significant increase in ischemic stroke risk with tamoxifen, but emphasized that the absolute risk is small. The study's findings suggest careful screening of women before prescribing tamoxifen therapy due to potential stroke risk.
A study found racial and gender differences in lipid profiles, with African-American women having the best distribution and white men having the worst. These differences can determine cardiovascular disease risk.
Heart failure patients face significant risks after major non-cardiac surgery, including high mortality rates and readmissions. The study, analyzing Medicare data, reveals a stark contrast in outcomes between heart failure patients and those with coronary artery disease or no heart disease.
A study of over 24,000 patients found that blood transfusions during hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome increase mortality rates. Patients who received transfusions were also more likely to suffer a heart attack within 30 days.
The study found that spring-fall flu shots were as effective as traditional fall schedules in protecting toddlers from flu complications. Additionally, the spring-fall schedule allowed children to receive their immunizations earlier and completed their vaccination process faster than those in the standard fall group.
Researchers identified gene clusters that predict severe disease severity and location of atherosclerotic lesions in human aorta samples. The study used DNA microarray analysis to reveal 208 genes associated with severe disease and 28 genes related to disease location, showing promise for personalized medicine approaches.
The study reveals that recycling endosomes transport molecular cargo to the neuronal surface after being drawn into the neuron, regulating long-term potentiation (LTP) and spine growth. This discovery suggests a unifying mechanism for understanding LTP and its role in learning and memory.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found a significant association between elevated CRP levels and negative psychological attributes. Respondents with anger, hostility, and mild to moderate depression had significantly higher CRP levels, associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that acupuncture is more effective than medication in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as decreasing pain levels. The study, which used electro-acupuncture, showed significant improvements in patient satisfaction and comfort after major breast surgery.
A study at Duke University Medical Center discovered the cln3 protein transports a vital lipid that is essential for normal cell function. The breakdown of this system leads to uncontrolled apoptosis in Batten disease, but the protein also plays a role in cancer, Alzheimer's, and AIDS.
Researchers found that recovering alcoholics show significant deficits in executive functioning during abstinence's first weeks, impacting treatment compliance and daily life. This impairment can last for weeks after quitting drinking, requiring clinicians to adjust expectations.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that Coxsackievirus A21 can cause polio-like symptoms in genetically engineered mice, as it bypasses the usual nasal cavity route and infects muscle cells instead. The findings have significant implications for the understanding of viral behavior and potential vaccine development.
A DNA mutation called 8-oxoguanine can evade detection by DNA replication enzymes, allowing it to persist in the DNA strand and potentially lead to stable incorporation of a lethal mutation. This discovery sheds light on how oxidative lesions affect DNA replication and has implications for cancer risk.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered molecular portals in dendritic spines of neurons that facilitate endocytosis of receptors. This finding reveals a previously unknown level of organization in the brain, with implications for understanding neural connections and memory.
A stage one trial found that fluoxetine plus CBT offered greater effectiveness in treatment than the drug alone for adolescents diagnosed with MDD. Combination therapy proved superior to fluoxetine and CBT alone, with a 71 percent response rate.
A study by Duke University researchers found that over a year, one in five elderly Americans filled prescriptions for at least one 'drug of concern', including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs with severe adverse effects. This highlights the need to improve education and screening of prescriptions to reduce risks.
Babies with complete DiGeorge syndrome, a fatal genetic disorder, are saved by a new combination of immune suppression and thymus transplantation. The technique reduces the risk of infection and allows infants to develop a functioning immune system.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy that combines a therapeutic gene with a genetic sensor to protect the heart from damage caused by reduced blood flow. The therapy, which was tested in rats, showed a significant reduction in tissue death and damage compared to untreated animals.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring genetic difference controlling brain serotonin production, which may explain psychiatric disorders and influence patient responses to SSRIs. The discovery sets the stage for new insights into the role of the serotonin enzyme and gene in animal behavior and human disorders.
The meta-analysis of 22,000 patients found that enoxaparin was more effective than unfractionated heparin in preventing combined rates of death or heart attack. However, the difference was not significant for major bleeding or transfusion rates.
Scientists have defined the protein components of DNA repair machinery that allows it to recognize and correct mismatches. The system uses a clamping mechanism to regulate an enzyme that excises faulty DNA strands.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that flies have distinct combinations of bitter-sensitive nerve cells on their tongue, allowing them to discern among different bitter tastes. This unique ability might enable flies to select the best food item among multiple suboptimal choices.
Patients with diabetes, females over 70, or obesity are more likely to develop postoperative mediastinitis caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Identifying these risk factors enables the design of preventive strategies.
Researchers from Duke University Medical Center used a common worm as a model to identify specific genes within Salmonella that enable the bacteria to infect host cells. The study found four genes required for maximum potency in infecting the worm, which are also present in human mammals.
Lapatinib, a new breast cancer drug, has shown promising results in shrinking tumors or slowing growth in 46% of patients. The medication targets both Her-2 and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGFR) receptors, which blocks cell signaling and inhibits tumor growth
Duke University Medical Center biochemists have successfully engineered a protein that can detect nerve agents like soman and sarin. The proteins could be incorporated into detectors, resembling smoke detectors, to provide early warning and monitor levels.
A Duke University study found that former smokers who quit for 15 years or more have no significant difference in healthy life remaining compared to non-smokers. Heavy smoking reduces years of healthy life by approximately two years for men and 1.66 years for women, highlighting the importance of quitting now.
Researchers found that COX-2 inhibitors significantly reduced postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, and allowed patients to return home sooner. The study showed a 21% reduction in opiate use and improved patient satisfaction with minimally invasive surgery.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully transformed human fat cells into functional nerve cells using a cocktail of growth factors and induction agents. The newly formed cells demonstrated characteristics similar to developing neuronal tissue and responded similarly to normal nerve cells under certain conditions.
An international team has defined a previously undescribed inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome caused by mutations in the ankyrin-B gene. The syndrome, distinct from Long QT Syndrome, is characterized by abnormal heartbeats and increased risk of sudden death, particularly among young people.
A recent analysis of lung cancer screening studies found that CT scans do not save lives and may even be counterproductive. The study's authors estimated that between 4.1 and 5.5 patients per thousand would die of lung cancer after screening, similar to the mortality rate without screening.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers found African-Americans have a significantly lower response rate to treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Only 19% of African-American patients responded to the drug combination, while 52% of non-Hispanic white patients achieved a sustained virologic response.
A recent study found that the gene TLR4 plays a crucial role in determining the lung's response to environmental toxins, particularly ozone. Mice with a functional copy of the gene were more susceptible to asthma-like symptoms when exposed to high levels of ozone.
Lung transplant recipients with specific TLR4 gene variants experienced reduced acute rejection rates, suggesting a novel approach to preventing transplant rejection. Researchers believe this finding could lead to improved patient outcomes and survival rates.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a protein called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF-1) as the master switch that enables blood vessels to survive and nourish remaining cancer cells after radiation therapy. By suppressing HIF-1 with experimental drugs, they successfully inhibited tumor growth in animals.
A randomized, controlled trial found that a low-carb diet with vitamin supplements led to greater weight loss, body fat reduction, and improved cholesterol levels than a low-fat diet. However, the low-carb group experienced more adverse physical effects.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that cord blood stem cells can halt disease progression and aid repair in organs and tissues, improving survival rates and reducing complications. Children treated with cord blood transplants showed significant cognitive gains and improvements in organ function.
A large-scale national trial led by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that exercising reduced the risk of death and non-fatal heart attacks in heart attack patients who were depressed or socially isolated. The study followed 2,078 patients and compared their outcomes to those who did not exercise.
Researchers found that an enzyme called superoxide dismutase helps prevent inflammation and promotes lung development in premature infants. This discovery could lead to improved treatments to alleviate chronic lung disease and preserve lung function.
Research suggests that elevated cytokine levels in pregnant women can predict premature birth, brain injuries, and respiratory disorders in infants. Social stress factors such as substance abuse, family violence, and poverty also increase the risk of poor outcomes.
Duke researchers found that slower rewarming reduces brain temperature and hyperthermia risks after coronary artery bypass surgery. This leads to improved cognitive outcomes for patients six weeks post-surgery. A seven-year analysis of 6,334 patients showed significant reductions in hyperthermic episodes.
A new analysis from Duke University Medical Center uses breast cancer data to develop personalized risk predictions and prognoses for individual patients. The study integrated traditional clinical variables with genomic information, including genetic fingerprints of a patient's tumor, to improve accuracy.
A simple, inexpensive blood test performed at birth can screen for immune disorders like SCID and increase survival rates. The test, which costs $50, identifies infants with a profound deficiency of lymphocytes and has been shown to be effective in identifying children with other immune disorders.