A study in rats found that prenatal nicotine exposure leads to a decline in brain activity and loss of brain cells, worsening the effects of nicotine withdrawal. This may drive teens to self-administer nicotine, increasing the likelihood of long-term addiction.
Researchers found that hormone-sensitizing compounds can boost estrogen and progestin activity eight- to 10-fold, increasing cancer risk. Exposure to these compounds may be linked to reproductive toxicity, miscarriages, and irregular ovulation.
A Duke University Medical Center study found significant regional disparities in opioid use for back pain, with higher rates in the South and among lower-income and less-educated individuals. The study suggests that improving prescribing patterns is crucial for effective national policy.
A new analysis of 4,657 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery found that discontinuing beta blockers and ACE inhibitors can lead to abnormal accelerations in heart pumping known as atrial fibrillation. However, these medications also appear to offer protection against the condition. The study identified a risk index that c...
Researchers found that patients taking newer antipsychotics had less than one-third the incidence of violent behavior compared to those on older conventional medications. The study, which followed 229 patients with schizophrenia for two years, suggests that these medications may be more effective in reducing violence.
A new MRI technique allows researchers to capture moving images of blood traveling through vessels non-invasively. This technology can easily be applied to existing MRI machines, enabling real-time physician-scanner interaction and detailed analysis of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers equipped dendritic cells with genetic material from patient's tumor and PAMPs to break T-cell tolerance, enabling activation of immune system. This approach merges strengths of viral vaccines with ease of using patient's own immune system.
Defects in mitofusin 2, a critical mitochondrial fusion gene, underlie CMT type 2A. Gene therapy may alleviate symptoms by restoring lost gene function.
A genetic marker has been identified that predicts with 100% accuracy individuals at risk of severe adverse reactions to the anti-epilepsy drug carbamazepine. This discovery highlights the promise of pharmacogenomics in avoiding serious side effects and may lead to advances in clinical trials for new drugs.
A study found that exposure to terbutaline and chlorpyrifos in early development can lead to brain damage and increased susceptibility to pesticide injury. The combination of the two chemicals caused significant loss of brain cells and nerve cell projections, particularly in regions critical for learning and memory.
Researchers have discovered that the DNA copying enzyme, DNA polymerase, retains a "short-term memory" of mismatches and halts itself past the point of the mismatch. The study found that mismatch structures differ dramatically from previous indirect biochemical studies, revealing why stalling occurs.
Scientists have identified a key gene, FoxP2, that enables vocal learning in birds, which is similar to human language production. The researchers found that the gene is expressed in areas of the brain responsible for song production and learning, and its expression levels increase during times of song learning.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have demonstrated the feasibility of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) in humans, using arrays of electrodes to record brain signals and control external devices. The study showed that patients with Parkinson's disease and tremor disorders could use BMIs to play a hand-controlled video game.
Researchers found that alcohol enhances the rewarding effects of nicotine, leading to increased smoking rates. A potential new treatment involves using mecamylamine to counteract both nicotine and alcohol's effects, helping smokers quit both substances.
Duke University Medical Center researchers analyzed the forces at work during common basketball maneuvers and found that added arch support in athletic shoes can reduce maximum forces on the fifth metatarsal. This preventative action appears to relieve constant stresses and pressures, potentially preventing season-ending foot injuries.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a gene link between juvenile polyposis and high blood pressure syndrome. The study suggests that patients with the intestinal disorder should undergo genetic screening for vascular defects, as they are at risk of experiencing severe nosebleeds or strokes.
Cardiologists at Duke University Medical Center found that aggressive therapies such as anti-clotting drugs and invasive procedures were not used adequately in patients with conflicting blood chemical results. Patients with positive troponin levels had increased mortality, while those with elevated CK-MB but negative troponin did not h...
Duke University Medical Center researchers discovered a link between the level of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and coronary artery disease severity. Patients with multi-vessel disease had significantly lower EPC counts, indicating that these cells play an important role in protecting blood vessels from damage.
A study of over 15,000 insured patients found that less than half were taking beta blockers regularly after a heart attack. The researchers highlight the importance of long-term adherence to the drug for its benefits.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully reprogrammed human fat cells to become adult stem cells capable of forming bone, cartilage, and other cell types, providing a promising new approach for treating diseases such as osteoarthritis.
The SCD-HeFT trial showed that implantable cardiac defibrillators can reduce total mortality in patients with moderate to severe congestive heart failure. Patients who received an ICD had a three-year mortality rate of 17.1%, compared to 22.3% for those receiving placebo and 24% for those receiving amiodarone.
During the winter holiday period, heart attack patients admitted to U.S. hospitals have higher mortality rates and are less likely to receive effective treatments such as aspirin and beta blockers. The researchers believe that the U.S. healthcare system is not adequately staffed during the holidays, leading to reduced treatment options.
Duke University Medical Center researchers found a significant correlation between hospitals' adherence to national guidelines for treating potential heart attacks and improved patient outcomes. Hospitals in the top 25 percentile of adherence had a mortality rate of 4.17 percent, compared to 6.33 percent at lagging hospitals.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that state-mandated continuing medical education (CME) programs for physicians have little association with improved heart attack care outcomes. However, CME-required states showed a significant increase in the use of branded thrombolytic therapies, which may be influenced by ...
A study of 11,645 patients in community hospitals found that only 18.7% were transferred to tertiary facilities with invasive care capabilities within 48 hours, highlighting a crucial weakness in cardiac care delivery. Non-transferred patients were more likely to have comorbidities and receive suboptimal medications.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that C-reactive protein levels are not a reliable indicator of osteoarthritis due to their strong correlation with body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity. Instead, these proteins can serve as an indicator of a patient's response to therapy for osteoarthritis.
The sequencing of Ashbya's genome has shed light on the evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and provided insight into fundamental features responsible for fungal disease. The fungus' compact genome contains 4,718 protein-coding genes, with over 90% similarity to yeast.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that women with coronary artery disease are twice as likely to die if they exhibit symptoms of depression. The study analyzed the Beck Depression Inventory scores of 265 women admitted for a diagnostic cardiac catheterization and followed them for up to 3.5 years.
Researchers found that short-term stress combined with exposure to low-dose chemicals causes widespread cellular damage in the brain and liver of rats. The combination also promotes cell death, damages specific brain regions, and increases reactive oxygen species, which can lead to further damage.
A recent study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that having children increases the risk of obesity for both mothers and fathers. The research, published in the Journal of Women's Health, analyzed data from over 9,000 Americans and found that each additional child raises the risk of obesity by 7% for women and 4% for men.
Researchers have discovered a molecule that links drug-induced plasticity in one part of the brain to a mechanism underlying learning and memory in another. The study found that a specific protein, PSD-95, plays a crucial role in addiction and may also be involved in learning and memory.
A recent editorial by Ralph Snyderman emphasizes the importance of clinical research in advancing healthcare. The key element needed to define and monitor effective health strategies is clinical research, including translating basic scientific findings into medical treatments and evaluating patient outcomes.
Researchers found that younger children and smaller children have a lower risk of infection due to higher T lymphocyte counts, while low dendritic cell numbers correlate with increased risk. A closer cord blood match also reduces the risk of infection.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have confirmed that cord blood stem cells can differentiate into heart muscle cells and produce a critical enzyme to halt progressive damage. Additionally, cord blood transplants appear to slow or halt brain damage caused by metabolic diseases such as Sanfilippo Syndrome.
A new study found that nitroglycerin can cause long-term blood vessel damage in rats, leading to increased risk of heart disease and mortality. The drug's ability to dilate blood vessels was found to be short-lived, with mitochondria producing free radicals that can damage heart cells and blood vessel walls.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that virtual reality interventions significantly reduced symptom distress and fatigue in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. Participants reported a decrease in nausea and vomiting, as well as improved mental state, after using the technology.
Researchers used neural recording technology to find 'reverberations' of brain wave patterns after novel experiences, which lingered in areas for up to 48 hours. The study suggests that slow-wave sleep amplifies memory traces and REM sleep triggers gene expression for memory storage.
A study by Duke University researchers found that beta blocker therapy for heart failure reduces societal costs by $3,959 per patient over five years. The treatment also improves survival rates and reduces hospitalizations. However, the authors suggest that Medicare coverage of medication costs could increase benefits.
A recent study found that patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) often did not receive prophylactic therapy in the 30-day period prior to their diagnosis. The researchers also noted that physicians frequently prescribed older treatment methods instead of evidence-based drugs, such as low molecular weight heparin.
A randomized controlled trial suggests that modest exercise, such as 30 minutes of daily walking, can not only prevent weight gain but also lead to additional loss of weight and fat. The study found a dose-response effect between the amount of exercise and decreases in measurements of central obesity and total body fat mass.
A large trial found that interferon gamma-1b did not slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, but may improve survival in early-stage patients. The treatment's failure to prevent lung scarring was a major concern.
A team of Duke University Medical Center researchers found that patients with back pain incur significantly higher health-care expenditures than those without back pain. The study's results highlight the substantial economic burden of back pain, which varies widely across patients and demographics.
Researchers found that cancer cells release signals to nearby blood vessels to stimulate new vessel growth, while blood vessels release signals to sustain migrating cancer cells. This two-way dialogue allows cancer cells to survive and grow before new blood vessels form.
Research found a 10-20% point gap in vaccination rates between blacks and whites, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. The study suggests that culturally appropriate messages and additional resources are needed to improve flu vaccination rates among underserved communities.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, malcavernin, associated with the brain disorder CCM, which can be used to diagnose and treat the condition. The discovery provides hope for early detection and monitoring of the disease in families at risk.
The new device detects subtle changes in cells before tumor formation, enabling early detection and potentially improved treatment outcomes. It can image small breasts and axillary lymph nodes, and works without breast compression, making it more comfortable for patients.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a brain area, the posterior cingulate cortex, that plays a crucial role in weighing costs and benefits for decision-making. This region is also linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia.
Researchers created a modified poliovirus that targets and destroys cancer cells in the brain, but spares normal brain tissue. The virus uses a rhinovirus genetic element to trigger gene expression in cancer cells, but malfunctions in normal neurons due to lack of co-factors.
Breast cancer tumors that become resistant to tamoxifen over-produce a protein called MTA-1, which can be used to predict treatment outcomes and guide therapy selection. Testing for MTA-1 prior to treatment may help devise more aggressive strategies to combat breast cancer.
A small sample of seniors showed significant improvement in decision times, attention focus, and self-reported memories after four weeks of nicotine treatment. The findings suggest that nicotine patches could alleviate 'senior moments' in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.