A study of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass found significant complications and increased risk of obesity-related health issues. The procedure requires major lifestyle changes and can be fraught with complications, highlighting the importance of weighing risks and benefits before surgery.
A study found that nearly 70% of women aged 50-64 and 40% of those 85-90 had received mammograms in the last two years, despite limited benefits. The research suggests that over-screening can be costly and wasteful, particularly for healthy individuals.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that women undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery exhibit poorer quality-of-life outcomes compared to men. After statistical adjustments for preoperative risk factors, the researchers discovered that women were at a higher risk of mental difficulties and anxiety following the procedure.
Researchers linked systemic nitric oxide production with changes in the endothelial lining of arteries after stress. Exercise was found to improve the marker in patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that mast cells trigger both the innate and adaptive immune responses by releasing TNF, which recruits infection-fighting T-cells and induces antibody production. This finding redefines how the immune system functions and may lead to new therapeutics for disease protection.
New class of drugs targets specific molecules within brain cancer cells, slowing growth and reducing side effects. Three drugs - ZD6474, SB431542, and AEE788 - demonstrate significant promise in treating glioblastoma and other types of brain tumors.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered two genetic regions linked to heart function and survival in patients with heart failure. The study found that genetic variations on chromosomes 13, 18, 2, and 4 affect cardiac function and survival, providing potential targets for new therapies.
Elderly Americans with heart failure consume significantly more healthcare resources than those without the condition, with average four-year costs of $27,822. Diastolic heart failure is estimated to be more prevalent in the elderly population and may require further study due to limited clinical trials.
A study at Duke University Medical Center found cardiac MRI can detect viable but damaged heart muscle, allowing for targeted treatment and improved outcomes. Researchers used cardiac MRI to visualize the beating heart, identifying areas of thinned muscle that could be saved with revascularization therapy.
A study found that 25% of patients who require emergency heart surgery after failed angioplasty are at risk of harm or death if delayed. The researchers estimated one to two patients per 1,000 angioplasties could be harmed by additional delays.
Researchers found that women with hypertension in the SYMPHONY trials received more and different agents to reduce blood pressure than men, yet showed no significant difference in blood pressure control. The study highlights opportunities for improving medical therapy and outcomes in women.
A new analysis of over 10,000 patients with unstable angina or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction found that the newer low molecular weight heparin enoxaparin improved outcomes compared to unfractionated heparin. The study also showed a reduced risk of death or non-fatal heart attack in patients treated with LMWH.
A study analyzing data from over 56,000 U.S. patients found that almost two out of three received glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors within the first 24 hours, resulting in a 2.7% in-hospital death rate compared to 4.7%. The researchers emphasized the importance of aggressive treatment protocols and adherence to established guidelines.
A study by Duke University researchers found that a fungus's ability to breach the immune system is linked to an enzyme called flavohemoglobin. The team discovered that this enzyme plays a crucial role in defending against nitric oxide produced by the immune system, and that disabling it can significantly reduce fungal virulence.
A study by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists found that patients with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure have similar mortality rates when treated with drugs controlling the heart's rhythm compared to those controlling the heart's rate. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 patients, also found no diff...
Leaders at Duke University Medical Center propose a new approach to healthcare that emphasizes personalized health planning and prevention. The plan aims to reduce disease risk by analyzing individual genetic backgrounds, lifestyles, and environments, and providing patients with customized health plans.
A recent study identified distinct genes linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease in families with average age at onset of 80 years or older. The researchers also found a region on chromosome 2 associated with early-onset Alzheimer's disease between ages 50 and 60.
Researchers found that donepezil increased levels of N-acetylaspartate and slowed hippocampal deterioration, leading to improved cognition. The study used magnetic resonance imaging to track brain changes among patients taking the medication.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a molecular mechanism that allows neurons to adjust their sensitivity to stimulation, a process known as homeostatic plasticity. This discovery provides long-sought clues to how neurons protect themselves during stroke, epilepsy, and spinal cord injury.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new treatment for degenerative eye disease, macular translocation surgery with 360 degree peripheral retinectomy (MT360), which has shown promising results in recovering reading vision in patients. The procedure involves rotating the retina to shift the degenerating macula ...
Researchers studied neurons in the olfactory bulb and found that they only undergo subtle changes in response to environmental stimuli. These findings challenge previous theories of brain rewiring and may offer insights into disorders such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
A six-month study found that eszopiclone significantly improved patients' ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and function well during the day. The results suggest eszopiclone has potential as a long-term treatment option for chronic insomnia.
Researchers identified a single gene, glutathione S-transferase omega-1 (GSTO1), as a key factor influencing the age of onset for both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study used genomic convergence to narrow down the genome region associated with age at onset, providing potential new targets for treatment.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Sharyn Endow at Duke University Medical Center has discovered the power stroke that drives molecular motors, which transport nutrients around cells or herd chromosomes during cell division. This breakthrough could help understand diseases like Down's syndrome and prevent them.
A study published in the American Journal of Managed Care found that guideline-based cancer pain management offers effective pain relief in 80% of patients compared to 30% effectiveness for non-specialty providers. The targeted approach ensures a pre-determined treatment plan, reducing variability and increasing patient outcomes.
A study conducted at Duke University Medical Center found that relief from poverty can lead to a decrease in frequency of psychiatric symptoms in children. The research, published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, suggests that removing family poverty is associated with improved mental health outcomes.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers demonstrates that training research coordinators on a human simulator prior to a complex clinical trial can significantly improve their confidence in their abilities. The training improved the coordinators' confidence levels, with an average increase from 5.7 to 8.12, and also led t...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have enabled rhesus monkeys to control a robot arm using only brain signals and visual feedback. The technology could lead to neuroprosthetic limbs for paralyzed people, and improve rehabilitation of those with brain and spinal cord damage.
Elevated G-alpha-i levels in aging hearts lead to decreased cardiac function, but beta-blockers show promise in reducing these levels and improving heart function. The study's findings suggest that targeting G-alpha-i could be an effective way to protect the heart from age-related decline.
A study found that disrupting PI3Kgamma preserves beta-adrenergic receptors on heart cells, leading to improved heart function and longer survival in mice. The loss of beta-adrenergic receptors contributes to heart failure, but this intervention may provide a new therapeutic approach.
Researchers found that middle-aged individuals with high blood pressure perform slower in certain tasks compared to older adults with similar blood pressure levels. Age-related decline in cognitive performance was not accelerated by high blood pressure, but rather associated with overall difficulty of the task.
A new clinical trial led by Duke University aims to compare the efficacy of two pegylated interferon treatments for hepatitis C virus. The IDEAL trial will enroll 2,880 patients and determine which treatment results in a sustained viral response in the largest proportion of patients.
Researchers will use gene expression profiling and other techniques to identify genes involved in asthma. The program aims to understand how environmental factors interact with genetic causes to affect the disease's progression.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new blood test that can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages using MALDI-TOF MS. The test targets serum amyloid A, a protein elevated in lung cancer patients' blood.
A new four-year study aims to explore the effectiveness of advance directives in mental health care, with over 500 patients enrolled. The study seeks to determine whether providing resources and support can encourage patients with serious psychiatric disorders to create legally valid advance instructions for mental health treatment.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a fruit fly pheromone receptor that plays a crucial role in courtship and mating. The study found that male flies lacking this receptor struggle to recognize females and initiate successful matings.
A new study suggests that patients with heart failure may only need one medication to target both beta-adrenergic and angiotensin receptors, rather than multiple blockers. This finding could lead to tailored treatment strategies for individual patients, reducing the risk of side effects.
A Duke University study found that adolescent rats who started using nicotine earlier had a higher rate of self-administration and continued to use the drug in adulthood. The researchers suggest that early nicotine exposure may cause lasting addiction by affecting brain development.
Exercising and losing weight can significantly reduce excess insulin production and lower blood pressure in patients with Syndrome X. The study found that overweight patients experienced a 47% reduction in hyperinsulinemia with combined exercise and weight loss.
The Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus (APPLE) trial will study the effect of statins on preventing buildup of fat in arteries. The trial aims to find a new method of preventing cardiac disease in lupus patients.
The Southeast Regional Center of Excellence for Emerging Infections and Biodefense (SERCEB) will develop new vaccines and diagnostics for orthopoxviruses, Bacillus anthracis, and Y. pestis. The consortium aims to address difficult problems in emerging infections with unprecedented speed.
Researchers found that moderate blood dilution can cause measurable kidney damage in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. The risk increases with patient body weight, and transfusions may also contribute to kidney injury.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that depression is a strong independent risk factor for death in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Depression was associated with a doubling of the risk of death during the follow-up period, regardless of other factors.
Researchers debated changes to cervical cancer screening guidelines as a vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV) showed promising results. The study found that vaccination combined with biennial screening was cost-effective and reduced cancer incidence and mortality.
A new study found that sexually active young women perceive themselves at low risk for contracting STDs, despite having similar risk profiles as women in higher-risk groups. The researchers highlight the need for healthcare clinicians to address these misconceptions and promote safer sex practices.
A study by Duke University Medical Center scientists shows that feeding pregnant mice common nutritional supplements can change the coat color of their offspring and reduce disease susceptibility. The extra nutrients altered gene expression without changing the genes themselves, using a process called DNA methylation.
The study reveals that nitric oxide alters protein interactions, leading to new insights into the underlying causes of disease and potential new therapies. The findings suggest that NO regulates a broad spectrum of cellular reactions, potentially underlining some disease symptoms.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully treated seven out of 12 children with complete DiGeorge Syndrome using a thymus transplant procedure. The transplants enabled the children's bodies to form new immune systems, leading to improved survival rates and reduced infections.
A new treatment approach blocks liver tumor angiogenesis by manipulating the Tie2 receptor. In mice with colon cancer metastasis to the liver, this approach shrinks tumors and extends survival. The mean survival time increased significantly compared to control mice and endostatin-treated mice.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered that age-related stem cell loss prevents artery repair and leads to atherosclerosis. The researchers found that bone marrow-derived vascular progenitor cells play a critical role in determining the onset and progression of atherosclerosis.