Researchers uncover the critical 'on-switch' enzyme Abl kinase plays a crucial role in activating the pathway preparing receptors on muscle cells to react to nerve impulses. This finding has broad implications for understanding neuromuscular diseases and developing targeted treatments.
Duke University researchers have successfully grown human arteries in a laboratory using 'immortalized' cells, overcoming the hurdle of human artery cells not being able to divide long enough. The team used the hTERT gene to extend the life span of smooth muscle cells, allowing them to form functional arteries.
A Duke University Medical Center analysis found that poverty is associated with worse short- and intermediate-term outcomes in heart disease patients, despite similar levels of care while in the hospital. Post-discharge factors such as poor diet, smoking, and non-compliance with medications contribute to these poorer outcomes.
Bevacizumab significantly extends survival time for metastatic colorectal cancer patients by shrinking tumors and inhibiting tumor growth. The study showed a median survival increase of five months compared to standard chemotherapy alone, with significant delays in cancer progression.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that muscle capillaries respond differently to exercise in men and women. Women's skeletal muscle increased in capillary density after 24 weeks of supervised exercise training, while men did not. Both genders showed similar improvements in exercise capacity.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that moderate exercise, equivalent to 11 miles of brisk walking or jogging per week, was preferred over high-intensity exercise. Participants in the supervised program tended to move towards a regimen more similar to the moderate group after completion.
Duke University researchers found that exercise reduces potentially harmful cholesterol levels in the blood. The extent of this benefit depends on exercise amount and intensity, as well as gender. After a five-year trial, they discovered that high-intensity exercise led to sustained benefits in HDL cholesterol for both men and women.
Research at Duke University Medical Center shows that physical inactivity leads to a significant increase in visceral fat, while high amounts of exercise can lead to significant decreases. The study also found that lower amounts of exercise prevented the accumulation of visceral fat but did not lead to improvements.
Duke University biochemists create sensor proteins that can specifically detect TNT and other chemicals, opening doors for medical and environmental applications. The researchers' computational design method narrows down possible structures to reasonable numbers with days' worth of calculations.
African American participants may resist behavior changes due to cultural discomfort. Researchers must consider socioeconomic status and acculturation levels when designing clinical trials. Culturally sensitive models can improve outcomes and build trust within the community.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a nerve cell receptor as necessary for initiating inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests that blocking the VR-1 receptor could halt the development of IBD in an animal model.
A study by Laura Svetkey and colleagues found that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, combined with regular exercise, can effectively lower blood pressure. The DASH diet was paired with traditional dietary and exercise guidance for the best results.
A large-scale prospective trial will determine whether exercise can reduce mortality for patients with heart failure or any other disease. The study, led by Duke University, aims to find out if exercise has an effect on reducing hospitalizations among heart failure patients.
A Duke team has identified two proteins, MIF and CyP-A, that are elevated in lung cancer cells but not in normal cells. These proteins may be potential targets for new therapies and a simple blood test to diagnose lung cancer without biopsies.
The study found a specific genetic risk factor, the J haplogroup, to be protective against Parkinson's disease, particularly in white women. The researchers also discovered that this variant is more common in people with lower incidences of the disease.
Researchers found a significant association between drops in blood pressure and mortality in patients who received protamine after bypass surgery. The study, conducted at Duke University Medical Center, suggests that even small blood pressure changes may be associated with increased risk of complications.
A study by Duke University researchers found that outpatient Mohs micrographic surgery is safe, with a complication rate of 1.64% out of 1,343 procedures performed in 2000. The results counter concerns raised by lobbyists and policymakers about the safety of outpatient surgeries.
A survey of Duke University students reveals nearly one in 10 experienced a blackout while drinking, with risks linked to lower GPAs and problem drinking. The study highlights the need for early alcohol-awareness training to prevent hazardous choices during blackouts.
Duke University researchers used a new statistical method called ordered subset analysis to identify a strong link between the GABRB3 gene and autism. By grouping patients with similar traits together statistically, they discovered a genetic risk factor that was missed by looking at the larger group.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that older patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery are more likely to suffer cognitive decline due to lowered immunity to gram-negative bacteria. Cognitive decline was particularly pronounced in patients over 60, suggesting that boosting immunity may improve outcomes.
A study published in Nature reveals a specific gene mutation causing inherited Long QT Syndrome, leading to fatal cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Researchers identified the E1425G mutation in ankyrin-B, a protein crucial for heart muscle cell function.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that older divers remain healthy enough to dive safely as long as they do not have any underlying lung or heart conditions. The study used hyperbaric chambers to measure the effects of carbon dioxide retention on older and younger divers.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that oxygen levels play a crucial role in transforming adult stem cells from fat into cartilage cells. Under low-oxygen conditions, the stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes, which can potentially repair damaged cartilage.
Researchers performed partial splenectomy on 25 children with congenital forms of anemia caused by abnormal red blood cells. The procedure showed promise in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, but does not address the cause of these disorders.
Researchers found that cardiac MRI technology can detect small areas of heart muscle death that are missed by traditional nuclear imaging techniques like SPECT. This is important because these microinfarcts can be early indicators of future severe heart problems.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment significantly reduced nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment resulted in a 48% overall decrease in nGER symptoms, with 74.5% of patients showing improvement.
A combination of DEET, permethrin, and pyridostigmine bromide may have inadvertently damaged Gulf War soldiers' testes and sperm production, according to a Duke University Medical Center study. The chemicals caused extensive cell degeneration and cell death in rats, leading to severe testicular damage.
A Phase II clinical trial has shown that an hemoglobin raffimer may be effective in reducing the need for transfused blood during heart surgery. The study found that patients treated with the agent experienced no significant negative side effects, except for elevated blood pressures, which were manageable.
Researchers discovered that tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells alter their traits and become responsive to Herceptin and other HER-2 targeted drugs. A new GlaxoSmithKline drug, GSK572016, shows promise in shrinking tumors resistant to both tamoxifen and Herceptin.
A new gene profiling technique could help predict which breast cancer patients will respond to hormonal therapies and which will require additional chemotherapy. The study aims to identify the cellular programs that must be engaged or shut off for aromatase inhibitors to be successful.
A sub-analysis of the ASSENT-3 trial data found that anti-coagulation drugs have different effects in patients with diabetes after a heart attack. Enoxaparin was recommended for acute heart attack patients with diabetes due to its lower risk of death and refractory chest pain compared to abciximab.
Duke University Medical Center researchers found that a new drug combination, combining eptifibatide and tenecteplase, speeds up and sustains restored blood flow to the heart. The study showed significant improvements in ECG readings, with patients receiving the combination therapy returning to stable levels within 55 minutes.
Researchers found that bone marrow cells can repair damaged vessels to reduce atherosclerosis in mice. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating coronary artery disease and could lead to the development of stem cell-based therapies.
Starting beta-blocker before discharge in heart failure patients significantly improves usage, reducing death and morbidity by over 35%. Early hospital-initiated therapy boosts 91% 60-day medication adherence rate.
A Phase II trial found that pexelizumab reduced the death rate in patients who received angioplasty, but not infarct size. The researchers suggest a new mechanism of action and plan further studies to explore its effects on patient outcomes.
A recent study at Duke University Medical Center found hospitals that adhere to established treatment guidelines for heart attacks have lower mortality rates. The researchers compared over 250,000 patients and found leading hospitals reported significantly better outcomes.
Researchers found that a flaxseed-rich diet inhibited tumor growth and reduced aggression in genetically engineered mice. The study suggests that lignans in flaxseed could play a role in inhibiting prostate cancer progression by influencing estrogen and testosterone metabolism.
A genetic variant in the NOS2 gene boosts nitric oxide levels, protecting against malaria disease. This trait explains why some people with malaria have mild symptoms and recover fully.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that exercise, regardless of intensity or fitness level, can improve cholesterol levels by increasing the size of particles carrying good and bad cholesterol. The study also showed that standard lipid panels may not accurately measure risk of heart disease.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that agreements between academic medical centers and industry sponsors rarely include provisions to protect researchers' independence, access to data, and editorial control. This can lead to compromised scientific integrity and a lack of transparency in clinical trials.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that using Doppler technology to guide fluid administration during major surgery improves outcomes. Patients who received Doppler-guided care experienced shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and less postoperative nausea and vomiting compared to those who received conventional care.
A recent survey of over 100 academic medical centers found that anesthesiology faculty members and residents have substance abuse rates of 1% and 1.6%, respectively, during their personal time. The most commonly abused medication is fentanyl, often discovered through overdose or by tracking dispensed drugs.
A new healthcare model is being launched at Duke University Medical Center, focusing on personalized health planning, coaching, and disease prevention. The initiative aims to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes by empowering patients to make lifestyle changes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a rare genetic mutation in sheep that causes large, muscular bottoms without excess fat. The 'callipyge' gene is imprinted, meaning it's only active in the offspring of the affected parent, and its discovery could illuminate how muscle and fat are deposited in humans.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a method to create a class of drugs with controllable effects, allowing for the creation of matching antidotes. The new approach uses aptamers, which are compounds made of nucleic acid that bind directly to target proteins, to inhibit protein activity.
Researchers found that a combination of these risk factors can increase violent behavior more than tenfold. Without any of these factors, those with severe mental illness were no more likely to engage in violent behaviors.
A recent study by Duke University researchers found that the Ras gene activates different signaling pathways in human cells, but not in mouse cells, to cause cancer. The study suggests a new protein target for anti-cancer drugs and highlights the differences between human and mouse cancers.
Researchers identified a novel class of G proteins in yeast that could play a role in sensing unique signals important for health and disease. The discovery offers potential for developing new drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors, which are involved in various diseases.
A genetic variant of an immune system receptor appears to simultaneously dampen the body's immune response to bacteria and other microbial toxins and provide protection against atherosclerosis. The researchers believe this discovery suggests a possible new approach to anti-atherosclerosis drugs.
Researchers have developed a new drug called O-nitrosoethanol (ENO) that appears to improve oxygenation in newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension, a potentially life-threatening disorder. The study showed improved oxygenation without adverse side effects, offering hope for treating other diseases of improper oxygenation.