Researchers found that drug combinations significantly reduced HIV levels in untreated patients, with at least 75% achieving a viral load of less than 400 copies/mL after 48 weeks. The study used three different drug combinations and found impressive changes in viral loads across all groups.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that smokers who knew they were genetically susceptible to smoking-related cancers were no more likely to quit than those who didn't know. However, the study also showed that this knowledge did not undermine motivation to quit, contrary to initial concerns. The research suggests tha...
A new study by Duke University researchers found that even small degrees of malalignment in knee surgery patients can cause dramatic alterations in pressures within the joint. Proper alignment is crucial for preventing future development of severe arthritis.
A study found that patients taking olanzapine were at risk of developing diabetes, including diabetic ketoacidosis, with severe symptoms and even death. The researchers identified 289 cases of diabetes linked to the drug, highlighting a potential link between atypical antipsychotics and metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that a simpler fibular-based reconstruction method is more effective in restoring knee stability than the combined tibial and fibular-based approach. The study used 12 pairs of fresh cadaveric knees to compare the benefits of both procedures, and results showed that the fibular-based method takes less time in the oper...
A study found that customizing HRT education materials can personalize risk versus benefit for individual women, increasing their confidence in decision-making. The intervention helped women accurately perceive their breast cancer risk and weigh its benefits against HRT.
A new analysis suggests that early statin use after a heart attack is only effective in patients with high cholesterol levels above the recommended guidelines. The study found no difference in mortality rates between those who received early statins and those who did not.
A phase II trial demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of an angiogenic growth factor in patients with painful blockages in the legs. Treated patients showed significant increases in peak walking times and improved scores in a blood pressure index, suggesting improved perfusion.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that beta-blockers provided significant protection to the brain and its functions in patients undergoing bypass surgery. The study analyzed medical records of 2,575 patients and found a 1.9% rate of adverse effects for those taking beta-blockers compared to 4.3% for those who did not.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a gene linked to male infertility in mice, which may also be associated with human infertility. The study found that the miwi gene plays an essential role in sperm production and its deficiency can lead to complete sterility in mice.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researcher Haifan Lin discovered that 63 percent of men with the overactive form of the hiwi gene are at risk of developing seminoma, a type of testicular cancer. The hiwi gene is highly correlated to seminoma, and its overexpression can lead to an increased risk of testicular cancer.
Scientists discover nitric oxide's active regulatory role in responding to tissue oxygen needs, enabling red blood cells to regulate blood flow. The findings explain why certain treatments fail or lead to adverse effects, offering new avenues for treating disorders such as sickle cell disease and pulmonary hypertension.
Scientists have solved the long-standing riddle of how nitroglycerin works by discovering an enzyme called mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (mALDH) that breaks down the drug. The team found that mALDH causes nitric oxide to be released from nitroglycerin, leading to tolerance in patients.
Duke University researchers have successfully transformed adult stem cells taken from fat into cells that resemble nerve cells. The new cells were grown in the laboratory using chemicals and growth factors, and showed promise as a potential treatment for central nervous system disorders. While further research is needed to determine th...
Duke University researchers found depression to be a significant predictor of worse quality of life and perceived shortness of breath in patients awaiting lung transplantation. The study suggests that treating depression could improve outcomes after lung transplantation, which could benefit patients with severe lung disease like COPD.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that revascularization procedures can improve outcomes for lung transplant patients with severe coronary artery disease. The study analyzed 350 lung transplants and showed a 88% survival rate for patients who received combined heart bypass, lung transplant surgeries.
Researchers have developed a new breast cancer therapy that combines heat therapy, chemotherapy, and fat liposomes to deliver drugs directly to tumors. The treatment has shown promising results, destroying tumors and saving patients' breasts from surgical removal.
A study by Philip Breitfeld shows that initial hospital treatment costs can top $75,000 per child, but the average cost per year of life saved is just $2,700. Insurers lack access to data to justify spending on curative cancer therapies, leading to denied payments for high-priced procedures.
A recent study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that toddlers and preschool children with Type I diabetes can successfully use insulin pumps with proper supervision. The study involved nine children who were treated with insulin pumps for seven to 19 months, resulting in improved blood glucose control and a significa...
Researchers found that fundoplication surgery, used to treat chronic heartburn, improves lung function and has a positive effect on bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) in lung transplant patients. The procedure prevents gastric acids from splashing up the esophagus and into the lungs.
The study found that patients given beta-blockers before bypass surgery had a 30-day mortality rate of 2.8%, compared to 3.4% for those not receiving the drug. The researchers also observed fewer instances of kidney problems and mechanical ventilation time in patients taking beta-blockers.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center investigated the impact of taste and smell deficits on cancer patients' weight loss and nutritional status. Adding flavor-enhancing powders derived from foods like cheese, bacon, garlic, and fruits showed promise in improving appetite and immune function.
The project aims to develop detection and classification algorithms for multi-modal inverse problems, enabling robots to sense invisible signals and trace them back to their sources.
Researchers discovered a protein enzyme called calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) that controls mitochondrial production in muscle tissue, leading to improved metabolic properties. This finding has the potential to develop new drugs that mimic the effects of regular exercise for individuals unable to exercise.
A new ultrasound technique called Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) imaging can detect and characterize breast abnormalities that are deeper and smaller than previously thought. The method uses high-frequency sound pulses to 'feel' the tissues, revealing differences in stiffness and mechanical properties.
A study of dialysis patients found that high pulse pressure is associated with a greater risk of death, contradicting the idea that lower blood pressure is better. Researchers analyzed over 37,000 patients and discovered that the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures can indicate mortality risk.
Researchers found that elderly patients are less likely to undergo invasive procedures such as bypass surgery and angioplasty after age 75. Despite a decline in procedure use among older adults, many elderly patients remain willing to consider these treatments when recommended by their physicians.
A study by Dr. Tong J. Gan suggests that better communication and a tailored plan can significantly reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after surgery. The analysis identifies key patient characteristics, surgical procedures, and anesthetic methods that increase the risk of PONV.
The new technology uses magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) to produce 3-D images of mice at unprecedented resolution, revolutionizing the use of mouse models in understanding human disease. Digital 'Visible Mice' will enable researchers to share and analyze animals electronically, facilitating collaboration across distances.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a link between nerve cell changes and the apolipoprotein E4 gene. Those with the APOE4 gene experienced more rapid loss of nerve cell functioning, leading to accelerated brain aging. This study may lead to new understanding of age-related memory loss and potentially sharper brains.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified chromosomal regions linked to the age at onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study found evidence for age-at-onset genes on chromosomes 10, 1, 4, and 8, which could lead to new avenues of research to delay disease onset.
Pre-term infants who received cycled light from birth and at 32 weeks postconceptual age grew more rapidly than those who received it later. The study suggests that a circadian environment is important for pre-term infants, and light can promote growth and healthy sleep patterns.
A diagnostic scan called capromab pendetide immunoscintigraphy can detect recurrent disease if it is localized to the area of prior prostate surgery or has spread to other parts of the body. The study found that this imaging tool is more sensitive than CT and bone scans in identifying the site and extent of disease recurrence.
Regular intense exercise over nine months improved glucose metabolism in overweight individuals, with benefits persisting after cessation. The study found significant reductions in insulin levels and improvements in cardiovascular health.
Studies found that denicotinized cigarettes can satisfy nicotine cravings and reduce smoke intake in smokers. The nicotine delivery method is linked to the sensory and habit components of smoking, suggesting a need for different techniques in comprehensive treatment programs.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have traced cellular pathways that enhance the action of antifungal drugs used to treat fungal infections in people with compromised immune systems. Combining fluconazole with cyclosporin or FK506 was found to potently kill fungal cells, and the team elucidated the molecular targets involved.
A new prostate cancer vaccine developed at Duke University Medical Center has shown promising results, boosting the patient's immune system to fight cancer. The vaccine, made from the patient's own dendritic cells, causes no adverse side effects and activates T cell responses against tumor cells.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that stem cell transplants performed within the first 28 days of life have a 95 percent success rate in treating newborn babies with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The early transplants also stimulate a more robust and effective immune system, with reduced stresses on the th...
The CECRE will create a comprehensive database on clinical research characteristics, including IRB review costs and funding sources. It will also develop a systematic framework for determining which projects require heightened scrutiny.
A study led by Joellen Schildkraut at Duke University Medical Center found that oral contraceptives with higher levels of progestin may be more protective against ovarian cancer than those with lower progestin potency. Higher progestin levels were associated with a significant reduction in risk, even for short periods of use.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that stress management techniques, when added to standard care, helped reduce glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. On average, the stress management group showed a 0.5 percent reduction on the hemoglobin A1c test.
Researchers found that steroid nasal sprays combined with antibiotics significantly improved sinusitis symptoms and reduced recovery time. A study of 95 adults with recurrent or chronic sinusitis reported a 93% cure rate using fluticasone, compared to 74% for placebo.
A new study from Duke University challenges the common assumption that small lung tumors represent early-stage cancers. Despite their small size, these tumors can still be advanced stages of cancer with a high chance of spreading.
A recent study at Duke University Medical Center found that letrozole, a new breast cancer treatment, was more effective than tamoxifen in shrinking tumors and reducing cell division. Patients taking letrozole showed significant tumor shrinkage and underwent fewer mastectomies compared to those on tamoxifen.
A recent study suggests that predators play a key role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The research, conducted on small islands with no natural predators, found that the absence of top-down regulation led to an explosion in plant-eating animals and herbivores, resulting in a collapse of vegetation.
Researchers found that troponin levels can accurately predict future heart attack risk, even when traditional measures are negative. The study suggests using troponin as a reliable indicator of cardiac cell damage, rather than creatine kinase-MB, to detect high-risk patients.
A recent study found that 2% of heart attack patients treated with thrombolytics had medical conditions that should have ruled them out, resulting in poorer outcomes. These patients were three times more likely to die and eight times more likely to experience bleeding complications.
The study provides strong evidence that several genes influence the development of late-onset Parkinson's and that age at onset and response to levodopa may be useful discriminators for genetic origins. Researchers detected evidence for genetic linkage to five distinct regions on chromosomes 5, 6, 8, 9, and 17.
A study led by Dr. Jeffery M. Vance found significant evidence of linkage between the tau gene and late-onset Parkinson's in three single nucleotide polymorphisms. The research suggests that normal variations in the tau protein may make individuals more susceptible to the disease.
Researchers found that diabetic patients with multiple heart disease risk factors have higher short-term death or heart attack risk. They are more likely to receive aggressive attention and may benefit from direct hospital admission.