A new handheld echocardiography device has been shown to detect heart abnormalities with minimal training, offering a major step forward in heart health screening. The device can reasonably detect left ventricular dysfunction and pericardial effusion, but may require additional training for other conditions.
Researchers found that patients who received intercessory prayer in addition to coronary stenting had better clinical outcomes than those treated with standard stenting therapy alone. Noetic interventions, including prayer and guided imagery, were shown to reduce adverse outcomes by 25-30 percent.
Researchers found that bovine thrombin causes an immune response similar to lupus in mice and can lead to post-operative complications. Bovine thrombin is a potent enzyme used in surgical procedures, but its use should be restricted to life-saving surgeries due to the risk of autoimmune responses.
Researchers found a link between higher levels of antibodies neutralizing toxins and better kidney function in patients after heart surgery. The study suggests potential interventions to protect kidneys from endotoxins released by bacteria during surgery.
A clinical trial found acupuncture to be as effective as the commonly used medication ondansetron in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Additionally, women who received acupuncture reported lower levels of moderate to severe pain after breast surgery, a surprising discovery that opens up new possibilities for pain management.
The study uses DNA microarray analysis to predict estrogen receptor status and lymph node involvement in breast tumors. This technique holds promise for improved clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies, potentially obviating the need for extensive surgery.
A study published in Obesity Research found that bupropion, an antidepressant approved for depression and smoking cessation, is effective for long-term weight loss in obese women. Women who took bupropion combined with a 1,600-calorie diet lost significantly more weight than those on placebo, with sustained effects for up to two years.
A Phase Ib clinical trial led by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists has cleared its first hurdle for a potential new treatment that prevents the formation of blood clots earlier than other agents. The drug inhibits Factor Xa, a pivotal clotting factor involved in blood clot formation.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified 10 genes that help cancerous tumors thrive under oxygen-deficient conditions. The discovery could lead to new treatments for deadly forms of cancer and has implications for other diseases like stroke and heart disease.
A new study has found that the rate of clots forming inside stents is three times higher than generally appreciated, with a 3.5% risk for patients with acute coronary syndromes. This finding may prompt cardiologists to rethink their approach to stent placement and consider alternative treatments to lower this risk.
Researchers have discovered a new antibody treatment that prevents severe lung injury in premature babies without using steroids, which can stunt brain cell growth. The treatment, anti-CINC-1, blocks the action of white blood cells and reduces inflammation, promoting normal lung development and function.
Duke researchers have identified caveolae, small pits on cell membranes, as a route of entry for various pathogens and toxins. This finding could lead to new avenues for treating infections and delivering drugs into cells.
Researchers found that humans possess two activated copies of the IGF2R gene, which helps prevent fetal overgrowth and cancer susceptibility. This genetic difference may make human cloning less complicated than other animals.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that feelings of abandonment, punishment, and alienation from God can increase mortality risk among the elderly. The research highlights the need for spiritual assessment and pastoral interventions to address chronic religious struggles in patients with major medical illnesses.
A new study at Duke University Medical Center reveals that depressed heart failure patients are twice as likely to die or be re-admitted to hospital within three months and one year. The researchers recommend testing for depression in all CHF patients to improve outcomes.
A recent Duke University Medical Center study found that women and the elderly remain underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, with only 25% of trials including women and 9% including patients over 75 years old. This underrepresentation undermines evidence-based care for all cardiac patients.
Researchers analyzed the lifting techniques of over 40 Special Olympics power lifters, finding that the sumo style is safer for the lower back and that better lifters keep the bar closer to their body. The study provides valuable insights for competitive power lifters to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
A study by Dr. Keith Berend found that fly fishermen experience lower back pain, hand and wrist pain, shoulder and knee pain, and elbow pain due to repetitive arm motions and standing for long periods. Improper casting techniques and carrying heavy gear can exacerbate these issues.
A new pilot study suggests that a combination of a low-fat diet and flaxseed supplement may be protective against prostate cancer. The researchers found significant decreases in cholesterol levels and testosterone, as well as lower proliferation rates and higher apoptosis rates in tumor cells among those on the diet.
Researchers at Duke University used nuclear genes to analyze genetic material from 15 mammal species, providing statistically unambiguous results in favor of the Theria hypothesis. This contradicts the Marsupionta hypothesis supported by mitochondrial DNA method, which links disparate animals like kangaroos and whales.
Red blood cells play a vital role in storing and releasing nitric oxide, a molecule that regulates blood flow and oxygen delivery. The findings could help improve understanding and treatment of diseases such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and high blood pressure.
Researchers found that aerobic exercise improved specific areas of cognitive function, including memory and executive functions, beyond what was expected after depression lifted. The study suggests that exercise may offset some mental declines associated with aging.
A Duke University study reveals that long-term genetic instability in cancer cells can be induced by stresses beyond DNA damage, including nutrient starvation and heat. This persistent genetic instability may play a key role in carcinogenesis and could help explain the large number of mutations seen in cancer cells.
The review analyzes all previous studies of St. John's wort as a treatment for major depressive disorder, finding it to be a promising drug but also raising cautionary notes about interactions with certain medications. Long-term effectiveness is still being determined through ongoing research.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified an imprinted gene called PEG3 on human chromosome 19, which is linked to ovarian cancer and gliomas. This discovery sheds new light on the role of imprinting in human disease and has implications for our understanding of autism.
A heat-sensitive liposome has been shown to triple the amount of an anti-cancer drug delivered to tumors in mice compared to other liposome-based methods. The liposome releases its cargo rapidly and effectively, increasing the functional concentration of the drug in the tumor.
A new study found that enrolling patients with chest pain in clinical trials takes an average of 8+ minutes longer than treating them directly. Despite this delay, researchers believe the potential benefits of participation outweigh the time difference, and doctors should enroll more patients in trials.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that artificially intensifying the heart's pumping action, known as aortic counterpulsation, showed modest but significant benefits for the sickest heart attack patients. The technique, combined with clot-busting drugs, reduced six-month mortality rates by 4% compared to treatment alone.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that dosing errors in clot-buster drugs may not be the primary cause of adverse outcomes. The study analyzed data from the ASSENT-2 trial and found that patients who received incorrect doses had similar mortality rates to those receiving the correct dose, suggesting confounding issues.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that African-Americans are 30% more likely to die from diastolic heart failure than their white counterparts. The study controlled for various factors such as age, gender, and disease severity, but the disparity persisted, suggesting a combination of genetic and treatment differences.
Researchers found that African-American Medicare patients received implantable defibrillator devices at one-third the rate of whites and women at less than half the rate of men. The disparity is significant, with defibrillators proven to be superior to existing medical treatments for severe cardiac arrhythmias.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that ACE inhibitors are prescribed in just over half the cases they should be, despite clear evidence of their benefits. The study's author suggests increasing physician education and implementing an oversight system to ensure patients receive the best treatments.
A study of childhood brain tumors found that children born in late summer or fall were more likely to develop medulloblastoma than the general population. Researchers also discovered a link between longer symptom duration for boys and lower stage of disease at diagnosis, potentially affecting diagnoses and treatment.
A significant number of patients use the internet as a source of medical information, with over 25% using it in the last year. Physicians should initiate dialogue early on concerning where patients should look for accurate, comprehensive and understandable online health information.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have shed light on the process of hereditary retinal degeneration, revealing that the death of rod cells ultimately leads to the demise of cone cells. This chain of events is an elegant demonstration of how the body compensates when one of its functions is compromised.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a gene responsible for hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis (HBID), a rare eye disease primarily among the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. The gene causes a 'founder's effect,' leading to abnormal growths on mucosal linings, affecting vision and bloodshot eyes.
A new study found that continued exercise significantly reduces the chances of depression returning, with only 8% of patients in the exercise group relapsing compared to 38% and 31% of the drug-only and exercise-plus-drug groups. Researchers suggest that exercise may be beneficial due to its active role in improving mental health.
Scientists create first bi-directional molecular motor by changing a single amino acid, disrupting the sense of direction in another. The discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding diseases caused by incorrect chromosome distribution during cell division.
A new trial will compare the effectiveness of three colon cancer detection methods: air contrast barium enema, traditional colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. The study aims to determine which method is most accurate, tolerable and cost-effective for detecting polyps and lesions in the colon.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers has found a possible genetic link determining which heart patients are more likely to suffer kidney damage after surgery. The research team found that the E-4 variant of the apolipoprotein APO gene, already implicated in Alzheimer's disease, appears to offer protection to the kidneys.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully used a heat-sensitive gene to slow down tumor growth in mice by 300-400 times over baseline. The gene therapy, which uses hyperthermia, also boosts the immune system's ability to fight cancer.
A 10-year study of 4,162 elderly adults found that whites are nearly three times more likely to be prescribed antidepressant medications than African Americans. The disparity jumps to seven times more likely if only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered.
A new diet study, funded by Duke University Medical Center, aims to test the hypothesis that reducing fat intake can halt or slow diabetes progression. Participants will consume specially prepared foods with Olestra instead of real fat, allowing researchers to study a low-fat diet independently from a low-calorie diet.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a tumor-specific antibody, Y10, that targets mutated protein found only in cancer cells. This antibody can eradicate brain tumors in mice and has shown promise as a potential treatment for human patients.
A study found that medical students' biases against black female patients with chest pain can affect clinical decisions. White male students rated a black female patient as having less desirable health status but considered the white male patient's coronary condition more severe.
A study by Duke University Medical Center has shown that blocking a key enzyme pathway can prevent the onset of heart failure. The researchers found that blocking ß-adrenergic receptor kinase (ßARK) after a heart attack preserves heart function, providing a promising new avenue for treating and preventing heart failure.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center uncovered evidence of genomic imprinting in marsupial opossums but not monotremes like platypuses. The study suggests that the 'battle of the sexes' theory for imprinting evolution may be supported by competition for nutrient allocation among young animals.
A drug used to help people quit smoking may also reduce cocaine cravings in rats, with results showing a reduction of over 40% in self-administration. Mecamylamine blocks nicotinic receptors, which are involved in generating feelings of pleasure and can contribute to addiction.
A study of 74 healthy African-American men found that hard-driving personalities can be beneficial when accompanied by job control and a fair amount of advancement opportunities. In contrast, those with little control over their workload and futures experienced increased cortisol levels, a stress hormone linked to health risks.
A study by Duke University psychologists found that specific drugs for treating AIDS, heart disease, and depression have foul or bitter tastes that can stop patients from taking their medication. This phenomenon affects not only nutrition but also mood and well-being.