Researchers have found that CD8 cells can stop human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in its tracks even when added to infected CD4 cells. This finding suggests a new approach to controlling the spread of HIV and could lead to potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that almost 60% of patients with low-risk heart attacks do not experience complications beyond three days. While shorter stays may save resources, the study suggests that the additional day is often unnecessary and costs hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
A new cost analysis at Duke University Medical Center found that comprehensive heart failure teams can reduce healthcare costs by over one-third. By shifting care to outpatient visits, these teams improve the effective use of medications, particularly newer agents, leading to a 37% decrease in total treatment costs.
The trial found that eptifibatide significantly reduced deaths and heart attacks by 40% within the first 48 hours of use. This represents a substantial improvement over the current standard treatment, abciximab, which costs $1,500 compared to $400 for eptifibatide.
A simple blood test identified patients who benefited markedly from glycoprotein IIb/IIIa platelet inhibitor drugs, showing a 50% improvement in risk of death and second heart attack. Patients with high troponin T levels were found to be at increased risk and benefit most from these drugs.
Researchers found that aggressive treatment strategies, such as re-administration of clot-busters and emergency revascularization procedures, can reduce mortality rates almost threefold. However, many patients continue to receive conservative therapy despite these newer therapies being available.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used a modified cold virus to deliver a nitric oxide-producing gene to key liver cells in rats, reversing portal hypertension. This approach may eventually prove feasible for humans suffering from liver cirrhosis.
A clinical trial revealed that regular aspirin was as effective as sibrafiban in preventing blood clots, while high-dose sibrafiban showed increased risk of death and second heart attacks. Aspirin's minimal risks make it a hard-to-beat option.
A Duke study found that physicians' personal beliefs about treating patients with diabetes didn't change despite being informed of an evidence-based treatment guideline. The study suggests a widespread problem in medicine where doctors rely on their own experience rather than new data.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that depressed heart failure patients are at a higher risk of dying and experience more cardiovascular complications. The research proposes a mechanism by which depression harms the heart, including diminished heart rate variability and stickier platelets that increase blood clotting
A study by Duke University Medical Center researcher Edward Suarez found that stress triggers an immune response in people with low serotonin levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Subjects with normal or high serotonin levels showed no increased immune response under stressful conditions.
A recent study by Duke University researchers found that moderate exercise alone can improve cholesterol levels and reduce body fat in mildly obese people, regardless of weight loss. The study showed significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including a decrease in LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol.
A recent study found that nearly one-third of patients with suspected stroke symptoms were not properly diagnosed or treated by their primary care physicians. The researchers emphasize the need for urgent evaluation and prevention measures to reduce stroke risk, as these early symptoms can predict future events.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed over 3,000 patients in triple-drug combination trials and found that those taking fewer pills had better treatment outcomes. Patients on simpler regimens with as few as four pills per day had significantly higher success rates compared to those on complex regimens.
A new study reveals that tiny increases in creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) can indicate heart damage and predict increased risk of death. Elevated CK-MB levels are associated with higher rates of stroke, shock, and other complications.
Researchers documented the earliest steps of tumor formation in mice and rats, showing that cancer cells can grow new blood vessels when just hundreds are present. The study suggests that angiogenesis inhibitors might be useful at the earliest stages of tumor development to prevent recurrence and spread.
Researchers found that cold temperature needed to preserve livers for transplant also kills sinusoidal endothelial cells, highly specialized liver cells. This discovery suggests a possible drug target and could lead to changes in liver transplant protocols.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered a biological mechanism in mice that prolongs morphine's painkilling effects by eliminating a protein switch called beta-arrestin 2. This finding may lead to the development of new drugs that enhance morphine's action and reduce side effects.
Duke University researchers have defined the distribution of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in human blood vessels, shedding light on potential new treatments for diseases such as high blood pressure and prostate enlargement. The study's findings suggest that aging processes alter receptor expression, making it crucial to develop targete...
For the first time, researchers have produced three-dimensional images of Alzheimer's disease plaques. The milestone was made possible by combining high-resolution magnetic resonance microscopy with powerful computers. The technique allows for non-invasive detection and study of plaque development in human and animal brain tissue.
A new cost analysis by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists suggests that selectively implanting stents in a more select group of patients could save the healthcare system up to $162 million annually. The study found that about 8% of patients wouldn't need a stent, achieving similar clinical success rates as stent insertion.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new treatment strategy for heart attacks, which combines clot-dissolving drugs with angioplasty to improve patient outcomes. The 'facilitated angioplasty' approach shows promising results, with higher success rates and reduced bleeding compared to traditional treatments.
A large study of over 9,000 heart patients found that obesity is associated with a younger onset of heart disease, longer illness duration, and reduced life expectancy. The researchers also discovered that obese patients tend to have more severe health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that elderly patients aged 75 and older who received angioplasty or bypass surgery lived significantly longer than those treated conservatively with medicines only. The study suggests that aggressive therapies may be beneficial for the very elderly, challenging traditional treatment guidelines.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that a brisk walk or jog three times a week may be just as effective in relieving symptoms of major depression as standard anti-depressant medications. The study showed significant improvements in all three groups, with exercise and medication showing similar results.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully transplanted discarded thymus tissue into two infants with DiGeorge Syndrome, restoring their immune systems and providing long-term treatment. The children's new gland has provided a normally functioning immune system that requires no long-term drug support.
A common intestinal parasite has rewritten the understanding of hemoglobin's evolution and role in nature. The parasite reveals that hemoglobin evolved primarily to handle nitric oxide rather than oxygen.
Researchers found that patients who previously received hormone therapy with tamoxifen, had no prior chemotherapy, and had limited metastases were more likely to live longer after high-dose chemotherapy with transplant. This study suggests that closely monitoring high-risk patients can improve treatment outcomes.
A study of heart attack patients in Latin America and North America found that those in Latin America received fewer diagnostic procedures and treatments, leading to higher mortality rates. The research highlights the need for further studies on practice patterns and outcomes in Latin America.
Researchers have developed a new method to identify and isolate stem cells from umbilical cord blood using an enzyme that changes a fluorescent tag. This technique could help investigate fundamental questions about stem cells and potentially improve success rates of stem cell transplants by eliminating unwanted mature blood cells.
Researchers have successfully reversed damage caused by Pompe disease, a rare inherited muscle-wasting disorder, in laboratory mice using a modified virus to deliver a therapeutic gene. The study's findings show promise for treating dozens of forms of muscular dystrophy and may lead to a continuous supply of enzyme production.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that heart patients experiencing wide emotional swings are more at risk for cardiac abnormalities, including myocardial ischemia. Doctors have tools like biofeedback and stress management to help patients control emotional swings.
Researchers found that tamoxifen causes the estrogen receptor to form a unique pocket that changes its response to the drug. New drugs targeting this pocket may offer hope to patients with breast cancer resistant to tamoxifen.
A study of nearly 4,000 elderly North Carolinians found that frequent religious attenders were 46% less likely to die over a six-year period. They also experienced greater social support and reported better mental health, which may contribute to lower mortality rates.
Researchers found that mast cells recognize harmful bacteria and alert the immune system to destroy them, clearing up a mystery about their role. Mast cells can also boost the immune system in people with weakened immune systems.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have delivered therapeutic genes to a rabbit's heart, boosting its function and increasing sensitivity to heart-stimulating drugs. The breakthrough is a key step towards developing a genetic treatment for congestive heart failure.
A study of 121 healthy young women found that those with low cholesterol levels were more likely to score high on measures of depression and anxiety. Researchers suggest that brain cells with low cholesterol have fewer serotonin receptors, which can lead to mood disturbances.
A pilot study at Duke University Medical Center found that bupropion SR combined with a 1,600-calorie diet resulted in significant weight loss among non-depressed women. The study showed a 6.21% weight loss in the treatment group compared to 1.56% in the placebo group.
A retrospective statistical analysis of patients with advanced breast cancer found no survival benefit from high dose chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. The study analyzed data from over 1,300 patients treated in the 1980s and early 1990s.
A recent study found that Duke Forest plots experienced a 25% growth increase over two years under high carbon-dioxide conditions. This suggests that forests could serve as a significant carbon sink, potentially offsetting half of the world's expected carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
Women are less sensitive to anesthetic drugs, waking up almost twice as fast as men when general anesthesia is discontinued after surgery. This may lead to a need for more anesthesia during procedures, impacting patient care and recovery time.
Researchers found that axillary lymph node dissection, a common surgery used to determine the extent of disease in early stage breast cancer patients, may not benefit a large number of them. The study concluded that knowing lymph node status was unlikely to affect survival and may not be worth the risks associated with the surgery.
A research study found that pregnant women who receive supportive counseling are more likely to stay smoke-free, but relapse rates remain high. Ongoing counseling is necessary to prevent smoking relapse in postpartum women.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have developed a novel bioreactor system that mimics the fetal environment to grow blood vessels from adult pig cells. The engineered arteries functioned similarly to native vessels and withstood blood pressures, offering a promising solution for treating heart disease.
Researchers found that tumor oxygen levels and blood flow are not predictable, which could hinder radiation therapy and drug delivery. The study's findings challenge previous assumptions and highlight the importance of measuring tumor oxygenation and blood flow in human tumors.
Duke University researchers found that angiostatin works by depleting the chemical energy needed for blood vessel cells to grow. This discovery offers a novel insight into the body's use of ATPsynthase as a power pack and suggests a new route to developing drugs to block tumor growth.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found an association between new hormone use and the occurrence of a second cardiac event in women with previous heart disease. The study suggests that hormone therapy may not be beneficial for women who already have heart disease, but may still be helpful for those without it.
Researchers analyzed over 5,000 angioplasty patients and found that 8-18% of stent implants were unnecessary, especially in men with shorter lesions. A simple angioplasty appears to work as well as implanting a stent, suggesting potential cost savings.
A study by Duke University researchers found that the longer a person used the popular diet drug combination fen/phen, the greater the likelihood they had a heart valve abnormality. Mild or greater aortic regurgitation was detected in 8.8% of patients who used the drug for three months or more, compared to 3.6% of a control group.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a new drug reduces the size of myocardial infarctions without necessarily reducing incidence. This challenges traditional trial methods that focus on reducing death and heart attacks.