A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that highly depressed individuals have reduced autonomic regulation of blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart damage. Exercise was shown to be an effective treatment to restore this function and improve heart health.
A study by Duke University Medical Center scientists found that habitual coffee drinkers experienced increased adrenaline, noradrenaline, and blood pressure when consuming caffeine. This heightened response can lead to damage in the heart over time.
Geneticists at Duke University have discovered the functional interaction between myc and ras, two cancer-related genes. The study found that mutated ras causes myc protein to accumulate in cells, enhancing its growth-promoting abilities.
Doctors at Duke University Medical Center have developed a treatment that can save most babies born with severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) by giving them a family member's bone marrow within the first 3.5 months of life. This approach has eradicated the need for toxic chemotherapy, sterile environments, and lengthy hospital stays.
Researchers successfully modified adenovirus, a common cold virus, to carry corrective genes to defective cells. The modified virus persisted for over two months in mice, overcoming a major barrier to widespread use of adenovirus as a genetic delivery vehicle.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine reveals that the DASH diet can effectively lower blood pressure, particularly among African Americans with hypertension. The diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, resulted in an average 13-point drop in blood pressure among participants.
A team of researchers at Duke University Medical Center has mapped a region of human chromosome 11 and identified a new gene, RRM1, that is believed to be responsible for the aggressive nature of lung cancer. The gene's role in DNA production and repair makes it a potential therapeutic target for improving treatment outcomes.
A study using genetically engineered mice suggests that Ritalin calms humans with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by affecting serotonin levels, rather than dopamine. The findings provide a new understanding of the drug's mechanism of action and could lead to more effective treatments for ADHD.
Researchers found that stray maternal cells in umbilical cord blood transplants can engraft and cause graft-versus-host disease symptoms. Treatment involves withdrawing anti-GVH medications, allowing the immune system to reject transient maternal cells.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that umbilical cord blood transplants can cure genetic diseases in children, with an overall survival rate of 68% and 80% success rate in patients under 2 years old. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to the successful outcomes.
A phase I trial has shown that adding mature stem cells to an umbilical cord blood transplant increases the success rate of transplants in children. The 'booster' cells were given to patients after growing in a laboratory setting for 12 days, and 19 out of 28 patients had successful transplants.
Researchers found that cord blood can restore bone marrow even with partial matches, offering hope to patients who need transplants. Four children received 'haplo-identical' sibling umbilical cord blood transplants and showed promising results.
Researchers at Duke University have identified 31 genes that react to cadmium exposure, including 22 previously unknown genes. These findings offer new insights into the toxic effects of cadmium and potential biomarkers for monitoring contamination.
A study of 22,454 patients found that most deaths occurred in the first two hospital days, suggesting that extended stays may not provide additional benefits. Hospitals could optimize patient care by providing necessary procedures within three days without compromising quality.
Drs. Jeremy Sugarman and Larry Burk argue that conventional clinicians have an ethical obligation to consider alternative medicine therapies, prioritizing patient autonomy, safety, and effectiveness. They emphasize the importance of respecting patients' choices while providing informed guidance.
A pilot study found that patient costs for care using perfusion imaging were almost half that of conventional treatment, with a threefold reduction in total hospital stay. This strategy can give emergency room physicians greater confidence in their decision-making, while also identifying patients who need further treatment.
A new analysis of PURSUIT data reveals women in Latin America and Eastern Europe receive less aggressive cardiac treatment and have higher incidence of heart disease deaths compared to men in similar regions. In contrast, women and men in North America and Western Europe receive comparable treatment and outcomes.
Patients with congestive heart failure who exercised had higher survival rates after four years compared to those who did not, with a 92% versus 64% rate of survival. The study's findings support the potential benefits of exercise for patients with this condition and underscore the need for further research.
Researchers found that administering the drug immediately improves patient outcomes and may alleviate the need for transfer to larger hospitals. The study's results support earlier use of eptifibatide in smaller community hospitals treating heart attack patients with unstable angina.
Researchers found that low SES patients experience worse quality of life after treatment despite aggressive cardiac procedures. They require significant lifestyle changes, physical rehabilitation, and medication management, which can be inaccessible or misunderstood by this group.
Researchers found that combining abciximab with two low-dose boluses of reteplase provided complete blood flow to up to 35% more patients than using abciximab alone or in combination with a single dose of reteplase. This new strategy may represent an exciting new step in treating most heart attacks.
A study at Duke University Medical Center found Hispanic heart patients experienced a median delay of nine minutes from symptom onset until receiving medical therapy. Despite differences in treatment, clinical outcomes were similar between Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients.
A case study published in JAMA reports a patient experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms after stopping valerian supplements. The researchers emphasize the importance of asking patients about herbal product use and providing open-minded care to address potential side effects and interactions.
A study of eight large clinical trials found that mammography screenings for women in their 40s add only about five days to life expectancy and may not significantly reduce breast cancer deaths. However, the overwhelming proportion of women experience no benefit from screening.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a low-fat diet can reverse type 2 diabetes in mice by reducing insulin and glucose levels independently of weight loss. The study suggests that foods high in fat, not sugar, are responsible for the onset of diabetes.
Researchers found that progestin activates apoptosis in the ovarian lining, preventing precancerous cells from becoming malignant. The study suggests that periodically administering progestin could be a highly effective preventive treatment for ovarian cancer.
Researchers found a strong association between the cystic fibrosis gene and chronic pancreatitis, revealing genetics plays a significant role in its development. The study's findings have significant implications for treating patients with this condition, including those who are not heavy drinkers.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center have created microbubbles that can be used to suspend helium gas, allowing for detailed magnetic resonance images of blood vessels. The technique combines strengths of several imaging technologies and could lead to non-invasive studies on vascular health, perfusion, and anatomy.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a molecular motor mechanism that divides genes during cell reproduction. The discovery provides clues to infertility and birth defects, such as Down syndrome, by understanding how chromosomes are separated during cell division.
The study found that Eptifibatide reduced heart attack and death by an overall 1.5 percent worldwide, with a significant effect even among patients already taking aspirin or heparin. The drug works by inhibiting the receptor that causes platelets to bind together and form a clot.
Researchers found that flooding in Venezuela's Lake Guri dam project isolated butterfly and ant species, causing some to thrive while others declined. The study highlights the complex effects of ecological disturbances and has implications for conservation efforts in fragmented landscapes.
The Duke scientists analyzed past climate changes and found that the region rapidly changed with even short-term climate fluctuations, making it susceptible to drastic ecological changes. The researchers expect that global warming will significantly increase temperatures worldwide over the next century, leading to shifts in air masses ...
Scientists at Duke University and colleagues found that high CO2 levels can increase tree growth rates, but the effect is likely temporary. The experiment, which mimics future CO2 levels, shows a 12% increase in forest growth, but growth rates are expected to decline over time as the forest adjusts.
Researchers at Duke University have found that transplanted skeletal muscle cells can mimic heart muscle, significantly boosting the ability of damaged hearts to contract. The therapy has the potential to augment current treatments and prevent further damage.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that biological differences and later diagnosis contribute to the disparity in survival between black and white prostate cancer patients. The study surveyed 231 men from North Carolina and ruled out unequal treatment as the root cause of the higher mortality rate among blacks.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center found that a combination of intensive, twice-daily radiation therapy and simultaneous chemotherapy can control cancer more frequently. The treatment resulted in a significant improvement in disease control and patient survival rates.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have shown that a new type of gene therapy can correct the defect in human blood cells, potentially providing a treatment for sickle cell anemia. The therapy uses ribozymes to edit defective RNA and could lead to a significant reduction in disease symptoms.
A study of 19 habitual coffee drinkers found that moderate caffeine use raises blood pressure by an average of five points, increasing the risk of heart disease. This effect occurs within an hour of consumption and remains elevated throughout the day.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that older patients with high levels of intrinsic religiosity recovered faster from depression than those with low levels. The study, led by Dr. Harold Koenig, discovered a significant correlation between higher religiosity and faster recovery times.
Duke researchers develop a molecular decoy protein that blocks the signaling pathway leading to heart cell growth in response to high blood pressure. The study provides a potential single-drug therapy strategy for treating congestive heart failure.
Researchers found that patients with poor diabetes control had depleted antioxidants, increasing the risk of complications. Taking antioxidant supplements like vitamin C or E may help prevent these complications.
Researchers found that choline supplementation during pregnancy led to increased memory capability in offspring, as brain circuits were primed to learn and retain new information. This finding has implications for pregnant women and their children, potentially leading to the development of dietary supplements to enhance memory function.
A new study led by Duke psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Davidson found that the anti-depressant drug venlafaxine XR is effective in reducing symptoms of GAD, including feelings of worry and tension. The drug was more effective than a placebo and a commonly used anti-anxiety medication, offering a new treatment option for this chronic disorder.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a novel vaccine that uses RNA and dendritic cells to target cancer cells. The vaccine stimulates an immediate and sustained assault on human cells in test tube experiments, showing promise as a universal cancer vaccine.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that hostile women experienced significant increases in blood pressure and heart rate when discussing an emotional event, while low-hostile women showed no such response. The research suggests that emotional stress may not be harmful for everyone, but rather poses a risk to those already ...
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that hostile relationships with family members can increase stress and depression in heart disease patients. Researchers suggest a new approach to managing heart disease, including conflict resolution training to reduce emotional stress.
Research shows that alcohol has a markedly different effect on the brain depending on age, with young people experiencing more significant impairments in learning and memory. Young animals and humans respond differently to alcohol, developing tolerance and sedation at a younger age than adults.
Duke researchers have identified a lung condition in breast cancer patients that can limit therapy choices if not treated promptly. The disorder, DPTS, is successfully treated with inexpensive corticosteroids, improving pulmonary function by 17%.
Two distinct brain regions are activated by faces, one specializing in rapid face recognition and the other responding to eye and mouth movements, which convey important social signals. This complex process involves multiple brain areas working together to extract essential information related to social communication.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a groundbreaking treatment for Pompe disease, a rare genetic muscle-wasting disorder. The injectable enzyme therapy has shown promise in improving muscle strength and reducing glycogen buildup in muscles, offering new hope for children born with the fatal condition.