Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that alpha-Synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson's disease, is released when an infection occurs in the upper GI tract, inducing an immune response. Chronic infections may overwhelm the body's capacity to clear alpha-Synuclein, leading to disease.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that female mice experience a markedly reduced response to traumatic brain injury (TBI), including reduced inflammation and nerve cell death. In contrast, male mice exhibit skyrocketing inflammation and nerve cell death in the week following TBI.
Researchers found tumor mutation load correlates with age and cancer type, potentially increasing immunotherapy effectiveness. High TML is seen in melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and tumors lacking specific genes.
A new study found that younger colorectal cancer patients have a higher tumor mutation load, with significant differences in gene mutations related to DNA repair, and may benefit from immunotherapies
A study of over 48,000 stored tumor samples reveals that deficiencies in DNA repair mechanisms are common across various solid tumor types. The most commonly mutated genes were ATM, PTEN, BRCA2, BRCA1, and ATRX, which could lead to targeted therapies, including PARP inhibitors.
Researchers developed an ethnically sensitive screening methodology to identify Latino infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder. The unique approach resulted in a 90% screening rate and a 4% referral rate for further testing, mirroring US English-language toddler study findings.
According to Dr. Rochelle Tractenberg, a statistical crisis is emerging due to improper analysis and interpretation of data, leading to irreproducible results. She advocates for responsible conduct in research and the importance of treating data ethically.
Researchers found that telephone-based smoking cessation counseling given shortly after lung cancer screening can help people stop smoking. The study enrolled 92 participants and showed an 8-person increase in verified quitters, with 17% in the counseling group compared to 4% in the control group.
Researchers found that long-term soy consumption improves tamoxifen's effectiveness and reduces breast cancer recurrence. However, starting soy intake after diagnosis increases the risk of cancer recurrence.
A new laboratory technique allows for the indefinite growth of healthy and diseased cells, offering possibilities for living biobanks, personalized medicine, and novel cancer research. The method, known as conditional reprogramming, can grow million new cells in a week without genetic modification.
A NIH-sponsored clinical trial found that mindfulness meditation combats anxiety by reducing stress-hormone and inflammatory responses. Participants who took a mindfulness course showed big drops in these markers, whereas those in the control group experienced worsened responses.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the New York State Medicaid expansion improved access to cancer surgery for the uninsured, but failed to reduce racial disparities. The proportion of minority patients undergoing cancer surgery remained unchanged relative to whites.
A synthesized steroid called squalamine has been shown to prevent the buildup of a lethal protein implicated in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. In an animal model, squalamine reduced the toxicity of alpha-synuclein clumps and protected healthy human neuronal cells from damage.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that sunlight, through a separate mechanism from vitamin D production, increases the movement of T cells. This activation enhances immune response and may have therapeutic potential for boosting immunity.
Researchers have created a unique model of prostate cancer biology using patient tissue, allowing them to study the differences between normal and cancerous cells. The breakthrough uses conditional reprogramming, a laboratory technique that enables continuous growth of healthy and cancer cells indefinitely.
The Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center study estimates that tobacco control measures have saved over 22 million smoking-related lives globally. The new analysis found that increased cigarette taxes, smoke-free laws, and health warnings were key contributors to the decrease in smoking rates and related deaths.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a method to study cancer cell invasion and metastasis in real-time using zebrafish embryos. This approach allows for faster analysis of cancer questions, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers estimate that implementing pictorial warnings on cigarette packs could prevent 652,800 smoking attributable deaths and 46,600 low-birth weight cases by 2065. The study, published online Nov. 3 in the journal Tobacco Control, suggests a direct association between graphic pictures and increased smoking cessation.
A new study examines outcomes in colorectal surgery patients, finding that patient factors such as race, income, and insurance status significantly impact readmission rates. Minority-serving hospitals face disproportionately harsh penalties for these outcomes, which may be unfairly influenced by their high patient populations.
A common nerve protein, neuropeptide Y (NPY), is elevated in the blood of patients with aggressive neuroblastoma, associated with poor survival rates and disease relapse. NPY's release from tumors into the bloodstream may also serve as a marker for metastatic disease.
Researchers found that inhibiting glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) restores sensitivity to tamoxifen in resistant breast cancer. Silencing GRP78 toxically stresses breast cancer cells, leading to cell death. Adding tamoxifen to a GRP78 inhibitor offers an effective combination, enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.
An animal study suggests that resistance to tamoxifen therapy in some estrogen receptor positive breast cancers may originate from in utero exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Researchers identified four genes linked to tamoxifen resistance and poor prognosis of breast cancer.
The Ebola epidemic led to a significant decline in child and maternal health in Liberia, with a 30% reduction in facility-based deliveries. The study found that fear of Ebola transmission in healthcare facilities was the primary factor contributing to this decline.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that resveratrol reduces neuronal inflammation and slows cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The study shows that resveratrol activates proteins to decrease matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels, maintaining the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found that cancer drug pazopanib decreases levels of phosphorylated Tau, a toxic brain protein linked to dementia in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study suggests that tau pathology may be the main culprit behind dementia in Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have identified the first case of Alzheimer's disease in an HIV-positive individual, challenging existing knowledge about dementia in people with HIV. The discovery highlights the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease in this population.
A modeling study suggests that e-cigarettes are likely to provide public health benefits for adults, particularly adolescents and young adults, who use them instead of smoking. The study found a 21% reduction in smoking-attributable deaths and 20% decrease in life years lost due to e-cigarette use.
A follow-up study of two US Army veterans with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) finds that while progress is slow, close personal relationships and medical care can sustain them over time. The researchers attribute the men's resilience to the importance of these factors in their recovery.
Researchers found that an FDA-approved cancer drug increased brain dopamine and reduced toxic proteins linked to Parkinson's disease progression. The study showed significant signs of benefit for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, including improved cognitive and motor functions.
A phase II study evaluates the safety of palbociclib in African American patients, including those with benign ethnic neutropenia. The study aims to determine if these patients can safely use the drug, which was previously excluded due to risk of infection.
A review of nearly 100 fertility awareness apps found that most don't employ evidence-based methodology, and many include disclaimers discouraging use for avoiding pregnancy. Only six apps scored high on accuracy, with those requiring training in FABMs performing better.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center's Institute for Reproductive Health are studying the use of a smartphone app that calculates a woman's chance for pregnancy. The app, Dot, has been shown to be 96-98% effective in women if used correctly and increases accuracy with continued use.
Obese male mice produce female pups that are overweight and have delayed breast tissue development, linked to increased breast cancer risk. Researchers found epigenetic changes in miRNA signatures of dad's sperm and daughter's breast tissue
Researchers suggest using MIGA to incentivize development of public health systems and provide coverage for disease outbreaks. The mechanism would encourage beneficiary countries to establish core capacities as set forth by the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations.
Researchers examined documents on direct-to-consumer marketing of hemophilia treatment products, revealing a strategy that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. The marketing strategies focus on personal relationships and foster brand loyalty, with companies spending millions to target consumers.
Research finds that skilled readers don't need to 'sound out' words they know, with a separate area for visual dictionary-like recognition. A different region processes sounds, explaining why people with dyslexia struggle with reading.
The fellowship program will provide postgraduate training in regulatory science to optimize clinical trial design and support approval of novel therapies for Parkinson's disease. A mentored researcher will work with experts from academia, industry, and the FDA to investigate aspects of Parkinson's research design.
Research reveals associations between fathers' age, lifestyle, and environmental factors with birth defects, which can affect not only immediate offspring but also future generations. The study finds correlations between paternal age and increased rates of schizophrenia, autism, and birth defects in children.
A global health emergency is looming due to the rapid spread and potential future outbreaks of yellow fever, say Georgetown University professors. The ongoing epidemic, particularly in Angola, has led to a significant shortage of vaccines and calls for an urgent international response.
The study synthesizes evidence on e-cigarettes, suggesting they can lead to reduced cigarette smoking and death from cigarette smoking. The researchers argue that e-cigarettes should be part of tobacco control efforts to help smokers quit.
A 71-year-old HIV-positive man was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease through a PET scan showing amyloid deposition in the brain. This finding suggests that some older HIV-positive patients may be misdiagnosed with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and highlights the need for accurate diagnosis to guide treatment.
Researchers found that tDCS stimulated an area of the brain associated with creativity, allowing test subjects to form more creative analogical connections and generate more creative associations.
The Zika virus poses a significant threat to West Africa, particularly in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, due to the recent Ebola outbreak. Rapid testing for Zika is crucial to prevent confusion between Zika and early Ebola symptoms.
Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a method to quickly evaluate specific food compounds in human urine. The new tool looks for isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables and could help scientists identify the most beneficial anticancer foods.
Georgetown infectious disease expert Daniel Lucey discusses the importance of global health leadership in responding to the Zika virus pandemic. He shares his experience working with clinicians and epidemiologists in Brazil and West Africa, highlighting the need for collaborative approaches to address emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers have discovered that synthetic plant hormones MEB55 and ST362 can effectively cause DNA damage and turn off a major DNA repair mechanism, making them promising agents for treating human prostate cancer. When combined with PARP inhibitors, these agents halt both DNA repair pathways, leading to the death of cancer cells.
Researchers found that viewing graphic anti-smoking images on cigarette packs triggers activity in brain areas involved in emotion, decision-making and memory. The findings suggest these images could effectively warn smokers about cigarettes' health consequences and motivate a change in behavior.
Researchers found that less than a third of PCORI-funded grants were implemented in primary care settings, contradicting the organization's goal. However, PCORI successfully diversified its funding by awarding 25% of grants to PhD-holding principal investigators.
Researchers found four Ly6 genes are overexpressed in various cancers, leading to poorer survival rates and drug resistance. The study uses big data analysis to identify novel targets for new drugs.
A new study in mice shows that repetitive mild concussions can cause mounting damage and brain inflammation, even with extended rest periods. The findings support the importance of adequate rest after a concussion to allow for neural network rebalancing and repair.