A Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center study found that a turn-key intervention program significantly increased physical activity levels among children in daycare. The program achieved 91% of the physical activity goals set by daycare centers.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans has received a $5.6 million NCI grant to build a regional cancer clinical trials network, focusing on minority and underserved patients who die at higher rates from cancer. The program aims to provide access to state-of-the-art treatments and create jobs in the biomedical workforce.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Nursing has received a $1.05 million grant to train healthcare teams in recognizing risks associated with PTSD, depression, and TBI in veterans undergoing surgery. The project aims to improve care for military veterans and diverse populations with behavioral health disorders.
A new surgical technique using incisions through the upper eyelid has been shown to effectively relieve migraines in patients. The study found a high success rate of 90.7%, with 51.3% of patients experiencing complete elimination of their headaches.
Researchers identified previously unknown areas of genetic material linked to schizophrenia and found associations with immune system genes. The study suggests potential treatments for autoimmune disorders and provides new targets for drug development.
Childhood obesity is linked to mental health issues and decreased academic performance. Dr. Kaliebe's three rules aim to promote physical and mental well-being through healthy eating, regular movement, and reducing sensory overload.
The National Science Foundation has awarded LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site grant to provide training for 10 weeks during the summers of 2014-16. The project will focus on research fields including genetics, microbiology, and neurosciences.
A novel approach integrating psychiatrists, psychologists, and telemedicine into primary care clinics significantly reduced psychiatric and general medical symptoms. The model has been shown to improve treatment outcomes and increase access to care for rural communities with limited mental health resources.
Researchers found that hydrogen sulfide regulates the body's production of nitric oxide, which protects the heart muscle against cell death. The study's discovery has far-reaching implications for developing novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A new therapy for preventing production of sphingolipids in lymphoma cells has been developed, selectively killing virus-infected cells. The treatment, ABC294640, shows promise in treating primary effusion lymphoma, an aggressive variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma caused by viruses.
The study reveals that E6AP is composed of three distinct protein molecules, controlling nerve cell function and viral replication. This breakthrough provides potential drug targets for autism and cervical cancer treatment.
Peggy A. Honoré, DHA, has been awarded the 2013 Excellence in Health Administration Award for her outstanding leadership and contributions to public health finance and systems research. She is also Director of the Public Health System, Finance, and Quality Program at the US Department of Health and Human Services.
A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that pro-inflammatory proteins associated with adult obesity may actually protect young children from insulin resistance. The research team studied obese and non-obese African-American and Caucasian children, aged 7-9, to better understand inflammation's role in developing...
Researchers at LSUHSC discovered a combination of six natural compounds from vegetables, fruits, and spices killed 100% of breast cancer cells. The super cocktail suppressed cell growth by over 80%, inhibited invasion, and caused cell death without harming normal cells.
Dr. Rodriguez's award-winning research identified a potential new therapeutic approach to make T cells resistant to tumor suppression, enhancing anti-tumor activity and overcoming immune suppression. His findings suggest Notch-1 may be an effective new approach for T cell-based immunotherapy.
Nicolas G. Bazan, MD, PhD, receives the Polish Academy of Sciences' Professor Miroslaw M. Mossakowski Medal for his groundbreaking work on neurodegenerative diseases. Bazan's contributions to research on Alzheimer's, stroke, and other conditions have led to the development of multiple patented therapies.
A study by LSU Health Sciences Center found that simulation-based operating room team training improved attitudes, behaviors, and performance among medical and nursing students. The training resulted in better clinical outcomes and increased patient safety.
Dr. Noel's landmark study with the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition documented a drastic increase in cases of kids swallowing powerful neodymium magnets. His work led to recalls, lawsuits, and increased awareness about the dangers of these magnets.
A new study from LSUHSC has identified two microRNAs regulating FOXP2, a gene linked to speech and language impairments and autism disorders. The study found that social context governs the function of these miRNAs in vocal learning, providing insights into human speech-language development.
A new LSUHSC study identified two microRNAs regulating FOXP2 levels in zebra finch brains, showing that social context influences their function. The findings provide insights into speech and language impairments and autism disorders.
The grant aims to investigate the effects of HIV-related changes on oral bacterial communities and their relationship to various oral infections in HIV disease. Researchers will explore how these changes affect conditions like oral candidiasis, periodontal disease, and cavities.
Researchers found that activating serotonin 5-HT2A receptors potently blocks TNF-alpha induced inflammation, offering a potential breakthrough in treating inflammatory diseases. The findings have the potential to lead to new oral medications for atherosclerosis and IBS.
Dr. Augusto Ochoa, Director of LSUHSC's Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, has been awarded a $2.5 million NIH grant to develop new treatments for severe viral diseases, including herpes infections and cancers caused by viruses. The research aims to manipulate the immune system's response to these diseases.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have developed a new technology, DREADD, to study behaviors and cellular function in fruit flies. The system allows for precise control of behavior and physiological processes, enabling scientists to model human diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A LSUHSC study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence of soft tissue sarcomas among adolescents and young adults. The research revealed that African-American and Hispanic males were more likely to develop certain types of cancer, such as Kaposi sarcoma and liposarcoma.
The Louisiana Tumor Registry has been awarded a contract to continue its work as a SEER Program-designated cancer registry, collecting cancer incidence and survival data from 28% of the US population. The funding will support cancer research, including prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivorship studies.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Dentistry has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to educate dental students about caring for HIV/AIDS patients and provide dental services to this population. Over 2,000 patients received dental care last year alone, with thousands more provided since the program's inception.
A LSUHSC researcher has been awarded a five-year, $1.5 million NCI grant to investigate the connection between chronic inflammation and cancer development. The project aims to understand how p53 dysfunction in normal cells surrounding cancer cells can lead to an inflammatory microenvironment that supports tumor growth.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have found new modes of transmission and associated behaviors for a parasitic lung infection. New cases are reported in the US, particularly among those who consume raw or undercooked freshwater Asian crabs or native crawfish.
Researchers from LSUHSC report that children sedated with meperidine and hydroxyzine experienced vomiting, prolonged sleep, and irritability, while those sedated with midazolam had fewer side effects. The study recommends educating parents on safe medication use and post-procedure care to improve child safety and comfort.
Dr. Hollier highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of MODS, a leading cause of death in surgical intensive care units. He emphasized the need for research to find definitive answers and urged young students to consider this area of study.
A new LSUHSC paper has been selected as the Best Paper of the Year by the National Cancer Registrars Association for its innovative evaluation of cancer stages. The study found that lung and prostate cancers had the highest percentages of unknown stages, with non-hospital reporting sources being a key predictor.
Researchers found that adolescents and young adults with cancer are at higher risk for social isolation due to lack of understanding from friends and family. The study suggests developing targeted support programs to address these social information needs, including online connections and communication tools.
LSUHSC researchers identify LKB1 and Nischarin as a functional duo that regulate breast cancer cell migration and tumor growth. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of tumor suppressor genes.
Scientists at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered the inner workings of E6AP enzyme, controlling functions in nerve cells and viral replication. This finding provides potential strategies for designing drugs to block E6AP function in HPV and Hepatitis C viruses.
Researchers found that a specific gene's function during adolescent trauma exposure is crucial for developing PTSD. The study suggests targeting the CCKR-2 gene as a potential therapy strategy to prevent or cure PTSD.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center discovered that a common sexually transmitted infection-causing parasite cultivates bacteria beneficial to it, changing the thinking about which comes first–infection or bacteria. The study found two unique bacterial communities strongly associated with trichomonas infection.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a new gene mutation causing Schnyder corneal dystrophy, a rare hereditary eye disease. The mutation is linked to vitamin K metabolism and may lead to the development of a new treatment using vitamin K supplements.
Researchers discovered a novel use of a fish oil component that reduced brain trauma in newborn mice by about 50%. The study found that injecting docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) within two hours of ischemic stroke significantly decreased neonatal brain damage. DHA provided protection while other omega-3 fatty acids did not.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a protein, fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4), that protects retinal photoreceptor cells from degeneration. The study suggests FATP4 may be a therapeutic target for inherited retinal degenerative diseases and age-related macular degeneration.
A $1.7 million grant will fund research on biofilm formation in dental stomatitis, a fungal infection affecting 50-75% of denture wearers. The study aims to determine the role of biofilms in disease development and develop novel immunotherapies targeting biofilm growth.
A new therapy called an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) has been developed by researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center, which partially corrects gene and protein expression and rescues hearing and balance in a mouse model of Usher syndrome. This breakthrough suggests the potential for treating deafness and balance disorders.
Researchers at LSUHSC have identified a new therapeutic target to block the function of Her2, a gene that promotes breast cancer progression and spread. The study also found that a novel protein called Nischarin regulates breast cancer cell migration and movement.
A new study by LSUHSC researchers has found that the ability of a protein called FUS to bind to RNA is essential to the development of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). By mutating FUS and blocking its RNA binding, the team was able to suppress ALS-related neurodegeneration in fruit fly models.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have discovered early predictors of metabolic syndrome in healthy children aged 7-9 years. The study found that fat in the liver, abdominal fat, and fat oxidation predicted insulin resistance and appear to be early markers for the metabolic syndrome via impaired lipid metabolism and fat oxidation.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) as a promising therapeutic target for treating or preventing Alzheimer's disease. Inactivation of MAGL reduced beta amyloid plaque production and improved brain function, learning, and memory.
The LSUHSC School of Nursing Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner Program has been awarded a $700,000 grant to support full-time and part-time students pursuing advanced practice primary care nursing degrees. The grant aims to increase the number of primary care advanced practice nurses and expand access to primary care services.
A team of scientists will enroll 250 people living with HIV/AIDS in a clinical study to compare an intervention with a Holistic Health Recovery Program adapted for Alcohol Use Disorders, aiming to enhance patients' awareness and modify behaviors that promote HIV disease progression.
A study by Dr. Jesus Lovera and colleagues found that Ginkgo biloba does not improve cognitive function in people with Multiple Sclerosis, contradicting earlier small studies. The researchers suggest that the supplement may be beneficial earlier in the disease process or for participants with more severe impairments.
Research by Jesus Lovera and colleagues found that stress management therapy prevented new brain lesions in people with multiple sclerosis, with 77% of patients remaining free of lesions. The benefit did not continue beyond treatment, highlighting the need for longer therapy or continued support.