Researchers at Mayo Clinic report that B cells and immunoglobulin help reconstitute immunity by promoting T cell development. The team found that administering gamma globulin or B cells can boost T cell numbers and diversity, potentially improving the immune response in patients with AIDS and other immunodeficiency diseases.
Researchers warn of the potential for human infection due to the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain, which has already been responsible for 32 laboratory-confirmed cases and 22 deaths. General precautions such as thorough hand washing and disinfection can help prevent transmission.
A new calculator tool, developed by Mayo Clinic researchers, helps physicians estimate colon cancer patient prognosis and aid in treatment decisions. The calculator considers four factors: lymph node status, tumor depth, grade, and age to provide more accurate five-year survival estimates with or without adjuvant chemotherapy.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have discovered that green tea's epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) component can help kill leukemia cells by disrupting their ability to survive. The study found that EGCG interrupted survival signals, prompting leukemia cells to die in eight of ten patient samples tested.
Mayo Clinic researchers found gene mutations that disrupt stress signaling in the heart, making it vulnerable to damage. The study, published in Nature Genetics, may lead to new treatments for heart failure.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed a pretreatment test to identify patients at high risk for urinary tract difficulties after brachytherapy. The study found that 37% of high-risk patients developed some urinary difficulties, while 85% of low-risk patients did not experience problems.
A Mayo Clinic study of 100 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer found that a nerve block technique, combined with pain-relieving medications, provided a 50% reduction in pain and improved quality of life. The study suggests that this treatment option could be beneficial for patients with pancreatic cancer, allowing them to live mor...
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a crucial link between the cancer gene CBP and protein p27Kip1 in the development of lymphoma, breast and colon cancers. The study found that the absence of CBP and low levels of p27Kip1 accelerate cancer growth in laboratory mice.
A study published in Addictive Behaviors found that women who were sexually abused as children were 3.8 times more likely to be current smokers, with twice the likelihood of ever smoking cigarettes and starting by age 14. The connection between childhood sexual abuse and smoking may help inform new approaches to prevent or quit smoking.
The new robotic procedure uses remote control technology to perform the surgery, reducing recovery time and scarring. Women who have undergone the procedure have shown no signs of recurrence, making it a promising alternative to traditional full surgery.
The Mayo Clinic's new biofusion technology targets cancer tumor cells by exploiting the natural tendency of fused cells to kill each other. This approach also promotes immune responses and repairs damaged tissues, offering a promising platform for anticancer treatment and vaccine delivery.
A new study published by the Mayo Clinic research team found that many MS patients experience mild disability over time, with 71 of 99 walking unassisted in 1991 still doing so in 2001. The study also showed that only 20% of patients who didn't need a wheelchair in 1991 required one 10 years later.
Researchers developed a new ultrasound probe at Mayo Clinic that allows for better visualization of PFO defects, enabling more effective closure with catheter techniques. The results show a 93% success rate in closing the defect without complications.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic implant human blood stem cells into fetal pigs, revealing the presence of hybrid cells with both human and pig DNA. These findings may help explain how viruses jump from animals to humans, paving the way for discovery about disease origins like AIDS.
A comprehensive DNA analysis of 744 healthy volunteers has identified 49 distinct genetic variants associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death. These variants were found in specific ethnic groups and may impact diagnosis and testing for long QT syndrome, particularly among minority patients.
A new approach to glucose management in intensive care units is suggested by the findings, which indicate that tight control can improve vascular function and lower infection risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,800 patients and found a significant association between high blood sugar levels and increased death rates.
A high-saturated-fat diet combined with starch avoidance yielded significant weight loss in a 6-week study, with patients losing 5% of their body weight. The diet restricts calories and focuses on protein from red meat and cheese, while limiting fruits and non-starchy vegetables.
A recent study found that people who underwent lung cancer screening were motivated to quit smoking. The study suggests that cancer screening may present an opportunity for health-care providers to offer smoking cessation resources.
The Mayo Clinic research reveals a molecular mechanism involved in cell cycle regulation of the BRCA1 tumor suppressor gene. The team found that phosphorylation is required at certain stages to activate proteins associated with the BRCA1 gene.
A Mayo Clinic study of 96 women found that embryo quality is key to successful pregnancies, regardless of body mass. The research suggests that uterine function is not the cause of lower birth rates among overweight women using fertility technologies.
A new study shows that letrozole picks up where tamoxifen leaves off in preventing breast cancer recurrence. Women who have been treated for breast cancer and are now cancer-free may need to consider additional treatment options, such as letrozole, based on their individual risk factors.
A clinical trial found that taking letrozole after five years of tamoxifen therapy can substantially increase the chance of remaining cancer-free. The study showed a significant reduction in breast cancer recurrence and deaths among women on letrozole compared to those on the placebo.
Researchers have identified a novel treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) by targeting a specific receptor responsible for cyst development. The treatment, OPC31260, shows promise as a potential therapy for conditions like heart and liver failure.
IVIg is the preferred treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome due to its ease of use and lower complication rate compared to plasma exchange. Early treatment within two weeks of symptom onset improves chances for a better outcome.
Researchers found that age, gender, and body size are better predictors of aortic aneurysm than previously thought. Atherosclerosis and related risk factors only accounted for 3% of cases, suggesting genetic diseases like Marfan syndrome may play a more significant role.
A recent Mayo Clinic study has found a significant increase in forearm fractures among adolescents, with the rate rising by 42% over two decades. The study, which analyzed data from 1969-1971 and 1999-2001, found that girls between 8 and 11 and boys between 11 and 14 had higher fracture rates than all other age groups studied.
A Mayo Clinic study found that melatonin treatment was successful for 57% of patients with violent sleep disorder, reducing nightmare quality and tendency to act out dreams. The researchers, led by Dr. Brad Boeve, suggest that melatonin may be an effective option for treating this condition.
A Mayo Clinic study found that 69% of mothers and 58% of fathers reported having distressing thoughts about their infant's safety. New fathers struggle with obsessional thoughts, which can be a sign of an underlying issue that requires professional care.
The Mayo Clinic team has successfully transplanted kidneys into 29 high-risk patients, achieving an 80% success rate. By filtering out antibodies from the patient's blood, they can create a less hostile environment for the donor kidney to adapt. This approach may change the fate of thousands of patients waiting for a transplant.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have identified a key finding about how donor kidneys adapt to new bodies. By analyzing gene expression patterns, the study found that donor kidneys can develop protective processes that shield them from the recipient's immune system, potentially reducing rejection rates and improving transplant outcomes.
The Mayo Clinic Proceedings has released an early review of West Nile virus to aid clinicians and the public. The review, written by Priya Sampathkumar, M.D., provides the most current information on the disease's epidemiology, virology, transmission, management, and prevention in humans and animals.
A Mayo Clinic study found that middle-aged and older adults who engage in regular aerobic exercise can maintain increased insulin sensitivity for up to four days after their last workout. However, this effect is not seen in those over 40, highlighting the importance of frequent exercise for preventing or treating Type 2 diabetes.
A study found that 41% of web sites selling ephedra products failed to disclose potential adverse effects or contraindications, while 53% did not reveal the dosage of ephedra alkaloids. The authors recommend that makers of dietary supplements containing ephedra should voluntarily disclose pertinent information about the supplements.
A recent study suggests that reducing the seizure-free interval from 12 to three months does not significantly increase total crashes. The researchers found that seizures-related crashes increased by 11, while deaths due to seizure-related crashes decreased.
An international study found that smaller aneurysms (less than seven millimeters) are at low risk for rupture, and patients' age, location of the aneurysm, and history of previous ruptures are key factors to consider. The study also showed that treatment risks increase substantially after age 50 and older.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a new immune system molecule called B7-H4, which can inhibit T cells and help transplant patients but harm cancer patients. The study's findings may lead to new treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases, organ rejection, and cancer treatment.
Researchers found that carbon monoxide helps regulate smooth-muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling precise movement of food through the stomach and bowels. This discovery suggests potential clinical applications for carbon monoxide as a therapeutic agent in treating motility disorders.
Researchers found that head injury significantly increases risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with severe injuries linked to a 20-year delay in symptoms. The study suggests that mild head injuries may not be associated with an increased risk, but more research is needed to understand the link.
Researchers identify a helpful gene mutation in the Vpr gene of long-term nonprogressive HIV patients, which impairs the HIV virus' cell-killing machinery. The presence or absence of this mutation may play a central role in determining which patients develop fatal AIDS.
Researchers studied 987 patients and found that those with multiple potential causes of syncope died earlier than those with a single cause. The study identified predictors such as older age, atrial fibrillation, and cardiac medication use.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that alpha lipoic acid significantly improved symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, including a 5.7-point total symptom score improvement. The treatment had no unfavorable side effects and may be a promising lead for future research into the cause and prevention of diabetic neuropathy.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered that thalidomide can effectively delay the progression of early-stage multiple myeloma in some patients. In a phase II clinical trial, approximately 80% of patients remained progression-free after one year and 63% were still free from disease progression after two years.
Researchers found that progenitor cells from the bone marrow contribute to atherosclerosis by seeding into plaque formations, and that these cells can also help stabilize vulnerable plaques. The study opens up new possibilities for preventing heart attacks.
The study found that complex interactions between common gene variants contribute to Parkinson's disease risk in women. Environmental exposures are thought to play a greater role in men, with estrogen reducing the risk of developing the disease in women.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered an RNA decoy strategy to divert the NF-kappaB protein, which plays a negative role in disease activation. This approach has potential as a novel drug development method for cancer, AIDS, and inflammatory diseases.
A Mayo Clinic study found that total hip replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients over 90 years old. The study, which reviewed medical records from 1970 to 1997, showed that patients experienced substantial relief of pain and functional improvement after surgery.
A Mayo Clinic Proceedings study found that overall mortality is not increased among community patients with anorexia nervosa. However, deaths do occur, and further research is needed to define the association of suicide and alcoholism in these patients. The study adds to the knowledge of anorexia nervosa's long-term consequences.
A long-term study found that administering oral antivirals reduced the risk of blindness and other serious eye effects in patients with eye shingles. Untreated patients experienced 8.9% adverse outcomes, while treated patients had only 2.1%. Timing of treatment also affected long-term outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic phase II study of 42 patients with advanced androgen-independent prostate cancer found that green tea did not provide therapeutic benefit. The study showed no sustained decline in PSA levels, and high doses of green tea were associated with significant side effects.
A study published by the Mayo Clinic found that 55% of golfers with the 'yips' described physical symptoms, while only 22% attributed them to psychology. The research suggests a continuum of causes for the condition, including performance anxiety and focal dystonia.