Researchers have found that veterans exposed to Agent Orange have a 48% higher risk of prostate cancer recurrence following surgery compared to their unexposed peers. Black veterans with a history of exposure were also more likely to experience aggressive disease and rapid PSA level increases.
A web-based program is being tested to help prostate cancer patients make informed treatment decisions by providing information on different approaches. The program aims to reduce inner conflict and increase patient satisfaction.
Research suggests that chunky adolescents are headed in the wrong direction regarding cardiovascular health, with increased blood pressure and sodium intake found across all weight categories.
A retrospective study of 24,883 premature babies found that poractant alfa significantly reduced mortality rates, with no differences in outcomes between rural and teaching hospitals. The treatment was approved by the FDA in 1999 and is now being compared to other natural surfactants used in treating respiratory distress syndrome.
The study found that females have higher levels of nitric oxide synthase, which may contribute to their lower risk of kidney disease. In contrast, males have more AT1 receptors that enable angiotensin 2 to cause damage, leading to a greater risk of hypertension and kidney injury.
Dysphagia affects 18 million Americans, leading to aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and death. Exercise science principles can help restore fundamental function using mouth and throat muscles. Researchers propose more emphasis on theories like resistance training, repetitions, and biofeedback to optimize rehabilitation ...
Researchers found significantly less salivary gland damage in a group treated with green tea extract, suggesting a reduction of Sjogren's Syndrome symptoms like dry mouth. Green tea's EGCG component may also suppress inflammation and turn on the body's defense system against TNF-alpha.
Researchers discovered that an investigational cancer drug selectively kills cancer cells due to its affinity for a modified version of heat shock protein 90. The modification, called acetylation, allows the drug to target and block the activity of this protein, promoting cell survival.
The study found that despite being lean, many teenagers have poor eating habits, with low intake of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Encouraging physical activity can help promote healthier eating habits and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Scientists have identified a natural mechanism by which tumors and viruses evade the immune response, leading to the development of new cancer therapies. By inhibiting an enzyme called IDO, researchers hope to restore the immune system's ability to target cancer cells. Early clinical trials are underway to test this approach.
A large-scale assessment of the general population found that nearly 30% need mental health care, with major depression and alcohol dependence being the top concerns. The study suggests that societal pressures, stigma, and lack of comprehensive insurance coverage are significant barriers to accessing care.
Adolescents with parents in the military experience increased stress and physiological changes during wartime, including higher blood pressure and heart rates. Researchers found that these effects were particularly pronounced in children of deployed parents.
Researchers discovered that ceramide helps stem cells organize into primitive ectoderm, which further differentiates into embryo tissues. The lipid's presence is essential for cell polarity and differentiation.
Researchers have found that motor protein myosin X travels along the actin filament of a neuron's backbone, delivering the DCC receptor to its periphery where it interacts with netrin-1. This process enables axons to grow in the right direction and form synapses.
A new software program is being developed to help patients with multiple prescriptions by creating a calendar-like printout every time a prescription is filled. The goal is to reduce confusion about which pill is which and when to take medication, ultimately leading to improved patient safety and compliance.
Researchers discovered a genetic variation that enables adults to express higher levels of fetal hemoglobin, reducing their risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study also found that beta amyloid peptide has an affinity for adult hemoglobin, which may enhance its ability to wreak havoc in the brain.
Research suggests that inflammatory genes may play a key role in salt-sensitive hypertension, which affects nearly one-third of Americans. The study investigates the connection between stress, inflammation, and sodium handling, with potential therapeutic implications for high blood pressure management.
A $1.7 billion North American study aims to answer whether reopening narrowed kidney arteries benefits patients. Researchers will compare medical management with medicines coupled with stents, stainless steel scaffolds inserted into blood vessels.
Researchers explore using tardigrade-produced trehalose to preserve human eggs, offering a potential solution to successful embryo cryopreservation. The method has shown promising results in mouse eggs, and further research aims to apply it to human eggs and endangered species.
Researchers have discovered that transplanted neural stem cells can survive, differentiate into neurons, and form synapses with host tissue, potentially offering a new treatment for Parkinson's disease. The study shows promise in reducing the destruction of dopaminergic cells and replacing those lost to the disease.
A national plan for disaster medicine training has been developed with a federal grant, aiming to provide training for everyone working on the front lines. The plan brings together key stakeholders to create courses that meet their needs, with state-specific plans also being developed.
Research published in Obesity shows that one-fourth of overweight, inactive children tested positive for sleep-disordered breathing. After three months of vigorous exercise, the number of children with sleep disorders was cut in half, and even those who exercised less saw an improvement on a pediatric sleep questionnaire.
An alliance is being formed in India to conduct Parkinson's disease clinical trials, which will aid in the development of new treatments and slow down disease progression. The initiative aims to bring attention to the condition in India, where only a few neurologists specialize in movement disorders.
Researchers at MCG have made a groundbreaking discovery about G proteins, which could lead to better understanding of drug action. The study found that certain G proteins don't dissociate, affecting the response of cells to epinephrine.
Researchers have developed a manmade protein that can reverse obstructive blood vessel growth, reducing its effects on cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. The protein, which targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), shows promise for treating these conditions.
A Medical College of Georgia bioinformatics expert has received a $15 million NIH grant to continue operating the Coordinating and Bioinformatics Unit. The grant will support the development of animal models for diabetic complications, including cardiovascular disease and kidney damage.
Researchers found that connecting sounds with rewards triggers significant changes in the brain's sensory cortex, enabling better behavioral responses. This study has wide implications for learning and cognitive development, particularly in individuals with language learning impairments like dyslexia.
A soluble form of a receptor called sflt-1 traps factors that enable growth of vision-obstructing blood vessels in the cornea. By eliminating sflt-1, researchers found that mice corneas consistently developed blood vessels.
Researchers found that piggyBac transposon is five to 10 times better than other circular pieces of DNA at making a home and difference in several mammalian cell lines. This could lead to safer and more efficient gene delivery for therapeutic applications.
A new five-year study will determine whether biweekly physician visits and injectable drugs can improve medication compliance among schizophrenia patients. Researchers are comparing the effectiveness of injectable risperidone microspheres to standard oral antipsychotics.
Researchers found that muscle cells degenerate when BAG3 is absent, highlighting its importance in maintaining mature skeletal muscle. This discovery may lead to prevention of muscle atrophy associated with diseases like muscular dystrophy and myofibril myopathy.
A high-fiber diet helps keep the gut healthy by increasing mucus production in gut cells. The new research reveals that roughage damages cell membranes, triggering a natural repair response that exudes lubricating mucus, easing digestion and reducing discomfort.
Researchers explore the connection between schizophrenia and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They aim to identify patients at high risk and develop more effective treatment plans.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have developed a rapid and inexpensive way to produce large quantities of regulatory T cells, which can help restore balance in the immune system. The method uses phospholipase D, a signaling molecule that is sensitive to alcohol, allowing for the selective production of regulatory cells.
Researchers found that regulatory T cells, which function like immune system police, learn what to protect while in the thymus and that everything they learn may not be good. The cells are diverse and able to recognize endogenous tissue and invaders, but also may not learn to recognize all endogenous tissue.
Researchers found that transvenous pacing, a procedure inserting a lead into the heart, is a better first alternative for patients with ongoing difficulty maintaining their heart rate. The study suggests this approach can help prevent cardiovascular problems and death in these patients.
Researchers have found that protein-coated dental implants can induce bone formation and promote tissue regeneration. In laboratory tests, the protein-induced bone growth nearly completely regenerates lost tissue around teeth.
Researchers have found that boosting HLA-G production can make dendritic cells less responsive to transplanted tissue, reducing rejection. This natural immunosuppression approach has the potential to prolong acceptance of skin grafts and other transplanted tissues.
Researchers found that healthy black girls experience a significant drop in estrogen levels during stress, leading to increased blood pressure and elevated risk of heart disease. In contrast, white teens maintain consistent estrogen levels, reducing their blood pressure response to stress.
Researchers investigate sodium channel genes to identify genetic predictors of hypertension and develop screening methods for high blood pressure in the general population. A study involving 300 healthy youth will measure sodium handling after environmental stress and analyze their genes to correlate with impaired natriuresis.
Research highlights continued health risks following surgery, particularly for patients with serious underlying diseases. By understanding the mechanisms of inflammation and adopting strategies such as minimizing surgical incisions and pre-surgery medication, healthcare teams can reduce these risks.
Researchers found eight proteins with significantly different expression in patients with head and neck cancer, correctly classifying 82% of participants. The protein fingerprint also showed promise in detecting specific types of cancer and monitoring treatment responses.
A recent study highlights the importance of HIV testing for pregnant women, as even with treatment, an infected mother still poses a 25% risk of infecting her child. The use of rapid testing can significantly reduce this risk, but many women lack access to these tests due to lack of proof or electronic medical records issues.
Researchers are developing a minimally invasive procedure to treat herniated disks, eliminating the need for incision. The new approach uses X-ray guidance to insert a needle directly into the disk, removing the problematic nucleus and providing relief from pressure on nearby nerves and inflammation.
Dr. McCluskey receives the Ajinomoto Award for Young Investigators in Gustation for her work on taste bud regeneration and its relation to the immune system. She aims to understand how macrophages, a type of immune cell, affect neural function in injured nerves.
A team of researchers is examining how genetics interact with exposure to secondhand smoke in the development of cardiovascular disease. They will investigate 585 children aged 15-20 who have a parent or grandparent with hypertension or heart disease, looking for signs of cellular damage and increased cardiovascular risk.
Researchers have identified two proteins, Bid and Bax, as major players in cell death during ischemic renal failure. The study aims to understand the process to manipulate it for better kidney treatment.
Researchers administered stem cells to animals with significant mobility loss after stroke, showing a 25% greater improvement in motor function compared to controls. In another model of cerebral palsy, rodent stem cells improved recovery by at least 25% within two weeks.
A minimally invasive approach to thyroid surgery has been shown to be safe and effective for many patients, reducing surgical trauma and recovery time. The study found that careful selection of patients based on factors such as the size of the diseased organ and the patient's anatomy enables surgeons to use this approach in most cases.
Researchers studied over 500 pairs of twins, finding that changes in gene expression between ages 14 and 18 accounted for up to one-third of the blood pressure variation by age 18. Novel genetic influences emerged during this period, suggesting new genes play a role in regulating blood pressure.