Even among insured individuals, up to 10% of cancer survivors delayed follow-up care due to financial constraints. Financial stress and anxiety hinder timely survivorship care, particularly among vulnerable populations such as racial minorities, women, and those with lower incomes.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia are working on a synthetic version of the HLA-G molecule to protect transplanted kidneys from rejection. They hope this therapy will enable dose reduction of standard immunosuppressive drugs, reducing the risk of infections and other medical problems.
Researchers are developing a method to convert astrocytes into neurons using the NeuroD1 gene, aiming to restore connections in the brain and spinal cord after an injury. The goal is to promote functional recovery for patients with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, Alzheimer's, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study found that obesity and a high-salt diet are bigger risks for females, who are more sensitive to salt and have naturally higher levels of hormones like leptin and aldosterone. This can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in young women.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a 44% increase in insomnia disorder among health care workers, with the highest rates among those who spent less time in direct patient care. Surprisingly, about 10% of faculty physicians and nurses reported their insomnia improving after the onset of the pandemic.
Researchers are conducting a five-year longitudinal study to assess the non-pulmonary aspects of cystic fibrosis and identify barriers to healthy habits. The study aims to generate information on which patients are most likely to develop type 2 diabetes and how diet and exercise can reduce the risk.
A study found a significant association between rapid decreases in resting heart rate from childhood to adulthood and larger left ventricle, higher blood pressure, and increased cardiovascular risk. Exercise might help intervene in individuals with such trajectories.
The $1.5 million NIH grant will support four to six graduate students in cardometabolic disease research, enhancing their educational experience and providing more dollars for student stipends. This grant expands opportunities for minorities in AU's PhD programs, particularly those studying cardiometabolic diseases.
A new study reveals a strong association between insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and worsening disease symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Insomnia was found to be a common symptom in these patients, with waking up too early particularly associated with current suicidal thoughts.
Researchers found a novel genomic signature associated with increased risk of early death from lung cancer. Patients with high expression of these genes have indicators of immune system activity, but also suppressed T cells, which can impact treatment effectiveness.
Scientists report that prime editing successfully shuts down a gene involved in smooth muscle cell differentiation, correcting genetic problems and disease models. Prime editing is less complicated and more precise than traditional CRISPR, with fewer components and no collateral damage.
Researchers have found that using a small molecule called givinostat can coax induced pluripotent stem cells to become muscle progenitor cells, increasing muscle stem cells and decreasing destructive inflammation. The strategy also restores levels of dystrophin, a key protein for the muscle, in animal models of muscular dystrophy.
MCG faculty adapted traditional curriculum to provide an online Pandemic Medicine Elective, covering topics from SARS-CoV-2 to professional responsibility. Students logged over 6,000 service hours through projects like mask delivery and contact tracing.
Scientists have isolated a peptide, EnnA, from a fungus in Morocco that directly inhibits HSP90, a powerful cell protector hijacked by cancer. Early evidence shows EnnA induces immune cells to attack cancer cells, promoting immunogenic cell death and potentially offering a new treatment for triple negative breast cancer.
Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) treatment may improve recovery from intracerebral hemorrhage, the deadliest type of stroke. RIC reduces inflammation and promotes new blood vessel growth, accelerating functional recovery.
Scientists developed a rodent model to understand and identify young pregnant women who have previously suffered kidney injuries, which can lead to complications such as preeclampsia and low birthweight. The model suggests that even years after the injury, some women may still experience renal insufficiency during pregnancy.
A researcher is working on a project funded by NASA to understand how the skeleton senses and responds to forces, with the goal of keeping astronauts' bones strong during long periods in space. The study aims to develop strategies to restore healthy bone dynamics, which can be disrupted by disuse and lack of gravity.
Researchers discover that a small group of neurons in the brain play a crucial role in depression. Chronic stress alters their function, leading to depressive behavior. Stimulation of these neurons reverses symptoms, suggesting a promising new approach to treating depression.
Researchers found that Black individuals show signs of diminished heart muscle strength and higher blood pressure from early childhood, increasing the risk of congestive heart failure. Midwall fractional shortening analysis revealed a decrease in cardiac muscle function over time, associated with increased risk.
A new 523-gene panel has been developed to diagnose and treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), identifying more genetic mutations and potential treatment targets. The panel has shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting AML and has the potential to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers find that using metformin can restore a healthier balance between immune cell subtypes, inhibiting chronic inflammation and improving outcomes in traumatic brain injury patients. The study suggests a potential new therapy approach to reduce TBI damage and promote recovery.
Researchers developed a new method to classify brain tumors using RNA analysis, achieving high accuracy rates compared to traditional methods. The study found that this approach can identify patients with a worse prognosis and detect secondary glioblastomas not detected by other methods.
A $2.25 million NIH grant is helping scientists understand the ufmylation pathway, which modifies proteins and cell function, in developing effective vaccines against influenza and other diseases. The research aims to optimize antibody production by selective upward adjustment of ufmylation in key cells.
A traditional disease spread model may not accurately predict COVID-19's continuing spread, especially during lockdowns. Researchers suggest a dynamic approach using the geometric mean to better forecast short-term numbers.
Researchers found that keeping STAT5 active in CAR T cells improves their persistence and tumor-killing ability. This breakthrough could lead to more effective cancer treatments, but further research is needed.
Scientists studying DNA damage repair process aim to identify a protein that can help healthy cells avoid dying or becoming cancerous. ATF3, a sensor of cell stress, has been shown to be essential to efficient DNA repair and may be the key to developing new cancer therapies.
Researchers found that women with low levels of senescence-associated secreted phenotypes (SASPs) had higher survival rates than those with high levels. Brachytherapy greatly improved survival in patients with high SASP levels, but had little impact on those with low levels.
A study found that lab results for adults with obesity are similar to those of their leaner counterparts, contradicting one theory behind the 'obesity paradox'. Instead, researchers suggest that unconscious bias in healthcare providers may lead to better outcomes for obese patients in critical care
Researchers explore the role of cannabinoids in limiting secondary damage of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), where inflammation can accelerate after initial injury. By inhibiting an enzyme that worsens TBI outcomes, cannabinoids may help restore a healthy balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.
Researchers suggest that vitamin C therapy for COVID-19 may be effective in certain populations, but its success could be hindered by low levels of the natural transporter needed to get the vitamin inside cells. Factors such as age, race, and genetic variations of the transporter also impact effectiveness.
A yearlong study is being conducted to find the percentage of frontline workers positive for COVID-19, the duration of immunity, and whether antibodies produced protect against reinfection. The study aims to identify the most potent antibodies and develop effective vaccines using monoclonal antibodies.
A study aims to identify geographic and racial disparities in mammography screening rates among Black and Hispanic women. The research will inform targeted interventions to improve access to screening and reduce mortality from breast cancer.
Researchers found that CBD increases apelin levels, which reduces inflammation and improves oxygen levels in the lungs. CBD treatment also normalized lung function and reduced physical damage caused by ARDS.
Studies have revealed that the journey of a nascent protein to become a mature cell surface receptor involves multiple steps and complex interactions with proteins such as C1orf27, HCR1, and GGA3. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing hormone and drug use targeting GPCRs.
Higher HMGB1 levels associated with obesity, inflammation and cardiovascular disease in younger adults, particularly females and blacks. The study found a link between circulating HMGB1 levels and increased blood pressure, stiffer arteries and inflammation.
Scientists discover that stressed liver cells quickly become senescent after hemorrhagic shock, a condition that accounts for 30-40% of trauma-related deaths. This rapid transition to senescence may help prevent organ failure, but drugs targeting senescent cells can be lethal in the context of injury.
Researchers found that diabetes increases autophagy initially, but then decreases it due to the activation of tumor suppressor p53 and microRNA miR-214, leading to hypertrophy, scarring, and inflammation in the kidneys. This discovery offers a potential target for preventing or slowing kidney failure.
New HIV treatments may increase weight, but surprisingly limit cardiovascular risk due to increased leptin levels. Leptin therapy has restored vascular function in patients with lipodystrophy.
When brain oxygen is low, neurons produce estrogen that activates astrocytes to increase cell signaling, release neuroprotective factors, and clear neurotoxins. Astrocyte activation is critical for brain protection, and researchers have found that neuron-derived estrogen is essential for this process.
Researchers have identified a non-invasive and targeted treatment to correct nerve damage and address the pervasive problem of fecal incontinence. Magnetic stimulation of nerves regulating muscles in the anus and rectum improves function and reduces episodes of fecal incontinence in patients.
A new study of 181 patients found that about 15% test positive for one or both newly discovered antibodies that attack the point of communication between nerves and muscle. Those who tested positive tended to be sicker when diagnosed and have a more severe disease course.
Scientists have identified new points to calm frenzied energy production in the retina, enabling recovery. The excessive byproducts of glycolysis initiate a vicious loop of crosstalk between endothelial cells and microglia, promoting inflammation and dysfunctional blood vessels.
Researchers found that CBD can help reduce cytokine storm and excessive lung inflammation caused by COVID-19. The study suggests that CBD may enable lungs to recover from damage, potentially reducing the need for mechanical ventilation.
Racial disparities in COVID-19 cases and deaths are clear, with African Americans disproportionately impacted by infection rates and death. The investigation calls for more complete surveillance data and targeted strategies to engage trusted community leaders and improve safer working and living conditions.
Rural Georgia counties with higher black populations experienced the highest rates of infection and death per capita. Investigators attribute this to treatment delays due to limited ICU beds and poor social determinants of health.
Researchers found that females upregulate anti-inflammatory T cells to maintain lower blood pressures, which may lead to new hypertension treatment strategies for females. In contrast, males did not show a significant response to reduced Treg levels, suggesting their blood pressure is less dependent on this mechanism.
Patients with cervical cancer who produce antibodies targeting specific sugars on their cells appear to fare better when treated with internal radiation therapy. These antibodies also indicate a generally high immune competency, making them an indirect marker of antitumor immunity.
A high-salt diet has been found to have a significant impact on the health of the gut microbiome and blood pressure in adults with untreated hypertension. In a six-week study, participants who reduced their sodium intake experienced increased levels of short-chain fatty acids and lower blood pressure.
Researchers find that repositioning the spleen during surgery can lead to physical changes and altered immune responses, suggesting a key role of mesothelial cells in modulating inflammation. The study suggests that breaking connections between these cells and the spleen may have consequences for immune function.
Researchers are studying COVID-19's effects on the brain, including stroke, anosmia, and seizures. They hope to find better treatments for patients at risk of developing cognitive problems.