Researchers at MUSC have found a connection between a defective copy of the MEF2C gene and autism behaviors. This rare form of autism is caused by one of two MEF2C genes in each cell being nonfunctioning, leading to issues such as language difficulties, epilepsy, and breathing problems.
Researchers developed prediction tools to identify patients at risk of delayed post-operative radiotherapy, which can improve survival rates. The nomograms consider individualized risk factors and stage 4 cancer as key variables associated with delays.
Researchers found that RNAi machinery primarily localizes at apical adherens junctions in healthy colon cells but becomes mis-localized in colon cancer. This localization plays a crucial role in maintaining epithelial homeostasis, with restoration of the RNAi machinery potentially serving as a brake on tumor progression.
Researchers at Lipo-ImmunoTech, a joint venture between Medical University of South Carolina researchers, are developing a novel adoptive cell therapy technology that factors in the role of lipids in suppressing the immune system. The grant aims to enhance the viability and functionality of expanded T cells.
A study of medical interns found significant overlap between personal and workplace factors that predict burnout and depressive symptoms. The findings suggest assessing for depressive symptoms may be a validated alternative to assessing for burnout among medical personnel.
A recent study found that artificial intelligence can provide results comparable to lung function tests in diagnosing emphysema and classifying its severity. The AI system can automatically analyze chest scans and create a 3D model of the patient's lungs, helping doctors better communicate with patients and track treatment progress.
A new grant aims to gather evidence on the safest pulse rate for pediatric swallow studies, ensuring both safety and diagnostic accuracy. Research shows that developing cells in children are more susceptible to radiation than mature ones.
A study by Medical University of South Carolina researchers identified a specific brain region and system that can be manipulated to decrease binge drinking. The kappa opioid-receptor system plays a crucial role in driving binge and compulsive alcohol use, as well as contributing to stress and unease during withdrawal.
A pilot study suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is safe and effective in reducing depressive symptoms and improving quality of life for adults with autism and depression. The treatment showed promising results, with 70% of participants experiencing a decrease in depressive symptoms.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have discovered a natural product, manzamine A, that exhibits anti-cancer properties in cervical cancer cells. The compound stops cell growth and causes some cells to die, with potential applications for treatment and development.
The study found that Medicaid expansions in states that adopted the Affordable Care Act were linked to a greater percentage of patients with localized head and neck cancer diagnosed at an early stage. Timely treatment led to improved survival rates for these patients. The researchers hope their findings will inform policy makers.
The SCTR Institute, a Clinical and Translational Award (CTSA) hub, has been awarded $24 million to advance translational research in South Carolina. The institute will partner with various institutions to develop bioinformatics tools, enhance clinical trial recruitment, and improve health outcomes.
The Medical University of South Carolina team has developed a DIY protective mask that can be printed at home using a 3D printer, working in tandem with a disposable filter cartridge. The design aims to provide an effective alternative to N95 masks during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers discovered that resolvins, specialized lipids, can reduce inflammation and prevent memory loss in a preclinical model of Down syndrome. This finding has the potential to lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease, targeting inflammation as a key mechanism in healthy aging.
Most clinical trial participants are not informed about the results of studies they participated in, despite wanting this information. Researchers want to share findings but lack effective communication skills to reach lay public. The study highlights the need for better training on communicating research results to study participants.
Researchers at MUSC and UCSD found that autophagy genes work against tumors in certain types of ovarian cancer. The study validated the role of BECN1 and LC3B as tumor suppressors, shedding light on their potential as targets for treatment.
A recent study by MUSC Health found that telemedicine can be an effective way to reach pregnant women with opioid use disorder, with no significant differences in maternal and newborn outcomes compared to in-person care. Integrated, collaborative care models are crucial for treating this chronic disease, and telemedicine maximizes the ...
A study published in Addiction found that providing smokers with free, two-week nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) starter kits increased quit attempts and smoking abstinence. The intervention also showed promise for low-income patients, those with lower education levels, and rural residents.
A recent study found that patients transferred between hospitals have a higher risk of dying than those admitted through the emergency department, even after controlling for patient-level characteristics. The researchers aim to improve transfer safety by identifying key variables and optimizing stabilization processes.
A specific gut bacterium, segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), was found to impair normal skeletal growth and maturation in post-pubertal mice. This is achieved through a Gut-Liver-Bone Axis, where SFB elevates immune responses leading to increased osteoclast activity and decreased osteoblast activity.
A new multicenter study finds that stabilizing fractured and partially dislocated ribs through surgical stabilization improves patient outcomes, with reduced pain, increased comfort, and lower complication rates. Patients who underwent the procedure experienced better quality of life and fewer complications compared to those who did not.
Researchers found oxytocin reduces cravings and amygdala activity in cocaine-addicted men with a history of trauma. However, the hormone has little effect on women with cocaine addiction and a history of childhood trauma, potentially leading to increased relapse risk.
InDepth Pharmaceuticals has executed an option agreement to evaluate a novel diagnostic technique that can predict kidney transplant success in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The company aims to serve all 1 million FSGS patients worldwide and develop new therapeutics for other forms of kidney disease.
A new study found that varenicline tartrate is effective in quitting smoking among adolescents, with a higher rate of long-term success compared to the placebo group. However, it did not prevent relapse. The researchers suggest pairing medication with therapy and behavioral treatments for better results.
Researchers at Hollings Cancer Center discovered that combining a polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor with a standard chemotherapeutic agent reduced TNBC tumor volume four times more effectively than the agent alone. The combination also reduces cancer stem cells, associated with metastasis.
A clinical trial is underway to study the efficacy of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a potential therapeutic for new onset type 1 diabetes. The trial, funded by the NIH, aims to determine if systemic administration of these cells can reduce disease progression and preserve insulin secretion.
Lylex Pharmaceuticals is developing compounds targeting key enzymes responsible for organ damage, inflammation and rejection after transplant. The lead compound has shown high potency while minimizing toxic effects.
A new study published in Gastroenterology reports that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) promotes metastasis of colorectal cancer through the microRNA MIR675-5p, which silences the expression of p53. Researchers found that mice treated with PGE2 had increased metastases compared to controls, and tumor cells expressed more MIR675-5p and less p53.
Researchers at MUSC found that primary cilia generate approximately 60% of small EVs produced by renal tubule cells, with manipulation of cilium length affecting EV production. The protein content of EVs varies depending on cilia length, suggesting a significant role for cilia in intercellular communication.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have found that sphingolipid levels are associated with heart disease in African Americans with lupus. The study suggests that broader information on sphingolipid profiles could help physicians predict disease severity or assess the efficacy of anti-lupus drugs.
Researchers at MUSC have developed E-meditation, merging mindfulness with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to calm the mind. The study, involving 31 participants, showed promising results, with attendees easily applying the device and minimal side effects.
A recent study by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that ammonia levels do not predict the severity of disease or guide clinical management of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Cirrhotic patients with HE symptoms receive the same lactulose treatment regimen regardless of their blood ammonia levels.
Researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina found that the left lateral temporal cortex needs to be intact for a stroke survivor to successfully follow along with another speaker. The study suggests that speech entrainment therapy may improve the ability of patients with post-stroke aphasia to speak fluently and with less...
A school-based telehealth program has been shown to reduce emergency department visits for children with asthma living in a rural and underserved region of South Carolina. The study found that children with access to the program were 21% less likely to visit the ED for their asthma.
The Zeriscope system enables veterans to virtually take their doctor with them during prolonged exposure therapy, providing real-time feedback on physical and psychological information. This innovation aims to improve treatment outcomes and reduce dropout rates for veterans with PTSD.
A new study found that long-duration space missions change brain structure and function in NASA astronauts, correlating with declines in motor skills and cognitive performance. Researchers hope to better understand the effects of microgravity on the human brain to improve astronaut safety.
A team of researchers at Medical University of South Carolina enhances an existing informatics tool to better identify Emergency Department cases of nonfatal opioid overdose. The enhanced tool uses natural language processing to analyze clinical notes and provide real-time information on opioid addiction, enabling more intelligent clin...
A prototype of a cloud-based informatics and resource-discovery tool will be built to help CTSA hubs measure their impact and compare efforts. The e-SPARC tool aims to provide a one-stop shop for investigators planning trials, while also supporting NCATS monitoring and improvements.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina discover a protein P17/PERMIT that regulates mitochondrial function and could be a connection between age-related diseases. The protein helps recycle aging mitochondria, which can contribute to conditions like cancer and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have obtained 3D structural snapshots of the enzyme Cdc34, a key regulator of cell growth and activity. The team found unique features that could be targeted to develop novel cancer therapeutics with precision.
A new two-year grant aims to improve outreach and care for people with lupus, focusing on historically black colleges and universities. The initiative includes educational outreach efforts, a patient navigator program to reduce hospital readmissions, and partnerships to increase understanding of health disparities among healthcare prov...
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina identified mutations in ciliary genes causing bicuspid aortic valve and aortic valve narrowing. The study revealed that disruption of cilia development leads to BAV disease and calcification on the aortic valve.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has awarded $3.1 million to the Medical University of South Carolina to continue testing medications that could help individuals with alcohol use disorder. The goal is to reduce vulnerability to relapse and improve treatment options for those affected by alcohol misuse.
Researchers at MUSC have identified a specific lipoprotein phenotype associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. Monitoring these patients closely and taking proactive measures to keep their blood pressure down can help prevent the complication.
Patrick M. Woster, Ph.D., has been inducted into the Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the field, including the discovery of novel therapeutics such as antimalarial and antibacterial agents. His work also emphasizes the crucial role of medicinal chemists in the drug discovery pipeline.
Researchers study how gonorrhea develops resistance to antibiotics, identifying key mutations and structural changes. Understanding these mechanisms can lead to the development of new treatments and diagnostic tests.
Researchers have identified a new lipid signaling pathway that regulates T cell function and differentiation, leading to improved T cell-mediated immunotherapy against cancer cells. By depleting SphK1, the pathway inhibits Treg differentiation and promotes a Tcm phenotype, reducing tumor size and mortality in preclinical models.
A new mouse model called KPP better mimics human cachexia symptoms, allowing researchers to control when cancer can be triggered. This advancement could lead to novel discoveries and identification of therapeutic targets for this devastating syndrome.
A new study reveals that young women in medicine are disproportionately affected by family responsibilities, with 40% stopping or reducing their work hours compared to male doctors. The research highlights the need for hospitals and workplaces to provide support systems, such as on-site childcare and flexible work arrangements, to help...
Antonio Giordano, a Hollings Cancer Center clinical scholar, is researching novel treatments for triple-negative breast cancer. He aims to develop a PLK1-inhibitor drug and explore the role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in prognosis.