Researchers at Saint Louis University discovered that deleting disordered sections of a protein's structure reveals the molecular mechanism of blood clotting. By crystallizing prothrombin, they found that the deleted version is activated to thrombin faster and provides key information on the mechanism of prothrombin activation.
A study by Saint Louis University found that parents of children with disabilities often have unrealistic expectations and lack empathy, increasing the risk of abuse. Parents who expect more from their children and don't empathize with their needs may become stressed and frustrated, leading to abusive behavior.
A Saint Louis University pediatrician is developing an educational video game to train military physicians on pediatric emergency room cases. The game-based tool aims to improve physicians' skills in treating life-threatening emergencies, with potential applications for humanitarian missions.
Saint Louis University researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that causes painful chemotherapy side effects and found a potential way to block it. A drug already approved for treating multiple sclerosis may also alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) without affecting the medication's anticancer properties.
SLU's Center for World Health and Medicine has received a $3.13 million sub-grant from PATH to explore new treatments for pediatric diarrhea, which kills about 600,000 young children worldwide each year. The grant aims to repurpose drugs for childhood diarrhea that pharmaceutical companies had developed as therapy for hypertension.
Researchers at SLU's Institute for Molecular Virology have discovered a small fragment of adenovirus that can repress HER2 cell growth and kill breast cancer cells. The discovery offers a promising new therapy for the deadly disease, which affects 20-30% of breast cancers.
A molecular compound developed by Saint Louis University scientists has restored learning, memory, and appropriate behavior in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The compound also reduced inflammation in the brain responsible for learning and memory.
Saint Louis University researcher Jeffrey Scherrer is investigating the link between chronic opioid use and depression risk. He will analyze medical records of 1 million patients, including those with VA and private sector prescriptions, to understand the impact of opioid exposure on mental health.
Saint Louis University researcher Daniel Hawiger is awarded $608,376 to investigate immunological tolerance and its failures in multiple sclerosis (MS). He hopes to develop targeted therapies that selectively suppress immune-mediated damage without side effects.
Saint Louis University's medical school curriculum changes have reduced depression rates from 27% to 11% and anxiety from 55% to 31% among first-year students. The new curriculum focuses on stress reduction, resilience training, and mindfulness.
Researchers are searching for a hepatitis B cure drug using a new assay and partnering with robots to screen thousands of potential candidates. The goal is to find a treatment that can halt the illness, as current drugs only treat it.
Researchers found a higher risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with acute pancreatitis, particularly those over 40. The study suggests that patients with acute pancreatitis should be evaluated for pancreatic cancer using esophageal ultrasound.
A Saint Louis University pediatric researcher is conducting a study to determine the best time to discuss obtaining parental consent for clinical research involving treatment of newborns in the delivery room. The goal is to develop a method that satisfies ethical requirements while making it easier for parents to understand the researc...
A psychiatric nurse brings a fresh perspective to caring for troubled teens in foster care with mental health issues. Research found that adding a mental health nurse can address high rates of psychotropic medication use and improve continuity of care.
Saint Louis University researcher Ratna Ray found that bitter melon extract reduces head and neck cancer cell growth in an animal model. The extract regulated several pathways to help reduce tumor growth, with significant results after four weeks of treatment.
Researchers found that antioxidant extracts from spearmint and rosemary reduce deficits in mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests these herbal compounds might have beneficial effects on altering age-associated cognitive decline.
Scientists at Saint Louis University have discovered a potential novel therapeutic approach to treat fibrotic diseases by targeting the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) beta protein. Removing a gene that makes alpha v integrins blocks TGF beta activation, and treatment with a small molecule compound replicates this effect.
A study published in Journal of General Internal Medicine found that long-term opioid use is linked to a higher risk of developing major depression. Patients who used opioids for 180 days or longer were at a 53% increased risk, while those using them for 90-180 days had a 25% increased risk.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a nearly $1 billion contract to Saint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development, recognizing the institution's leadership role in vaccine research. The seven-year contract will support clinical trials and lab studies for new vaccines, with a focus on emerging threats.
A Saint Louis University researcher found that a specific eye muscle in pond turtles adapts to compensate for obstructed vision when their head is retracted into their shell. The study revealed unique characteristics of the turtle's eye movements, which differ from other animals with lateral eyes.
Researchers found cancer cells can reverse replication forks using 'fork reversal' repair after DNA damage caused by topoisomerase I inhibitors. This process is controlled by proteins PARP and RECQ1, which could be targeted for effective treatment with lower toxic side effects.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that high-dose interleukin-2 (HD IL-2) therapy can improve the life span of melanoma patients with brain metastases. The study, published in Chemotherapy Research and Practice, reviewed cases of eight patients who underwent this treatment.
Saint Louis University researchers developed a technology that can detect new, previously unknown viruses using transcriptome subtraction. The approach eliminates the need for lab-grown tissues or prior knowledge of a virus's origin.
Frailty affects 5-10% of people over 70, leading to increased death rates, poor function, and hospitalizations. Screening with the FRAIL questionnaire can identify frail individuals and guide treatment with exercise, nutrition supplements, vitamin D, and reduced medications.
A Saint Louis University study found that obese women who lost weight between pregnancies were more likely to have normal-sized babies. This weight loss period provides a unique opportunity for behavior change and counseling from healthcare professionals.
The Center for World Health and Medicine is studying anti-secretory drugs to prevent dehydration in children with diarrheal disease. The goal is to develop effective and inexpensive treatment options for developing countries where access to rehydration therapy is limited.
Researchers found that only 19% of dermatologists accept Medicaid-insured children, and those who do often require additional paperwork and identification. Eczema affects 20% of US children and can have severe physical and emotional consequences if left untreated.
A Saint Louis University study found that cardiologists often focus on the device's technology rather than its psychosocial impact and long-term risks. As a result, patients may be left unaware of potential anxiety, depression, and changes in body image after ICD implantation.
Researchers successfully measure and block a previously unstudied enzyme to stop the virus from replicating, potentially leading to a cure for patients. The breakthrough, which was aided by advances in HIV research, may lead to new hepatitis B drugs that can suppress the virus far enough to cure patients.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have discovered a molecular pathway contributing to triple-negative breast cancer and identified vitamin D as a possible new therapy. They also found three biomarkers to identify patients who could benefit from treatment, which may lead to less toxic therapeutic strategies.
Research examines data from multiple studies to better understand how obesity impacts kidney transplant patients. Obese patients experience more adverse outcomes, including wound infections and cardiac disease, leading to poorer health outcomes after surgery.
Researchers aim to understand the natural history and progression of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a liver disease that can cause damage in children and adults. The multi-center study will provide information on treatment options for companies developing pharmaceuticals.
US schools are not adequately prepared for pandemics due to a lack of written plans and coordination with local agencies. Researchers at SLU's Institute for Biosecurity surveyed over 2000 nurses and found that only 48% of schools address pandemic preparedness, emphasizing the need for annual reviews and nurse involvement.
A Saint Louis University scientist is working to harness the anti-inflammatory activity of antithrombin to reduce the incidence and severity of heart disease. He has also been studying the control of blood clotting factors for 23 years, with a focus on improving the effectiveness of activated protein C.
Researchers discovered that silencing miR-33 reduces bile transporters and improves liver toxicity caused by statins. This breakthrough may lead to treatment options for those with BRIC and statin side effects, including improved bile metabolism and reduced cholestasis.
The Restoring Professionalism and Integrity in Research (RePAIR) program aims to correct problematic research practices and maintain public trust. The one-year grant provides substantial educational programs addressing major causes of research wrongdoing.
A new intranasal flu vaccine with four weakened influenza strains shows promise in protecting children from the flu. The vaccine demonstrates a robust immune response and is well-tolerated, offering improved protection against the flu.
Researchers found that a new vaccine was partially effective at preventing genital herpes disease caused by HSV-1, with significant protection offered to some women. However, the vaccine did not protect women from genital disease caused by HSV-2.
A new study finds that workers who receive settlements for painful on-the-job back injuries experience worsening financial and domestic problems over time. Younger workers and those with lower incomes are particularly affected, with significant increases in financial difficulties and legal actions.
SLU professor of neurosurgery Saleem Abdulrauf's high-flow brain bypass procedure improves treatment outcomes by reducing invasive procedures and maintaining blood flow in the brain. The technique is built upon the original brain bypass surgery developed in the 1960s and has been recognized for its potential to minimize recovery time.
Researchers identified CRSBP-1 ligand molecules that bind to receptors on lymphatic vessels, gaining entry and facilitating cancer cell spread. This mechanism can be targeted to prevent metastases and treat edema, strengthening immune responses.
A new hepatitis C drug, boceprevir, has shown significant promise in treating patients with hard-to-treat cases. The study found that the drug helped cure more patients than traditional treatment methods within 36 weeks.
SLU researchers found that DOPAL kills healthy dopamine cells, leading to Parkinson's disease. The study provides a promising new avenue for preventing dopamine neuron loss and progression of the disease.
A stockpiled vaccine against the 2004 bird flu strain can be combined with a current vaccine to protect against a potential pandemic, researchers say. Giving the old vaccine first primes the body for a second dose of the new vaccine, boosting the immune response.
Researchers have discovered a compound that reverses some signs of aging, including oxidative stress and cognitive impairment. The study found that MZ-5-156 had positive effects on life span, telomerase activity, and tumor activity, while decreasing cancer incidence.
Using x-ray crystallography, researchers at Saint Louis University have revealed the molecular structure of the zymogen form of thrombin, a precursor to the active enzyme involved in blood clotting. This discovery provides crucial information about the activation mechanism and opens new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
A Saint Louis University study found that curcumin eliminated the effects of leptin on activating hepatic stellate cells, which short-circuited the development of liver damage. The researchers discovered a potential therapy for treating and preventing liver fibrosis associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Scientists have identified microRNA miR-33 as a key to controlling HDL, or "good" cholesterol levels. Increasing miR-33 levels resulted in lower HDL cholesterol levels, while turning it off raised HDL levels.
A study by Saint Louis University scientist John E. Morley found that low testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older Chinese men. The study, which analyzed data from 153 participants, also revealed elevated ApoE 4 protein levels and high blood pressure as additional risk factors.
A new study by Saint Louis University researcher Lisa Cannada found that women who give birth after suffering pelvic fractures receive C-sections at more than double normal rates. Women also experience lingering symptoms such as urinary complications and post-traumatic stress disorder after a pelvic fracture injury.