Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that COVID-19 geriatric care significantly impacted the mental health of nursing home staff, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. The lack of PPE, fear of contracting COVID, and isolation due to lockdowns contributed to these negative outcomes.
Research suggests that bradykinin, substance P, and neurotensin may contribute to severe COVID-19 complications through mechanisms involving vascular permeability and cytokine storms. The review aims to bring awareness to these often-overlooked peptides, which may play a crucial role in disease management.
A study published in JAMA found that the age at natural menopause has increased in US women over the past 60 years, with a corresponding increase in reproductive life span. The research suggests that longer reproductive life spans may be associated with better metabolic health outcomes due to prolonged estrogen exposure.
Research supports health benefits of breastfeeding by linking it to lower visceral and pericardial fat volumes. Lactation duration is associated with a 50% lower relative risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes in women, independent of their metabolic profiles and body size before pregnancy.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that South Korea's effective public health interventions and prompt measures helped decrease COVID-19 cases, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
The CovidSurg Collaborative, led by TTUHSC surgeon Brittany Bankhead-Kendall, has published a report addressing the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on surgery worldwide. The report highlights a significant backlog of surgeries and calls for the establishment of segregated surgical units to minimize patient risk.
Researchers induced KLF2 in dental pulp-derived stem cells to promote osteoblast differentiation and increase bone growth. The study aims to reduce the occurrence and severity of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and other bone diseases.
A research team led by Susan Bergeson has developed a new medication to treat alcohol use disorder, receiving a $7.25 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to begin testing the drug. The treatment targets neuroinflammation as a major pathway in AUD.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients who smoke or vape are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, as well as cerebrovascular-neurological dysfunction. The study suggests that the virus can affect the brain and lead to ischemic strokes in smokers.
Researchers developed a DNA marker to identify tumors that use an alternate lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism, which can help stratify patients into ultra-high risk categories. The study suggests a new scale for neuroblastoma risk stratification could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
The CPRIT grant will support research into the mechanism of GD2 expression and response to chemoimmunotherapy in neuroblastoma. The funding will enable investigations into how tumor cells escape therapy with antibodies targeting GD2.
A new consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment, while protecting against antimicrobial resistance. The statement aims to help healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and prevent UTIs in PALTC residents, who face increased risks of bacterial colonization and infection.
A study by TTUHSC investigators found that an interprofessional patient navigation program reduced emergency room visits and hospital admissions among high-risk patients. The program, which used DSRIP guidelines, resulted in a significant decrease in hospital utilization, with participants experiencing 1.13 ER visits per year compared ...
A recent study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center found that socioeconomic status, uninsured rates, and primary care physician supply are key factors contributing to higher US rural mortality rates. The study suggests that rural residency itself is not a negative factor in mortality rates.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have identified the specific region of serotonin type 3A receptor that interacts with the RIC-3 chaperone protein. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have developed a novel drug combination using fenretinide and venetoclax to treat high-risk neuroblastoma. The study found that the combination of these two drugs showed significant activity against neuroblastoma cells, with multiple complete responses achieved in patients.
A study by TTUHSC researchers suggests that activating certain brain receptors can reduce pain and anxiety associated with arthritis. The compound LY379268 has been shown to produce pain-relieving effects and relieve anxiety, offering potential as a new pain medication.
Researchers estimate 19.6 million people have hypothyroidism, with individuals diagnosed more likely to develop sleep apnea. They also found patients undergoing hormone replacement therapy at the time were 2.51 times more likely to have a sleep apnea diagnosis.
Researchers discovered a potential new treatment for preventing sepsis in burn patients by using the secretions of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus gasseri to combat antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that applying these secretions to the wound inhibited bacterial growth and prevented biofilm development.
TTUHSC researchers engineer mutant channels to capture atomic resolution pictures of ion-bound configurations, providing evidence for the canonical model proposed by Nobel laureate Roderick Mackinnon. This discovery could lead to developing new drugs targeting K+ channels for treating life-threatening conditions.
Amie Blaszczyk, a TTUHSC faculty member, has been awarded the Armon Neel Senior Care Pharmacist award by ASCP. She is recognized for her expertise in geriatric pharmacotherapy and commitment to improving senior care.
Sanjay Awasthi's research blocks stress-responsive protein Rlip to defeat deleterious effects of p53 loss, a common genetic defect in breast cancers. This discovery could lead to effective new medications for cancer, diabetes, and other health issues.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center identified a specific amino acid residue responsible for inverting potassium channel communication. The study paves the way for developing novel and safer therapeutic drugs to correct illnesses associated with potassium channel dysfunction.
Scientists have determined the kinetic cycle of a potassium channel at atomic resolution, allowing for more precise targeting of specific spots within the channel structure. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new drug molecules that can correct potassium channels dysfunction, addressing conditions such as epilepsy and diab...
A study published in Journal of General Physiology investigated the functional effects of specific mutations in Na/K pumps found in tumors that induce primary aldosteronism. The researchers found that impaired sodium and potassium transport is a common mechanism behind the pathology, contradicting previous 'gain-of-function' proposals.
Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for AUD using minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory actions. Studies show that tigecycline, a minocycline analog, reduces binge drinking and withdrawal symptoms in both dependent and non-dependent animals.
Researchers at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center have identified serotonin type 3A receptors as a key molecular target for antidepressants, including bupropion. This breakthrough finding has the potential to bring new hope to millions of people suffering from depression.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have discovered that the intracellular domain of serotonin type 3A receptors can assemble into stable pentamers, suggesting a new approach to treating diseases such as epilepsy, anxiety, and Alzheimer's. This breakthrough may enable targeted therapies without undesired effects.
A $3.82 million NIH grant will prepare the Schistosomiasis Vaccine (SchistoShield) for human clinical trials, aiming to reduce infections in millions worldwide. The vaccine has potential impact on up to one billion people and is part of a broader research effort with over $11.5 million in total funding.