Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a molecular mechanism involved in making the rabies virus pathogenic and lethal. They have developed a very safe vaccine for the immunization of wildlife, showing efficacy in raccoon, skunk, and mongoose species, offering new hope for prevention of deadly disease.
Neuroscientists at Thomas Jefferson University have found that glucosamine can significantly delay the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms and improve movement in animal models. The anti-inflammatory effects of glucosamine may be useful in conjunction with existing treatments to help patients manage MS-related debilitating effects.
Jefferson and Delaware researchers create a novel method to detect breast cancer using tiny nanotubes and antibodies, which increase electrical current when cancer cells bind. The technique shows promise for detecting cancerous cells in seconds, potentially replacing days-old histology sectioning methods.
Darbepoietin showed significant protection to heart tissue and improved cardiac function when administered 1-2 hours or 24 hours after an ischemic event. The findings suggest potential for quick translation into clinical trials.
Researchers found a significant negative correlation between urine albumin levels and adiponectin hormone in obese mice. In humans, low adiponectin levels were associated with albuminuria, an indicator of kidney disease.
Researchers found that GRK2 increases in the adrenal gland, leading to high catecholamine release and desensitization of alpha-adrenergic receptors. Reducing GRK2 levels improves receptor function and reduces catecholamine release.
Researchers discover GRK5 plays a key role in preventing cell growth and proliferation in blood vessel damage, hinting at alternative therapeutic targets. The study suggests that other cell types, such as epithelial cells or bone marrow derived stem cells, may also contribute to restenosis.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discover fullerene nanoparticle reduces organ damage from ionizing radiation by one-half to two-thirds, outperforming current protection methods. The agent also provides specific protection for organs like the kidney and nervous system.
Lorraine Iacovitti and her team have created a quicker method using defined additives from human origin to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into dopamine-producing neurons in three weeks. This new approach aims to reduce the risk of immune rejection by eliminating animal-derived substances.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College provide evidence for the conventional theory of voltage-gated ion channel operation. They used a molecular tape measure with high resolution to show that the field through which the voltage sensor's charges moved is very short, lending support to the conventional model.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified a genetic mutation in the Stratifin gene that causes abnormal skin development and cancer in mice. The study found that mice with the mutation developed severe skin defects, including cyclical hair loss and skin cancer late in life.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have developed a bonding method to create a permanent chemical bond between antibiotics and titanium, allowing it to kill bacteria and prevent infection. This technique has the potential to combat implant-related infections by creating an antibiotic surface that prevents infection from starting.
Researchers have discovered that the IGF-1 receptor controls 50% of body size in a non-redundant way, suggesting its potential as a target for cancer treatment. Targeting the IGF-1 receptor may lead to cell death and growth regulation in cancer cells.
Researchers found that the drug combination increased stem cell mobilization in 25 patients, reducing the number of necessary stem cell collections. This can lead to more successful transplantations and faster recovery for cancer patients.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that giving chemotherapy and radiation together from the start may help patients with locally advanced lung cancer live longer. The study compared three treatment approaches and showed that combining chemotherapy and radiation improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a potential biomarker, GRK2, that can predict the severity of heart failure. Elevated levels of this enzyme in the blood are associated with more severe heart failure and may help identify patients who would benefit from specific treatments.
Researchers have found promising results from an early clinical trial of a novel treatment for uveal melanoma that has spread to the liver. The two-pronged treatment cuts off oxygen supply to tumors and stimulates the immune system, leading to tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival in patients.
Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University have successfully created plant factories that produce antibodies against tumor cells, offering a potential alternative to expensive and traditional methods. The plant-made antibodies show similar effectiveness in inhibiting tumor growth as mammalian-made monoclonal antibodies.
A study of 387 patients with epilepsy found that the timing of post-surgery seizures is a key predictor of long-term success. Patients who experienced seizures within four months of surgery had a worse prognosis, while those who waited longer tended to become seizure-free.
Researchers found that pretreating with DHE can prevent migraines from progressing to debilitating sensitization. This breakthrough suggests that more patients can benefit from standard treatment using intravenous DHE.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a protein called CD36 that may play a key role in the development of diabetic kidney disease. The study found that CD36 is present in specific cells and can trigger self-directed cell death or apoptosis, leading to progressive kidney failure.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that uric acid treatment can prevent inflammation and some damage in mice with spinal cord injuries. Uric acid protected spinal cord neurons from peroxynitrite-related damage, allowing mice to recover motor function faster and to a greater extent than those treated with saline.
Researchers found that statins may break down toxic amyloid-beta by inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway, which could lead to new anti-amyloid drug targets. The study suggests that statins may be a promising strategy in treating Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that zinc supplements reversed precancerous conditions in the esophagus and tongue of zinc-deficient rats. The study suggests that zinc supplements may prevent the development of esophageal or oral cancers, which are associated with nutritional zinc deficiency.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered that interleukin-7 (IL-7) can stimulate latent HIV viruses, making them vulnerable to drugs and the immune system. The new technique may lead to improved treatments for HIV infection and could be a step towards complete viral eradication.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a method to detect cancer gene activity outside the body, which could lead to earlier detection and treatment of breast cancer. The technique uses genetic probes to visualize sites of cancer gene activity, allowing for potential early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Researchers developed a new live rabies vaccine by manipulating the virus, making it weaker and more effective in provoking an immune response. The vaccine has shown promise in preventing the spread of rabies in wildlife and humans, with potential applications for stray dogs and animals.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used gene therapy to restore heart function in rats with failing hearts, reversing cardiac dysfunction. The study found that delivering the human S100A1 gene improved heart muscle efficiency and reversed cardiac dysfunction.
Jefferson scientists discovered that certain parts of the silver-haired bat rabies virus, specifically its glycoprotein cover, enable it to infect the brain rapidly. The researchers found that this type of rabies is capable of evading the immune system more effectively than other strains, making it a key factor in viral pathogenesis.
Researchers identified Gq signaling pathway as crucial in hypertension, finding that inhibiting this pathway could lead to new therapies for high blood pressure patients taking multiple drugs.
Researchers found an enzymatic pathway called Rho/ROCK plays a key role in the metabolism of APP, which is associated with Alzheimer's. The discovery may lead to novel anti-amyloid drugs and more specific therapies for Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have successfully converted adult human bone marrow stem cells into functional dopamine neurons using a novel growth factor-based approach. The newly differentiated cells expressed key markers of dopamine-producing cells and produced essential enzymes, offering a promising source for treating ...
A study by Jefferson neuroscientists has discovered that lead exposure early in life can significantly hinder the brain's ability to recover from later injuries. The research used rats with specific brain damage and found that those exposed to lead suffered less recovery, suggesting long-term consequences of lead poisoning.
A study by Mitchell Machtay found that correcting anemia does not improve tumor control or survival in head and neck cancer patients. Despite increasing red blood cell count, erythropoietin did not enhance radiation therapy outcomes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found a significant decrease in liver rejection rates using a monoclonal antibody, basiliximab, in combination with tacrolimus and low-dose steroids. The one-year survival rate improved to 88%, with no complications reported.
A recent study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found that red wine has a greater effect in lowering levels of anti-inflammatory substances in the blood compared to gin. The study's results suggest that moderate consumption of red wine may offer some protection against heart disease and stroke.
Researchers identified two genetic signatures in CLL samples, one associated with a good prognosis and the other with a mutation in the Ig gene. The study suggests that miRNA expression may be used to predict CLL behavior and provides new targets for future drug development.
Thomas Jefferson University is developing a clinical trial using a bone-targeted agent to treat microscopic bony metastasis in high-risk prostate cancer patients. The trial aims to improve death rates from prostate cancer by combining hormones and radiation with the targeted agent, Quadramet.
A new study shows that Frovatriptan is effective in preventing Menstrual Associated Migraine (MAM) headaches, significantly reducing their severity, duration, and functional impairment. The medication reduces MAM incidence by up to 50% and is well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a microarray chip that can track the genetic signature of cancer and normal tissue by analyzing miRNA gene expression patterns. This technology has the potential to provide new targets for drug development and improve our understanding of cancer phenotypes.
Scientists found that a protein inside the rabies virus can enhance the immune response against foreign proteins, enabling the creation of vaccines against other infectious agents. The technique could lead to the development of longer-lasting vaccines against diseases like anthrax.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have made significant progress in developing a new vaccine against malignant melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer. The vaccine showed promise in a phase I-II study, with 8 of 10 patients developing positive responses to their own tumor cells that were chemically modified.
A new standard of care has been established for treating brain metastases, offering improved prognosis and quality of life for patients. Combining radiation therapy with different modalities shows significant benefits in managing this type of cancer.
New guidelines from Thomas Jefferson University offer more precise classification of blood pressure in children and adolescents based on gender, age, and height. Pediatricians are encouraged to recommend diet, exercise, and weight control counseling for children with prehypertension.
A new five-year, $5.6 million NCI grant is supporting a clinical trial to study a blood test for detecting colorectal cancer recurrence based on the protein guanylyl cyclase C (GCC). The trial aims to determine if GCC testing by RT-PCR analysis is more sensitive and specific than current methods in early detection of recurrence.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have found that the HIV virus produces proteins that trigger biochemical pathways in the brain, resulting in brain cell death and dementia. The study suggests that removing the virus or its associated proteins may be an effective way to prevent or treat HIV-related dementia.
Jefferson researchers have discovered a unique genetic signature for colon stem cells, which could lead to a better understanding of colon cancer development. The study found that specific genes are selectively expressed in the bottom of crypts, where stem cells reside.
Researchers found zebrafish embryos are sensitive to mid-blastula transition in ionizing radiation, but unaffected by UV radiation prior to this stage. After the transition, UV radiation causes morphologic damage, while ionizing radiation damages DNA due to lack of repair mechanisms.
A new transdermal system, E-TRANS fentanyl PCTS, has been shown to be as effective as traditional IV pumps for post-surgical pain relief. The system delivers pain medication through the skin with a low-level electric current and can be used for patients with moderate to severe post-operative pain after various surgeries.
Researchers found that dual-infection with HIV and GBV-C leads to better outcomes, including slower progression to AIDS and lower mortality rates. Understanding the mechanism behind this phenomenon could lead to the development of improved therapies.