A $3 million NIH grant will help scientists at Jefferson Medical College study variations in platelet function, specifically the genetics of platelet gene expression. The goal is to identify biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular disease risk and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
A pre-emptive multimodal pain regimen reduced opioid analgesic use in robotic prostatectomy patients. The study found a mean opioid dose of 49.1 mg for those receiving the regimen, compared to 75.3 mg for standard care.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that antiviral therapy prevents HCC recurrence and extends survival in CHB patients. The median survival was 60 months for those receiving antiviral therapy, compared to 12.5 months for those not receiving it.
Researchers found that high interleukin-10 levels in tumor cells are associated with worse prognosis after autologous melanoma cell vaccine treatment. High IL-10 levels can downregulate the immune response, decreasing the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Researchers found that acute neurological toxicity is associated with chronic toxicity and shorter overall survival in high-grade glioma patients. Patients experiencing acute toxicity had a median survival of 7.8 months, compared to 11.8 months for those without.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified a protein interaction controlling the silencing of Oct4, a key transcription factor necessary for embryonic stem cells to remain pluripotent. The study suggests that attenuated stem cell differentiation contributes to aging by leading to organ or tissue function decline.
Researchers found that Wikipedia's cancer information is accurate but poorly readable compared to peer-reviewed sites like the National Cancer Institute's PDQ. Readability was highly statistically significant, with Wikipedia written at a college level while PDQ was suitable for a 9th grader.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy significantly improves survival rates for patients with recurrent brain cancers, while minimizing side effects. The treatment provides longer survival without experiencing common chemotherapy and targeted therapy side effects.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a protein, IGF-IR, that regulates motility and invasion of bladder cancer cells. This finding offers a novel molecular target for treating patients with aggressive bladder cancer and may also serve as a tumor biomarker for diagnosis.
Researchers found that the level of arrestin protein determines how long C. elegans lives, with worms having triple the amount living one-third less than normal. Arrestin interacts with several proteins to regulate longevity and has relevance to human biology and cancer development.
A recent study published in the journal Surgery found that mechanical bowel preparations (MBPs) do not reduce perioperative infectious complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 patients and concluded that MBPs have no clinical benefit for this procedure.
A study at Thomas Jefferson University found that non-invasive coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a cost-effective alternative to invasive cardiac catheterization. Performing CTA before catheterization results in significant cost savings, with an average of $789 per patient.
Jonathan Brody has received a 2010 Pancreatic Cancer Action Network-AACR Career Development Award to support his innovative research on pancreatic cancer. He aims to extend funding and translate his findings into clinical settings.
Researchers found that obese patients with pancreatic cancer have significantly higher levels of MCP-1, a chemokine associated with inflammation, compared to non-obese patients with the same condition. Inflammation has been shown to contribute to tumor progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Researchers found that prolactin reduces levels of BCL6, an oncogene linked to poorly differentiated breast cancer. Prolactin's role is mediated by Stat5a, which may lead to better diagnostic tests and new treatment options for aggressive breast cancers.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have successfully engineered tobacco plants to produce more oil in their leaves, which can be used as a sustainable biofuel. The modified plants yielded up to 20-fold more oil than normal tobacco plant leaves, paving the way for a new energy source.
Scientists have discovered a possible way to identify malignant breast tumors without invasive biopsies, using an agent called 64Cu-TP3805 that targets a specific biomarker called VPAC1. This method has the potential to significantly contribute to breast cancer management.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University developed a promising AIDS vaccine using a rabies virus-based strategy, inducing neutralizing antibodies and CD8+ T cell responses in monkeys. The study showed that the vaccine protected against disease and elicited significant antibody activity against SIV.
The new guidelines offer a range of therapeutic options and provide evidence-based recommendations for treating brain metastases. The guidelines aim to improve patient outcomes by identifying best treatment practices and fostering support for ongoing research.
The center will study autoimmune diseases, with a focus on multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, aiming to find new treatments by understanding the immune response mechanisms.
Thomas Jefferson researchers have found a novel mechanism by which drugs can block HIV-1 from entering host cells, targeting the gp41 protein. The study reveals that fusion inhibitors induce irreversible deactivation of gp41, and suggests strategies to improve the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Research at Thomas Jefferson University found that inhibiting GRK2 reduces acute ischemia injury to the myocardium, protecting cardiac myocytes from damage. The absence of GRK2 activity leads to improved recovery from acute cardiac damage.
A protein long thought secondary to stressors like hypertension is actually a primary regulator according to researchers. Knocking out GSK-3alpha causes significant hypertrophy in mice models. The findings also suggest GSK-3alpha as a positive regulator of the beta-adrenergic system, potentially helping failing hearts pump better.
A rapid decline in PET scan activity is correlated with good local tumor control and better lung cancer outcomes. Higher pre-treatment metabolic activity and tumor size are associated with increased risk of death from lung cancer.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy is effective in controlling optic nerve sheath meningioma growth while preserving vision. The treatment resulted in a high rate of stabilized or improved visual acuity, with minimal late complications.
A new study suggests that PET imaging before radiation therapy should not be used to determine areas that may benefit from higher doses of radiation. Researchers found that activity patterns in some patients changed completely after treatment, making it unreliable as a predictor.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have received $3.9 million in Challenge grant funds to tackle specific scientific and health research challenges in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Drs. Flemming Forsberg, Laura N. Gitlin, Maurizio Pacifici, and Scott Waldman will study portal venous pressure, depression treatment, Heredit...
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has developed new guidelines for radiation dose delivery and reporting in brachytherapy procedures. The task force aims to provide consistent and reproducible dosimetric information, improving treatment accuracy and patient outcomes.
Researchers found that rats with migraine-like headaches reacted to alcohol-induced pain, whereas those without migraines did not. The study suggests dehydration or impurities in alcohol are not responsible for hangovers.
Intracellular pathogens like Chlamydia and Legionella exploit host cell biology to escape destruction. Researchers found that SNARE-like proteins expressed by the bacteria inhibit membrane fusion with lysosomes, allowing them to remain in cells.
A recent US Army study found that up to 70% of severely wounded soldiers develop excessive bone growth, causing severe pain and mobility issues. Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a way to prevent this condition by disrupting cellular changes needed to produce bone tissue.
A new rabies vaccine has shown to induce a rapid and efficient immune response in mice and non-human primates, potentially reducing the six-shot post-exposure regimen to just one inoculation. The experimental vaccine lacks a key gene called the matrix (M) gene, inhibiting the virus from completing its life cycle.
Researchers found that inhibiting NF-kappa B reduced radiation toxicity in zebrafish embryos, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. The study also suggests that downmodulating NF-kappa B activity may be more beneficial than completely ablating it to protect against radiation effects.
Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University developed a prodrug that could potentially reduce or avoid skin toxicity associated with EGFR-inhibiting cancer drugs. The prodrug is designed to preferentially bind to tumor tissue, reducing side effects. By targeting the tumor site, the prodrug can minimize damage to normal tissues.
Research found that smoking increases the likelihood of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma becoming metastatic, with osteopontin isoform OPNc playing a key role. High levels of OPNc were detected in 87% of invasive PDA lesions from smokers, correlating with nicotine exposure.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified DACH1 as a protein that prevents cancer cell proliferation by repressing estrogen receptors in ER+ breast cancer. As DACH1 expression decreases in breast cancer, estrogen receptor presence increases, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers suggests that a minimum of three demyelinating features can be used to positively identify Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). This finding may help doctors diagnose CIDP more effectively and treat patients earlier, potentially preventing further disability.
A study published by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that patients with low cytoplasmic HuR levels had a 7-fold increased mortality risk after receiving gemcitabine treatment. High HuR levels, on the other hand, were associated with improved treatment response and reduced mortality risk.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are exploring the role of notch signaling pathway proteins in regulating stem cell activities. They plan to develop a genetically engineered mouse model to gain insights into this process and potentially harness the body's own regenerative potential to treat degenerative disc disease.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that half of patients with cluster headaches experience cutaneous allodynia, a common migraine pain condition. This discovery suggests overlap in mechanisms for pain between migraines and cluster headaches, potentially leading to new treatment implications.
Researchers have identified a new prognostic factor in breast cancer patients, predicting early disease recurrence, metastasis, and patient survival. The absence of caveolin-1 in the stroma is strongly associated with more aggressive disease and reduced progression-free survival.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that invagination of the pancreas into the small intestine after pancreaticoduodenectomy lowers the rate of pancreatic fistula. The study compared two reconnection procedures and showed a significant reduction in fistula development with invagination.
Researchers found that combining vitamin K with sorafenib reduced the need for higher doses of sorafenib by more than 50% in both pancreas cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma studies. This combination also inhibited tumor growth and induced cell death, offering a potential cure strategy.
Researchers found hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy improved symptoms and survival time in patients with recurrent low-grade glioma. The treatment was well-tolerated and allowed patients to complete the full course of therapy.
The study found that thymoquinone from Nigella sativa inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB in pancreatic cancer cells, reducing tumor growth and inflammation. The herb has been used for centuries to treat various diseases, including immune disorders.
Researchers have identified Mcl-1 as a critical protein in melanoma cell resistance to anoikis, enabling metastasis and survival. Depletion of Mcl-1 makes melanoma cells susceptible to apoptosis, suggesting a viable treatment strategy.
Dr. Piera Pasinelli has received a $300,000 grant from the Margaret Q. Landenberger Research Foundation to investigate critical aspects of drug delivery in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The research aims to overcome the limitations of current treatments by finding ways to inactivate multi-drug resistance transporters.
Researchers found that adding chloroquine to imatinib improves its therapeutic effect by inhibiting autophagy, which helps leukemia cells evade death. The combination eliminates most CML stem cells and increases imatinib-induced cell death.
A clinical study found that a combination of steroids and antihistamines can alleviate Plavix allergy symptoms in 88% of patients, enabling them to continue treatment. The study's findings have significant implications for cardiac patients with stents, who require long-term Plavix use.
Researchers found two widely-prescribed anticonvulsants may lead to increased cholesterol, C-reactive protein and other markers of cardiovascular disease. Switching patients to newer drugs resulted in significant declines in these markers.