Researchers have identified a link between the fibroblast growth factor system and major depressive disorder, with those treated with SSRIs showing smaller changes. The study's findings offer new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying mood disorders and potential avenues for targeted therapeutics.
A national study led by UC Davis researchers found that surveillance colonoscopies are performed more frequently than necessary, with 24% of gastroenterologists recommending unnecessary procedures. The study suggests that implementation of clinical guidelines can help optimize patient care and reduce healthcare burden.
The UC Davis Cancer Center has a vigorous clinical trials program, with about 16% of new cancer patients participating in trials. This rate is significantly higher than the national average of less than 3%.
African American participants who received pressure-lowering eye drops had a lower risk of developing glaucoma compared to those who didn't receive treatment. Regular eye exams are crucial for determining glaucoma risk, particularly in African Americans over 40.
A recent study found that lung cancer patients in Japan had a longer median survival time (12 months) compared to US patients (9 months), despite receiving a lower dose of the same chemotherapy regimen. However, Japanese patients experienced more side effects, such as neutropenia and neuropathy.
Researchers at UC Davis Cancer Center discovered that sequential administration of erlotinib and docetaxel enhances effectiveness in treating non-small cell lung cancer. The study showed that giving docetaxel first, then erlotinib, was more effective than simultaneous or alternative administration.
A novel therapeutic bortezomib combination will be tested in a phase II trial for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The regimen, combining bortezomib with gemcitabine and carboplatin, shows promise in preclinical research, where giving bortezomib last may enhance its effectiveness.
New research indicates that hormone therapy may still offer important health benefits to postmenopausal women. The study's authors argue that the effects of different estrogens and progestins can vary significantly depending on formulation, dosage, and administration method.
A study found that tobacco smoke exposure is responsible for more than half the non-lung cancer death rate in African-American males, and up to two-thirds of their overall cancer death rate. The excess cancer burden can be clearly linked to smoking, with significant declines in mortality rates observed when smoking declined.
A 10-week study found that consuming plant sterol-fortified orange juice lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels by 7.2% and 12.4%, respectively. The researchers suggest this could be a healthy and appealing option for individuals with mildly elevated cholesterol.
Researchers discovered that a small mutation in the fragile X gene causes tremors, balance problems, and dementia in older men. Genetic screening is recommended for men with these symptoms, especially those carrying the premutation, to accurately diagnose and treat Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Atxa Syndrome (FXTAS).
Researchers found that exposure to passive tobacco smoke increased the risk of sickle cell crisis by 90 percent and was not influenced by other factors. Removing passive tobacco smoke from the home may reduce suffering and medical care costs for children with sickle cell disease.
Researchers found that levetiracetam monotherapy can be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for adults with new onset and difficult-to-control epilepsy. After one year of treatment, 53% of patients were seizure-free, with some experiencing significant reductions in seizure frequency.
Researchers demonstrate that removing beta-1 integrin gene prevents breast cancer growth in mice, halting tumor progression and even regressing advanced cancers. However, some tumors spontaneously recur over time, highlighting the need for further investigation into mechanisms of resistance.
Researchers successfully grew breast cancer tissue from human and mouse mammary stem cells, paving the way for new treatments. The findings aim to overcome drug resistance and relapse in breast cancer patients, with potential to transform cancer treatment.
The study found that BAC proliferation correlated with HER2 but not EGFR expression, suggesting a potential role for combination therapies. Researchers hope to launch a clinical trial of HER2- and EGFR-blocker combination therapy in the treatment of BAC.
A new study found that the California law SB 37 has eliminated a major barrier to cancer clinical trial participation, with no patients citing insurance limitations as a reason. Participation rates have increased from 51% to 69%, but further awareness campaigns are needed to raise rates more dramatically.
A multi-center study analyzing 2,056 prostate cancer patients found that metastatic disease carries a significant mortality rate and incurs substantial healthcare expenses. Patients with metastatic disease had ten times the death rate of those with localized disease, with $13,650 more in annual healthcare costs.
A new UC Davis study reveals that C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a key role in the formation of blood clots and plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. High CRP levels can be reduced by losing weight, exercising regularly, or taking statin drugs.
Researchers will enroll up to 2,000 children with differing patterns of development to compare environmental exposures and physiologic factors. The study aims to gain a better understanding of the multiple ways autism and other developmental delays may occur.
A recent study led by UC Davis finds that syringe-exchange programs significantly reduce HIV risk behavior among injecting drug users. The research shows a two-fold to six-fold reduction in risk behaviors for users with and without access to clean syringes, respectively.
Researchers at UC Davis discover that c-reactive protein inhibits protective enzyme eNOS, leading to increased plaque formation and heart disease risk. This finding supports the need for new screening guidelines and highlights the importance of measuring c-reactive protein levels in high-risk groups.
A previously unrecognized function of myeloperoxidase has been identified, affecting vasculature through a pathway independent of chlorine bleach production. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to treat inflammatory vascular diseases and conditions like septic shock.
The UC Davis Community Partnerships with Pediatricians for Healthy Children program provides medical residents a grassroots experience in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The program, funded by the $1.8 million Dyson Foundation grant, links residents with community collaboratives to identify and solve health issues.
Researchers found that pressure-lowering eye drops reduced the development of primary open-angle glaucoma by more than 50% in high-risk individuals. The study also highlighted personal and ocular risk factors associated with glaucoma development.
Researchers found that most articles reporting new treatment results only used the most favorable statistic. Only 18 out of 359 articles reported 'absolute-risk reduction', and none reported 'number needed to treat'. Complete reporting is crucial for informed patient decisions.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that cancer patients receiving both investigational chemotherapy treatments and palliative care outperformed those who received only treatment. This approach improved quality-of-life assessments and increased completion of chemotherapy cycles.
A new study by UC Davis Cancer Center found that patients need practical information about how to participate in clinical trials. Informed patients are more likely to have autonomy, be satisfied with their treatment, and stick with a clinical trial through its completion.
Research finds that babies fully breastfed for six months have a significantly lower risk of pneumonia and recurrent ear infections compared to those who are fully breastfed for only four months. The study also shows an increased protection against gastrointestinal infections with longer breastfeeding duration.
The North-Central California Center for AIDS Research aims to address HIV infection patterns, develop prevention strategies and improve treatment outcomes. The center will foster collaboration between researchers and clinicians to advance knowledge of HIV and its impact on rural communities.
A UC Davis study found that surgical consultations were faster and more accurate than CT scans and ultrasounds in diagnosing appendicitis. Surgeons determined diagnosis within 10 hours, while patients waited 13-19 hours for CT or ultrasound results.
A UC Davis study finds that syringe-exchange programs reduce HIV risk among injection drug users, with benefits seen in studies conducted in the US and internationally. The programs appear to be most effective when they are the only source of clean needles available.
A common treatment for diabetic crisis in children may contribute to a rare but often-fatal complication known as cerebral edema. Two simple blood test measurements can help predict which patients are at greatest danger of developing the potentially deadly complication.
A study published in Radiology found that women who receive further testing on the same day as an abnormal screening mammogram experience significantly less stress than those who have to wait. The researchers also found that offering immediate diagnostic imaging can reduce the stress of a false positive mammogram, but would increase ov...
A study found that pneumatic compression and extended anticoagulant drug therapy lower the risk of developing symptomatic blood clots after hip replacement surgery, with overweight patients most at risk. Pneumatic compression was effective in normal-weight patients, while warfarin therapy benefited all patients.
Researchers at UC Davis found that spirulina significantly increases cytokine production in cultured immune cells, promoting a cell-mediated immune response. This could provide potential benefits for protecting against intracellular pathogens and parasites.
A nationwide study of over 16,000 women found that common menopause symptoms vary across ethnic groups, socioeconomic statuses, and lifestyle habits. Symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness were more prevalent in African American and Hispanic women, while Japanese and Chinese women reported fewer symptoms.
A UC Davis study identifies brain systems affected in stroke patients with memory loss, distinguishing them from those affected by Alzheimer's disease. This distinction enables physicians to treat root causes of memory loss, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and prevent strokes.
A study published in Preventive Medicine reveals that smoking is a leading cause of fires and death from fires globally, resulting in an estimated cost of nearly $7 billion in the US and $27.2 billion worldwide. Smoking causes 30% of fire deaths in the US and 10% globally.
UC Davis researchers have successfully restored vision in 10 of 14 patients suffering from severe corneal damage, using a new technique to grow replacement cornea tissue in a laboratory dish. The treatment showed significant improvement in visual acuity, enabling patients to regain their independence.
A study of 5,888 senior citizens found that only those with high levels of atherosclerosis or diabetes and the ApoE4 gene are at high risk for cognitive decline. The majority of elderly people showed no significant decline in cognitive function over 10 years.