A new UC Davis study found that high blood pressure in young adulthood is associated with lower regional brain volumes and worse white matter integrity, both factors linked to dementia. The research also showed sex differences in the negative brain changes, with men exhibiting stronger effects than women.
A new study by UC Health shows that electronic referrals to the California quitline can help patients give up tobacco. The study found that patients referred by healthcare providers had similar quit rates as those who called the quitline seeking help.
Researchers identified a crucial molecular process involving gene expression in neurons that contributes to early memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Genetic alterations in mice showed that lack of phosphorylation on beta-2 adrenergic receptors led to poor memory, while PDE inhibitors improved memory function.
A first-of-its-kind study found that mass and active shooters in California have distinct patterns of buying guns compared to other legal purchasers. The researchers identified several patterns, including pre-attack planning and a desire for harder-to-trace firearm purchases.
A new UC Davis study has identified 194 significantly different genes in the brains of people with autism, with many linked to brain connectivity, immune response, and inflammation. The research also found age-dependent differences in genes related to synaptic function and cell loss.
A study found that a 21-question pre-visit survey on a tablet significantly increased the detection of psychosis symptoms in young people. However, it did not reduce the time between first psychotic symptoms and treatment. The technology-based screening improved clinical decision-making but highlighted challenges in scaling up programs.
A new study by UC Davis Health confirms that pediatric critical care telemedicine consults result in significantly fewer interfacility transfers for critically ill children. The study found that 84% of patients assigned to telemedicine were transferred, compared to 90.6% for those with telephone consultations.
A UC Davis study analyzed more than two dozen residency programs across the country, identifying data-driven approaches to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The study provides a comprehensive list of strategies for GME programs to diversify their physician workforce.
A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers identified three distinct paths of intellectual development in autistic children: persistent intellectual disability, an increase in IQ, or average IQ. The study used IQ trajectories to track changes in communication and behavioral development over time.
Researchers found a quantifiable amount of microbiome within soft tissue sarcoma tumors, linked to patient prognosis and immune system interaction. The study's findings suggest that the microbiome plays a role in attracting cancer-fighting cells, such as natural killer cells, which can improve immunotherapy effectiveness.
Researchers discovered that female and male mouse hearts react uniformly at first to noradrenaline but exhibit differences in recovery time, affecting electrical activity. These findings may contribute to arrhythmia susceptibility between men and women, offering new insights into sex-based responses to stress hormones.
A study by UC Davis Health researchers found that telehealth visits saved patients around 53.7 million miles of travel, eliminated the need for 42.4 injuries and 0.7 fatalities, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21,466 metric tons over two years.
A new study reveals that nearly one in five new cervical cancers diagnosed from 2009-2018 were in women 65 and older, with late-stage diagnoses increasing up to age 79. The study suggests that current screening guidelines may be failing these women, leading to lower survival rates.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze parole data from New York and found that the New York State Parole Board could safely grant parole to more inmates, potentially doubling the release rate. The study suggests eliminating racial disparities in release rates while maintaining public safety.
A new study examines the cost-effectiveness of anticoagulation strategies for blood clots in cancer patients, finding that direct oral anti-coagulant (DOAC) drugs are more effective and cost-effective than low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). DOACs were favored as being more effective and less costly than LMWH in base-case analysis but...
A new UC Davis study reveals that close to half of the cancer deaths in California over two years (2017-2019) were associated with tobacco use, totaling 93,764 Californians. Tobacco control efforts have contributed to a decline in cancer mortality in California, but quitting is essential for patients with cancer.
Researchers found that the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery is a promising option for measuring cognitive change in people with intellectual disability. The study shows that the test is sensitive to developmental changes in children, teens, and young adults, which can help guide effective interventions.
Climate change is expanding the geographic range of endemic fungal diseases, such as Valley fever, blastomycosis, and histoplasmosis, which can mimic pneumonia. Physicians are often misdiagnosing these conditions due to a lack of training and limited testing options.
A new study found that women with a first-degree family relative diagnosed with breast cancer may benefit from screening 5-8 years earlier than their relative's diagnosis age. This is equivalent to the recommended age for average-risk women of 50. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 women and found that increasing the age for ini...
A new randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of Parent-Child Care (PC-CARE), a seven-session intervention program, for children with challenging behaviors and their parents or caregivers. The study found that PC-CARE improves communication and reduces challenging behaviors in just seven weeks, with an 81% retention rate.
A landmark surgery using stem cells has been performed on a fetus with spina bifida, aiming to repair the defect before birth. The surgery was successful, and the baby was born healthy with no significant complications.
A groundbreaking trial at UC Davis Health has successfully treated three babies with spina bifida using a stem cell treatment combined with fetal surgery. The procedure shows promise in improving mobility and reducing the severity of the birth defect, which affects 1,500 to 2,000 children in the US every year.
A recent study by UC Davis researchers found that current smokers have a higher risk of laboratory-confirmed viral infection and respiratory illnesses. The study, which re-analyzed data from the British Cold Study, also showed an increased risk of COVID-19-like symptoms in smokers.
Researchers explored how differences in skin composition affect susceptibility to diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The study found that body site determines skin structure and function, with specific lipids and proteins playing a crucial role in disease diagnosis.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to develop monoclonal antibodies that can bind to specific ion channels in nerve cells, inhibiting pain signal transmission. The goal is to create a monthly, non-addictive pain medication to replace opioids, which can lead to addiction.
A proactive phone-based outreach strategy using local area codes significantly increased connections to quitlines among low-income smokers, particularly Spanish-speaking patients. The approach resulted in a 29% higher consent rate for e-referrals compared to generic area codes, highlighting its potential as a health equity tool.
A new study from the University of California - Davis Health found racial and ethnic differences in how extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) are perceived and used in California. Black Californians were less willing to ask a judge for an ERPO, citing lack of knowledge and mistrust of the system as their top reasons.
A new study found that people taking high doses of folic acid were 1.5 times more likely to get COVID-19 and 2.6 times more likely to die from the virus compared to those not on folic acid supplements. Methotrexate, an antifolate drug, mitigated this negative impact when given with folic acid.
A UC Davis Health study found that tecovirimat appears to be safe and effective for treating monkeypox symptoms and skin lesions. The study, which included 25 patients with confirmed monkeypox infection, showed that 92% of patients had lesions in their genital or anal area, while 40% healed from their lesions within a week of treatment.
A new study published in Pediatric Transplantation found that pediatric kidney transplant patients have better long-term outcomes when their kidney comes from a living donor. The study analyzed data from the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network database and compared the rates of graft failure and death among children who received k...
A new curriculum called Relationships Decoded shows promise in teaching adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities about healthy romantic relationships and preventing sexual abuse. The program, tested with diverse professionals from California, improves knowledge and understanding of social-sexual relationships.
A new study from the University of California - Davis Health suggests machine learning can identify handgun purchasers at high risk of firearm suicide. The algorithm used predictive factors such as handgun categories, caliber size, and previous gun purchases to forecast the likelihood of firearm suicide.
Congenital syphilis cases are on the rise in California's small and medium-sized counties. A new study found that poverty and low education levels contribute to the spread of the disease. The researchers call for improved access to prenatal services to address this growing public health crisis.
A new study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that having sex less often during menopause is not associated with an increased risk of developing sexual pain. Women who maintain or increase their sexual frequency do not appear to be at higher risk for developing sexual pain, according to the study.
A new technique for detecting typhoidal Salmonella infections has been developed, allowing for faster and more accurate tracking of infections, particularly in rural areas. The approach detects typhoid antibodies in dried blood spots, providing valuable information for vaccination planning and disease surveillance.
Studies by UC Davis MIND Institute found predictive protein patterns in expecting mothers' blood and links between maternal autoantibodies and higher autistic traits. MAR ASD patterns were associated with autism before birth, with certain patterns predicting autism in previously diagnosed children.
Researchers are developing a health scorecard to predict dementia risk using brain scans, genetics, and biomarkers. The study will analyze diverse populations between ages 65-90, providing insights into contributing factors like diabetes or hypertension that can be addressed to modify the risk.
A UC Davis Health study found that patients on stable but higher-dose opioid therapy who had their doses tapered by at least 15% had significantly higher rates of overdose and mental health crisis in the second year after tapering compared to their pre-tapering period. The risks were greatest in patients with the highest baseline doses.
Dogs with metastatic lung disease were treated with protein interleukin-15 (IL-15) via inhalation, demonstrating immune system stimulation and cancer cell elimination. The study showed a 40% clinical benefit rate, outperforming previous human studies.
A new study from the University of California - Davis Health examines case details and mortality records from the first three years of California's Gun Violence Restraining Order law. The research found that GVROs were used to prevent firearm assault and homicide, with almost 30% of cases involving mass shooting threats.
Parents who used videoconferencing technology to view their hospitalized premature infant reported improved pumping experiences and increased bonding. The study found that videoconferencing strengthened the connection between families and their newborns, reducing stress and anxiety.
A new study found that family medicine physicians face multiple barriers, including lack of training and institutional restrictions, to providing medical abortions. The study highlights the need for stronger exposure and training opportunities to strengthen access to safe abortion options.
A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe finds that friendly bacteria in the gut, such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, can compete with harmful bacteria like Salmonella for energy resources like nitrate. This competition allows the probiotic to occupy both niches and protect against infection.
A UC Davis study found a critical agent keeping KSHV dormant and undetected by the immune system. The virus is linked to various cancers and AIDS-related diseases. The researchers identified CHD4 as a key regulator of the latency-lytic switch, allowing the virus to stay silent.
A recent commentary in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute highlights the disproportionate cancer burden facing Asian Americans, largely attributed to historical prejudices and language barriers. The authors emphasize the need for increased funding and representation in clinical trials to address these disparities.
A long-term study of FXTAS carriers has identified key indicators of disease progression, including cognitive decline and motor symptoms. Researchers hope to develop a validated tracking tool to monitor premutation carriers and patients with FXTAS.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that half of all women will experience at least one false positive mammogram over a decade of annual breast cancer screening with 3D mammography. The risk of false positives is lower for women screened every other year, and non-dense breasts also show a lower false positive risk.
A clinical trial at UC Davis Health showed that cellular therapy offers promise for patients with late-stage Duchenne muscular dystrophy, stopping deterioration of upper limb and heart functions. The therapy appears to be safe and effective in improving skeletal muscle and cardiac function.
Researchers at UC Davis MIND Institute found a novel gene linked to autism spectrum disorder in newborns. The study analyzed DNA methylation signatures in the placenta, which reflected fetal brain development and early autism diagnosis.
A study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers found that autistic children have distinct amygdala changes, with larger volumes associated with traditional anxiety and smaller volumes linked to autism-distinct anxieties. The study used brain scans of 71 autistic and 55 non-autistic children between ages 2-12.