Prostate cancer patients who have a spouse or partner report lower levels of depression and emotional distress. Support groups can also benefit single men in improving their quality of life.
A UCLA study suggests that comprehensive health screenings and in-home visits by nurse practitioners can significantly lower the number of health risks faced by adults with developmental disabilities. The research found that nearly half of participants were overweight or obese, while over a third experienced moderate to severe pain.
A new study found that a combination of immunosuppressive therapies significantly reduces non-cellular and humoral rejection in heart transplant recipients. The TAC/MMF group showed the lowest incidence of any treated rejection and improved side effects compared to other groups.
The study found that the newest drug therapy – adefovir – was not cost-effective when taken alone but became very cost-effective when reserved as a second-line agent in people who develop viral resistance for lamivudine. The hybrid treatment strategy of lamivudine and adefovir is also a viable option.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found changes in GABAA receptors linked to seizures and anxiety during the menstrual cycle. The researchers suggest that these changes may be relevant to post-partum depression and mood swings during pregnancy, and could provide novel therapeutic targets for PMS and catamenial epilepsy.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that disrupts nervous signals to the vocal cords. The surgery provided long-lasting resolution of symptoms and improved physical, social, and emotional well-being in most patients, offering a permanent solution for treating the disorder.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a method to expose the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on cancer cells, making it accessible to blood-borne immunotherapies. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for prostate cancer patients with advanced disease.
A new pocket guide for nurses, 'Helping Smokers Quit', aims to enlist the aid of the country's 2.2 million practicing nurses in helping people give up smoking. The guide provides information and tools for nurses to become smoking cessation advocates.
A new study has found that older patients with type 2 diabetes often go without necessary eye care. According to the research, approximately 42% of managed care patients and 28% of fee-for-service patients require urgent treatment for treatable eye conditions within six months.
Researchers found that five out of eight African Americans and seven out of eleven Caucasians showed increased amygdala activity when viewing expressionless African American photos compared to Caucasian photos. This suggests that people from both groups have similar emotional brain responses to the same stimulus.
Researchers at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute developed a mouse model showing that mutant HD proteins exert influence on nearby brain cells, which interact with target cells to spark disease. The study provides direct genetic evidence for the role of cellular interactions in Huntington's disease progression.
Researchers at UCLA have pinpointed a specific region on chromosome 17 associated with autism in males. The discovery may help explain why girls are less likely to develop the condition, as the gene contributing to autism only affects boys.
Researchers found that leptin replacement treatment altered brain structure and reduced cravings for people with an obesity gene. The study suggests new potential treatments for weight-related issues.
A new study found that MPAA ratings fail to predict the frequency of violence in individual films, with PG and R ratings containing a wide range of violent acts. The study suggests that objective content descriptions and measures of explicit violence are better indicators of big screen violence.
Researchers used brain imaging to map abnormalities in living patients with Williams syndrome, showing exceptional language skills. The findings shed light on the genetic control of human cortex development and help predict the syndrome's progression.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a molecule on immune cells that plays a critical role in the sexual transmission of HIV. Blocking this molecule could prevent HIV from spreading infection, potentially reducing its ability to infect new individuals.
Researchers developed patient scenarios to compare costs of three therapies for treating chronic arthritis pain. The study found that combining a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with an acid-reducing drug was less expensive, safer, and more effective than using a Cox-2 inhibitor alone.
Researchers found changes in prefrontal brain function during a placebo lead-in predicted adverse effects in subjects who received an antidepressant. This study's unique design uses quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) imaging technique cordance to identify individuals at risk of side effects.
A UCLA study found that 47% of sixth graders reported being bullied on at least one day, with verbal harassment being the most common type. The study also showed that witnessing bullying can shield students from feeling humiliated or angry, and that frequent bullying can lead to psychological problems and decreased academic performance.
UCLA researchers have developed a revolutionary single-shot digitizer that captures lightning-quick pulses 50 times faster than the best commercially available digitizer. This breakthrough enables faster digitalization of signals and has significant implications for areas like particle physics, radar systems, and defense applications.
Researchers at UCLA's new $20 million Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine are exploring various approaches to combat HIV, cancer and neurological disorders. The institution aims to harness the power of embryonic and adult stem cells to develop revolutionary new treatments.
A randomized, controlled study evaluated four behavioral drug abuse treatments for reducing methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior among gay and bisexual methamphetamine addicts. Treatment produced immediate, three-fold reductions in both methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior.
Researchers have solved the structure of an essential RNA domain in telomerase, a crucial enzyme in cancer cell division. The discovery provides insights into how telomerase works and could lead to targeted drug interventions.
Researchers have discovered a method to store biomaterials in cells' natural vaults, enabling targeted drug delivery and gene editing. This approach may prove safer than traditional methods by minimizing the risk of an immune response.
Scientists isolated immune cells from HIV-infected persons and cultured them with chemical compounds, producing the same changes as gene therapy. The findings offer a new approach to strengthen the immune system's capacity to stave off HIV.
Teenagers often inadvertently expose themselves to pornography while conducting legitimate internet searches. The study reveals that late childhood has become a time of relative exposure to sexualized media due to the pervasive nature of online content.
A new study reveals that sleep loss significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk in alcoholics, disrupting heart rate and sympathetic catecholamine levels. Behavioral treatments may help alleviate sleep abnormalities and related physiological issues.
A recent UCLA study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that people's drinking habits decrease with age, with an average decline of 9-11% per decade. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to track changes in drinking behavior over time.
A study by UCLA neuroscientists found that pre motor mirror neuron areas of the brain can ascribe intentions to actions when presented within a context. This expansion of knowledge supports imitation-based treatments for autism and similar disorders, which may improve social interaction skills.
A UCLA study found that green tea extract may help fight bladder cancer by interrupting the development of invasive cells. The extract affects actin remodeling, a process crucial for cell movement and invasion.
Scientists create artificial mechanism of allosteric control based on mechanical tension, allowing for controlled switching of proteins in living cells. The breakthrough could lead to targeted pharmaceutical drugs with reduced side effects and improved understanding of protein molecular architecture.
A UCLA study found that 29% of pharmaceutical ads in American medical journals offer no references to support medical claims, while 84% of referenced documents are accessible. The majority of original research cited in ads was sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.
UCLA researchers develop gene therapy approach using modified HIV to target P-glycoproteins on cancer cells, minimizing side effects and maximizing therapeutic effectiveness. The method shows promise for controlling cancer and other diseases.
A natural gene mutation in rats' brains increases their tolerance to alcohol, leading to rapid intoxication. The study may help identify children and adults at higher risk of developing alcohol dependency.
Researchers found no significant association between antidepressant use and suicide rates in the US. Instead, they suggest that untreated depression is a major contributor to suicidal behavior, particularly among men and young people.
Researchers developed a simple risk model using three measures from laboratory blood tests and vital signs to gauge mortality risk in heart failure patients. The tool was tested on over 100,000 hospitalizations and found to accurately distinguish between low, intermediate, and high risk patients.
Qdot molecular imaging enables precise tracking of tumors, identification of cancer types, and real-time optical biopsy. The technology holds promise for a one-two punch approach to diagnose and treat cancer.
A study found strengths and weaknesses in the quality of care for children with ADHD, major depression, and conduct disorder in California's public mental health clinics. Despite comprehensive evaluations, there were moderate to poor documentation of medical monitoring, psychoactive medication management, and parent consent.
Researchers at UCLA and VA discovered a link between lipin levels and body weight, finding that excess lipin can lead to accelerated weight gain in mice. Variations in lipin levels may play a role in why some people are more prone to weight gain than others.
A collaborative care program for adolescent depression in primary care clinics significantly reduces symptoms, improves quality of life, and increases access to effective treatments. The study suggests that clinicians can effectively treat youth depression with a team-based approach.
Researchers found that strong stellar winds around young red dwarfs may be responsible for removing dust and debris disks. The discovery provides a potential explanation for the rare occurrence of debris disks among red dwarfs, but further observations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Researchers found a high concentration of X-ray sources near the Galactic center, suggesting multiple black holes are present. The presence of these black holes is consistent with the theory that stellar-mass black holes can sink toward the center of the galaxy through dynamical friction.
A new study has identified a high mortality rate among advanced heart failure patients who use insulin to manage diabetes. Researchers found one-year survival rates of 62.1% for insulin-treated diabetic patients, compared to 89.7% for non-diabetic patients and 85.8% for non-insulin-treated diabetic patients.
A UCLA-VA study found that curcumin inhibits beta amyloid formation and breaks up existing brain plaques in genetically altered mice. Curcumin's low molecular weight and polar structure allow it to penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, making it a promising treatment option for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found a genetic variation in the CRH gene associated with a 70% greater reduction in anxiety and 30% greater reduction in depression in response to certain antidepressants. This discovery shows promise in helping physicians tailor prescriptions to specific people, offering a more targeted approach to treating depression.
A new UCLA study found that individuals with high socioeconomic status have higher cardiovascular risk factors than those with lower SES. The researchers also discovered that improving one's SES is associated with improved risk profiles.
Researchers have reported rapid progress in molecular electronics, with logic gates, memory circuits, and rectifiers demonstrated to work. The UCLA/Caltech team has achieved significant advancements in harnessing molecule-based switches for electronic circuitry.
Researchers have discovered that marine snails and humans share identical cellular mechanisms for learning and memory, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding age-related memory loss and developing interventions for people with memory disorders. The study may also shed light on the role of protein synthesis in long-term memory.
Researchers identified a shortfall of IDE protein in Alzheimer's patients and found a cause-effect relationship between insulin signaling and increased production of IDE. A low-fat diet high in fish and soy was shown to increase production of IDE, suggesting a potential protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.
A UCLA physicist uses complex systems analysis to study how best-selling books reach their sales peaks, finding that two types of shocks can lead to predictable sales patterns. The researcher's model has been applied to understanding earthquakes and other natural disasters.