The Prescription Opiate Addiction Treatment Study aims to assess the effectiveness of buprenorphine/naloxone combination tablets and different models of drug counseling in patients addicted to prescription opioids. The study will enroll 648 participants and test various treatment approaches to treat addiction to opioid painkillers.
A clinical trial at UCSF Brain Tumor Research Center has shown promising results using the vitespen vaccine to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells. The vaccine, made from a patient's own tumor, induced a tumor-specific immune response in all 12 study patients.
Men with lower educational levels experience a significant drop in quality of life after prostate cancer treatment compared to those with more education. The study controlled for various factors, including income and healthcare access, to show that low education alone is associated with lower quality of life.
A new UCSF study predicts a woman's chance of undergoing a hysterectomy based on symptoms and medical history. The study found that women with a combination of symptoms, lack of symptom resolution, and previous GNRH agonist use are more likely to undergo the procedure.
Researchers at San Francisco VA Medical Center found that administering glucose to treat hypoglycemia actually causes brain damage in rats, contrary to previous assumptions. Oxidative stress is triggered by the sudden return of glucose, leading to neuron death.
A UCSF policy expert proposes a hybrid single-payer plan to provide universal healthcare, covering catastrophic accidents and chronic illnesses. The plan aims to improve equity and efficiency by incorporating aspects of both single-payer models and PPOs.
A new study published in International Braz J Urol found that exposure to hot baths or hot tubs can lead to male infertility. However, the effects can be reversible if the practice is discontinued for at least three months. The study showed a significant increase in sperm motility among responders, with a mean increase of 491 percent a...
Researchers have discovered that antibody signals can activate leukocytes to promote cell growth and increase blood supply in precancerous tissues, fueling cancer progression. Potential drugs already being tested may be able to block this pathway, offering a new therapeutic strategy for treating B cell lymphoma and autoimmune diseases.
A child-parent psychotherapy treatment developed at UCSF improves normal development for small children traumatized by violence and abuse. The program helps parents recall childhood moments of unconditional love, breaking generations-long cycles of maltreatment.
Neural prostheses aim to restore function through electrical stimulation to damaged motor neural circuits, exploiting brain plasticity to enhance treatment outcomes. By engaging the brain in a remediation process, devices can be designed to promote plastic adaptation and optimize performance.
A groundbreaking study at UCSF Children's Hospital aims to correct pectus excavatum, a congenital chest deformity, using a magnetic procedure. The 3MP technique uses magnets to gradually realign the breastbone and chest wall, offering a potential alternative to invasive surgery.
Researchers are investigating the causes of bone loss in astronauts due to prolonged weightlessness. The study focuses on the role of integrins, which may be key to decreasing bone cell production and preventing fractures.
In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, patients smoking cannabis experienced a 34 percent reduction in intense foot pain associated with HIV—twice the rate experienced by patients who smoked placebo. This study provides evidence for the therapeutic value of cannabis in managing HIV-associated sensory neuropathy.
A new scoring system, ABCD-squared, predicts early stroke risk after TIA with higher accuracy than existing scores. The system assigns points based on clinical features such as blood pressure, weakness, and diabetes to identify groups at high, moderate, or low-risk.
In a breakthrough study, researchers found that neutrophils in the lungs produce histamine in response to infection, contradicting the long-held assumption that mast cells are the primary source. This discovery has implications for asthma and bronchitis treatments, suggesting antihistamines may be a viable therapeutic option.
The US healthcare system's increasing reliance on medical technology has driven cost growth, according to Rita Redberg. She proposes an evidence-based review process to balance innovation with value and improve patient care outcomes.
A blood test for NT-proBNP accurately predicts the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death in patients with known cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of NT-proBNP are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular events or death.
Researchers at the University of California - San Francisco have discovered two novel treatments that may prevent brain damage caused by stroke, administered through the nose to reduce brain cell death. The studies found that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) reduced brain cell death by 70-86% and significantly reduced motor imp...
UCSF scientists have identified a cell population, known as von Economo neurons, that is selectively targeted by frontotemporal dementia. This discovery provides new insight into the early degenerative process of the disease and may lead to new strategies for treatment.
Adult stem cells in a specific region of the mouse brain have a built-in mechanism to participate in the repair and remodeling of damaged tissue. The study's findings suggest that these cells may also exist in humans, potentially leading to new treatments for disorders like stroke and traumatic injury.
A new study found that the loss of PTEN function in glioma cells leads to high levels of B7-H1 expression, making it harder for T-cells to kill cancer cells. This discovery may have implications beyond brain tumors and could affect the effectiveness of emerging therapies.
A new study found that patients who initiate general discussions about antidepressant medication are more likely to be thoroughly evaluated for depression than those with brand-specific requests or no request. This increase in history-taking also leads to better provision of initial care and diagnostic accuracy.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that guanfacine, a commonly prescribed medication for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is no more effective than a placebo. The study, led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, involved 63 male and female veterans who received either weekly dose...
A study by University of California - San Francisco researchers found that the GATA-3 gene plays a crucial role in maintaining the mature state of breast cells. Without this gene, mammary ductal cells regress to an undifferentiated state characteristic of aggressive cancer. The discovery may lead to new ways of understanding and treati...
A new vaginal gel designed to prevent herpes and HIV infection is being tested in a US study. The gel, called VivaGel, has shown nearly 100% effectiveness in animal trials with few side effects. The study aims to give women more control over their sexual health and reduce the spread of these infections.
Scientists have discovered that autoimmunity can be triggered in the thymus if T cells fail to recognize a single protein as self. This finding suggests that effective strategies to treat autoimmune disease should target not only peripheral sites but also the thymus.
A study of nearly 600,000 men aged 70 and older reveals that 56 percent had a routine PSA screening, despite lack of recommendation. Health status had little impact on whether a test was performed, with even those in poor health receiving the test.
Researchers discovered that tarantula venom activates the same nerve cells responsible for sensing heat and pain, similar to chili peppers. The study provides insights into the molecular strategy used by some plants and animals to deter predators and may lead to the development of new pain treatments.
A study by UCSF researchers found that 42% of elderly patients taking five or more medications were simultaneously taking an inappropriate drug and not taking a necessary one. The study also showed that underuse of medications was common, with an average of one missed medication per patient.
The UCSF Institute will support innovative approaches in translational and clinical science across four schools, with a focus on accelerating the pace of scientific discovery into patient care. The institute's goal is to find more efficient ways to move basic research findings into the clinic.
Researchers discovered that APOBEC3G forms large RNA protein complexes to block HIV and protect against jumping genes. This finding may lead to new approaches for controlling HIV infection.
Researchers found that both amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) carry a low risk of miscarriage. While CVS was initially believed to have a higher rate of miscarriage, the study revealed that this risk decreased over time.
A scientist-astronaut is sending human T-cells to the International Space Station to study why they don't activate properly in microgravity. The experiment aims to identify which genes are not expressed in space, shedding light on immunosuppression and potential treatments for astronauts.
A new kidney test, cystatin C, has been found to accurately predict higher risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and death among elderly people. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that a normal creatinine level should not reassure patients of normal kidney function.
A new CD-ROM containing more than 40 selected chapters from the HIV InSite Knowledge Base is being released to provide comprehensive HIV information in the developing world. The disk features a wide range of topics, including natural science, diagnosis and clinical management, transmission and prevention.
A comprehensive review published in Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that Western diets are causing hormonal imbalances in children, leading to overeating and obesity. The study attributes the rise in childhood obesity to an environment with high-calorie, low-fiber foods.
A four-year study found chronically high blood sugar associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. Women with elevated glycosylated hemoglobin were four times more likely to develop MCI or dementia than those with lower levels.
Research reveals that African HIV-infected patients have significantly higher rates of adherence to antiretroviral regimens, with 77% taking their medications as directed compared to 59% in North America. This contradicts historical assumptions about poor adherence among Africans.
The median age of San Francisco's homeless population has increased significantly over 14 years, shifting from 37 to 46. Chronic diseases related to homelessness are a major contributor to this trend. Researchers at UCSF have found worsening health status and chronic conditions among aging homeless adults.
A study led by Rebecca Sudore found that low literacy levels are associated with a higher risk of death among elderly people. Only 28% of adults understood a simplified medical consent form, even after modification to improve understanding. Limited literacy increases mortality risk by a factor of 1.75.
A new study found that older age is an independent risk factor for developing bleeding in the body, particularly intracranial hemorrhage in the brain. Carefully monitored warfarin therapy can be used with reasonable safety in older patients.
A study of 18 HIV-positive subjects reveals that HIV in the brain and central nervous system is genetically different from HIV in the blood. A particular mutation in the HIV envelope gene is correlated with cognitive impairment, suggesting a key to understanding and potentially treating HIV dementia.
A study of 417 post-menopausal women found no harmful effects on cognitive abilities or health-related quality of life from a daily .014 milligram dose of estradiol via skin patch over two years. The results suggest that women can use this patch without harm for two years, benefiting their bones and alleviating hot flashes.
Researchers found that suppressing telomerase, a key enzyme in cancer cell growth, can inhibit the spread of melanoma. By reducing glucose metabolism, cancer cells lose their ability to metastasize and regain lost pigmentation.
A study shows that a prostate cancer vaccine, sipuleucel-T, can increase survival by up to four-and-a-half months and provide a greater than three-fold increase in survival at 36 months compared to patients in the placebo group. The vaccine was well-tolerated with mild adverse effects.
Researchers identified minocycline's role in blocking poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), a protein linked to inflammation and cell death. The study suggests minocycline's potential as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, but raises concerns about its effects on cancer risk and gender differences.
A new vaccine called NicVax is being tested to prevent and treat nicotine addiction, with the goal of helping smokers quit. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies that recognize nicotine molecules, preventing them from entering the brain.
A recent study published in the journal Stroke found that clipping and coiling treatments for aneurysms produce similar long-term outcomes. The study followed 1,010 patients treated between 1996 and 1998 and revealed that rerupture of the aneurysm occurred at a lower rate in clipped patients compared to those who received coiling treat...
A study of 2,512 community-dwelling elders found that those with limited literacy were more likely to report poor overall health and diabetes, as well as depression. This is partly due to difficulties in reading health information, managing medications, and navigating the healthcare system.
A study found that one fourth of older patients receive catheters for no medical reason, putting them at risk of urinary tract infections. The risk is higher among women, patients over 85, and those with chronic illness or disability.