A UCSF study reveals that long-term medication and counseling can help smokers quit successfully, with 50% of participants abstinent after one year. The treatment program combined antidepressant nortriptyline with counseling for extended periods, showing better results compared to short-term options.
Researchers analyzed secret internal tobacco industry documents to show how Philip Morris used similar arguments to oppose divestment at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University. The company emphasized its financial contributions while suggesting investments in tobacco stock profits to maintain research funding.
The Global HIV/AIDS Clinical Training Materials Database provides adaptable clinical training materials tailored for international settings. The database bridges the information gap in countries hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic by adapting existing resources.
Researchers identify genetic mutations in the N-terminal domain of the MC4R protein that contribute to obesity, providing a promising new strategy for treating the condition. The study suggests that drugs targeting sustained low-level MC4R activity may be effective in regulating appetite.
The study found that inclusion bodies in Huntington's disease are beneficial coping responses, sequestering mutant huntingtin protein and prolonging neuron survival. The researchers used robotic microscopy to track changes in individual neurons over time, enabling them to identify factors that predict cell fate.
UCSF researchers publish first atomic-level structure of the channel controlling ammonia passage in and out of cells. The discovery provides insights into toxic effects and potential treatment options for life-threatening diseases caused by ammonia toxicity.
A20, an enzyme that regulates the immune system's response to bacterial infections, prevents over-reactions of the immune system to blood infections known as sepsis. The research shows A20 also controls the immune reaction that can cause inflammatory bowel disease.
Basic research on HIV is leading to new therapies that deny initial entry into cells. Fast-moving research on naturally occurring antiviral factors is opening the way for a new class of anti-HIV drugs.
Scientists have determined the precise molecular structure of a potential new target for treating prostate cancer, driven by abnormal testosterone activity. The target is part of the androgen receptor, which drives prostate cancer at different stages.
Scientists at UCSF discovered a new protein, SNF-6, that transports neurotransmitter acetylcholine away from the nerve-muscle synapse, potentially treating muscular dystrophy. The protein plays a critical role in clearing excess acetylcholine during intense muscle activity, preventing muscle degeneration.
Scientists at UCSF created a large fragment of the normal prion protein, which they then folded into an abnormal shape to induce infection. The study demonstrates that misfolding a particular segment of the normal prion protein is sufficient to transform it into infectious prions. This finding provides new insights into spontaneous pri...
A study found that clonidine significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, particularly those with coronary artery disease or high-risk factors. The medication was shown to prevent myocardial ischemia events before and after surgery, leading to a lower mortality rate compared to plac...
A study suggests that aging HIV patients are at risk of developing dementia due to the accumulation of amyloid beta in their brains. Researchers found a correlation between years of infection and increased amyloid beta levels, suggesting that good clinical control of plasma HIV may not be enough to prevent related pathologies.
A recent study found that HIV clinicians with fatalistic attitudes are less likely to provide prevention counseling to HIV-positive patients. The study surveyed 618 patients and found a correlation between provider fatalism and reduced reporting of prevention services.
A mobile testing van was introduced in Zimbabwe's Epworth and Seke areas, offering free rapid HIV tests with same-day results. The initiative reduced structural barriers by providing convenient access to testing and increased acceptance of rapid tests due to same-day results.
A recent study by researchers at the Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology investigated potential superinfection involving variations within HIV-1B. The findings, presented at the XV International AIDS Conference, suggest that superinfection may be restricted to a short window period after seroconversion.
In a study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, researchers found that African participants took on average 91-94% of prescribed HIV medications. The study, which followed 34 participants over 12 weeks, used multiple adherence measures and observed high rates of viral suppression.
Researchers found six HIV patients who started treatment early became test-negative for the virus. The study suggests that reducing HIV to low levels can help boost the immune system's response to the virus.
Researchers discovered that replenishing depleted neurosteroid hormone allopregnanolone significantly delayed neurological deficits and doubled the lifespan of mice with neurodegenerative disease. The treatment was particularly potent when administered early in life and showed promise for delaying symptom onset and progression.
A study of 1,248 gay and bisexual men aged 18-27 found that young men were more likely to experience anti-gay violence and harassment, with rates higher for those under 21. The study highlights the need for empowerment programs to create safe social settings.
The UCSF Center for HIV Information has released the third edition of a CD-ROM targeting healthcare professionals in developing countries. The resource includes 5,000 pages of text on treatments, drugs, and standards of care from various countries.
The new Center will integrate resources between clinical and basic research programs to enhance understanding of dementia, improve diagnostics, and develop new treatments. The Center will focus on both Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer's forms of dementia.
Researchers discover a new strategy to combat type 1 diabetes by blocking the interaction of RAE-1 with its immune receptor, NKG2D. The treatment has shown complete effectiveness in preventing diabetes development in mice and promises potential as an effective human treatment.
A two-week study found that consuming daily dark chocolate with high flavonoid content improved blood vessel function in participants. The study, led by Mary Engler, showed a significant increase in flow-mediated dilation in the high-flavonoid group, indicating better vascular health and a lower risk of heart disease.
A UCSF physician argues that blanket screenings can compromise quality patient care, particularly for elderly patients with severe illnesses. She advocates for a more targeted approach to screening, considering a patient's prognosis and preferences.
A study using mouse models of Alzheimer's disease found that blocking the Fyn enzyme reduces amyloid protein damage to synapses and improves longevity. However, increasing Fyn levels worsens synaptic damage and shortens lifespan. The findings suggest that pharmacological modulation of Fyn may be beneficial in treating Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered reduced lysozyme levels in HIV-demented patients' macrophages, suggesting impaired immune function and increased vulnerability to infections. The finding could lead to a marker for monitoring disease progression and potential new treatment targets.
The phase II clinical trial found that LEA29Y was as effective as cyclosporine in preventing acute kidney rejection, but had better kidney function and lower cholesterol levels. Patients treated with LEA29Y also showed improved cardiovascular risk profiles.
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation that interferes with heart muscle contraction, leading to defective heart valve formation. This study suggests that temporary glitches in early heartbeat may cause valve defects, potentially leading to new treatments for congenital heart defects.
A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that healthy older women are more likely to be screened for cancer, while those in poor health are less likely. The study analyzed data from over 4,700 women aged 70 and above, revealing a significant gap in screening rates among healthy versus unhealthy individuals.
Researchers linked mid-life heart disease risk factors to increased dementia risk later in life. The study of over 11,000 participants found that those with four key risk factors had nearly three times the chance of developing dementia compared to those with none. Presence of each risk factor added a 20-40% greater risk for developing ...
Recent studies have identified key molecular markers of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, revealing a complex role of amyloid proteins in the condition. These findings have significant implications for developing new treatments that target the underlying processes driving the disease.
Researchers found that statin use was associated with a 50% reduced risk of developing wet AMD, while aspirin use was linked to a 40% lower risk. The study suggests that these medications may prevent irreversible vision loss in older adults.
A recent study published in PNAS found that single cocaine exposure can increase both morphine preference and kappa-opioid receptor agonist aversion in rats. This suggests the existence of opposing brain circuits involved in drug craving and avoidance, with potential implications for treating addiction by modulating these pathways.
Researchers found that apoE4 produced by neurons is susceptible to fragmentation, leading to increased tau phosphorylation and damaging brain cells. The study suggests targeting a neuron-specific enzyme to prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.
A study published in Circulation found that HIV infection is an independent predictor of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Aggressive treatment of high cholesterol, blood pressure, and other risk factors is crucial for HIV patients.
Researchers confirm that shape change accounts for strain differences in prions, laying groundwork for strategies to block disease. Prion shape underlies ability to jump between species, according to new finding.
A multi-center trial comparing three medications in patients with heart failure showed no significant differences between warfarin and antiplatelet therapies in terms of death, non-fatal heart attacks and strokes. However, hospitalizations for worsening heart failure were significantly less frequent in patients treated with warfarin.
A recent UCSF study found that pediatricians' clinical judgment may be more effective than strict adherence to guidelines in managing febrile illnesses in infants. The study analyzed data from 3,066 infants and found that experienced clinicians using clinical judgment may reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and improve treatment outcomes.
The study found that astronauts lost bone at a rate of 0.8-0.9 percent per month, with trabecular bone loss being more significant than cortical bone loss. The researchers used three-dimensional x-ray computed tomography to quantify bone loss in the hip and estimate changes in hip bone strength.
Researchers have found that the lack of response occurs because IGF-I does not activate its receptor molecule on the surface of the cells, triggering a signaling feedback loop. Integrins, which regulate growth factors in other cells, are also impaired due to skeletal unloading.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new source of adult stem cells in the human brain, potentially leading to breakthroughs in neuroregeneration and glioma treatment. The study found that astrocytes in the subventricular zone can function as neural stem cells, producing fresh neurons and oligodendrocytes.
A new study found that men who have sex with men experience depression at a rate three times higher than the general population. The issues related to homophobia were strongly predictive of depression among MSM, suggesting a direct link between social attitudes and mental health outcomes.
Physicians can help family caregivers by promoting good communication, facilitating advance care planning, and providing emotional support. They can also attend to family grief and bereavement, improving outcomes for both patients and caregivers.
A study found that sigmoidoscopies are often inadequate in older women, with a significant increase in failures to reach the colon's lower third. The study suggests that age-related factors, such as bowel preparation difficulties and anatomical variations, may contribute to these findings.
A study found that cities with predominantly black tar heroin use had lower HIV infection rates among injection drug users compared to those using powder heroin. This is due to the properties of black tar heroin, which makes it difficult to transmit HIV through needle sharing.
A recent study by the University of California - San Francisco found that dependent older patients incur significantly higher hospital costs compared to independent patients. On average, dependent patients stayed in the hospital for 2 days longer than independent patients, resulting in a 23% increase in costs.
A study found that antiretroviral treatment significantly reduced the risk of HIV transmission from HIV-infected individuals to their partners. However, an increase in unprotected anal intercourse offset this benefit, highlighting the need for prevention interventions alongside treatment.
Researchers discovered that a single gene and brain protein are responsible for alcohol's intoxicating effects, leading to neural depression and uncoordinated movement. The finding suggests that targeting this channel could lead to new treatments for alcohol addiction.
A new tele-electrocardiography system is being tested in Santa Cruz County ambulances to detect ischemia and heart damage. The system, which uses a 12-lead cardiac monitor and cell phone technology, has already provided meaningful results for patients, including a 43-minute reduction in treatment time for one patient.