The UCSF report reveals significant variations in cardiovascular risk factors among different ethnic/racial groups and regions in California. High blood pressure and diabetes rates are disproportionately affecting African Americans and Hispanics, with 41.5% of African American men and 35% of African American women having high blood pre...
A UCSF study found that 11.7% of medical students sustained possible exposure to blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis through accidental needlesticks, highlighting the need for greater supervision and training programs.
Researchers found HIV's impact on T-cell production and its role in the immune system. The study involved measuring daily rates of new T-cell production in HIV-negative adults and those with suppressed virus, revealing a surprising increase in new cell production responsible for increased T-cell counts.
Patients are willing to disclose behavior that puts them at risk for conditions ranging from HIV to domestic violence, regardless of the method used. The study's findings suggest that doctors can initiate discussions about sensitive subjects without worrying about patient willingness.
A UCSF study shows that alendronate significantly reduced the risk of spine and hip fractures by almost half among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The drug also improved bone density in these women, reducing the risk of fractures by 30 percent compared to placebo.
Asthma researchers identified two molecules, interleukin-4 and interleukin-13, that connect to a specific receptor and initiate inflammation, increasing the number of goblet cells producing excessive mucus. This finding paves the way for developing more effective treatments that control the disease at its cellular level.
A new study by researchers at UCSF found that bartenders who worked in smoke-free conditions after the ban reported significant drops in coughing and other respiratory problems. Lung function also improved after the implementation of the smoke-free workplace law.
Researchers created genetically altered mice that exhibit anxiety to study the serotonin system's contribution to anxiety and depression. The model could help develop more refined targets for psychiatric drugs and provide insights into inherited personality disorders.
A clinical trial demonstrates that TPO, administered with G-CSF, boosts stem cell migration and increases the number of patients eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. The treatment significantly improves re-growth of blood cells after chemotherapy.
By increasing sound processing speed in adult rats, researchers gained insight into brain mechanisms linked to language impairments and dyslexia. The study demonstrates the brain's 'plasticity' and suggests that neurons can be altered to improve efficiency in processing sounds.
The new report reveals that drug overdoses and poisonings cause one-third of injury deaths in San Francisco. The city's injury rates are lower than Oakland but higher than Los Angeles and San Jose, while the leading causes of injury death include firearms, falls, and motor vehicle accidents.
A study of 4,108 participants found no association between normal use of hair color products and risk for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study suggests that hair dye use is an unlikely risk factor for the disease.
A UCSF neurologist argues that children require unique treatments for brain disorders, as their developing brains are not miniature versions of adult brains. Researchers need more information about what goes wrong in childhood neurological disorders to develop targeted therapies.
A recent study found gabapentin to be at least as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in treating postherpetic neuralgia, with better-tolerated side effects. The eight-week clinical trial involved 229 patients and reported a significant drop in pain levels for those treated with gabapentin.
The study found that HIV prevalence rates declined by 60-70% from the mid-1980s to the present day, with the majority of participants identifying as gay. However, high-risk groups such as men of low socio-economic status, African-American, and injection drug users continue to have high levels of HIV infection.
The Rosalind Russell New Arthritis Treatment Program at UCSF is testing innovative therapies targeting specific cells that promote inflammation and joint damage. Current clinical trials focus on rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, with promising results expected to lead to nationwide approval.
Researchers at UCSF have found that DHEA can reverse the effects of Endothelin-1, a peptide elevated in most heart diseases, by dilating coronary arteries and increasing endothelial cell function. This study provides scientific credence to DHEA's potential benefits on cardiovascular health.
A new study finds that Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) is effective in reducing angina in individuals with coronary artery disease. EECP, a non-invasive therapy, has been proven to improve exercise tolerance and reduce angina attacks, offering relief for patients who suffer from this condition.
A non-invasive ultrasound test can accurately detect up to 96% of uterine cancer and 92% of uterine disease in postmenopausal women experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding. The endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) eliminates the need for invasive biopsies, which are often uncomfortable or unsuccessful.
Dan Lowenstein, MD, and Philip R. Lee, MD, receive prestigious awards for their contributions to medical education and improving healthcare in the US. The Association of American Medical Colleges recognizes their efforts in developing innovative curricula and promoting diversity in medicine.
A new study led by UCSF researchers found that anonymous HIV testing is associated with earlier diagnosis and treatment, resulting in a longer quality of life. The study showed that participants who underwent anonymous testing were diagnosed with AIDS 1.5 years later than those who tested confidentially.
A study conducted by University of California San Francisco expert Mac Roach found that high-risk prostate cancer patients who receive hormonal therapy in conjunction with radiotherapy have a 20% higher survival rate after eight years compared to those receiving radiotherapy alone. This suggests that prostate cancer patients may need t...
Researchers at UCSF and the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease have discovered a gene that encodes DGAT, a key enzyme in fat production. This finding has implications for understanding human energy cycles, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers identify three mutations in tau gene causing hereditary neurodegenerative diseases, providing new direction for exploring Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that abnormal tau protein accumulation kills brain cells, potentially leading to the development of treatments for related diseases.
The study aims to scientifically evaluate the benefits of a Chinese herbal formula in alleviating multiple side effects of chemotherapy in early-stage breast cancer patients. Participants will receive either the herbal formula or a placebo, with their progress monitored over 180 days.
The number of newborns infected with HIV has decreased significantly thanks to optimal anti-retroviral treatment for mothers, while the number of surviving HIV-infected children has risen. Early aggressive therapy, teamwork, and a holistic approach are key to keeping children well with HIV.
In a study on roundworms, UCSF researchers found that a gene controlling aging acts not within individual cells but rather coordinates the aging process of the whole organism. The discovery suggests a mechanism that causes all cells to reach a consensus on aging, potentially offering insight into human aging.
A new study at UCSF found Botox effective in treating excessive underarm sweating, offering patients a significant alternative to surgery. The treatment requires no anesthesia and provides long-lasting results, with most patients experiencing reduced sweating within 48 hours.
UCSF researchers developed a highly sensitive, rapid technique for detecting infectious prions causing prion diseases like 'mad cow' disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob's disease. The assay reveals unique shapes of the protein strains, providing new insights into their biology.
The UCSF Dental Post-Bac Program aims to provide additional training to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have been rejected from dental school. The program helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in dentistry, with a focus on increasing access to dental care in underserved communities.
Jay A. Levy, a UCSF professor of medicine, suggests delaying antiviral therapy for HIV infection until the CD-4 cell count falls below 400 and the viral load is above 30,000 copies per milliliter. This approach aims to avoid drug resistance and allow the immune system to recover and control the virus.
A new study published in The Journal of Trauma shows that California's motorcycle helmet law has saved the state $35 million, primarily through reduced head injuries and medical costs. The study found a 48% decrease in motorcyclists hospitalized for head injuries between 1991 and 1993.
Researchers have successfully used gene therapy to slow down neurodegeneration in an animal model, offering hope for treatments of autosomal dominant disorders. The approach involves using ribozymes to destroy faulty messenger RNA, potentially treating conditions like Huntington's disease and ALS.
A two-year study by UCSF researchers found that raloxifene significantly reduced the risk of spinal fractures in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Women taking raloxifene had a 52% lower risk of first-time spinal fractures, and those with previous spinal fractures had a 38% lower risk compared to placebo
Scientists identify a new pathway through which HIV can disturb the function of uninfected cells, leading to a sudden decline in immune function. The research suggests that blocking HIV binding to CXCR4 could stop advanced AIDS progression in patients with certain strains of the virus.
A single gene is responsible for the social behavior of roundworms, which may hold clues to understanding human social behaviors. The gene variation affects how nematodes respond to environmental stimuli and recognize pheromones.
The UCSF Center for AIDS Research has been awarded a major grant from the National Institutes of Health to support ongoing work in basic, clinical, and behavioral science areas of HIV/AIDS. The grant will focus on developing new treatment approaches, understanding HIV transmission, and improving therapy effectiveness.
Researchers developed mice with human apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) in the brain, showing learning and memory problems similar to those seen in human Alzheimer's patients. The apoE4 mice performed poorly in tests requiring spatial learning and memory skills.
The development of a new vaccine is crucial to effectively eliminate tuberculosis (TB) as a global health problem. The ideal vaccine should prevent new infection, protect those already infected from developing active disease, and prevent reinfection in previously infected individuals.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new molecular mechanism that activates platelets, leading to clot formation. The discovery of protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4) may lead to new approaches for developing drugs to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A new questionnaire developed by UCSF researchers helps healthcare providers identify patients at risk of contracting HIV, and patients are willing to disclose risky behavior even when their doctor will see the results. The tool aims to increase aggressive prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, a leading cause of death among young adults.
Researchers at UCSF found that patients with HIV who undergo aggressive therapy have a robust response to cytomegalovirus, which causes blindness in people with AIDS. This suggests that CD4+ T cells replenished by therapy can mount effective responses against specific pathogens.
A national study finds that doctors are increasingly prescribing ACE inhibitors to heart attack patients, but still underprescribing them to those most in need. The study suggests that following American College of Cardiology guidelines could have saved up to 1,800 lives in the first year.
Researchers have found that acyclovir significantly reduces the number of recurrences of ocular herpes disease, a condition affecting 400,000 Americans each year. The study identified patients who would benefit most from long-term acyclovir treatment and showed the drug has few side effects.
Scientists have found that a marine snail venom extracts can prevent serotonin from acting on a specific receptor in African toad eggs, which is also found in the human brain. This discovery could provide insight into regulating nerve cell behavior and designing new drugs to control serotonin's actions.
The University of California - San Francisco will establish the country's first formally funded training program for hospitalists, thanks to a $712,000 grant from the Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation. The program aims to develop skilled and efficient clinicians who can lead quality care in hospitals.
Research participants advocate for full disclosure of experimental vaccine details, physical and social harm reduction, and community collaboration. They also want assurance of compensation, confidentiality, and support in case of adverse reactions.
A study by UCSF found that many HIV-positive injection drug users are not receiving protease inhibitors despite their availability, with 21% unaware of their status and only 14% still taking the medication. Common obstacles include homelessness, fear, and lack of access to healthcare services.
A new study by University of California San Francisco researchers proposes expanding federal Medicaid coverage of HIV drugs to control the disease. The expansion would result in 9,600 more years of life for persons with HIV disease over five-years and prevent 4,200 deaths.
A study found that 56% of HIV-infected gay men in the US are using combination therapy, but many are delaying treatment due to concerns about commitment and side effects. The study showed a strong link between advanced HIV infection and use of combination therapy.