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University of Illinois Chicago


Robotic transplants safe for kidney disease patients with obesity

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago report that robotic kidney transplants produce similar one- and three-year patient survival rates as those seen among nonobese patients. The study included over 230 robotic-assisted kidney transplants in patients with obesity, achieving dramatic reductions in post-surgery wound infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 19, 2019

Study reveals breach of 'dancing' barrier governs crystal growth

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a general mechanism governing crystal growth that scientists can manipulate when developing new materials. The 'dancing' barrier surrounding crystal-forming molecules is shown to fluctuate under different conditions, allowing molecules to break free and form crystals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2019

Cumulative environmental exposures increase diabetes risk in rural populations

Researchers found that lower environmental quality in rural counties was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes. In contrast, urban areas showed a stronger link between air and sociodemographic domains. The study's findings suggest a significant impact of cumulative environmental exposures on diabetes risk in rural populations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Diabetes Investigation·DateOct 30, 2019

Closures affect 1 in 8 pharmacies in the US

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that one in eight pharmacies in the US closed between 2009 and 2015. Independent pharmacies in urban areas are disproportionately affected, with nearly half closing due to lack of access to preferred pharmacy networks and 340B contracts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 21, 2019

High-tech gel aids delivery of drugs

Researchers have developed a hydrogel-based carrier that can deliver siRNAs directly to tumors, overcoming the challenge of rapid degradation and limited cellular entry. This innovative technology has the potential to improve the effectiveness of siRNA-based cancer treatments and enable more efficient delivery of biologics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2019

Boosting the anti-inflammatory action of the immune system

Researchers have identified a molecule called Gas6 that induces macrophages to clean up cellular debris and reduce inflammation. Boosting Gas6 levels in macrophages has been shown to resolve inflammation in mouse models of acute lung injury, holding promise for treating diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2019

Docs should consider a patient's weight before prescribing new chemotherapy drugs

Research suggests that PI3K inhibitors, a new class of cancer drugs, may cause an increase in pre-cancerous lesions in the pancreas of mice fed high-fat diets. The findings urge doctors to consider a patient's weight before prescribing these drugs, especially for those with pancreatic cancer who are obese.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2019

Keeping Chicago's families healthy

The University of Illinois Chicago will launch a program using community health workers, social workers, and doulas to improve health outcomes for pregnant women and their children in historically underserved neighborhoods. Maternal mortality rates are disproportionately high among black women, prompting the initiative.