Researchers found that more than 1.5 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which is triggered by the protein gluten and can cause various gastrointestinal symptoms. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, used a multi-center approach to screen over 13,000 people across 32 states.
Researchers found that calcium channel blockers primarily affect small arteries called 'store-operated' channels, suggesting a new class of drugs with fewer side effects. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for heart disease and high blood pressure.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has successfully reduced barriers to kidney transplantation for African-Americans, cutting the median waiting time from 1,335 days to 681 days. The comprehensive program includes patient education and living donation efforts, leading to better graft survival rates.
A recent study found that 26% of preschool children lived in three-generation households, with 39% having a history of maltreatment. The research also revealed that 32% of the young mothers were depressed. As these young mothers mature, role conflicts may arise between being a teenage daughter and a young mother.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center developed a new method using artificial neural networks to differentiate between two types of colon tumors. The study successfully diagnosed 12 out of 12 samples and reduced the number of genes necessary for diagnosis from 8,064 to 97.
A study of 300 people found that those with heart disease laughed less and displayed more anger and hostility. Researchers suggest incorporating laughter into daily activities as a potential heart-healthy habit.
A University of Maryland study found that high cholesterol hinders the effectiveness of aspirin in reducing platelet aggregation and preventing heart attacks. The study showed that 60% of patients with high cholesterol levels above 220mg/dL remained at increased risk despite taking daily aspirin doses.
Researchers have discovered a genetic biomarker that can be detected in tumor tissue and patient blood, helping doctors diagnose esophageal cancer more accurately. The biomarker, an altered APC gene, has been found in 92% of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma and 50% of those with squamous cell carcinoma.
University of Maryland researchers successfully created a new brain circuit that takes over damaged vision functions in newborn hamsters. The study suggests that surgically created neural pathways might one day be used to treat brain damage and restore lost functions like vision or hearing.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine researcher analyzed 23 clinical studies involving prayer, non-contact therapeutic touch, and other unconventional spiritual interventions. The studies showed a positive impact on patients in 57% of cases, with benefits including less pain and faster recovery times.
Celiac disease patients have higher zonulin levels, which contribute to intestinal permeability and immune system modulation. Increased zonulin is also linked to other autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
A new, less invasive approach to removing a kidney from living donors has more than doubled the chance of patients receiving a transplant from a friend or loved one. The technique, combined with an educational program, has increased living donor transplants by half, with 40% of recent transplants coming from living donors.
A new study has found that beta radiation treatment can prevent repeat blockages in heart vessels following angioplasty. The treatment was tested on patients who underwent balloon angioplasty for coronary artery disease and showed a significant reduction in recurrent blockage rates.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study found that mass treatment campaigns for schistosomiasis in Egypt led to a significant transmission of hepatitis C. The campaign used reusable needles and syringes, which were later replaced with disposable ones.
A recent study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 92% of women experienced a decrease in symptoms after hysterectomy, leading to improved quality of life. The surgery provided significant relief from painful symptoms such as pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and fatigue.
A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that treatment rates for patients with a history of heart disease were low, but women were disproportionately under-treated. Only 12% of women with high LDL levels achieved an acceptable level, compared to 31% of men.
A two-year study of 741 elderly patients found that those receiving general anesthesia had improved mobility and daily functioning compared to those with spinal anesthesia. The researchers are unclear about the underlying reason for this difference, but suggest potential nerve damage may be involved.
A University of Maryland Medical Center study found that FK506 significantly lowers the risk of forming clots compared to cyclosporine. The research has important implications for understanding coronary disease after a transplant and improving outlook for heart transplant patients.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has received a $7.8 million NIH grant to conduct new research into alternative treatments for pain, including acupuncture and herbal remedies. The grant aims to find effective treatments for arthritis and fibromyalgia, which affect millions of Americans.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine identified zonulin and zot proteins in human brain that regulate the blood-brain barrier. This discovery could lead to new treatments for brain disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and HIV infection.
Researchers are conducting the largest study ever to identify the genetic susceptibility for osteoarthritis, a condition affecting over 21 million Americans. The three-year study will analyze DNA samples and health histories of 1,400 families with multiple siblings diagnosed with primary generalized osteoarthritis.
A six-year study found that elderly women who lose weight are nearly four times more likely to die than those who maintain their weight. Maintaining average BMI over the study period had the lowest death rate among participants.
A recent University of Maryland Medical Center study found that coenzyme Q10 has no detectable benefit in improving heart function or relieving symptoms for patients with congestive heart failure. The six-month study, involving 46 patients, showed no difference in heart function between those taking CoQ10 and a placebo.
A genetic abnormality in triglyceride regulation has been found to be common among Asian Indians, placing them at increased risk of heart disease. The study, which analyzed DNA from 100 people, suggests that this abnormality prevents blood fats from being broken down effectively.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will receive $24 million over six years from Novartis Pharma AG to discover new treatments for schizophrenia. The partnership aims to find ways to treat patients with 'negative' symptoms, which are limited in emotional expression and social functioning.
A recent study by University of Maryland researchers found that kidney transplants are more cost-effective than dialysis, even for the sickest patients. The break-even point for kidney transplants was 2.7 years compared to dialysis, saving $27,000 per year for each patient.
A new procedure called High PRA Rescue cleanses blood of harmful rejection antibodies, enabling six patients to receive successful kidney transplants from living donors. The innovative technique, combined with three new anti-rejection medications, has shown promising results in a two-week period.
Researchers found that improving kidney function in majority of patients can be achieved by reducing cyclosporine dosage and adding mycophenolate mofetil, potentially slowing kidney deterioration. The study showed an improvement in kidney function in 37 patients over two years.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center have discovered a cancer resistance protein that rapidly pumps out chemotherapy from breast cancer cells. This finding may lead to new strategies to reverse resistance to cancer-fighting drugs, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Adding beta-blocker metoprolol to standard treatment for heart failure increases survival by about 35 percent, according to a large international study. The study, called Metoprolol CR/XL Randomized Intervention Trial in Heart Failure (Merit-HF), was conducted in the US and 13 other countries.
In a groundbreaking case, doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center reversed kidney failure in an HIV-infected patient by putting them on high-intensity antiretroviral therapy. The patient's kidneys regained normal function, and their viral load decreased significantly.
Experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center have re-examined historical records and found that symptoms described for Alexander's death, such as chills, sweats, and high fever, are consistent with typhoid fever. The disease can cause abdominal pain, which may have contributed to Alexander's reported agony.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has implemented a telemedicine system to assess stroke patients in real-time during ambulance rides, reducing evaluation time by up to 20 minutes. This technology enables the transmission of blood analysis, vital signs, and neurological symptoms to doctors' computer screens.
A new study found that ACE inhibitors increase patient survival by about 30 percent overall, especially in patients with impaired heart function. The analysis supports the use of ACE inhibitors in almost all patients with impaired heart function when discharged from hospital following a heart attack.
A new multicenter randomized clinical trial aims to reduce stroke rates in African Americans by comparing the effectiveness of aspirin and ticlopidine. The study is supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke and will provide free medication to participants.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center have linked the PTEN gene to endometrial cancer in a study published in Nature Genetics. The findings suggest that up to 50% of all endometrial cancers may contain a mutation in this gene, highlighting the potential for improved detection and treatment options.
The University of Maryland Medical Center has successfully implanted a new device that can regulate a dangerously rapid heartbeat automatically and internally. The Metrix System TM delivers a small electrical shock to the heart, making it a more comfortable alternative to external shocks.
A new laparoscopic technique for kidney removal has been shown to reduce pain, hospital stays, and recovery time compared to traditional methods. The study found that kidneys removed with this technique function as well as those taken out with a large incision.
A new nasal flu vaccine has delivered good antibody responses and proven safe in children, offering a potential solution to stop the spread of the disease. The vaccine's effectiveness is now being analyzed in a larger study, which may lead to FDA approval starting in 1999.
A new laparoscopic technique has made kidney donation easier, with reduced recovery time and complications. The procedure involves a small incision and minimizes blood loss, allowing donors to recover in one-third less time compared to traditional surgery.
A major seven-year national study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of lung volume reduction surgery for people with severe emphysema. Patients selected for the surgery will undergo evaluation and medical therapy at either University of Maryland Medical Center or Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Researchers found that taking vitamins C and E before a high-fat meal can prevent impairment of blood vessel dilation. The study suggests that vitamins may influence minute-by-minute changes in blood vessels that lead to heart disease. Vitamins may blunt the process by releasing nitric oxide, which allows vessels to dilate.
A new study of 460 adults found that people with triglyceride levels as low as 100 mg/dl were more than twice as likely to suffer from future heart disease. Regular exercise, a diet low in saturated fat, and omega-3 rich foods can help break down fatty deposits in blood vessels.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center have developed a new approach to treating long-term diabetic patients by transplanting their pancreas alone. The study found that using two new anti-rejection drugs, Prograf and Cellcept, resulted in a one-year pancreas survival rate of 77 percent for patients.
The University of Maryland Medical Center now offers a new therapy to prevent stroke disability using the FDA-approved drug Activase. This clot-busting treatment is administered intravenously and can significantly reduce disability risk for patients who receive it within three hours after symptom onset.