A study from UNC School of Medicine suggests that improving healthcare access is key to reducing disparities in prostate cancer among black men. The lack of regular healthcare and trust in physicians hindered their ability to receive preventative care, leading to higher death rates.
Researchers from UNC and Dana Farber Cancer Institute found that industry-funded breast cancer trials are more likely to have positive outcomes compared to non-pharmaceutical funded studies. The study also revealed significant differences in clinical trial design and outcome between industry-supported and non-industry studies.
Researchers found that newborn brain regions controlling vision and sensory information grew significantly faster than those controlling abstract thinking. Gray matter, which contains most of the neurons, grew by 40% in the first months after birth, leading to potential implications for autism research.
A rapidly increasing syphilis epidemic is sweeping China, with infection rates rising from less than 0.2 cases per 100,000 people in 1993 to 6.5 cases per 100,000 in 1999. The study attributes the surge to economic reforms and globalization, as well as changes in social practices and healthcare costs.
High doses of lithium-like drugs inhibit GSK-3 beta and impair neuronal growth in mouse neurons, contradicting previous findings that suggest these drugs improve neuronal function. Researchers warn that using too much of these inhibitors can be detrimental to Alzheimer's treatment.
A study by Dr. Xuemei Huang found that participants with lower LDL cholesterol had a 3.5-fold higher occurrence of Parkinson's disease compared to those with higher LDL levels. The results suggest a link between low LDL cholesterol and an increased risk of developing the neurodegenerative disorder.
A clinical trial combining bortezomib with Doxil has shown promising results in treating relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. The combination treatment demonstrated a better response rate compared to standard therapy alone, with a median time to progression of 9.3 months.
A gene discovered by UNC researchers, palladin, has been associated with two forms of pancreatic cancer, according to a study. Palladin is involved in the formation of scar tissue on nerve cells and is overexpressed in people with sporadic, non-familial pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have discovered a flexible coiled-coil region in dynein that enables rapid conversion of chemical energy into mechanical force, powering cell division and mitochondrial transport. This breakthrough sheds light on the protein's function and may hold implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have discovered three new subtypes of non-small-cell lung cancer tumors based on genetic patterns, which correlate with clinical outcomes such as survival rates and metastatic patterns. This finding may lead to more personalized treatment approaches for patients.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that the protein CIB1 plays a critical role in proper sperm formation in mice. Mice missing both copies of the gene are infertile, while those with only one copy are fertile. This discovery sheds light on fertility genes and their potential impact on human infertility.
Research from the University of North Carolina finds that low adrenomedullin hormone levels may cause preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Pregnant mice with reduced adrenomedullin levels had smaller litter sizes, overcrowded embryo spacing, and poor fetal growth.
Researchers found increasing p16INK4a levels in older cells, leading to poor function and premature aging. Studies suggest a common aging mechanism across disparate cell types, with implications for age-related diseases like diabetes.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have found a way to treat pemphigus vulgaris without shutting off the immune system. They used a known compound to turn off signals that trigger skin damage, preventing blistering and other signs of the disease.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) leukemias develop when chromosomal abnormalities disrupt blood cell formation. A new study identified a fusion of proteins created by flawed chromosomes as a trigger for leukemia development, along with an enzyme's crucial role in this process.
A pivotal clinical trial has found idursulfase effective in treating underlying enzyme deficiency in patients with Hunter syndrome. Weekly infusions of the enzyme replacement drug have been shown to improve symptoms such as joint stiffness, breathing difficulties, and coarsening of facial features.
Researchers at UNC Health Care identified the cellular system that degrades faulty CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis, allowing some proteins to regain their proper shape. This understanding provides insight into potential therapeutics aimed at curing the disease.
Researchers identified a number of activity patterns in genes that make tumors biologically different, providing valuable information for treatment decisions. Four out of five predictors showed significant agreement in their outcome predictions, indicating potential for personalized treatments.
A recent study found that breast cancer in younger black women is more likely to be an aggressive variety, with a high frequency of basal-like subtype. The study suggests that this could contribute to the higher mortality rate among young black women with breast cancer.
A phase-2 clinical trial found that Pfizer's oral drug, sunitinib malate, showed activity similar to other approved agents for non-small cell lung cancer, resulting in six confirmed partial responses and disease stabilization in 27 patients. The study also explored the effectiveness and safety of a continuous dosing strategy.
The study found that black patients had a significantly lower response rate to chemotherapy treatments compared to white patients. However, they also showed less severe toxicity and longer survival rates. Genetic differences in metabolism of chemotherapy drugs may play a role in these racial differences.
Researchers have discovered that a specific neural stem cell gene, SOX2, is crucial for the normal development of the eye. The study found that disruption of this gene leads to abnormalities in eye formation and microphtalmia, a condition affecting 10% of human cases. The severity of the condition depends on the degree of SOX2 disruption.
A study led by Dr. Paul Watkins found that grapefruit juice contains furanocoumarins, which inhibit an intestinal enzyme and cause interactions with certain medications. Removing these compounds from grapefruit juice eliminates the interaction, suggesting a new approach to managing medication side effects.
Researchers have identified a novel protein called JHDM2A that plays a key role in gene activation mediated by the androgen receptor, a protein responding to testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. This discovery has implications for prostate cancer treatment, as lowering androgen levels can shrink or slow cancer growth.
Researchers from University of North Carolina Health Care and N.C. State University develop a vaccine that protects animals from chancroid, a sexually transmitted disease that can enhance HIV transmission. The study suggests that a chancroid vaccine could be relatively easy to develop and may help reduce HIV transmission in Africa.
A new international study led by Dr. Myron S. Cohen at the University of North Carolina Health Care is investigating the early biology of HIV infection to develop an effective vaccine. The study, known as CHAVI-001, aims to identify people with HIV in its earliest stages and track their health to determine the transmission pairs.
A new study from UNC Health Care suggests that loss of function in the SOCS2 gene may lead to colon polyps in individuals with excessive growth hormone. The research also identifies a possible molecular marker for predicting risk, which could inform growth hormone therapy for gastrointestinal conditions.
A recent study in Nature explores the role of the protein CHIP in cell response to stress. The research found that when proteins are misfolded during stress, a complex process is triggered to remove them.
A new study suggests that aspirin is beneficial for preventing heart attacks and events in men at 5-10% coronary heart disease risk. The therapy also becomes cost-effective when combined with statins for high-risk patients.
A study led by Dr. Richard Goldberg found that the chemotherapy regimen FOLFOX4 is effective in treating colorectal cancer regardless of age, including older patients over 70. The analysis of nearly 4,000 patients showed consistent benefits and side effects across all age groups.
Researchers at UNC have identified CIB1 as a 'gatekeeper' protein that inhibits platelet-to-platelet interactions in the blood. By binding to GPIIb/IIIa, CIB1 prevents platelet activation and clot formation.
A saltwater aerosol solution has been found to restore the thin lubricant layer on airway surfaces, promoting mucus clearance and reducing lung damage in cystic fibrosis patients. The therapy is inexpensive and shows promise for slowing disease progression and improving patient outcomes.
A survey of 14,000 young people found that health indicators worsen with age, except for mental health and exposure to violence, which improve. Disparities increased across all racial and ethnic groups, with significant declines in health from adolescence to young adulthood.
Scientists have identified two microRNAs, miR-1 and miR-133, that play opposing roles in determining whether myoblasts proliferate or differentiate into mature muscle cells. Increasing miR-1 promotes differentiation, while increasing miR-133 enhances proliferation.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that genetic variations on chromosomes two and four may affect drinking behavior, potentially preceding alcoholism. The research team analyzed DNA from 158 families with a history of smoking to identify genes related to alcohol addiction.
A novel enzyme, JHDM1A, has been discovered to remove methyl groups from histones, a finding with diverse implications for understanding gene regulation and its role in diseases. The study suggests that many proteins containing a similar domain may also be involved in histone demethylation.
Researchers found that cancer cells can signal surrounding tissue cells to alter their molecular composition, promoting tumor growth and proliferation. The study suggests that cell mutations that promote cancer progression may arise in non-cancerous cells, indicating a need for broader anti-tumor therapies.
A study found that Ack1 is a key driver of tumor growth in prostate cancer, and its inhibition can slow tumor formation. The researchers also discovered an experimental drug called geldanamycin that can inhibit Ack1 activity by interfering with its molecular interactions.
A recent study published at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting found that brain activity related to face processing is similar in individuals with and without autism. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain function in people with autism as they processed social cues, including faces.
A study found a nearly doubling of age-adjusted suicide rates in rural Haywood County, NC, from 1997-2002. The researchers suggest possible exposure to hydrogen sulfide and other toxins released by nearby paper mill operations may be linked to the increased suicides.
Researchers found that a protein called CPSF73 is necessary for producing mRNA needed to create histone proteins, which combine with DNA to form chromosomes. This discovery provides a unified mechanism for synthesizing all messenger RNAs.
Performing a sentinel lymph node biopsy as an outpatient procedure prior to mastectomy can help guide the optimal surgical procedure for patients. This approach allows for more informed decisions regarding radiation therapy and reconstruction, potentially improving cosmetic results.
A new laboratory test has been developed to identify patients at high risk of developing cirrhosis after a liver transplant due to hepatitis C. The test targets hepatic stellate cells, which can produce collagen leading to scarring in infected patients.
Researchers found that abnormally long glutamine tracts in proteins can cause nerve cells to deteriorate and die. The study suggests that understanding the molecular mechanism behind polyglutamine diseases may lead to the development of new treatments, including small molecule drugs.
A recent study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology has identified a key protein, Upf1, that regulates histone production during cell division. The research suggests that an imbalance in DNA and histone production is lethal for cells and may be crucial in understanding tumor growth.
Researchers at UNC have discovered that CIB1 inhibits cell migration in cancer cells by activating PAK1, a kinase that adds phosphate groups to other proteins. This finding suggests that CIB1 may be a potential target for developing new treatments to decrease tumor metastasis.
Researchers found that the revised TNM staging system is strongly associated with disease-free survival and overall survival. The new system provides more accurate information about tumor response to chemotherapy, helping doctors determine the best treatment plan for patients.
A new study from UNC Health Care found that whole-body PET/CT scanners are highly accurate in detecting the spread and recurrence of head and neck cancer. The scans can pick up cancer where none was thought to exist, allowing for more precise biopsies and treatment planning.
The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) will investigate patients who have suffered severe liver injury due to medications. The network aims to identify genetic risk factors for such injuries, which are a major cause of sudden liver failure and new drug failures.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered a protein called eed that regulates gene modification in embryonic stem cells. This finding has significant implications for understanding human diseases and developing stem cell therapeutics.