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University of Oklahoma


Study advances understanding of metformin effects on fetus

Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024

Publication demonstrates appeal of menthol cigarettes to young people

A University of Oklahoma researcher found that menthol cigarettes are more addictive and appealing than non-menthol cigarettes, especially among racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ population. Participants were willing to work harder for puffs of menthol cigarettes, indicating a heightened risk of nicotine dependence.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

Lancet Oncology publication establishes imaging guidelines for head and neck cancers, a step toward practice change

The study establishes criteria for identifying extranodal extension on imaging, allowing radiologists to make accurate calls and provide patients with less invasive treatments. This shift towards practice change has the potential to reduce side effects and improve outcomes for patients with HPV-associated head and neck cancers.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 16, 2024

Financial incentives double smoking cessation rate for people with socioeconomic challenges

A University of Oklahoma study finds that offering small financial incentives to smokers with low socioeconomic status can double their quit rates. The study's findings come from a clinical trial where participants who received pharmacotherapy, counseling, and financial incentives had significantly higher smoking cessation rates.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 2, 2024

Circulating microRNAs likely as effective as A1C for predicting type 2 diabetes in youth, according to OU study

A new study from the University of Oklahoma found that measuring circulating microRNAs is likely as effective as measuring blood sugar levels in determining how young people with type 2 diabetes will fare. The study also found a 20% decrease in beta cell function during the first six months of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Potential new treatment option for diabetic retinopathy

Researchers have developed a new treatment for diabetic retinopathy that addresses the root cause of the disease, preventing progression and potential blindness. The anti-ceramide immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in animal and cell culture models, offering a safer alternative to current treatments.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2024

New study further illuminates ability of cancer drug to lower blood sugar

A new study reveals that a cancer drug can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels, but eliminating a specific gene related to fat metabolism worsens insulin resistance. The research highlights the interconnectedness of fat metabolism in organs and the need for simultaneous treatment of obesity and insulin sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Researchers say future is bright for treating substance abuse through mobile health technologies

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are developing evidence-based mobile health interventions to treat substance use disorders. By leveraging smartphones, they aim to create highly tailored interventions delivered at the right time for individuals, reducing stigma and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAnnual Review of Clinical Psychology·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 8, 2024

Smoking cessation before laryngeal cancer treatment improves survival, retention of voice box, study shows

Patients who quit smoking before starting chemotherapy or radiation responded better to treatment, were less likely to need their voice boxes surgically removed, and lived significantly longer than those who continued to smoke. Quitting smoking also improved quality of life for seven years after treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalOtolaryngology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

Multidisciplinary research team creates computational models to predict heart valve leakage in children

A multidisciplinary team is developing computational models to predict heart valve leakage in children with specific birth defects. The models use 2D and 3D echocardiogram data to simulate the shape of valves and potential weak spots, enabling surgeons to plan surgeries more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 16, 2024

Testing method could point thousands more cancer patients to lifesaving treatment

Researchers found that next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified more patients with microsatellite instability than immunohistochemistry (IHC), potentially leading to thousands of missed diagnoses and patients receiving incorrect treatment. NGS could guide the standard of care towards using this test method instead of IHC.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCancer Cell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2024

Exposure to secondhand smoke during chemotherapy makes treatment less effective, study shows

Head and neck cancer patients exposed to secondhand smoke during chemotherapy have reduced treatment effectiveness. Secondhand smoke alters protein expression, restricting chemotherapy's ability to kill cancer cells. This raises concerns about cancer prognosis and the importance of smoking cessation.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeNews article·DateFeb 27, 2024

New climate record for Italy during Roman period reveals role of climate change in social crisis, pandemic disease

A newly published study provides a high-resolution climatic record for ancient Italy, revealing phases of climatic instability that overlap with periods of social and political crisis. The marine core record also shows a strong association between episodes of rapid climate change and epidemics of infectious disease.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 26, 2024

The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University collaboration finds semaglutide treatment is associated with remarkable reductions in Alcohol Use Disorder symptoms

A case series published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry reveals semaglutide's potential therapeutic applications in managing Alcohol Use Disorder, demonstrating significant reductions in AUDIT scores. Further research is needed to validate these findings through larger clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 27, 2023