A comprehensive study finds that physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia are relatively rare practices worldwide, with a majority of cases involving patients with cancer. Support for these practices remains stable in the US but continues to increase in Western Europe, often linked to religious views.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new therapy that selectively targets antibody-producing cells causing autoimmune disease, without harming the rest of the immune system. The treatment uses engineered T cells with an artificial receptor to bind to and destroy harmful B cells producing antibodies.
Volanesorsen, a novel lipid-lowering medication, significantly improved insulin sensitivity and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes and high triglycerides. The study found a 69% reduction in triglycerides and improved hemoglobin A1c levels, suggesting that lowering triglycerides can improve insulin sensitivity.
A state medical home initiative has been shown to slash healthcare costs for complex Medicaid patients by an average of $4,145.28 per patient per year. The integrated care model reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with chronic illnesses and substance abuse or psychiatric conditions.
The Coordinating Center for Genetics and Genomics of Alzheimer's Disease will aggregate and analyze large data sets to identify genetic risk factors and potential therapeutic targets. This effort aims to accelerate progress in solving the devastating disease.
Researchers developed a new CAR T cell therapy that targets solid tumors using an antibody-carbohydrate combination. The therapy was shown to be effective in mouse models of pancreatic cancer, with increased survival rates and no damage to normal human cells.
Researchers found that approximately one-third of patients with low flow AS treated with TAVR continue to suffer persistent low flow AS. These patients have a 60% higher rate of mortality at one year due to poor blood flow, emphasizing the need for improved treatment and monitoring.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that adding color-coded calorie labels to online food ordering systems reduces total calories ordered by about 10%. The simple traffic light labeling had a particularly strong impact among participants with low math skills and those who are obese.
A Penn Medicine study found that individuals with acute insomnia who self-restrict their time in bed are less likely to develop chronic insomnia. This natural tendency can be an effective strategy for managing insomnia and even serves as part of cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic insomnia.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that body mass index, body fat percentage, and resting energy expenditure are not significant predictors of sleep stage duration. However, overweight adults spent more time in the rapid-eye movement (REM) stage of sleep than normal-weight adults.
The hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) device shows promise for treating moderate to severe OSA who can't tolerate CPAP, with a 84% reduction in AHI and 11% increase in oxygen levels. The study replicates the success of previous clinical trials, offering an alternative option for patients.
Researchers identified a connection between amino acid acetylcarnitine and poor performance under sleep restriction. Higher levels of this molecule were associated with decreased attention, slower information processing, and increased sleepiness during chronic sleep deprivation.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose a new model for viral replication, suggesting that DNA 'scrunching' generates forces to drive DNA into a virus during replication. This understanding could lead to new ways to fight infectious pathogens.
In a phase II clinical trial, pembrolizumab elicited partial responses in 17% of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. The overall response rate was more than triple that of methotrexate, the current standard treatment for resistant cases.
Researchers developed a new animal model to test HIV vaccines, combining the envelope of HIV with simian immunodeficiency virus to replicate in monkeys. Changing a single amino acid in the envelope coat protein improved the model's ability to infect monkeys while retaining native-like features.
A phase II clinical study found a 32% clinical benefit in pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA mutation, including one complete response and two partial responses. The drug's acceptable safety profile suggests it may be an option earlier in the treatment course for some patients.
A new study finds that delivering genetic test results to patients at risk for cancer-causing mutations over the phone reduces costs and access burdens. Patients who received phone counseling reported fewer barriers to accessing genetic counseling services than those who received in-person counseling.
Researchers found that both dose and infusion regimen are crucial to maximize response and safety for CAR T cells. Optimal doses and regimens showed high complete remission rates, with no treatment-related deaths in some cases.
Researchers found that patients who used metformin before diagnosis had a higher risk of death, while those who started using it after diagnosis were more likely to survive. Metformin also showed promise as a treatment for endometrial hyperplasia, with 56% of patients responding to treatment.
Researchers found that nearly half of women over 75 with stage III/IV cancer do not have surgery, while black and American Indian women are 35% less likely to receive surgery than white women. Surgical treatment is associated with a fourfold increase in survival for patients.
A study found that women who time their quit smoking with optimal days in their menstrual cycle may have better success. The researchers discovered that during the follicular phase, brain regions that help control behavior are less connected to those signaling reward, making it harder for women to resist smoking cues.
Researchers identified a type of skin cell as the target of the virus in humans and found that an FDA-approved drug can block viral infection. The study establishes a new way to investigate this type of oncogenic viral infection and provides hope for better treatments.
Researchers found that inhibiting an enzyme adds palmitate onto proteins creates dependence on EGFR signaling for survival. Inhibiting this enzyme makes cancer cells more sensitive to EGFR inhibitors, which could lead to a new treatment option for lung cancers.
A study led by Amita Sehgal found that a neuropeptide regulates the expression of detoxification genes in both fruitflies and mice, driving feeding behavior and having implications for chronotherapy. The findings suggest that synchrony between brain and peripheral clocks is crucial for maintaining good health.
A new Penn study proposes a broader definition of severe maternal morbidity to better identify high-risk patients, leading to improved care and lives saved. The expanded definition includes conditions such as postpartum readmission and significant blood loss, which accounted for most of the difference between restricted and expanded de...
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that at least 85% of intrauterine devices (IUDs) placed immediately after delivery remain in place six weeks later. This is promising news for reducing unintended pregnancies and associated maternal and infant outcomes.
A study reveals that text messaging is an effective way to monitor postpartum women for life-threatening complications of preeclampsia. The remote blood pressure monitoring system allowed physicians to identify advanced cases and intervene before hospital readmission was necessary.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that changing default prescription settings in electronic medical records (EMRs) increased generic prescribing rates from 75% to 98%. The study demonstrated the impact of well-designed default options on physician behavior, with significant cost savings for patients and health systems.
Researchers found that patients treated with as-needed blood thinners and regular pulse monitoring had lower stroke risk compared to those taking long-term anticoagulation medications. The study showed minimal bleeding incidents and no strokes or transient ischemic attacks among participants.
A commentary in the journal Gastroenterology argues that current policy harms low-income patients by not waiving their share of coverage costs for screening. The authors recommend waiving coinsurance and copay for diagnostic procedures associated with screening, as well as value-based and evidence-based benefit design.
Researchers found that moderate sedation leads to better clinical outcomes, including lower 30-day mortality and shorter hospital stays, compared to general anesthesia. The study of over 10,997 patients suggests that moderate sedation is both safe and effective for TAVR procedures.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center found that testing non-breast cancer genes in high-risk women does not add clinical benefit. The study analyzed a large panel of genes and found that many variants were of uncertain significance, adding complexity to genetic counseling.
A new class of technology provides greater resolution for measuring electrical activity in space and time, matching existing methods. The flexible device is made of layers of silicon and molybdenum that can measure physiological characteristics and dissolve at a known rate.
Despite progress, US HIV infections declined by 11% and transmission rates fell by 17% between 2010 and 2015. However, the country failed to meet President Obama's 25% reduction in new infections and 30% decrease in transmission rate targets.
Scientists have discovered that silencing the molecular alarm, HIF-1α, reduces heterotopic ossification and disability in a rare bone disorder. By targeting this protein, researchers hope to develop more effective treatments for FOP and related disorders of heterotopic ossification.
A Penn-coordinated study confirms that half of patients with age-related macular degeneration retain 20/40 vision or better after five years of treatment with Avastin or Lucentis. The study also found signs of modestly worsening disease, but overall, the therapy has shown significant benefits in slowing vision loss.
Researchers identified 3,870 SNP pairs with shared biological mechanisms across Alzheimer's disease, bladder cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. These variants affect gene expression and protein function, providing a comprehensive picture of disease biology.
A new study has identified a long non-coding RNA that plays a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks in triple-negative breast cancer cells. The research found that blocking this RNA significantly increases sensitivity to radiation therapy, providing new insight into the biology of this tough-to-treat breast cancer subtype.
A large case-control study suggests that high cholesterol levels, rather than statin use, may influence the risk of colorectal cancer. The study found an inverse relationship between blood cholesterol levels and colorectal cancer risk, with higher cholesterol levels associated with lower risk.
Researchers have identified cellular pathways in skin pigment cells activated by estrogen and progesterone, leading to either skin darkening or lightening. The discovery could lead to the development of new products changing skin tone without harmful chemicals.
Researchers have identified a metabolic pathway in the fruitfly model of fragile X syndrome that can be targeted by new and already approved drugs to treat cognitive deficits. Select expression of a human gene in specific cells restored normal day/night activity patterns and rescued memory problems.
Researchers found that dogs with atopic dermatitis have a sharp decrease in skin bacterial diversity, leading to impaired barrier function and increased Staphylococcus species. Antibiotic therapy restored normal levels, suggesting a correlation between skin barrier dysfunction and bacterial overgrowth.
A new study found that Medicare patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis have low adherence to biologic therapies, with nearly half stopping treatment within a year. High out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part D were identified as a potential factor contributing to this issue.
Researchers discovered that microtubules interact with the heart's contractile machinery to provide mechanical resistance during contraction. Increasing detyrosination leads to increased myocyte stiffness and impeded contraction, while suppressing it enables the sarcomere to shorten more easily.
A new study by Penn researchers found that female mice experience less renal ischemia reperfusion injury compared to male mice, suggesting a potential benefit of estrogen treatment. Human data also supports this finding, with female recipients experiencing less delayed graft function after kidney transplantation.
Researchers at Penn and Rutgers have identified a biological pathway that explains why current asthma therapies don't work well in many cases. The discovery highlights the potential for targeting non-inflammatory aspects of asthma, with neuropeptide Y emerging as a key player.
Researchers from Penn Medicine and Harvard University have developed a novel CAR T cell therapy that targets glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer. The phase I trial has shown promising results, with patients experiencing significant expansion of engineered T cells in their blood and infiltration of tumors.
The I-SPY 2 trial shows that a combination of T-DM1 and pertuzumab before surgery can eradicate residual disease in more patients compared to paclitaxel plus trastuzumab. This new approach may improve outcomes for women with HER2-positive invasive breast cancer.
A national research study will focus on the effectiveness of specific carbohydrate diets and Mediterranean-style diets to induce remission in patients with Crohn's disease. The study, led by Dr. James Lewis, aims to provide high-quality data and guidance for incorporating diet modifications into the treatment of the disease.
Researchers found a genetic variation linked to slower Parkinson's disease progression, lower alpha-synuclein levels, and tremor-dominant symptoms. The 'good' GG genotype was associated with better outcomes for patients, including slower physical decline and lower dementia risk.