Penn Medicine researcher Ezekiel J. Emanuel recommends limiting US health care cost growth to match US economy's GDP growth for improved quality of care and transformed healthcare system. The proposal involves team-based care coordination, reduced hospitalizations, and more outpatient monitoring.
A Penn Medicine study finds that sons of cocaine-using fathers are less likely to want the drug and resistant to its effects. The research suggests that epigenetic changes caused by cocaine use can be passed down to the next generation, potentially making them less susceptible to addiction.
African Americans with APOL1 gene variant experience faster chronic kidney disease progression and increased risk of kidney failure compared to those without the variant. The study found that APOL1 risk variants increase CKD progression in African Americans, regardless of their diabetes status.
Researchers discovered that changes in vaginal bacteria and placental levels of lactobacillus can alter the newborn's gut microbiome and affect brain development. The study also found a potential link between placental OGT protein levels and offspring neurodevelopment.
Researchers have identified two genetic variations associated with persistent atopic dermatitis in African-American children, shedding light on the skin disorder's mechanisms. The study found that loss-of-function mutations to Filaggrin-2 were linked to increased risk of AD in African American children.
Researchers at Penn Medicine are studying health care disparities among people with disabilities through the Mrs. A and Mr. B Project, a collaborative effort with Virtual Ability, Inc. The project aims to provide patients with information to make informed decisions about their medical care.
A recent study found that men using testosterone therapy have a 29% higher risk of death, heart attack, and stroke compared to those not using the treatment. The study, which analyzed data from over 8,000 patients, highlights the need for caution when prescribing testosterone therapy.
Women who underwent bariatric surgery reported significant improvements in overall sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction. Additionally, they experienced gains in reproductive hormones and psychological status.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have identified a molecule, HDAC3, that plays a starring role in maintaining proper intestinal integrity and function in the presence of friendly bacteria. The study found that HDAC3 regulates the relationship between commensal bacteria and mammalian intestine physiology.
The high cost of medical education is unsustainable and must be reduced to lower the overall cost of healthcare. Currently, students graduate with debt exceeding $150,000, which may lead to a market correction if healthcare costs decline.
The review team found that long-term exposure to environmental noise affects the cardiovascular system, with connections to hypertension, ischemic heart diseases, and stroke. Noise also impacts sleep disturbance, children's cognition, and hospital settings.
Researchers found that posterior intercostal lymph nodes have predictive power for mesothelioma patients, with patients without cancer in these nodes having significantly longer overall survival rates. The study suggests including these lymph nodes in the mesothelioma staging system.
A global collaboration of researchers has identified 11 new genetic areas of interest contributing to late onset Alzheimer's Disease. The study expands the scope of disease understanding to include new areas such as the immune system, where a genetic overlap with other neurodegenerative diseases was found.
A team from Penn Medicine discovered that a protein called Rev-erb alpha, found in brown fat cells, regulates daily body temperature fluctuations and adaptability to environmental changes. This mechanism has implications for combating obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that focusing on factors like hope, randomization, and altruism can increase patient willingness to participate in clinical trials for malignant pleural mesothelioma. The study showed a significant increase in participation rates when physicians spent more time discussing these factors with patients.
Researchers found metformin as an effective radiosensitizer for treating stage III non-small cell lung cancer, improving local control and overall survival. The study suggests combining metformin with chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be a promising treatment approach.
Patients who received care at multiple HIV clinics had lower ART adherence, higher viral loads, and increased healthcare costs compared to those receiving care at a single clinic. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous care with one provider for optimal outcomes and reducing transmissions.
A new study published in JAMA found that over 95% of advanced prostate cancer patients receive multiple radiation treatments for pain control, despite the equivalent effectiveness of single treatments. The study reveals substantial cost savings with single-fraction treatment, with mean radiotherapy-related expenditures 62% lower for pa...
A large-scale genetics study is underway to investigate the genetic causes behind increased rates of schizophrenia and psychiatric disorders in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome patients. The four-year grant from the NIMH will advance understanding of this under-recognized neurogenetic condition and potentially inform new treatments.
A new machine learning model accurately flags risk for post-stroke dangers, outperforming traditional transcranial doppler tests in detecting blood vessel constriction. The method combines existing ICU data and is less resource-intensive, but its effectiveness depends on IT infrastructure.
Charles P. O'Brien, a leading expert on alcohol dependency, is being honored with the French Legion of Honor Medal for his pioneering work in addiction treatment. He has made significant contributions to the field through his research, advocacy, and leadership.
A new study found that when ICUs are busy, doctors discharge patients more efficiently without negatively impacting patient outcomes. This suggests that strained resource settings prompt providers to critically re-evaluate patient needs and transfer patients who can be managed outside the ICU.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in treating advanced thyroid cancer, demonstrating the effectiveness of kinase inhibitors that target tumor cell division and blood vessels. Clinical trials showcase improved progression-free survival rates for patients with BRAF and RAS mutations.
Scientists have discovered that protein translation in dendrites is complex and dictates by translational hotspots, not solely when RNA is present. This finding may inform neurological and psychiatric illness therapeutics.
A new Penn Medicine study shows that proton therapy significantly reduces side effects in pediatric head and neck cancer patients. The results, which followed 25 patients aged 1-21, found no evidence of disease in 76% after 13 months, with only mild side effects such as fatigue and dermatitis.
Researchers found a molecular mechanism linking mechanical ventilation to hippocampal damage and mental impairment in ICU patients. The study suggests that elevated dopamine levels may contribute to the development of neurobehavioral disorders in patients exposed to mechanical ventilation.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a novel immunotherapy approach that demonstrates substantial tumor regression in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The treatment combines gemcitabine with an agonist CD40 antibody and uses real-time FDG/PET-CT imaging to monitor tumor response.
The new procedure, known as the CIT07 protocol, resulted in significantly improved islet cell function and enabled patients to discontinue daily insulin injections. The approach reduced inflammation and allowed for more efficient use of fewer islet cells.
Researchers found that activating CREM accelerates therapeutic efficacy of current antidepressants, increasing nerve growth in the hippocampus and reducing treatment time to just one or two days. This discovery could lead to faster-acting drug targets for depression.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that epigenetic factors play a role in senescence, a process linked to normal aging and tumor suppression. The researchers found large-scale changes in gene expression and chromatin architecture when a nuclear protein called lamin B1 is deleted in senescent cells.
A Penn study finds that shutting off GABA neurons helps bullied mice overcome symptoms of depression and anxiety. The research suggests targeting GABA neurons as a new potential drug target to treat patients with depression and other mood disorders.
Researchers from Penn Medicine discovered that the immune system governs the skin microbiome, which is crucial for maintaining diverse microbes and healthy skin. The complement system, an ancient branch of the immune response, influences the skin microbiome.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a comprehensive test for protein biomarkers in spinal fluid that shows prognostic and diagnostic value in early stages of Parkinson's disease. The study found that patients with lower levels of tau and alpha synuclein had greater motor dysfunction, while th...
Researchers discovered a new aspect of the gene-splicing process that produces messenger RNA, controlled by the rare small RNA U6atac. This mechanism regulates hundreds of genes involved in cell growth, cell-cycle control, and global physiology.
A survey of 139 Alzheimer's clinical trial leaders found that a majority supported disclosing test results to study participants, citing the need for guidance and counseling. The study suggests that as biomarkers improve, experts want to share valid results with participants, while also addressing potential harms and benefits.
A Penn Medicine study reveals that survivorship care plans, such as the online LIVESTRONG Care Plan, fill a knowledge gap for cancer patients and improve health outcomes. The plans provide essential information on follow-up screenings, late effects of treatment, and lifestyle changes.
Researchers found that the signaling protein calcineurin upregulates Ang-2, promoting angiogenesis in lung endothelial cells. This pathway is crucial for metastasis, offering new targets for lung cancer therapy.
A Penn study found that psoriasis patients with more severe skin disease are at higher odds of having major medical diseases, including lung disease, heart problems, and kidney issues. The researchers identified a common pathway involving TH-1 cytokines promoting inflammation and insulin resistance.
A new study published in JAMA found that treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence simultaneously does not lead to increased drinking, but rather improves treatment outcomes. Prolonged exposure therapy combined with naltrexone reduced cravings and drinking days, even after treatment stopped.
Researchers tracked a healthy male subject's virome for two-and-a-half years, revealing rapid evolution of viral species. The study found that certain viral species changed substantially over time, driven by genetic mechanisms such as substitution and CRISPRs.
Researchers found that a small percentage of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis experience isolated psychiatric symptoms, which can be treated with immunotherapies. The study suggests that abnormal test findings or subtle neurological symptoms should prompt screening for the condition.
A new study suggests that people with migraine are more likely to have an incomplete circle of Willis, which may contribute to abnormal cerebral blood flow and trigger migraines. The research found that variations in arterial anatomy lead to asymmetries in blood flow, and abnormalities were most prominent in the back of the brain.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies a genetic mutation in Africans with HIV that increases their risk of tuberculosis. The research found that low expression of immune response gene MIF confers almost a two-and-a-half fold increased risk for severe TB.
Research from Penn Medicine reveals that urban counties have a lower risk of injury-related death compared to suburban and rural counties. Motor vehicle collisions were found to be the leading cause of death in both urban and rural areas.
A recent study published in Nature identifies a population of multi-potent cardiopulmonary progenitor cells, named CPPs, that coordinate heart and lung co-development. These cells are essential for adaptation to terrestrial existence and have implications for diseases such as pulmonary hypertension.
Researchers identify TSLP and basophils as key players in promoting esophageal inflammation in response to food allergens. This discovery suggests novel therapeutic targets for treating eosinophilic esophagitis, a debilitating food allergy-associated disease affecting millions.
A new study found that topiramate reduced alcohol cravings but did not decrease drinking in individuals with cocaine and alcohol dependence. However, those on topiramate were more likely to stay in treatment and abstain from cocaine during the last three weeks of the trial.
A study found that individuals with an uncommon genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease did not experience increased anxiety or distress after learning their genetic risk. Instead, they took proactive measures such as exercising and following a healthy diet to mitigate their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that TAp73 supports proliferation of human and mouse tumor cells by activating G6PD, increasing PPP activity, and directing glucose to pathways for macromolecule synthesis. This reprogramming allows rapid generation of nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, enabling tumor cells to thrive.
Researchers found that amyloid plaque accumulation in the temporal lobe, rather than total amount, is associated with cognitive decline. This pattern of progression may serve as a more powerful biomarker for early detection of Alzheimer's disease.