A recent Penn study found a significant association between cerebrovascular disease and dementia, particularly in younger patients with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest that early management of vascular risk factors and healthy lifestyles may delay or prevent the onset of dementia due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that low-income patients prioritize hospital care over primary care due to concerns about cost, quality, and accessibility. The study suggests that efforts to reduce hospital readmissions may inadvertently attract more low-SES patients.
Researchers have discovered that a single protein, alpha-synuclein, can exist in two different structural shapes, or 'strains', which promote misfolding of other disease proteins commonly found in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This finding has significant implications for the development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that fine emotional learning tasks produce greater learning specificity in mice, improving pitch discrimination abilities. The study established a link between emotions and perception of the world, with effects mediated by brain regions including the amygdala and auditory cortex.
A new study has found that pre-existing insomnia symptoms in military service members prior to deployments may be at greater risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety upon return. The study also identified short sleep duration as a significant risk factor for new-onset PTSD symptoms.
A study found that only 2% of hospital cardiac arrest patients received therapeutic hypothermia, despite its proven potential to improve survival and neurological function. The lack of data and guidelines may contribute to the low use of this treatment.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have created a human-cell model of early-disease progression in pancreatic cancer using induced pluripotent stem cells. The study identified biomarkers that could be used for early detection, treatment, and prognosis.
Researchers developed a staging system to track ALS disease progression, mapping out four distinct stages and identifying transmission patterns. The study's findings suggest a similar transmission process in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and may lead to new treatments like immunotherapies.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that the tumor suppressor protein Par-4 plays a crucial role in preventing breast cancer recurrence. Low Par-4 expression is associated with an increased risk of recurrence and poor response to chemotherapy, highlighting potential new therapeutic strategies.
A Penn Study found that sperm of stressed male mice had an impact on their offspring's brain development and stress response. Male and female offspring showed a reduced stress reaction, which can lead to mental disorders like anxiety and depression.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that cancer drug shortages have left physicians unable to prescribe standard chemotherapies for a range of cancers. As a result, many doctors are forced to delay or substitute treatment, leading to increased costs and potential harm to patients.
Researchers have identified a key growth factor, Fgf9, that promotes hair follicle regeneration after wounding. The study found that overexpressing Fgf9 in mouse models resulted in a two- to three-fold increase in new hair follicles produced.
A randomized phase III trial found sorafenib stops tumor growth and provides effective treatment for thyroid cancer patients who progress following standard therapies. The therapy also thwarts disease progression even among those whose tumors do not regress, with median progression-free survival of 10.8 months.
A new study finds that HIV-positive transgender individuals have similar rates of retention, antiretroviral therapy coverage, and HIV suppression as nontransgender peers. Advances in HIV treatment and increased attention to LGBT health may contribute to the improvement in outcomes.
Researchers develop a gene therapy that gives mice complete protection against lethal strains of H5N1 and H1N1 flu virus, including the infamous 1918 flu. The treatment involves expressing a broadly neutralizing antibody in nasal epithelial cells, providing substantial reductions in flu replication and virus load.
Researchers discovered that innate lymphoid cells limit the response of inflammatory T cells to commensal bacteria in the gut, keeping a truce between the immune system and 'good' microbes. This finding suggests new therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases like IBD, HIV/AIDS, and cancer.
A study found significant variation in ICU patients' decisions to forgo life-sustaining therapies among US hospitals, with factors like hospital culture and physician practices playing a major role. Patient characteristics such as age, race, and functional status also influence these decisions.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that having a nighttime intensivist in the ICU did not improve patient outcomes, including length of stay and mortality. Despite this, hospitals may still consider adopting the model due to its potential educational benefits for residents.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found promising results in using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) to treat select patients with refractory cardiac arrest and profound shock. The study, which included 33 patients, showed a survival rate of 21% and five patients were neurologically intact.
A clinical trial led by Penn Medicine found that olaparib was effective against advanced pancreatic and prostate cancers in patients carrying BRCA 1/2 mutations. The therapy showed promise in halting disease progression, even in patients whose tumors did not shrink.
A new study by Penn Medicine found that most cancer doctors, patients, and the general public support cutting healthcare costs by refusing to pay for drugs without improving survival or quality of life. The survey also revealed that large numbers favored not paying for more expensive drugs when cheaper alternatives are equally effective.
Researchers created a US map pinpointing areas with higher rates of infection and sepsis-related deaths, including clusters in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, and South. The analysis highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve public health resources.
Researchers have discovered that innate lymphoid cells and T cells follow a similar development pathway, involving the Notch protein pathway. This finding has implications for understanding inflammatory diseases and could lead to new treatments.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that a mutation in the Semaphorin 3d molecule disrupts the development of pulmonary veins, leading to Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC). The condition causes poorly oxygenated blood throughout the body, resulting in cyanosis. Researchers found that Sema3d mutations cause ab...
Researchers at Penn Medicine have identified four new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer, with markers found at four loci, including 4q22, 7q22, 16q22.3, and 17q22.
A new study reveals distinct characteristics between inducible and natural IL17-producing T cells, with different signals required for cytokine production. The findings suggest a specific role of Akt protein complex in regulating cytokine production by these cell types.
A nationwide survey found that nearly two-thirds of US hospitals have policies aimed at reducing neonatal complications by limiting deliveries before 39 weeks. The majority of these hospitals have a formal policy against non-medically indicated deliveries, with many having a 'hard-stop' policy to prevent the practice.
A small pilot study found that 22% of participants in a hydrofracking-heavy area in Bradford County, PA, believe that natural gas operations may be causing their health problems. The most common symptoms reported were sinus problems, sleeping difficulties, and gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers report success with Sirolimus treatment, minimizing seizures and improving language function in Pretzel syndrome children. The study's findings have implications for related neurodevelopmental disorders like tuberous sclerosis complex.
Researchers have found that the menin protein suppresses signaling in the Hedgehog pathway in endocrine organs, leading to increased cell proliferation. Inhibiting this pathway using drugs reduces tumor growth in an animal model of human MEN1 syndrome.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that deep brain stimulation can curb binge eating in obese animals, leading to weight loss and improved glucose sensitivity. The therapy targets the dopamine type-2 receptor, providing therapeutic relief for obesity-related behaviors.
Researchers found that anti-smoking ads with strong arguments trigger brain activity associated with behavioral change and lead to less nicotine in smokers' urine. The study suggests that ad content is more important than format or special effects for reducing tobacco intake.
A Penn study found nearly one quarter of patients may return to the emergency department within 30 days of being discharged from a hospitalization. Congestive heart failure was the primary diagnosis for these return visits, with other diagnoses varying in subsequent rehospitalizations.
A new study found significant variability in sepsis incidence rates depending on the method used, with a 3.5-fold difference between methods. This discrepancy limits efforts to improve treatment for sepsis, highlighting the need for uniform definitions and universal measurement of outcomes.
FitzGerald shared the prize with Carlo Patrono for developing low-dose aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease. The breakthrough work assessed prostaglandins' role in blood clotting and saved millions of lives worldwide.
A study found a significant association between the ABCA7 gene variation and increased late-onset Alzheimer disease risk among African Americans, with a twofold increase in risk compared to European American populations. The research also highlights unique genetic risk levels for African Americans.
The Myc oncogene can disrupt the 24-hour internal rhythm in cancer cells, suggesting potential for improved cancer treatments. By promoting the expression of Rev-erbα and NAMPT, Myc upregulates genes that suppress circadian oscillations, leading to altered metabolism and potentially increased replication rates in cancer cells.
A new study found that each additional hour of sleep is associated with a lower BMI for teens. Increasing sleep duration to 10 hours per day could help reduce the prevalence of adolescent obesity. The findings suggest delaying school start times could also aid in reducing obesity rates.
A study found that only 53% of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who were at high risk of carrying a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation received a recommendation for genetic testing. Women who were older, had lower income, and were employed were less likely to receive the recommendation.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that cells with low helicase-like transcription factor (HLTF) expression are more likely to respond to autophagy inhibition. This finding could lead to the development of a predictive biomarker for patients who may benefit from this treatment approach.
Researchers developed a dual CAR approach that allows engineered T cells to selectively target tumor cells while sparing normal tissue. This innovative approach uses two separate antigen-specificity proteins, one for starting and another for boosting the immune response.
A new two-step immunotherapy approach, combining dendritic cell vaccination and adoptive T-cell therapy, showed a 75% clinical benefit in 31 ovarian cancer patients. The treatment preserved tumor cells alive and used them to manufacture personalized vaccines that taught the immune system to attack the tumor.
A Penn Medicine study found that computed tomography colonography (CTC) was used appropriately in asymptomatic Medicare patients. The study suggests that CTC may have expanded colorectal cancer screening beyond the population screened with standard optical colonoscopy.
Researchers at Penn Medicine developed a personalized brain mapping technique using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to preserve language, visual, and motor functions during brain tumor surgeries. This technique improved accuracy and extended survival in some cases, with a median survival time of 21.2 months.
Researchers have discovered that Parkinson's disease protein, α-synuclein, forms insoluble aggregates that resist degradation in cells. The accumulation of these clumps impairs the macroautophagy system, a major garbage disposal system within the cell.
Scientists have found that hepatocytes can transform into biliary cells in response to injury, a process dependent on the activation of endogenous Notch signaling. This discovery provides direct evidence for cellular reprogramming in mammals and may lead to new treatments for diseases involving bile duct deficiency.
A new study found that primary stroke centers administered clot-busting treatment, rt-PA, at a rate of 6.7%, compared to 2.2% at non-certified centers. The use of rt-PA therapy increased by 50% between 2004 and 2009 at PSCs.
A novel T-cell therapy has demonstrated complete remission in two pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a high-risk type of cancer. The treatment, which reprograms the immune cells to target specific cancer cells, has shown promising results but also carries potential side effects.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that smoking delays fracture healing and increases post-operative complications. The research, which analyzed over 6,480 patient cases, shows that smokers take roughly six weeks longer to heal than non-smokers.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that younger mice exhibit a more robust healing response compared to older mice. The team identified the Notch signaling pathway as critical to fracture healing, with reduced baseline activity in geriatric MSCs.