A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) placed in homes do not significantly improve survival odds for patients who experience cardiac arrests outside of hospitals. Instead, education and modification of risk factors are key to primary prevention of heart disease.
Researchers at Penn's School of Medicine present innovative discoveries on a new drug therapy that may prevent heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, studies reveal significant disparities in the treatment of women with atrial fibrillation, highlighting the need for more referrals to ablation therapy.
Researchers found a significant decline in muscle fibers in the diaphragm after just 18 hours of mechanical ventilation. The study's results suggest that intervening in the molecular pathway responsible for muscle wasting could lead to the development of a new pharmacological approach to safely wean patients off ventilators.
Researchers have identified a link between protein misfolding and sleep apnea, finding that cells with healthy proteins may repair themselves, while unhealthy cells self-destruct. A drug called salubrinal shows promise in preventing cell death, but its toxicity limits its potential.
Researchers found that combining propofol and remifentanil with patient-controlled administration provides optimal pain relief while reducing staffing costs. This approach could help patients recover quicker and reduce healthcare expenses.
A recent study published in the Psychological Bulletin found that when couples face a cancer diagnosis, women are consistently and severely distressed. The researchers analyzed data from 43 studies worldwide and concluded that gender plays a greater role than who the patient is in coping with cancer.
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, had a low response rate in patients with psoriasis. Despite laboratory evidence showing its potential, the study suggests that the placebo effect or natural remission may be responsible for the limited results.
Researchers at Penn have engineered living human nerve cells into a network that can be transplanted to repair damaged nerves. The three-dimensional neural network, created through the stretch growth technique, maintained its geometry and function after transplantation.
Researchers at Penn discovered that a bacterial toxin from Staphylococcus aureus can shut down the control mechanism of an ion channel in immune cell membranes, suppressing the immune response. This finding suggests that identifying inhibitors of the toxin may lead to new therapies for treating MRSA and other resistant infections.
A panel discussion at the AAAS Town Hall Event features University of Pennsylvania School Medicine researchers exploring interactions between culture, social, and environmental factors influencing child and parent behaviors related to obesity. Nutrition experts also present on setting nutrition standards in schools.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified an important molecular mechanism guiding nerve-cell electrical channels. The discovery suggests that RNA-associated introns play a critical role in regulating gene expression and controlling the number of channel proteins produced.
The US Senate Special Committee on Aging heard a call to develop mobile polling to improve access to voting for older Americans, who face significant barriers due to geographical distances and lack of transportation. Dr. Jason Karlawish recommends using mobile polling to encourage registrations and assist with voting at long-term care ...
Patients who receive perioperative epidural analgesia have improved lung function, reduced risk of pneumonia, and primed for earlier discharge. African Americans are less likely to accept epidurals due to race and socio-economic factors, despite the risks of chronic pain.
A new strategy for designing drugs that target resistant viral strains has been discovered by Penn researchers. The M2 protein, located in the viral envelope, forms a long, narrow channel allowing protons to flow into the viral interior, an essential step for infection.
A new study reveals a mechanism of regulating protein transport in neurons, where tau proteins act as smart speed bumps to regulate the movement of dynein and kinesin proteins. This finding provides insight into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, which arise from impaired shipping systems.
Scientists have identified two separate neural pathways that regulate the transition in and out of anesthesia. The study found that mice with impaired orexin signaling took longer to emerge from general anesthesia, but not to fall asleep during the procedure. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for administering anesthetics ...
C. elegans displays a sleep-like state called lethargus, which parallels human sleep patterns and is linked to nervous system development, suggesting that sleep facilitates neural growth and adaptation.
A randomized trial found that telephone mentoring from trained peer coaches increased the likelihood of keeping a first colonoscopy appointment by two times. Patients with peer support were more likely to be insured and have better primary care adherence, and nearly 70% kept their appointments.
Researchers found a connection between TRAIL's receptor and cancer susceptibility, as well as inflammation and cancer via TRAIL. Mouse models with TRAIL receptor knock-out developed larger tumors after exposure to carcinogens or radiation.
Researchers found that a protein called hypoxia-inducible-factor (HIF-1) promotes the synthesis of fibrous connective tissue in kidneys, leading to reduced oxygenation and progression of chronic kidney disease. The study used mice with silenced HIF-1a to demonstrate the link between low oxygen conditions and CKD.
A new brain imaging study has identified specific regions of the brain linked to cigarette cravings in smokers. The findings, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, may help predict relapse in smoking cessation treatment and inform the development of personalized therapy strategies.
A new study found that students who participate in high school sports or individual physical activity are less likely to smoke than their classmates, with the protective effect extending at least three years beyond graduation. However, girls do not derive the same level of protection from school sports as boys.
Researchers found that better communication strategies, such as open-ended questions and empathy, can prompt patients to disclose abuse. However, providers often failed to document domestic violence in medical records, highlighting the need for improved action once disclosures are made.
Researchers found that older adults with diabetes and depression who receive depression care management live half as long as those who don't. The study, published in Diabetes Care, suggests integrating depression evaluation and treatment into diabetes management in primary care.
Dr. Bridges' group successfully demonstrates marker genes can be efficiently inserted into heart muscle cells in large animals using a novel surgical procedure and specially designed hardware. The approach has the potential to develop new treatments for various heart muscle diseases causing heart failure, with preliminary success showi...
A study presented at RSNA suggests that CT scans can diagnose heart disease in low-risk patients, reducing hospital stays from 12 hours to just over 9 hours. This could lead to significant cost savings and improved resource utilization in emergency departments.
A study by Penn researchers found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with major depression who have tried other options without success. The non-invasive technique has minimal side effects and can be administered via the scalp, avoiding bodily side effects.
Researchers found unprecedented survival for patients with multiple myeloma when treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, achieving a median survival of nearly three years. The study shows promise for early treatment and has changed official guidelines to add REVLIMID as an initial treatment.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that an immune system gene can enhance a vaccine used to study HIV in macaque monkeys, providing greater protection against simian HIV. The study found that the addition of Interleukin-15 boosts the effects of a vaccine derived from the DNA of simian HIV.
A study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans found that men and women's brains respond differently to stress, with women exhibiting stronger lasting responses in the limbic system involved in emotion. The findings suggest a fundamental difference in stress response between genders.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a protein called Rev-erb that coordinates the body's daily oxygen cycle to maintain correct metabolism. This discovery provides new pathways for treating metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine report a 43% increase in functional impairment among obese adults aged 60+, while overall odds of ADL impairment decreased for non-obese populations. Obesity's quality-of-life effects may be deteriorating, highlighting the need to prevent disability.
A recent study found that women with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) had a higher risk of mortality and required more hospitalization compared to men. After adjusting for other factors, the gender gap disappeared, suggesting that women may be sicker by the time they receive ICDs.
Experts from University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins discuss strategies for successful HPV vaccination programs, including long-term safety assessments and patient education. The authors emphasize the importance of designing programs in developing countries to combat widespread cervical cancer cases.
The Penn Center for the Integration of Genetic Healthcare Technology will examine the certainty or uncertainty of results from genetic testing. Team members will conduct original research on genetic technologies and develop tools to educate consumers, professionals, policy makers, and insurers.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that emotional well-being has no influence on cancer survival, contrary to long-held beliefs. The study examined 1,093 patients with head and neck cancers and found no correlation between emotional status and overall survival.
A University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine study found that professional welders who work in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation may be at risk for losing their sense of smell. The study, which used a standardized test to evaluate olfactory function, found that nearly 90% of welders had impaired smell function.
Scientists have developed a mouse model of age-related macular degeneration to study the disease's progression and develop potential treatments. The model, caused by a mutation known to produce AMD in people, will help researchers understand the biochemical details of how AMD occurs.
Penn researchers have found a new way Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpes Virus (KSHV) causes cancer by interfering with the degradation of a crucial signaling molecule called Notch. This finding sheds light on how KSHV subverts normal cell growth, potentially leading to new treatments for viral-associated cancers.
Biochemistry and biophysics expert Dr. James Shorter has been awarded a $1.5 million NIH New Innovator Award to develop biochemical methods for combating nerve degeneration diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's.
Default options can be used to improve individual patient care, reducing hospital-borne infections by removing unnecessary urinary catheters. Additionally, opt-out organ donation policies have increased donation rates in European countries.
A study found that two-thirds of women are interested in stopping their periods but lack understanding of the medical implications. Physicians, however, believe continuous oral contraceptive therapy is medically safe and acceptable, sparking a need for better patient-physician dialogue.
Researchers developed a framework to address health-care information technology's unintended consequences, which can reduce medication errors but also produce unforeseen issues. They emphasize the need for real-time evaluations to identify and remedy these problems before they cause lasting harm.
The Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology at Penn School of Medicine will study biological indicators of exposure to cigarette smoke using a panel of biochemical markers. The goal is to identify people most at risk of tobacco-related disease and potentially inspire them to quit smoking.
Researchers identified a new strategy that KSHV uses to replicate its viral genome, allowing it to evade the immune system. By eliminating viral protein production, they found that KSHV DNA can autonomously recruit cellular replication machinery proteins.
Researchers found that metformin slows tumor growth in mice with colon cancer lacking the regulatory gene p53. The study's findings may lead to new therapies for aggressive and resistant human cancers.
A recent study published in Immunity reveals that the presence of pro-death proteins Bax and Bak is necessary for healthy immune function, specifically in T-cell cells. The absence of these proteins disrupts calcium signaling pathways, leading to reduced energy production and impaired cell division.
A new target for controlling high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol has been discovered by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. The enzyme PCSK5A was found to increase HDL-C levels in mice, promoting reverse cholesterol transport and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Penn researchers identified how regulatory protein Bcl-3 regulates inflammation by blocking ubiquitination, a critical biochemical process. This discovery opens new avenues for developing therapies to treat infectious or inflammatory diseases such as sepsis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists identify unique surveillance system that detects and eliminates defective messenger RNAs from red blood cells. This breakthrough understanding could lead to new treatments for thalassemia and other genetic disorders affecting the production of hemoglobin proteins.