A University of Pittsburgh-led study found that two computer-based decision support systems significantly improved clinicians' ability to arrive at correct diagnoses, especially for medical students. The systems provided accurate and useful information to relatively inexperienced clinicians.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Akira Sekikawa found a wide range of death rates across the US, with southern states having the highest CHD mortality rates. The researchers attributed these differences to variations in cigarette smoking and high school graduation rates among men aged 35-44.
Researchers found that middle-aged women can avoid weight gain through increased physical activity and a low-fat, reduced-calorie dietary pattern. The five-year study showed significant reductions in weight gain and waist circumference among those who participated in the lifestyle intervention program.
Researchers will investigate how mind influences disease development and recovery, including infectious diseases, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer. The center aims to develop interventions to enhance quality of life among chronic illness sufferers.
Researchers have successfully delivered a therapeutic gene for peripheral neuropathy using a modified herpes virus, which can produce nerve growth factor (NGF) in non-neuronal cells and enter the bloodstream. This approach may offer a long-term solution for patients with peripheral neuropathy resulting from diabetes or chemotherapy.
Researchers from Children's National Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh successfully reverse muscle damage caused by limb girdle muscular dystrophy using gene therapy. The non-toxic virus-based approach increases muscle strength and size by nearly 100% in animal tests, paving the way for potential treatment of Duchenne muscula...
Researchers found that a common mutation in the CYP17 gene is associated with higher testosterone levels and larger, stronger bones in men. The study measured hormone levels, stature, and bone mass in 333 Caucasian men aged 51-84 years.
Researchers found that calcium absorption decreased with age, especially after the age of 80, leading to increased risk of osteoporosis in older men. Higher levels of fractional calcium absorption were associated with slower rates of hip bone loss.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that a non-invasive test can predict heart problems in middle-aged women without clinical signs of disease. The test, called electron beam computed tomography (EBCT), detected early signs of atherosclerosis in women who had no risk factors or clinical signs of disease.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study has found a specific gene, APOE-4, to be associated with an increased risk of hip and wrist fractures in women over 65. The researchers discovered that women carrying the APOE-4 allele were twice as likely to suffer these fractures compared to those without the allele.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center successfully controlled incontinence in animal model of diabetes using gene therapy approach. The treatment, involving delivery of nerve growth factor gene via modified herpes virus, showed promising results by repairing damaged bladder nerves and improving bladder function.
Researchers at UPMC have successfully conducted the world's first in vivo gene therapy for hemophilia A using a modified retrovirus to deliver the FVIII gene. The treatment aims to permanently restore clotting factor production, reducing costs and complications associated with the disease.
Children between 2-18 years old had the best success with a five-year survival rate of 68%, followed by adults with Crohn's disease. Intestinal transplantation improves quality of life, reducing reliance on intravenous nutrition and hospitalizations.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that infusing donor bone marrow into the thymus significantly reduces rejection rates, especially with multiple doses. The study also showed promise in pediatric heart transplantation, where the procedure is both safe and feasible.
A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of livers donated by children were transplanted into adults, despite an increase in pediatric donors. This has led to a shortage of organs for children, with alternative procedures like segmental grafts becoming more common.
Researchers have identified specific immune responses in patients treated with high doses of interferon alfa 2b to prevent melanoma recurrence. High-dose IFNa2b modulated the expression of MHC Class II antigens and increased natural killer cell activity, which may lead to better patient selection and therapy options.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that interferon alfa 2b significantly depresses the activity of internal enzymes breaking down narcotics and antidepressants. This may lead to overdose in cancer patients receiving these medications with IFNa2b.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center discovered that bone marrow-derived cells can differentiate into functional liver cells, potentially repairing or replacing damaged livers. This breakthrough challenges traditional scientific dogma and opens up new possibilities for treating liver diseases.
Researchers found that extracts of these plant products bound to estrogen receptors, causing an estrogen-like response in rats. This could lead to reduced LH production, but also raises concerns about potential dangers for women with a history of breast or uterine cancer.
Researchers found that measuring LDLc levels before menopause is a more reliable indicator of heart disease risk than tracking changes after menopause. Effective therapies include diet, exercise, and medication can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes among women.
A University of Pittsburgh team used electron beam computed tomography and carotid ultrasounds to assess heart disease in living people. They found that pre-menopausal risk factors such as smoking and low-density cholesterol strongly predict the development of coronary artery disease after menopause.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HbA1 levels predict mortality from coronary artery disease in women with Type 1 diabetes. However, this association was not seen in men with the same condition. The study analyzed data from over 600 subjects and suggests a gender-specific link between hyperglycemia and CAD risk.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) can identify older adults with heart disease who appear healthy through standard non-invasive tests. EBCT measures coronary and aortic calcification, which are known risk factors for coronary events.
Researchers have successfully tested a new gene therapy approach to block certain pain responses in mice. The treatment uses a herpes virus containing a gene that triggers production of a pain-blocking protein, providing long-term potential for pain relief.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that high levels of serum estradiol and testosterone are associated with a three-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers hope this information will help clinicians identify high-risk women who may benefit from chemoprevention.
A landmark study found that cocaine and tobacco use significantly increased the risk of miscarriage in inner-city pregnant women. The study reported that 24% of the risk for miscarriage could be related to cocaine and tobacco use.
Research reveals that specific growth factors can speed up muscle regeneration and quicken healing in animal models. The findings hold promise for treating various types of muscle injuries in humans, including those affecting athletes who risk ending their careers due to disabilities caused by muscle injuries.
Researchers developed a sensitive and accurate probe to measure cartilage damage, using ultrasound and load cell units. The probe can be used arthroscopically, allowing for precise assessment of cartilage thickness and mechanical strength before surgery.
University of Pittsburgh researchers isolated bone-precursor cells from skeletal muscle and genetically altered them to produce bone growth. Injecting these cells into mice showed they could form bone inside the animals. This discovery may lead to targeted treatments for incomplete fractures.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that simultaneous bone marrow infusions at lung transplantation significantly reduced obliterative bronchiolitis, a marker for chronic rejection. The study showed a 25% reduction in chronic rejection incidence among recipients who received bone marrow infusions.
A study by University of Pittsburgh surgeons found that organs from marginal donors can be just as effective as ideal donor organs in pancreas transplants. The researchers accepted organs from donors over 45 years old, resulting in a high graft survival rate and improved quality of life for patients with diabetes.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that lung transplant patients who received lungs preserved for more than six hours had similar survival rates compared to those stored for less than four hours. The study, which examined over 350 cases, suggests that the current organ allocation policy may need to be revised.
Researchers at UPMC found PET scanning to be 84% accurate in detecting distant metastases, compared to CT's 63% accuracy. The study highlights the potential benefits of PET scanning in improving treatment decisions for patients with esophageal cancer.
A UPMC study of 124 depressed elderly participants found that a combination of medication and psychotherapy prevented depression recurrence in 80 percent of patients, while medication alone was effective in only 57 percent. The study suggests that continued treatment can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Researchers link transplant tolerance to immune system's response to noncytopathic micro-organisms, which can coexist with transplanted organs. The process involves a delicate balancing act between donor and recipient immune cells.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) can predict the development of heart disease in women with high accuracy. The test measures calcification in coronary arteries and aorta, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis.
The University of Pittsburgh has been chosen as one of three pioneer sites for biocombinatorial chemistry research, a revolutionary approach to speed up drug discovery. Researchers will create novel chemical compounds and test them in specific assays to learn whether they can interrupt cellular activities that lead to cancer.
Researchers found that women with recovered bulimia nervosa had increased serotonin levels and negative moods, obsessions with perfectionism, and anxiety. The study suggests that altered brain chemistry contributes to the development of bulimia nervosa and persists even after recovery.
Researchers found that calcium influx into mitochondria triggers neuron death, while changes in cytoplasmic calcium have a more subtle effect on cell health. The study suggests designing drugs to target mitochondria could prevent or intervene in glutamate-induced neuronal damage.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully transplanted lab-grown brain cells into a patient with paralysis and speech loss after a stroke, marking a significant breakthrough in stroke medicine. The study uses tissue grown in the lab to avoid ethical concerns surrounding fetal tissue use.
Physicians at UPMC are evaluating LBS-Neurons for treating stroke patients with a clinical human neuron transplant. The transplanted neurons aim to improve damaged host neurons or replace destroyed ones, showing promise in correcting cognitive and motor deficits.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HIV-1 viral load in semen can fluctuate greatly and does not correspond to viral levels in blood, requiring new testing methods to monitor transmission risk. Testing viral load levels in semen may offer physicians a better way to assess transmission risk and target treatments.
University of Pittsburgh researchers discover that boosting CD8 T cells, also known as killer T cells, can establish long-term immunity against HIV-1. By treating dendritic cells with HIV-1 proteins and interleukin-12, the immune system can be trained to recognize and attack infected cells.
A large randomized phase III study confirmed the efficacy of paclitaxel plus carboplatin in treating non-small cell lung cancer. Patients who received paclitaxel/carboplatin experienced a greater response rate and improvement in quality of life compared to cisplatin/etoposide.
Researchers found that the anterior cingulate cortex detects response competition and provides a signal to pay more attention and avoid errors. The brain's 'how you are doing' monitor may serve as an alarm system for executive control, preventing catastrophic mistakes.
Researchers found that a specific component of neural circuitry in the prefrontal cortex is altered in most people with schizophrenia, leading to disturbances in complex thinking processes. The study suggests that this alteration may be a specific brain disturbance in the disease process of schizophrenia.
Researchers at UPMC report significant improvements in survival times and intercranial pressure in animals treated with the bio-artificial liver assist device. The device aims to provide temporary support to patients with acute liver failure until their liver recovers or transplantation is possible.
Researchers found that localized gene therapy can produce widespread, systemic effects on rheumatoid arthritis. The study used an adenovirus to carry therapeutic genes for altered cell receptors, which lessened inflammation and cartilage destruction in both diseased and distant joints.
The UPMC Image Engine Project combines clinical images with medical records to improve patient care. The system allows clinicians to download and view full-size images for diagnosis and treatment, while maintaining patient confidentiality.
A new strategy to treat and prevent tumors has been developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers using dendritic cells. The approach effectively prevents tumor development in healthy mice and reduces tumors in 80% of mice with established tumors, significantly prolonging their survival.