A study found that elevated C-reactive protein levels remain even 30 years after eclamptic pregnancy, indicating a potential link to cardiovascular disease. Researchers also developed a non-invasive imaging technology to visualize infection-related changes in preterm birth, offering new insights into treatment strategies.
The study found that patients with extreme obesity who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced significant reductions in blood pressure. The majority of these patients were able to reduce or eliminate their blood pressure medications after surgery, while those with normal blood pressure showed no significant changes.
A long-term controlled trial found that continuing antidepressants for two years can reduce the chance of another depressive episode by 60 percent. Interpersonal psychotherapy was not effective in preventing new episodes of depression in this age group.
A survey of 2,461 diabetes patients found that many had a less-than-accurate view of healthy body weight. Women were more likely to correctly identify a normal BMI range as healthy, while men and obese individuals often overestimated their ideal weights.
Researchers found that low serotonergic function was associated with thicker carotid arteries, suggesting a link between the serotonin system and atherosclerosis. The study's findings could lead to new avenues for preventing heart disease and stroke through the regulation of brain chemistry.
A study of 106 healthy volunteers found that lower omega-3 levels were associated with depression symptoms, a negative outlook, and impulsivity. Higher omega-3 levels were linked to increased agreeableness.
Researchers found that a common osteoporosis treatment helped men with prostate cancer recover significant bone mass after two years of androgen deprivation therapy. The study suggests that bone density tests should be encouraged for men at risk, and bone-preserving therapy could prevent debilitating fractures.
Researchers assessed 263 children and adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders, finding that symptoms were longer-lasting and more variable in youth than adults. The study also revealed faster cycling between symptomatic periods and a higher likelihood of diagnosis changes over time.
Researchers found that STAT1 is a critical survival pathway in head and neck cancer, with increased levels leading to diminished and dying cancer cells. Therapeutic strategies to restore its functioning may be beneficial for patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
A vaccine developed by University of Pittsburgh Medical Center researchers has shown 100% protection against the avian flu virus in an animal study. The vaccine, which contains a live virus, stimulates several lines of immunity and is expected to have greater therapeutic value than traditional vaccines.
A recent study compared neurocognitive recovery in NFL and high school athletes after concussion. The results showed that NFL players returned to pre-injury baseline performance in just one week, while high school athletes took longer to recover. The study used computerized neurocognitive testing tool ImPACT to evaluate the athletes.
A University of Pittsburgh study suggests that standard anti-inflammatory therapy may not be appropriate for many interstitial lung disease patients. The research used DNA microarray chip technology to distinguish between gene expression patterns of different types of interstitial lung diseases, revealing two vastly different condition...
Researchers identified two forms of mild cognitive impairment that progress at the same rate to Alzheimer's disease. Using 3D brain imaging, they found distinct patterns of brain damage in people with MCI-A and MCI-MCD, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
A large-scale observational study found that athletes wearing the Riddell Revolution helmet were 31% less likely to sustain a concussion compared to those wearing traditional helmets. However, proper injury management and recovery time remained unchanged between the two groups.
A major gene therapy advance for treating Parkinson's disease has been funded by the Fox Foundation grant, with RheoGene Inc. developing a technology to manage gene expression. The therapy uses a patented small-molecule mediator to turn genes on or off, offering a potential solution to replacing lost dopamine in the brain.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh discovered that loss of pol zeta's activity in mouse cells leads to chromosomal instability and tumor development. The study suggests that pol zeta may act as a tumor suppressor gene, preventing double-stranded breaks in chromosomes.
A year-long randomized trial involving 32 emergency departments in Connecticut and southwestern Pennsylvania showed that moderate- and high-intensity quality improvement strategies safely increased outpatient treatment for low-risk patients. The study also found effective implementation of guideline recommendations among practitioners.
The African-American Heart Failure Trial showed that patients treated with the medication had lower health care costs, averaging $15,384 over a 12-month period. The study found that the medication was cost-effective, even when factoring in the cost of the drug itself.
Pretreating rogue cancer cells with aspirin enhances their sensitivity to targeted therapy by inducing apoptosis via mitochondrial release of cytochrome c. This combination may improve treatment outcomes for cancers overexpressing the HER-2/neu gene.
The University of Pittsburgh has established an Immune Modeling Center to study immune responses to infectious diseases using mathematical modeling. The center will focus on understanding innate and adaptive immune responses to influenza A virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Francisella tularensis.
A new study found that telephone-based care management significantly improves symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as mental health-related quality of life. The intervention resulted in fewer missed workdays and lower emergency room usage among participants.
African-American women who joined a cancer screening trial had better understanding of cancer and early detection, motivated by loved one's experience with cancer. The study suggests targeted strategies to improve recruitment, including providing health benefits and informing physicians about clinical trials.
Researchers found African-Americans had a 70% lower risk of dying in the hospital and better one- and six-month outcomes following coronary interventions. However, these benefits disappeared after one year, highlighting the need for aggressive adherence to risk reduction recommendations.
Research reveals that the number of serotonin receptors in the subgenual prefrontal cortex affects the amygdala's emotional state, influencing behavior in stressful situations. Higher levels of these receptors can reduce rational 'discussion' and lead to increased amygdala activity.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a brain imaging method to monitor Alzheimer's disease progression non-invasively using Pittsburgh Compound-B. This breakthrough allows for early diagnosis and monitoring of amyloid plaque deposits, which are thought to cause brain cell death.
Researchers have created an animal model of an immunotherapy approach that uses tumor cells and 'danger' signals to stimulate tumor immunity. The discovery enables further understanding and development of the approach, which has shown promising results in cancer patients.
Researchers found that women with preeclampsia and elevated uric acid levels had a nearly seven-fold increased risk of premature delivery and delivered nearly four weeks earlier than those with normal uric acid levels. High blood pressure without protein in the urine also linked to early delivery risks.
Researchers developed a gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV-8) to deliver a normal copy of the delta-sarcoglycan gene to skeletal and cardiac muscle cells. The treatment showed remarkable improvements in muscle function, structure, and endurance in hamsters with muscular dystrophy.
Researchers have found a dose-response relationship between IMRT volume and oral mucositis severity in head and neck cancer patients. Constricting IMRT dose can lessen toxic effects of treatment, reducing side effects for patients.
Treating four or more brain tumors with radiosurgery is safe and effective, translating to a survival benefit of up to 18 months for some patients. The study's findings suggest that tumor volume rather than the number of brain metastases should be used as a criterion for radiosurgery.
A large single-institution study evaluated the safety and efficacy of MammoSite, a type of partial breast irradiation. The study found that toxicities were similar to those reported in previous registries, with acceptable complications and comparable cosmetic outcomes.
Researchers found that gene therapy using manganese superoxide dismutase plasmid liposome (MnSOD-PL) protected healthy tissue from damage during and after radiation retreatment. The therapy significantly improved survival rates and reduced side effects in lung cancer patients.
Scientists have found tunneling nanotubules that enable immune cells to relay molecular messages, allowing them to coordinate responses to pathogens. The discovery could reveal new insights into the local inflammatory response and potential therapeutic strategies.
Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) has been found to be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder, helping patients manage daily routines and relationships to prevent mania and depression. The study suggests that IPSRT is particularly beneficial for individuals with more regular social routines and better physical health.
Researchers have successfully used human muscle-derived stem cells to restore leak-point pressure in animal models of stress urinary incontinence. The therapy involves injecting the cells into the periurethral muscle, which differentiates into new muscle fibers to prevent atrophy. Clinical trials are underway in Toronto.
Researchers investigated Botox's mechanism of action for treating enlarged prostate symptoms. The study found that Botox blocks adrenergic receptors, causing muscle relaxation and improving urine flow. This could lead to a new therapy option for millions of men suffering from this common condition.
Researchers found that IP 751 significantly suppressed bladder overactivity without affecting contractility, offering a new option for IC treatment. The study's results are promising for patients with interstitial cystitis, a chronic pelvic pain disorder affecting millions of Americans.
Researchers found that viral protein vFLIP K13 actively promotes cancer cell growth through the NF-?B pathway, leading to increased lymphoma formation in transgenic mice. The study provides a promising new target for novel therapies against HHV8-associated tumors.
A large international study found that 6% of critically ill patients develop kidney failure, with 60% dying while hospitalized. Researchers also discovered that 86% of surviving patients do not require dialysis after discharge, providing a clue for treating acute renal failure.
Researchers identify PLEKHA1 as a key gene associated with age-related macular degeneration (ARM), a leading cause of untreatable blindness in the elderly. The discovery may lead to the development of DNA tests to identify individuals at increased risk and new preventive strategies.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully treated animals with muscular dystrophy using a miniature gene and new systemic approach, demonstrating significant improvements in muscle function and longevity. The treatment involves delivering a mini-agrin gene via adeno-associated virus vectors, restoring...
Researchers have discovered cells in discarded placentas that can develop into specialized cells like liver, pancreas, and nerve cells. The amniotic epithelial cells express genes similar to those of embryonic stem cells, but with limitations, offering a potentially new source for regenerative medicine.
A study published in BMC Pediatrics finds that active maternal smoking, passive exposure, and even quitting during pregnancy can cause genetic damage in the developing fetus. This damage may have lifelong repercussions for the exposed fetus, affecting survival, birth weight, and susceptibility to disease.
Researchers found deficits in trunk and hip strength, hamstring flexibility, and back proprioception in golfers with a history of low-back pain. These findings can inform the development of injury prevention programs and exercise programs for golfers to prevent or rehabilitate low-back injuries.
A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh highlights the challenges faced by paramedics in performing endotracheal intubation, a critical procedure that requires significant skill and experience. The research found that many paramedics perform intubations less than three times per year, with some not performing any at all.
A University of Pittsburgh study identifies specific brain regions involved in anorexia nervosa, including the basal ganglia and its relation to reward and reinforcement. The research suggests that altered dopamine function may contribute to the disorder's symptoms, including obsessive behaviors and self-denial.
The largest study to date provides valuable insights into flexible sigmoidoscopy screening among 154,942 participants aged 55-74. Findings show that women are more likely to decline FSG than men, while non-acceptance increases with age in women. The rate of cancer detected was 2.9 per 1,000 individuals screened.
A University of Pittsburgh study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that athletes with post-traumatic migraine (PTM) after a concussion experienced increased neurocognitive function impairment. This suggests that clinicians should exercise caution when managing concussed athletes with PTM.
New study finds bipolar disorder prevalence higher than previously thought, with a significant economic burden and high risk of suicide; Lithium treatment may help reduce these risks.
Researchers have found that bipolar disorder is associated with difficulties modulating brain regions that detect error and promote accurate responses. Additionally, a two-pronged pharmacologic approach of both a mood stabilizer and an antipsychotic may be necessary to treat both the depressive and manic phases of bipolar disorder.