Research identifies genetic linkages associated with bipolar disorder, including a possible connection to autoimmune thyroiditis. The findings suggest that identifying these genetic markers could help develop more effective treatments or prevent the disorder in at-risk individuals.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded $9 million to develop research tools for drug discovery as part of NIH's Roadmap initiative. The Molecular Libraries Screening Centers Network aims to accelerate medical discoveries by conducting high-throughput screenings of molecules.
Researchers successfully introduced a gene that blocks joint inflammation, reducing IL-1 and IL-6 production. The study's nine patients showed no clinical side effects after five years, paving the way for new gene-based therapies.
A new treatment approach for complicated grief, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, has shown significant promise in improving symptoms and reducing emotional pain. The treatment, which combines elements of interpersonal psychotherapy with a unique two-pronged approach, was found to be more effective than a comparison th...
A recent study found that bladder capacity remains relatively stable throughout adulthood, contradicting the common assumption that it shrinks with age. Overactive bladder, also known as detrusor overactivity, is a common condition affecting millions of Americans, and treatment is available.
A seven-year review of liver transplant recipients who received HBV positive and HCV positive organs found patient and graft survival rates comparable to those receiving livers from negative donors. The use of these organs increases the number available for transplantation while maintaining long-term results.
A new study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has found that muscle-derived stem cell cultures can improve leak point pressure and regenerate deficient urethral muscle, even when contaminated with fibroblasts. The research paves the way for a more efficient and effective treatment for urinary incontinence.
A University of Pittsburgh psychiatrist warns that researchers must be more rigorous in designing and conducting clinical studies, as well as use clear language when describing findings. This can help prevent confusing reports on health risks that are extrapolated from studies and reported by the media.
Researchers found trospium, an anti-muscarinic drug, has a topical effect on the bladder muscle that controls contractions. This effect reduces muscle contractions and increases bladder capacity, offering new hope for patients with overactive bladder.
A new study has identified three nuclear proteins that are unique to the bladders of animals with interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic pelvic pain disorder. The proteins, transgelin (SM-22), ras suppressor protein (RSU-1) and GAPDH, were found to be down-regulated in IC-model bladders after instillation with hydrochloric acid.
Stem cells can be made specific to patients regardless of age or sex, showing promise for treating devastating diseases and injuries. The research yields patient-specific cellular models of human disease, paving the way for more precise study and potential cure.
A study of 11 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who have failed standard chemotherapy found that Zevalin was effective in inducing partial and complete responses in three patients. The treatment was well-tolerated, with side effects including thrombocytopenia and neutropenia.
Newborns exposed to antidepressants in late pregnancy had a significantly increased risk of respiratory complications and special-care nursery admission. Strategies for managing maternal depression during pregnancy include gradual tapering and cessation of medication, but more research is needed.
Researchers found that capsaicin, a compound in red chili pepper, exhibited anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer cells. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a constituent of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, also showed therapeutic benefits in inhibiting ovarian cancer cell growth.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researcher Rick Relyea found that Roundup is extremely lethal to amphibians, causing a 70 percent decline in biodiversity and an 86 percent decline in tadpole mass. The herbicide's surfactant was responsible for its toxic effects on amphibian populations.
A Pitt University study reveals that confidence levels among physicians do not always align with their accurate diagnoses. In approximately 1/3 of cases, the physicians' confidence was misplaced, making them more likely to lack confidence in correct diagnoses.
The article highlights five major types of conflict in caring for the dying patient, including physician-family, physician-nurse, and family-family conflicts. It suggests negotiating a course of treatment with all parties involved to avoid potential conflicts and emphasizes the importance of empathy in resolving disputes.
Researchers found that immature inhibitory synapses in the auditory system release glutamate, a neurotransmitter also used by excitatory synapses, to stimulate NMDA receptors during critical brain development. This discovery could provide insight into biological causes of disorders like epilepsy and depression.
A University of Pittsburgh study documents an increase in genital herpes infections linked to receptive oral sex and vaginal intercourse. The risk is higher among young women, who are increasingly susceptible to HSV-1 infection due to a decline in childhood cases.
A study found that middle-aged women with more active health care involvement had lower intima-media thickness and plaque buildup, reducing the risk of heart disease. The research team followed 370 women from the Healthy Women Study and used B-mode ultrasound to measure pre-clinical cardiovascular disease signs.
Hatfull, a Pitt professor, discusses ways to make research experiences available to students at all stages of education. He has turned high school students into
A Pitt researcher has developed a decision-making model to help patients weigh the risks and benefits of accepting organ transplants. The model uses mathematical techniques to provide insight into patient physiology and quality of life, helping doctors make informed decisions.
Research by University of Pittsburgh researcher Herbert L. Needleman suggests a strong correlation between lead exposure and aggressive behavior, with even low levels affecting brain development in children. The study highlights the need for further action to eliminate lead from the environment.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh successfully trained a monkey to feed itself using a child-sized robotic arm controlled by its own brain signals. The breakthrough technology uses tiny electrodes and specialized algorithms to interpret brain activity and guide the arm's movements.
New studies suggest that blocking estrogen may be essential to slowing the spread of lung cancer. Researchers found that a combination therapy targeting both estrogen and epidermal growth factor receptors resulted in a 59% tumor volume decrease.
A study of 265 pairs of caregivers and care recipients found that spouses are more likely to be abusive when experiencing health problems or caring for a needy spouse. Researchers warn that such situations should trigger screening and intervention efforts to protect the elderly person.
The new privacy rule has reduced biomedical research recruitment to an average of 2.5 to 5.7 women per week, significantly impacting the field's progress in understanding preeclampsia and its devastating effects on pregnant women. Dr. Ness calls for modifications to the rule itself to standardize institutions' interpretation.
Researchers uncover key mechanisms behind puberty, revealing that a specific gene and protein interact to trigger hormone secretion. The study provides new insights into human development and may help prevent precocious or delayed puberty.
A minimally invasive procedure involving stem cells has shown improvement in heart function for patients with severe heart failure and no coronary blockages. All 15 patients who received stem cell injections experienced some degree of improvement, while the control group saw little change.
A study published in Diabetologia found that higher levels of protein adiponectin are associated with a lower risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), even independent of conventional risk factors. The study showed a remarkable 63% reduction in CAD risk for each 6.3 microgram per milliliter increase in serum adiponectin levels.
Researchers aim to understand the growth and spread of breast cancer by targeting tumor stem cells, which are hypothesized to perpetuate cancer growth. The project may lead to a critical adjunct therapy targeting these cells.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that overexpression of protein NuMA can cause changes in a cell associated with tumor formation. By studying the mechanism by which this occurs, the team identified a possible treatment target for some types of cancer.
A new study has provided proof of principle for a combined stem cell-gene therapy approach as a potential treatment for cystic fibrosis. The researchers were able to correct the CFTR gene defect using adult stem cells and ex vivo gene therapy, which may offer advantages in screening and long-term function.
A new immunosuppression protocol has significantly reduced the need for anti-rejection medications in intestinal transplant patients, resulting in a 96% one-year survival rate. The study showed that 69% of patients are taking a single dose of immunosuppression, and none experienced chronic rejection.
Scientists have successfully cloned primates up to the blastocyst stage, a developmental milestone for embryonic stem cell research and potential treatments for diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's. The breakthrough could pave the way for deriving human embryonic stem cells from nonhuman primate templates.
Researchers found that NASA's current guidelines, which allow for two-hour phase delays in bedtime, can lead to disruptions in sleep and alertness. The study suggests that gradual changes in sleep schedule may be more effective in minimizing negative consequences.
A study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that exposure to methylisothiazolinone (MIT), a common ingredient in shampoos and personal care products, can restrict the growth of axons and dendrites of immature rat nerve cells. This may have potentially damaging consequences for human development.
Researchers found that African Americans are more likely to carry genetic variants stimulating inflammation and less likely to have anti-inflammatory proteins. These findings suggest evolutionary changes in the human genome may impact inflammation.
Out-of-hospital intubation may be more harmful than helpful for patients with severe head injuries. Patients who are intubated prior to hospital arrival have a higher risk of death and neurologic impairment compared to those intubated in the hospital.
A new study at the University of Pittsburgh found that gastric bypass is a promising treatment option for patients with GERD and obesity who have previously undergone antireflux surgery. The procedure showed significant improvements in GERD symptoms and weight loss, improving or resolving up to 70% of associated medical conditions.
Researchers have discovered that tiny exosomes extracted from donor cells can capture recipient immune cells, promoting transplant tolerance by delivering antigen. This approach may provide a promising alternative to traditional immunosuppression therapies.
Researchers found that early cardiovascular changes, such as carotid artery narrowing and electrocardiographic abnormalities, are strong independent risk factors for future cardiovascular events. These measures were more powerful in identifying high-risk individuals among women, particularly black women, who faced a significantly highe...
Researchers found that seven percent of patients implanted with VADs were successfully weaned off the devices without needing a heart transplant. The study showed that VAD support can facilitate dramatic recovery in patients with acute inflammatory cardiomyopathy or post-partum cardiomyopathy.
Researchers found a strong correlation between PCOS and initial evidence of calcium deposits signaling blood vessel disease. Women with both PCOS and metabolic cardiovascular syndrome were at an even greater risk of calcification in coronary arteries.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh identified abnormal levels of protein erythrocyte-C4d in patients with lupus, showing high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the disease. This finding may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with lupus.
Researchers aim to understand why some generations exhibit higher rates of violence in adolescents, using data from the Pittsburgh Youth Study. The study will examine age groups and potential cultural or economic factors influencing violence.
A study found that women treated with clindamycin for bacterial vaginosis experienced more frequent increases in E. coli concentrations and higher rates of clindamycin-resistant bacteria compared to those treated with metronidazole. In contrast, metronidazole therapy resulted in increased colonization by protective Lactobacillus species.
Working memory develops and improves with maturity, allowing voluntary control over behavior. Adults rely on a third brain area for optimal performance, whereas children and adolescents use different regions of the brain. This study informs understanding of thinking processes and may lead to new treatments for psychiatric illnesses.
Researchers at Pitt University successfully reversed peripheral neuropathy in diabetic mice using gene therapy based on HSV vectors, delivering neurotrophic factors to affected neurons. The approach restores lost nerve endings and prevents progression of neuropathy, with promising results for potential human treatment.
Researchers developed a neural prosthesis allowing a monkey to grasp and hold food using only its brain. The prosthetic arm is controlled by an algorithm that intercepts signals from the motor cortex, allowing the monkey to learn through biofeedback and refine its movements.