A new biomarker, EPCA, has been discovered that can detect prostate cancer earlier than traditional methods. The marker is expressed in the tumor and throughout the prostate in men with prostate cancer.
Researchers discovered a link between serum amyloid alpha (SAA) and future cardiovascular events, with increased levels predicting a 3% higher risk of heart attack or stroke over three years. SAA appears to respond specifically to active heart disease, making it a potential more accurate predictor than C-reactive protein.
The grant aims to develop novel strategies for improving pediatric heart transplant outcomes by linking basic science advances to clinical protocols. The three clinical projects focus on enhancing graft acceptance, preventing post-transplant tumors and identifying genetic markers predictive of individual transplant outcomes.
Researchers develop gene therapy to enhance islet cell function and survival after transplantation. The technique uses a growth factor DNA to induce cell division, improving insulin production and glucose control in rat models. However, standard immunosuppression drug therapy may be harmful, inducing insulin resistance and diabetes.
A new imaging agent, Pittsburgh Compound B, provides a unique view of amyloid plaques in the living human brain. This breakthrough discovery may contribute to understanding how Alzheimer's disease begins and grows, as well as develop effective treatments.
Researchers are investigating the role of broccoli-derived chemicals in preventing prostate cancer. The study aims to better understand how these substances inhibit prostate cancer growth and identify potential biomarkers for future intervention trials.
A new study published in PEDIATRICS reveals that inhaled nitric oxide is a more cost-effective treatment option for newborns with HRF, resulting in significant savings of over $440,000 per 100 cases. This breakthrough therapy avoids the need for invasive ECMO surgery and its associated costs.
Researchers immunized six rhesus macaques with a combination of SARS-CoV vectors, showing strong neutralizing capacity against the virus. The vaccine induced both antibody and cell-mediated immune responses, providing protection against subsequent exposure.
Researchers followed 171 post-menopausal women over 14 years and found that those who were physically active had a higher level of functional status. Physical activity was directly related to improved functional status, even after adjusting for health status.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have identified protein biomarkers that accurately diagnose ALS with near 100% specificity and sensitivity. The findings may lead to a new test for early-stage ALS, enabling faster diagnosis and monitoring of treatment efficacy.
A new study suggests that caregivers of patients with end-of-life dementia experience high levels of depressive symptoms while caring for their loved ones, but exhibit clinically lower depression after the patient's death. The research also found that caregivers report feeling relieved when their loved one passes away.
Monitoring waistline fat, insulin levels, and lipid particles can detect early signs of heart disease in women. Targeted interventions can be initiated to prevent progression of the disease.
The University of Pittsburgh will focus on clinical trials to test treatment efficacy and tolerance in older cancer patients, while also addressing behavioral and social issues faced by the elderly. The project aims to better understand the needs and concerns of older adults with cancer.
The study analyzed data from 2,932 participants who were free of major life-threatening diseases and had normal physical and cognitive function at baseline. After eight years, 48% of the participants had aged successfully, with those without subclinical cardiovascular disease faring better.
Dr. Yuan Chang discovered human herpesvirus 8 (KSHV) in 1994 and has since studied its biology to understand how it causes cancer. Her work has transformed understanding of the most common malignancy in people infected with HIV.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that 22% of seniors over 75 have cognitive disorders, with multiple factors contributing to the condition. The study highlights the importance of good medical care in preventing brain disease and identifying risk factors for cognitive impairment.
Researchers found a significant reduction in breast cancer risk among women taking statins and non-statin lipid-lowering drugs. The study analyzed data from over 7,500 older white women and found a 60-70% lower risk of developing breast cancer.
The University of Pittsburgh has been designated as a cooperative research center to develop treatments for muscle-wasting diseases. The center will focus on gene and stem cell therapies to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common and debilitating childhood disease.
The study found that gastric bypass surgery significantly improved diabetes outcomes in patients, with nearly all achieving normal blood sugar levels and reducing their reliance on anti-diabetic medications. Patients with shorter disease durations and milder type 2 diabetes saw the greatest improvements in glycemic control.
A study published by the University of Pittsburgh found that hormone therapy has no benefit to postmenopausal women, even those at high risk of fracture. The research suggests that estrogen plus progestin increases bone mineral density but does not outweigh risks associated with breast cancer and heart disease.
A study of 1,728 non-diabetic men and women found that those who engaged in regular physical activity were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that adopting a program of moderate-intensity exercise can play a significant role in preventing the disease.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has reported significant improvements in intestine transplant survival rates since 1990, with one-year survival increasing to 90% for patients transplanted within the last five years.
A study found that 78% of patients requiring intestine transplantation had elevated manganese levels, leading to liver complications. Routine blood tests can help identify high manganese levels and prevent associated neurological symptoms.
Researchers found that women exercising 250-300 minutes per week and reducing calorie and fat intake lost up to 15% of their body weight in about six months. They also increased cardiorespiratory fitness compared to baseline values.
The University of Pittsburgh has received two grants to investigate an experimental device that aims to improve the quality of organs from brain-dead donors. The study, led by Dr. John A. Kellum and Dr. Michael DeVita, will evaluate the effectiveness of CytoSorb in reducing cytokines that compromise organ function.
Scientists at the Pittsburgh Development Center are working towards cloning nonhuman primates, overcoming fundamental molecular obstacles first reported in 2003. The goal is to generate at least 10 cloned nonhuman primates and produce identical offspring through embryo splitting for studying human diseases.
A recent study found that older women who live in neighborhoods with good walkability are up to 100% more physically active. Women who live near parks, trails, or shops have higher levels of activity than those whose homes are not within walking distance.
Researchers aim to better understand the nuances of language comprehension in individuals with right hemisphere stroke, which often affects word meanings and phrases. The study will use MRI scans to determine if lesion location impacts communication deficits.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that only 16% of pregnant women with parvovirus B19 exhibited symptoms, while 12% experienced fetal heart failure and 16% suffered fetal death. The study highlights the need for closer monitoring and counseling of high-risk patients.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a nearly $5 million grant to the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The project aims to develop tissue-engineered treatments that can help patients with heart failure regenerate their own components and repair damaged heart muscle.
Researchers found that physicians who cared for patients for longer periods experienced stronger emotional reactions, especially among female doctors. The study highlights a need for medical education systems to address emotions related to patient deaths.
A new study has found that a weekly regimen of paclitaxel and carboplatin is well-tolerated and effective in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment resulted in a response rate of 32% and median survival time of 49 weeks, with fewer side effects compared to standard regimens.
A recent study confirms oxaliplatin's safety in treating advanced colorectal cancer, with low rates of high-grade gastrointestinal side effects. The treatment regimen, combined with fluorouracil and leucovorin, showed improved results in patients who had previously failed first-line chemotherapy.
A recent University of Pittsburgh study found that women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) are nearly twice as likely to get herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The study, which involved over 1,200 sexually active women, suggests that more comprehensive screening and treatment could reduce susceptibility to HSV-2.
A study found that athletes who experienced amnesia and confusion after a concussion were at risk of long-term neurocognitive deficits. Researchers recommend thorough evaluation and neuropsychological testing before returning to play.
A study found a strong correlation between genetic polymorphisms in two genes and lung cancer risk in smokers. Mutations in both XPD and cyclin D1 (CCND1) occurred more often in lung cancer patients, increasing the risk of lung cancer among individuals with a smoking history.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have identified 19 genetic loci associated with depressive disorders, which may lead to more effective treatments. The study also found that individuals with these genes had a significantly reduced lifespan, particularly in children.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine have made significant strides in growing functioning liver tissue in a bioreactor, keeping patients with liver failure alive until donor organs become available. Additionally, studies on tissue-engineered materials show promise as a treatment for ...
Diabetes self-management education is crucial for patients to make healthy decisions about meal planning and physical activity. Primary care physicians play a vital role in educating patients and addressing psychosocial impacts of diabetes, which can affect patient outcomes.
Research found that women with preeclampsia or gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing insulin resistance and high blood pressure after delivery. The study suggests that monitoring for these conditions during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later on.
Researchers analyzed lipid levels of HIV patients before and during HAART and found that average total and LDL cholesterol levels remained stable over three years. After initiation, cholesterol levels rose but returned to pre-infection levels after a year. However, triglyceride and HDL levels were higher than in similar-aged men.
Drs. Chang and Moore were awarded the Mott Prize for their discovery of KSHV, a virus linked to Kaposi's sarcoma, the most common malignancy in AIDS patients. Their work has opened new areas in cancer research and will continue to use innovative techniques to understand KSHV's impact on cancer.
Researchers have developed a new regimen for lung transplant patients that reduces the need for anti-rejection drugs. The protocol involves giving fewer pills less often over time, with results showing 18 out of 20 patients doing well on lower doses of one mainstay anti-rejection drug, tacrolimus.
Researchers found a higher incidence of beneficial dendritic cells in weaned and nearly weaned liver transplant patients, compared to those on daily doses of anti-rejection drugs. This cellular profile is similar to that of healthy non-transplant patients, suggesting a possible test for predicting successful weaning.
A pilot study found that intrathymic bone marrow injections during heart transplantation reduce acute cellular rejection rates and require fewer anti-rejection drugs, improving patient outcomes. The approach may also lower the risk of chronic rejection.
Researchers developed a guideline to identify low-risk heart failure patients for targeted home treatment, reducing unnecessary hospital stays. The study used data from over 33,000 cases and identified nearly 16% of patients as low risk, promising success in similar contexts.
A new radiotherapy strategy, hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART), has been shown to improve survival rates for lung cancer patients. In a phase III multi-site study, chemotherapy followed by HART resulted in a median survival of 21 months, compared to 12 months with standard radiation therapy.
A new organ preservation solution, Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketogluterate (HTK), has been shown to be more practical and easier to use than the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for preserving livers before transplantation. The study found similar outcomes between HTK and UW in terms of initial organ function and clinical measures.
A recent study suggests that a commonly used drug to prevent Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated tumors in child liver transplant patients may not be effective. The trial, which enrolled nearly 90 children, found no statistically significant difference between those who received the active drug and those who received a placebo.
A phase II study of a multiepitope CD8 T-cell vaccine has demonstrated promising results, inducing an immune response in 32% of patients with metastatic melanoma. The vaccine showed significant correlations with non-progression of disease and longer survival rates.