A study by Chandra P. Belani and colleagues found that elderly patients with advanced NSCLC can tolerate combination therapy safely and effectively, with median survival rates comparable to those of younger patients. The treatment regimens used in the study were weekly paclitaxel in combination with full doses of carboplatin.
Researchers found that cooling the brain to 33 degrees Celsius increased survival rates and reduced microscopic brain injury by half. Hypothermia treatment also stimulated brain recovery by increasing growth factors derived from glia-cells in the brain.
A study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that gamma knife radiosurgery provided high rates of tumor growth control and often led to tumor regression for patients with benign intracranial tumors. The study followed 285 consecutive patients over a median of 10 years, with 81% still alive after 10 years.
A new study published in JAMA found that a combination therapy of hormone replacement and alendronate was well-tolerated by elderly women with low bone mass. After three years, participants taking the combination therapy showed significantly greater increases in bone mass compared to those taking individual therapies.
A University of Pittsburgh Medical Center study found that high school athletes recover from concussion slower than age-matched college athletes. High school athletes showed significant memory impairment at day 7 post-injury, while college athletes displayed commensurate performance with control subjects by day 3.
Researchers have discovered that injecting herpes simplex virus vectors can deliver neurotrophic factors to damaged nerves, improving intracavernous pressure in rats. This concept could translate to humans, enabling gene therapy as a prophylactic treatment for men undergoing radical prostatectomy.
A Pittsburgh study reveals that thunderstorm-related deaths predominantly occur among males, with 70% of fatalities attributed to males. The majority of these incidents involve flash floods or lightning strikes while driving, playing sports, or engaging in outdoor activities.
A new study suggests that type 1 diabetics can develop insulin resistance, increasing their risk of heart disease. Insulin resistance occurs when the body fails to use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels and a greater risk of cardiovascular events.
A minimally invasive esophagectomy procedure has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce hospital stays for patients with esophageal cancer. The study, which evaluated 221 patients, found that median hospital stays were seven days compared to over 10 days for open procedures.
A University of Pittsburgh study examines the effects of gastric bypass surgery on type 2 diabetes in 1,150 patients over a five-year period. The results show that diabetes resolves after an average of 62 days following surgery, with patients experiencing significant weight loss and improvement in glucose levels.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have developed a thin plastic sensor that changes color based on glucose concentrations. The sensor, embedded in contact lenses, allows patients to monitor their glucose levels without drawing blood.
A University of Pittsburgh study found significant imbalance in bone turnover among post-operative patients undergoing stomach-reduction surgery, resulting in up to an 8% drop in bone density. The researchers suggest that major weight loss requires ongoing calcium and vitamin supplementation for bone health.
Researchers found that aerosolized cyclosporine specifically enhances lung function in patients who deposit higher concentrations of the drug. Patients who deposited at least 5mg showed significant improvement in lung function over time.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that chromosomal problems exist within each individual cell, leading to developmental abnormalities. The study suggests that current techniques used for reproductive cloning do not work in nonhuman primates.
The first International Preeclampsia Summit is being held to bring together experts in the field to discuss ways to intervene and reduce maternal illness and death due to preeclampsia. The summit aims to prioritize appropriate treatment options for this top cause of maternal mortality.
Researchers will evaluate patients in West Virginia clinics to determine the impact of environmental, social, and economic factors on oral health. The study aims to identify risk factors contributing to high oral disease incidence in Appalachia.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting Parkinson's symptoms on brain scans of living patients. The study, led by Dr. Robert Y. Moore, found positive evidence of nerve cell degeneration in areas controlling attention and wakefulness using PET scans.
According to Dr. Robert Kaniecki, a University of Pittsburgh neurologist, migraine headaches are often underdiagnosed, with over 50% of patients being mislabeled as having 'sinus headache' or 'tension headache'. This can lead to excessive prescriptions for antibiotics and decongestants, contributing to antibiotic resistance.
The University of Pittsburgh will conduct a new study on acupuncture's effectiveness in alleviating hot flashes, insomnia, and nervousness in breast cancer survivors experiencing menopause. The study aims to explore the potential benefits of acupuncture for reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute are testing acupuncture's efficacy in alleviating symptom distress and promoting emotional well-being in terminally ill colorectal cancer patients. The four-year study will compare acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and usual care to determine its benefits.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that deleting the PUMA gene in colorectal cancer cells prevents cell death. The study builds on previous findings and suggests that increasing PUMA levels could lead to new cancer therapies.
A Pittsburgh study found that even among those with normal weight, excess fat distribution in the body increases insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk. The study of elderly men and women with normal glucose tolerance showed that two-thirds of those with type 2 diabetes were not obese.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that PTHrP significantly increases bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, with a 4.7% increase observed in just three months. The study's findings are promising and take the identification of an effective short-term anabolic agent one step further.
Researchers found a 6.9% annual increase in complex severe sepsis cases and a slight increase in ICU admissions. Despite this, sepsis-related mortality decreased by approximately 4% over the seven-year period.
A recent study found drotrecogin alfa (activated) to be as cost-effective as several commonly used life-saving treatments, including statins and lung transplants. The drug's acquisition cost falls below the $100,000 per QALY threshold for cost-effectiveness.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh researchers investigated the recovery process in high school athletes with mild concussions. The study found that athletes with longer-lasting on-field symptoms had longer-lasting post-injury symptoms and were more likely to experience significant cognitive declines.
A recent study by W. Allen Hogge, M.D., found that nearly 56% of miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities, with higher rates among women over 35. The study recommends regular karyotyping tests after the second loss and more advanced testing only when no genetic abnormality is found.
Rapamycin's impact on dendritic cells suggests potential therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The drug may also promote tolerance of transplanted organs.
Researchers found that exposing rats to low levels of carbon monoxide significantly reduced intimal hyperplasia and leukocyte accumulation, indicating a protective effect against arteriosclerosis. The study suggests potential therapeutic benefits for treating vascular diseases.
Researchers are developing a gateway server to make web sites accessible to people with visual impairments, providing a 'window to the world.' The project also aims to reduce barriers to internet use among people with disabilities through assistive technology and training.
The NIH has awarded nearly $8 million to the University of Pittsburgh and Magee-Womens Research Institute to develop a microbicide barrier to prevent HIV transmission in women. The project aims to create a safe and effective way for women to protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
A new study by Dr. Needleman found that convicted juveniles had significantly higher levels of lead in their bones compared to non-delinquent controls. The researchers suggest that childhood lead exposure may be a significant cause of juvenile delinquency, leading to increased aggression and antisocial behavior.
A study led by VCU researchers identified a genetic link to bulimia nervosa on chromosome 10p, building upon prior research that found the disorder's heritability. The findings aim to inform the search for effective treatments and preventative therapies for bulimia.
Pittsburgh researchers identify a genetic change in the UMOD gene responsible for two juvenile onset renal diseases, FJHN and MCKD2. The discovery enables testing of clinically unaffected family members, allowing for early intervention and potential prevention of kidney disease progression.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that KSHV, a known carcinogenic virus, inhibits immune function and causes cancerous cells to grow through a hormone-like substance called vIL-6. This discovery reveals an overlap between the immune system and tumor suppressor pathways targeted by KSHV.
Research finds high-intensity ICU staffing associated with lower hospital mortality in 94% of studies. Intensivist-directed care also reduces ICU stay duration in 78% of applicable studies. The US ICU needs more intensivists, with only 10% requiring primary physician expertise.
Researchers found that estrogen replacement therapy improved memory performance in rats with ovaries removed, but not when specific cholinergic neurons were destroyed. The study suggests that estrogen may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's-related dementia in postmenopausal women by affecting these neurons.
A University of Pittsburgh study found no overall increase in cancer deaths among TMI residents between 1979 and 1998. However, a slight increase in lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers was observed in women, related to everyday background radiation exposure.
A recent study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found a specific gene on chromosome 2q33-35 linked to depressive disorders in women, with no correlation in men. The CREB1 gene encodes a regulatory protein involved in brain function and plasticity.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that prior concussions may lower the threshold for subsequent concussion injury and increase symptom severity in seemingly mild subsequent concussions. The research, which compared 60 athletes with no prior concussion history to 28 athletes with three or more concussions, showed a significant incr...
Researchers from the Pittsburgh Development Center are conducting clinical and pre-clinical studies to investigate genetic components of recurrent miscarriage, normal and abnormal pregnancy, and tobacco smoke exposure's impact on fetal growth. The team aims to track development at the cellular level using non-invasive imaging scans.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have developed a gene therapy that significantly reduces bone cancer pain in mice. The therapy uses an inactivated herpes simplex virus to deliver the human gene for proenkaphalin, a naturally occurring painkilling peptide.
Dendritic cells may play a key role in accepting transplanted organs, and researchers are exploring a cell-based strategy to induce tolerance. Studies in nonhuman primates suggest that certain types of dendritic cells can regulate the immune response and prevent rejection.
A University of Pittsburgh study found a marker for blood clots in patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside the hospital. The researchers identified increased clotting in veins, which worsens with longer cardiac arrest duration.
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute has discovered three proteins present in liver tissue from colon cancer patients that are not found in normal liver tissue. The findings hold promise for developing a more sensitive tumor marker for early detection and predicting potential recurrence.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that shocking the heart after prolonged cardiac arrest can cause further damage, highlighting the need for alternative treatment options. The study suggests that waiting a few minutes before defibrillation may be a more effective approach.
The research aims to identify genes contributing to the development of anorexia nervosa, a serious and potentially lethal illness. The study will build on recent genetic studies and gather data from 400 families affected by the condition.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a urinary catheter that can directly measure blood flow and oxygen utilization in the body. This innovation allows for more timely monitoring of trauma patients and could lead to better outcomes by providing insights into mechanisms of organ failure.
University of Pittsburgh scientist highlights sub-lethal mechanical trauma's effect on red blood cells, potentially shortening lifespan. Dr. Kameneva discusses the impact on artificial heart development and suggests understanding blood flow and cell interactions to improve device designs.
A recent study found that almost 33,000 pregnant women were involved in car crashes every year between 1995 and 1999. The researchers also discovered that younger women, aged 20-29, are more likely to be involved in car crashes during their peak childbearing years.