AIDS researchers urge collaboration to develop new treatments for drug-resistant HIV patients, who represent 30% of treated cases in the US. The lack of effective therapies sets the stage for a dangerous epidemic of drug-resistant HIV.
Researchers found that adolescents and young adults accounted for a relatively high proportion of all cases of meningococcal meningitis. The study revealed that infection in this age group led to death more often than expected due to higher rates of smoking, ecchymoses, and septic shock.
HIV-infected individuals taking antiretroviral therapy experience changes in fat distribution, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism, leading to anxiety-provoking body shape changes. Dr. Kingsley's proposed definition guides diagnosis and monitoring of HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome.
The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute has received a $12 million grant to examine innovative detection and treatment strategies for patients with early- to late-stage lung cancer. The grant will focus on improving survival outcomes and quality of life through the use of newest diagnostic tools and latest treatments.
A new $1.85 million grant-funded study will investigate how African-American and white patients develop, maintain, and change self-care behaviors over time. The study aims to identify how these racial differences affect health outcomes and long-term quality of life.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a federal grant to conduct research on racial and ethnic differences in health status among adults. The four-year program aims to address health disparities by involving the minority community at every stage, from data collection to intervention development.
A large clinical trial found that tamoxifen does not increase cardiovascular risk in healthy women or those with coronary heart disease. Women who received tamoxifen had the same rate of cardiovascular events as those receiving a placebo, regardless of prior heart problems.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh have engineered a novel gene therapy to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder causing progressive muscle weakening and death. The mini-gene AAV vector effectively delivers functional dystrophin protein, correcting muscle dysfunction and degeneration.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that balloon mitral valvotomy yields similar long-term results to commissurotomy, a traditional surgical method. The procedure uses an inflated balloon to break scar tissue and improve valve function.
Researchers found that pre-menopausal levels of LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk factors were predictive of post-menopausal coronary artery calcium deposits. Women who developed coronary calcium were significantly heavier with higher body mass index and larger waists.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at high risk of developing premature atherosclerosis by middle age. The researchers found that PCOS patients had higher levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, including insulin and LDL cholesterol.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered how the brain prepares to solve problems. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) becomes active when a person is getting ready to perform a task, and its activation is associated with representing and maintaining attentional demands.
Women who repeatedly gain and lose weight, especially if obese, have lower HDL or
The University of Pittsburgh is conducting a study on transplant patients who have been off immunosuppressive drugs for up to 6.6 years, aiming to identify potential tests for transplant tolerance. The study may lead to breakthroughs in understanding and managing autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
The Biomedical Security Institute will provide a nationwide preparedness, detection and response capability network for rapid response to acts of bioterrorism. It will also monitor naturally occurring biological catastrophes and develop laboratory and information technologies to address bioterrorism issues.
A definitive study led by John Kirkwood at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that high-dose interferon alfa 2b extends both overall survival and relapse-free survival in surgically treated high-risk melanoma patients. This regimen significantly outperforms a comparison vaccine, GMK, in terms of survival impact.
A University of Pittsburgh study found laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery to be a safe and effective procedure for significant weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The study showed a low rate of complications, short hospital stay, and rapid recovery.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health will operate a Central Appalachian Public Health Training Center, providing on-site and distance-based training programs for underserved areas. The goal is to assure high-quality performance of public health agencies by upgrading the skills of existing workforce members.
Researchers have discovered a biological marker associated with depression in children, who produce less growth hormone than normal peers when given a specific hormone. This finding could give doctors an early warning system to treat children at risk for major depression before they develop the illness.
The hospital's new digital mammography system offers improved diagnostic evaluations and quicker image acquisition, reducing patient anxiety and inconvenience. Researchers will collaborate with GE Medical Systems to develop computer-aided detection software programs for better patient evaluations.
Researchers found Sudafed to be relatively safe for divers, but Dramamine could have serious consequences on mental functioning and judgment. The studies used hyperbaric oxygen chambers to simulate pressures at different depths, revealing the effects of medications on scuba diving performance.
A new strategy involving radiation and bone marrow infusion appears to effectively reduce immune system attack in intestinal transplant recipients. Five patients who received irradiated intestines experienced no episodes of rejection for up to four months, while two control patients experienced typical rejection within weeks.
Researchers found that aerosol cyclosporine significantly reduced P-gp activity in lung transplant patients' immune cells, increasing effective drug absorption. The study aims to improve immunosuppressant therapy efficiency and reduce side effects.
Researchers found a strong association between high calcium scores and heart disease in people with Type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that a non-invasive heart scan may identify patients at high risk for heart disease earlier, allowing for potential interventions to lower their risk.
Researchers found that even after six months of antiretroviral therapy, a substantial percentage of men with HIV remain infectious. The study suggests that men should continue to practice safe sex and follow medication instructions carefully.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that low-dose oral contraceptives offer a 40% reduced risk of ovarian cancer, similar to high-dose pills. The protection begins soon after use and continues for at least 30 years after stopping.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that female physicians in Pennsylvania earn significantly less than their male counterparts, with women earning 14% less per hour. Despite accounting for demographics and training, women are more likely to be in low-paying specialties and take time off due to child care.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that HIV patients require at least 95 percent adherence to antiretroviral therapy for the drugs to work. The study also revealed that physicians often misjudge their patients' adherence, which could have serious consequences.
Researchers have pinpointed a genetic error in the VEGFR3 gene responsible for hereditary lymphedema, a condition affecting millions worldwide. This discovery enables genetic testing and provides a therapeutic target for inherited forms of lymphedema.
A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh suggests that parents' unfamiliarity with English can lead to their eligible children being uninsured. The research found that nearly one-fourth of children eligible for state children's health insurance programs were not enrolled in any health insurance program at the time of the study.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that triggering an anti-tumor immune response significantly potentiates the effects of the anti-angiogenic drug endostatin. The study showed that half of treated animals experienced complete and permanent regression of tumors, suggesting a highly effective cancer therapy.
A Phase III study found that a combination of histamine dihydrochloride and lower doses of interleukin-2 improved overall survival, increased survival rates at 12, 18, and 24 months, and reduced time-to-disease-progression compared to IL-2 alone. The treatment was well-tolerated and had substantially less toxicity.
A study published at ASCO suggests that treating cancer patients on clinical trials is not more expensive than standard treatment. The research found average charges of $57,542 for trial patients and $63,721 for control patients, highlighting the potential for increased access to high-quality care.
A University of Pittsburgh researcher found that children exposed to lead have a significantly greater odds of developing delinquent behavior. The study showed that delinquent youths had significantly higher mean concentrations of lead in their bones compared to non-delinquent controls, with results true for both whites and African Ame...
Pediatric heart transplant patients with a specific cytokine gene profile may be identified as 'rejecters', indicating a higher risk of rejection. Researchers plan to evaluate the screening's value in tailoring immunosuppression to prevent serious episodes and graft loss.
A study by University of Pittsburgh surgeons found that liver cancer patients wait nearly a year for transplants, allowing tumors to grow too large to be cured. Modifying the policy could improve survival rates for Stage IV patients with four or more nodules less than 3 cm.
The JDF Center aims to develop new gene therapy techniques to increase islet cell supply for transplantation and protect transplanted cells from immune system attack. The center will focus on making islet cell transplants viable for young patients with Type 1 Diabetes.
Researchers found that TRAIL causes catastrophic damage to human liver cells, but not to liver cells from mice and nonhuman primates. The study's findings indicate that results of standard preclinical tests may mislead investigators about an agent's safety for use in humans.
After a 13-year study, researchers found no significant increase in cancer mortality among TMI residents. Initial results showed higher mortality from heart disease, but these were largely attributed to smoking habits and education levels.
Researchers found that bypass surgery significantly reduces mortality rates for diabetic patients undergoing revascularization procedures. The study, BARI, compared coronary artery bypass graft surgery with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.
Researchers found greater numbers of estrogen receptors on lung cancer cells, suggesting a role for this hormone in enhancing tumor growth. Estrogen was shown to increase cell division and tumor growth in both cultured lung cancer cells and animal models.
The University of Pittsburgh has developed a new organ culture model to study HIV transmission in women, which could lead to breakthroughs in barrier medications and prevention strategies. The model, described in the journal Nature Medicine, closely mimics the stratified cell layers present at sites of sexual transmission in women.
Researchers found that diabetics under specialist care had significantly lower blood glucose levels and higher participation in self-care practices. The effect was particularly notable among patients with lower education levels.
University of Pittsburgh researchers discovered a link between a genetic defect in mitochondria and the development of hereditary paraganglioma tumors. The study found that a defective gene on chromosome 11q23 causes cells to incorrectly sense oxygen levels, leading to chronic stimulation and tumor growth.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed transgenic mice that overexpress hepatocyte growth factor, leading to increased beta cell proliferation and insulin production. The study suggests that this approach may lead to new therapies for diabetes by enabling islet cells to proliferate and produce insulin more effectively.
A review paper by University of Pittsburgh researcher James J. Dignam suggests that physiological responses to treatments are not responsible for poorer outcomes among blacks. Black women with the same stage of breast cancer have more advanced disease conditions due to less access to or utilization of healthcare resources.
A University of Pittsburgh-led research team discovered that the gene for gastrin-releasing peptide receptor is more active in women than men, leading to increased cell proliferation and lung cancer growth. Nicotine from cigarettes also stimulates this gene expression, explaining why women are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer...
Researchers found three distinct shedding patterns in HIV-positive men, related to viral sources and genetic strains. This discovery shifts the focus of AIDS vaccine research from blood-borne viruses to multiple strains in semen.
The study shows how chromosomes are distributed unevenly during cancer cell division, leading to genetic defects and abnormal growth. The researchers also discovered a breakage-fusion-bridge cycle that can amplify gene copies contributing to cancer growth.
A University of Pittsburgh study has found that depressive symptoms are a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease among people with Type 1 diabetes. The study's results also suggest that blood sugar levels do not strongly predict the likelihood of this complication.