A new study found that improved prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D has led to an increase in the use of antibiotics by seniors, particularly for brand-name and more expensive drugs. The study suggests this could lead to unnecessary spending on broad-spectrum antibiotics and overuse of inappropriate antibiotics.
Researchers have detected and quantified novel small RNAs in human cells that represent entirely new classes of gene-translating molecules. The findings confirm a long-held hypothesis that mammalian cells can synthesize RNA by copying RNA molecules directly.
A single stimulatory molecule has been found to sustain human insulin-producing cell replication in a mouse model of diabetes, indicating potential treatment options for the condition.
A new study suggests that adult circumcision would have a very small effect on reducing HIV incidence in the US. The study found that only 500 out of 65,700 gay and bisexual men in San Francisco would potentially benefit from circumcision.
A study of over 1,000 gay and bisexual men found that childhood sexual abuse and social shaming were associated with later psychosocial health problems, including increased risk-taking behavior. The authors suggest that addressing early social issues could help prevent these syndemic conditions.
A 10-year study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that 79% of participants reported infrequent drug use, with three distinct subgroups emerging. The study aimed to understand how drug use changes among older gay and bisexual men and its implications for HIV prevention and treatment.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a biochemical pathway regulating blood pressure, involving nitric oxide signaling and proteins thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) and CD47. Blocking this pathway could lead to novel blood pressure-regulating drugs.
Newborns of non-smoking mothers exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy have genetic mutations that may affect long-term health, including survival, birth weight, and susceptibility to diseases like cancer. The study confirms previous research on the effects of passive smoke on gene expression.
A new study finds that death rates from type 1 diabetes have steadily improved over the past few decades, with more recent diagnoses showing a lower risk of mortality. However, women and African-Americans are still disproportionately affected, with higher mortality rates compared to men and Caucasians.
A study found that high HDL levels in women with type 1 diabetes increased the risk of heart disease, while low levels actually decreased risk. The researchers suggest that too much good cholesterol may not always be protective and could even be harmful.
Researchers found that early asymptomatic kidney damage in type 1 diabetes leads to a significant increase in mortality, while normal kidneys offer no increased risk of death. The study involved 658 participants and followed them for 20 years.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that consuming higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids does not lower heart disease risk in women with type 1 diabetes. Men with the same condition had a lower rate of heart disease at higher omega-3 intake levels.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that traditional neurological exams are inadequate for predicting survival in cardiac arrest patients. Despite poor motor examination scores, 20% of patients survived and showed good outcomes.
Experimental vaccines developed with these approaches produced strong immune responses in mice, potentially safer than the only available RVF vaccine. Researchers are hopeful that these new strategies may be advantageous to controlling RVF, providing a safer alternative to existing live virus vaccines.
A University of Pittsburgh study reveals significant regional variations in Medicare drug spending, with some areas paying out double the amount spent by others. The research also shows that increased spending on prescription drugs does not lead to reduced spending on other medical services.
Researchers found that adding sorafenib to chemotherapy regimens does not improve patient survival in advanced melanoma patients. The study, sponsored by ECOG, enrolled 823 patients and did not confirm promising results from previous phase II studies.
A new chemotherapy delivery method has shown promising results in treating advanced melanoma patients with liver metastasis. The phase III trial demonstrated a significant increase in progression-free survival rates and controlled tumors in the liver.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that a medication used to treat seizures may be able to reverse or prevent the scarring of the liver in children with a genetic disorder. The study, published in Science, shows that carbamazepine can reduce toxic protein accumulation and improve liver function.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have discovered that inhibiting a key molecule in a DNA repair pathway could make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy while protecting healthy cells. This approach could provide a new means to target and treat cancer more effectively.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a genetic mutation linked to lymphatic dysfunction, which could lead to a first-ever target for drug therapy for lymphedema. The study identified mutations in the GJC2 gene that impair cell signaling, leading to fluid accumulation and tissue swelling.
The University of Pittsburgh will conduct human trials for three innovative regenerative medicine programs aiming to replace scars and defects with healthy tissues. The projects, if successful, could lead to interventions benefiting civilians as well.
Researchers found biochemical mediators of inflammation produced by activated macrophages, which stimulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. These findings could lead to the development of new treatments for inflammatory diseases linked to omega-3 fatty acids and aspirin.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a molecular mechanism for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and usually lethal disease. The study found that microRNA changes contribute to IPF, with let-7d being significantly reduced in affected tissues.
A study published in the journal Neuroscience found that regular aerobic exercise speeds learning and improves blood flow to the brain's motor cortex. Monkeys who exercised regularly performed better on cognitive tests than their sedentary counterparts, suggesting similar benefits for humans.
Obese pregnant women who gain too little or lose weight during pregnancy may be at increased risk of preterm births and restricted infant growth. The new study recommends tailored weight gain ranges based on the woman's BMI category, with more lenient limits for severely obese women.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found evidence that the basal ganglia and cerebellum are linked together to form an integrated functional network. This discovery has important implications for understanding Parkinson's disease and dystonia, and may lead to new treatment approaches.
Pitt Dental School researchers discovered a link between genetic variations and increased rates of tooth decay and aggressive periodontitis. The study found that individuals with specific polymorphisms in the DEFB1 gene had higher DMFT and DMFS scores, indicating a higher risk of developing these conditions.
A study by Pitt/Magee research team found that women with preeclampsia have reduced numbers of endothelial progenitor cells, which are thought to help grow and maintain blood vessels. This adaptation didn't happen in patients with preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder characterized by high blood pressure.
Researchers have found that regulatory T cells slow down the immune response too soon, limiting vaccine effectiveness. By removing these cells, they discovered a two-fold increase in immune response to HIV vaccine.
Researchers developed a vaccine targeting an abnormal protein MUC1, found in both IBD and colon cancer. The vaccine delayed IBD development and reduced inflammation, reducing cancer risk.
A new multifunctional polymer material can rapidly neutralize both biological and chemical toxins, including bacteria, viruses, and nerve agents. The material has been shown to be effective in restoring enzyme activity after exposure to toxins.
DNA-repair proteins efficiently scan the genome for errors by jumping and sliding between DNA molecules, with paused motion representing complexes checking for structural abnormalities. The study reveals an important mechanism for maintaining genomic integrity.
Patients hospitalized with pneumonia who develop acute kidney injury are more likely to die after discharge than those whose kidneys remain healthy. The study also found a strong relationship between AKI and levels of inflammatory biomarkers.
Patients admitted to high-intensity end-of-life care hospitals live longer than those with low-intensity approaches, according to a University of Pittsburgh study. The researchers found a survival benefit up to 30 days post-admission, but this benefit decreased over time.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a heart assist device called PediaFlow to support infants and small children with congenital or acquired heart disease. The device has already shown promise in preclinical research, pulling oxygenated blood from the left ventricle through its innovative mag-lev technology.
Researchers developed a simple blood test to predict which idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients are likely to become severely ill. The test targets immune cells called CD4 T-cells, which lose their CD28 protein markers as disease severity increases, indicating a greater likelihood of grave illness.
A study published in Chest found that caregivers of ICU patients experience profound emotional and economic burdens, with predictors including male patient gender and tracheostomy. The research highlights the need for interventions to support families coping with critical illness beyond hospitalization.
A Visual Voices arts-based program engaged children from low-income communities in Baltimore and Pittsburgh, identifying themes related to community safety and violence. The program's success lies in its use of art as a tool for data collection, encouraging self-efficacy and building trusting relationships between researchers and the c...
Researchers have discovered elevated levels of DNA damage in the cellular mitochondria and nuclei of patients with Friedreich's ataxia. The findings suggest that gene activity patterns associated with responses to DNA damage may be used as predictive biomarkers for the disease.
Two studies by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that surveillance colonoscopy is being overused in low-risk patients and underused in high-risk patients. The studies suggest that colonoscopy use should be aligned with patient risk to improve healthcare spending.
Researchers are launching a human trial of a new osteoporosis drug, PTHrP, which may increase bone density more dramatically with fewer side effects than current treatments. The study aims to compare the efficacy of PTHrP with existing FDA-approved drugs for osteoporosis treatment.
Research from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that high blood pressure is associated with white matter abnormalities in the brain, which can lead to dementia. Women who had hypertension at age 65 were more likely to develop dementia eight years later.
Researchers found a new drug, bortezomib, effective in killing gastrointestinal stromal tumor cells through two mechanisms, increasing apoptosis and suppressing KIT enzyme production. The study supports moving forward with clinical trials to assess its benefits and risks as a secondary treatment for imatinib-resistant GIST patients.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh suggests that short-term school closures can increase infection rates and prolong an epidemic. The research found that sustaining closures for at least eight weeks is crucial in decreasing the spread of infection.
Researchers found that students who listen to music with more references to marijuana are nearly twice as likely to have used the drug. The study suggests a real link between marijuana lyrics and use, but notes that other high-risk behaviors were not associated with increased exposure.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that umbilical cord tissue contains a plentiful supply of stem cells that could be used to treat various muscle and bone disorders. The study reveals that these cells can be easily harvested from the tissue, expanded in number, and are remarkably stable.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using a mouse model to identify genes that cause congenital heart defects, which affect up to 1% of live births. The goal is to develop a diagnostic chip that can rapidly identify genetic root causes of specific heart defects.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are leading a $9 million, five-year initiative to study the cause of facial birth defects. They will create an encyclopedic database of how faces develop and what goes wrong to cause malformations.
A study found that a nurse-led telephone care program for depression post-bypass surgery improved mental health-related quality of life and physical functioning in CABG patients. The intervention showed significant reductions in mood symptoms, with men particularly benefiting from the treatment.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a functional importance seam in the HIV coat that could lead to new treatments for blocking HIV infection. The findings may allow scientists to rationally design therapeutic compounds that interfere with assembly and function of the protein.