Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute successfully treated pain in patients with advanced cancer using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The study found that SRS was a safe and effective treatment for patients with bone metastases, offering faster onset of pain relief and longer survival rates compared to conventi...
A multicenter study led by the University of Pittsburgh found that inhaled nitric oxide therapy did not significantly improve long-term outcomes for premature newborns with respiratory failure. Despite early promising results, the study revealed no significant improvement in survival rates or neurological function at one year of age.
A study by Pitt researchers found that a free-radical scavenger, JP4-039, accelerated bone fracture healing in mice treated with the drug after radiation exposure. This could have significant implications for pediatric cancer patients vulnerable to late effects of radiation on bone growth and development.
A team of researchers from Pitt and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research have identified compounds that hold promise for treating leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection affecting millions worldwide. The newly developed strategy, called HILCES, uses high-throughput screening to identify effective drug candidates.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds a connection between adolescent girls' weight and their participation in risky sexual behaviors. The research suggests that ethnicity, actual weight, or perceived weight may influence decision-making around sex.
Researchers discovered a crucial immune system quirk that can lead to effective vaccines against tularemia infection of the lungs. By targeting IL-17 cytokine responses, scientists hope to develop better vaccines that can prevent lung infections.
A team of researchers has identified a biochemical signaling pathway that protects normal tissues from radiation damage. Blocking this pathway increases tumor death in mouse experiments, offering hope for new cancer therapies.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered compounds that interact with Nef protein, which plays an essential role in AIDS progression. These compounds also inhibit HIV replication and may slow disease progression.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered tiny strands of RNA, previously considered 'junk,' that are actually very stable molecules with potential roles in cellular processes. The findings could lead to new types of biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as new therapeutic targets.
Researchers at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute found that survival rates for intestinal and multivisceral transplants increased with innovative surgical techniques, novel immunosuppressive protocols, and better post-operative management. The five-year survival rate rose to 68 percent, similar to other abdominal and thora...
A majority of Americans are unwilling to take an H1N1 flu vaccine or drug additive authorized for emergency use, citing concerns about safety and effectiveness. The survey found that nearly 30% of respondents remained undecided, while 70% of those who expressed worry would refuse the vaccine outright.
Adults living in areas with high fast food concentration who don't own a car are at increased risk of excess body mass index and weight gain. Not owning a car in these areas is associated with a 12-pound weight difference compared to those living without fast food outlets.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that women, blacks, and Medicare recipients are less likely to be evaluated for liver transplantation. The research followed 144,507 patients hospitalized with liver-related conditions, revealing disparities in the evaluation process.
Pittsburgh researchers have found a molecular link between insulin resistance and inflammation, suggesting a novel target for diabetes treatment. The study reveals that protein Fox01 stimulates inflammatory white blood cells, leading to increased production of cytokine IL-1B, which interferes with insulin signaling.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that proteins have an intrinsic ability to change shape, allowing them to select the structure that permits the best binding. This discovery could lead to more effective treatment of diseases by designing compounds that target specific protein structures.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a protein called cyclin B1 that is made in excess levels in many cancers. A vaccine targeting this protein may prevent malignancies in high-risk individuals, with promising results in mice vaccinated against it. The study's findings suggest that natural immu...
The University of Pittsburgh has received a $13.4 million NIH grant to establish a Center of Excellence in Modeling of Infectious Diseases. The center will develop and test computer simulations to predict the spread of infectious diseases and evaluate effective intervention strategies.
Research suggests that maternal nutrition, protein intake, and fat levels before conception can lead to epigenetic changes that affect fetal development and increase the risk of diseases later in life. Studies have shown that diet before pregnancy can cause abnormal growth, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems in offspring.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in preserving fertility among cancer patients, including the development of lab-grown eggs and a new understanding of cellular mechanisms that can help restore fertility. These advancements offer hope for young cancer patients who are struggling to preserve their reproductive options.
A team of scientists at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC has discovered an enzyme crucial for maintaining a robust immune system into old age. The study found that the novel mouse model has a thymus that remains intact throughout its life.
The Pitt team has made significant progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of disease exacerbation in IPF patients. By analyzing gene activity patterns and protein levels in lung tissue and blood samples, researchers have identified potential biomarkers for predicting patient outcomes and identifying new therapeutic targets.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified an enzyme inhibitor that increases cardiac progenitor cells and influences heart development in zebrafish. The findings have broad implications for understanding heart development and improving treatments for damaged or diseased tissues.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Medicare Part D led to increased pharmacy spending among beneficiaries, particularly those with limited or no prior drug coverage. However, this increase was offset by decreased spending on other medical care services such as hospitalizations and doctor visits.
Pitt researchers describe the 90-year evolution of H1N1 swine flu, tracing its genetic roots back to a 1918 respiratory illness in pigs. The current strain shares common ancestry with older flu strains, potentially offering partial immunity to new pandemic viruses.
Researchers discovered that a small portion of an enzyme plays a key role in fighting bacterial infections in the lungs. The team found that mice without this gene were more likely to die from infection, highlighting a potential new target for antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a key molecular pathway that regulates replication of pancreatic beta cells. Knocking out two cell cycle proteins leads to robust beta cell replication in mouse experiments.
A landmark study found that prompt bypass surgery has the same five-year survival rate as drug therapy alone for patients with type 2 diabetes and stable heart disease. In contrast, bypass surgery lowered the risk of subsequent major cardiac events, particularly in those with severe heart disease.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have identified eight genes that can predict a patient's response to melanoma treatment. The study, presented at the ASCO annual meeting, used Neural Network Analysis to survey over 25,000 genes and regulators in tumor tissues from 21 patients with metastatic melanoma.
Researchers found that adding gefinitib to standard chemotherapy improved tolerability in advanced head and neck cancer patients, but did not increase survival rates. The combination therapy showed potential in delaying the spread of the disease.
According to a University of Pittsburgh study, African-American seniors are two times more likely than whites to prefer life-prolonging treatments when faced with a terminal illness. The majority of Medicare beneficiaries surveyed preferred not to die in a hospital or receive life-sustaining measures at the end of life.
A study found that pregnant women with low vitamin D levels were three times more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis than white women. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the production and function of antimicrobial molecules, which can help prevent bacterial infections.
A study highlights the need for hospitals to develop formal plans to address priority treatment for pregnant women and newborns in case of an influenza pandemic. Despite 78% having written plans, concerns remain about resource allocation, vaccination safety, and coordination with public health agencies.
A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that older men are at a higher risk of death from community-acquired pneumonia compared to women. The researchers discovered that men's bodies respond differently to infection, leading to a stronger inflammatory and coagulation response, which may break up blood clots more quickly.
A recent study found that only a small percentage of patients with depression qualify for clinical studies, suggesting the results may not be generalizable to most patients. The study showed better outcomes for those who met inclusion criteria, highlighting the need for more inclusive trial designs.
A developmental drug, JP4-039, has been shown to protect cells from radiation-induced cell death by assisting the mitochondria in combating irradiation. The study suggests a potential role for the drug as a mitigator of radiation damage.
Postmenopausal women who breastfed for at least a month had lower rates of diabetes and high cholesterol. Longer durations of breastfeeding resulted in significant reductions in heart attack risk, with those nursing for over a year being 10% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
Human lung tumors can destroy Vitamin D, a hormone with anti-cancer properties, according to a new study. The researchers developed a test to measure Vitamin D levels in tissues and blood, which could help identify the best approaches to maintain therapeutic levels of Vitamin D.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a five-year, $2.8 million grant to develop training sites in Mozambique, Brazil, and India for HIV/AIDS researchers. The program aims to equip local researchers with skills to monitor patients and combat drug resistance.
A study by Pitt researchers found that injecting human corneal stem cells into mice with scarred and hazy eyes restored transparency. The cells were able to remodel scar-like tissue back to normal, suggesting a potential treatment for corneal blindness and vision impairment.
A study published in Journal of Intensive Care Medicine found that patients who received coronary angiography after cardiac arrest were twice as likely to survive without significant brain damage. Coronary angiography, an imaging procedure that shows blood flow through the heart, was independently associated with good neurologic outcomes.
Researchers found two common SNPs associated with poorer lung function in children, which may alter SOD3 expression levels. This study identifies a genetic target for healthy lung development during childhood, potentially leading to the development of medication to foster optimal lung growth.
A new vaccine is being tested to prevent colon cancer by stimulating an immune response against the MUC1 protein in precancerous growths. The vaccine has shown promise in generating an immune response despite weakened immune systems, suggesting it may stop polyps from transforming into malignant tumors.
The University of Pittsburgh will focus on developing new strategies to prevent and control antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, such as C. difficile, A. baumannii, and MRSA. The four-year grant aims to improve infection surveillance and reduce healthcare costs associated with these resistant infections.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine discovered a molecular '2-step' process that may lead to protein clumping in Huntington's disease. The study found that a slight lengthening of the polyglutamine sequence disrupts neighboring regions, initiating aggregation behavior. This discovery could provide new targets...
A study published in PLoS Genetics found that genetic screening for diseases like cancer and heart disease may not accurately predict individual risk due to limited genetic variants associated with each condition. This limits the effectiveness of personalized genetic testing currently offered by companies.
A study published in Health Affairs found that seniors in Medicare's doughnut hole gap reduced their medication use by 14% per month. The authors suggest mandating generic drug coverage to protect seniors and prevent potential healthcare costs from hospitalizations and physician visits.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health has been awarded a seven-year $11 million grant to coordinate the Hepatitis B Clinical Research Network, a consortium of 15 US and Canadian institutions. The network will conduct translational research on hepatitis B, aiming to find a lasting cure for the infection.
A University of Pittsburgh study analyzed reactions to the 2001 US Postal Service anthrax attacks, finding that confusion, distrust, and conflicting information from media organizations shaped postal worker responses. The study highlights the importance of trust-building and education to facilitate clear communication during bioterrori...
A pediatric vaccine has been found to be highly effective in preventing pneumococcal meningitis, a deadly disease that affects young children. The vaccine, PCV7, protects against seven common pneumococcal types, accounting for over 80% of cases in young children, and has been shown to decrease rates by 30-64% in both children and adults.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully induced human insulin-producing beta cells to replicate in a living animal and in the lab. The discovery could improve models and methods for studying diabetes and lead to techniques for generating new beta cells in patients with diabetes.