A two-year study involving 321 patients found that endobronchial valves significantly improved measures of lung function and quality of life for emphysema patients. The valves allowed over-distended air sacs to deflate, resulting in increased overall lung function.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that nearly 21% of US adults receive a preventive physical exam annually, with estimated total costs reaching $5.2 billion per year. The study also revealed significant variations in clinical practice patterns and patient beliefs across the country.
A global team of researchers has revealed the genetic sequence of Brugia malayi, a parasitic worm that causes debilitating diseases in over 40 million people. The study identifies dozens of potential new targets for drugs or vaccines, including genes involved in molting, immune signaling, and host metabolism.
A recent study led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found that low vitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of hip fractures in women. The study analyzed data from 400 women who experienced hip fractures and found that those with lower vitamin D levels had a 77% increased risk.
A new study reveals that protein SRP-6 can regulate cell death and potentially halt the progression of cancer, stroke, and heart disease. The research team discovered that SRP-6 can target the lysosome, protecting cells from stress and injury.
A mathematical model predicts that daily PrEP pills could prevent 3.2 million new HIV infections in southern sub-Saharan Africa in 10 years. The strategy is most effective when targeted towards high-risk individuals.
A two-year study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that women who took a weekly dose of risedronate lost significantly less bone than those who did not take the drug. Risedronate improved bone density and prevented excess bone loss in breast cancer survivors, even among those on aromatase inhibitors.
A study found that half of women prescribed medications linked to birth defects do not receive contraceptive counseling. Women filling prescriptions for these medications are no more likely to use contraception than other women, highlighting the need for increased awareness among physicians and women who may become pregnant.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences found that maternal vitamin D deficiency early in pregnancy is associated with a five-fold increased risk of preeclampsia. Low vitamin D levels also affect newborns, increasing their risk of mortality.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found gamma globulin to be highly effective against adenovirus-mediated eye infections, including conjunctivitis. The treatment showed significant antiviral activity and minimal toxicity.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has been awarded a $16 million grant to establish the Pittsburgh Center for HIV Protein Interactions, which will investigate the life cycle of HIV. Researchers at the center will use advanced technologies to identify key virus-host interactions and develop new drug targets.
A two-year study will assess optimal methods for reducing heat stress in firefighters, evaluating the efficacy of different rehabilitation methods. The study aims to improve firefighter health and safety by understanding the mechanisms of heat stress and its effects on the heart.
A new study found that environmental monitoring of institutional water systems can predict the risk of hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease. Routine testing of hospital water systems for Legionella bacteria is recommended to prevent hospital-acquired cases, which are estimated to be responsible for up to 20,000 cases a year in the US.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study reveals that African-Americans are disproportionately exposed to pro-tobacco advertising, with a concentration of tobacco ads 70% higher and 2.6 times more ads per person compared to Caucasians.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are conducting a worldwide study on treating myositis, a rare autoimmune disorder. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of rituximab in improving symptoms of dermatomyositis and polymyositis, with 202 participants from North America and Europe involved.
Researchers found that sepsis's inflammatory response is highly variable across patients, extending past outward symptoms. The study aims to inform future treatment and prevention strategies by providing a better understanding of the disease.
A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh found that bacterial vaginosis (BV) risk escalates when even one partner is African-American, increasing preterm birth risks. BV affects up to 50% of women in some populations and can lead to herpes and other STIs.
A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that few older women with significant risk factors for lifetime exposure to HIV showed interest in being tested. The study, which analyzed data from 514 women aged 50-95, found that only 22% of participants expressed interest in HIV testing.
A University of Pittsburgh study links changes in brain function to recovery in children and adolescents with concussions, using functional MRI scans. The findings confirm the importance of objective neuropsychological testing for safe return-to-play decisions.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are developing a novel approach to treat both congestive heart failure and major depression. The study aims to compare the impact of blended care management programs with traditional programs on various outcomes.
Researchers developed a new treatment for liver cancer using a monoclonal antibody targeting PDGFRá. The antibody significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and increased programmed cell death in human and mouse liver cancer cell lines.
A new study found that patients treated with HCQ were less likely to develop diabetes, and those who did were more likely to manage their disease without medications. The medication may also be suitable for people at high risk of developing diabetes as a preventive therapy.
Researchers found that higher body fat in patients with type 1 diabetes may be associated with less severe coronary artery calcification, a sign of heart disease. The study, which analyzed data from 315 patients, suggested that weight gain may indicate better insulin therapy and lower mortality rates.
Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests that chemotherapy must target a subset of cancer stem cells to be effective in treating lung cancers. Cancer stem cells, similar to normal stem cells, can resist multiple drug resistance transporters, making them resistant to conventional therapies.
Researchers developed artificial blood vessels from muscle-derived stem cells and a biodegradable polymer, exhibiting extensive remodeling and blockage-free performance in rat models. The findings have significant implications for treating heart and kidney disorders with 'off-the-shelf' vascular grafts.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh successfully isolated and cultured human hematopoietic stem cells from fat tissue, suggesting an alternate source for life-saving bone marrow transplants. The study's findings indicate that these stem cells are integral to normal adipose tissue and may provide a safer alternative for patients...
Researchers found mutations in integrin alpha 7 associated with cancer progression and metastasis in various cancer cell lines. Increasing normal integrin alpha 7 levels inhibited tumor growth and migration, indicating its potent tumor suppressor activity.
A five-year study found no significant increase in congestive heart failure among women treated with Herceptin and chemotherapy. The research team developed a prediction model to assess individual cardiac risk factors and personalize treatment.
Adding radioimmunotherapy to chemotherapy increased complete response rates for patients with follicular lymphoma, a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Over 90% of study patients responded completely to the treatment, with limited side effects.
Researchers delivered gene therapy containing nerve growth factors to rats with erectile dysfunction, resulting in significant recovery of intracavernous pressure and systemic arterial pressure. The study suggests a long-term treatment option for erectile dysfunction without chronic drug administration.
Researchers found that patients with higher levels of protein S-100 in their serum samples had a greater likelihood of melanoma returning after treatment. The study identified S-100 as a potential biomarker for predicting disease recurrence and stratifying patients into those more or less likely to relapse.
Researchers developed a smaller gene therapy vector to deliver a radioprotective enzyme systemically, sparing healthy tissue from radiation damage. The minicircle plasmid conferred undiminished radioprotection to cells, suggesting improved treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
A Pitt School of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adding a medication to a standard treatment regimen for major depressive disorder in the elderly improves chances of recovery. The study showed that recovery rates increased from 40% to 60% when adding a second drug to the treatment.
Researchers used a recombinant adeno-associated virus to study genomic instability in sporadic cancers, identifying breakage-prone palindromes that can contribute to cancer and aging. The discovery provides an opportunity to study these sequences on a whole genome scale.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to block pain response in an animal model of neuropathic pain. The study involved delivering a genetically engineered herpes simplex virus to rats with the goal of activating the glycine receptor, which alleviated pain response. This breakthrough suggests that gene therapy may be effective for...
Researchers identify distinct genetic profile associated with rapid progression of IPF, highlighting the need for targeted therapies and closer monitoring. The study's findings may lead to the development of biomarkers for disease progression and more effective treatment strategies.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that Botox injections can reduce prostate size and alleviate urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Up to 73% of patients experienced improved quality of life and reduced symptoms for up to a year after treatment.
A study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that muscle-derived stem cell injections strengthened sphincter muscles, improving bladder control and quality of life for women with stress urinary incontinence. The treatment was safe and effective, with long-term improvements observed.
A study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that green tea's catechins protected normal and cancerous bladder cells from inflammation. The findings suggest herbal supplements from green tea could be a treatment option for various bladder conditions.
Researchers identified a genetic mechanism that permanently shuts down crucial genes in healthy immune system cells, which could be used to target cancer and infection treatments. The discovery was made in normal blood samples and found in a quarter of leukemia samples, highlighting the potential for this mutation as a therapeutic target.
Researchers found that monthly maintenance IPT was effective in preventing recurrence of depression in women who achieved remission through IPT alone. The study also showed no significant difference in recurrence rates between those who received maintenance IPT weekly, bi-monthly or monthly.
Researchers found that family-oriented psychosocial interventions have a small but promising effect on the emotional well-being of patients and their family members. The studies showed varying results, with some factors influencing the outcome, highlighting the need for further research to develop effective methods.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a potent and selective killer of leukemia cells, specifically cyanidin-3-rutinoside, a naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables as well as red wine. This finding offers hope for a more targeted and less toxic therapy for leukemia.
The US critical care delivery system is in critical condition due to a growing mismatch between demand and supply. A new report proposes regionalizing the system to centralize expertise, equipment, and facilities, making services readily available to those most in need.
A new study documents estrogenic activity in fish caught in Pittsburgh's rivers, suggesting feminizing chemicals from industrial and municipal wastes. The findings demonstrate the potential health risks of consuming river-caught fish, particularly for endocrine-mediated health endpoints like some cancers and developmental problems.
Research suggests that phytochemicals in cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and watercress, can stop human prostate cancer cells from growing and inhibit the formation of blood vessels that feed tumors. This study provides promising preliminary evidence for the potential anti-cancer properties of these vegetables.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that triphala extracts can prevent or slow pancreatic cancer tumor growth in mice by inducing apoptosis. The herb was shown to activate tumor-suppressor genes, supporting the generation of proteins that promote cell death in cancer cells.
A new pancreatic cancer vaccine has successfully stalled disease progression in a handful of patients three years post-vaccination, offering new insights into how the vaccine could be made more effective. The study found that the vaccine triggered an active immune response and slowed down cancer growth in four patients.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have developed a novel vaccine strategy targeting mutated p53 protein peptides to activate the immune system against tumors. This approach has shown promising results in animal models and human cells in culture, and a phase I clinical trial is currently underway.
A meta-analysis of 27 major studies found antidepressants effective in treating anxiety, OCD, and depression in children and adolescents. The study suggests that while there is a small risk of suicidal thoughts, it is outweighed by the benefits of treatment.