A Pitt research team will study nearly 10,000 children from ages 9-10 to investigate the effects of marijuana, alcohol, and other substances on developing brains. The study aims to understand predictors of substance use and its consequences.
A recent study found that dengue epidemics are more likely to occur during abnormally high temperatures brought by El Niño weather patterns. The research team analyzed 18 years of data and discovered synchronicity in dengue transmission across the entire region, highlighting the need for improved disease surveillance and control efforts.
The University of Pittsburgh will lead a $15 million, five-year initiative to manage national clinical trials for breathing disorders. The program aims to develop new treatments for conditions like COPD and pulmonary hypertension.
A Pitt analysis reveals that nearly 1 in 10 U.S. for-profit health care company board positions are held by individuals with an academic affiliation. These board members receive significant compensation and often hold substantial company stock, potentially leading to conflicts of interest with their academic duties.
Researchers Ivona Pandrea and Cristian Apetrei are investigating the relation between accelerated aging characteristics linked to HIV infection and non-AIDS comorbidities. They aim to develop treatments tackling these processes, aiming to improve quality of life for people on HIV medications.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 high school seniors reported hookah smoking in the past year, with a significant proportion being regular users. The increasing prevalence of hookah use among adolescents is a growing public health concern, necessitating targeted interventions and surveillance efforts.
A national US sample of 16-26 year olds showed that 38% of e-cigarette users started smoking traditional cigarettes within a year, compared to 10% of non-e-cigarette users. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine slowly, allowing users to become tolerant and advance to cigarette smoking.
A 15-year analysis by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health reveals that young adults who spend more hours watching television each day are more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and bigger waist circumference. This association did not hold in later years, indicating that targeting young adults for i...
Research found that people with hostile personalities who watch more TV are at a greater risk for injury. The study, which analyzed data from 4,196 adults, suggests that reducing TV viewing and improving content rating systems could lower injury rates among these individuals.
A team from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified the molecular mechanisms behind resilience to tinnitus and a possible drug therapy that could reduce susceptibility. The study found that mice exposed to loud noise but not developing tinnitus show a transient reduction in KCNQ2/3 channel activity.
A new University of Pittsburgh analysis found that obese women are more likely to experience stillbirths due to placental diseases and hypertension. The study suggests that monitoring these complications and promoting weight loss before pregnancy can reduce the risk of stillbirth.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a research-based guidance to improve compliance when treating septic patients. The guidance, which incorporates high-profile clinical trials, aims to aid hospitals in implementing the National Quality Forum's Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Management Bundle.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found that areas with a higher density of marijuana dispensaries experience a greater number of hospitalizations involving marijuana abuse and dependence. Hospitalizations with marijuana abuse or dependence codes increased from 17,469 in 2001 to 68,408 in 2012.
A new technique has been developed to objectively quantify ciliary movement, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis of cilia-related disorders. The method, which uses computational methods, correctly identified over 90% of cases with primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Researchers are monitoring drug resistance to HIV prevention drugs in sub-Saharan Africa through a $5 million initiative. The project aims to prevent new infections and develop cost-effective diagnostic plans.
A Pitt study reveals how ancient proteins like RAD51 paralogues repair damaged DNA and their potential role in tumor development. The findings suggest that targeting these proteins could be a way to tailor cancer therapies.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds that late- and post-menopausal women have more fat around their hearts than pre-menopausal counterparts, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hormonal changes during menopause may be to blame for this shift in fat deposits.
Researchers have found that altered cholesterol metabolism in certain immune cells may help some people with HIV naturally control disease progression. This discovery was made possible by using 30 years of data and biologic specimens collected through the NIH-funded Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.
People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at older ages have weaker brain connections in midlife compared to those who were diagnosed earlier, according to a new study. The research found that individuals diagnosed later in childhood had the weakest brain connectivity as they aged.
A study found that starting anti-HIV treatment within two weeks of TB diagnosis improved survival rates among patients with very low CD4 T-cell counts. However, delaying treatment until after TB is completed may be beneficial for patients with stronger immune systems.
A team of Pitt scientists has developed consensus guidelines for thyroid cancer molecular testing to help clinicians make informed decisions about diagnosing the condition. The new guidelines incorporate newly available tests that better incorporate personalized medicine into diagnosing thyroid cancer.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research are developing vaccines and therapies against deadly mosquito-borne diseases, including eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and alphavirus. The research aims to limit brain entry by these viruses and identify biological markers of disease severity.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is leading a national trial to examine methods to reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics in post-acute and long-term care facilities. The trial aims to develop comprehensive guidelines and tools to help facilities better manage urinary tract infections.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a unique immune response feature in patients with severe asthma, which may lead to new treatments. The study found that boosting levels of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) reduces airway hyper-reactivity in animal models.
A computational model predicts the development and progression of pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury patients. The model validated by virtual clinical trials shows that anti-inflammatory measures must be applied early to prevent ulcer formation.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found a significant link between living in neighborhoods with high crime and vandalism and biological aging processes. Telomere length, a key indicator of cellular health, was found to be shorter in individuals from disadvantaged areas, similar to a 12-year chronological age difference.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that reduces production of brain protein α-synuclein, preventing Parkinson's disease progression in an animal study. The therapy targets mitochondria and α-synuclein interaction, showing promising results in protecting dopamine neurons.
Women experiencing more menopausal hot flashes, particularly at night, are more likely to have brain changes that increase their risk of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke. This study found a correlation between the frequency and severity of hot flashes and white matter hyperintensities on brain scans.
A University of Pittsburgh analysis found pregnant women living near high-density natural gas wells were more likely to have babies with lower birth weights. The study, published in PLOS ONE, examined birth records from southwestern Pennsylvania and controlled for various factors that may influence newborn weight.
The study found that marketplace enrollees had lower average drug spending per person and were less likely to use most medication classes than patients enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance. However, marketplace enrollees were much more likely to use medicines for hepatitis C and HIV.
Leading medical schools warn of a hostile work environment due to uncertain federal funding, threatening research initiatives and clinical advances. The deans call for predictable funding streams and increased financial stability to support biomedical research and innovation.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified two new classes of RNAs associated with breast cancer biomarker YB-1, which may play a role in prostate cancer progression. The discovery could lead to the development of new cancer treatments and provide insights into human biology.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found an association between exposure to fine particulate air pollution and an increased risk of childhood autism. The research estimated that children exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 during pregnancy and early life were at a 1.5-fold greater risk of developing ASD.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early and intensive communication between healthcare teams and families to prevent conflicts. In cases where disputes remain unresolvable, a fair process of dispute resolution involving expert consultants and mediation is recommended.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that X-linked gene mutations can contribute to azoospermia and male infertility. Researchers identified a deletion in the TEX11 gene on the X chromosome as a potential cause, which can lead to meiotic arrest and prevent the development of viable sperm.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine uses a computer simulation to replicate known individual outcomes and predict population results for traumatic injury. The model accurately predicted hospital length of stay and multi-organ dysfunction, but found limitations in extrapolating from single mechanisms to outcomes.
Research led by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health shows that people with type 1 diabetes experience accelerated brain aging, correlated with slower information processing and cognitive difficulties. The study suggests clinicians should screen middle-aged patients for cognitive complications to prevent potent...
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has uncovered a previously unknown pathway that fine-tunes neural signaling by modulating glutamate NMDA-type receptors. This discovery could lead to new research avenues in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
A two-week international diet swap study found that changing from a Westernized to an African high-fiber, low-fat diet reduced biomarkers of cancer risk in both African-American and rural South African volunteers. Increasing fiber intake and reducing animal fat and proteins may help lower colon cancer risk.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism linking chronic inflammation to cancer progression, revealing the role of MUC1 and p65 in driving pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression. This discovery offers potential therapeutic targets for developing drugs that can interrupt the cancer-inflammation process.
A study has identified molecular changes that occur in tissue after chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. The researchers found that these changes could be potential targets for new, more personalized drugs. The findings have the potential to advance treatments for ovarian cancer.
Researchers have found that broccoli sprout extract can protect against oral cancer in mice and has shown protective changes in the lining of the mouths of healthy human volunteers. A human clinical trial is underway to explore its potential in preventing head and neck cancer recurrence.
A trial conducted in Catalonia, Spain, found that removing blood clots from large brain blood vessels improved function and reduced disability after stroke. The technique, called endovascular therapy or stent retriever thrombectomy, showed a 1.7 fold reduction in disability compared to medical intervention alone.
Researchers discovered a previously invisible biological process that may be implicated in the rapid growth of some cancers. The new study reveals that a well-known cancer protein called mTOR can hand off its work to another protein, CDK1, when cells are dividing.
A two-year study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that physical therapy and surgery produce similar results for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, particularly those over 50. The study suggested that patients don't exhaust all non-surgical options before opting for surgery.
A study published in Nature has identified 61 genes associated with congenital heart disease mutations, highlighting the crucial role of cilia in heart development. The research used fetal ultrasound exams to scan over 87,000 mice and sequenced their genes to find these genetic links.
Scientists at Children's Hospital/Pitt study discover that restoring HNF4 production can heal damaged liver cells and reverse liver failure in animal models. The gene therapy approach has significant potential for treating patients too sick for transplantation.
A workplace lifestyle intervention program developed by the University of Pittsburgh significantly reduces risk factors for diabetes and heart disease. Participants lost an average of 5% of their body weight and increased physical activity, with 96% saying it was beneficial to offer the program.
Research found that exposure to phthalates early in pregnancy disrupts essential pregnancy hormone levels, leading to adverse effects on male genital development. Higher phthalate levels were linked to lower hCG levels and shorter anogenital distance in male babies.
The University of Pittsburgh is leading a $14 million clinical trial comparing two approaches to treat acute lower back pain, one with usual care and the other with cognitive behavioral therapy. The study aims to reduce chronic lower back pain and its effects on daily life.