Researchers propose reassigning low-income Medicare beneficiaries to their most affordable medication plans. The change could result in $5 billion in savings and fewer prescription restrictions for eligible individuals.
A new study reveals that the brain learns to hear by decoding rhythmic bursts of electrical activity from cells in the inner ear. The research suggests that abnormal rhythms may contribute to Central Auditory-Processing Disorders, which affect speech and language development in children.
A new study found that college students are more likely to initiate hookah tobacco smoking if they have a 'relaxing, fun' image of the behavior. Educational campaigns may be more successful by countering positive perceptions and making hookah use less socially acceptable.
A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research has provided direct evidence of a major culprit behind poor outcomes for some HIV-infected individuals. The research suggests that blocking bacterial translocation can significantly slow HIV progression and reduce comorbidities such as heart disease.
Researchers used ECM from pig bladders to regenerate lost muscle tissue in human trials, improving strength and function in three out of five participants. Muscle growth was confirmed through biopsies and scans, offering hope for patients with severe leg injuries.
Researchers found that people infected with HIV who have low cholesterol levels in their immune cells experience slower disease progression. The study suggests that this inherited trait may affect the body's ability to transmit the virus to other cells, leading to a slower progression of AIDS.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered a malfunction in the molecular 'proofreading' machinery that repairs DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light. The protein UV-DDB makes stops along the DNA strand and transiently attaches to it, causing a proofreading change in its conformation, preventing repair in damaged areas.
A national survey of 2,500 teens and young adults found that those who liked and identified music with alcohol-brand references were more likely to binge drink and have problems related to alcohol. The study suggests that policy interventions targeting these references in popular music could help reduce teen drinking.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have discovered a combination therapy that overcomes tumor cell resistance to cisplatin, a widely used cancer drug. The therapy, which involves combining a cell replication blocker with cisplatin, induces rapid and synergistic cell death in resistant tumor cells.
Researchers at UPCI discovered that a subset of patients with lobular carcinoma receive less benefit from adjuvant tamoxifen, indicating potential targets for drug therapy. The study suggests a unique signaling pathway regulated by estrogen in lobular carcinoma cells may be exploited in future clinical trials.
A new study found that ovarian cancer patients' disease-free survival rates significantly improved over time, particularly among those with poorer initial prognoses. The research suggests that considering the time elapsed since remission may provide a more accurate prognosis and inform better follow-up care decisions.
Researchers uncover complement pathway as primary immune mechanism driving endometriosis and ovarian cancer development. The discovery may lead to targeted preventive measures, such as immune therapy, for women with endometriosis at increased cancer risk.
Researchers found that recurrent cancers have unique gene mutations sensitive to dasatinib, a promising new treatment option for recurrent head and neck cancers.
Researchers at UPMC Cancer Institute discover plant-derived compounds that selectively target breast cancer cells, inhibiting growth and inducing death. These findings offer potential new approaches to preventing and fighting breast cancer.
A clinical trial found that genetic screening can help doctors customize treatments for patients with advanced melanoma, reducing cancer recurrence risk by 63%. The study used ipilimumab therapy and identified biomarker signatures to tailor treatment plans.
Researchers found that providing patient education along with same-day placement service increases both knowledge and use of IUDs three months and a year after women seek emergency contraception. This change in clinic policy dropped the number of women using no form of contraception from 17 percent to 3 percent.
A new five-year study aims to determine whether treating depression in patients with heart failure can help them live longer. The Hopeful Heart trial will include 750 participants who meet severity criteria for heart failure and screen positive for depression.
Researchers discovered that breast cancer tumors can hijack patients' repressive gene regulatory machinery, permanently blocking cancer-killing genes. This allows the cancer to continue growing despite treatment with aromatase inhibitors, which block estrogen synthesis.
A randomized trial found that integrating brief behavioral and mental health programs in pediatric practices improved access to care, participation, and treatment completion. Pediatricians who received training reported increased confidence and efficacy in treating ADHD.
Researchers found that problem-solving therapy and dietary coaching were equally effective in preventing major depression among older adults. The study's findings suggest that lifestyle interventions can have a positive effect on well-being and protect against the onset of depression.
A national randomized clinical trial led by University of Pittsburgh experts found that a structured approach to diagnose and treat sepsis did not change survival rates. The study provides strong evidence that may change the way sepsis is diagnosed and treated, with prompt recognition and treatment being key to effective care.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have made a groundbreaking discovery using human muscle-derived stem cells to repair damaged nerves. The study found that these stem cells could differentiate into neurons and glial support cells, leading to full regeneration of the sciatic nerve in animal models.
A study of 44 middle-age adults with Type 1 diabetes found that those diagnosed at older ages had weaker brain connectivity compared to those diagnosed earlier. The researchers suggest that further study is needed to understand the impact of early diagnosis on brain function and development.
A state program reduced falls among elderly Pennsylvanians by 17%, illustrating the effectiveness of using existing aging services to prevent falls. The Healthy Steps for Older Adults program, which provided risk screening and educational information, was found to be a successful tool in reducing falls.
A recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that eating fish comparable to those in Japan may ward off heart disease due to high omega-3 fatty acid intake. The study tracked nearly 300 men for five years, finding a significant protective effect against coronary artery calcification.
A new analysis by University of Pittsburgh researchers offers insights for nonprofit hospitals in implementing community health improvement programs. The study categorizes existing community benefit programs into hospital-based and community-administered programs, highlighting the importance of engaging with local communities to achiev...
A recent study found that patients with invasive lobular carcinoma receive less benefit from standard adjuvant therapies compared to those with ductal carcinoma. The research indicates a potential target for drug therapy in future clinical trials, which could lead to more effective treatment options for this subtype of breast cancer.
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute scientists have found several potential possibilities to try if the cancer becomes resistant to standard drug treatment. They discovered that high-throughput screening of already FDA-approved drugs can identify new therapies that could be rapidly moved to the clinic.
A study analyzing patient telephone records at an IBD clinic found that frequent callers are more likely to be hospitalized or enter the emergency room. The analysis identified patterns of phone calls as a predictor of future medical interventions.
Researchers discovered that fluphenazine, a mood stabilizer, reduces ATZ accumulation and reverses liver scarring in α-1 antitrypsin deficiency models. The study demonstrates the power of the worm model for rapid drug screening.
Research found that women deficient in vitamin D during the first 26 weeks of pregnancy may be at risk of developing severe preeclampsia. Vitamin D sufficiency was associated with a 40% reduction in risk of severe preeclampsia, but not mild preeclampsia.
A new study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that uninsured patients with common medical diagnoses are significantly less likely to be transferred between hospitals. Women, insured or not, also face lower transfer rates for the same diagnoses, suggesting potential health disparities.
A study analyzing NIH-funded studies between 1989 and 2011 found that only 0.5% of funded studies focused on LGBT health, with significant gaps in representation and research areas. The authors recommend increasing funding for evidence-based interventions to reduce health inequities among LGBT populations.
A new device called Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) therapy has been shown to significantly reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) episodes by approximately 70 percent in patients. The device targets the muscle tone of the throat, leading to improved control of breathing and reduced daytime fatigue.
Researchers found that mutations in phosphatases lead to dysfunction of regulatory proteins that keep the oncogene in check, causing it to stay activated and promote cancer growth. This discovery suggests a new target for drugs to treat head and neck tumors and other cancers.
Researchers found that African-American women lost about seven pounds fewer than Caucasian women despite following similar calorie restriction and activity prescriptions. They had lower resting metabolic rates and expended less energy daily.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a unique immune avoidance mechanism used by a deadly mosquito-borne virus to suppress human immunity. The discovery could lead to the development of vaccines and treatments for eastern equine encephalitis virus, which has a 30-70% fatality rate.
The Microbicide Trials Network, led by the University of Pittsburgh, has received a seven-year, $70 million grant to continue developing and testing HIV prevention products. The network aims to address unmet needs for new products targeting young women and men who have sex with men.
A new animal study led by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that TB lung lesions are surprisingly variable and independent of each other, regardless of whether the patient has clinically active or latent disease. The findings could point the way to new vaccines to prevent the hard-to-treat infection.
The University of Pittsburgh's Project Tycho has digitized all weekly surveillance reports for reportable diseases in the US since 1888, revealing patterns and insights into vaccine effectiveness. The database contains data on eight vaccine-preventable diseases, showing a resurgence of some diseases despite vaccination efforts.
A U.S.-based analysis by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that bisexual men may not be responsible for significant HIV transmission to their female partners. The study found that bisexually behaving men were only 40% as likely to be infected with HIV as homosexually behaving men, primarily due to lower rates of unprotected...
A study found considerable gender, racial, and sexuality differences in attitudes toward bisexuality, with women, white people, and those identifying as lesbian or bisexual showing less bias. The research highlights the need for social marketing interventions to reduce stigma and improve HIV prevention rates within the bisexual community
Severely obese patients who underwent gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgical procedures experienced substantial weight loss, with most of the change occurring in the first year. The study also found significant improvements in obesity-related complications, including diabetes, hypertension, and high choleste...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a system to attract regulatory T-cells to inflamed gums, reducing inflammation and improving periodontal disease symptoms. The treatment showed promise in animal studies, offering a new therapeutic paradigm for treating gum disease.
A study found that African-American and Puerto Rican women with low vitamin D levels during pregnancy are at higher risk of preterm birth. Vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated with damage to the placenta, a key factor in preterm births.
A study found that nearly all nurses who used mobile devices to look up drug information prevented at least one adverse event. The use of these tools improved patient safety and reduced healthcare costs, with estimated savings of $4 billion annually.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which damaged mitochondria signal their own destruction, allowing cells to thrive. The 'eat me' signal involves cardiolipins and a protein called LC3, opening doors to potential research into cures for Parkinson's disease.
A revised Medicaid sterilization policy could remove logistical barriers, reducing unintended pregnancies by 29,000 annually and saving $215 million in public health costs. The updated policy would prioritize informed decision-making and equitable access to sterilization, benefiting vulnerable populations.
Researchers found African-American women are 18.2% less likely to get vaccinated compared to white counterparts, despite access to healthcare. The study suggests health providers should bolster recommendations and address negative attitudes toward the vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully regenerated a mouse heart using human heart precursor cells, paving the way for potential transplantation and drug testing models. The breakthrough could lead to personalized organ replacement and improved treatment options for heart disease patients.