Researchers found that practice reduces metabolic activity in primary motor cortex for internally generated movements, but not visually guided tasks. The study suggests the motor cortex is plastic and can store motor skills.
UPCI researchers discovered that targeting 'cell sleep' can kill a larger fraction of cancer cells, increasing the effectiveness of cancer drugs. This finding has implications for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), which are often treated with targeted therapy drug imatinib.
A study led by researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh found that immune cells in children with chronic arthritis show signs of premature aging. This discovery could lead to the development of cell-targeted therapies to prevent premature immune aging.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that poor sleep quality during pregnancy can disrupt the immune system, leading to lower birth weights and other complications. Women with depression are more likely to experience disturbed sleep and immune system disruption.
Researchers at Pitt and MWRI found that placental cells can resist viral infection by transferring genetic material called microRNAs through tiny spheres called exosomes. This trait could lead to new approaches to combat viral infections during pregnancy.
A single systemic dose of dendritic cells prevented rejection for almost four months in a preclinical animal model of kidney transplantation. The treatment successfully regulated the immune system without side effects, allowing for longer organ survival.
A Pitt simulation found that universal access to paid sick days reduces flu cases in the workplace by nearly 6%, more effective for small workplaces. Giving employees one or two flu days resulted in a 25-40% decrease in influenza infections due to workplace transmission.
A nationwide study found Medicare beneficiaries are two to three times more likely to use brand-name drugs for diabetes and other conditions compared to VA patients. This difference in prescribing habits resulted in an estimated $1.4 billion savings in Medicare Part D spending if generic use matched the VA's approach.
A team led by Peijun Zhang has described the 4-million-atom structure of HIV's capsid protein shell, revealing critical molecular interactions that could lead to new treatments. The findings may enable the development of drugs that disrupt the shell's assembly or disassembly, potentially stopping the virus from replicating.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that most medical emergencies on flights are well-treated by passengers and flight attendants, with physicians providing guidance via FAA-required emergency medical kit. In nearly half of calls, physician passengers provided medical assistance, while nurses and EMTs helped in another 28 percent.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has identified the underlying cause of noise-induced tinnitus, a chronic condition characterized by phantom sounds. They have also developed a drug that can prevent its development in animal models.
Researchers at Pitt Public Health have found that an anti-cancer drug, bexarotene, significantly improves cognitive deficits in mice with Alzheimer's gene mutations. The study suggests a possible new therapeutic treatment for Alzheimer's disease, although the exact mechanism of action remains unclear.
Transplant researchers at Pitt School of Medicine found that chemokine receptors are not necessary to start the rejection response. Instead, dendritic cells identify antigens and present them to the recipient's immune system, leading to organ rejection.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that physicians' word choices significantly impact families' decisions about end-of-life care, particularly the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The study suggests a change in terminology from 'DNR' to 'allow natural death' can lead to a 10% decrease in CPR choice.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a potential treatment for deadly, drug-resistant bacterial infections that uses the same approach as HIV to infect cells. The new antibiotic, called engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs), has shown rapid destruction of bacteria resistant to standard antibiotics.
A study published in PNAS found that a compound in breast milk may prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. Breast milk contains high levels of sodium nitrate, which is converted to nitrite by gut bacteria, producing the vasodilator nitric oxide.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that fracking is associated with stress and various health concerns in Pennsylvania residents. The survey of 33 participants revealed that stress was the most commonly cited concern, with many reporting feelings of being taken advantage of or misled by the gas drilling industry.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that melatonin injections delayed symptom onset and reduced mortality in a mouse model of ALS. The study suggests that melatonin may be a useful treatment for this devastating disease.
A multicenter study reveals that mild traumatic brain injury after blast exposure produces inflammation and oxidative stress, similar to disorders of memory processing such as Alzheimer's disease. Gene activity patterns akin to neurodegenerative diseases were also observed in the brains of rats exposed to a shock tube.
Scientists at NIH and Pitt School of Medicine discovered a method to grow large numbers of stem cells by blocking CD47 membrane protein, increasing expression of four genes essential for iPS cell formation and allowing directed differentiation into various tissue types.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a biological pathway that triggers excessive inflammation in pneumonia and sepsis, leading to improved lung function and survival in animal models. The team developed small molecules to inhibit this protein, offering hope for new treatments for these conditions.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a novel mechanism that regulates the replication of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The findings, published in Diabetes, provide new insights into how to regenerate beta cells and potentially lead to new therapies for Type 1 and 2 diabetes.
A new Pitt study found that generic drug coverage is cost-effective compared to no coverage for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Generic coverage improved health outcomes and reduced medical costs, with savings of $570-$1,312 per year.
Adults undergoing bariatric surgery who are more physically active are less likely to have depressive symptoms and treatment for depression or anxiety. Moderate-intensity physical activity, such as one hour a week or 4,750 steps a day, was associated with lower odds of these conditions.
Researchers found a significantly higher prevalence of substance abuse and cigarette use among adolescents with ADHD histories compared to those without. The study also showed that current medications for ADHD do not counter the risk for substance abuse.
Researchers at Pitt/UPMC successfully used brain-computer interface (BCI) technology to enable a paralyzed man to control a computer cursor and robot arm with his thoughts. The study, published in PLoS ONE, demonstrates the potential for BCI technology to help individuals regain independence after spinal cord injuries.
Scientists studied evolutionary rates of nearly 20,000 human genes and found that genes involved in the same biological pathways change their rate of evolution in parallel. This signature can help identify partner genes that may work together in biochemical pathways, providing clues to their function.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have found a way to halt cancer cell growth by depriving them of a key protein. By targeting this process, they discovered a potential new anti-cancer therapy that could work synergistically with existing drugs.
The Pitt team found that targeting Nef, a small HIV protein, could prevent it from replicating and infecting other cells. They discovered a compound called B9 that blocks Nef activity, impairing its function in the viral replication process.
A study found that smartphone apps incorrectly diagnose 30% or more melanomas as 'unconcerning', potentially delaying doctor visits and life-saving treatment. The apps often lack regulatory oversight and are marketed to nonclinical users, increasing the risk of harm to the uninsured or economically disadvantaged.
A Pitt-led team has identified a molecule that effectively polices tuberculosis (TB) lung infections and prevents the progression to active disease. The presence of CXCR5 enables the immune system to target infected cells and form protective granulomas, which keep TB under control.
Women deficient in vitamin D early in pregnancy are more likely to deliver babies with lower birth weights. Maternal vitamin D deficiency may impact fetal growth by reducing calcium absorption and glucose production, leading to a higher risk of small for gestational age births.
Pitt Cancer Institute researchers have identified over 125 genetic components in a chemotherapy-resistant, brain tumor-derived cell line that could offer new hope for drug treatment to destroy cancer cells. The findings may lead to the development of adjuvant chemotherapy drugs that will improve patient survival rates.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that human stem cells are resistant to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a leading cause of congenital intellectual disability and deafness. The research findings suggest that HCMV infection distorts cell differentiation, leading to impaired brain maturation and intellectual ability.
Researchers found that e-visit patients were more likely to receive antibiotics and less likely to have relevant testing ordered by their physicians before receiving medication. Despite this, the study suggests that e-visits can improve access to care and convenience for patients without compromising quality.
A recent study reveals that more than half of retired people aged 65 and over report sleeping at least 7.5 hours per night, contradicting common stereotypes about elderly sleep patterns. The study, led by Timothy H. Monk, Ph.D., found that most seniors do not have reliably earlier bedtimes than younger adults and often experience dayti...
Researchers identified a genetic variant on chromosome X that predicts high-risk men who drink heavily are at risk for developing chronic pancreatitis. The discovery enables doctors to identify patients with early signs of pancreatitis or acute attacks, allowing them to take preventative action and give the pancreas a chance to heal.
A team of researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has successfully restored fertility in male primates who became sterile due to cancer drug side effects. The study involved transplanting spermatogonial stem cells into testes, resulting in functional sperm that fertilized eggs and produced early embryos.
A new analysis from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found substantial local variation in health care spending within large geographic regions. The study reveals that many low-spending hospitals are located within high-spending areas, and vice versa.
Researchers found that small genetic variations can accumulate and contribute to the risk of autism spectrum disorders. In families where only one child has ASD, 40% of the risk is inherited, rising to 60% in families with multiple affected children. These findings provide new insights into the genetic factors underlying ASD.
A study published in Health Affairs found that only 5.2% of Medicare beneficiaries chose the least-expensive Part D plan that satisfied their medical needs, resulting in an average annual overspend of $368. Researchers recommend educational programs and assistance to help beneficiaries make informed plan choices.
A computer simulation study found that hospitals working together and coordinating their infection control procedures can significantly reduce the prevalence of MRSA infections. By implementing contact isolation protocols, hospitals can not only improve their own infection control but also benefit neighboring hospitals.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine showed that liver cells, thymus tissue and insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells can thrive in lymph nodes despite being displaced from their natural sites. This could lead to cell-based alternatives to whole organ transplantation.
Researchers developed an agent that blocks cardiolipin oxidation, preventing cell death and preserving function in rats with severe traumatic brain injury. The study suggests a targeted oxidation-blocker may also be beneficial in treating other neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and stroke.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified an agent called E4 that can protect the skin and lungs from fibrosis, a process that can lead to organ failure and death. The agent may work by stalling the cross-linking of collagen needed to form thick scars.
A recent study published in the journal Urology found that robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is significantly more costly than traditional open surgery. The study, conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), analyzed data from 473 consecutive patients treated between 2009 and 2010. Research...
Research from a Pitt/UPMC team found that having intensivists on duty at night improves ICU patient outcomes in some ICUs, particularly those without daytime specialist coverage. In contrast, ICUs with robust daytime staffing saw no benefit from nighttime intensivist coverage.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a bio-hybrid device that acts as an 'inflammation thermostat' to control systemic inflammation in sepsis. The device loads human liver cells engineered to produce anti-inflammatory proteins, which balance inflammation and immune responses.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have identified a molecule activated by a virus that can selectively kill tumor cells in animal studies. A new drug candidate, YM155, has shown promising results in killing MCC cells and suppressing tumor growth.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified a cell-signaling pathway that plays a key role in increasing insulin secretion during pregnancy, leading to the development of gestational diabetes. The study found that blocking this pathway can lead to impaired glucose regulation and reduced beta cell mass.