The study found that the vitamin D receptor helps regulate bacterial activity, responds to cues, and counters their presence. It also plays a key role in defending against Salmonella infection and squelching inflammation by binding to NF-Kappa B and preventing it from activating other inflammatory molecules.
A recent study found that the original HIV strain still exists in the body months after initial infection, with immune cells degrading it at an accelerated rate. The research analyzed over 100,000 genetic snippets and revealed that the virus mutates rapidly to evade the immune system, but certain portions remain persistent.
Researchers identified two experimental drugs that harness the fight-or-flight response to restore pumping strength to failing hearts. By targeting a key protein, these compounds slow and halt the progression of heart disease.
A study found that mass media coverage of flu-related topics significantly increases vaccination rates and prompts people to get their shots earlier. Researchers analyzed data from over 22 million individuals aged 65+ and found a strong correlation between news reports and vaccination rates, with spikes in activity following news stories.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that filtering donor blood reduces cardiopulmonary complications in patients who received a transfusion. The study found an 83% decrease in acute lung injury and a 49% decline in circulatory overload.
Scientists uncover the flu's secret formula for evolving within host species: balance. The virus replicates with enough mutations to spread but not so many that it leads to its demise.
Scientists have discovered that platelets play a crucial role in cerebral malaria, a fatal form of the disease that ravages the brain. By targeting platelets, researchers hope to develop new treatment options for this devastating condition.
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center discover adenosine's role in paralyzing pain signals, tripling acupuncture effects in mice by adding medication. The study identifies molecular mechanism underlying acupuncture's pain-relieving properties.
A new study reveals that male sex hormones play a crucial role in regulating female fertility by controlling follicle growth and development. The research suggests that irregular levels of these hormones can lead to infertility, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Researchers at URMC discovered a defect in cellular pathways regulating bone formation at the stem cell level, leading to premature closure of skull sutures and craniosynostosis. This finding sheds light on the complex system controlling stem cell fate and has implications for understanding skeletal disorders and cancer.
A new study reveals that high levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol may not be beneficial for all patients and can even increase the risk of recurrent coronary events. Researchers identified a subgroup of patients with elevated HDL cholesterol and CRP who are at high risk, suggesting that genetics and environmental factors influence the pro...
The Air Force Suicide Prevention Program has reduced suicide rates significantly since its launch in 1996. The program's success is attributed to consistently supported interventions that promote coping skills and reduce stigma associated with mental health care.
Primary care physicians can play a crucial role in recognizing and treating depression by helping patients describe their distress, providing explanations that conform to patients' experiences, and reducing blame and stigma. This approach can facilitate follow-through with a mutually-endorsed plan for treatment.
A University of Rochester study found a direct link between the androgen receptor and hepatitis B virus in causing liver cancer, explaining why men get the disease more often than women. Researchers showed that targeting the androgen receptor could lead to new treatment approaches for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
A tightly controlled University of Rochester study found that eliminating gluten and casein from children with autism had no impact on their behavior, sleep or bowel patterns. Despite this, some subgroups of children may receive benefits from dietary changes, particularly those with significant gastrointestinal symptoms.
Researchers found that females receiving CRT-D therapy had a 70% reduction in heart failure progression and a 72% reduction in death from any cause. Men received some benefit, but not the out-of-the-park results seen in women.
Treatment decisions for patients with severe brain injury vary widely between medical institutions, driven by hospital priorities and financial incentives. The authors argue that providers should prioritize patient preferences and create open communication environments to navigate these complex decisions.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that mexiletine is effective in alleviating myotonia, a central symptom of myotonic dystrophy. The medication reduces muscle stiffness and relaxation time by 38-59% in patients with the condition.
Researchers found vinpocetine reduces inflammation by targeting the activity of IKK, switching off NF-κB and producing pro-inflammatory molecules. The study shows great promise for vinpocetine as a novel anti-inflammatory agent with no severe side effects.
A study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that children living in apartments are still exposed to tobacco smoke, even when they don't live with smokers. This is due to seepage through walls and shared ventilation, which can carry nicotine from neighboring units.
Nearly 85% of teens in a study would have overdosed on acetaminophen if given the option, despite 60% having never heard of it. Limited health literacy increases this risk even further.
The Xenopus tropicalis genome has been nearly completely sequenced, providing a powerful model to study gene organization, regulation and function. The findings hold significant promise for improving human health by shedding light on the basic mechanisms of genetics.
Researchers have pinpointed a key molecular player to control mesenchymal stem cell development, which could lead to new therapies for bone and cartilage diseases. The study found that activating the Notch pathway can delay the development of these cells, potentially making them more useful for treating conditions like osteoporosis.
Young adults are flocking to EDs instead of outpatient clinics, receiving nearly twice as much care as children and adolescents. Access to primary care is associated with improved health outcomes and lower ED use rates.
A new study found that chronic job stress and lack of physical activity are strongly associated with being overweight or obese. Exercise was the key to managing stress and keeping a healthy weight among employees.
Researchers found significant changes in facial bones, particularly the jaw bone, occur with age and contribute to an aging appearance. The study suggests a two-step approach to facial rejuvenation: first restoring structure underneath before performing skin-tightening procedures.
A new therapy reduces mortality and heart failure risk in patients with mild cardiac disease, showing a 34% reduction in death or heart failure risk compared to those receiving only an ICD. The treatment has been approved for use in the US, benefiting nearly 4 million Americans with milder forms of heart failure.
A nurse researcher has settled a common cancer concern by discovering that routine advice on skin care was rooted in myth instead of scientific evidence. Her findings, published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, found no evidence to support a four-hour restriction on lotions before radiation therapy.
A new study found that obese heart failure patients have a significantly lower risk of sudden cardiac death compared to non-obese patients. The researchers analyzed data from 1,231 patients with low ejection fraction and found a strong inverse relationship between BMI and the risk of sudden cardiac death.
A hospitalist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Dr. Alec B. O'Connor, is calling for more rigorous standards for drugs up for FDA approval. He argues that current guidelines do not require studies comparing a new drug's effectiveness and safety to an established first-line drug.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found that teaching self-control skills to children significantly reduces classroom problems and improves behavior. Children in a school-based mentoring program were about half as likely to have any discipline incident over the three-month period.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created a new way to measure the activity of a molecule involved in ischemic preconditioning, which strengthens cardiac tissues after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to the development of a new medication or treatment to help patients better resist heart damage.
A study finds that fetuses exposed to high levels of stress hormone cortisol may have trouble paying attention or solving problems later on. However, if mothers provide sensitive care during infancy and toddlerhood, the negative link disappears almost entirely.
A study published in Pediatrics found that over half of low-income urban mothers met the criteria for a diagnosis of depression after childbirth. Researchers identified three reliable screening tools to detect depression accurately among this population, highlighting the need to adjust cutoff scores for optimal identification.
A new study published in Sleep Medicine shows that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia significantly improved sleep for patients with chronic neck or back pain. The treatment, delivered by nurse therapists, also reduced the extent to which pain interfered with daily functioning.
A clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon found it to be safe and improved cognition in patients with Huntington's disease. The study, led by University of Rochester Medical Center neurologist Karl Kieburtz, showed statistically significant benefits for patients taking the drug compared to those receiving a placebo.
A recent study discovered that blood flow force triggers a chain reaction protecting arteries from dangerous clogs. The reaction involves the structural change of an enzyme, histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), influencing key genes involved in reversing atherosclerosis.
Researchers identified a molecule, MMP2, that controls fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in fruit flies, allowing them to study the process of tissue invasion. This finding may provide new insights into how cancer cells spread and could lead to the development of new treatments.
A study found that biomedical research funding in the US has decelerated and may have even fallen when adjusted for inflation. Funding growth was not accompanied by an increase in new drug and device approvals.
A study examines the effect of FDA safety warnings on atypical antipsychotics prescribed to patients with dementia, revealing a decline in usage among the elderly population. The findings highlight the need for improved risk communication between physicians and patients.
Neuroscientists combined herpes and Sleeping Beauty to deliver larger genes to brain cells, increasing the size of genetic payload by nearly tripling it. This breakthrough technology could lead to treatments for devastating brain diseases like pediatric leukodystrophies and lysosomal storage disorders.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found a link between vitamin D deficiency and increased cardiac deaths among blacks compared to whites. Researchers suggest that boosting vitamin D levels safely through supplements may be an effective way to intervene.
The androgen receptor, crucial for male hormones like testosterone, also plays a significant role in the body's ability to heal wounds. Blocking this receptor accelerates wound healing by reducing inflammation.
Researchers successfully treated psoriasis patients with a reduced dose of steroid medication using the placebo effect, improving treatment for chronic diseases. The new technique could maximize drug benefits, reduce side effects and increase patient adherence.
Researchers pinpointed prime factors identifying elderly persons at high risk for developing major depression, including low-level depressive symptoms and poor social support. Preventive treatments hold promise for providing the greatest health benefit at the lowest cost.
Patients with a rare, deadly disease experienced significant reduction in breathlessness using treprostinil, shifting from Class III to Class II NYHA functional class. The treatment improved walking distance and reduced Borg scores, offering substantial improvement in daily capabilities.
Researchers developed an animal model showing four commonly used chemotherapy drugs disrupt new brain cell birth and that IGF-1 may partially reverse the condition. The study is relevant to cancer survivors experiencing cognitive decline after chemotherapy.
A University of Rochester study found that three quarters of cancer patients with chemotherapy suffer from insomnia or sleep disorders, affecting their ability to fully recover. Younger patients and those with lung and breast cancers were particularly affected.
A pilot study of 145 preschool children found that higher phthalate exposure was associated with less male-typical play, such as trucks and rough-and-tumble play. The study suggests that fetal exposure to anti-androgens like phthalates may alter masculine brain development.
The University of Rochester Medical Center has launched a new center to improve cardiac safety and understand cardiac arrhythmias. The center will utilize a vast database of ECG data to develop novel methods and technologies to predict cardiac arrhythmias.