Researchers have identified a link between lupus patients and an overabundance of specific immune cells in their tonsils, which may lead to the disease's characteristic auto-reactivity.
A wire injury from jumping on a bed can be more than just a minor knock on the noggin, according to Dr. Dante Pappano. He published a case study in Pediatric Emergency Care journal after discovering that a mattress wire snapped inside a Rochester boy's foot, leading to a serious injury.
Researchers aim to build a computer model of gene and protein function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a single-celled fungus with human-like genetic traits. The project uses a unique 'genomic yeast library' to determine protein function and potentially develop new treatments for diseases.
A new study confirms that APOBEC-3G edits the HIV genetic code, preventing viral reproduction. Higher levels of A3G are associated with lower HIV viral levels and higher CD4 T cell counts in patients. This discovery holds promise for a novel approach to fight HIV.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center will investigate how to manipulate intracellular signaling pathways to reduce inflammation in blood vessels, a key factor in heart disease. The team aims to develop new treatments by targeting proteins involved in the inflammatory response.
Researchers discovered that a vascular gene plays a crucial role in the growth of blood vessels in brain cells. Restoring its expression level stimulates new vessel formation and improves clearance of amyloid beta peptide, a toxin associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that astrocytes can generate seizure activity by releasing the brain chemical glutamate, which hypes up neurons and causes them to fire uncontrollably. This discovery offers new hope for treating epilepsy by targeting overlooked brain cells instead of just reducing brain function.
A growing number of older adults suffer from mental disorders, with one-third experiencing a mental disorder at any given time. The University of Rochester Medical Center has received a NIMH Training grant to support postdoctoral researchers in developing skills for independent research.
Researchers have discovered the chemical mechanism behind immunodominance, a process where the immune system targets specific pieces of disease-causing molecules. This understanding could lead to the development of more effective vaccines by targeting areas of pathogens that cannot be changed.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have designed a new version of factor VIII that doubles its ability to bind with factor IX, potentially reducing costs and immune reactions. The redesigned protein accelerates blood clotting, offering a promising alternative for next-generation hemophilia treatment.
Scientists found that interleukin-12 allows some immune cells to bypass normal regulation and cause damage to the myelin coating in nerve cells, contributing to MS symptoms. The discovery may lead to new treatments for MS by inhibiting IL12 and restoring the function of T-regulatory cells.
Researchers found that insomnia prolongs bouts of sadness and hopelessness, making recovery less likely. Elderly patients with insomnia are nearly 11 times more likely to still be depressed at six months than those sleeping well.
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center will study the diet and activity levels of Eastman Kodak employees to develop evidence-based tools to promote healthy work environments. The goal is to reduce obesity and improve overall well-being among Kodak's workforce.
A new combination vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis has been found to be effective in providing immunity against whooping cough, with minimal adverse reactions. The vaccine is composed of four protein fragments from the pertussis bacterium and is comparable to existing vaccines in terms of immune response and safety.
The University of Rochester Medical Center's RCMBR pilot studies explore how mind drives or prevents disease, including depression following heart failure and psoriasis. Researchers aim to develop tailored treatments by understanding the impact of stress, personality traits, and mental health on physical diseases.
Researchers have identified a chaperone protein called HSP90 as the key player in green tea's protective effects against cancer. By understanding this mechanism, scientists hope to develop more potent anti-cancer compounds.
A concentrated form of Vitamin E called tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) from rice bran oil may effectively reduce total cholesterol levels by up to 42% and LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels by 62%. Researchers found that a minimum dose of TRF of 8 IU kg/day provided the maximum antioxidants and lowered cholesterol.
A spinoff company has received a $2.5 million NIH grant to build a prototype scanner that can detect early-stage breast cancers with high accuracy, potentially changing medical practice in breast imaging. The scanner uses Cone Beam CT technology to eliminate structural overlap and capture clearer images of small tumors.
A four-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms RSV as a substantial burden of disease in adults, similar to influenza A. The study calls for the development of an RSV vaccine for elderly and high-risk adults.
The study found that doctors prescribed antidepressants more often when patients asked for them, with 53% of the time when Paxil was requested. This raises concerns about the overuse of antidepressants in mild cases and the impact of direct-to-consumer advertising on healthcare quality.
Researchers discovered defects in astrocytes, crucial support cells for brain health, in a patient with vanishing white matter disease. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and may lead to treatment development.
The supplement highlights the need for pediatricians to engage with communities to confront health problems such as obesity, mental health concerns, and violence. Pediatricians are becoming more sensitive to socioeconomic status and child health outcomes, and models for community-based approaches are being developed.
The Rheos System uses low-level electrical stimulation to activate the brain's control mechanisms, promoting fluid excretion and reducing blood pressure. The device has shown promise in lowering blood pressure in patients who have not responded to medications.
A plant derivative called parthenolide selectively kills leukemia stem cells while sparing normal cells, offering a promising new therapy for leukemia. This breakthrough research identifies molecular pathways that allow parthenolide to induce cancer cell death.
As we age, our brain's ability to filter out background noise and sort information affects our hearing. Researchers have found a 'feedback' problem in the brain that diminishes our ability to hear, particularly in older adults who experience age-related hearing loss.
A new gene therapy technique converts dead bone grafts into fully functional, living tissue by triggering the body's natural bone remodeling response. This method uses genetically modified viruses to activate key proteins in healthy bones, effectively turning a dead bone splint into the patient's own, whole bone.
A study published in NeuroToxicology reveals that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and low levels of maneb, a fungicide, can disrupt dopamine neurons and oxidative stress responses in the brain. This research aims to better understand Parkinson's disease and develop therapies to prevent or slow its progression.
Lynne E. Maquat and her team identified a novel pathway for regulating RNA degradation, called Staufen1-mediated degradation (SMD). This mechanism affects numerous transcripts and is a new form of gene regulation. SMD activity may be regulated by cell signaling pathways.
New York interventional cardiologists opt out of treating critically ill patients if their death would negatively impact their state mortality report card. The study found that 83% of respondents believed patients who benefit from angioplasty may not receive the procedure due to public reporting of physician-specific mortality rates.
At the University of Rochester Medical Center, a team of nurses led by Diane O'Brien and John Treanor developed a system to inoculate over 200 volunteers with an experimental flu vaccine. The study aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing another flu vaccine shortage.
A study found that only 12% of jails continued methadone treatments for withdrawal, while 48% failed to provide appropriate detoxification methods. The lack of coordination between jails and community clinics is a major concern.
Researchers found that a critical protein called Serum Response Factor (SRF) is essential for the development of heart cells, and its absence can lead to improper heart function. The study provides new insights into how genetic mutations may disrupt heart function and potentially cause adult cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that thiazolidinedione (TZD) class of anti-diabetic therapies can kill multiple myeloma cells by binding to PPAR-gamma protein, showing potential as a new cancer therapy. The effectiveness of TZD drugs was enhanced when combined with Vitamin A-like compounds.
The customized ablation technique has revolutionized eye surgery, allowing patients to enjoy enhanced vision with reduced side effects. Increasing the treatment zone size and precise laser positioning have significantly improved results.
Researchers discovered tPA's toxic effects on brain cells and blood vessels, leading to devastating brain injuries. A compound called APC counters these harmful effects, showing promise for improved stroke therapy.
A team is using technology to monitor and analyze patients' daily activities, providing a more accurate picture of their condition. The study compares traditional methods with high-tech devices, aiming to develop better ways to support those with dementia.
Researchers are testing a new flu vaccine grown in insect cell lines, which could reduce production time by one to two months. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental vaccine in healthy adults aged 18-49, with potential benefits including reduced costs and increased dose strength.
A team of scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that mice without the TR4 gene are born smaller, less fertile, and have poor parenting skills. The miniature mice exhibit reduced nest-building, nursing, and offspring care, resulting in high pup mortality rates.
A team of biomedical engineers is using $11.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to understand how mechanical forces govern white blood cells' behavior. The research aims to develop new treatments for diseases caused by inappropriate immune responses, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Parkinson's disease is often associated with depression, a condition that can significantly impact patients' lives. Research suggests that depression is part of the illness and not just a reaction to the disease.
A study of 4,522 patients found that 48-53% received less than 85% of recommended chemotherapy doses due to treatment delays or dose reductions. Patients over age 60 had significantly higher risk of under-treatment. The study emphasizes the importance of timely and effective chemotherapy management.
A study led by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that cancer drug rituximab significantly improves health in patients with lupus by reducing B cells. The treatment was effective for 11 out of 17 patients, with many able to reduce or discontinue traditional medications.
A new portable device called the Newton TM has been developed to detect glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. The device is more accurate than previous models and can be used in various positions, making it ideal for early detection and treatment.
Pediatricians and family physicians surveyed by researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center support expanding flu vaccination to healthy infants and toddlers. The study found that 58% of doctors would favor this expansion, despite citing high costs and parental concerns about vaccine safety as major barriers.
Researchers discovered that excess ATP damages motor neurons, leading to paralysis. Blocking ATP's effects restored function in rats with damaged spinal cords, opening up promising new avenues for treatment.
A new study led by Dr. Pierre Tariot found that quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is effective in reducing agitation in patients with dementia, with a lower risk of side effects compared to other medications. The medication has shown no serious side effects so far and offers a new therapeutic option for patients and their families.
Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center created an Alzheimer's vaccine with a customizable immune response using a harmless form of the herpes virus. The modified vaccine proved safer while still causing a 20-percent decline in amyloid plaque in the brain, offering new hope for developing a safe and effective vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered that S. mutans, the primary bacterium responsible for tooth decay, has a vulnerable gene called fabM that enables it to withstand acidic environments. By targeting this gene, scientists may be able to develop new compounds to kill S. mutans and reduce cavities.
A new study suggests that early hormone therapy can increase survival time by up to 14 years for men with aggressive prostate cancer, compared to those who delay treatment. Prostate cancer affects over 220,000 men annually in the US, with approximately 30,000 dying from the disease each year.
The study found that 85% of cancer patients use prayer as a common non-medical therapy for healing, while 25% change their diets or use mega-vitamins to improve their health. Patients often don't discuss these therapies with their doctors due to communication gaps.