Researchers have developed a consensus-based framework and definitions for vocal biomarkers to improve collaboration and validation of voice-derived indicators in health conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, depression, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes. The framework provides a scientifically grounded vocabulary to support the...
Researchers at USF Health are developing new opioid compounds that provide pain relief without deadly side effects. The team's latest study uncovers new ways that opioid receptors work, offering hope for a better understanding of how to drug them and treat human health and disease.
A study by USF Health doctors reveals that reducing mitochondrial protein translation can promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for heart disease and regrowing damaged hearts.
Researchers have identified a gene in the placenta that produces a defense mechanism against viral infections, protecting fetuses during pregnancy. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-viral treatments.
A University of South Florida study suggests targeting kappa-opioid receptors may alleviate working memory deficits and improve executive function in individuals with severe alcohol use disorder. A compound blocking these receptors alleviated working memory deficits and restored normal executive function.
A preclinical study identified a protein complex critical for regulating apoptosis and necroptosis. Inhibiting this complex may help prevent excessive cell death and tissue damage associated with heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19. Researchers believe that targeting the PPP1R3G/PP1γ pathway could lead to new treatments f...
The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $1.35 million NIH institutional grant to train scientists in vascular inflammation and injury research. The grant will support the comprehensive training of pre- and postdoctoral scientists focused on this emerging area of research.
A new study from USF Health reveals that activated protein C may help improve aging patients' tolerance to reperfusion injury, a potentially adverse effect of treatment for ischemic heart disease. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from APC may limit ischemia and reperfusion-induced heart damage.
A University of South Florida Health-led team discovered a lead candidate that selectively relaxes airway smooth muscle cells with no detectable drug desensitization. The biased beta-agonist, C1-S, offers a therapeutic option for asthma and obstructive lung diseases without the rapid loss of effectiveness seen with traditional β-agonists.
A USF Health study reveals that fibrinogen can directly interact with neurons, leading to inflammation and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. The researchers found that blocking the binding of fibrinogen to its receptors may alleviate short-term memory problems associated with these diseases.
Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.
The study analyzed data from 8,502 genetically high-risk children and found that half developed type 1 diabetes before age 6, while the other half developed it between ages 6 and 12. The findings suggest a different form of type 1 diabetes emerges in children as they grow older.
A study by University of South Florida Health researchers suggests that fenchol, a natural compound in basil, can help reduce neurotoxic amyloid-beta in the brain. Fenchol stimulates FFAR2 signaling, reducing senescent neuronal cells and increasing Aβ degradation.
A preclinical study found that age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakening cardiac contractions in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Boosting SIRT1/SIRT3 levels may help protect against such injuries, potentially reducing heart attack complications and deaths.
A new preclinical study validates the spleen's role in cardiac healing and suggests targeting S1P as a potential treatment for heart failure. The study discovered interactions between S1P and the heart during transition from acute to chronic heart failure.
A USF Health study found that deleting a single gene, Foxo1, promotes the growth of functional lymphatic valves in both young and adult mice. This discovery offers a promising early treatment approach for hereditary lymphedema, a chronic condition characterized by fluid accumulation under the skin.
The University of South Florida has been awarded a four-year, $69.9 million NIH grant to continue its Type 1 Diabetes Research study. The study aims to identify environmental factors that influence autoimmune destruction of beta cells in young children with genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes.
A study by USF Health and Tampa General Hospital found that early administration of monoclonal antibodies to high-risk patients can significantly reduce COVID-19-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. The treatment reduced hospitalization rates by 40.5% compared to controls, with no deaths reported in the treated group.
A previously validated blood gene profile that predicts idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis mortality has been repurposed to assess the likelihood of COVID-19 survival. The study found a high-risk gene profile associated with greater ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital death.
Researchers developed a predictive model to monitor infant gene expression changes, potentially identifying early markers for T1D progression. The study used data from the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) consortium and identified specific gene expression patterns related to natural killer cells.
A preclinical study by USF Health found that blocking lipoxygenase with a synthetic inhibitor alters the innate inflammatory response, delaying heart tissue repair after cardiac injury. The study suggests that preserving lipoxygenase is crucial for maintaining immune-mediated acute inflammation and preventing heart failure.
A new neuroimaging technique using diffuse optical tomography studied brain stimulation for depression, finding reduced brain activation in response to rTMS. The study suggests that treatment parameters may need adjusting for patients with severe depression.
A new mouse model study by USF Health researchers reveals that chaperone protein imbalance can initiate toxic tau accumulation in the aging brain, a key step in Alzheimer's disease development. The study aims to identify therapeutic targets by restoring chaperone protein balance.
The University of South Florida has received a five-year, $44.4 million NIH grant to conduct the largest primary prevention trial of computer-based cognitive training for preventing mild cognitive impairment and dementias like Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The study aims to test whether this type of training can reduce the risk ...
A University of South Florida Health study uncovers a novel mechanism by which maternal stress triggers idiopathic preterm birth. Elevated FKBP51 levels and enhanced progesterone receptor binding stimulate labor, while Fkbp5-deficient mice are resistant to preterm birth.
Researchers developed a next-generation nanotherapy that specifically targets injured regions of arteries in mouse models mimicking angioplasty. The nanoparticles containing an microRNA switch offer promising biotechnology to advance the fight against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
A new study by USF Health researchers has discovered that maternal decidual cells act as reservoirs for Zika virus transmission through the placenta. The study also found that tizoxanide can effectively inhibit Zika virus in these cells, offering promise for preventing perinatal transmission and its associated health problems.
Researchers have identified a promising new compound that activates bitter taste receptors to promote airway relaxation. The most potent compound, T5-8, demonstrates marked effectiveness in human airway smooth muscle cells.
A USF Health-Tampa General Hospital study found that obese women experience worse outcomes after postpartum hemorrhage, even with the same medical treatment. The researchers suggest that certain groups of high-risk obstetric patients, such as obese women, may need additional support or a different treatment protocol.
A University of South Florida Health study reveals that flavored vaping products can disrupt the heart's normal electrical activity and increase the risk of cardiac rhythm disturbances. The study used cardiac cells and young mice to assess the toxicity of vape flavorings in cardiac cells.
A study by USF Health found that resident physicians are interested in treating opioid addiction but lack the knowledge and skills to prescribe buprenorphine. The survey also revealed that only 3% of residents were currently waivered, highlighting a need for increased training and support.
Researchers have identified two compounds that can inhibit both the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 and cathepsin L, a human protein involved in viral entry. The study found that these compounds may improve treatment by simultaneously targeting multiple steps of the virus's life cycle.
Children with multiple islet autoantibodies are more likely to progress to symptomatic type 1 diabetes than those who remain positive for a single autoantibody. Detailed information about the order, timing and type of autoantibodies appearing after the first autoantibody can significantly improve prediction of which children are most l...
A preclinical study suggests a novel therapeutic immunomodulatory vaccine may slow memory impairment and prevent Aβ oligomer aggregation, with strong immunomodulatory effects without inducing inflammation. The vaccine targets toxic Aβ molecules in the brain, providing a safer alternative to existing anti-amyloid treatments.
Researchers at the University of South Florida Health found that SSH1 disrupts p62's ability to clear damaged tau proteins and mitochondria, leading to accumulation of toxic cellular waste. This defect may help develop SSH1 inhibitors to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
A multisite clinical trial found that 3D printed nasal swabs work as well as commercial synthetic flocked nasal swabs for accurate detection of COVID-19 infection. The cost-effective devices were developed in record time and have been used in 22 countries.
A posthoc analysis of COMPASS trial data found that highly pervious clots result in better treatment success after first attempt clot removal using aspiration thrombectomy. In contrast, clots with low perviousness are more resistant to either thrombectomy approach.
Researchers created a new reporter mouse strain to visualize and manipulate P2X2-expressing cells, revealing their expression in specific subsets of sensory nerves. The study sheds light on the selective targeting of therapeutic approaches to address sensory nerve dysfunction.
Dr. Yuan's research program expands to include COVID-19, exploring tissue-specific biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Her microvascular research has significantly advanced understanding of vascular barrier function and inflammation.
Researchers identify four promising antiviral drug candidates that block SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting the main protease enzyme. The most effective compound, GC-376, demonstrates potent chemical and structural interactions with the viral protein, making it a potential candidate for repurposing as a COVID-19 treatment.
Researchers at the University of South Florida Health have identified a mouse model that mimics human heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) syndrome. The study found that mice deficient in a receptor needed to clear chronic inflammation develop obesity and heart failure, offering new potential targets for therapies.
Researchers at USF Health and Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by inhibiting the blood-clotting molecule thrombin with nanoparticles. The therapy, which was tested on newborn mice, showed promise in preventing NEC-like injury.
A new study found that black patients have higher concentrations of activated fatty acids after a heart attack than white patients, indicating potential targets for personalized diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Researchers discovered distinct lipid biomarkers may offer new approaches to delay or prevent cardiac failure.
A University of South Florida-led mouse cardiac healing study reveals faster heart repair and improved survival in female mice compared to males after a heart attack. The research suggests that sex-specific therapies may be more effective in managing heart failure, with potential applications for delayed or prevented cardiac inflammation.
A new preclinical study reveals that a lack of BIN1 leads to defective neurotransmitter transmission, impairing brain cell communication and memory consolidation. The study suggests that BIN1 plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission and may be involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at USF Health discovered how a large human non-protein coding gene regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process crucial for placental implantation and fetal growth. Activating this microRNA cluster inhibited EMT, while reduced expression led to increased invasion and tumor-like behavior.
A University of South Florida study suggests beta-arrestin-2 can lead to increased accumulation of neurotoxic tau tangles in the brain, causing forms of dementia. The researchers found that oligomerized beta-arrestin-2 disrupts protective clearance processes, leading to disease-causing tau buildup.
Researchers have identified three proinflammatory mediators driving capillary regression, a common feature of many diseases. The study found that combining drugs to block these mediators can prevent capillary loss and improve outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a link between prolonged enterovirus infection and the development of autoimmunity against insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells, which precedes type 1 diabetes. Early adenovirus C infection was found to confer protection from autoimmunity.
Researchers at Washington University and USF Health developed a peptide-based nanoparticle that delivers siRNA to suppress KRAS-driven cancer growth without adverse effects. The nanoparticles effectively target tumor cells, reducing tumor cell death and slowing cancer growth.