Florida emergency physician groups provide substantial uncompensated care, ranging from 26 to 79 percent. The study suggests that the increasing number of uninsured patients is a significant contributor to this trend.
Researchers found that a structured psychoeducational intervention improved caregiver quality of life and reduced distress for those caring for terminally ill cancer patients. The study suggests expanding end-of-life care studies to include other populations.
Researchers at USF Health found that cord blood cells administered two days post-stroke reduced brain inflammation and improved recovery in rats. The study challenges the notion of immediate cell death in the brain's core region, suggesting a delayed process of apoptosis may occur instead.
A study by USF researchers found that green tea's epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) decreases production of the Alzheimer's-related protein beta-amyloid, leading to a 54% reduction in brain-clogging plaques. EGCG may be effective in preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease through dietary supplementation.
The American Academy of Neurology has released new guidelines for treating essential tremor, recommending medications such as propranolol and primidone to reduce limb tremors. Surgery is also an option when drug therapy is ineffective, with deep brain stimulation found to be more effective than thalamotomy in reducing tremors
Researchers at USF have discovered a tailored therapy for tumors with high levels of active Akt, which is abundant in 40% of women with ovarian cancer. The compound tricirbine has been found to inhibit some cancers and will be tested in clinical trials starting within six to eight months.
A new study published in Experimental Neurology found that rats fed diets rich in blueberries, spinach, or spirulina experienced less brain cell loss and improved recovery after a stroke. The antioxidant-rich diets may counteract the burst of free radicals involved in brain cell death triggered by an ischemic stroke.
Researchers test a new therapy for advanced melanoma, delivering a DNA plasmid through electroporation to stimulate the immune system. The results show high success in curing mice and preventing tumor regrowth.
Researchers found that the Good Behavior Game reduced aggressive behavior and improved academic achievement, particularly among high-risk boys, with lower rates of criminal activity and delinquency.
A new leukemia drug treatment has shown promise for MDS patients with 5q minus syndrome, becoming transfusion independent in 91% of cases. The defective chromosome abnormality may be linked to other serious cancers, including leukemias and small cell lung cancer.
A $10-million study is recruiting 3,000 healthy men to investigate the transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer. The research aims to determine whether vaccinating men could help prevent cervical cancer in women.
Researchers developed a novel antiviral treatment using RNA interference to inhibit respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in mice. The treatment, administered as a nasal drop or spray, successfully suppressed the virus's NS1 protein, preserving the host's natural antiviral defense.
In an animal study, stem cells from human umbilical cord blood significantly reduced the size of heart damage and restored pumping function to near normal after a heart attack. The researchers suggest that these stem cells could be a new treatment for limiting or repairing heart muscle damaged by a heart attack.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found that Medicare HMO beneficiaries who underwent colon resection incurred the same overall hospital charges as traditional Medicare patients, despite shorter hospital stays. The study suggests that Medicare HMOs failed to achieve their cost-saving goal in this instance.
Saneron CCEL, a biotechnology R&D startup, has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the NIH to develop Sertoli cells combined with stem cells for treating spinal cord injuries. The company aims to provide readily available, non-controversial stem cells for cellular therapies.
The University of South Florida has been designated a Center of Excellence by the Huntington's Disease Society of America, offering comprehensive medical and social services to patients and their families. The center will also focus on research, including studies on stem cells and potential new therapies for the disease.
Researchers aim to block harmful immune response in brain inflammation and remove beta amyloid plaques with anti-CD40 ligand antibody and investigational vaccine. The study builds on previous USF laboratory studies tracking the role of microglia in Alzheimer's disease.
Apolipoprotein E is responsible for converting harmless amyloid-beta protein into toxic filamentous amyloid, a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Mice with the gene showed memory deficits only when it was present.
Dr. Lancaster's presentation at the IGCS conference used microarray analysis to predict response to platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancers. The study aimed to individualize therapy for patients with advanced ovarian cancer, showcasing Moffitt's expertise in gynecologic cancer research.
Researchers have sequenced all 36 genes of novel receptors in zebrafish, which may be related to human natural killer cell function and provide insights into the transition from innate to adaptive immunity. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of infectious diseases and certain cancers.
The USF College of Nursing will create an interdisciplinary disaster and trauma management program with a focus on bioterrorism education. The college will work with hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and home health agencies to provide quality training.
Researchers found that THC prevents viral reactivation in gamma herpes viruses, which are linked to certain cancers. The study suggests a potential antiviral drug based on nonpsychoactive derivatives of THC, but further research is required.
Researchers have identified a potential biomarker for ovarian cancer using a blood test that accurately predicts the presence of the disease in 93% of cases. The study suggests that lysophospholipids, found in high levels in most ovarian cancer patients, may be used to develop an early detection strategy for this devastating disease.
The University of South Florida's (USF) PhD program in health education has been ranked one of the top programs in the nation, according to a recent study. The program excelled in both student and faculty variables, including publications, editorships, and external research funding.
Researchers analyzed 770 seizure records to investigate the possible link between lunar phases and frequency of epileptic seizures. The study found that epileptic seizures were lowest during the full moon and highest in its last quarter.
Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed a biosensor-regulated gene therapy that protects heart muscle cells from further injury after a heart attack. The therapy uses an oxygen-sensitive switch to turn on protective genes, which were shown to limit tissue scarring and improve heart function in mice.
A new study suggests that nicotine may protect the brain by inhibiting the activation of microglia, a key step in nerve cell death. The researchers identified the alpha-7 acetylcholine receptor subtype as the specific site where nicotine binds to block microglial activation.
A national study found that health care access for poor children has improved, with a decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations. However, the gap in care for uninsured children remains, with those without coverage experiencing worsening access to care.
USF researchers identify bone marrow-derived BNP as a potential candidate for treating stroke, spinal cord injury and neurological damage. Bone marrow stromal cells release levels of BNP far exceeding the amounts normally found in circulating blood and spinal fluid.
A report by Dr. Simpson and Denise Dougherty highlights the need for pediatricians and parents to collaborate on improving children's health care, focusing on quality indicators and evidence-based practice. The authors recommend creating an information technology system to track health care indicators and provide better care for children.
Tumors use Stat3 signaling to secrete factors that inhibit the immune system, keeping dendritic cells from maturing. This activation blocks expression of inflammatory mediators required to trigger the immune response. New treatments aimed at flushing cancer cells into the open may help the body's armies against disease destroy them.
Researchers at Moffitt will evaluate vaccine therapy INGN 225 in a phase I/II study for patients with advanced breast cancer. The treatment has shown promising results in preclinical trials, with 100% protection against tumors achieved when dendritic cells were activated.
Researchers found that stem cells from human peripheral blood improved motor and cognitive performance in transplanted rats, with reduced brain damage in the affected areas. The study suggests that using these stem cells may be a viable treatment option for stroke patients.
A study found that nearly 50% of Parkinson's patients on levodopa therapy experience 'wearing off' within one to two years, causing symptoms to re-emerge before the next dose. This phenomenon is associated with motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
A Florida study found that ambulatory surgery centers have a significantly lower rate of death and injury compared to physician offices. The researchers analyzed data from 182 incident reports and found a 10-fold increase in adverse incidents in office settings, with higher rates of death and injuries.
A new study finds that istradefylline, an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, improves motor function in Parkinson's disease patients with reduced dyskinesias. The medication reduces the time patients experience tremors, slowness, and stiffness by up to 1.7 hours per day
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology found that higher education or a larger brain size may help delay dementia. The research, based on data from the Nun Study, suggests that having more years of formal education or better early brain development can provide extra reserve for cognitive funct...
Researchers at the University of South Florida have discovered that stem-like cells from peripheral blood can promote functional recovery after a stroke. The study found that rats treated with these cells showed significant behavioral improvement and reduced hyperactive behavior compared to those receiving no cellular treatment.
Research reveals that amyloid accumulation selectively reduces expression of genes essential for forming new memories, leading to early memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a new approach to treating the disease by blocking the effect of remaining amyloid on normal learning and memory.
Researchers discovered that four peptide hormones from the heart inhibited DNA synthesis and tumor cell growth in laboratory tests, outperforming a standard drug used to treat pancreatic cancer. The findings suggest these naturally-occurring hormones may hold promise as an alternative treatment option with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that intravenous infusions of human umbilical cord blood stem cells delayed ALS disease progression by at least two to three weeks and improved survival in mice. The cells also circulated to organs outside the central nervous system, suggesting an immune-protective mechanism.
Researchers at USF and VA hospitals found that rats with intrusive emotional memories can't remember new information. They also exhibited behavioral symptoms similar to those in people with PTSD after being reminded of the traumatic experience.
A multicenter study published in Depression and Anxiety found that mecamylamine, a nicotine antagonist, significantly improved behavioral and emotional symptoms in children co-diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome and major depression. The study suggested that mecamylamine stabilizes mood by inhibiting nicotinic receptors.
A farm safety lesson improved rural students' knowledge of farm safety, with significant gains in correct answers. The program reduced the risk of farm-related injuries and deaths among elementary school children.
A new study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that aspirin inhibited ovarian tumor cell growth by as much as 68 percent. Combining aspirin with a monoclonal antibody targeting the HER-2/neu protein resulted in an even greater suppression of growth, decreasing cancer cell growth by 84 percent.
Researchers have discovered a new anti-inflammatory drug, NCX-2216, that effectively removes excess amyloid protein from the brains of mice with Alzheimer's-like memory disorders. The nitro-NSAID also activates immune cells called microglia, which may help remove amyloid before it hardens into toxic plaques.
A USF/UCLA study shows that healthy humans who smoke marijuana alter the expression of marijuana receptors on immune cells in their blood. The findings suggest that cannabinoids might benefit someone with chronic inflammatory disease but not those with a chronic infectious disease like HIV infection.
Researchers at USF Health successfully transplanted clonal human neurons into rats with severe spinal cord injuries, allowing some animals to bear weight on their hind legs. The study suggests that the transplanted cells can re-establish a neural connection, potentially paving the way for future rehabilitation and functional recovery.
Researchers found that cord blood cells improved neurological function in rats with traumatic brain injury, suggesting a new approach for treating this condition. The cells helped promote brain self-repair by stimulating trophic factors and cytokines, which led to better movement, balance, and reflex responses.
Researchers have discovered that MRI scans can identify individuals at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease decades in advance. The study used postmortem brain scans to show that shrinkage of the hippocampus, a key region affected by the disease, occurs early on.