A study of 80 children found that antibiotic ear drops resolved ear drainage three to five days faster and resulted in more clinical cures overall, compared to oral administration. The topical drops also had fewer gastrointestinal problems and led to less antibiotic resistance.
A multicenter study found that finasteride artificially lowers PSA levels in younger men taking it for hair growth, impacting diagnosis accuracy. The study calls for new clinical guidelines to account for this effect when evaluating PSA results.
A sugar molecule called SSEA-4 has been found on the surface of adult stem cells in bone marrow, which give rise to fat, cartilage, and bone. This discovery may help isolate and purify these cells for use in therapies aimed at bone healing, tendon repair, and cartilage regeneration.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that pregnant women who developed an infection of the placenta or nearby membranes have twice the risk of getting it in their second pregnancy. The study analyzed 28,410 women and found a genetic component that predisposes women to intrauterine infection.
A large-scale review of bariatric procedures in older adults found significant increases in complications and mortality rates compared to younger patients. The study, which analyzed over 25,000 procedures, suggests that weight-loss surgery should be limited to those under 65 years old.
A multicenter study found that measuring fetal oxygen levels does not affect the rate of Caesarean section or the health of newborn babies. Researchers tested whether knowing fetal blood-oxygen levels made a difference in the rate of Caesarean section or condition of the newborn infant.
Children who survive childhood cancer are more likely to experience strokes later in life. Cranial radiation therapy increases the risk of stroke in these patients. Researchers are now exploring ways to screen and prevent strokes in high-risk survivors.
A cohort study of over 2,000 Air Force veterans found that dioxin exposure was associated with a lower incidence of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and decreased testosterone levels. The study suggests a link between dioxin exposure and endocrine disturbances in the male reproductive system.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that tiny RNA molecules, called microRNAs, play a significant role in causing heart enlargement and increasing the risk of heart failure. By manipulating these microRNAs, it may be possible to treat heart disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a gene variant associated with mental illness enlarges the pulvinar, a brain region handling negative emotions. The study found individuals carrying two copies of the SERT-s gene had larger pulvinars containing more nerve cells.
A six-year study, STAR*D, found that 67% of patients achieved full remission after one to four treatment steps. Careful monitoring and collaboration between patients and clinicians are crucial for improving outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that long-term use of topiramate can increase the propensity of calcium phosphate kidney stones due to metabolic acidosis and changes in urine pH and citrate levels. The study suggests a need for further research on optimal measures to prevent kidney-stone formation with topiramate use.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that memantine and riluzole are the most effective compounds in keeping cells alive under conditions mimicking Huntington's disease. The study provides a systematic comparison of various glutamate pathway inhibitors, indicating memantine holds the most promise for HD treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene, uPAR, responsible for metastases in early-stage breast cancer and poor prognosis. The study suggests that targeting the uPAR gene could be an effective strategy to stop or slow disease progression.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 investigates nutrient-based factors influencing AMD progression. Dr. Yu-Guang He hopes the study will resolve the potential benefit of supplements for AMD, which affects nearly 7 million Americans.
Researchers have developed a new type of laboratory mouse with human-like immune systems, allowing for the study of human-pathogen interaction and development of disease therapies. The 'Bone Marrow Liver Thymic' mice can fight certain infections, including toxic shock syndrome and Epstein Barr virus.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a mechanism by which cancer cells become resistant to a specific class of drugs, hemiasterlin. A mutation in a single protein renders the drug ineffective and also makes the worms resistant to several other anti-cancer drugs.
A molecule called TBK-1 helps keep cancer cells alive, and blocking it may be a promising approach to treating cancer. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that TBK-1 is essential for cancer cell survival, even though its normal function is in the immune response.
Researchers discovered that West Nile virus blocks immune signaling by a protein receptor, allowing it to replicate and spread. The African strain does not block this activity, making it harmless to the immune system. Harnessing this strain could lead to vaccine development against North American strains.
Dr. Kodadek's research aims to develop substances that can diagnose and block specific immune responses without suppressing the entire immune system, potentially treating autoimmune diseases and cancer. He will receive $500,000 per year for five years to pursue this innovative approach.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a natural stress hormone corticosterone can decrease the fearful response associated with reliving traumatic memories in mice. The study showed that this hormone enhances new memories competing with fearful memories, thereby decreasing their negative emotional significance.
UT Southwestern researchers found that blocking tumor necrosis factor, an inflammatory molecule, reduces dopamine neuron death in rats with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that TNF-dependent inflammation may contribute to the progression of the disease.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that mature muscle fibers, rather than their less-developed neighbors, are the tissues that turn malignant in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This breakthrough provides insight into how the cancer arises and offers a new model for analyzing its genetic causes.
A daily glass of orange juice can boost citrate levels in the urine and reduce crystallization of uric acid and calcium oxalate, two common ingredients in kidney stones. In contrast, lemonade did not increase citrate levels, suggesting that its constituents counteract the beneficial effects of high citrate content.
Researchers created the first 'encyclopedia' of nuclear receptors, revealing their role in regulating reproduction and nutrient metabolism. The study found that certain receptors form networks to control processes such as diet-derived lipid use for energy.
A novel protein, RegIIIgamma, is produced by the intestinal lining to target and destroy bacterial invaders, offering insights into how the intestine maintains friendly relations with symbiotic microbes. The discovery may lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and improved understanding of probiotics.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that the timing of food consumption can activate genes in a specific brain area, including the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. This discovery may help explain why dysfunctional eating patterns contribute to human obesity.
Dr. DeBose-Boyd's work may shed light on heart disease prevention and treatment through his research on HMG CoA reductase enzymes. He is one of five recipients nationwide, supporting groundbreaking research addressing fundamental mechanisms of human disease.
Researchers identified a group of gene mutations that cause 'broken hearts' in fruit flies, which could help identify genes responsible for human heart defects. The study found that mutations in enzymes involved in lipid synthesis play a crucial role in heart formation.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how serotonin regulates appetite, finding that it activates certain neurons and blocks others to curb hunger. The dual effect could lead to the development of safer anti-obesity drugs with fewer harmful side effects.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that giving pregnant women with a history of genital herpes an anti-viral drug significantly lowers the rate of C-sections needed to protect infants from becoming infected. The study, involving 338 women, showed a 69% reduction in clinical herpes simplex virus at delivery.
The study will enroll up to 20,000 patients in North America over two years, testing new saline solutions for trauma patients and a unique airway valve for cardiac arrest. The research aims to improve circulation and oxygenation in critically ill patients.
A multicenter trial of thousands of women found that physicians' judgment plays a crucial role in determining the speed of emergency Cesarean deliveries. The study showed no significant difference in complications between those performed within and outside the 30-minute time limit.
Surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center have recorded some of the most successful patient outcomes nationally for patients with rare and complex type of kidney tumors. The five-year survival rate was among the highest, while one-year survival rate is 78 percent.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified the QseC receptor used by a diarrhea-causing strain of E coli to initiate infection. By using phentolamine, an alpha blocker drug, they successfully impeded signaling to the receptor, blocking bacterial infections.
Xiaodong Wang's groundbreaking discoveries in programmed cell death have provided new directions for cancer treatment, highlighting the balance between cell birth and death. His work has also revealed key proteins like cytochrome c involved in apoptosis.
Researchers at UT Southwestern identified a defect in the Ly108 gene as a cause of immune cells attacking healthy tissues, leading to systemic lupus erythematosus. The study's findings could lead to better diagnostic tests and therapies for human lupus.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that elevated TVs are a significant hazard for children, with 85% of parents unaware of the potential danger. The researchers recommend manufacturers include securement devices and labels on TVs to prevent toppling, as well as public awareness campaigns.
UT Southwestern researchers found that a Yersinia outer protein called YopJ cripples host enzymes, preventing the immune response and allowing the bacteria to survive. The study presents a new paradigm for how cells regulate signaling and could lead to a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions.
Researchers used Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to study cilia function and signaling in human cells. They found that intraflagellar transport (IFT) is necessary for cilia to bind with signaling molecules, enabling response.
Researchers identified a gene mutation linked to autism, revealing physical abnormalities in the brain that mimic some cases of autism. The study found altered nerve cell structure and function, potentially leading to sensory overload.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes have a heightened risk of developing uric-acid stones, likely due to their highly acidic urine. The study suggests that factors associated with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance account for the increased acidity.
Researchers discovered a biochemical reaction controlling how the worm feeds, which may help understand feeding disorders. The study suggests that inappropriate behavioral responses to starvation signals could be the cause of feeding disorders in mammals.
A DNA gene vaccine successfully reduced amyloid-beta 42 protein buildup in the brains of mice with a genetic mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease. The vaccine elicited high levels of antibodies and significantly decreased brain plaques, offering a promising therapeutic option for the disease.
A four-phase study on treatments for depression found that one-third of patients achieved full remission after initial treatment, while nearly 50% became symptom-free after one or two treatments. The study suggests that augmenting a first antidepressant with a second may be effective for some patients.
A new study found that genetic variations lowering LDL cholesterol levels can significantly reduce coronary heart disease risk. People with these variations were eight times less likely to develop heart disease than those without them.
A large-scale study found that successful treatment of mothers with depression leads to significant improvements in their children's mental health, including a 33% higher remission rate for children whose mothers recovered from depressive symptoms. Children of non-remitted mothers showed a 12% increase in depression diagnoses.
A four-year study of over 800 patients with pre-hypertension found that treatment with candesartan cilexetil significantly reduced the risk of developing hypertension. The study suggests that early intervention may be an effective way to prevent the disease's progression.
A study at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that cocaine cravings are linked to brain response, particularly in the mesolimbic dopamine system. Stronger addictions show altered sensitivity to dopamine receptors D1 and D2, which can help understand addiction mechanisms.
A UT Southwestern researchers discovered a hormone-like molecule that aids in the development and reproduction of Caenorhabditis elegans, a common research worm. The molecule, called a ligand, acts like a key fitting into a lock, binding to a nuclear receptor that activates genes allowing the worm to develop normally.