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UT Southwestern Medical Center


Researchers closer to defining function of two proteins involved in neurotransmitter release

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made significant progress in understanding the function of two proteins involved in neurotransmitter release. The study found that RIM1a is essential for long-term plasticity, a process critical for learning and memory. This breakthrough has broad implications for the development of dr...

Researchers find that sustained-release fluoride significantly reduces risk for vertebral fractures

A 42-month study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that sustained-release sodium fluoride safely reduces the risk for vertebral fractures and increases spinal bone mass in older women with osteoporosis. The treatment combination also reduced bone resorption when adequate calcium and vitamin D were provided.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 24, 2001

Physical examination findings are important in predicting outcomes in heart failure, researchers report

Researchers found that patients with either a third heart sound or elevated jugular venous pressure were more likely to have progressive heart failure and subsequent hospital visits due to heart failure. The study highlights the importance of physical examinations in predicting outcomes for heart failure patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2001

UT Southwestern researchers find automated external defibrilators are safe and effective aboard airplanes

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can save the lives of sudden cardiac arrest victims aboard aircraft, with a survival rate of 40% in a two-year study. The smaller, automated device requires less training to use safely and is approved for airline use.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 25, 2000

Brain cell damage underlying Gulf War syndrome causes abnormal brain dopamine production, study shows

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a strong link between brain cell loss in Gulf War veterans and abnormal over-production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter chemical important in degenerative brain diseases. The study suggests that the brain damage may be having a real effect on these veterans' brain function.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateSep 13, 2000

85 percent of depressed patients improve when treated with both medication and psychotherapy, study finds

A national study found that 85% of chronically depressed patients improved after three months of treatment combining antidepressant Serzone with Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP). The combination therapy was more effective than either medication or psychotherapy alone for treating chronic depression.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 17, 2000

UT Southwestern researchers recommend very high fiber diet for type II diabetics

A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a high-fiber diet can lower blood glucose levels and decrease insulin levels in patients with type II diabetes. Patients who consumed 50 grams of fiber per day showed a 10% reduction in glucose levels, compared to the recommended 24 grams of fiber per day.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 10, 2000

Too much fat in heart cells can cause heart failure, researchers find diabetes drug may help

A study of genetically obese rats revealed that an overabundance of fat can collect in heart cells and cause them to die, leading to heart failure. The researchers found that a diabetes drug prevents this damage by oxidizing the fat so it burns up rather than accumulating and causing heart-cell death.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2000

PSA level predicts future prostate growth

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that higher PSA levels are associated with faster prostate growth, allowing doctors to predict and potentially slow growth through treatment. This study provides critical information for planning a treatment, emphasizing the importance of annual PSA tests for men over age 50.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateFeb 10, 2000