Researchers identified a genetic mechanism that permanently shuts down crucial genes in healthy immune system cells, which could be used to target cancer and infection treatments. The discovery was made in normal blood samples and found in a quarter of leukemia samples, highlighting the potential for this mutation as a therapeutic target.
A new HPV vaccine has shown near 100 percent efficacy in preventing the two types of human papillomavirus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine targets HPV types 16 and 18, causing about 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer.
A study by USF researchers debunks the theory that older women can generate new eggs, challenging a controversial finding made by Harvard scientist Jonathan Tilly. The researchers found no evidence of egg stem cells in ovarian cells biopsied from 12 women between 28 and 53 years old.
The study demonstrates that MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an effective option for treating uterine fibroids, offering rapid and sustained relief from symptoms. The treatment has a reduced need for alternative, invasive treatments in the future.
Janet Rossant and Anne McLaren receive March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for their pioneering work on mammalian reproduction and development using the mouse model. Their research has significantly advanced understanding of birth defects, genetic predispositions, and reproductive technology.
Researchers found that treating expectant mothers with 17 Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone caproate reduces short-term and lifetime medical costs in offspring by an estimated $2 billion annually. This could lead to significant cost savings for the US healthcare system, making it a promising preventive measure against preterm births.
A new UCSF study predicts a woman's chance of undergoing a hysterectomy based on symptoms and medical history. The study found that women with a combination of symptoms, lack of symptom resolution, and previous GNRH agonist use are more likely to undergo the procedure.
A new study found that pregnant women who gain excessive or adequate weight are four times more likely to have an overweight child. The study suggests reevaluating current pregnancy weight guidelines, as excessive weight gain during pregnancy can influence child health and increase the risk of obesity.
A one-visit screening technique for cervical cancer shows safety, acceptability, and feasibility in Ghana. The single-visit procedure involves applying acetic acid to detect precancerous areas, followed by cryotherapy to eliminate abnormalities.
A 5-year study found that giving nitroglycerin to mothers in preterm labor led to significant improvement in their baby's health, especially those born between 24-28 weeks. This therapy resulted in cost savings and longer-term health benefits for premature babies.
A low-tech operation called symphysiotomy, performed under local anesthesia, can increase the size of the pelvic outlet and permit vaginal delivery of the baby. This procedure has been largely abandoned in developed countries due to its simplicity and effectiveness in addressing maternal mortality in Africa.
Researchers have identified a vital protein, PAWP, essential to human reproduction and fertilization. The study suggests that regulating this protein may increase the chances of pregnancy by enhancing fertility.
Preeclampsia researchers found specific proteins in placentas that damage maternal blood vessels, including plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and soluble Flt-1. Microparticles from the placenta contain high levels of a mysterious protein with unknown function.
Researchers at Yale University developed a new procedure to estimate individual embryo reproductive potential, potentially reducing multiple births. The method uses proton NMR spectroscopy to analyze metabolic profiles of embryos, correlating with pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered four genetic variants associated with spontaneous preterm birth in Hispanic women. The study found that mothers carrying these polymorphisms were significantly more likely to experience preterm birth. Notably, the ENPP1 variant was linked to the highest risk of preterm birth.
Researchers found a potential biomarker for preeclampsia in elevated autoantibodies, associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The study suggests these autoantibodies may also be related to high blood pressure and inflammation.
A team of researchers has identified more than 70 markers unique to ovarian tumor blood vessels, which could lead to new screening and treatment tools. The finding suggests that these markers may be a sign of an aggressive tumor and could help inform treatment decisions.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that BPA alters the expression of key developmental genes necessary for uterine development, potentially leading to infertility in females. The study used pregnant female mice exposed to varying doses of BPA, revealing a link between BPA exposure and fertility defects.
Pregnant women over 40 years old are at higher risk of stillbirth due to various pregnancy complications. Fetal testing at 38 weeks gestation is most effective in reducing stillbirth rates among older women.
Researchers at Yale University discovered a potential reversible cause of first-degree fetal heart block, which impairs the heart's electrical signaling. The PRIDE study found that early treatment with dexamethasone can reverse the condition, but it can progress rapidly to irreversible third-degree block.
Research shows African American mothers are 3 times more likely to deliver prematurely at 20-34 weeks and almost 4 times more likely to deliver extremely prematurely. Repeating premature births also occur at a significantly higher rate among African American women compared to Caucasian mothers.
Researchers found African-American women are three times more likely to deliver prematurely and nearly five times more likely to experience recurrent preterm births. The study analyzed data from Missouri birth statistics between 1989 and 1997, adjusting for socioeconomic factors.
Researchers at Yale University developed a novel method to detect abnormal proteins in amniotic fluid, indicating a higher risk of delivering prematurely. The study found that these proteins are associated with inflammation and infection, allowing for earlier detection and treatment of neonatal infections.
Researchers used 3-D ultrasound to measure fetal adrenal gland size, identifying a preterm risk of delivery within five days. This method has the potential to assist clinicians in devising better therapeutic and preventive interventions for preterm birth.
A study found a strong connection between muscle damage during vaginal deliveries and pelvic organ prolapse, which causes the uterus, bladder, or bowel to fall down. The research suggests that preventing these injuries can help reduce the rate of pelvic organ prolapse.
Research at Yale University reveals estrogen regulates brain energy metabolism similarly to leptin, leading to a promising avenue for addressing obesity in those resistant to leptin. The study's findings suggest that estrogen may suppress appetite using independent pathways from leptin, making it a potential target for weight management.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals that nearly half of young pregnant women are unaware of the safety and effectiveness of modern intrauterine devices (IUD). The study suggests that counseling about IUDs could help these women make informed decisions about contraception.
Researchers demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of continuous-use oral contraceptives eliminating menstrual cycles in a study published in Contraception. Healthy women between 18-49 years old showed significant relief from menstrual cycle symptoms without breaks or placebos.
A new study reveals that a specific set of symptoms and their frequency/duration can distinguish early ovarian cancer from other causes, making it a potential rapid and cost-effective screening tool. The symptom index was found to be 57% sensitive for early disease and 80% sensitive for advanced cancer.
A University of Rochester study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology journal found that low doses of mifepristone shrink uterine fibroid tumors and greatly improve the quality of life in women who suffer from pain and heavy bleeding. The treatment resulted in a 135% improvement in quality of life for women taking mifepristone compare...
A recent Danish study highlights the risks of postpartum psychiatric episodes, emphasizing the need for effective screening, education, and treatment. The US has not prioritized postpartum illness as a major public health concern until recently, but efforts are underway to implement universal screening programs.
A study at the University at Buffalo found that synthetic cannabinoid AM-1346 can improve fertility in male smokers with poor semen quality, doubling fertilizing capacity. Researchers believe a communication imbalance between cannabinoid and cholinergic receptor systems may be responsible for nicotine-induced infertility.
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 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.
Researchers at Yale University found that competitive female cyclists have reduced genital sensitivity. No negative effects were observed on sexual function or quality of life in the study's young, healthy participants.
Ghrelin, a stomach hormone, induces food intake by signaling in the brain's reward circuitry, controlling craving behavior. Blocking ghrelin may suppress feeding and seeking out food or energy.
Researchers found that maintenance treatment with escitalopram reduced recurrent depression in patients with major depressive disorder by 38%. Long-term use of the medication also showed safety and tolerance.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating gum disease during pregnancy does not improve pregnancy outcomes, but is safe for pregnant women. Further research is needed to develop more specific treatment guidelines for pregnant women with periodontitis.
A new study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that midtrimester amniocentesis is associated with a lower risk of miscarriage than previously reported, with a rate of approximately 1 in 1,600 pregnancies. The study refutes the typically quoted 0.5% pregnancy loss rate and suggests it may be even lower than 0.1%.
SAGE Publications will begin publishing Reproductive Sciences on behalf of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation (SGI), advancing knowledge in reproductive biology. The journal, formerly known as the Journal of SGI, has an impact factor of 2.887 and is ranked 8th among obstetrics and gynecology journals.
A new study found that low doses of sertraline taken before the onset of menstruation may be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome. Researchers also tested two other dosing strategies, including daily medication throughout the menstrual cycle and symptom-onset dosing.
Over 3 million women in poor countries have unrepaired vesicovaginal fistulas, with 130,000 new cases developing annually in African nations. Specialist fistula repair centers are urgently needed to address this devastating complication of pregnancy.
African-American women with advanced/recurrent endometrial cancer had worse disease presentation and lower survival rates compared to Caucasian women. After controlling for clinical features and treatment, African-Americans survived significantly fewer months, suggesting socioeconomic and cultural factors may influence disease outcome.
A Queen's University study suggests administering low doses of carbon monoxide to pregnant women may help prevent the potentially damaging effects of pre-eclampsia, a condition affecting five to seven per cent of pregnancies. The research found that carbon monoxide may relax blood vessels and prevent cell death in the placenta.
A study found that medical interns frequently work beyond mandated limits, with rates of injury increasing with extended hours and fatigue. The most common contributing factor to percutaneous injuries was a lapse in concentration, followed by fatigue.
Researchers found that both amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) carry a low risk of miscarriage. While CVS was initially believed to have a higher rate of miscarriage, the study revealed that this risk decreased over time.
A recent study found that Florida medical students are discouraged from pursuing obstetrics and gynecology careers due to high malpractice premiums and liability concerns. The survey results suggest a significant shortage of specialists in the field, with many students considering leaving the state to practice.
A recent Italian school study found high rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), with prevalence rates three times higher than previously estimated for Western Europe. The study used active surveillance to identify children with growth and behavioral problems, revealing a significant associati...
Researchers compared two commonly used antidepressants, nortriptyline and sertraline, to determine their effectiveness in treating postpartum depression. The study found that both drugs were effective in reducing depressive symptoms, with no significant differences in response rates or side effects.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that managing early pregnancy failures in an office setting is an acceptable option for many women, with lower costs and longer procedures compared to operating room procedures. Women opted for the office procedure reported higher pain levels but no major complications.
Regular screening of new mothers is crucial to identify women who develop symptoms of postpartum depression throughout the year. Medication, talk therapy, and support groups are effective treatments for this condition.
The number of women in leadership roles in research studies has increased fivefold since 1970, but they remain underrepresented among medical science investigators. Women are entering the medical profession at the same rate as men, yet few studies and editorials are authored by them.
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.
A new study has found that gabapentin is as effective as estrogen in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The medication was tested against estrogen and a placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial over 12 weeks, with significant reductions in symptom severity reported.
The University of Pittsburgh-affiliated Magee-Womens Research Institute has been selected to lead international HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts. The institute will focus on developing microbicides to prevent HIV transmission, particularly among women and their partners.
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.
A national study found that violence from male partners increases the risk of serious health complications during pregnancy and birth. Abused women were more likely to experience high blood pressure, premature delivery, and low birth weight, posing grave health risks to newborns.
Researchers have identified a potential biomarker for autism in placentas of children born with the condition, indicating that an unusual placental abnormality may be present from birth. This finding suggests that the ideal time for autism diagnosis could be at birth, prior to age one.
A study of 886 women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations found that prophylactic surgery reduced ovarian cancer incidence by 89% and breast cancer incidence by 47%. The results differ for BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, highlighting the need for tailored risk-reduction strategies.
Researchers have identified a protein associated with severe preeclampsia, which is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Endoglin acts together with sFlt1 to amplify vascular damage, leading to high blood pressure, edema, and other symptoms.