Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center used single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis to study skin cells in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. The study revealed specific fibroblast subtypes play a crucial role in healing these ulcers, suggesting targeting these cells as a potential therapeutic option.
A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that N95 respirators can maintain their function and effectiveness through 25 cycles of re-use using vaporized hydrogen peroxide. The study expands on previous findings, showing a relatively safe method for reprocessing personal protective equipment in future epidemics.
A team of nurse-scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center doubled the hospital's ICU capacity by 93% to care for critically-ill patients. They developed a proning team, redeployed staff, and implemented modifications to hospital rooms to minimize staff exposure to the virus.
A new mRNA vaccine, CV2CoV, has demonstrated a ten-fold higher antibody response and significantly improved protective efficacy against COVID-19 compared to the original CVnCoV. The second-generation vaccine induced antigen-specific memory B cell responses and T cell responses in non-human primates.
A new study suggests that the recommended approach for preventing blood clots after stent placement may not be as beneficial as previously thought. The researchers found that the risks of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may now outweigh its benefits for most patients, due to improvements in stent technology and changes in patient demo...
A new analysis by a researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found a link between large gatherings of unvaccinated county residents and an increase in COVID-19 infections in university communities. The study suggests that vaccinations, surveillance testing, or mitigation measures are essential to reduce the spread of COVID-19...
Researchers compared immune responses elicited by three COVID-19 vaccines over an eight-month follow-up period. The mRNA vaccines showed high peak antibody responses that declined sharply, while the single-shot Ad26 vaccine induced lower initial antibody responses but stable levels over time.
BIDMC researchers found a link between high toxin levels and disease severity in patients with suspected C. difficile infections. The study developed a highly sensitive test to measure toxin concentrations, paving the way for more predictive tests.
A new 12-week mind-body program has been shown to be highly effective in treating chronic back pain, with 64% of participants reporting being completely pain-free after six months. The program, called Psychophysiologic Symptom Relief Therapy (PSRT), addresses underlying stressors and psychological contributors to persistent pain.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that computer-aided detection can improve colonoscopy quality by reducing the miss rate, with a relative reduction of nearly a third when used in conjunction with standard-of-care colonoscopy. The study suggests that artificial intelligence may be an important tool...
Researchers found that over 92% of patients with Alzheimer's disease related dementia met at least one aducanumab trial exclusion criterion, highlighting the need for additional research on high-risk groups. The study suggests that Medicare should restrict coverage for aducanumab to eligible patients only.
Despite their effectiveness in preventing severe symptoms and hospitalization, fewer than 70,000 patients received monoclonal antibody treatments out of over 200 million Americans diagnosed with COVID-19. The low uptake may be attributed to stockpiling, limited distribution, barriers to access, or hesitancy among providers and patients.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified the precise hypothalamic neurons that regulate mating behaviors in mice. The study suggests a general principle about the neurobiology of motivation and sets the stage for developing targeted therapies to offset sexual side effects linked to antidepressants.
A systematic review of federally funded cardiovascular disease trials found that most failed to recruit adequate numbers of Black participants. Despite efforts to improve diversity, enrollment rates have not changed over time, with nearly a quarter of trials not specifying a target percentage of Black enrollees.
The study found that transgender patients taking gender-affirming hormone therapy should be monitored for changes in body weight and BMI. Transmasculine individuals experienced significant weight gain within two to four months of starting hormone therapy, while transfeminine individuals saw weight gain beyond 12 months.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older patients with multiple chronic conditions who read their visit notes reported better understanding their medications and taking them as prescribed. Reading notes also helped these patients feel more in control of their care.
A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has identified a molecular switch called Them1 that prevents fat burning in cells by blocking access to fuel sources. This discovery may contribute to the development of a new type of obesity treatment.
Researchers used genetically engineered mice to study the AgRP hunger neurons, finding that fasting activates these cells, while food cues inhibit their activity. The team discovered that the aversive feeling caused by hunger enhances learning, making dieting difficult due to this persistent sensation.
Researchers identified a subset of localized prostate cancers that exhibit characteristics typical of 'hot' tumors, which may respond to immunotherapies. The study found that about a quarter of high-risk prostate cancers have these immunologic traits, suggesting a substantial number of patients may benefit from immunotherapy.
Researchers model the impact of implementing blood pressure control programs at barbershops nationwide, finding that such programs could reach one in three Black men with uncontrolled blood pressure. These community-based interventions would avert 8,600 major cardiovascular events annually, including 1,800 heart attacks and 5,500 strokes.
A study found that nearly half of patients with gynecologic cancer experience financial toxicity, which can lead to worsening health outcomes. Younger patients are at a higher risk due to limited financial safety nets and ability to work.
Researchers found that a single-shot COVID-19 vaccine generated strong immune responses against all SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study suggests non-neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses may contribute to protection against COVID-19, particularly in regions with variant prevalence.
A study published in Nature Metabolism found that specific proteins in the blood can predict an individual's trainability and response to exercise. The researchers identified 147 proteins related to cardiorespiratory fitness, which improved their ability to predict an individual's change in VO2max.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a diet proven to lower elevated blood pressure, known as the DASH diet, reduces inflammation and heart injury. The findings also showed that a low-sodium diet can improve cardiovascular risk factors in a relatively short time period.
A new study characterized heart disease and cerebrovascular deaths by race and ethnicity during the US COVID-19 pandemic, revealing that Black, Hispanic and Asian populations experienced significantly higher relative increases in heart disease deaths, with a 19% rise compared to non-Hispanic whites. The study suggests that disruptions ...
A large study of over 160,000 Medicare patients found no statistically significant difference in mortality between those treated with drug-coated and non-drug-coated peripheral devices. The research aimed to address concerns raised by a previous analysis and provides new insights into the safety of these devices.
A study published in JAMA Health Forum found that nonfatal opioid overdose visits have more than doubled during the pandemic, while few patients who overdosed on opioids had received a prescription for naloxone. The number of individuals filling naloxone prescriptions fell by over 25% throughout the pandemic.
A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines triggered immune responses in pregnant and lactating women, with maternal antibodies transferred to infant cord blood and breast milk. This suggests that vaccinating pregnant mothers may protect infants from COVID-19 infection.
Researchers are exploring the potential of individual immunomes to provide unprecedented insight into health. By analyzing antibodies and T-cell receptors, scientists can identify patterns and develop a near-universal blood test. This could lead to targeted therapies for various conditions, revolutionizing personalized medicine.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have successfully created 3D organoid models of the human pancreas from human stem cells, including both acinar and ductal structures. The new platform could lead to the discovery of markers for early diagnosis and monitoring of pancreatic cancer.
A new study found that while COVID-19 mother-to-newborn transmission is rare, socially vulnerable mothers' worsening illness increases the risk of preterm birth and related health complications. Newborns tested positive at a rate five times higher than others
A study found that gender-affirming hormone therapy can lead to changes in blood pressure among transgender men and women, with an average decrease in systolic blood pressure for women and increase for men. The study highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure and preventive measures in this patient population.
New studies show a similar association between ambient air pollution and worse COVID-19 outcomes, with long-term exposure linked to increased risk of infection and death. The pandemic has highlighted the need for stricter air quality standards and improved respiratory health worldwide.
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shares five key lessons on health equity from its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, including obtaining reliable patient data and addressing structural inequalities. The health system's approach aims to reach marginalized communities with trust-building strategies.
A new study found that participants with moderate to severe IBS who received an open-label placebo reported clinically meaningful improvements in symptoms, similar to those receiving a double-blind placebo. The study suggests the placebo effect can be harnessed without deception.
Researchers found persistent racial disparities in diabetes and high blood pressure-related mortality in rural areas, despite improvements in urban areas. Targeted public health and policy efforts are needed to address structural inequities contributing to these disparities.
A study conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that COVID-19 cases resulted in significantly more hospitalizations, mechanical ventilation, and mortality rates than influenza cases, highlighting the severity of COVID-19 on patients and hospitals.
BIDMC researchers developed a Business Risk Index based on anonymized cell-phone data to quantify potential COVID-19 transmission risk in establishments. The index accounted for foot traffic density and visit length, providing a more precise description of human interactions and risk.
A statewide study in Massachusetts public schools found no significant difference in COVID-19 case rates between districts with 3-foot versus 6-foot physical distancing policies with universal mask mandates. The study suggests that lower physical distancing policies can be adopted without negatively impacting student or staff safety.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a mathematical model to assess the clinical sensitivity of various COVID-19 test kits. The study found significant variations in test accuracy, with some assays missing up to 60% of positive cases.
Researchers discovered a single blood protein associated with increased risk of post-operative delirium. The finding paves the way for a non-invasive test to guide prediction, diagnosis and monitoring of delirium.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that ECMO therapy reduced mortality by 45% among critically ill COVID-19 patients. The analysis of over 5,000 patients revealed that those treated with ECMO had better odds of survival than those who were not treated.
Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic combination for renal cell carcinoma, utilizing ACE2 expression analysis. The study found that higher ACE2 expression correlates with better overall survival in patients with RCC.
A new study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center finds that COVID-19 has led to a significant increase in cardiac deaths in the US, with a 11% rise in ischemic heart diseases and a 17% rise in hypertensive diseases compared to the previous year
Researchers at BIDMC identified the role of antibodies and T cells in protecting against COVID-19, finding that low antibody levels can still provide protection when combined with a strong T cell response. The study's findings have important implications for vaccine development and public health strategies.
New research by BIDMC sheds light on genetic risk factors that make individuals more or less susceptible to severe COVID-19. The study identifies two regions of the human genome linked to disease severity and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced US healthcare organizations to adapt rapidly, with hospitals facing shortages and evolving patient flow systems. Complexity science offers strategies for better response and anticipation, including engaging diverse perspectives in leadership teams, using new metrics that reflect complex healthcare syste...
A new review article reveals that COVID-19 mortality rates are significantly higher among men than women, with sex-based physiological differences potentially contributing to the increased risk. The study highlights the importance of considering sex as a key variable in research related to immunity and infectious disease.
Researchers found that a hybrid strategy combining electronic medical records with postal mailings is more effective than traditional methods in recruiting diverse participant populations. This approach increased participation among underrepresented groups, including Black participants and women, while being cost-effective.
A COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been shown to prevent severe clinical disease in animals, including weight loss, pneumonia, and death. The vaccine elicited a robust immune response and protected non-human primates and Syrian golden hamsters against SARS-CoV-2.