Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that higher sodium intake increases lightheadedness in the DASH-Sodium trial, challenging traditional guidelines. The study's findings suggest that concerns about reducing sodium causing lightheadedness may not be scientifically based.
Researchers found that patients with high functional status and lower frailty scores before valve replacement fared best after the procedure. After SAVR, three-quarters of patients experienced functional improvement, while among those who underwent TAVR, only 37% saw an improvement in functional status.
Schizophrenia's negative symptoms, including loss of motivation and social communication, are linked to a breakdown in brain network connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum. Non-invasive brain stimulation restored this network's function, improving symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
A new study describes a novel approach to suppressing chemotherapy-induced tumor growth and recurrence in ovarian cancer. Researchers developed an anti-inflammatory drug called PTUPB that blocks the release of tumor-promoting chemicals by macrophages.
Researchers analyzed over 185,000 hospitalizations for homeless individuals and 32 million for non-homeless individuals between 2007 and 2013. The study found that more than 50% of hospitalizations among homeless individuals were related to mental illness and substance use disorder, differing starkly from non-homeless individuals.
A large-scale study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology found that the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program may be associated with an increase in patient-level mortality. The researchers evaluated trends in mortality among Medicare patients hospitalized for heart failure, a hear...
A UK-wide survey found that GPs are skeptical about AI's impact on their profession, with many believing technology can't replace empathic care. However, some GPs think AI can handle administrative tasks efficiently.
A study published in BRAIN journal used a brain wiring diagram to reconcile inconsistent neuroimaging findings for Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that all 26 studies reported abnormalities within the same connected brain network, improving reproducibility and understanding of the disease.
A phase I/II trial found that combining nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine significantly improved survival rates even among patients with reduced health status. The study's results suggest alternative treatment options for patients typically underrepresented in clinical trials.
A study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that mice infected with H. pylori bacteria and lacking claudin 18 developed precancerous cells and polyps. The loss of claudin 18 alone was enough to prompt precancerous cell development, indicating a new strategy to inhibit gastric cancer progression.
A large international study confirms measuring bone microarchitecture with new imaging technology accurately predicts risk of fracture in older women and men. The study found that deficits in bone density and structure contribute to fracture risk independently of bone mineral density.
A study of moderately dysplastic moles found that patients who received close observation did not develop melanoma at the site of the excised mole, but had a higher risk of developing melanoma at a separate site. The findings suggest that dysplastic moles are not precursors to melanoma, but rather a risk factor.
A new AR device enables surgeons to interactively explore 3D cardiac data in real-time, reducing the risk of infection and improving patient care. The technology has shown exciting potential for guiding treatment and improving treatment outcomes.
Recent studies use non-invasive brain stimulation to investigate the neurobiology underlying implicit biases, revealing potential for behavioral interventions to reduce stereotyping. The technique has shown promise in modulating brain activity linked to social behaviors and attitudes.
Scientists have discovered that a specific region of the brain, known as the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO), plays a crucial role in regulating sleep and body temperature. Activating these cells causes a profound drive to sleep, while excessive stimulation can lead to prolonged sleep and a drop in body temperature.
A new study published in Nature demonstrates that administering broadly neutralizing antibodies and immune-stimulating agents can delay viral rebound following ART discontinuation in monkeys. This two-pronged approach represents a potential strategy to target the latent reservoir, rendering infected cells more susceptible to elimination.
A study published in PNAS identifies two distinct brain networks involved in the perception of free will: the anterior cingulate cortex for volition and the precuneus cortex for agency. These findings suggest that damage to these regions can lead to impaired motivation and sensation of ownership over movements.
Scientists introduce a new model of causality that moves away from a temporally linear relationship between cause and effect. This new approach defines causality independently from time and allows for mutual or two-way causation.
A recent study published in Critical Care Medicine found that Massachusetts' ICU nurse staffing regulations were not associated with improved patient outcomes. Despite modest increases in nurse staffing ratios, patient mortality and complication rates remained stable after the law's implementation.
Pericytes, supporting blood vessels, may trigger tumor cell resistance to therapy by releasing molecules. Targeting these factors could represent a novel approach for aggressive tumors resistant to conventional treatments.
A multidisciplinary group of leaders has established a consensus-driven research agenda to create a path forward for health care organizations. The 'do now' recommendations include broadening organizational approach to harm, involving patients and families in solutions, and establishing patient liaison initiatives.
A multidisciplinary research team found a form of vitamin B3 has the potential to prevent acute kidney injury by boosting NAD+ levels in high-risk patients. The study suggests a non-invasive test and therapy for patients at risk for acute kidney injury.
A blood test using a protein called KIM-1 can detect kidney cancer up to five years prior to clinical diagnosis. Elevated KIM-1 concentrations in the blood are associated with poorer survival rates in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma.
Researchers have discovered synergy between colistin and other antibiotics, offering hope for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. Combination therapy may allow clinicians to use lower effective doses of antibiotics, reducing toxicities and slowing antibiotic resistance development.
Researchers discovered a previously unrecognized mechanism by which arsenic trioxide and all-trans retinoic acid work together to destroy Pin1, a unique enzyme that activates over 40 cancer-driving proteins. This finding suggests novel strategies to treat common cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer.
Researchers at BIDMC have shown that altering brown fat tissue can significantly impact skeletal muscle function, leading to reduced exercise performance. The findings suggest that myostatin, a hormone normally silenced in brown adipose tissue, plays a crucial role in regulating muscle function.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified depression, back pain, and previous drug use as significant risk factors for prolonged opioid use after surgery or trauma. Effective pain management strategies with a lower risk of prolonged opioid use can help physicians mitigate this issue.
A new study reveals that hospitals have limited control over late readmissions, which are often caused by patient access issues and end-of-life concerns. The findings suggest a need for improved coordination between hospitals and outpatient clinics to prevent readmissions.
A new study reveals that patients and families are often uncomfortable speaking up about care concerns in ICU settings, with hesitation being the most common reason. The findings highlight the need for explicit support to enable patients and families to voice their concerns, leading to improved patient safety.
Scientists led by George C. Tsokos discover that inhibiting CaMK4 can prevent podocyte damage in lupus-prone mice, reversing classical dogma on inflammation causing kidney damage. The finding opens doors to potential new therapies for autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases impacting the kidneys.
A new HIV vaccine candidate has triggered desired immune responses in humans and monkeys, demonstrating robust protection against infection. The 'mosaic' vaccine contains a patchwork of genetic sequences found among various HIV strains, providing broad protection against the many strains prevalent worldwide.
Researchers found that consuming savory umami-rich broths can cause subtle changes in the brain that promote healthy eating behaviors. The study used laboratory tools to detect changes in brain activity while participants made food choices, and found that the broth reduced saturated fat intake in those at higher risk of obesity.
A recent study found that antibiotic susceptibility assays may yield unreliable results due to variations in inoculum levels. The findings suggest that clinical microbiology laboratories must adhere closely to standardized methods and target inoculum levels to obtain accurate testing results.
Researchers at BIDMC developed the BE3A score to predict improvement in liver function after DAA therapy for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The online scoring system assesses 5 baseline factors to provide a shared decision-making tool for physicians and patients.
Researchers developed a means of tracking retinal neuron activity as it delivers visual information to the thalamus, revealing organized clusters and shared sensitivities among different types of neurons. This finding suggests the retina's version of Pointillism, where nearby dots fuse together to create diverse colors.
Adults with orthostatic hypotension may have undiagnosed cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The research found that OH was associated with all measures of subclinical cardiovascular disease and predicted future clinical CVD events.
A group of national leaders in quality and safety have developed a consensus statement to embrace an expanded definition of patient harm that includes non-physical harm. The document provides six high-level recommendations for health care organizations to engage in the practice of respect, aiming to improve the patient-family experience.
A new decision-making tool called the BE3A score assesses 5 factors to predict improvement in liver function for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The scoring system will aid physicians in shared decision-making about HCV treatment, particularly for those awaiting liver transplantation.
A systematic review of 4,600 clinical trials found that nearly any type of exercise can improve cognitive performance, particularly mental processing speed. Consistent exercise over a longer period may be needed for improved cognition in older adults.
A survey of interventional cardiologists found that two-thirds avoided performing potentially lifesaving procedures due to concerns about public reporting. Physicians reported being pressured by colleagues to avoid procedures, even if they were preferred for the patient's condition.
A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children living close to major roadways had nearly three times the odds of pediatric asthma compared to those who lived farther away. The researchers also discovered a stronger link between lifetime pollution and asthma among school-age girls.
A novel technique integrates CRISPR technology with big data mining to identify functional roles of lncRNAs in chemotherapy resistance. The approach identified hundreds of new genetic units impacting sensitivity to chemotherapy, providing potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
Studies found that a specific brain circuit regulates daily aggression patterns, which can be controlled to minimize evening-time agitation common in dementia patients. By manipulating this circuit, researchers aim to develop new treatments for managing sundowning syndrome.
A new Consensus Statement provides 16 recommendations to improve safe opioid use in non-cancer hospitalized patients with acute pain. The guidelines emphasize limiting opioid use, using lowest effective doses and immediate-release formulations, and educating patients about non-opioid alternatives.
A new study found that relaxation response training can help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients by altering gene expression. The study identified key genes linked to immune regulation, metabolism, and circadian rhythm as critical for blood pressure reduction.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that hospital quality report cards and readmission penalties may not tell the whole story. The research revealed that when non-Medicare patients and unreported conditions are taken into account, half of hospitals would be subject to a change in their financial penalty status.
A large-scale study found that higher spending on heart attack care was associated with a modest reduction in patient mortality. Researchers analyzed over 640,000 hospitalizations involving patients 65 years or older hospitalized for heart attack between July 2011 and June 2014.
A study published in JAMA found that patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) are at increased risk of stroke after non-cardiac surgery. The researchers analyzed data from over 150,000 patients and found that approximately 3.2% of those with a PFO experienced a stroke within 30 days, compared to 0.5% without one.
A new study published in The BMJ suggests that the duration of opioid treatment is a more potent predictor of abuse and overdose than dosage among patients with no history of recent or chronic opioid use. Longer treatment spells increase the risk of dependence, abuse, or overdose by up to 20% each additional week.
Researchers at BIDMC found that high-fat diets can drive metastasis in prostate cancer by suppressing tumor suppressor genes. They identified a key environmental factor driving this process and discovered a potential drug to block it.