Peripartum cardiomyopathy, a life-threatening heart condition, is revealed to be a vascular disease caused by an imbalance of angiogenic proteins in the heart. The study suggests that proangiogenic therapies may be beneficial treatments for this condition.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a flavonoid compound called rutin as a potential therapeutic agent to prevent the formation of blood clots. Rutin was shown to inhibit thrombosis in an animal model, offering a novel strategy for preventing stroke and heart attack.
A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center finds that heart attack survivors living near highways have a 27% higher risk of death within 10 years compared to those living far away. The risk recedes to 13% for those living between 200-1,000 meters from the roadway.
A study found that more than 80% of bike share riders in Boston and Washington D.C. do not wear helmets, putting them at risk for head injuries. The study suggests helmet use can reduce head injury by up to 88%.
A recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that exercising more and eating less fat were significantly associated with successful weight loss among obese individuals. Meanwhile, the use of popular diets was not linked to weight loss success.
A new study finds a protective gene in fat cells that helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, potentially leading to a new therapeutic strategy for preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. The discovery challenges popular notions of body fat and health.
BIDMC researchers create novel antibodies that distinguish between healthy and disease-causing tau isoforms, raising the possibility of an immunization strategy for early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment. The findings also suggest that targeting only the disease-causing isoform could prevent or slow disease progression.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key molecular player that can reverse kidney damage in mouse models of diabetes and other kidney injuries. The targeted experimental drug has shown to suppress inflammation, cell death, and fibrosis formation, allowing normal tissue to regenerate.
Researchers found exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from vehicle traffic increases the risk of ischemic strokes, even at safe levels. The peak risk occurs 12-14 hours before a stroke, and reducing PM2.5 pollution by 20% could have prevented 6,100 stroke hospitalizations.
Research reveals that AgRP neurons drive feeding behaviors and undergo anatomical changes during fasting, becoming more active and responsive to hunger-promoting stimuli. The study provides insight into the neural mechanisms controlling weight gain and obesity.
The article proposes a more personalized approach to ICD replacement, taking into account each patient's unique circumstances, such as the risk of inappropriate shocks and personal preferences for end-of-life care. A shift in focus towards individualized decision-making could lead to more informed and cost-effective treatment.
A new study finds that pericytes, a group of cells in the tumor microenvironment, play a crucial role in preventing cancer progression and metastasis. Researchers discovered that inhibiting these cells can inadvertently make tumors more aggressive and likely to spread.
A recent study published in Circulation found that the risk of heart attack increases significantly after losing a loved one. The research, led by BIDMC, revealed an elevated risk of heart attack in the first 24 hours (21 times normal) and remained high for at least a month.
A study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients are overwhelmingly interested in accessing their doctors' notes, but doctors are cautious about the impact on their workflow. Patients reported benefits such as improved medication adherence and feeling more in control of their care.
Researchers suggest combining PSA testing with factors like prostate size, weight, and family history to identify aggressive cancers and avoid unnecessary biopsies. This approach could potentially save up to a quarter of men from undergoing biopsies and related risks.
A new electrochemical-stimulation method could potentially aid in helping patients suffering from nerve paralysis and chronic neurological conditions. The device works by manipulating the concentration of charged ions surrounding the nerve, reducing the risk of unwanted muscle contractions.
Researchers found that adding the oral anti-clotting drug rivaroxaban to standard medical treatment for acute coronary syndrome lowered the risk of death, heart attack, or stroke by an average of 16 percent. This improvement in survival rates is comparable to the benefits seen since the introduction of aspirin.
A new treatment called Auditory-Motor Mapping Training (AMMT) has been shown to help nonverbal children with autism develop speech. The study found that children who received AMMT were able to approximate whole words and phrases, with noticeable improvements as early as two weeks into the treatment.
Researchers identified a key mechanism behind diabetes-related cognitive impairment, finding that insulin resistance triggers inflammation leading to cortical atrophy and brain dysfunction. The study provides new insights into the disease's impact on the brain and highlights the importance of managing and preventing diabetes.
A new study identifies PKM2 as a critical enzyme for cancer cell survival under oxidative stress. Researchers found that activating PKM2 can sensitize cancer cells to ROS-induced death, opening up potential therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment. The study suggests that manipulating PKM2 activity could be a way to disrupt tumor growth.
A new study reveals that mTOR plays a key role in the complex signaling process that helps cells know when to grow and when to sit tight. The research found that mTOR turns itself on in a positive feedback loop involving the destruction of DEPTOR, a protein that normally holds it off.
Scientists have uncovered evidence of a powerful new genetic network that drives cancer development and normal growth, involving RNA molecules interacting with each other. The discovery may lead to new therapeutic possibilities by rewiring the crosstalk between RNAs for cancer prevention and therapy.
Physicians Pamela Hartzband and Jerome Groopman warn that the emphasis on 'evidence-based practice' reduces medicine to economics, losing sight of individualized patient care. The new vocabulary devalues clinical judgment and threatens the professionalism of healthcare workers.
A genetically engineered mouse model with tripled Ube3a gene dosage exhibits robust examples of all three traits considered hallmarks of autism: reduced social interaction, impaired communication, and excessive repetitive behaviors. The study provides further clues in understanding brain defects that lead to autism development.
A recent study published in JAMA found that discussing sexuality with doctors can improve quality of life for prostate cancer survivors. Researchers used phone interviews and questionnaires to measure quality of life in over 2,900 men before and after treatment, including surgery, radiation, or brachytherapy. The study revealed that me...
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are receiving $1 million each from the Prostate Cancer Foundation to develop a vaccine that boosts patients' immune systems against prostate cancer. The goal of this treatment is to directly attack prostate-cancer cells and potentially be less expensive and more easily disseminated.
David J. Friedman, MD, a clinician and researcher at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has received a three-year Clinical Scientist Development Award from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. The award will support his research into the genetic factors that lead to kidney disease in African Americans.
A study examining placebo treatments in asthma patients found that they were equally effective as albuterol inhalers in relieving patient-reported symptoms. However, there was no objective impact on lung function, highlighting the subjective nature of the placebo effect.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that specific brain areas orchestrate competition between memories and that transcranial magnetic stimulation can preserve memory by targeting these areas. By applying TMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and primary motor cortex, both memories remained intact.
A study will test a novel therapy to increase bone mass in mice flown in space, which may also provide insights into preventing skeletal fragility among patients on earth. The therapy aims to counteract the effects of microgravity on bones.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that Massachusetts' health care reform law increased overall emergency department visits by 4.1% between 2006 and 2008, but reduced low-severity visits for the uninsured and Medicaid recipients. The authors suggest that limitations on primary care access and low co-payments ma...
A new study found that women participating in a mind/body program for stress reduction while undergoing IVF treatment had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (52%) compared to those who did not participate (20%). The study suggests that psychological distress may be an important detriment to IVF outcome.
A study from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that nearly 3% of Americans using mind-body therapies were referred by a healthcare provider, suggesting a shift towards mainstream acceptance. These patients were sicker and used the healthcare system more than those who self-referenced for MBT.
Physicians suggest that airlines adopt standardized recording systems for in-flight medical emergencies and mandatory reporting to the National Transportation Safety Board. They also recommend enhanced training for flight attendants and standardized communication with ground-to-air medical support.
Ionita Ghiran's novel device uses magnetic levitation and cell phone technology to diagnose malaria outside the laboratory setting. The device is inexpensive, portable, and requires only a drop of finger-prick blood, providing a solution to the lack of suitable methods for malaria diagnosis.
A study found that tai chi significantly improved mood and exercise self-efficacy in chronic heart failure patients without affecting physical differences. Researchers suggest tai chi as a safe alternative to conventional exercise training for improving daily life.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that testosterone therapy does not cause rapid growth of prostate cancer in men with untreated or low-risk prostate cancer. Testosterone treatment was associated with improved symptoms and quality of life, without increasing the risk of cancer progression.
Physicians Arash Mostaghimi and Bradley Crotty warn of the challenges created by social media blurring private and professional lines. They advise regular electronic self-audits and creating dual citizenship with a distinct professional profile.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found that a synthetic form of leptin can restore fertility and reduce the risk of bone fractures in lean women with hypothalamic amenorrhea. The study shows significant improvements in hormone levels, menstrual cycles, and bone density after treatment with metreleptin.
Researchers discover PinX1's role in preventing chromosome instability and cancer initiation. Low levels of PinX1 contribute to cancer development by activating telomerase, a process linked to human cancers with genetic alterations at chromosome 8p23.
Ruhul Abid's groundbreaking research reveals that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a beneficial role in activating eNOS and maintaining coronary vasodilation, challenging the long-held notion of ROS being harmful. The discovery has potential implications for the development of therapeutic modalities for vascular diseases.
A new study reveals that rapamycin can reverse cardiac muscle damage in a mouse model of LEOPARD syndrome, a rare congenital heart disease. The research demonstrates the importance of targeted therapies in managing congenital diseases and offers a potential new treatment option for patients with LEOPARD syndrome.
A recent study found that gastrointestinal bleeding in non-ICU patients is rare, regardless of medication use. The authors conclude that the risks of acid suppressive agents may outweigh the benefits for average hospital inpatients.
A recent study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center researchers found that nonprofit hospice agencies disproportionately care for patients with diagnoses associated with less skilled care and longer lengths of stay. This may lead to financial obstacles in providing appropriate care for the neediest patients.
A new study shows that bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) coupled with physical and occupational therapy significantly improves motor function in stroke patients. The therapy rebalances brain activity on both sides of the brain, enhancing recovery.
Researchers used a novel imaging system to track the movement of near-infrared fluorescent nanoparticles from the lungs into the body and out again. The study found that non-positively charged nanoparticles smaller than 34nm in diameter appeared in lung-draining lymph nodes within 30 minutes.
A team of scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that the Rictor protein plays a key role in destroying a close cousin of the AKT oncogene, SGK1. This finding suggests that faulty regulation of Rictor may play a part in some forms of cancer and could offer new targets for treating the disease.
Researchers mapped histone modifications in fat cells to identify two transcription factors SRF and PLZF involved in fat cell development. The study provides a roadmap for understanding normal fat cell development and has potential implications for metabolic diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that the MDM2 oncogene is regulated by a complex signaling pathway involving enzymes CKI and beta-TRCP1. This finding suggests a 'dimmer switch' control mechanism, which could lead to new drug targets for killing tumors.
Researchers developed a specialized CPOE system to alert doctors to potentially hazardous medications for older hospital inpatients. The system resulted in a significant decrease of 20% in orders for flagged medications, highlighting its potential to reduce adverse drug events and improve care for vulnerable elderly patients.