New research suggests that ADCC responses and strain susceptibility influence HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding. Enhancing ADCC through a vaccine may not be sufficient to prevent transmission due to chronically infected individuals' ADCC-resistant strains.
New research found that 62% of tinted sunscreens have only one shade option, with tone compatibility being the most important criterion. The study suggests that the beauty industry and dermatologic field need to improve diversity and offer more options for tinted sunscreen formulations tailored to people with skin of color.
A new study found that integrating behavioral health into pediatric primary care at federally qualified health centers increases access, timeliness of care, and diagnostic rates of ADHD among diverse children. The model resulted in higher follow-up rates with behavioral health clinicians and reduced polypharmacy.
Researchers urge federal intervention to make naloxone widely available, citing a 30% increase in fatal overdoses from 2019 to 2020. The lack of accessible distribution points and high costs are major barriers to access, with one prescription dispensed for every 70 high-dose opioid prescriptions nationwide.
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, firearm injuries increased significantly in Massachusetts, with a disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic men. The study found that unemployed individuals from these groups were more likely to experience firearm injuries, highlighting the need for targeted violence prevention services.
The CHAMPS program, a multi-year quality improvement initiative in Mississippi, increased breastfeeding rates by 10 percentage points overall, with significant gains among Black mother-baby dyads. Rooming-in practices also improved, leading to reduced infant mortality and morbidity.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center created a new resource to manage long-term heart disease risk after specific pregnancy complications. The review synthesizes recommendations for primary care clinicians to assess and manage risk, focusing on preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm delivery.
A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers shows that Black individuals who were incarcerated have a statistically significant 65% increase in mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic non-Black individuals. This finding highlights the long-term impacts of incarceration on health, particularly among marginalized communities.
A new study has revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on urban, racial, and ethnic minority children aged five to 11 years old. The research found increased rates of depression and anxiety problems among these children compared to before the pandemic, with rates rising from 5 percent to 18 percent.
Pharmacy standing orders led to a significant increase in naloxone dispensing in Massachusetts, but gaps in access persist in rural communities and Hispanic neighborhoods. Communities with higher rates of opioid overdose deaths and buprenorphine treatment also dispensed more naloxone.
A new study at Boston Medical Center found that individuals experiencing unstable housing and homelessness are more likely to be re-infected with SARS-CoV-2 due to increased exposure. Despite having antibodies from the first infection, individuals in unstable housing were still at a higher risk of re-infection.
A new international study found that routine non-contrast computed tomography (CT) screening yielded similar outcomes to advanced imaging modalities like CT perfusion and MRI for eligible stroke patients. The data showed faster times to treatment for patients screened with less-costly, more accessible imaging technologies.
US car crash deaths involving cannabis have doubled between 2000 and 2018, with those also involving alcohol increasing by over 100%. Researchers found a significant link between cannabis use and increased risk of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.
A new study found that infants with high levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against their mother's strain of HIV are less likely to get infected through breastfeeding. The study also showed that ADCC is more effective than neutralizing antibodies in protecting infants against HIV transmission and improving outcomes.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center have identified six stages of engagement in ADHD treatment, highlighting the importance of breaking down barriers for racial and ethnic minority families. The study provides a comprehensive framework that can help healthcare systems better match the needs of children with ADHD and their families.
A new study found that safety-net hospitals in the US continue to separate patients based on their socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity, even after Medicaid expansion. Discharges from these hospitals were higher among Black and Hispanic patients living in higher-poverty zip codes compared to White patients.
A study of 3,758 individuals found that those with diabetes, obesity, rheumatologic disease, or organ transplants had longer positive PCR test results. The median length of time for negative results was 16-22 days in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised groups respectively.
A recent study found that fewer than one in three women aged 64 to 66 met the criteria to discontinue cervical cancer screening. The majority of women in this age group may be at risk for cervical cancer due to inadequate screening or preexisting high-risk conditions.
A new study from Boston Medical Center reveals a significant association between back pain and elevated mortality risk in women. Mild back pain is unlikely to impact life expectancy, but more severe cases are linked to an increased risk of mortality.
Research reveals significant decrease in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) hospital admissions, as well as ruptured aneurysm coiling volume, during the pandemic's peak. Hospitals with higher COVID-19 burden showed decreases in SAH admissions, indicating access to care was not a primary factor.
A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that the implementation of mask-wearing, physical distancing, and school closures significantly decreased rates of common respiratory viral infections like influenza. The analysis showed an approximate 80% reduction in cases compared to similar time periods before these measures...
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that a recuperation unit for COVID-19 patients experiencing homelessness reduced hospitalizations by 28% at Boston Medical Center. The unit provided a safe space for patients to isolate and recover, helping to alleviate strain on hospitals during surge situations.
Massachusetts post-overdose outreach programs have expanded across the state, with 44% of municipalities reporting available programs since 2015. These collaborations between public health and public safety organizations provide critical services like addiction treatment and naloxone to reduce overdose risk.
A national group of pediatric addiction medicine experts developed six principles of care for young adults with substance use disorder, emphasizing compassion, therapeutic optimism, and social justice. The supplement aims to elevate national discussions on addressing these challenges and improve outcomes for this unique population.
A study from Boston Medical Center found that using indicative language when recommending HPV vaccination boosts vaccine acceptance and conversation efficiency while preserving patient satisfaction. This approach resulted in a nine-fold increase in vaccine acceptance and shorter vaccine discussions compared to elective styles.
A national study found significant sex and age-based differences in nonfatal opioid overdoses among youth, with female youth between 11-16 having a higher incidence. The study highlights specific risk factors that could inform targeted interventions to prevent opioid overdoses in adolescents and young adults.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 50% decrease in hospital-wide Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and a 60% reduction in new HCV diagnoses, according to new research. Telemedicine's impact on preventive care, including HCV screening, was a significant contributing factor.
A new study by Boston Medical Center reveals that opioid overdose deaths involving multiple substances are more prevalent among youth than opioid-only deaths. Cocaine and other stimulants were found to be the most common substances involved in these deaths, contributing to a significant increase in rates between 2010 and 2018.
A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers identified the inability to control HIV RNA production from existing HIV DNA as a potential key driver of chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. This finding highlights the need for novel treatments targeting persistent inflammation to improve outcomes.
A new study finds that Hispanic Black individuals have the worst COVID-19 outcomes, including higher hospitalization and death rates, compared to Hispanic multiracial and white individuals. The study highlights the need for more accurate demographic data collection to address these disparities.
A new study reveals racial and socioeconomic disparities in treating patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. Black patients are less likely to receive chemotherapy compared to white patients, despite improved survival rates. Insurance status and education level also impact treatment and survival outcomes.
Scientists successfully created airway basal stem cells in vitro from induced pluripotent stem cells, which may lead to new treatments for airways and lungs damaged by various diseases. The study's findings could also enable the development of disease models and targeted drug approaches.
A new study at Boston Medical Center found that the common treatment bevacizumab for diabetic macular edema is less effective for Black patients compared to white and Hispanic individuals. This disparity underscores the importance of increasing diversity in clinical trials to develop treatments tailored to all patient groups.
A study found that individuals with a previous infection from a different type of coronavirus had less severe COVID-19 symptoms and were more likely to survive. However, this immunity did not prevent them from getting infected with SARS-CoV-2.
The CODA Trial found that antibiotics were not worse than surgery in measuring overall health status, allowing most people to avoid operations in the short term. Patients treated with antibiotics more often returned to the emergency department but missed less time from work and school.
Researchers identified Neurofilament light chain in vitreous humor, a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Higher levels were associated with higher levels of other biomarkers known to be linked to neurodegeneration.
Researchers found that COVID-19 virus invades placenta in cases with and without fetal infection, highlighting its protective role. The study also reveals unique cell surface proteins responsible for viral entry, paving the way for novel prevention and treatment strategies.
A study found that rapid testing for HIV and HCV at drug detoxification centers led to a higher number of positive test results compared to laboratory-based testing. This approach has the potential to improve healthcare access for individuals with substance use disorders, reducing the risk of transmission and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study from Boston Medical Center highlights the benefits of using health technology to engage African American and Black women earlier in preconception care. The online system Gabby increases the rate of maintaining and acting on identified preconception care risks by 16 percent, with results maintained after 12 months.
A new study reveals significant variability in urine sediment test interpretations among nephrologists, emphasizing the need for standardized education and training to improve reliability. This variation can lead to misinterpretation and potential patient harm, necessitating a more standardized approach to diagnose kidney diseases.
The expansion will train 48 fellows in addiction medicine or psychiatry to provide high-quality prevention and treatment services for vulnerable populations. This training aims to address access disparities and stigma, with a focus on community-based care.
A new study finds that providers participating in an intervention with education and resources are more likely to adhere to national chronic opioid therapy guidelines compared to those who do not take part. The intervention includes access to a nurse care manager, addiction specialists, and monitoring of prescription usage.
Patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms showed improved outcomes when administered Interleukin-6 (IL6ri) inhibitors, such as sarilumab or tocilizumab, earlier in the disease course. This reduced mortality rates and the need for intubation, with a higher discharge rate among those treated early.
The Aspen Family Prosperity Innovation Community, supported by a $7 million grant, aims to develop strategies and solutions that remove barriers and accelerate prosperity for low-income families. Boston Medical Center's StreetCred program will incorporate financial coaching as part of its care model.
A study by Boston Medical Center found that 29% of private post-acute care facilities in Massachusetts explicitly discriminated against hospitalized individuals with opioid use disorder, rejecting their referral for admission. The rejections were often due to a substance use disorder diagnosis or treatment with buprenorphine or methadone.
A study at Boston Medical Center found that yoga and physical therapy led to better results for patients with chronic low back pain compared to self-care. Participants who feared exercise or were already taking pain medication showed a larger response to these treatments.
Routine Hepatitis C testing at federally qualified health centers (FQHC) has been shown to improve diagnosis rates and health outcomes for people with HCV infections in the US. This approach is cost-effective compared to targeted testing, resulting in better health outcomes and reduced financial burden.
A new study reveals that value-based incentive programs aimed at reducing health care-associated infections did not improve infection rates in either safety-net or non-safety-net hospitals. Safety-net hospitals continued to experience higher rates of health care-associated infections, highlighting persistent disparities in the healthca...
A multilevel intervention program improved HPV vaccination series initiation and completion rates among adolescent patients. The program educated pediatric and family medicine providers about the importance of HPV vaccines, along with healthcare system changes that started the HPV vaccine series before age 11.
A new program in Boston improves child health by 32 percentage points and reduces anxiety and depression among parents within six months. Coordinated housing services address families' specific needs, leading to better overall health outcomes.