A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers suggests that HIV RNA expression inhibitors can diminish atypical inflammation and restore immune function in HIV-infected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Chronic viral infection leads to immune activation, causing non-AIDS complications such as cardi...
Genital warts may increase the risk of HIV transmission if left untreated. Researchers found a higher density of HIV-target cells on anogenital warts, suggesting these lesions can be highly susceptible to infection.
Jesse Mez will examine clinical, radiologic, and neuropathologic markers of Alzheimer's disease in Framingham Heart Study participants to test the hypothesis that TBI and military service independently and jointly contribute to its development. The study aims to identify risk factors beyond genetics and lifestyle choices.
Terence M. Keane, a BU School of Medicine professor, received the Presidential Award from the American Psychological Association for his outstanding work in trauma psychology and post-traumatic stress disorder research. He is a national leader in the field and has published over 300 articles on assessment and treatment.
Researchers have discovered new genes that may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease, a complex condition characterized by neurodegeneration and memory decline. The study identified rare variations in genes associated with an inflammatory response and changes in protein production.
A new study reveals that women Veterans with fibromyalgia have high rates of childhood abuse history, which is linked to military sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Screening for childhood abuse may enhance treatment for these patients.
Advanced inflamed vascular plaques associated with progressive liver disease, supporting systemic effects of chronic unresolved inflammation. Researchers test oral delivery of omega-3 fatty acids to treat inflammation without unwanted side effects.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine aim to develop strategies to decrease persistent HIV RNA expression and inflammation, driving disease pathogenesis in older individuals living with HIV. Chronic inflammation is a major concern in HIV-infected patients, particularly as they age.
A new study found that VA healthcare utilization is influenced by external factors like unemployment, Medicaid eligibility, and housing costs. The study used VA data to analyze the impact of these factors on healthcare use among over 8 million Veterans between 2008-2014.
A new study finds contact sports associated with an increased risk of Lewy Body Disease (LBD), which can cause Parkinson's disease and dementia. LBD was linked to problems with movement, cognition, depression, sleep, and visual hallucinations, independent of CTE pathology.
Resident physicians' home visits improve assessment of patient needs and effectiveness of discharge plans, highlighting the importance of community services and individualized care. The study aimed to teach residents how to develop comprehensive discharge plans with community agencies and resources.
A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use found that approximately 40% of adult drinkers in the US exceed safe consumption levels. The research identifies factors associated with starting or stopping excessive drinking, including younger age, social status, and health conditions.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified c-Cbl as a potential target protein in colon cancer. High levels of c-Cbl were found to be associated with longer patient survival rates.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Medical Association suggests that residential segregation is independently linked with racial disparities in firearm homicides, even when controlling for other inequalities. States with greater residential segregation have higher racial disparities in firearm homicide fatalities.
Recent studies suggest a potential relationship between air pollution and infertility, menstrual irregularity, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis. Researchers emphasize the need for further exploration of these findings to support policy guidelines on air pollution and human health.
Researchers recommend that physicians assess lethality and readiness to change, as well as comorbid medical conditions. They should refer perpetrators to trained therapists and offer education on IPV's negative impact on victims and abusers. Regular follow-up is also necessary to support behavior change.
Researchers are investigating the relationship between obesity-induced changes in fat tissue metabolism and vascular disease. The study aims to characterize the role of protein FSP27 in the pathogenesis of obesity-related vascular disease.
Boston University researchers identified risks associated with various cultural practices, including acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. Dermatologists need to be aware of these potential complications to provide effective care across diverse cultures.
A genetic marker associated with salt sensitivity in blood pressure has been discovered, which could lead to a simple diagnostic test. The finding is relevant given that nearly all US adults exceed the recommended daily salt intake and is linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
Researchers identified a unique mutation in a patient with transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis, a progressive condition causing abnormal protein deposits. The study suggests that new drugs targeting different sites on the protein may be effective, offering potential breakthroughs for treatment.
Maureen Dubreuil, a BU researcher, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of spondyloarthritis. Her work focuses on comorbidities and pharmacoepidemiology of spondyloarthritis, with a particular emphasis on heart disease and patient preferences for treatments.
Boston University School of Medicine is developing a software application to identify and share professional development opportunities for graduate and postdoctoral trainees. The grant will support pilot projects to prepare students and researchers for successful careers in biomedical sciences.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered that flavored electronic cigarettes contain additives that can decrease blood flow and increase inflammation in blood vessels, similar to combustible cigarettes. The study's findings suggest a potential link between flavored e-cigarette use and cardiovascular disease.
A possible biomarker for long-term learning has been discovered, which may lead to different educational techniques to improve retention of information. The researchers used EEG to measure students' brain responses to anatomical terms before and after an introductory anatomy class.
A new scoring criteria, INSPECT, aims to improve identification of high-quality proposed research that promotes the uptake of evidence-based practices in real-world settings. The tool was tested on 30 grant proposals, showing promising results but highlighting the need for education and training in implementation science.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion increased visits, asthma treatment, and hypertension control in rural community health centers, while also reducing uninsurance rates. The study suggests that expanding Medicaid can improve healthcare outcomes in rural areas.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that US state laws permitting the denial of services to same-sex couples due to religious or moral beliefs harm the mental health of sexual minority adults. The research, which analyzed BRFSS data from 2014-2016, showed a significant increase in mental distress among gay, l...
BU researcher Duo Zhang has received a highly competitive $100,000 NIH Pathway to Independence Award to investigate a previously unidentified RNA molecular in lung inflammation. The grant will assist him in launching independent research on bacterial-induced pneumonia.
Researchers identified new combinations of risk factors linked to increased dementia risk, including age, marital status, lower BMI, and less sleep at mid-life. The study suggests that modifiable risk factors may be targeted for prevention and early intervention.
Researchers discovered six cytokine signatures associated with Type 2 diabetes risk in vulnerable African American women. These biomarkers could help personalize disease risk profiles for clinical decision making.
Ali Guermazi, the first radiologist to receive the award, has made significant contributions to identifying structural risk factors for osteoarthritis. His research and clinical trials have been published in top-tier journals and presented at international conferences.
A new study found that smoking and alcohol consumption significantly increase the lifetime risk of atrial fibrillation, with risk factors at age 55 rising to 38%. An optimal risk factor profile was associated with a reduced lifetime risk of 23%, highlighting the importance of modifiable borderline and elevated risk factors in prevention.
A study found that starting tackle football before age 12 can lead to earlier onset of cognitive, behavior, and mood symptoms in athletes diagnosed with CTE. The average onset was 13 years earlier than expected. Participants were compared to those who started playing later.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified ubiquitin-fusion degradation 1 (UFD1) as a key protein in aggressive T-cell leukemia. Reducing UFD1 levels by 50% inhibited leukemia development without impacting healthy tissues.
Research highlights gun suicides disproportionately affect older, married white men experiencing declining health. Financial stressors also play a role in younger age groups. Tailored interventions and gun ownership registry measures may help reduce mortality associated with gun suicides.
A new review by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that less than one-fifth of participants in cancer-related clinical trials are obese. Obesity was associated with an increased risk of progression, recurrence, and death for specific cancer types.
A new study found that stronger firearm laws are associated with fewer crime guns originating from neighboring states. The researchers analyzed data from 2006-2016 and found that states with more lax gun laws had a higher percentage of traced in-state crime guns.
A study of a majority-black cohort found no clear upward trend in cognitive abilities among older adults, contradicting previous observations. Cognitive performance differed significantly by race and function, with black participants scoring lower than their white counterparts.
Melissa Chua, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has received the Alpha Omega Alpha Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship to conduct research on brain tumors. She is investigating the potential of combining oncolytic virotherapy and immunotherapy for glioblastoma treatment.
Nina Gummadi, a third-year medical student at Boston University School of Medicine, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to conduct research on mental health issues in orphaned children in India. Her project aims to characterize barriers to mental health care and develop screening protocols for this at-risk population.
A recent study found significant sex and racial gaps in cardiac rehabilitation referral at hospital discharge, with females and minority groups receiving lower rates. By increasing referrals, long-term mortality could be reduced by up to 40% for women and 25-38% for African-American, Hispanic, and Asian patients
A study found that evaluating and treating depression can improve or maintain cognitive functioning in some older patients with MCI. Approximately one third of participants who had progressed to MCI reverted back to normal cognition, suggesting that successful treatment may potentially reverse cognitive decline.
A yellow fever outbreak in Brazil highlights the need for tourists to get vaccinated before visiting affected areas, with the risk of severe illness and death being up to 60% among those who contract the disease. The Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine is currently unavailable in the US due to manufacturing difficulties.
The discovery provides insight into the construction and function of the NPC, which spans the double membrane of the nuclear envelope and regulates development and cell growth. The researchers' novel Integrative Modeling approach accurately placed 552 NPC proteins within the channel.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered that histatin-5 in saliva stiffens ETEC pili, preventing infection. This finding opens up new avenues for prevention and treatment of enteric infectious diseases.
A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine found that cardiac events and urinary tract infections were more common in Medicare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The study also showed increased risks of central nervous system complications, gastrointestinal issues, and mortality among Medicare patients compared to...
A new messenger protein named GPS2 enables mitochondrial stress signals to reach the nucleus, affecting cell survival and metabolism. The discovery holds promise for understanding and treating mitochondrial diseases, as well as improving insulin sensitivity and combating obesity.
A recent study published in Endocrine Practice found that only a quarter of transgender women could lower their testosterone levels within the female range using spironolactone and estrogen therapy. The researchers identified four groups with varying degrees of testosterone suppression, highlighting the need for further studies to unde...
A recent study published in Epidemiology found that high intake of sugary drinks is associated with lower fertility rates. The researchers analyzed data from 3,828 women and their male partners, finding that consuming at least one soda per day reduced female fecundability by 25% and male fecundability by 33%.
Two Boston University School of Medicine students, Travis Hallett and Aditya Mithal, took first- and second-place wins in the Massachusetts Medical Society's annual poster symposium. Their research explores the impact of Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion on cardiovascular mortality.