A study found that consuming brown seaweed soup daily during the postpartum period can lead to excess iodine intake, potentially causing hypothyroidism and other health issues. The researchers recommend educating healthcare providers about Korean-American dietary habits to provide guidance on healthy eating.
A study by Boston University School of Medicine shows that the quality of fat tissue, not just its quantity, contributes to inflammation and vascular disease in obese individuals. The research identified that 30% of obese subjects demonstrated reduced fat inflammation, less insulin resistance, and similar vascular function.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that traditional Korean medicine SCRT treatment alleviates asthma-like pulmonary inflammation via suppression of specific chemokines or proteins. The study, published online in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, suggests a potential mechanism for reduced inflammation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that BMC conducts a high rate of thyroid function testing in pregnant women. The study detected approximately 80 percent of cases of mild hypothyroidism that may have gone undiagnosed without routine testing.
Researchers at Boston University have found four new genetic variants associated with a higher risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) in African American women. The study, based on data from the Black Women's Health Study, reveals that these genetic factors may be shared among women of different genetic ancestries.
Barbara E. Corkey, PhD, is being honored by the American Diabetes Association for her 35-year contributions to understanding diabetes and its treatment. Her work has shown that oscillations in beta cell Ca2+ fluxes influence insulin secretion and that elevated glucose and lipids cause tissue malfunction in diabetes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a possible new approach to treating myelofibrosis by inhibiting an enzyme that forms scar tissue in the bone marrow. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme resulted in a significant decrease in the burden of myelofibrosis, offering a potential new avenue for treat...
Jeffrey H. Samet, MD, a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has been selected as a 2011 NIDA International Program Awards of Excellence winner. He is recognized for his commitment to mentoring scientists in patient-focused drug abuse research and treatment.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that measuring carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) biomarker was a poor method for detecting unhealthy drinking among HIV-infected adults. The study suggests that CDT is not sufficiently sensitive for use in screening for unhealthy alcohol use in people with HIV infection.
Michael F. Holick, a renowned expert in vitamin D and skin research, has been awarded The Delbert A. Fisher Research Scholar Award from the Endocrine Society. He received this honor for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding the history of endocrinology.
A groundbreaking study published in Journal of Abnormal Psychology suggests female military service-members are equally resilient to combat-related stress as men. The research, conducted by Boston University School of Medicine, analyzed the mental health of veterans returning from deployment to Afghanistan or Iraq.
A Boston University School of Medicine study found that higher adherence to the DASH diet reduced excess weight gain in adolescent girls over a 10-year period. The study, which examined a racially diverse sample of girls aged nine and 10, discovered that those with the highest intake of DASH-like food groups had smaller gains in BMI.
A BUSM study reveals gabapentin may cause anorgasmia in older men, a previously underreported side effect. The medication, commonly used for neuropathic pain and seizures, appears to be dose-dependent, with orgasm returning once dosage is reduced or stopped.
Researchers found that targeting patient navigation to black and non-English speaking patients increased CRC screenings by 33.6% compared to usual care. These patients were also more likely to undergo colonoscopy and have adenomas detected.
A prospective study of 59,000 African American women found that those with diets rich in vegetables and fruit gained less weight than those with diets low in these foods. This association was strongest among younger women, who experienced significant weight gain over the 14-year period.
Balicatib, a new osteoporosis treatment, causes skin hardening syndromes in patients. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that the drug inhibits CathepsinK, leading to collagen and elastin degradation.
A study found that many gastroenterologists are not knowledgeable about the appropriate immunizations to recommend to IBD patients. In fact, over half of gastroenterologists did not regularly ask their patients about immunization history. This lack of knowledge can lead to IBD patients being vulnerable to vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Researchers found unhealthy substance use is a barrier to completing recommended preventive services, including mammograms and flu shots. The study suggests targeting individuals with substance use problems for tailored interventions to improve service adherence.
Researchers found an 81% increase in PE incidence after CTPA introduction, with a decrease in mortality and case fatality rates. However, CTPA also led to a significant increase in presumed anticoagulation complications, highlighting the need for more precise diagnostic tools.
Heparan sulfate on human cells modifies growth factor proteins' connection to cell surfaces. The structure and interaction of heparan sulfate chains with growth factors determine normal cell growth.
Researchers from Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine have demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into definitive endoderm cells in vitro, with similar functional potential to embryonic stem cells. This finding is significant given the controversy surrounding iPSCs and their potential...
The study reveals that human proteins with Dermatan Sulfate affinity can become autoantigens, driving autoreactive B-1a cell responses and autoantibody production. Researchers identified over 200 autoantigens, including novel ones, which could lead to better diagnostics and personalized treatment for autoimmune diseases.
A recent study found that medication use among pregnant women is widespread and varies by socioeconomic status, maternal age, race/ethnicity, and state of residence. The study also revealed a significant increase in the use of prescription medications during the first trimester, with antidepressants showing dramatic increases.
A new pulse oximetry training video, featuring Boston Medical Center (BMC) physician Rafael Ortega, MD, is featured in the New England Journal of Medicine. The video offers best practices for physicians using pulse oximeters, aiming to ensure patient safety.
Researchers found that 60% of substance-dependent individuals reported fair or poor oral health, with opioid users experiencing worse oral health over time. The study suggests that addressing oral health concerns may facilitate medical care discussions for addicts.
A study of 82 diabetic patients undergoing CABG found aggressive glycemic control did not improve survival rates. Instead, it led to a higher incidence of hypoglycemic events without significant benefits in major adverse effects.
A study comparing pelvic anatomy after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open prostatectomy found significant differences in pelvic distances. These findings may impact post-operative radiation therapy for patients requiring this treatment.
A nutrient sensing pathway has been identified as responsible for disrupting cellular lipid homeostasis in obese and insulin-resistant mice. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to slow or stop diabetes progression, as well as improve current treatments.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified Neuropilin-2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for melanoma. The novel cell screening method clarifies the process behind tumor metastasis and may allow the identification of biomarkers for other aggressive cancers.
A new study found that omalizumab improves asthma control, nearly eliminates seasonal exacerbations, and reduces controller medication need in inner-city children. Omalizumab treatment reduced asthma symptoms by 25% and exacerbations by 30%.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that African-American women who live in more densely populated urban areas tend to gain less weight over a six-year period. The study, which analyzed data from the Black Women's Health Study, suggests that policies promoting denser and urban residential development may help ad...
A collaborative care approach with nurse care managers significantly improves treatment outcomes for patients with opioid addiction. The study found that 51% of patients achieved successful treatment at 12 months and 93% were no longer using illicit opioids after three months.
The Boston Medical Center will receive a $245,000 grant to enhance its Centering Pregnancy program, which has been shown to decrease late preterm delivery by up to 40% and increase pregnancy knowledge and satisfaction with care. The grant aims to promote preventive care and address health disparities in Massachusetts.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a novel mechanism for controlling gene expression, which is evolutionarily conserved in humans. This process, called transcriptional attenuation, involves the blocking of premature termination complexes to allow genes to be expressed under certain stress conditions.
The END Diabetes Program aims to show that lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes, thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The six-month program offers educational workshops, free membership, individual coaching, and regular exercise sessions for at least 200 adults.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that patients with invasive T3 and T4 non-small lung cancer who received chemotherapy before surgery had a significantly improved survival rate. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, showed that median survival was greatest for those who rec...
The Aetna Foundation has funded a two-year study at Boston University School of Medicine to examine the root causes of obesity among African-American women. The study aims to identify small changes individuals can make and policy-level changes that can impact weight gain and obesity.
Acute lung injury is a significant healthcare burden with over 75,000 deaths annually. A new study led by Boston Medical Center will compare novel therapy airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) with traditional ARDSNet treatment to improve patient outcomes.
The Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit at Boston University School of Medicine has received $1,886,087 in NIH funding. The grant aims to educate physicians-in-training on substance use screening, assessment, and treatment research, addressing a notable shortage of experts in addiction medicine.
Researchers found that public sector research played a significant role in discovering new drugs and vaccines, particularly those targeting cancer and infectious diseases. Over 30 years, 153 new FDA-approved drugs and vaccines were discovered through research conducted in public sector institutions.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that electronic cigarettes can help smokers quit, with a 31% six-month abstinence rate among respondents who purchased e-cigarettes first. The average abstinence rate for traditional nicotine replacement products was between 12 and 18 percent.
Researchers Pietro Cottone and Michael Silverstein have been awarded the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health Biobehavioral Research Awards for Innovative New Scientists (BRAINS) grant. They will explore mechanisms underlying addictive disorders, stress, and maternal depression using innovative approaches.
This study found that administration of red wine polyphenols protected against ageing-induced endothelial dysfunction in young rats. RWPs also improved physical exercise capacity and normalized oxidative stress in the arterial wall, suggesting a beneficial role in vascular health.
A team led by Caroline Genco is studying the cellular mechanisms responsible for immune system activation and its link to chronic inflammation caused by persistent bacteria. The study focuses on two pathogens, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Porphyromanas gingivalis, which can lead to atherosclerosis and other systemic diseases.
A letter in Intern Emerg Med sparked a debate among scientists about advising the public on safe drinking levels. While some argue that people can't distinguish between low and high consumption, others contend that moderate drinking may reduce stroke risk. Experts emphasize the need for balanced scientific data and personalized advice.
Patients with quiescent Crohn's disease exhibit a 30% decrease in vitamin D2 absorption capacity compared to healthy individuals. A vitamin D bioavailability test is essential for assessing malabsorption and guiding therapeutic dosing.
A new study published in the journal Addiction found that energy drinks do not offset the sedating effects of alcohol and do not improve sustained attention or reaction times. The study suggests that public education and warning labels should be considered regarding the safety of caffeinated alcoholic beverages.
Researchers found that 5a-reductase inhibitors, used to treat BPH and hair loss, can cause significant adverse effects in some individuals, including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression. The study suggests that caution should be exercised before prescribing these medications to patients.
A study found that deaths from cirrhosis shifted from higher to lower social classes between the early and late 20th centuries. The authors suggest lifestyle changes, including dietary habits and drinking patterns, may have played a role in this shift.
Researchers found that Porphyromonas gingivalis infection accelerates inflammation and atherosclerosis in the innominate artery of mice, characterized by vessel narrowing and perivascular inflammation. The study provides evidence for a link between periodontal disease and systemic cardiovascular diseases.